Kuwait: The Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting on the morning of Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Bayan Palace, chaired by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. The session discussed two major developments: the launch of a comprehensive oversight platform for Kuwait’s strategic reserves, and the formation of Governorate Councils across all six regions of the country.

Reserves oversight system

The Cabinet reviewed a presentation by Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah on a new integrated platform aimed at improving oversight of Kuwait’s strategic reserves. The proposed system would track raw materials, food, medical supplies, and essential household items, while also monitoring local market demand and the flow of resources. It includes the development of a unified digital platform to support planning and emergency readiness. The initiative also focuses on Kuwait’s cooperative societies, offering decision-makers access to a wide range of statistical data across all co-ops, along with detailed information on individual cooperatives to improve transparency and performance monitoring.

Governors’ councils approved

The Cabinet also approved the formation of Governorate Councils in all six of Kuwait’s governorates, as stipulated by Decree No 151 of 2024. Each council will support the respective governor in carrying out his duties. Ministers have nominated representatives from various government entities to serve on these councils. The next step will involve each governor issuing internal regulations to organize meetings and guide council operations.

According to Al-Anbaa, the councils will strengthen the role of governors to enable more direct engagement with citizens’ concerns. Sources told the paper that the newly formed councils will meet regularly and operate along two main tracks: either addressing issues immediately—when the relevant ministry can offer prompt solutions—or issuing recommendations to amend existing laws or propose new legislation to close policy gaps.

Each council’s primary role is to support the governor in managing the governorate’s affairs, contribute to its economic and social development, and help improve service delivery across sectors, in line with national development plans. Key responsibilities include coordinating with relevant government entities on local projects, reviewing issues referred by the governor, and presenting initiatives, proposals, and ideas to advance the development of the governorate.