- President Ruto has stated clearly that he will not interfere with county government functions.
- He emphasized that his role is to support, not take over, devolution.
- The statement comes after Governor Nyong’o accused Ruto’s regime of reversing gains of devolution.
- Nyong’o defended county success in sectors like health, criticizing national inefficiency.
- The debate was sparked by Ruto’s appeal for control over the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund.
President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his government is eyeing county functions. During a public address on Friday, May 9, Ruto reassured governors that his government is fully committed to supporting devolution and has no intention of interfering.
“I want to be clear to all our governors – I have no interest in taking over any county duties. I have enough responsibilities already. My work is to support counties so that together we can build a stronger Kenya,” Ruto remarked.
Accusations of Undermining Devolution
Ruto’s clarification comes shortly after Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o accused the national government of trying to claw back devolved powers. Speaking on April 22, Nyong’o said that Ruto’s leadership style mirrors pre-2010 Constitution systems, which heavily centralized power.
He warned that the national government’s approach could weaken the constitutional progress made in strengthening grassroots governance. According to Nyong’o, such actions go against the vision of a modern, inclusive, and development-driven state.
Nyong’o Defends Counties’ Track Record
Nyong’o went further to defend the track record of counties in service delivery, especially in health. He criticized the national government’s handling of key health institutions, pointing out that devolved units have performed better in that sector.
“The counties have managed the health system more effectively. Meanwhile, the national government struggles to run Kenyatta National Hospital properly – and that’s one of the few facilities it controls,” Nyong’o said in his statement.
Ruto’s Road Levy Proposal Sparks Fresh Debate
This political exchange followed President Ruto’s proposal to centralize the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund. Speaking in Narok County on April 20, Ruto called on both MPs and governors to support his idea of letting the national government oversee the fund.
He argued that placing the fund under one authority would improve efficiency and allow for more road projects across the country. However, he emphasized that the decision was not mandatory, just a request for cooperation.
“If you allow me to manage the roads maintenance fund, I believe I can raise more money and complete more roads. This is not a demand – just a suggestion for better service delivery,” he told leaders at the event.
