Counties Hold Consultative Meeting on Key Issues Affecting the Blue Economy Sector

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.

COG Secretariat Holds Annual CSR and End-Year Retreat

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.

Peer Learning Forum Spurs Innovation and Sustainability in Kenyan Agriculture

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.

Stakeholders Meet to Unlock the Potential in the MSME Sector

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.

Kenya Lauded for Interventions in Unlocking Multilevel Climate Change Action Finance at COP 28

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.

Women Governors Delivering the Promise of Devolution

The Council of Governors (CoG) on 26th January 2024, held a consultative meeting with top women in leadership under the theme “Harnessing transformative leadership” at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi. In attendance were key dignitaries including: Chief Justice Hon. Justice Martha Koome; Deputy Chief Justice, Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei; CoG Chair H.E Anne Waiguru; H.E Gladys Wanga; H.E Cecily Mbarire; H.E Fatuma Achani; Hon. Charity Ngilu; Director General of the United Nations Office, Nairobi Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura; Hon. Beatrice Elachi; Sen. Catherine Mumma and; KEWOPA Chair Hon. Leah Sankaire.
Taking cognizance of the need to collectively work together towards fostering inclusivity, gender equity and effective leadership, the forum provided an opportunity to engage in candid discussions on transformational women leadership and governance for the socio-economic growth of our Counties and Communities.
Delivering her remarks CoG boss H.E Anne Waiguru noted that the meeting had come at an opportune time as the women governors were currently developing their first Women Governors Caucus strategy. The strategy, dubbed G7, seeks to empower and support women leaders in demonstrating efficient, transformational and strategic governance within the devolved structures; amplify the collective voice of women on national and gender issues; create a women leaders networking platform across various sectors and; facilitate mentorship between seasoned leaders and emerging women and girls.
“Our vision is to have women led counties delivering on the promise of devolution and together, l believe we can do it. I also encourage more women to take up political and governance positions and not to shy away from venturing into their field of interest,” added the Kirinyaga Governor.
Chief Justice Martha Koome highlighted that the election of 7 women governors in the 2022 elections is a testament to the changing landscape of leadership in Kenya where women are increasingly recognized as equal stakeholders in the journey of nation-building, despite the elusive two-thirds gender rule.
“The development of the G7 strategy is critical in addressing the barriers that women face in rising to leadership and the unique challenges they encounter once in these roles,” added her Ladyship.
DG, UNON Zainab Hawa on her part said that leadership, especially in public office, can be a demanding journey hence creating a supportive environment where women leaders are valued, respected, and encouraged is crucial.
“Through mutual support, we can enhance our effectiveness as leaders and navigate through any challenges we may encounter. Let us continue to stand by one another and celebrate the remarkable achievements made thus far,” added Governor Fatuma Achani of Kwale County.
Her Homa Bay Counterpart H.E Gladys Wanga emphasized the need for leadership that is geared towards realizing the dreams and aspirations in the hearts and minds of every Kenyan adding that leadership is about service to the people.
While giving the vote of thanks Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire acknowledged the resilience and dedication https://lbs.uol.edu.pk/ depicted by the women leadership in their various roles further appreciating all the partners for their immense support towards this great initiative.

Strengthening Disaster Risk Management at the County Level

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.

County Bosses Convene Annual Summit in Narok to Review the State of Devolution and Evaluate Progress Made in the Past Year

Governors on 6th November 2023 held an annual summit in Maasai Mara, Narok County with a view to reflect on the current state of devolution since its inception in 2013, achievements made, challenges encountered in the last one year and strategize on how to strengthen devolution going forward. Themed “Reflect, Realign and Review”, the two –day retreat provided an opportunity to assess the weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats of devolution as well as deliberate on how to better engage other stakeholders including National Government, civil society and the private sector.

“We will be looking at the various functions that we carry out, which are still outstanding and need to be transferred to the Counties, and resourcing of the functions from development partners, National Government, equitable share and conditional grants. We will also discuss how we can effectively deliver services according to the citizens’ expectations,” noted Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson H.E Anne Waiguru while addressing members of the press during the meeting.

“Among other issues that we will be deliberating on is the catastrophic effects of the El-Nino rains that are causing havoc in many parts of the country particularly parts of North Eastern and Coastal regions. We need to find solutions to the challenges that our people are facing,” added the CoG Vice Chairman and Governor of Wajir H.E Ahmed Abdulahi.

Governors, led by the Chairs of the 18 technical committees of the Council, dissected some of the key issues affecting various devolved sectors with the aim of enhancing service delivery at the local level and coordination across sectors between both levels of government and the Senate.

It was resolved as follows: Parliament to expedite the enactment of the Impeachment Procedures Bill; the Council Governors to work in collaboration with the Executive to expedite implementation of the resolutions made during the Summit and IBEC meetings; County Governments to advance strategies for conservation of environment and sustainable use of natural resources including protection of wildlife migration corridors, and the planting of trees in line with the President’s 15 billion tree growing initiative; the National Assembly to urgently repeal Sections 191 A to 191 E of the PFM Act which has put in place bureaucratic procedures requiring the signing of specific IPAs by County Governments to access each of the Conditional Grants, and in the interim allow a 2-year waiver on the same.

Further the County Bosses called for: the allocation of Ksh.250 Million grant by the National Government to the remaining 29 Counties through the Supplementary Budget in the FY 2023/24 for implementation of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs); fast-tracking of the signing of financing agreements for negotiated programmes such as KUSP Il to facilitate inclusion in the Additional Allocation Bill 2023/24; speedy finalization of unbundling, costing and transfer of all devolved functions and; the reconvening of the El Nino Response and Mitigation Committee to supplement the financing of the interventions being undertaken by Counties in response to the ravaging El Nino Rains.

Data Privacy in the 21st Century: CoG Staff Sensitized on Data Protection in Kenya

In the wake of the digital transformation across various sectors of the economy, data management, including processing and utilization is an integral component of any organization’s activities, no matter how big or small they are. Additionally, the benefits of data-driven decision making are immense and can significantly impact planning as well as the growth trajectory of your business It is against this backdrop that the Council of Governors (CoG) ICT & Knowledge Manangement Committee in collaboration with the Office of Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) on 20th November 2023, held a sensitization meeting to equip CoG staff with key insights on the need for data privacy and data protection in Kenya. “As digitalization increases, so does the risk of your personal and institution data. As an institution, you should ensure that activities including CCTV surveillance and photography are carried out in compliance with the laws set by the office of ODPP” noted Mr Momanyi, an officer from the ODPC while undertaking the staff training. The session highlighted data protection laws and regulations, data breach prevention and response, secure data handling practices and best practices for data protection compliance. The team was taken through ways in which personal data is collected and used without the consent of data owners. For instance, you sometimes receive messages on your phone informing you about certain products in the market, a service or an event. How, you often wonder, do senders of such messages get your numbers? When you enter a building, and you supply your name, ID number and phone details, do you also consent to your information being used in any other way, other than the reasons for giving your details? Is it legal for a building management to require your personal information to allow you access to that building? Does it bother you that your personal information is accessible and used without your consent? These are some of the simple yet crucial aspects that you need to consider when it comes to data protection. Article 31 of our Constitution safeguards the right to privacy. It provides that every person has the right to privacy, which includes the right not to have their person, home, or property searched, their possessions seized, information relating to their family or private affairs unnecessarily required or revealed, or the privacy of their communications infringed. It was highlighted that the right to privacy is embedded in the Data Protection Act, 2019 (the “Act”) which is based on the idea that every human should have space to develop autonomously, have the liberty to interact with others, free from oppressive State intervention and extreme uninvited interference by other unwelcome individuals. on data protection, there are basic principles that ought to be considered. First, personal information should not be collected if there is no reasonable justification given for the same. If it is collected, it must be used only for the purpose for which it was collected, and must not be revealed to others, in a way that makes it possible to connect the information to the person it is about without that person’s consent. The Act and regulations have tried to address some of the problems that members of the public have been experiencing. For instance, commercial use of personal data to target marketing is regulated, and messages telling people they can opt-out of receiving marketing communications must be very clear, and the process is free and simple.

Reflecting on Partnerships and Charting the Future of Devolution

The Council of Governors Resource Mobilization Committee on 29th November held a consultative meeting with Development partners at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. The objective of the meeting was to take stock, address challenges, and draw strategies on how to better coordinate and support counties’ development agenda.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including chairs of the Legal and Intergovernmental Committee, H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Chair of the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee, H.E Fernandes Barasa, Chair of the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee H.E Cecily Mbarire and H.E James Orengo. Other County leaders include Deputy Governors of Kiambu and Nairobi city counties.

Speaking during the meeting H.E Cecily Mbarire noted that Kenya is a signatory to the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC) and is well guided by the four Effective Development Principles (EDC) of Ownership of development priorities by the Government of Kenya; Focus on results; Transparency and Accountability to each other and Inclusive Development Partnerships. Acknowledging that devolution has reached its 10+ year mark, the Chair emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving effective development principles. “We are here to take stock of what we have been able to achieve together, cut out our priorities for the present, and renew commitments to governance, accountability, and transparency.” Said Governor Cecily Mbarire.

The Head of Development Cooperation European Union, Ms. Irene Giribaldi, shared strategic policy interventions that Counties and the Council could deploy for enhanced efficiency, timeliness, and accountability. This included drawing inspiration from successful models in other jurisdictions. Speaking on behalf of the CoG Chairperson, the CoG Whip Governor Stephen Sang’, emphasized the commitment of the Council to efficiently and effectively implement joint programs, remain accountable for allocated resources, and monitor Development Partners’ programs to ensure impact at the grassroots.

A critical aspect discussed was the financial support from Development Partners. The Finance and Economic Affairs Committee Chair, H.E Fernandes Barasa, delved into the challenges faced by County governments in funds flow, including late passage of critical laws and inconsistent funds flow frameworks. The call for a holistic review of the conditional grants funds flow framework was made, with a plea for alignment with the County Governments’ budget calendar.

“We have scenarios where funds are sometimes disbursed directly from the National Treasury and others through the line ministries creating unnecessary delays. Further, some development programs by Counties and development partners are not aligned with the budget cycle. These need to be aligned to the budget calendar for seamless flow of funds.” Said Governor Barasa.

The emerging issues related to bureaucratic red tape and amendments to the PFM Act, 2012, were highlighted. The Council of Governors urged the Development Partners to align with the County Governments’ budget calendar, review the conditional grants funds flow framework, and provide direct support to the Council of Governors Committees.

Another significant discussion centered around the engagement structures for development cooperation. The importance of involving County Governments in program conceptualization and aligning them with the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) was stressed. The non-operationalization of Sections 191A to 191E of the PFMA raised concerns, with proposed solutions including strengthening resource mobilization departments at the county level and direct engagements between Development Partners and County Governments.

Throughout the meeting, there was a recurring theme of collaboration and gratitude. Participants expressed their commitment to working together, learning from the past, and addressing challenges collectively. The Council of Governors extended their sincere thanks to Development Partners for their support over the past decade, emphasizing the impact on the lives of citizens across all 47 counties.

The collaboration between the Council of Governors and Development Partners remains a crucial aspect of this journey, paving the way for a more impactful and inclusive future.

Mary Mwiti, EBS
CEO - COG

The Council of Governors conveys its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made the Devolution Conference 2025 a success.This year’s conference was a true reflection of partnership, collaboration and our shared commitment to advancing Devolution in Kenya.

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