President William Ruto has assured that county assemblies in Kenya will gain full financial independence, with their budgets separated from those of county executives and pensions for governors, MCAs, and speakers aligned with national legislators.
Speaking at the UDA National Governing Council meeting at State House, Ruto said the law granting autonomy to county assemblies has already been signed and is now operational, though the process of separating the budgets will be implemented in the next budget cycle.
“Members of the County Assemblies asked us that they want independence of the county assemblies. I have signed the law, the bill, into Act,” Ruto said, noting that while immediate implementation was not possible, the majorities in both houses will ensure the autonomy of county assemblies is realized.
President William Ruto hosts United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) Special National Governing Council (NGC) meeting at State House, Nairobi on January 26, 2026 PHOTOS/PCSHe emphasized that the move will empower county assemblies by making them financially independent of county executives.
Ruto also addressed the long-standing issue of pensions for county leaders. “As per our commitment, we agree with you that we also need to implement the suggestions on pension. We want a governor, an MCA, or a speaker at the county assembly, when they do their two terms, at least they have a pension,” he said, stressing that the move is intended to secure the welfare of leaders who dedicate themselves to public service.
He added that the pension scheme will be contributory, modeled after the system for Members of Parliament and the Senate.
The president further called for expedited constitutional protection for key devolved funds, including the NG-CDF, Senate oversight fund, Affirmative Action Fund, and the ward fund.
“We have also recommended that the NADCO report be expedited so that NG-CDF is properly secured in the Constitution, that the oversight fund of the Senate is protected, and that the Affirmative Action Fund by our women reps and the ward fund are also put in the Constitution,” Ruto said, underlining the importance of safeguarding these resources for local development.
Ruto confirmed that agreements between the national government and county governments have been concluded, allowing the Controller of Budget to release funds for bursaries and other devolved functions.
“We have finished the signing… now it is for the Controller of Budget to release money for counties to be able to carry out the function of making sure that no child in Kenya is left behind,” he said, emphasizing the council’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education and other county services.
The president’s remarks came as part of a broader effort to strengthen devolution, ensure financial independence for county assemblies, and secure the welfare of both leaders and citizens through constitutional protections and timely fund disbursement.
