Devolution Agency

22/08/2025

County Cabinet Reshuffles: Political Tools or Instruments of Service Delivery
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has cautioned county staff against engaging in premature political campaigns, warning that the trend undermines service delivery. Speaking at the county headquarters, the governor issued a one-week ultimatum to public officers engaged in politics to either resign and pursue their ambitions or focus on public service. “We have given you public jobs to serve wananchi, not to spend time politicking and campaigning for yourselves or others,” Lusaka declared, vowing to dismiss any officer found flouting the directive.
At the same event, Lusaka announced a reshuffle of his County Executive Committee (CEC) and Chief Officers, presenting it as a strategy to realign roles and strengthen service delivery. Among the changes: the CEC for Lands and Urban Planning, Douglas Sasita, was moved to Trade and Energy, while Dr. Monicah Fedha swapped roles to head Lands, Urban and Physical Planning. Chief Officers were also redeployed between Education and Lands.
A Critical Lens: Do Reshuffles Really Improve Service Delivery? While cabinet reshuffles are often framed as measures to boost efficiency, the Kenyan devolution experience suggests otherwise. Frequent reshuffles can destabilize county administrations, disrupt continuity of policy, and weaken institutional memory. In many cases, they serve more as political balancing acts, appeasing allies, neutralizing rivals, or projecting control than genuine attempts at reform.
From a national perspective, reshuffles raise a larger question: are counties prioritizing long-term institutional strengthening, or are they recycling personnel in a bid to be seen as responsive? In practice, service delivery challenges such as weak planning, resource mismanagement, corruption, and lack of technical capacity are rarely solved by merely switching personnel from one docket to another. Moreover, the governor’s warning against premature campaigns—while valid—also underscores the politicization of county bureaucracies. Public officers, caught between political loyalty and professional duty, often treat reshuffles and directives as political signals rather than administrative reforms.
Devolution Dilemma: Twelve years since devolution took root, reshuffles across counties from Bungoma to Mombasa, Kisii to Turkana; illustrate the fragility of governance structures. The effectiveness of county governments cannot be judged by the frequency of cabinet shake-ups but by measurable improvements in healthcare, education, urban planning, and local economic development. Unless reshuffles are grounded in performance audits, meritocracy, and capacity-building, they risk becoming cosmetic gestures reshaping faces but not fixing systems. Kenya’s devolution journey requires more than managerial musical chairs; it demands policy consistency, institutional accountability, and insulation of public service from political campaigns.

16/08/2025

Kenya–DRC Diplomatic Tensions

The Democratic Republic of Congo has objected to President William Ruto’s nomination of Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as Kenya’s Consul General to Goma and Moni Manyange as Deputy Head of Mission in Kinshasa.

Kinshasa reminded Nairobi that, under international law, the appointment of consular heads must first be approved by the host nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and granted official clearance (exequatur).

DRC described Kenya’s announcement as inappropriate, especially since Goma is currently under the control of the M23 rebel group and facing serious human rights violations, according to recent UN reports.

The Congolese government warned that moving ahead without approval could strain relations and fuel tensions at a time both countries are key players in regional peace efforts.

Kenya, however, through Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei, dismissed the concerns as premature, noting that parliamentary approval comes first before seeking DRC’s consent.

16/08/2025

Some take home there

15/08/2025

DP Kindiki’s Closing Remarks – Devolution Conference 2025

"As we close this year’s Devolution Conference, we reflect with pride on how far Kenya has come in strengthening devolution as the heartbeat of our democracy. This platform has once again proven that when the two levels of government work together, guided by dialogue, consultation, and respect for the Constitution, we can transform the lives of millions of Kenyans.

Devolution is not just a governance structure, it is the promise of equity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. The spirited conversations we have held here reaffirm our collective resolve to entrench accountability, prudent management of public resources, and delivery of services at the grassroots.

I commend county governments, the Council of Governors, and all partners for their commitment to deepening intergovernmental relations. As a nation, let us go forth determined to strengthen institutions, bridge inequalities, and ensure that devolution works for every Kenyan, regardless of region or background.

The Government of Kenya remains steadfast in safeguarding devolution as a cornerstone of national unity, peace, and development. Together, we shall build a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Kenya."

14/08/2025

Raila Odinga’s Legacy in Devolution & the 2025 Conference
When the history of devolution in Kenya is told, one name will forever stand out, Raila Amolo Odinga. His tireless advocacy for equity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity planted the seeds of devolution that we enjoy today. From the struggle for constitutional reforms to championing the 2010 Constitution, Raila’s voice has consistently echoed the call for resources and power to be brought closer to the people.
As we undertake 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, it is not just a policy gathering but it is a continuation of a journey he helped to shape. This year’s conference offers a chance to reflect on the progress of devolution, the challenges faced, and the opportunities ahead in strengthening intergovernmental relations. Raila’s vision has always been about ensuring that counties are not just administrative units, but true engines of development, service delivery, and people’s empowerment.
The 2025 Devolution Conference is therefore more than an event; it is a living testament to his dream of a Kenya where no region is left behind.

13/08/2025

13/08/2025

Historic Milestone for Devolution in Kenya
Today, at the Homa Bay State Lodge, H.E. President William Ruto, alongside IGRTC CEO Dr. Kipkurui Chepkwony and other distinguished leaders, presided over the signing of two landmark pieces of legislation:
The County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2025
 The County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023
These transformative laws are designed to further entrench and strengthen Kenya’s devolution framework, ensuring equitable allocation of resources and improved fiscal management at the county level. By enhancing financial autonomy, accountability, and efficiency, these legislations will empower counties to deliver better services, spur local development, and promote inclusive growth in every corner of the nation.
This moment marks another bold step towards realizing the promise of devolution, bringing governance and development closer to the people.

12/08/2025

Good insigts

11/08/2025

Devolution: Power Closer to the People

One of the most transformative ideas in modern governance is devolution, the shift of decision-making from the national level to local governments. This means counties now have greater control over resources, development priorities, and essential services.

But here’s the big question: Is devolution truly delivering on its promises?

Some regions have seen real progress, better infrastructure, improved healthcare, stronger education systems. Others still face serious challenges like corruption, mismanagement, and growing inequality.

What do YOU think?
Has devolution made a difference in your life or your community?

07/02/2023

Jeremiah Kioni leads a crowd in protesting the high cost of living.

07/02/2023

Kenya Forest Services has announced more than 2000 vacancies for the positions of forest ranger, forest assistant, and forester.

Kenya Forest Services has announced more than 2000 vacancies for the positions of forest ranger, forest assistant, and forester.

06/02/2023

CS Kindiki talks on politicians sponsoring banditry and chaos in general in the country.