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Kiambu County governor Kimani Wamatangi interacting with traders of Madaraka Market in Thika on his tour to assess the market. [Gitau Wanyoike, Standard]
The High Court has delivered a far-reaching ruling reinforcing the autonomy of county governments, holding that the national government cannot unilaterally take over functions constitutionally assigned to counties under the devolved system of governance.
In a decision likely to shape future relations between the two levels of government across the country, the Environment and Land Court in Thika stopped attempts by national government agencies to take control of several markets in Kiambu County.
Justice Jacqueline Mogeni said the dispute between the Kiambu County Government and the National Government over the construction of Ngoliba, Karuri, Gakoe and Maguguni markets raises fundamental constitutional questions regarding the protection of devolution.
