Speakers:

• H.E Uhuru Kenyatta – President of the Republic of Kenya
• H.E Kinuthia Mbugua – Governor Nakuru County
• Hon. Senator Martha Wangari – Member of Parliament (Senate)
• Hon. Johnson Ososi – Chairperson – County Assembly Forum
• H.E Eng. John Mruttu – Vice chair of the Council of Governors
• Amb. Stefano Dejak – Ambassador to the European Union
• Hon. Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu – Deputy Chief Justice –
• Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuiri – Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Devolution and Planning
• Hon. Arjun Ram Meghwai – Indian Minister of State for Finance
• Hon. Senator Ekwee Ethuro – Speaker of the Senate
• H.E Hon. Peter Munya – Chairman of the Council of Governors

Key Highlights:

The Council of Governors provided a status update from the 3rd Devolution conference by indicating that the progress made so far continues to demonstrate that the benefits of Devolution continue to outweigh the challenges. The speaker, H.E Eng. John Mruttu, vice chair of the Council, noted that several County model laws have been developed, that public participation guidelines had been adopted,

Counties have continued to facilitate uptake of the 30% procurement reservation for women, youth and persons and that devolution has continued to enhance social cohesion and inclusion in its development programmes and projects.

The Ambassador of the European Union in his remarks reiterated the importance of gender parity. He called upon all Kenyans, as they commemorated the International Women’s Day scheduled for 08th March 2017, to elect more women in the Governor, Senator and County Assembly seats so that they can contribute to the devolution process from 2018.

All speakers called upon Counties to ensure social cohesion and exercise personal responsibility and during the elections period. This was because the Governor and MCA seats were singled out to experience the highest competition due to the increased interest of devolution by the Citizens. The IEBC and all electoral management institutions were also called upon to facilitate free and fair elections.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya committed strengthened partnership with County Governments for the benefit of the Kenyan Citizen. He affirmed the contribution of all institutions that have made Devolution a success in the last four years.

Objective: Advancing structural Reforms towards creating an enabling business environment

Panelists:

• Session Speaker: Senator Kajiado
• Session Chair: H.E Oparanya
• Moderator; Eric Latiff
• Joash Maangi- Deputy Governor, Kisii County
• Phyllis Wakiaga- CEO Kenya Association of Manufacturers
• Esther Nyokabi- Enterprenuer

Key Highlights

This Panel examined the status of the County governments towards creating a conducive environment for ease of doing business. The Deputy Governor for Kisii County, Joash Maangi kicked off the session by affirming that indeed the counties have a responsibility in creating a conducive environment for business in their respective counties since trade was a devolved function. Mr. Maangi noted that a harmonized policy and legislative framework on ease of doing business was paramount for all counties.

Phyllis Wakiaga the CEO of Kenya Association of Manufactures highlighted the key challenges that business at the county level were facing. Chief among the challenges were the county government lack of coordination with the local business community in the respective counties. Ms. Wakianga noted that for businesses to flourish at the county level, the county government must provide predictable business environment. Phyllis highlighted the urgent need for all stakeholders to work towards moving the informal sector towards formalization to promote inclusive growth.

On his part, H.E Oparanya the governor of the Kakamega County noted that county governments have worked tirelessly since their inception to improve infrastructure in their respective counties to facilitate trade. Specifically, he underscored that while most county governments have set aside budget for AGPO, the key challenge remain financing for capital especially for women, youth and person living with disabilities enterprises. He called upon the private sector to partner with the county government and facilitate financing for local suppliers orders under the AGPO program for the target beneficiaries.

H.E the Governor for Kakamega highlighted the ongoing efforts to address some of the challenges on ease of doing business as follows; The Ministry of Devolution and Planning has developed guidelines on Public Participation to ensure no one is left behind, Automation of business registration processes for instance Nairobi County and Inter Governmental Budget and Economic Council has initiated a process to form committees to work on ownership of land by county governments.

Esther Nyokabi an entrepreneur “Mama Mboga” from Naivasha town challenged the county government to simplify the process of formalization of small business especially in registration and obtaining business permits. She further noted that, though the Constitution of Kenya 2010 requires policy makers to engage the citizens in public participation in policy making process, public participation guidelines including scope remained a grey area. Her key message to the county government was that though informal sector businesses are willing to move to the formal sector and join the tax net, there is need of transparency and accountability in the way the County and national governments were spending the taxes.

Objective: To identify opportunities for improving the efficiency and cost effectiveness of agricultural services in a devolved system to enhance food security

Panelists:

• Dr. Ken Ohashi- Senior Economic Advisor- Office of the President
• H.E Moses Akaranga- Govenor, Vihiga County
• Sen. Wilfred Lesan, Bomet County
• Dr. Lilian Gogo- AWARD Fellow – Egerton University
• Ms. Jane Mwangi- Executive Director KCB Foundation
• Dr. Joy Kiiru- University of Nairobi

Key Highlights

The Session Chair opened up discussion by affirming that agriculture was a devolved function. He noted though the agricultural sector has been hampered by an undefined framework for policy development and reforms county governments need to invest in conducive policy and legislative framework, provide subsidies for farmers and invest more on climate smart agriculture including embracing new technology.

Dr. Ken Ohashi- Senior Economic Advisor- Office of the President kicked off this session by making a case for small holder farming compared to large scale farming for a food secure Kenya. He noted that while Agricultural transformation evokes an image of large scale mechanized farming that is not what Kenya needs. He argued that for food security, rural development, wealth creation and job creation, there is a better way to transform agriculture. In his conclusion, he noted that large scale farming will not solve the food insecurity problem; they will increase the supply of food but not the purchasing power.

Dr. Lilian Gogo- reiterated that food security was not about bulk but about access and affordability. She further noted that smallholder farming is the only guarantee to food security in Kenya and both National and County Governments should invest in this. She urged Kenyans to diversify in the stable food and move away from over- reliance to Maize as the stable food. Further she urged County governments to put women at the center of agriculture since the constitute 62% on the labor force yet invisible.

Objective: Towards promoting inter-county linkages and social -economic growth through infrastructure and sustainable Energy Development

Panelists

• Session Speaker Mr. Emmanuel Kalenzi UNIDO Representative to kenya
• Session Chair : Sen. Gedion Moi, MP Chair Senate standing commitee on energy
• Moderator : Prof Okumu Bigambo, Lecture Moi University
• H.E Ahgmed Abdullahi Governor Wajir County
• Hon. Sheikh Abdikadir speaker mandear County
• Ms. Karen Freeman, Mission Director USAID
• Mr. Kuria Muchiru, Partner Pricewaterhouse coopers
• Mwananchi

Key Highlights

It was noted Counties are frontiers for development. Therefore, energy and infrastructure is a key enabler for transformation. However, due to the high cost of investing in alternative energy sources to boost the manufacturing sector, Counties need to attract public private partnerships, in partnership with National Government to mitigate the risks.

Counties agreed that Natural resources transcend boundaries and therefore inter County joint ventures are recommended to avoid duplication and leverage on limited financial resources. There is also need for collaboration between National and County governments especially in formulation of laws and policies that will regulate the sector. The partnerships will also enable Counties to focus on cheap and easily available raw materials such as sewage sludge as is the practice in Turkey.

Kiambu County gave examples of innovation done through use of plastic garbage at a low cost and thereafter produces oil for household use. The second innovation was use of pineapple fruit leaves which produce biomass to produce charcoal which can be used for cooking.

Counties indicated that Inadequate legislative and policy frameworks have also discouraged investors due to monopoly of the regulator. Counties such as Wajir, was given as an example of a County that is yet to be connected to the Power grid. This has made the County Government generate power through diesel generators which is expensive and not considered clean energy.

Objective: To Discuss Progress of Empowering Local Communities in Natural Resources Management for Local Sustainable Development

• Session Speaker: Dr. George Wamukoya, Climate change Expert
• Session Chair: Hon. Johnson Osoi,Chairman, County Assemblies Forum

Panelist:

• H.E Prof.Philip Kutima, Deputy Governor, Kakamega County
• Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Water and Irrigation
• Ms. Sabita Thapa, Climate Change and Natural Resources Advisor, DFID Kenya
• Mr. Julius Kipngetich, EBS,CEO, Uchumi Ltd and Chairman, Board of Directors CPF Group
• Mwananch

Key Points:

The session key speaker noted that the key natural resources in Kenya are important because a majority of citizens in the Counties depend on them for livelihoods. However, the competing needs of our Natural resources and population growth were identified as the biggest risk currently. In addition others include, the current over 3million Kenyans facing food shortage, inadequate policy and institutional coordination, Natural resources being considered public good resources make it considered as a treasury of commons hence individual personal responsibility is not guaranteed, agri-biodiversity (Livestock and crop system varieties) do not consider indigenous varieties and invasion of alien species especially in cross border natural resources.

In the water sector, National water coverage is at 60% which must increase to 80% by the year 2020 and 100% access by 20130. Wajir County was singled out as the County with the highest allocation for Water in their County budget. Water storage and harvesting capacity needs to be considered in the County infrastructure. Counties were also encouraged to engage in public private partnership. In Sanitation, sewerage infrastructure is at 25% country wide but the National Government is partnering with AFDB to increase the coverage.

It was noted that at the National level there are policies and legislations to regulate the water, forests, wildlife and mining sectors. Counties were therefore called upon to implement these frameworks as provided in the County Government Act and alignment of National policies to County Government functions. It was also noted that the use of Land must be as a continuum in the eco system cycle. Counties were encouraged to focus on; Establishment of institutions for law enforcement capacities, taking advantage of community conservancies, commercialization of NRM in a sustainable way e.g. Namunyak conservancies that benefit the communities and National government to formulate equitable distribution of resources based on their contribution of National Resources. An example is Taita Taveta which is comprising of 60% of Tsavo National park and Turkana County with oil. Coordinated approach by development partners was also encouraged.

Objective: To Take Stock of Where the Nation is in Terms of Implementing Equitable Representation, Promotion of Marginalized Groups, Cultural Diversity and Gender

• Session Speaker: Commissioner Winferd Lichuma, EBS, Chair, Natuonal Gender and Equality Commission
• Session Chair: Sen. Wilfred Machage, Migori County
• Moderator: Ms. Suasan Kariuki, CEO, Youth Agenda

Panelists:

• H.E Prof. Paul Cepkwony, Chair, Education, Gender and Youth Committee, Council of Governors
• H.E Hon. Adelina Mwau, OGW, Deputy Governor, Makueni County
• Mr. Ronnie Osumba, Chair, Youth Entreprise Fund
• Mr. Nickson Kakiri,Kenya National Association for the deaf (KNAD)
• Ms. Faith Kasiva, Team leader UN Women
• Mwanachi

Key Points:

The session speaker noted that NGEC is created within the constitution to advocate for women and vulnerable groups. A recent analysis done in partnership with KIPPRA on the performance of Counties on inclusion and diversity. The outcome on education indicated that Counties have scored highly although they need to factor the needs of children with disabilities in their early learning development education (ECD) sector. On employment there was no disaggregated data on how counties have engaged youth and women on different development programmes and youth employment was considerably low across Counties.

The Council of Governors reported their deliberate efforts in support of women, youth and PWDs. Specifically, Governors launched gender round tables that have given women opportunity to raise their development issues and agree with the County Government on how to address them as part of public participation. The uptake of 30% access to public procurement was also an area the Council was working with the target groups by increasing their capacities to apply for tenders.

That County Governments were called upon to ensure that during the planning and budgeting processes, they need to undertake a gender analysis interrogating the underlying root causes of inequality and the differentiated impacts of gender across sectors so as to address specific gender mainstreaming policies and strategies to guide design, resourcing and implementation of programmes and projects. In addition, they need to outline clear institutional roles and organizational frameworks for the promotion of Gender Equality Women Empowerment. This is through well structured, technically sound and adequately resourced gender machinery at the County level.

Objective: To discuss how Devolution has impacted on Sustainable Urban Development.

• Session Speaker: Mr. Masinde Land and Physical Planning
• Session Chair: Sen. Joy Gwendo
• Moderator: Mr. Toni Sittoni, Knowledge Management Expert, USAID AHADI

Panelist:

• H.E Dr. Julius Malombe Kitui Govenor
• H.E Prof Kivutha Kibwana- Makueni Governor
• Prof. Muhammed Swazuri, Chairman, National Lands Commission
• Mercy Okumu, Pamoja Trust
• Mwananchi

Key Points:

Drawing from the Sustainable Development Goal number 11 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the national government has embraced a progressive policy and legislative framework that is guiding the management of land and planning. However, urban resilience must create a sustainable environment to deal with the shocks of climate change. The national government needs to start interrogating urban planning in the view of looking at how they can deal with challenges of urban planning including social inequalities towards smart and resilient cities. There is need to reduce cost of public service infrastructure.

In terms of the Counties, whille there are national legislation that apply to the counties there are various gaps in the law. For instance, the Urban areas and cities act thats addresses the legal aspect of urbanization but excludes market that have a population of less than 10,000 people. The county must develop legislation that covers trading centers that have less than 10,000 people. There is also the issue of national government land within the counties that is still unresolved. County by- laws still do not address the issue of urban planning. So there is need to create policy and legislation to cover the gaps in laws in regards to sustainable urban development.

County governments affirmed that they have the mandate and capacity to undertake urban planning and management. Indeed, they have put in place infrastructure for urban development and planning within the county executive committees. A couple of counties have pioneered climate change regulations for instance Makueni County. However, the challenge is that county governments are still not doing enough but there is commitment to move towards sustainable, smart and resilient inclusive and safe cities. There must be deliberate efforts by the county government for budgetary allocation towards smart cities. The consular from Estonia offered their expertise on smart cities solutions including Public Private Partnership options to assist Kenyan counties towards smart cities.

Objective: To Examine the Role of Responsible Communication for Inclusiveness Cohesion and Development

• Session Speaker: Mr.Charles Kerich, Chairman, Media Council of Kenya
• Session Chair: H.E Caleb Ameswache, Deputy Governor, Vihiga County
• Moderator: Sen. Naisula Lesuuda, MP, Chairperson, Joint Committee on Information and Technology

Panelist:

• H.E Hon. Patrick Khaemba, Governor, Trans Nzoia County
• Hon. Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH, MP, Chair Committee on Information and Technology
• Mr. Joe Mucheru, EGH, MBS Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology
• Hon. Francis Ole Kaparo EGH, SS, Chairman, National Cohesion
• Ms. Rose Lukalo- Owino, Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK)
• Ms. Jessica Musila, CEO, Mzalendo
• Mr. Kris Senanu, Managing Director, Telecom Kenya
• Mwanachi

Key Points:

Counties should leverage on media partnership for coverage of development stories. Counties need to focus on projects that will have long-term benefits like innovation centers. The media challenges the counties to take care of the basics e.g. water and food. Allocate funds for Research and counties to consider specialization e.g. if the county is good in dairy. NGO’s to devolve and engage more in civic education in the counties. The issue of IFMIS needs to be re-discussed to facilitate the procurement process in the counties.

Kenya needs a strong policy framework that directs the media to be accountable to the public. Media houses are required to have 40% local content but the county governments lack enough resources to sustain content in the media. The counties have had ideas around devolving KBC to the counties to facilitate coverage of development issues. The media needs to allow the beneficiaries on the ground give their story by offering them coverage.

Social media is being used by the public to defend their rights and run conversations they cannot have in open spaces. Social media has helped to counter balance what Is covered by mainstream media. The thin line between reporting news and preserving history. Documentation of successes of devolution by the counties is very important.

Performance indicators from county communication offices are required to fully utilize the space available in newspapers. Counties require local FM channels to engage debates and disseminate county related information. Counties are in the process of recruiting staff to facilitate better engagement with the media.

Objective: To Discuss benefits of County Government’s prioritization and resourcing of public health, preventive and promotive healthcare

• Session Speaker: Dr. Josephine Kibaru-MbaeOGW, National Council for Population and Development
• Session Chair: H.E Raphael Muriungi, Deputy Governoer, Meru County
• Moderator: Ms. Catherine Mumma, Former CIC Commissioner responsible for Health

Panelists:

• H.E Jack Ranguma, Chair Council of Governors Health Committee
• H.E Dr. Julius Malombe, Chair, Governor, Kitui County
• Sen. (Dr.) Wilfred Machage, MP, Chair, Senate Standing Committee on Health
• Dr. Cleopa Mailu, EGH Cabnet Secretary, Ministry of Health
• Mr. Wilson Sossion, Secretary General, Kenya National Union of Teachers
• Ms. Ruth Kagia, County Representative, Global Financing Facilities Investors Group
• Mr. Hose Kili, OGW CEO County Pensions Fund (CPF) Group
• Mr. Werner Schultink, Phd, UNICEF
• Mwanachi

Key Points:

Counties have allocated substantial amount of resources in the development of the health sector, most hospitals have been upgraded to level 4 status with the necessary equipment installed, medication availability, and skilled personnel. This has reduced the long distances residents had to travel to receive medical attention. The key speaker acknowledged the existing rift between the County and National Governments due to lack of cohesiveness between the County and National schemes. There are plans however, to ease the transition of National Government employees to County Government without the employee losing the years served. He further stated that retirement Benefits laws are in place that protects the contributions of all the employees.

Among the challenges highlighted include; Health receiving 25% of county budget with 20% going to recurrent expenditure. What is left for curative services limited (less than 3%). Despite devolved function of health, bulk of funding remains with central government, National government allocates itself 90B and 60B to counties and Remuneration of health providers in the health sector on how they should be paid per hour or day. The fact that maternal and child birth related deaths are still occurring in some counties despite the efforts that has been made by the Counties to eradicate this is also a challenge.

The recommendations given included: The need for National Government to let go of the fully devolved functions such as health and allow the County Government to handle the issues that arise in the Counties, The need for Counties to allocate more resources to preventive and promotive services and the need for improvement in County Budget Management in terms of allocation and evaluation.

Objective: To Interrogate the Current Experiences and Suggest Ways of Enhancing Democracy and Social Accountability to Safeguard the Gains Made in Development

• Session Speaker: Archbishop (Rt.) Rev Eliud Wabukala, Chairman, Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Session Chair: H.E Stanley Kenei, Deputy Governor, Trans Nzoia County
• Moderator: Yvonne Okwara, Senior Anchor KTN

Panelists:

• H.E Wycliff Oparanya EGH, Governor, Kakamega County
• Sen. (Prof) Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, EGH, MP,Chairman, Senate Sessional Committee on County Public Accounts Committee
• Prof. Githu Muigai, Attorney General
• Mr. Keriako Tobiko, C.B.S, S.C, Director of Public Prosecutuins
• FCPA Agnes Odhiambo,CBS, Controller of Budget
• Mr. Mbage Ng’ang’a, Chairman, Kenya Law Reform Commission
• Ms. Wanjiru Gikonyo, National Coordinator, The Institute for Social Accountability
• Mwananchi

Key Points:

The key speaker noted that since inception of devolution there has been increased allocation of funding to the Counties and it is the responsibility of county governments to ensure accountability. However, the challenge of corruption persists. According to research, approximately 75% of citizens feel that there is a lot of corruption at the county level and funds are not utilized the right way. The speaker also noted that investigations on corruption have been done in 20 counties, some County officials have been charged in court and 200 cases are at various stages of investigation. EACC has worked with the judiciary to establish a corruption court.

The pioneer county governments were also noted to have these challenges due to the transition period which made some counties take longer than expected to establish structures of accountability.

The Council of Governors indicated that they are privy to these challenges and have identified the most vulnerable areas prone to corruption which include; procurement and recruitment. To date, County governments have established multi-sectoral teams to undertake procurement and automated payment processes by using IFMIS. In an attempt to avoid ghost workers, counties have involved the national government to ensure certification.

At the Senate level, it was noted that Public Accounts Committee they noted a few issues facing counties that include; ignorance of the law especially in procurement, weak internal audit and misuse of imprest which should be accounted after official travel. There is also inability to prepare accountability documents as noted in the auditor general reports and lack of automation systems which has enhanced corruption. Poor of accountability systems such as underutilization of the County Executive Committee officers and lack of village councils for public participation was also a challenge. The speaker also noted that corruption is also growing at the county level due to complicity by national government i.e. EACC, AG, and Auditor general. However, the AG office has put strategies and legal infrastructure to curb corruption working with judiciary to set up court and unlock the delayed cases. The law reform commission has worked with AG office and counties on capacity building, drafting and developing most of the bills and Acts relating to corruption.

The office of the controller of budget indicated that it has endeavored to publicize the budget implementation information which is shared quarterly with counties. Lack of valid data is a challenge to having credible reports and ensuring timeliness of the reports. Another challenge includes lack of effective structures such as internal audit and their committees which are not effective due to lack of qualified personnel.

Objective: To Interrogate the Rules and Responsibilities of Constitutional Commissions, Judiciary, Political Parties and Elected Leaders to Ensure Fairness, Accountability, Transparency and Peace in the Upcoming Elections

• Session Speaker: Mr. Wafula Chebukati, Chairperson, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)
• Session Chair: Sen. Beatrice Elachi, MP. Nominated Senator
• Moderator: Mr. Brian Weke, Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Education in Democracy

Panelists:

• H.E Josephat Nanok, Governor, Turkana County
• H.E Isaac Ruto, EGH, Governor, Bomet County
• Hon. Sen. Amos Wako, EGH, MP, Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights
• Hon. Sen.Moses Wetangula, Senate Minority Leader, Bungoma Senator
• Hon. Maj Gen (rtd) Joseph Nkaissery, MGH,CBS, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government
• Hon. Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu, Depurty Chief Justice
• Ms. Lucy Ndung’u, EBS Registrar of Political Parties
• Ms. Mwanamaka Mabruki, CBS Principal Secretary, State Department of Devolution
• Prof. Herman Manyora, Lecturer, University of Nairobi
• Ms. Daisy Amdany, CRAWN Trust and Chairperson of the Women’s Steering Committee
• Mwanachi

Key Points:

The IEBC informed participants that a code of conduct has been developed for political parties and all actors in the elections cycle, that the transmission system of results is also underway, the MVR is complete and the list of voter register is now being cleaned up to avoid duplicates.

The Council of Governors indicated that they support the above processes, especially the mass voter registration through; County dialogues under the devolution torch, they supported logistics for voters in hardship areas and mobilization of the same. They reiterated that advocacy was focused on free, fair and peaceful elections.

In the security sector, the Ministry of interior and National co-ordination reported that preparation for the elections began in 2016 and an analysis has been done on the lessons learnt from the last 2 general elections so as determine the activities to be undertaken, pre, during and post-election. To date, a standard operating procedure has been distributed to all security officers in the country. The Government has also reviewed the recommendations of the Waki report and ensured;   joint training of the security agencies, multi-agency approach through peace net and UWIANO platform, closely monitoring hate speech and issuing gazette notice for all criminal gangs, mapped out hotspots and developed strategies on how to engage. Media engagement has also been at media owners and editors level. The Nyumba kumi initiative has also been unveiled with the clarion call “security starts with you”. However, civic education is an area that requires improvement as it will call for Respect by Kenyans for constitutionalism and rule of law which is critical.

On the Judiciary committee on elections, it was indicated that in 2017 the Judiciary is only focusing on training judges and judicial officers on elections petitions. The foreseen challenges so far include; that all judges of the supreme court must be present at the time of considering the submissions, threats to judges, seclusion is necessary for all manner of intimidation and the tight timelines. In the 2013 general elections, 188 petitions were submitted but in 2017 they expect 300 petitions and the judiciary is ready.

On how political parties are preparing to enforce the not more than two third gender principle as provided in the Political Parties Act (2011); the office of the registrar of political parties indicated that they are ensuring compliance by ensuring that for a party to attain full registration, the party constitutions are revised to ensure composition of its governing body and membership must reflect gender balance and not more than two thirds of the same gender.

Stakeholders were also called upon to address the issue of not more than two thirds through political party mergers and campaign financing. It was noted that due to the impasse on continued lack of a legislative framework to implement the constitutional principle, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must uphold the High court determination that the constitutional requirement of the Electoral Management Body to exercise its obligation to conduct and supervise the conduct of the election for special seats so as to provide guidance as to how party lists should be arrived at. Violence on women aspirants was also noted as a deterrent to compete for elections. Code of conduct on violence and penalties must be enforced.

The Council of governors also signed up to Mkenya Daima initiative which is a call by KEPSA for peaceful elections.

The maarifa centre was also launched by the Deputy Chief Justice. It will be a knowledge hub of sharing service delivery solutions and best practices by County Governments to stregthen the devolution processes through knowledge driven performance.

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ AT THE END OF THE FOURTH ANNUAL DEVOLUTION CONFERENCE

From the Devolution Conference, stakeholders including the National and County governments, citizens, the private sector, civil society and development partners came up with recommendations on devolution to inform the way forward for the implementation of the 2nd phase of devolution after the general elections.

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