Consultative Forum Between the Executive and Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices
The Executive and the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices (CCIOs) held a three-day consultative forum in Naivasha, Nakuru County to jointly develop a framework for coordination and engagement among themselves.
The forum was organised by the Office of the Deputy President and officially opened by H.E. Rigathi Gachagua. The Office of the Deputy President is the liaison between the Executive and the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices.
The forum's objectives were to create a structure through which Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices can contribute to the National Development Agenda, besides creating a platform for consultations, socialisation and exchange of views on promoting development, accountability and good governance.
The participants of the forum, which included the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature, agreed that Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices are key structures of safeguarding national values and Principles of governance as enshrined in the Constitution.
The Deputy President, in his key note address, stated that delivering development as underpinned by the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), requires input from all players.
"There is no development for the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary or the CCIOs - we only have one development Plan of transforming Kenya together. The Executive values the work of CCIOs in socio-economic development especially in bringing balance through objective oversight," said the DP.
The Deputy President, urged the State Agencies to use alternative conflict resolution mechanisms in resolving matters, as opposed to courts. He added that Kenyans suffer when matters are prosecuted in courts and the media.
"I urge you to use my Office in settling disputes and conflicts. Already, we have settled a number of conflicts. It is not necessary to engage in the press. When we (government agencies) take each other to court, we hire lawyers who are paid by the public. There is no business going out there to hire a lawyer,” he said.
The Deputy President said his Office has successfully resolved issues between the Office of the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission while discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission, among others and the results are promising.
In addition, the Deputy President assured CCIOs that President William Ruto respects their independence and other arms of Government as key mechanisms of propelling the Executive to deliver to Kenyans.
He also added that the Consultative forum offers the Executive an opportunity to engage with the CCIOs for feedback and collective strategy on development. He challenged the CCIOs to align their strategic plans to the BETA.
On his part, Gershom Otachi, Chairperson of the National Lands Commission and Chairperson of CCIOs, said limited funds have impeded implementation of projects. On the other hand, he appreciated the planning of the consultative forum as a way of identifying and proposing solutions to the challenges of CCIOs in implementation of their mandates.
The consultative forum was also attended by Chief Justice Martha Koome who asked CCIOs to also establish internal mechanisms of holding them accountable, adding that even as they are independent, there must be structures for oversight. The CJ also appreciated the President for his commitment to seamless collaboration between the Executive and CCIOs. She also commended the Deputy President for keeping his promise of hosting the forum.
While appreciating the work the Deputy President is doing under his mandate of coordination of these agencies, Attorney General Justin Muturi added that CCIOs require support from the Executive to fulfill their mandates and was, therefore, pleased that the consultative forum aimed at enhancing collaboration and partnership.
On her part, Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru, challenged the CCIOs to entrench devolution in their service delivery to reach the grassroots. She implored them to enhance accountability and improve governance controls.
At the end of the first day of the forum, the Deputy President held an informal fireside chat with the CCIOs- a moment of listening and learning. He stated continuous engagement is the modus operandi of the Executive, led by President Ruto.
"We do this within the framework of the Constitution for shared implementation and achievement of National goals. This is geared towards joint strategic approach to independence, accountability, mutual respect, and collaboration for a better Kenya. We all have one common denominator- the People of the Republic of Kenya," said the DP
The Chief of Staff at the Office of the Deputy President Wanjiku Wakogi presented a proposed framework of coordination and engagement. She said that the proposed framework included ways in which CCIOs can interface with the Executive. She added that through policy implementation, resource allocation, legislative oversight and interpretation of the law will enhance coordination between the Executive and CCIOs.
"By conducting sectoral meetings including setting up of high-level Government Coordination Committee, follow-up on CCIO reports and recommendations, handling future Annual Reports, having exit reports, addressing budgets and through operational and human resource management issues are some of the ways of bringing synergy between the Executive and the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices," said Ms. Wakogi
In his closing remarks, the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, emphasised on the need for the Executive and the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices to work together to confront challenges facing the country.
"I wish to thank the Office of the Deputy President for this well coordinated consultative forum to bring the Executive and the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices together. Through such concerted efforts we shall be able to know how to better collaborate to bring more impact to the society," Mr. Koskei said
The coordination and liaison between the Executive and the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices has been mandated by President William Ruto under Executive Order No. 2 of 2023 and placed at the Office of the Deputy President.