The Council of Governors (COG) is established under the Intergovernmental Relations Act to serve as a coordinating and consultative body for all 47 County Governors in Kenya. It plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation and synergy among county governments and between county and national governments.
🔹 Leadership and Structure of the Council of Governors
✅ Members: The COG consists of all 47 elected Governors from the counties.
✅ Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson:
📌 The Governors elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson among themselves.
📌 The term for these positions is one year, renewable once for another one-year term.
✅ Committees & Working Groups:
📌 The COG operates through sectoral committees, which mirror those of the Senate and National Assembly.
📌 Governors chair these committees to oversee various county functions and policies.
✅ Meetings:
📌 The COG meets at least twice a year but can convene additional meetings as necessary.
✅ Annual Reports:
📌 The COG submits an annual report to the Intergovernmental Co-ordinating Summit, the Senate, the National Assembly, and County Assemblies.
📌 The report is submitted within three months after the end of each financial year.
🔹 Functions of the Council of Governors in Kenya
The Council of Governors (COG) serves as a forum for inter-county and intergovernmental coordination, capacity-building, and dispute resolution.
1️⃣ Consultation Among County Governments
📌 Facilitates discussions and policy coordination between county governments.
2️⃣ Sharing Best Practices
📌 Promotes learning and best practices by sharing information on county performance.
📌 Encourages transparency and accountability among counties.
3️⃣ Resolving Disputes Between Counties
📌 Mediates conflicts and disputes between counties within the legal framework of the Intergovernmental Relations Act.
4️⃣ Capacity Building for Governors
📌 Provides training, mentorship, and leadership development for Governors and their teams.
5️⃣ Oversight of Inter-County Projects
📌 Receives reports and monitors the implementation of inter-county agreements and development projects.
6️⃣ Handling Public Concerns
📌 Reviews and considers matters raised by the public that affect counties.
7️⃣ Representing County Interests in National Discussions
📌 Engages with intergovernmental bodies, the National Treasury, and the National Government on matters affecting counties.
8️⃣ Establishing Intergovernmental Forums
📌 The COG can establish additional intergovernmental forums, such as inter-city and inter-municipality forums, to enhance urban governance.
9️⃣ Advising on Policy and Legislation
📌 The COG advises on policies affecting counties and provides input on national legislation concerning devolution and county governance.
🔟 Submitting Reports to Parliament and County Assemblies
📌 The COG submits annual reports detailing its activities, county challenges, and recommendations to the Senate, National Assembly, and County Assemblies.
📌 Conclusion
The Council of Governors (COG) plays a critical role in strengthening devolution by fostering collaboration, resolving disputes, sharing best practices, and advocating for counties’ interests. Through policy discussions, intergovernmental coordination, and training initiatives, the COG ensures counties effectively deliver services to citizens. 🚀
