The fourth annual devolution conference kicked off in Naivasha with participants and delegates exuding confidence that the system is working despite the challenges.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, who opened the meeting at Kenya Wildlife Training Institute in Naivasha said he is proud of the steps taken in the implementation of devolved system of governance.
The President said his priority since he took over office has been to see the success of devolution adding that his government has made the necessary measures to ensure its success.
“Over the last four years, we have been able to move close to Sh1trillion to the counties and this is way above the minimum sharable revenue in the Constitution,” he said. Uhuru said despite disagreements over key issues affecting the counties and the National government, Kenya has seen positive transformation over the period.
“Through better consultations and cooporation, we will be able to minimise our differences and disagreements to move on with our development agenda,” he said.
He, at the same time, said the National government has assisted counties in areas such as health with the Managed Equipment Services (MES) having had a positive impact on the lives of many Kenyans.
“Kenyans now do not have to move from one place to another or travel long distances to seek specialised treatment as such services are offered in their counties.
On elections the Presdient reiterated his commitment to free, and fair credible polls in August saying the will of the people must be respected.
His sentiments were echoed by the Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya, who said that all the functions of county governments had now been dully transferred from the National government.
Munya said the health sector was greatest beneficiary of devolution saying some counties are now able to deliver critical services that were once a preserve of the rich.
He said that to date the number of nurses working in the counties had risen from 8,466 to 10,032 and are now operating in fully equipped dispensaries and health centres.
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