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Article 189 · Part 5—Relationships between governments

Cooperation between national and county governments

In plain English

National and county governments must respect each other's status and institutions, consult and support each other, and cooperate, including through joint committees. In disputes they must make every reasonable effort to settle, using procedures in national legislation such as negotiation, mediation or arbitration.

The official text

(1) Government at either level shall—

(a) perform its functions, and exercise its powers, in a manner that respects the functional and institutional integrity of government at the other level, and respects the constitutional status and institutions of government at the other level and, in the case of county government, within the county level;

(b) assist, support and consult and, as appropriate, implement the legislation of the other level of government; and

(c) liaise with government at the other level for the purpose of exchanging information, coordinating policies and administration and enhancing capacity.

(2) Government at each level, and different governments at the county level, shall co-operate in the performance of functions and exercise of powers and, for that purpose, may set up joint committees and joint authorities.

(3) In any dispute between governments, the governments shall make every reasonable effort to settle the dispute, including by means of procedures provided under national legislation.

(4) National legislation shall provide procedures for settling inter-governmental disputes by alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration.

Summaries and answers are a plain-English guide written by Iam254, not legal advice. The official text is what counts. Official text: Constitution of Kenya, 2010, Kenya Law (National Council for Law Reporting), legislation as at 3 September 2010. It has not been amended since.