On August 8th Kenyans elected their new Governors, Deputy-Governors and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs). The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) and its members of the Partnership for Transformational Devolution (PTD) are working very closely with the county authorities to support them in making the devolution process a success. Therefore, it is necessary to exchange on a regular basis on issues such as public participation, civil oversight, service delivery and capacity needs of the county authorities.

Elgeyo Marakwet & West Pokot

The new Deputy Governor of the County of Champions - Elgeyo Marakwet - H.E. Wisley Rotich welcomed the PTD team in Iten and ensured that the county government wishes to continue the good cooperation of the last years. As a result of its on-going work the PTD Liaison Officer handed over a policy brief including achievements of the county with regard to devolution as well as policy recommendations for different areas.

In Kapanguria the Director of the KAS Devolution Program presented to the new Governor, H.E. Prof. John Krop Lonyangapuo, the objectives of the PTD program as well as the County Oversight Forum as a platform for mutual exchange between citizens, civil society and the county authorities. It was agreed that there will be a comprehensive training for the new County Executive Committee Members.

From Baringo in Rift Valley…

In Baringo the voters also elected a new Governor in the elections in August. H.E. Stanley Kiptis showed great interest in the work of the Citizen Oversight Forum, the PTD in his county and the policy recommendations. He emphasized the big challenges such as youth unemployment, regional conflicts and discussed with Mr. Tödtling the federal system in Germany. During the meeting with the PTD representatives which also was attended by senior members of the county government, it was agreed to organize a two-day workshop with the village and ward administrators of Baringo to train them on devolution, their roles and public participation.

… to Makueni in Lower Eastern

In Makueni County the election brought a political earthquake: 29 of the 30 Members of the County Assembly were not re-elected. Therefore, it was a good opportunity to meet with the new Speaker of the County Assembly Hon. Douglas Mbilu to present the work of PTD and its regional partner MAPACA. The Speaker emphasized the need of a permanent dialogue between the citizens and their representatives. The Citizen Oversight Forum in Makueni offers an ideal platform to foster this exchange and to ensure a high level of public participation as well as accountability.