County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) from all devolved units have been urged to safeguard and uphold the tenets of devolution as envisioned in the 2010 constitution to serve the nation better and have impactful tenures serving as County executives.
Speaking during the second Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP II) in Mombasa, State Department for Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika said the programme is a critical step forward in ensuring that the promise of devolution is felt in every county, every community, and every home across Kenya.
Mbaika added that by building on the progress of KDSP I, the County executive leadership is on the path of creating a stronger foundation for service delivery, enhancing institutional capacity, and addressing local needs with locally driven solutions.
“Your willingness to engage, share experiences, and propose innovative solutions reflects the strength and promise of our partnership. Your commitment to improving governance and service delivery at the county level is a testament to the potential of devolution and the future we are building together,” said Mbaika.
The PS urged the CECMs to remain steadfast in collaboration, working together to address the specific challenges unique to each county.
She reiterated that KDSP II is not just a programme—it is a mission to empower the citizenry, foster sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for every Kenyan to enjoy the fruits of devolution.
“The unique role of the County Executive Committee Members in charge of Devolution is to transform these commitments into tangible, impactful action that brings real change to our counties. We have the tools, we have the vision, and, most importantly, we have the collective will to make it happen,” added PS Mbaika.
Peninah Bartuin, chairperson CECM’s Devolution Caucus said the collective efforts in strengthening the devolution agenda in Kenya through the second KDSP II underscores the shared commitment to ensuring that devolution truly transforms the lives of the ordinary citizens right from the grass roots.
Bartuin noted that previous engagements built strong foundations which yielded strides in key areas such as: improvements in county financial statements, adherence to budgeting formats, procurement practices, and public participation.
“Many of our counties have made significant steps in establishing civic education units, enhancing audit outcomes, and delivering infrastructure investments. Through these achievements, we experienced first-hand the importance of accountability, resource management, and community engagement in service delivery,” said Bartuin.
By Andrew Hinga
