COG tables ammendments on the Intergovernmental Relations (Ammendment) Bill, 2024 

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Council of Governors (C.O.G) led by Vice-Chair H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga and H.E Governor Stephen has today presented amendments proposals on the Intergovernmental Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2024 before the Departmental Committee on Regional Development. 

Speaking on Thursday, the Council noted the importance of a strategic independent secretariat for effective coordination of council matters. 

“The Council notes appreciatively the amendments by the Senate to the Bill that seek to among others anchor the Council Secretariat in law, provide for funding of the Secretariat and provide a transitional clause “, noted Governor Mutahi 

He further called for strengthening of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC). 

However, on matters pension, the council disputed the inclusion saying that it should be treated as a separate legislation. 

“These provisions ought to be in a separate legislation providing for retirement benefits of county government employees such as the County Governments Retirement Scheme Act Cap. 189B” noted Hon. Mutahi. 

In a session chaired by the Vice- Chairperson, Hon. Paul Abuor (Rongo), members deliberated various clauses in the Bill indicating the need to engage key relevant actors for a comprehensive scrutiny. 

The Bill seeks to amend the Intergovernmental Relations Act, Cap. 265F to; Establish a structured framework for intergovernmental and intragovernmental relations; change the name of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee Intergovernmental Relations Agency; provide for the Council of Governors Secretariat and County Assemblies Forum and its Secretariat and provide for their role in horizontal intergovernmental relations. 

The Committee will be considering submissions from other stakeholders before drawing its conclusion.