The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) is a key institution responsible for facilitating cooperation between the National and County Governments. It operates under the Intergovernmental Relations Act and plays a technical advisory role in managing devolved governance.
Functions of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee
1️⃣ Supporting the Summit & Council of Governors (CoG)
✔ Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the National and County Governments Coordination Summit (Summit) and the Council of Governors (CoG).
✔ Implements decisions made by the Summit and Council of Governors to ensure smooth intergovernmental relations.
2️⃣ Taking Over Residual Functions from the Transition Authority
✔ Assumed the residual functions of the Transition Authority (TA), which was dissolved in 2015 after overseeing the transition to devolution.
✔ Ensures devolved functions and services are implemented in line with Constitutional provisions.
3️⃣ Facilitating Coordination Between Counties
✔ Organizes regular meetings of the 47 County Secretaries (within 30 days before every Summit meeting) to discuss county-specific concerns.
✔ Acts as a liaison between county governments and the national government, ensuring effective consultation and cooperation.
4️⃣ Enhancing Harmonious Intergovernmental Relations
✔ Facilitates consultation and negotiation processes between both levels of government.
✔ Resolves conflicts and disputes arising between the national and county governments.
✔ Monitors the implementation of intergovernmental agreements.
5️⃣ Policy and Legal Advisory Role
✔ Provides technical support and advice to the Summit and Council of Governors on policy matters.
✔ Reviews policies affecting devolved governance and ensures alignment with the Intergovernmental Relations Act.
6️⃣ Other Responsibilities as Mandated by Law
✔ Performs any additional functions assigned by the Summit, CoG, or the Intergovernmental Relations Act.
Structure of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC)
The IGRTC consists of:
🔹 Chairperson – Appointed competitively by the Summit.
🔹 Eight (8) Members – Also competitively appointed by the Summit.
🔹 Principal Secretary (PS) for Devolution – Serves as an ex-officio member.
🔹 Secretariat of IGRTC
✔ Led by a Secretary, who is competitively recruited and approved by the Summit.
✔ The Secretary is the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Secretariat.
✅ The Secretary serves a single 6-year term and cannot be reappointed.
Roles of the IGRTC Secretariat
📌 The Secretariat supports the Technical Committee by:
✔ Implementing decisions of the Summit, CoG, and IGRTC.
✔ Managing daily administration and operations.
✔ Budgeting, financial planning, and resource management.
✔ Ensuring record-keeping and accountability.
✔ Coordinating intergovernmental relations structures.
Conclusion
The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) is vital for effective devolution in Kenya. It serves as a bridge between the National and County Governments, ensuring harmonious cooperation, dispute resolution, and proper service delivery.
