Twelve years into devolution, the promise of bringing services closer to the people remains uneven for women and girls across the counties. While there have been notable gains, persistent gaps continue to hinder progress towards gender equality.

In Kilifi, one challenge has stubbornly refused to go away: access to water. The county leadership acknowledges the heavy burden this places on women and girls, who often walk long distances to fetch water for domestic use.

According to a recent joint analysis by the Council of Governors, UN Women, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund, Kilifi has attempted to address the water challenge by supplying households with two 20-litre jerrycans. However, the report does not specify how frequently the supply is made or which areas benefit.

Interviews with four locals, including three women and one man, painted a starkly different picture. None had ever received water from the county. “I’m only hearing from you today about that water programme by the county,” said a man from Ndigiria in Ganze.

The county’s Climate Change Action Plan (2023–27) identifies Ganze, Kaloleni, and Magarini as sub-counties that frequently experience droughts and would be expected to receive priority in water distribution.

To verify the facts, we contacted the county government. County Assistant Director of Public Communications Mercy Milanoi and Communications Officer Robbie Chome each committed—via WhatsApp and SMS respectively—to respond to our queries. By the time of publication, neither had replied.

“Women are unable to manage their kitchen gardens due to limited water,” the report notes, in reference to Kilifi County. “Women and girls suffered greatly with limited water during their monthly menses.”

The devolution impact report, which synthesises progress and challenges in 14 counties, namely Busia, Garissa, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Narok, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir, and West Pokot, paints a mixed picture.

In Busia, improved lighting in town centres has enhanced security and the living environment, yet gender-based violence cases remain high at night, particularly in poorly lit areas. In a Facebook post dated July 29, 2025, one user complained about the lack of streetlights in Busia town. “When you drive at night in Busia town, it looks like a cave. Total darkness,” the user lamented.

In Garissa, insecurity continues to hinder girls’ school enrolment, even as a donor-supported rescue centre was established at Kamuthe in Fafi. According to the county’s social media posts, the facility was launched in 2019.

Kajiado reported an increase in the number of health facilities, but many dispensaries remain understaffed and understocked, with frequent shortages of family planning commodities. “Facilities experience stock-outs, including family planning commodities that directly impact women who get exposed to unwanted pregnancy,” the report reads.

Last month, a local daily reported that women in Kajiado complained about poor road infrastructure hampering their access to health facilities.