The Kenya Devolution Programme (KDP) – Timiza Ugatuzi, funded by the British High Commission, facilitated a high-level meeting organized by the Council of Governors-Kenya (COG). The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, the Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, and the Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Senate.
Additionally, a technical team comprising County Attorneys, the National Council for Law Reporting, the County Assemblies Forum, and Socatt Kenya participated to deliberate on issues of mutual interest to County Governments in policy and legislative development.
The meeting focused on three primary objectives: expediting the passage of critical Bills affecting county governments, amending laws that hinder devolution, and enhancing collaboration between Parliament and county governments. Participants also developed advocacy strategies to advance policies that promote decentralization and good governance.
Key discussions highlighted the importance of improved coordination, capacity-building, and policy reforms to strengthen counties’ ability to fulfill their mandates effectively.
The forum culminated with several significant resolutions aimed at bolstering counties’ legislative and policy capabilities. Key commitments included joint capacity-building initiatives, transparent information-sharing, and the revision of laws to ensure alignment with the Constitution. Additionally, a feedback mechanism for post-legislative scrutiny will be established, along with a streamlined process for submitting comments on Bills. A legislative tracking system and a comprehensive sector-wide database will also be developed to enhance oversight and coordination. Parliamentary Committees will join the technical team to implement these resolutions and update the County Policy and Legislation Mapping Report.
Through sustained collaboration and institutional commitment, these efforts are expected to enhance policy coherence, empower county governments, and ensure the long-term sustainability of devolution. This will ultimately foster stronger governance and improved service delivery across Kenya.