President William Ruto has sworn in veteran journalist Mary Kilobi, wife of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, as a member of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC).
Kilobi was among seven officials sworn in on Tuesday, September 8, during the 13th National and County Government Coordinating Summit at State House, Nairobi.
The other members are Wilson Thuita, Silvya Apaa, Ahmed Bishar, Pascalyne Kimiriri, Ken Riaga and Evalyn Aruasa.
The appointments had been proposed by Ruto in July and were subject to ratification by the National and County Government Coordinating Summit. The seven were selected to fill vacancies in the committee after a competitive recruitment process.
Ruto said the new team had been given the task of strengthening the IGRTC and improving cooperation between the national and county governments.
“The committee is a critical institution in our devolution architecture. It is the engine that facilitates consultation, cooperation and coordination between the National and County governments,” Ruto said.
He said the new members would be expected to promote harmonious relations between the two levels of government and help address issues affecting the implementation of devolution.
The IGRTC was established under the Intergovernmental Relations Act, 2012. It facilitates consultation, cooperation and coordination between the national government and the 47 counties.
The committee also supports the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit and the Council of Governors and plays a role in resolving disputes between the two levels of government.
Kilobi’s appointment marks a move from her long career in journalism into public service. She was among 65 candidates shortlisted for interviews for the seven IGRTC positions before Ruto nominated her to represent Nairobi.
The new appointments come at a time when the relationship between the national government and counties remains central to the implementation of devolved functions, resources and services.
Ruto said the officials must build a more capable, professional and responsive IGRTC that will help the two levels of government work together for the benefit of Kenyans.
The President’s latest move therefore puts the seven officials at the centre of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s devolution system and improve coordination between State House and county governments.
