Kisumu Governor Urges National Government to Devolve Road Management
He argued that the 2010 Constitution, which ushered in devolution, remains a cornerstone for building a democratic and developmental state.
A notice from the office of Kisumu County Governor written by Prof Anyang Nyong'o, seen by hubzmedia.africa. Photo/Anyang Nyong'o.
By Robert Assad
Kisumu County Governor, H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, has called for the national government to fully implement devolution, particularly in the management of roads, to enhance efficiency and development across Kenyan counties.
In a statement issued from his office, Governor Nyong’o emphasized the need for counties to take charge of their infrastructure, arguing that centralized control hinders progress.
The statement comes amid an ongoing dispute between the County Governments and the National Government over the management of roads funds. Nyong’o criticized the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), stating that their existence is unnecessary if the national government is committed to devolution.
“The counties manage health effectively and efficiently. The national government cannot even manage Kenyatta National Hospital, one of the very few health entities in its hands,” Nyong’o remarked, highlighting the inefficiencies of centralized governance.
Nyong’o pointed to the Ruto regime’s decision to revert to pre-devolution frameworks, reminiscent of the Nyayo era, as a major setback.
He argued that the 2010 Constitution, which ushered in devolution, remains a cornerstone for building a democratic and developmental state.
“The truth is that the Ruto regime has decided to go back to pre-devolution times of the Nyayo era. The 2010 Constitution is a hindrance to its primitive accumulation schemes, which will affect not only Devolution but the very ethos of building a national democratic and developmental state,” the Governor stated.
The Kisumu Governor urged the Council of Governors and progressive forces in the country to resist these moves, warning that the achievements of the Second Liberation—Kenya’s struggle for democratic reforms—could be undermined.
“The Council of Governors and all progressive forces in our Republic need to be aware of this fact and to resist it by all means necessary. The achievements of the Second Liberation must not be destroyed by this regime,” Nyong’o asserted.
Signed on April 22, 2025, the statement reflects growing tensions between county and national governments over resource allocation and administrative control.
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