By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 10 December 2025 - President William Ruto on Wednesday used the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House, Nairobi, to chart what he described as a “historic moment” in Kenya’s devolution journey.
Addressing governors, the Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, and senior officials, he framed the summit as an opportunity to reflect on progress while urging decisive action on unresolved issues.
“Each time we gather under this framework, we renew a commitment that lies at the heart of our constitutional order: the commitment to shared governance, inclusive prosperity, and collective responsibility for the future of our nation,” President Ruto said, emphasising the spirit of collaboration that has underpinned the country’s devolved system.
Central to his remarks was the announcement that Kenya has, for the first time in its history, completed the full delineation, unbundling, and gazettement of devolved functions through Gazette Notices Nos. 16472 to 16483.
The President noted that this clarification of roles, pending for nearly twelve years, finally removes historical ambiguities and duplication that slowed service delivery and generated conflict over responsibilities.
However, he acknowledged that “some functional areas remain unresolved or contested,” urging the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) to accelerate the clarification and determination of the remaining unbundled components.
Ruto also stressed that resources must follow these transferred functions, in line with the Constitution.
He revealed that IGRTC had identified preliminary resources for consideration in the 2026/27 financial year and instructed the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the National Treasury to verify and finalize a definitive figure that would form the basis for financial transfers to counties.
Highlighting progress in non-financial resource transfers, the President noted that over 46,000 parcels of land and 8,062 housing units had already been transferred to county governments, while an additional 34,000 parcels and over 1,000 housing units remained pending across 40 counties.
He called on all parties to “facilitate the processing of legal ownership documents as required by law” and urged the IGRTC to fast-track pending transfers.
While celebrating achievements, Ruto did not shy away from critiquing shortcomings.
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He expressed concern over the slow implementation of resolutions from previous summits and highlighted stalled legislation intended to strengthen intergovernmental relations.
Addressing Parliament directly, he requested that the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula, in consultation with the Senate, to resolve challenges affecting the amendment Bill and ensure that intergovernmental institutions “receive the legal support required to perform their functions effectively.”
Ruto also spotlighted the government’s flagship Housing Programme, describing it as a cornerstone of his transformative agenda.
He praised county governments for their collaboration, noting that their contributions in land allocation, approvals, and logistical support had been “instrumental in accelerating progress across regions.”
He framed the programme as a shared vision aimed at providing quality, sustainable, and affordable homes for every deserving Kenyan family, enhancing livelihoods, and contributing to long-term economic growth.
Once again, the President reaffirmed his commitment to a partnership-driven approach, stating, “Let us sustain this spirit of consultation and partnership, and let us remain focused on our shared goal: a Kenya where every county thrives, and every Kenyan feels seen, heard, and served, as we deliver on the promise of devolution.”
Analysts say the speech was both a scorecard of achievements and a strategic push to consolidate gains, signal accountability, and assert the national government’s leadership over devolved units ahead of the next fiscal and legislative cycles.
"He means well for devolution and is steadying the ship. That's good. Governors needed that assurance and it's openly evidenced now," remarked Ben Nyakinya, a governance expert.
While the milestones outlined in the speech represent a significant step forward, the real test will lie in the ability of Parliament, county governments, and state agencies to implement these reforms fully and ensure that the promise of devolution translates into tangible benefits for Kenyans.
