The Council of Governors is established under Section 19 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act 2012 to carry out the following mandates;
(a) Consultations amongst county governments;
(b) Sharing of information on the performance of the counties in the execution of their functions with the objective of learning and promotion of best practice and where necessary, initiating preventive or corrective action;
(c) Considering matters of common interest to counties;
(d) Dispute resolution between counties;
(e) Facilitating capacity building for governors;
(f) Receiving reports and monitoring the implementation of inter –county agreements on inter-county projects
(g) Considering matters referred to the Council by a member of the public; and
(h) Consideration of reports from inter-governmental forums on matters affecting national and county interests or relating to performance of counties.
The Council has put in place a secretariat and 18 committees supported by technical persons. The Gender, Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Services Committee is one such committee which is tasked with considering, reviewing and monitoring policy and legislation on matters relating to the aforementioned sectors and making relevant recommendations. The committee also monitors the implementation and adherence of international standards and national policy and legislation at the county level and makes appropriate recommendations. The committee also handles all matters related to the 7 mentioned sectoral areas in the 47 County Governments besides acting as a liaison between the Counties and other National Government agencies.
2. The Internship
Unemployment in Kenya is marked by inequality and discrimination as Kenya’s youth unemployment is higher than national unemployment average. Access to gainful employment and income opportunities for young people in Kenya is hindered by lack of capital, information, and relevant skills, among Kenyans, most of who are youthful population. With the Kenyan youth facing their normal fair share of life challenges related to their age, a proper response to youth challenges needs the involvement of young people themselves in decision-making and political leadership.
Currently, there is a gap within the committee since there is no technical person dedicated to ensuring matters relating to the Youth sector are implemented. The Council is keen on ensuring that Youth issues are mainstreamed in all the operations of the Council as well as those of County Governments. As such, it is imperative that a Youth intern is brought on board to advance the Youth agenda both within the Council of Governors and in County Governments.
