NAIVASHA —A simmering row between Kenya’s county governments and the national executive erupted into open criticism this week, as governors accused President William Ruto of undermining devolution and weaponising Parliament to target them politically.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Second Kenya Devolution Support Programme in Naivasha, senior governors claimed the President is pitting lawmakers against county bosses under the guise of oversight while turning a blind eye to graft in the national government.
“There is no other officer in this country who is more scrutinised than a governor,” said Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who serves as the Deputy Chair of the Council of Governors (COG). “But who is keeping the rest in check? Parliament should be overseeing the presidency, but your guess is as good as mine they’re in bed together.”
His comments come amid fresh controversy over the recent arrests of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, both facing allegations of misappropriating county funds. While the cases are still under investigation, the timing has stoked fears of political interference and selective justice.
The governors argue that while county governments receive just 15 percent of the national budget, they face disproportionate scrutiny. At the same time, they say, national ministries where much larger sums are spent face far less public and parliamentary oversight.
Governor Kahiga said the erosion of devolution’s gains was becoming harder to ignore. “When devolution began, it had a fully-fledged ministry,” he said. “Now it’s been downgraded to a department, and the release of funds has become a nightmare.”
The financial delays are being felt across the country. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki warned that some counties have yet to receive their allocations just weeks before the financial year closes.
“The disbursement schedule hasn’t even been forwarded to the Treasury by the Senate,” said Njuki. “By the time the funds hit our accounts, we’ll be racing against the clock to spend them responsibly.”
He added that the current system makes it nearly impossible for counties to absorb the funds efficiently or plan long-term projects.
The frustration isn’t limited to political leaders. Development partners are also growing uneasy. COG Chair and Mandera Governor Abdullahi Ahmed said the World Bank has agreed to release funds directly to counties cutting out the national government, which he accused of holding up disbursements.
“We are pleased the World Bank is stepping in this way,” he said. “We’ve been frustrated for too long by delays from Nairobi.”
Despite mounting tensions, the governors welcomed the Devolution Support Programme as a key tool to improve governance. The KDSP, backed by international donors, ties financial support to performance, requiring counties to meet standards in areas like budgeting, transparency and service delivery.
Still, many fear that unless the national government recommits to the spirit of devolution, technical fixes will fall short.
“We’re not asking for favours,” Kahiga said. “We just want the Constitution to be respected. Counties are not subsidiaries of the central government we’re equal partners in this republic.”
As budget season approaches and elections draw nearer, the rift between State House and county governments could become one of Kenya’s defining political battlegrounds. For now, the governors are digging in, calling for respect, resources and a return to the founding promise of devolution.
