IBEC meeting charts new measures to strengthen devolution, fiscal accountability

The meeting, chaired by the second-in-command, reaffirmed the government's commitment to devolution as the foundation for Kenya's socioeconomic transformation. 

Leaders emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between national and county governments in addressing pressing fiscal, administrative, and development issues.

During the session, the Council approved the Budget Review and Outlook Paper (BROP) for the fiscal year 2025/26 and directed the National Treasury to send it to Parliament. 

Parliament was also urged to expedite consideration of the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, and the Treasury was tasked with investigating mechanisms to protect counties from disbursement delays. 

To date, KSh66.1 billion has been distributed to counties for July and August, with September payments still outstanding.

Finance CECs were directed to operationalise County Assembly Funds in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act by opening accounts and appointing clerks as fund administrators. 

In addition, counties will review new guidelines for automating Own Source Revenue before adopting them in October.

The Council expressed concern about the Social Health Authority (SHA)'s delayed reimbursements and ordered the immediate settlement of KSh10.3 billion in verified claims.

 Counties will also receive tablets to help with claims processing, while the Ministry of Health has been ordered to improve internet connectivity in health facilities and grant counties registration rights for adolescent maternal healthcare services.

Concerning education, the Controller of Budget was urged to approve county requests for bursaries and scholarships under existing intergovernmental frameworks. 

The Council also directed counties to expedite the operationalisation of priority County Aggregated Industrial Parks (CAIPs) by December and the creation of standardised procedures to guide future sector consultations.

In a joint statement, Prof. Kindiki and Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two levels of government, emphasising the importance of effective devolution in ensuring equitable development throughout the country.