Month: January 2024

The Council of Governors (CoG) in collaboration with partners from 6th – 7th December 2023, convened a capacity building and sensitization workshop with the County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in charge of Blue Economy, Fisheries and Natural Resource Management. The workshop sought to discuss key issues pertaining to the sector, including how to leverage on the untapped opportunities and ensure sustainable utilization of the blue economy resources.
The meeting, held at Gilian hotel, Machakos County, brought together various stakeholders among them representatives from the Ministry of Blue Economy, Mining and Maritime Affairs, representatives from relevant government agencies, and development partners involved in promotion of Blue economy sectors.
Delivering his address during the opening ceremony, Director Committees, CoG Kizito Wangalwa underscored the need to develop a Blue economy sectoral plan, including long term and short-term policies to govern the sector and ensure that Blue economy is well financed in the Counties.
“I urge each of the CECMs present her today to develop these plans in line with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to ensure coordination and synergy within the sector. The enormous potential that lies within this sector has the ability to transform our country’s economy and possibly even become one of the greatest contributors to our overall GDP. Together, we can make this a reality,” he said.
Ms. Rebecca Muritu, a representative from the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries, stated that the State Department’s main focus in Blue economy revolves around three areas; equity, environmental sustainability and economic development.
“The Blue economy sector is an economic frontier that is aimed at generating revenue for the Country. There are several prorammes being implemented such as Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) in 5 Coastal Counties and the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) in 15 Counties,” she noted.
The CECMs highlighted a myriad of challenges affecting the sector. These include: limited awareness on the economic value that Blue economy sectors portend; limited information on the existing policies, legislation and regulations that govern Blue economy and; lack of proper intergovernmental cooperation between the two levels of government.
Additionally, they emphasized the need for capacity building County Officials on the critical linkages between Natural Resource Management and Blue economy, the capacity gaps in the Sector, identification of areas of investment and resource mobilization, and strategies to foster collaboration among Counties.
“I would like to appreciate the Council and our partners for convening this timely meeting. This forum will help foster synergies among the two levels of Government in harnessing the opportunities the sector has to offer,” said the Blue economy CECMs Caucus Chairman Dr. Chula Mwagona.
Key resolutions arising from the forum include: Counties should sustainably harness the blue economy resources and mainstream blue economy across other sectors including NRM, tourism, energy, mining, agriculture among others; full optimization of the investments across the blue economy implemented by different organizations including the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries; Counties should be firm in protecting devolution to help inhibit claw back on fisheries as a devolved function; Counties to legislate for their functions as espoused in the constitution and as unbundled by the Gazette Notice dated 27th November 2023; CoG to develop a memorandum challenging the fisheries management act, 2016; all stakeholders to work in collaboration to set up the intergovernmental framework in Blue economy sector; CoG to develop guidelines for the establishment of committees at county level for the coordination of blue economy related programs and activities at county level and; co-creation of proposals and Concept notes on investments in blue Economy with the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries.
Additionally, it was agreed that there is need to: capacity build all actors along the Blue economy value chain; hold peer to peer learning amongst regional economic blocs on matters Blue economy; develop a position/guide on anchoring of blue economy in a department at the County level and; fast track the review of Beach Management Unit 2007 regulations.

The Council of Governors (CoG) secretariat on Friday, 15th Dec 2023, held its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity at Kijabe Mission Hospital and Lari Police Station. This was in appreciation of the urgent medical assistance these teams offered beyond their call of duty when 9 CoG staff members got into a road accident on 19th March 2023, while travelling to Uasin Gishu County for a recce visit for the Devolution Conference 2023. 4 of the staff were critically injured while 5 others sustained significant non-fatal injuries.
“As we reflect on the successes we have had as an institution throughout the year, we recognize that this would not have been possible without your support and we say, asante sana. You are indeed devolution warriors and today, we celebrate you,” noted the CoG CEO Mary Mwiti.
Speaking while presenting the various gifts and donations to the Kijabe Hospital fraternity, she further highlighted the need to embrace the culture of selfless giving, urging everyone to serve others and show kindness in their different capacities and environments.
“We look forward to working in collaboration and partnership with the Council of Governors and County Governments to provide quality health services and improve health service delivery for all Kenyans, particularly in training of medics,” said the CEO, Kijabe Mission Hospital Dr. Chege Macharia while thanking the CoG for such a noble initiative.
The Director, Committees at CoG Mr Kizito Wangalwa on his part expressed his gratitude to Lari police station for their prompt response which ensured the CoG staff injured in the accident were rushed to hospital in good time.
Following the CSR activity, the CoG staff held their end of year retreat on 18th Dec 2023 at Pride Inn Azure, Westlands under the mantra “Leaving no one behind”. The retreat was aimed at reviewing the overall performance of the organization in the past year, identifying the current challenges, highlighting areas of improvement and developing strategies to maintain and enhance the CoG Brand as an institution of high achievers.
Making her opening remarks, the Head of the Human Resource department Ms. Caroline Odandi appreciated all staff for availing themselves to reflect on the year’s hits and misses. Further, she commended the team for the remarkable steps they’ve made thus far, taking time to give an overview of the staff satisfaction survey undertaken in the last quarter.
“Let us continue working together, be kind to one another and purpose to bring out the best in each one of us,” she added.
Dr. Amakove Wala facilitating a session emphasized the pivotal role of adequate and high-quality sleep in boosting overall work productivity anchored on the principles of “Sleep Less, Live More” by Everett Mattlin and “Sleep Thieves” by Stanley Coren.
“Sleep plays a critical role in our overall health and productivity. I call upon each one of us to purpose and invest in quality sleep, refrain from consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages and engaging in social media activities before bedtime, as these can hinder the ability to achieve a good night’s sleep,” added Dr. Amakove Wala.
“I would like to acknowledge the notable growth and accomplishments witnessed throughout the year and encourage you all to maintain the positive momentum and performance going forward,” added Ms. Mary Mwiti while giving her closing remarks.
Later in the day, the CoG team also held a cooperate gifting session in appreciation of employees’ contributions to the overall success of the institution, the challenges notwithstanding.

Promoting peer learning in agriculture helps to build a resilient and knowledgeable farming community. It encourages the adoption of innovative practices, improves productivity, and contributes to sustainable agricultural development in Kenya.
It is against this background, the Council of Governors (CoG) Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives Committee in collaboration with the Maarifa Centre invited County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in charge of the sector for a three-day workshop themed “investing in Inter-County Peer Learning as a Means of Institutional Reforms.”
The meeting, organized in Nyeri County from 13th to 15th December 2023, saw CECMs from across the 47 Counties engage in policy discussions, deliberate on the achievements and challenges in the sector as well as have field sessions in Othaya Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited Coffee mill, The Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy Limited and the Afya Chap Chap, a banana porridge flour processing plant.
In a powerful signal of support for devolution in Kenya, the CoG pledged to compel the Intergovernmental Relations Committee to uphold the agreed delineation of functions of the National Government and County Governments, saying any move to avert the gazette notice is a threat to devolution.
CoG Vice chairperson for the Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives committee H.E Mutahi Kahiga said counties must be given room to operate independently and to discharge their mandates in accordance with the constitution.
Speaking during the workshop the County Governor encouraged the CECMs to stand and protect devolution at all Costs. He added that Devolution has impacted many lives, especially through the Agriculture and Health Sectors, “As County Executive Committee Members, you have to desist from further transactions with anyone that is not pro devolution”. He encouraged all CECMs to refer all matters to the Council for discussion and advisory.
Governor Kahiga emphasized the need for counties to be supported in production as part of efforts to address the high https://arms.fcthighcourt.gov.ng/ cost of living in the country.
Agriculture CECMs caucus chairperson Hon. Kiplimo Lagat lauded the remarks by H.E Governor Kahiga, saying there is need for more resources to be devolved in the quest to fulfill the devolution agenda in the agriculture sector.
“Budgeting process is key in strengthening service delivery. Most devolved functions remain crippled as a result of inadequate resource allocation, something that calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders and champions of devolution.”
In a speech delivered by Mr. Robert Kiteme, the lead of the Agriculture Committee on behalf of the CoG CEO Mary Mwiti, he called for a collective effort from all stakeholders to revolutionize the agriculture sector. “In our quest to achieve food security and create wealth we must always look at the nexus that will trigger bigger and better growth for the sector” said Mr. Kiteme.
“We must work with all stakeholders in this process, from farmers and local communities to private sector players and development partners to ensure we prioritize programmes that can assure the country food security. Their insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping policies and initiatives that are practical, impactful, and sustainable.” Kiteme added.
The field visits, undertaken in partnership with the County Government of Nyeri, played a crucial role in this collaborative spirit. The county has actively supported individuals, groups, and cooperatives with both technical and financial assistance, focusing on value addition across different value chains. This approach aims to generate more value from products, consequently increasing income for farmers. The experiential learning session aims to serve as a model for replication nationwide, contributing to initiatives that reduce the country’s annual food imports.

In a significant stride towards unlocking the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises sector (MSMEs), the Council of Governors (CoG) Trade and Cooperatives committee held a consultative meeting with the Directors and Chief officers in charge of trade and MSMEs in the Counties, National Government and the Private sector from 4th to 7th December 2023 at lake Naivasha resort.
The meeting highlighted the significant progress made by County Governments in supporting the growth of MSMEs including: establishment of Enterprise Development and Cooperatives Funds with an aim to provide affordable loans targeting small and medium size enterprises; introduction of tax incentives to woo investors in the sector, including exemptions from certain taxes; county doing business with MSMEs to supply goods previously imported; market exposure to assist these enterprises in the marketing their products through organization of expos; supporting SMEs to participate in trade fairs and; improvement of infrastructure to facilitate business including construction of markets, and County Aggregated and Industrial Parks (CAIPS).
Addressing the forum, H.E. Hon. Susan Kihika Governor Nakuru County & Chairperson Trade, Industry, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development Committee emphasized the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders to ensure the sector grows and provides livelihoods to as many Kenyans.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, our mission here is not merely to anticipate the success of the micro, small and medium enterprises in our counties but to be architects of an inclusive and conducive business environment that promotes a sustainable development for all enterprises. Today, our collective presence emphasizes the crucial role of unity among stakeholders. By integrating national and county-level strategies, engaging the private sector, and adopting best practices, we aim to cultivate an environment conducive to enterprise growth within our counties,” added H.E. Susan Kihika.
The meeting addressed various challenges affecting the sector including the process and cost of acquiring business permits and the multiplicity of taxation. To address this the national Government committed to ensure that government services are automated to ease the registration and licensing of businesses, boost revenue collection, increase efficiency and ensure transparency to the business community.
“We are committed to facilitate market access for locally manufactured products and leverage on technology to develop a one stop digital marketing platform that will provide linkages and contact between producers, aggregators/ off-takers and the final consumer in both domestic and international markets,” noted the trade CS Simon Chelugui during his closing remarks.
Representing the private sector, the KNCCI CEO Mr. Patrick Nyangweso highlighted areas that MSMEs could leverage on to ensure growth and ease of access to funds. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) and the Mastercard Foundation are working in collaboration to ensure that MSMEs have access to affordable credit.
“The MSME sector is the linchpin of our economic growth and development. By addressing the challenges, they face, leveraging partnerships, and implementing supportive policies, we can create a conducive environment that fosters growth. KNCCI is committed to this cause, working tirelessly to ensure that MSMEs thrive and propel our nation towards greater prosperity,” said Mr. Patrick Nyangweso.
The retreat resolutions are set to go a long way in reinforcing the position of both levels of Government to fast track the creation of an enabling environment for the MSMEs sector development. County Governments called upon all stakeholders to engage and review the regulatory framework to ensure consolidation of all fees and charges into one and issue a single business permit; establishing a one stop shop for all trade licenses.

Governors led by the Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson H.E Anne Waiguru have hailed efforts by the National and County Governments in unlocking the flow of climate finance to the sub-national level.
Addressing delegates during a session on ‘Uniting leaders: States and Regions Unlock Multi-level climate action’ on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) held in Dubai from 30th November to 12th December 2023, Governor Waiguru noted that devolved financing models for adaptation have been piloted in Kenya, showing strong evidence of effectiveness.
“Piloting of innovative decentralized – County Climate Change Funds took place between 2011-2018 by the Adaptation Consortium in the ASAL counties of Garissa, Isiolo, Kitui, Makueni, and Wajir. The financial and governance structures for the county’s climate actions were designed, demonstrated, and strengthened while ensuring that local communities were central in the decision making on resilience building and adaptation investments,” she noted.
The CoG Chair further highlighted that Kenya has pioneered a climate change governance mechanism to increase finance for local climate action including the establishment of The County Climate Change Fund (CCCF) which focuses on finance, public participation, climate information, monitoring and evaluation. It consists of climate legislation enacted by county governments and a county-controlled fund that finances climate projects identified and prioritized by local communities.
“The legislation provide for allocation of estimated 1%-3% of development budgets to climate action in the 47 counties with 45 counties having already enacted the legislations”, she said pointing out the need to address bottlenecks such as limited capacity, policy and regulatory uncertainty, risk perception and financial constraints.
“Locally led adaptation approaches and accelerated climate financing is key in fostering meaningful climate action interventions for resilient livelihoods across County Governments,” added her Vihiga counterpart and Chair, CoG Environment and Climate Change Committee H.E Dr. Wilber Ottichilo.

Kenya is implementing the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) Programme that seeks to strengthen the capacity of sub national Governments to plan, track and implement climate resilient projects through climate proofing of investments and cushioning communities from climate shocks and stressors. The design process of this programme adopted an inter-agency approach which involved the National Treasury, the Climate Change Directorate, CoG, County Governments and other key stakeholders to spearhead efforts to improve local climate action as per their respective mandates as prescribed in the National Climate Change Action Plan.
Following the inception of the FLLOCA Programme, the financing model has now been adopted by all 47 County Governments in Kenya with Counties receiving USD 8.9 million for County Institutional support under FLLOCA while another USD 66.3 Million for climate resilient investment grant will be disbursed during the current financial year.
Governors joined delegates from various states and regions across the world to engage in candid discussion on matters climate change.
Speaking during a session on “Averting & Addressing Disaster Displacement in the Context of Climate Change: Partnerships and effective practices for action and support”, H.E Nathif Jama highlighted that disasters linked to natural hazards such as floods and pro-longed droughts, as well as the adverse impacts of climate change, are one of the main drivers of contemporary displacement.
The session singled out the Bangladesh relocation strategy as a model which can be replicated and adopted in other regions. Further, it highlighted the need for: Government driven programs to suppport vulnerable communities who are displaced; synergy, coherence, and partnership amongst all stakeholders; operationalization of the loss and damage fund and; interventions to address climate instigated injustice.
The PAMAD project (Project to Avert, Minimize and Address Displacement Related to the Effects of Climate Change) was also highlighted as instrumental in offering a structured approach to building resilience. Through this project, the “Scorecard Addendum on Displacement” tool has been developed by United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction and Norwegian Refugee Council to assess and strengthen Counties’ disaster displacement capacities. This initiative has become a beacon, guiding target counties towards becoming a Resilience Hub and setting a precedent for other Counties to follow.
“This Project has significantly supported various counties, including Kisumu, Mombasa, and Homa Bay, in enhancing local government capacities to manage displacement effectively,” noted H.E Cecily Mbarire while delivering her remarks during a side event on “Action and Support to Avert, Minimize, and Address Displacement Related to the Adverse Effects of Climate Change”.
Other sessions where County Governments participated include: Climate action at the Frontline. Sharing Kenya’s Experiences at the sub national level; High-Level Dialogue on the Horn of Africa Initiative: Building Resilience in the Horn of Africa and; Building Multi-level Governance Mechanisms for Accelerated Action.
It was resolved among others that: the National Government and County Governments to develop a post COP 28 road map of action to cascade the discussions and outcome of the COP to County Governments and Communities; the carbon markets regulations to be fast tracked to ensure counties and communities who are at the front line of conservation benefit from the proceeds of carbon credit; there is need to fast track operationalization of the loss and damage financing instrument.

The Council of Governors (CoG) organized a three-day consultative meeting for County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) responsible for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) from all 47 County Governments, from 22nd – 24th January 2024, in Mombasa County. This meeting served as a vital platform to discuss the county mandate on DRM, intergovernmental relations, the role of CECMs, and the policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks governing the sector. It also covered national initiatives, projects, and programs being implemented at the county level, and facilitated experience sharing on various pertinent issues.
During the meeting, Chair of the CoG ASALs and DRM Committee, H.E Nathif Jama, highlighted the significant impact of disasters on development, referencing the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s estimate that disasters cause approximately $250 billion in economic losses globally each year. In Kenya, the recent prolonged drought resulted in over Ksh. 40 billion in expenses. Governor Jama stressed that disasters, especially those linked to climate change, present unprecedented challenges to the nation and emphasized the critical need to strengthen DRM strategies, with County Governments at the forefront.
“It is the County Governments that find themselves in the first line of defense in this battle due to their proximity to the affected communities,” said Governor Nathif Jama.
The meeting underscored the multifaceted responsibilities of counties in DRM, including risk assessment, monitoring, early warning systems, emergency response strategies, evacuation plans, and effective resource mobilization for post-disaster reconstruction and recovery. However, counties face multi-dimensional challenges such as limited resources, weak institutional capacity, policy gaps, centralized decision-making, and inefficient resource allocation at the national level.
Speaking on behalf of CoG CEO Mary Mwiti, Mr. Robert Kiteme, CoG Technical Lead on Agriculture and Livestock Development, reaffirmed the pivotal role of County Governments in Disaster and DRM. “In the face of such adversity, the role of our counties as the first line of defense in disaster risk management becomes ever more critical. Our counties are not just administrative divisions; they are the frontlines where the impacts of these calamities are most acutely felt and where the response is most urgently needed,” said Mr. Kiteme.
An experience-sharing session featuring Garissa and Mombasa Counties on the prolonged drought and the recent floods illustrated that disasters remain complex and necessitate concerted efforts from the Government, Non-Governmental Organizations, development partners, the private sector, and even the community. Counties are continually striving to enhance DRM through initiatives such as setting up County Command Centers, strengthening human resources, resourcing for DRM, and improving collaboration and response times. For instance, during the recent floods, Mombasa County was able to respond to disaster-related cases within five minutes.
Governor Nathif further urged all stakeholders, including National and County Governments and partners, to collaborate in establishing comprehensive, effective DRM systems, emphasizing that DRM is a dynamic process that requires continuous adaptation and improvement.
The meeting was also attended by officials from the National Treasury, State Department of ASALs and RD, NDOC, NDMA, UNDP-Kenya, USAID, Strathmore University, and STAWI.