Kenyan Officials Cite Funding Gaps as Devolution Conference Begins in Homa Bay

Kenyan national and county officials are using this week’s devolution conference in Homa Bay County to take stock of the 12-year-old governance system and press for remedies to persistent funding shortfalls. Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi said the meeting offers a chance to “reflect on how far devolution has come,” while Chege Mwaura, secretary of the County Assemblies Forum, noted that many regions have posted visible development but still face delays in transfers from the national treasury. Minority Leader in Makueni County Assembly Jades Kalunda added that late disbursements remain the biggest constraint on service delivery. Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi argued that public-private partnerships can bridge the resource gap, saying they provide access to private capital as well as efficiencies and better risk management. Former lawmaker Wilson Sossion pointed to the government’s creative-economy monetisation plan as an example of how targeted national policies can stimulate sectors beyond their immediate focus, claiming the initiative has even helped revive the national football team, Harambee Stars. Delegates are expected to draft recommendations aimed at strengthening county finances and expanding PPP use before the conference ends.