Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru says Counties have made great strides in the realization of the devolution dream despite inadequate resources.

Saying the future of Kenya lies in devolvement of resources, Waiguru said rural areas which had previously been marginalized have undergone tremendous transformation since the inception of County Governments.

She called on Kenyans to continue supporting counties for the realization of equity, inclusion and social justice.

The Governor said inadequate resources and delayed disbursement of funds remain some of the challenges facing counties.

Waiguru asked Kenyans to confront corruption as a deep-rooted societal problem that requires collective action from all sectors.

Speaking to the press during the ongoing Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Waiguru said corruption is not unique to county governments but a challenge cutting across both levels of government, learning institutions, the private sector, religious organizations, and the wider society.

“This is not a problem you can just point in one direction. It is a societal challenge that must be addressed as a whole,” she said, urging Kenyans to join hands in eradicating the vice.

Waiguru also took the opportunity to highlight Kirinyaga County’s achievements under devolution, showcasing agricultural, healthcare, and empowerment programs that have transformed livelihoods.

She noted that the county remains the country’s top rice producer and has made major strides in dairy production, with cooperatives now processing, packaging, and improving brands to boost farmers’ incomes.

“In agriculture, we have increased production through inputs and technical support, while enhancing value addition for products like rice and milk. These gains are on display at our pavilion for all to see,” she said.

The governor added that Kirinyaga County has strengthened its healthcare services to build a vibrant and healthy community capable of contributing to the socio-economic growth.

She also emphasized on the need for the complete transfer of remaining devolved functions, noting that counties have demonstrated the capacity to handle devolved responsibilities.

“Counties have shown they can perform these functions, and we have been engaging in peer learning to share best practices at the grassroots. However, some functions remain partially transferred due to factors such as unclear frameworks, or reluctance by national institutions,” Waiguru said.

As delegates converged to reflect on the theme of devolution as a catalyst for equity, inclusion, and social justice, Kirinyaga County, whose pavilion at the conference impressed President William Ruto, stood out as an example of the promise of devolution in action- a county leveraging its agricultural strength, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring no one is left behind in its development journey.