A “function” is the responsibility to perform a role and deliver a given service. The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution “distributes” functions between the National Government and County Governments. Any function that is not explicitly assigned to any of the two levels is a National Government responsibility.
Before looking at the list of 14 functions specifically assigned to Counties, it is worth highlighting that the foremost responsibility of both levels of government is to provide for the well-being of citizen through the equitable and accountable provision of services (see objectives of devolution, Art. 174). This is often referred to as general mandate and it should be pursued within the respect of the inter-dependency, consultation and collaboration between levels of government, particularly in those sectors in which both levels share responsibilities (the so-called concurrent functions).
