President William Ruto has called on national and county governments to work more closely to improve service delivery and speed up development across the country.
Speaking on Tuesday during the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit, the President said deeper cooperation is necessary to unlock the full potential of devolution.
President William addressing Governors during the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House on December 10, 2025. PHOTO/PCSRuto praised progress made since the last summit, saying the forum reflects Kenya’s commitment to “shared governance, inclusive prosperity and collective responsibility for the future of our nation.”
He added that devolution has reshaped local leadership, turning counties into “centres of coordination and champions of responsive, people-centered service delivery.”
The President highlighted improvements in health services under the Social Health Authority reforms, growth in agricultural value chains, the adoption of digital systems, and ongoing work on County Aggregation and Industrial Parks.
“These reforms are visible in our hospitals, in farms and markets, and in schools,” he said.
Citizens, he added, can now access government services “more easily, efficiently, affordably and transparently.”
Ruto also announced that the national government has completed the full unbundling and gazettement of all devolved functions for the first time.
Governors attending the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House on December 10, 2025. PHOTO/PCSHe described the move as a major milestone in clarifying roles between the two levels of government. “This long-awaited clarification… finally removes historical ambiguities, duplication and institutional tensions,” he said, urging the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) to finalize the remaining functions still under review.
He reaffirmed that funding must match responsibilities and asked the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the National Treasury to fast-track the verification of county funding needs for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Ruto added that over 46,000 parcels of land and more than 8,000 housing units have already been transferred to counties, with thousands more awaiting completion. He appealed to counties to work with relevant agencies to speed up the processing of ownership documents.
However, the President raised concern over delays in implementing previous summit resolutions, especially amendments to the Intergovernmental Relations Act. He urged Parliament to accelerate the stalled changes, saying the reforms are essential for strengthening devolution.
The head of state also highlighted government priorities in housing, health, and international cooperation, pointing to a new $1.6 billion(Sh208 billion) U.S. support package for Kenya’s health sector.
He assured leaders that all agreements are in the country’s best interest. “Nobody and no government will take advantage of the people of Kenya as long as I am President,” he said.
The president encouraged leaders to maintain “the spirit of consultation and partnership,” saying Kenya’s progress depends on unity. “Let us remain focused on our shared goal—a Kenya where every county thrives, and every Kenyan feels seen, heard, and served,” he said.
