President William Ruto has filled seven positions at the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), appointing new members for a six-year term as he also honoured two senior IGAD officials with honorary ambassadorial titles.
In a gazette notice issued on Friday, September 11, Ruto appointed Wilson Thuita, Silvya Apaa, Ahmed Bishar, Pascalyne Kimiriri, Ken Riaga, Evalyn Aruasa and Mary Kilobi to the committee.
Their appointment comes after the seven were nominated in July and their names presented to the National and County Government Coordinating Summit for ratification in line with the Intergovernmental Relations Act.
The IGRTC is a key link between the national and county governments, with its mandate covering consultation, cooperation and coordination between the two levels of government and among counties.
Beyond its coordination role, the committee serves as the secretariat for both the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit and the Council of Governors.
It supports the daily work of the two institutions and follows up on the implementation of decisions reached by them.
The committee is also tasked with helping settle disputes involving the national and county governments or disagreements between counties.
President William Ruto has signed four Bills into law at State House, Nairobi on September 8, 2026.
PHOTO/PCS
Its work includes coordinating sector working groups, organising meetings involving the 47 county secretaries before Summit meetings and supporting joint policies between the national and county governments.
IGRTC also inherited the remaining responsibilities of the former Transition Authority after it was dissolved. These include overseeing unresolved issues concerning the transfer of devolved functions to county governments.
In another gazette notice, Ruto conferred the Honorary Title and Style of Ambassador on two senior IGAD officials, citing their service in diplomacy, international civil service and regional and continental cooperation.
The recipients are Fatuma Ibrahim Adan, Head of Mission of IGAD to the Republic of Kenya, and Maureen Achieng, Permanent Representative of IGAD to the African Union (AU).
Ruto said the recognition was meant to honour their distinguished contribution to diplomacy and efforts to advance cooperation at regional and continental levels.
“In recognition of distinguished and outstanding service in diplomacy, international civil service and the advancement of regional and continental co-operation, I, William Ruto, President of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, confer the Honorary Title and Style of Ambassador upon the following persons: Fatuma Ibrahim Adan and Maureen Achieng,” Ruto stated.