The Kisumu Joint Integrated Forum (JIF) has issued a clarion call for enhanced cooperation between the national and county governments, underscoring the constitutional mandate for unity in managing devolution.
Led by Chairman Erick Okello, the civil society-led group emphasized the need for both tiers of government to collaborate effectively, particularly in delivering essential public services. “We are here as a lobby group and members of civil society to speak with one voice on matters affecting our nation,” said Okello during a Thursday address in Kisumu.
Okello pointed to the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, as the binding framework that envisions a functional and cooperative relationship between the national and county governments. “There is no reason for us to fight over devolution. The structure is clear. Continued political wrangles only stall progress,” he added.
One of the forum’s central concerns was the management of healthcare, a function devolved under the current constitutional order. Okello hailed Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o for securing President William Ruto’s support in upgrading the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to a Level Six facility, now recognized as a national hospital.
“We now have a fully-fledged national hospital at JOOTRH,” said Okello. “This sets a precedent, and there is no justification for the national government to shy away from managing other national health facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital.”
Addressing the country’s tense political climate, Okello cautioned against reducing the relationship between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to regional or ethnic dynamics.
“Raila is not a Luo leader, he is a national figure. The peace initiatives he leads are meant for the benefit of the entire country,” he stated.
John Obure, another forum member, echoed these concerns, warning that rising tensions between national and county leaders could jeopardize the relative peace Nyanza has enjoyed. “We are seeing an emerging spat that could destabilize what we have built under collaborative leadership,” he noted.
The JIF’s plea for unity follows recent remarks by Kisumu Governor Nyong’o, who called on President Ruto to respect county autonomy. Similar sentiments were shared by Siaya Governor James Orengo during the funeral of George Oduor, a close aide to Raila Odinga.
Political tensions remain high as opposition figures, including ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, continue to challenge the Ruto administration’s policies.
Founded in 2008, the Joint Integrated Forum remains committed to advancing peaceful and constitutional means of resolving political disputes and strengthening Kenya’s devolution process.
