Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured that the government has no intention of undermining or reversing the progress made through devolution over the past 15 years, stating that the system is too strong to be dismantled.

Speaking during the opening of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) at his Karen office, Kindiki said that no administration or individual has the power to undo devolution.

“Nobody has the capacity to roll back devolution. It is so strong that no administration has the capacity to roll back even an inch of devolution,” the DP said.

IBEC provides a platform for consultations and cooperation between the national and county governments on matters relating to budget, finance, planning, and the economy.

Kindiki emphasized that the Constitution establishes one government operating at two levels—national and county—and that these levels should complement rather than compete with each other.

He cited ongoing joint programmes such as the Community Health Promoters initiative and Taifa Care, which are being implemented without conflict.

“We are already undertaking some concurrent functions seamlessly. In health, we have the Community Health Promoters programme, we have the Taifa Care programme, which we are rolling out without much quarrel, and I must commend the governors,” he said.

Kindiki acknowledged that occasional friction is normal, even in mature devolved systems.

“Even countries that have had devolved systems for over 180 years, like Australia, still have wrangles on allocations of money and push and pull on how much to be shared and what to remain at the centre,” he said.

The DP also affirmed the national government’s commitment to timely county disbursements. He said the National Treasury has already released Sh387.26 billion to counties for the 2024/2025 financial year, representing 99 per cent of the total allocation.

“We don't have any pending allocations apart from June's, which will be released on time,” Kindiki added.

He stressed the importance of cooperation and harmonious relations between both levels of government to enhance service delivery across the country.

The Council of Governors used the meeting to call for structured collaboration with all stakeholders when rolling out public projects.