Governor Natembeya Champions Devolution at 11th National and County Governments Coordination Summit

Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya attended the 11th National and County Governments Coordination Summit at State House, Nairobi, where he joined fellow governors to discuss critical issues affecting the country’s governance system. The summit focused on strengthening constitutional institutions, enhancing intergovernmental relations, and advancing devolution—a cornerstone of Kenya’s governance structure.

Governor Natembeya emphasized the transformative power of devolution, noting its vital role in improving service delivery, fostering local development, and empowering county governments to manage resources effectively. “Devolution has been one of the most significant pillars of governance in our nation. It has brought government closer to the people, allowing counties to take charge of their development agendas and address the unique needs of their communities,” Governor Natembeya said.

However, the governor acknowledged that there are still significant challenges impeding the full realization of devolution’s potential. “While devolution has brought about notable progress, we are still grappling with inherited fiscal vulnerabilities, incomplete implementation of devolved functions, and gaps in infrastructure that limit the capacity of county governments to deliver essential services effectively,” he explained.

One of the key outcomes of the summit was a strong consensus among governors on the urgent need to resolve these challenges and ensure the full transfer of all devolved functions to county governments. Governor Natembeya stressed that addressing these issues is essential to unlocking the full potential of devolution for all Kenyans.

“We are committed, as governors, to resolving the fiscal and operational challenges facing county governments. We understand the importance of ensuring that every devolved function is fully transferred to counties so that we can serve our people more efficiently and equitably,” he said.

The summit also provided an opportunity for governors to engage in constructive dialogue with national government officials, focusing on improving intergovernmental relations and collaboration. Governor Natembeya called for continued dialogue between the national and county governments to enhance cooperation, ensure the seamless delivery of services, and address key policy concerns that affect the implementation of devolution.

As the summit concluded, Governor Natembeya expressed optimism about the future of devolution, highlighting the ongoing commitment of county governments to overcoming challenges and driving progress for all Kenyans. “Devolution has proven to be a transformative force, and we are committed to making it work better for our people. Together, with the national government, we can make devolution a success story for Kenya.”

Governor Natembeya’s remarks underline the pivotal role of county governments in shaping Kenya’s future and reaffirm the dedication of Trans-Nzoia County to the principles of devolution, service delivery, and local empowerment.

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