Council of Governors (COG) chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has raised concerns over the challenges in devolution, accusing the National Government of undermining county governments by holding on to functions meant to be devolved.
Speaking to a local media station on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Abdullahi said that the central government fears losing its relevance if it fully transfers services and resources to the counties.
“The national government still believes it is existential for them to continue doing what the counties ought to be doing. If everything that the counties are supposed to do is given to them and the resources are transferred, then there is fear that the central (national) government will lose relevance,” Abdullahi said.
Abdullahi pointed out that key services like health, water, agriculture, and livestock are better handled at the county level because they directly impact the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
He insisted the national government should stick to its policy-making role, leaving implementation to county governments as envisioned in the Constitution.
“Health, water, agriculture and livestock – these are services that really matter to the average Kenyan. The national government ought not to be actively involved in the implementation of these programmes because the only role they have in this is policy; implementation belongs to the county, as intended in the constitution,” he added.
Raila on devolution
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday, April 5, 2025, criticised the national government and the parliament, accusing them of undermining devolution.
Speaking at the Eid Baraza in Mombasa, Raila lamented that various devolved functions, such as health, were facing challenges due to the failure of the national government to release the funds.
He went on to shame the government for launching markets, a function that he argued should be reserved for governors.
“The biggest problem we have is the national government and parliament not respecting the constitution. We have services which have been devolved: education is not devolved, but health is devolved, infrastructure is devolved, as well as agriculture,” he stated.
“But the money remains in Nairobi. Why should the national government build a market here in Mombasa? A market in Mombasa should be built by the Mombasa County government, but the money has remained in Nairobi. Patients are suffering here because money for the health sector remains in Nairobi.”
At the same time, Raila put MPs on the spot, wondering why they were receiving allocations for road construction. The former prime minister indicated that MPs should be left to focus on their legislative role.
“Why should MPs have money to build roads? MPs are expected to legislate in Nairobi, but they have refused to release money to county governments,” Raila added.