Africa-Press – Kenya. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on county governments to align their development priorities with those of the national government to ensure a unified approach to economic growth.
Speaking during the opening of the 28th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) at his official residence in Karen, Kindiki emphasised that the economy must be viewed as an integrated whole rather than in separate layers of national and county interests.
“We must look at the economy as an integrated whole. Therefore, the priority issues that we are implementing should not be different between the national and county governments,” he said.
The Deputy President outlined key areas that both levels of government should prioritise, including maintaining macro-economic stability, advancing value-chain reforms in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, and supporting these sectors with infrastructure development.
He further highlighted job creation, improved healthcare, and quality education as central pillars that should remain consistent across county and national development agendas.
Kindiki’s remarks come as the government pushes for stronger intergovernmental collaboration to accelerate service delivery and reduce duplication of projects. He insisted that intergovernmental discussions and conversations will continue for eternity.
During his address, the DP said that it is time the issue of pending bills was addressed once and for all, but said that it must be done innovatively in order to find a lasting solution.
“We must confront this issue of pending bills and resolve it once and for all. It is very possible to conclusively address it if we do so innovatively.”
Kindiki noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration is implementing one of the most consequential healthcare programs in the world, which many countries have tried unsuccessfully to implement. He insisted that Kenya is focused on making this work
“What we are doing with Taifa Care is extremely consequential. Many countries have tried and abandoned providing publicly funded universal health systems. Kenya has taken a bold step,” Kindiki added.
In his remarks, Kindiki hailed Devolution, terming it as the promising character of the Kenyan Constitution. He reiterated that all leaders and institutions must preserve and implement devolution, the same way the Constitution is preserved and implemented.
“Devolution is about services closer to the people, decisions being made at lower levels of governance, making them legitimate. It is about public participation in governance. It is about the dispersal of power vertically,” he said.
“It is also about moving the country from one centre of growth in Nairobi to creating 47 centres of growth, simultaneously spurring the growth and renewal of our country.” Monday’s IBEC meeting is the fourth that Kindiki has chaired since getting into office.
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