Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri has defended President Uhuru Kenyatta's absence at the third annual devolution conference in Meru.
Uhuru who was expected at the conference on Wednesday, was instead winding up a three-day retreat with his ministers in Naivasha.
In an interview with K24, Kiunjuri said his presence at the meeting was sufficient.
"I am a minister and my presence means that the President is fully represented. As a minister, I can represent the President anywhere in the world."
He also denied claims by the governors that the national government is delaying in the disbursement of funds to the counties.
"The release of funds is an administrative issue and even the governors are aware that some conditions must be fulfilled."
The day's agenda of the devolution conference is scheduled to discuss health and agriculture.