In a bold move to end years of wrangling over resources and responsibilities, President William Ruto on Wednesday announced the full transfer of all 14 devolved functions to county governments — complete with funding to match.
Speaking at the 9th Devolution Conference held at Homa Bay National School, the Head of State declared the handover as a “decisive turning point” in Kenya’s devolution journey.
“Today I am proud to report that all 14 devolved functions have been conclusively delegated, bundled, and formally gazetted,” Ruto said to resounding applause from governors, senators, and county officials.
The President said the move would eliminate decades-old ambiguities that have hampered service delivery, while giving counties both the mandate and the means to serve their citizens more effectively.
For years, turf wars between the national and county governments — especially over roads, health services, agriculture, and water — have clogged service delivery, with disputes often ending up in protracted court battles.
Ruto praised the growing role of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) in settling such conflicts through alternative dispute resolution, saying it saves time, cuts legal costs, and fosters mutual trust.
“These achievements mark a decisive turning point in our journey to align functions with funding. We are deepening the spirit of devolution and ensuring every county government has the resources to deliver on its promise,” he said.
The announcement comes amid renewed calls from governors for faster budget disbursements and a fairer share of national revenue. Political observers say the move could strengthen county autonomy but may also test local leaders’ capacity to manage larger budgets.
With the functions now in county hands, the spotlight shifts to governors to prove that devolution can deliver on its promise — and that the historic handover will translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Kenyans.
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