The Council of Governors has refuted claims by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that County Governments have received approximately kshs. 10 billion for El Nino preparedness and mitigation, saying no funds have been sent to counties. “We take the position that such public utterances are against the spirit of cooperative and collaborative Governments as envisioned under the provisions of Article 6(2) of the Constitution. In such times, we call upon the two levels of Government to come together in order to intensify response strategies to mitigate against the complex risks arising from the heavy rains and flooding in addition to the existing humanitarian challenges” noted the Council of Governors Chair H.E Anne Waiguru while addressing the press on 22nd November 2023.

This pronouncement came even as the Deputy President, while addressing the Development Partners Forum at his Karen residence, stated that County Governments were expected to use emergency funds in their coffers or reallocate money within their budget for intervention and mitigation measures against El Nino. This contradicts his earlier assurances that adequate funds had been disbursed to the counties.

Governor Waiguru further added that Counties were owed a total of Kshs. 62.58 Billion from the equitable share, a situation that has further compounded El –nino response and mitigation measures in devolved units. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang echoed these sentiments adding that the heavy rains had left innocent victims dead, thousands of families displaced and property of immense value destroyed.

As at 4th December 2023, 27 counties were owed Ksh.19.64 billion for October 2023 allocations and 47 Counties were owed Ksh.32.76 billion for November 2023 allocations. The total arrears amount to Ksh.52.40 billion. The governors’ press briefing was preceded by the signing of Intergovernmental https://ojs.njhsciences.com/ Partnership Agreements (IPAs) for the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) projects by 18 County Governments and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

The CAIPs project, to be completed within 3 years, is envisaged to reduce post-harvest losses, boost production, aggregation, value addition, market linkages and industrialization, promote entrepreneurship and create millions of jobs. “This project will accelerate inclusive and sustainable development of industries that will drive the country’s socio-economic growth and improve the lives and livelihoods of the people we serve. We will work in collaboration with the National Government, private sector and other investors to facilitate the implementation and realization of CAIPs,” noted Governor Waiguru further making a clarion call to all stakeholders to work in collaboration and cooperation with each other in order to better serve the people of Kenya.

Similarly, County Governments and the Ministry of Health on 24th November 2023, signed IPAs on provision of community health services in a bid to support the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. This agreement provides a framework for the financing of community health services for a period of 3 years and further strengthens partnerships between both levels of government in provision of quality healthcare services to all Kenyans.

Pursuant to the agreement, the National Government shall transfer Kshs. 250 million to each County Government as conditional grants in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act while County Governments shall allocate matching funds to the tune of Kshs. 250 Million to the project.

County Governments continue to embrace diversity as evidenced by the recently released NCIC report on Ethnic Diversity audit in the County Public Service (CPS).

The Audit was undertaken to ascertain the progress made towards attaining inclusivity in employment post-10 years of devolution, in line with the County Governments Act No. 17 of 2012, and other legal provisions on enhancing inclusivity and diversity in the workplace The report indicates that already 13 Counties adhere to Section 65 (1) (e) of the County Government Act, emphasizing the need for diverse representation in entry-level positions. Marsabit County was singled out as the most inclusive County in Kenya with 30 ethnic communities represented in their CPS.

“I thank the Marsabit County Public Service Board for ensuring inclusivity in the County’s public service. We made it clear from the beginning that the resources available in the County shall be shared equitably to every community in the County,” Said Governor Mohamud Ali.

“I also thank the people of Kenya for the deliberate decision to usher in Devolution that has ensured that resources go closer to the people. Because of Devolution, resources can now reach every Kenyan in Every corner. I call upon the NCIC to extend the research on Ethnic inclusivity at the National public service so that we are able to also award the most inclusive Ministry.” Added Governor Mohamud.

Counties command a big workforce of 184,826, of which 53% (98,001) are female while 47% (85,644) are male. Nairobi City is the biggest employer with a workforce of 13,513, followed by Kakamega (7,087), Bungoma (6,477), Kisii (5,965), Machakos (5,777) and Nakuru (5,681) in that order. It is also worth noting that counties have managed to bring on board only 1.13% (2,087) employees with disability.

Speaking on behalf of the Council of Governors Chair, the Marsabit Governor stated that the Council of Governors has worked hard in recent years and strived to make sure that the 47 counties are more ethically representative of the people they serve and that everyone has fair opportunities to work, develop and progress.

“Counties have implemented affirmative action programs and policies designed to address historical imbalances and promote equal opportunities for all its citizens irrespective of their ethnic background. Community engagements through barazas and other public fora have created spaces for people from diverse ethnic backgrounds to interact, share experiences and appreciate the diversity of our country” Said Governor Mohamud.

The Ethnic & Diversity Audit of the County Public Service Report, 2023, not only applauds the commendable efforts of Counties in embracing diversity but also highlights the areas that demand further attention. It stands as a testament to the strides made in fostering inclusivity over the past decade, yet serves as a call to action for continued efforts to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic background. The journey towards a truly inclusive and representative public service continues, and it is incumbent upon both County and National levels to uphold and build upon the progress achieved thus far.

In a significant stride towards prioritizing child welfare, the County Government of Isiolo, under the Department of Gender, Culture, and Social Services, has initiated the development of the Isiolo County Child Protection Policy 2023-2027. This endeavor aligns with the Children Act No. 29, 2022, specifically acknowledging the crucial role of County Governments in child protection within Sections 61, 62, and 63.

In late November this year, the County took a proactive step by organizing a sensitization and consultation forum with County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and Advisors for the Executive Office of the Governor. The goal was to deliberate on the draft policy, laying the foundation for robust child protection measures in the county.

Addressing the forum, Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa emphasized the responsibility of both parents and leaders in ensuring the well-being of children. He highlighted the need to shield children from abuse, harmful cultural practices, violence, inhumane treatment, exploitative labor, and the dangers of over-exposure to digital technology.

Dr. Lowasa expressed concerns about the adverse effects of prolonged screen time on children, asserting that Governor Guyo’s administration is committed to promoting and protecting children’s rights.

“We owe it to our children to create a conducive growing environment. We have to both as leaders and parents reduce the screen time for our children as this is leading to increasing cases of virtual autism,” asserted Lowasa, adding that children have lost soft skills such as communication with parents because of spending long hours on digital screens.

He affirmed the allocation of necessary resources for the effective implementation of the Child Protection Policy. County Secretary Dade Boru echoed these sentiments, noting the prevalence of harmful cultural practices, early marriages, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and drug abuse among school-going children in Isiolo County. The urgency of the child protection policy was underscored by these concerning issues.

CECM Aileen Kajuju emphasized the need for a conducive environment for children, lamenting the neglect and exposure to domestic violence that some children endure. She stated that

the county government’s decision to develop a Child Protection Policy is a response to the prevailing challenges faced by children in the region. https://osvita.khm.gov.ua/

Irene Ogamba, Director of Legal Services for the Council of Governors, emphasized the critical role of County Governments in child protection. She highlighted the necessity of establishing legal frameworks to guide the design, implementation, and oversight of child protection programs, emphasizing the paramount importance of respecting children’s rights.

The event was attended by CECMs Dr. Lawrence Mwongela (Trade and Tourism) and Ali Wario Sarite (Water, Environment, and Climate Change), as well as several advisors from the Executive Office of the Governor and the Deputy County Secretary.

Notably, once enacted, the Isiolo County Child Protection Policy will make Isiolo the pioneer county to have such a framework in place. The process has received financial support from UNICEF Kenya, with technical assistance provided by Governor Abdi Guyo’s administration, the National Council for Children Services, and the Council of Governors. Isiolo County’s commitment to prioritizing child protection sets a noteworthy precedent for other regions to follow suit in safeguarding the welfare and rights of their youngest residents.

The recently launched Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, an initiative of the National Government and County Governments, is envisaged to be a progressive, responsive, affordable, accessible and sustainable healthcare system that will accelerate attainment of the highest standard of health to all Kenyans.
H.E President William Ruto on 20th October 2023, officially launched the UHC as he presided over the 60th Mashujaa day celebrations, with Governors also presiding over the launch of the same in their respective Counties.
Themed ‘Universal Health Coverage (UHC)’, the Mashujaa day fete was held in honor of Kenya’s heroes and heroines who fought for independence and the ordinary men and women who have made significant contributions to Kenya’s post-independence development.
This year’s celebrations, held at the Kericho Green Stadium, marked a momentous time in Kenya’s history coming just a day after President William Ruto assented into law 4 crucial Bills aimed at strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The 4 Bills: Social Health Insurance Bill; Digital Health Bill; Facility Improvement Bill and; Primary Health Care Bill, in conjunction with strategic policies, are expected to usher in a paradigm shift in the legal and institutional framework for healthcare in Kenya.
Delivering his speech President Ruto underscored the pivotal role of UHC in transforming the health sector adding that the government was keen on implementing UHC with a focus on preventive and promotive healthcare.
“At all Level 1, 2, and 3 dispensaries and health centers, every Kenyan will get quality treatment for free. The bill will be covered by the government through the Primary Health Care Fund.” This will ensure that no Kenyan, regardless of their background or circumstance, is left behind when it comes to healthcare,” said the President.
The Mashujaa day celebrations were preceded by a 4-day Conference. The weeklong event featured rich discussions on among others, the digital health ecosystem, health commodity security, integrated information systems, Human Resources for Health (HRH), health financing and Primary health care. In addition, there were exhibitions where stakeholders showcased their contributions to the health sector in line with UHC.
Deputy President, H.E Rigathi Gachagua who graced the Conference on 16th October 2023 reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to attaining 15% health financing as per the Abuja declaration further noting that ksh3 billion had been allocated to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for UHC.
Accompanied by a delegation which included the Host Governor H.E. Erick Mutai and CS, Susan Nakhumicha among other dignitaries, the Deputy President visited Kenya’s first biosafety molecular laboratory at KEMRI Kericho, Cheborge health center and thereafter, the PCN hub at Kapkatet sub county hospital, one of the sub counties that has fully established PCNs and digitized the process.
Kericho County referral hospital was also elevated to be a Level 5 hospital on basis of the infrastructure upgrade increased workforce and workload of the facility.
Governors in attendance echoed County Governments’ commitment to developing innovative solutions that will ensure the successful implementation of the UHC program.
“Data is pivotal for making informed decisions. With digitization, we will harness data to drive the UHC agenda, integrate health information systems and adopt a paperless system which will ensure seamless delivery of healthcare,” noted the Chair, CoG ICT and Knowledge Management Committee H.E Wisley Rotich.
“Let us embrace constructive dialogue and work together towards bolstering the nation’s healthcare workforce and ensuring the delivery of secure and high-quality healthcare services to all its citizens,” added Chair CoG Finance Committee H.E Fernandes Barasa during a session on health financing.
The panel discussions on HRH resulted in the signing of a 17-point commitment termed the Kapkatet Declaration by the National Dialogue on HRH which brings together the CoG, MOH and the Kenya Health Human Resources Advisory Council (KHHRAC). The resolutions are aimed at regulating and streamlining the health workforce for improved delivery of UHC.

Agriculture has always been the lifeblood of Kenya’s economy, providing sustenance and livelihoods for millions. In the face of climate change and evolving global markets, innovation and adaptation are essential.
The Council of Governors Agriculture committee organized an induction workshop for Chief Officers responsible for Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperatives, and the Blue Economy at Pride Inn Paradise in Mombasa County from October 17th to 19th, 2023. This capacity-building workshop was presided over by H.E. RT Hon Kenneth Lusaka, the Governor of Bungoma County and Chairperson of the COG Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperatives Committee. The meeting aimed to explore and discuss strategies for advancing County Agriculture Transformation and the critical role of County Chief Officers in fostering climate-resilient agriculture and ensuring global competitiveness for Kenya’s farming communities.
During his remarks, Governor Lusaka emphasized the significance of agriculture in Kenya’s economy. He stressed the need to embrace County Agricultural Transformation, a vision aimed at modernizing, enhancing productivity, ensuring sustainability, and boosting profitability in the agricultural sector. The Governor also highlighted the critical requirement for County Agriculture Departments to have adequate financial and human resources to achieve the objectives of food security and wealth creation.
“Kenya, in its wisdom, embraced devolution, decentralizing power and responsibility to the county level, with agriculture being one of the devolved functions. The goal is straightforward yet profound: to modernize, enhance productivity, ensure sustainability, and boost profitability in the agricultural sector. As County Chief Officers, you are the architects of this transformation, crafting a path that aligns with national policies while honoring the unique characteristics and resources of each county,” said the Agriculture Chair.https://dpsrd.on.gov.ng
Furthermore, Governor Lusaka emphasized the ethos among chief officers as the County Accounting officers, emphasizing the importance of accountability for county resources, including donor funds. He urged County Chief Officers to integrate the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and their respective Governors’ Manifestos into County Planning ,  and Budgeting processes to ensure full implementation.
The Chief Officers were inducted in areas including National sectoral direction, organization, policy environment of the Agriculture Sector, Implementation of Joint programs, Agriculture sector performance and international commitments, Sector Planning, Budgeting, and Service Delivery, Knowledge management, among other areas.
The induction workshop concluded with a 13-point communique that, once implemented, will significantly benefit the agricultural sector.
The capacity-building workshop for County Chief Officers holds the promise of fostering climate-resilient agriculture, ensuring global competitiveness, and ultimately contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of Kenya’s agricultural sector. The commitment of leaders like Governor Lusaka and the dedication of Chief Officers are vital in realizing this vision.

Council of Governors (CoG) Chair H.E. Anne Waiguru alongside H.E Stephen Sang and H.E Dr. Paul Otuoma, joined President William Ruto and other heads of states and sub-national governments from across the world in Beijing, China for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held from 16th to 19th October 2023.
The Conference, aimed at promoting better connections among countries, sub-nationals and cities in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and people-to-people exchange, came at a time when the Chinese government was marking the 10th anniversary of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, a signature policy of President Xi Jinping, has seen Chinese companies build infrastructure such as ports, roads and power plants connecting Asia, Europe, Africa and beyond, in a bid to boost trade and spur economic growth.
Speaking during the BRI forum on his maiden visit to China as a head of state, President William Ruto appreciated the deep historical ties between Kenya and China, cultivated by the nations’ leaders and people over the past 60 years, as proof of the strong bilateral relations and wide-ranging cooperation between the two governments.
“Kenya is an example of an African country that has successfully implemented the Belt and Road Initiative. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), air and sea projects and more than 2,000 kilometers of road infrastructure are some of the investments undertaken within this framework. These projects have transformed connectivity within our country by making greater productivity and efficiency possible,” noted President Ruto.
Delivering her address during the opening ceremony on sub national cooperation on “Inclusive Development of Cities through High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation,” Governor Waiguru highlighted the active role played by County Governments on the creation of urban spaces that are accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.
“We urge you to partner with Kenya, and particularly sub-nationals, in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative with a key focus on: infrastructure development; environmental sustainability; opportunities for direct trade and investment with Counties that can foster economic growth and job creation in our cities such as the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs); inclusive governance that embodies the spirit of devolution and; partnership in creation and facilitation of market for agricultural export products from Counties in Kenya including pyrethrum, coffee, banana, avocado, rice, tea and fresh fruits such as avocados and pineapples,” added the CoG Chair.
On the sidelines of the BRF, Governors held roundtable meetings with key stakeholders including the China-Africa Business Council to share and deliberate on the bankable investment https://omniscient.sg/ opportunities in Counties in Kenya. Further, the Kenya China Investment roundtable session saw the signing of various investment agreements between the Chinese Entrepreneurs and the Kenya Government aimed at driving transformative growth across various sectors in line with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Key resolutions arising from the forum include: need for adherence to people-centered philosophy of development by actively promoting the establishment of more partnerships among local governments based on complementary strengths and industrial linkages; enhancement of both the quantity and quality of local cooperation with a focus on capitalizing on the local industrial structure and resources, and prioritize areas such as poverty alleviation and development, trade, urban governance, digital economy, green innovative development and capacity building; deepening people-to-people and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding, friendship, trust and affinity  among people of all countries so as to consistently expand and consolidate the interest basis and public support for bilateral relations.
The Council of Governors remains committed to fostering stronger ties and cooperation in trade and investment between Kenya and China for the prosperity and development of our nation and its people.

Governors have raised alarm over the National Assembly’s decision to exclude County Governments from monies collected through the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RLMF). Speaking during the 21st Ordinary session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) chaired by the Deputy President H.E Rigathi Gachagua on 6th October 2023, Council of Governors (CoG) Chair H.E Anne Waiguru termed the move unconstitutional and a serious threat to devolution.

“County Governments had previously been allocated 15% of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund between FY 15/16 to FY 20/21. However, the 9th National and County Government Coordinating Summit held on 11th February 2023 in Naivasha and chaired by President William Ruto resolved to have the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund Conditional Grant reinstated to County Governments from FY 2024/2025 with an allocation of 20%,” noted Governor Waiguru.

“The Council has resolved to convene a consultative forum bringing together the Council of Governors, the Ministry of Roads, various roads agencies, CRA and relevant stakeholders to seek an out of Court settlement that ensures the equitable distribution of funds from the RLMF between the two levels of government,” said the DP Rigathi Gachagua while addressing members of the press after the IBEC meeting in Karen.

This came even as the Governors’ Council called for a repeal of the amendments to the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 Sections 191 A – 191 E, which obligates the National Treasury to enter into intergovernmental agreements with respective County Governments before the transfer of conditional allocations.

“Counties can’t access funds in the excess of Ksh.53 billion to implement our budgets and complete ongoing development projects for FY 2023/24 including the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) and the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) that are due for closure,” added the CoG Chair noting that no intergovernmental agreements are currently in place and there are existing legislative frameworks to facilitate the effective transfer of the funds.

The IBEC Council directed that Parliament waive the current requirements under the law. In the meantime, a task force had been established to develop draft intergovernmental agreements. On disbursement of Counties’ equitable share, the exchequer has so far released Ksh.78.59 billion with Ksh.48.60 billion outstanding for the months of September and October 2023 allocations.

Regarding the agriculture sector, the Deputy President noted that plans to hold stakeholder conferences in the sugar, milk and maize sectors were in the pipeline further urging governors to support the Kenya Kwanza government’s sugar sector reforms. This includes privatization of public sugar mills; reducing sugar imports; sugar cane development; regulatory changes to streamline the sugar industry; debt management; quality control and adherence to industry standards; Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and; diversification.

The IBEC meeting came just days after the government partially lifted the 2019 mining moratorium on licenses in a bid to accelerate growth in the sector and ensure that the royalties can be realized by the respective communities. Citing the 4th schedule of the Constitution which assigns County Governments’ the function to organize, register and develop communities, Governors called upon the National Government to refrain from taking over responsibilities that are designated for County Governments with regard to the registration of Community Organizations.

Other critical issues discussed during the Karen meeting include: the draft mineral royalty sharing regulations, 2023; designation of national public water works through revocation of Legal Notice No. 102; transfer of Water Assets to the County Governments, Joint Authorities or Water Service Providers (WSPs) to enable them adequately undertake water service provision; County Governments’ pending bills and enhancement of own source revenue; the Integrated County Revenue Management System; the Equalization fund and; County Governments’ preparedness for El Nino.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was on Monday, 2nd October 2023, unanimously re-elected as the Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) alongside Governor Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir as the Vice Chairperson. Governors also retained Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi as the Chief Whip.
Elections for the CoG Executive and the Council Committee Chairpersons were conducted pursuant to Sections 19(2) and (3) of the Intergovernmental Relations Act (2012).
Hailed as a transformational and visionary leader, Governor Waiguru is the first woman to be elected as the Council Chairperson, having succeeded Martin Wambora, former Governor Embu County. Wambora was the fifth Council Chairperson having succeeded former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (2019-2021). Former Governor Isaac Ruto of Bomet (2013-2015), Meru’s Peter Munya (2015-2017) and Turkana’s Josphat Nanok (2017-2019) served as first, second and third chairpersons respectively.
Waiguru lauded county governors for a successful vote while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the council.
“I would like to thank the Governors for having faith in my leadership and congratulate the entire executive and the respective technical committee chairs elected today,” she said while addressing the press after the Council meeting.
Waiguru further enumerated the milestones achieved by the Council during her tenure, particularly the timely disbursement of Counties’ equitable share of revenue, the first Biennial Devolution Conference in Uasin Gishu County and improved intergovernmental relations.
She highlighted key priority areas for the next year to include the full transfer of all devolved functions and subsequent resources to County Governments; increasing Counties’ revenue allocation and own source revenue; successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and agricultural value chains development.
“In the recent past, there have been attempts to claw back apanelesssolution.com on devolution through enactment of legislation and creation of unconstitutional institutions to undertake devolved functions. I call upon all stakeholders to work together to safeguard devolution and effectively serve all Kenyans,” Waiguru added citing the recent gazettement of the additional Water Works Development Authority, the enactment of Community Groups Bill and passage of the Facility Improvement Funds Act.
The Council elections saw Nyeri’s Mutahi Kahiga take over leadership of the CoG Human Resource Committee from Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja.
In other changes, Governor Susan Kihika of Nakuru and Baringo’s Benjamin Cheboi were elected the Trade, Industry, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development and Security and Foreign Affairs Committee chairs respectively. The remaining 15 Committee Chairpersons retained their seats.
The Council later appeared before the National Dialogue Committee to present its position on key issues affecting devolution. CoG proposed the funding and periodic costing of National and County functions; increase of the equitable share of revenue for the County Governments to 45%; establishment of a borrowing framework by the Counties; establishment of the National Treasury as an independent institution from the Ministry of Finance; representation of the County Governments in the National Security Council and establishment of County Security Councils; delimitation of boundaries for the Counties and; review of the threshold for impeachment of Governors.

The Council of Governors (CoG) has expressed confidence on the need for a coordinated multi-sectoral response to anticipated emergencies in flood prone areas as the country braces for above-average rainfall in the months of October, November, December, and January 2024.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a forecast anticipating El Nino rains in an update published in September 2023, adding that heavy rainfall could result in unprecedented damage, impacting lives and livelihoods throughout the nation.
CoG committed to a collaborative approach during a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on 28th September 2023 at his Karen residence. The meeting attended by CoG Chairperson Anne Waiguru, Governor of Kirinyaga, assessed the country’s preparedness to mitigate the effects of El Niño. The primary objective of the meeting was to formulate a comprehensive response strategy aimed at safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Kenyan citizens.
In her remarks during the meeting, Waiguru noted that Counties have been coordinating a response mechanism in preparation for El Niño and so far, more than 23 have shared their contingency plans with CoG. The counties include Isiolo, Lamu, Nyamira, Kirinyaga, Marsabit West Pokot, Vihiga, Kakamega, Murang’a, Laikipia, Machakos, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nakuru and Homa Bay among others.
“Counties have done a quick estimation of the resources that will be required to deal with this matter and out of the 23 Counties, we already have an estimation of about Kshs. 8 billion, you can imagine that by the time others come, we will probably be at Kshs. 15 billion required to fund the preparedness and response activities,” Waiguru said.
In addition to financial preparations, County Governments have recommended urgent evacuation protocols for communities in high-risk areas, swift and resilient infrastructure restoration, robust disease prevention and control measures, and clearing of drainage systems, among other strategies.
Gachagua reaffirmed the commitment of the National Government to support County Governments in implementing necessary measures to minimize the impacts of El Nino. This is to ensure that the country does not experience a disastrous effect as observed in 1997 where over 1.5 million people were negatively affected.
“Discussions have already started with the National Treasury on preparedness in terms of resources from the contingency fund. We are also in talks with the Ministry to establish ways to unlock resources from World Bank and other partners to mitigate negative impact of the rains,” said the Deputy President.
Further, the Deputy President urged Counties with large urban areas, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, to prioritize the cleaning and unclogging of drainage networks. He highlighted the availability of the National Youth Service to assist Counties in this effort, including unclogging drainage systems and preparing artificial waterways like surface run-offs.
This high-level meeting came even as Counties held an Urban Disaster Displacement Capacity Assessment workshop in Mombasa on 26th September 2023 aimed at strengthening Counties’ capacity to mitigate risks brought about by disaster displacement for effective and sustainable preparedness, response and recovery measures.
The Karen meeting brought together key stakeholders including Cabinet Secretaries, CoG Vice Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, Governor of Wajir, and at least 15 County Governors, United Nations Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson, Principal Secretaries, humanitarian organizations, officials from the national administration, local and international partners.
Participants resolved that frequent meetings of the Technical and Steering Committees as well as the County Disaster Management Committees be held to provide guidance to flood mitigation and response efforts.

The National Government has committed to unlock Sh7.4bn in grants to County Governments through an ambitious Climate Resilience Investment plan under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.
The allocation earmarked for the 2023/2024 fiscal year was announced as Kenya hosted the first Africa Climate Summit 2023 (ACS23) which saw global leaders, heads of State from across the African continent, United Nations agencies, Governors, Regional Economic Communities, policy makers, intergovernmental organizations, private sector, civil society, academia and delegates convene at the KICC grounds in Nairobi from 4th – 7th September 2023.
Themed “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance for solutions for Africa and the World”, the Summit presented an opportunity to deliberate on critical issues on climate financing, including honoring past global financing arrangements and collaboration in additional financing for earmarked green transition investments in Africa; operationalization of loss and damage at COP 28.
Delegates also explored proposals on how to position Africa as the next destination for green investments to enhance de-carbonation of the global economy.
Speaking while presenting a Sh7.4bn cheque to counties during a side event co-hosted by the Council of Governors (CoG), Ministry of Environment and FLLoCA, Dr. William Ruto, President of Kenya, emphasized that community engagement and involvement in decision making was paramount to achieving meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“Communities are not just victims of Climate Change but also powerful agents in responding to the impacts of Climate Change,” he noted.
“The County Climate Resilience Grant, together with Sh3 billion of County own-resource allocations towards climate action, will assist counties in developing and implementing tailored climate resilience strategies in response to risks identified by communities in sectors such as agriculture, water, and natural resource management,” President Ruto explained.
CoG Chairperson, Governor Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), welcomed the development as a significant milestone towards climate resilience.
“By equipping communities and governments with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge, we can ensure that communities are better prepared for the challenges brought by climate change,” she noted.
President Ruto also presided over the launch of the Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) 2022-2050, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2023-2028 and the Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023.
The President, accompanied by Governor Waiguru attended the high level side event on operationalization of the Building Climate Resilience for the Urban Poor (BCRUP) Initiative.
The BCRUP initiative is pegged on six outcome areas namely: building resilience of communities, neighborhoods and eco-systems within urban poor areas; building resilient climate proof infrastructure in poor urban areas; developing climate resilience integrated urban spatial plans; enhancing adaptive capacity of the urban poor against climate change effects; strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions within urban dimensions, research, reporting and database and; governance framework to better manage rapid urbanization and climate change effects.
In line with the Climate Summit theme, CoG held a side event on 6th September 2023 on Sub-National Financing for Accelerated Climate Action which brought together Governors, Senate, Representatives from EALGA, UCLG and the Global Center for Adaptation among other stakeholders.
CoG’s Environment and Climate Change Committee Chairperson Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, Governor of Vihiga, called for sustained efforts to address challenges in accessing climate finance.
“Counties have made significant progress in meeting international climate change commitments, including enacting relevant legislation, investing in clean cooking solutions, promoting community tree nurseries, solarizing county offices, and implementing climate-smart agriculture,” Governor Ottichilo explained while calling for continued support.
CoG Vice Chairperson, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir), called for sustained efforts to eradicate bottlenecks impeding partnerships.
“Sub-national governments face bottlenecks in public-private partnerships (PPPs) due to complex processes. Advocacy efforts are needed at all levels to facilitate public-private investments, especially when resources are scarce,” he said.
“In addition, we need to build capacity to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in planning adaptation projects for effective Climate Action,” Abdullahi noted.
The session further emphasized on the need to develop regulations under the Climate Change (Amendment) Act of 2023 to enable carbon trading and equitable sharing of benefits, including with local communities and support enforcement and compliance at local level.
Governors participated in various side events touching on pertinent matters affecting sub-national governments including those that discussed the role of women in energy transition for a sustainable future in Africa.
Other fora delved on reforming the Global Financial Architecture from the bottom up and; The Circular Economy: Driver for Green Growth and Climate Resilience in Africa.
ACS23 encompassed a rich blend of panel discussions, plenary and exhibitions that served as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration.
The declaration outlines Africa’s position ahead of the UNFCCC COP28 in the United Arab Emirates slated for late November to 12th December 2023.
In a call to action, African leaders urged developed countries to reduce carbon emissions, proposing a new financing mechanism to restructure Africa’s crippling debt and unlock climate funding.