The Devolution ministry through its Permanent Secretary Charles Sunkuli addressed the council of Governors to ensure that when Governors and Members of County Assembly team on a foreign trip returns, they must give a report on what they learnt and how that will be implemented for the good of the county.
This was in a bid to guard against joyrides.
The ministry which is also targeting at cutting down costs on foreign travels wrote to all county secretaries and clerks of county assemblies giving new directives on how to cut the costs.
The letter stated that before MCAs or county executives travel abroad for seminars, tours or conferences, they must write a statement on how that travel will benefit the county.
Minutes of County assembly session that approved the travels also have to be provided.
The Devolution Ministry has also said no travel should be approved where participants are required to pay participation fees unless such events are recognised by international bodies.
Before foreign travel is approved, the MCAs or county executives must also have the invitation letters stamped and approved by the county assembly clerk or county secretary.
Moreover, for that approval to be given, the travelling team must provide the total cost and breakdown of charges for the travel and indicate who will pay.
However, Governors have reacted angrily to these fresh orders from the Devolution Ministry which is attempting to drastically cut down on foreign travel expenses.
In a response to the ministry, the council of Governors claim that the county governments do not report to any ministry.
The county chiefs maintain that oversight of county budgets is done by the assemblies and the Senate and therefore the ministry has no business interrogating their foreign travel plans and expenditure.
The letter was signed by chairman Josphat Nanok and addressed to all governors and the Devolution CS, the Head of Public Service, and Foreign Affairs PS.
The governors have asked the Devolution CS to immediately withdraw the letter on foreign travel.