Nyoro Faults State for Stifling Devolution
The conference this year will be unique. It will offer an opportunity for learning, networking, and alliance to improve devolution in Kenya
He noted repeated delays in the disbursement of funds. Nyoro stated that counties are unable to meet their mandates without adequate and timely funding. Photo/Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Ex-Kiambu Governor Dr. James Nyoro attributed the blame to the National Government for sabotaging devolution. The government, he said, lacks political goodwill, which is impacting county operations.
During his speech on Monday, August 11, 2025, Nyoro warned that counties would not operate well in the absence of the complete support from the national leadership. Nyoro accused the National Government of economically freezing service delivery in the counties.
It has become the culture that if the National Government is in a financial crisis, county governments suffer first,” Nyoro explained.
He noted repeated delays in the disbursement of funds. Nyoro stated that counties are unable to meet their mandates without adequate and timely funding. He urged the government to commit itself to timely disbursement of funds and enhanced coordination.
There have been funds delays. In the future, it is essential that the National Government shows political goodwill in development,” he explained.
Nyoro noted that critical devolved sectors such as health and agriculture have been impacted severely. He cited poor coordination and delayed funding for stalled projects and reduced efficiency.
“If we lack goodwill in the release of resources or coordination of devolved functions, we will keep seeing setbacks. There must be a clear separation of functions,” he added.
Nyoro’s remarks are a day before the 2025 Devolution Conference is set to take place at Homa Bay County.
This year, the event will be held according to international standards, Vice Chair of Council of Governors (CoG), Governor Nyeri Mutahi Kahiga, said. The conference will also have partner-organized side events, he explained. The events should make sure they achieved the necessary quality standards.
Cultural and tourism events for visitors will be hosted in Homa Bay, Kahiga explained. Additional details will be made available on the devolution conference website.
The conference this year will be unique. It will offer an opportunity for learning, networking, and alliance to improve devolution in Kenya,” Kahiga vowed.
The conference is a channel for knowledge-sharing to improve devolution, he further stated. It will be formed of state and non-state actors. Planning will be directed by a multi-agency steering committee.
Nyoro hopes the negotiations will force the National Government to hear county independence and improve coordination.
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