Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects at the Executive Office of the President, has dismissed recent claims that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki lost significant government responsibilities to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Reports suggested President William Ruto assigned Mudavadi the role of administering the Intergovernmental Relations Act, previously linked to the Deputy President's office, and that Kindiki no longer chairs the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC). However, Itumbi labeled these reports as "fake news" and supported Kindiki's denial.

Intergovernmental Relations Managed by Multiple Bodies

Itumbi clarified that Kenya’s intergovernmental relations framework is governed by several institutions with distinct constitutional and statutory mandates, rather than a single office or individual. He emphasized that it is inaccurate to claim one office has taken over another’s constitutional role.

The National and County Government Coordinating Summit, chaired by President Ruto and including all 47 governors, remains the highest intergovernmental body. It provides leadership, fosters cooperation between national and county governments, and promotes national cohesion.

Deputy President Retains Chairmanship of IBEC

According to Itumbi, the Deputy President continues to chair IBEC as stipulated by the Public Finance Management Act, 2012. IBEC serves as the main forum for consultation on public finance and economic matters between national and county governments. Its functions include:

  • Coordinating fiscal relations
  • Discussing equitable revenue sharing
  • Reviewing county budget implementation
  • Overseeing public financial management
  • Coordinating economic and budget policy
  • Resolving intergovernmental fiscal disputes

IBEC’s membership includes the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, the State Department responsible for Devolution, the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, and county government representatives. Notably, the Principal Secretary for Devolution operates within the Deputy President’s office.

Role of Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee and Mudavadi

The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) acts as the technical arm implementing decisions from the Summit, facilitating coordination, dispute resolution, and monitoring intergovernmental agreements.

Itumbi explained that the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s involvement in intergovernmental affairs is linked to his responsibility for responding to parliamentary questions on the framework, as the Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs is based in Mudavadi’s office.

He also highlighted the Council of Governors as the collective voice of the 47 county governments, working alongside other institutions to promote cooperative governance.