By Kamadi Amata

The Council of Governors (CoG) is now calling on development partners to work directly with counties through the Council, citing persistent delays caused by the National Government in the implementation of key development projects.

The governors, speaking during a sensitization workshop on the second phase of the Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP II) in Naivasha, accused the National Government of introducing bureaucratic hurdles that undermine the spirit of devolution. KDSP II is a four-year World Bank-funded initiative that supports the effective implementation of devolution by enhancing county performance in areas such as financial management, coordination, and accountability.

Mutahi Kahiga, the Vice Chair of the CoG, expressed concern over the slow pace of development due to the National Treasury’s delays in disbursing funds. “Counties are experiencing serious delays in project implementation, and unless structural changes are made, these challenges will persist,” Kahiga stated.

Despite the National Government’s repeated affirmations of support for devolution, governors argue that little tangible action has been taken to strengthen devolved units. They are now pushing for a paradigm shift in how the County Governments Additional Allocations Act (CGAA) is implemented, demanding that funds meant for counties be released without unnecessary delays.

The CoG believes that by allowing development partners to engage directly with counties — rather than going through the national level — projects will be implemented more efficiently and with greater impact on local communities.

The call signals growing frustration among county leaders who feel that the gains of devolution risk being eroded by centralised control and delayed resource allocation.