Githinji Kiragu is the new Chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), a Committee under the Ministry of Devolution.
Githinji was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to chair IGRTC for a period of 6 years, with effect from January 26, 2022.
Welcoming the new Chairman to the Devolution family, Acting Devolution Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eugene Wamalwa, lauded the committee for playing a vital role in solving intergovernmental disputes.
Wamalwa noted that the adversarial relationship that existed between the national government and county governments is a thing of the past adding that Intergovernmental relations were at an all-time high.
“I urge you to work together with your able team, to strengthen the relations between the county, National governments and development partners for a better Kenya in future, as IGRTC is the soul of devolution,” said Wamalwa.
The CS emphasised that devolution is the greatest gift of the 2010 Constitution to Kenyans adding that it holds the key to a more equal, just and inclusive Kenya.
He called on Kenyans to interrogate the various manifestos of those aspiring for various seats and ask them what they are going to do to deepen devolution in the country.
“To me devolution is the greatest gift the 2010 constitution gave to Kenyans for it advocates for a more equal and equitable Kenya. I call upon Kenyans come 9th August to vote in for leaders who shall strengthen devolution,” he said.
On pending legislations, the CS noted that there was need to follow up and ensure that the Disaster Risk Management Bill has been passed noting that climate change is the new normal, citing parts of the country that are currently enjoying heavy rains while the arid and semi-arid counties are experiencing drought.
The CS added that the Bill spells out the various roles and funding mechanisms for both the national and county governments, saying this will ensure that disasters are addressed faster.
He urged the committee to be aware of the role the county government plays and that of the National government in terms of addressing disasters like climate change so that they could improve on their coordination and response to the disasters.
Kiragu, the incoming chairman thanked the CS for welcoming him to chair the technical committee and promised to deliver and make devolution better.
“I assure you that I am going to give my full support to the committee to get the 2 levels of government to work together,” said Githinji.
The IGRTC is a body formed by an act of parliament to establish a framework for consultation and co-operation between the national and county governments and amongst county governments. Its mission is to support successful devolution through cooperative, consultative and coordinated intergovernmental relations.
By Catherine Muindi
