President William Ruto has called on governors to play a more proactive role in raising resources for their counties, cautioning against overreliance on the national government.
Speaking on Wednesday during the inaugural Katiba Day celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Ruto admitted that resource mobilisation is a difficult task but one that must be shared between both levels of government.
“The job of mobilising resources is a very difficult job. As I mobilize resources nationally, I also want you to work with me and assist in mobilizing resources at the county,” the President said.
He reminded governors that under the law, counties are empowered to generate their own revenue and urged them to explore creative ways of enhancing local collections. “I know no county governor wants to raise resources locally, although the law now exists for own-source revenue. I ask you governors, please, even as you urge me to transfer more resources, look for opportunities to mobilize resources locally. Even if you are called names like Zakayo, it is still okay,” he added, referencing the nickname he has earned over his tough tax policies.
Ruto stressed that while he has faced public criticism for introducing new taxes, similar efforts are necessary at the county level to guarantee effective service delivery.
His remarks come just weeks after the Devolution Summit in Homa Bay on August 13, where he described devolution as transformative in promoting equity, correcting historical imbalances, and enhancing citizen participation in governance.
The Head of State further lauded intergovernmental platforms such as the Council of Governors, the Summit, and the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee for helping align policies and resolve disputes between national and county governments.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to completing the transfer of all outstanding devolved functions under the Fourth Schedule, Ruto assured counties that adequate resources would accompany the functions.
“Every shilling spent on development must translate into livelihoods. A road is not just tarmac; it is the path to markets, hospitals, and classrooms. A farm input is not just a bag of fertilizer; it is food on the table and money in the mwananchi’s pocket,” Ruto said.
