By Ashley Kariuki
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki on Monday hosted a high-level consultative meeting with Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from the Lower Eastern region that is, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between grassroots leadership and the national government in implementing Kenya’s development agenda.
The meeting, held at the DP’s official residence in Karen, Nairobi, focused on strengthening the role of county assemblies in advancing devolution and ensuring inclusive, bottom-up development.
Addressing the MCAs, Prof. Kindiki underscored the vital role that ward representatives play in articulating community needs and influencing policy that directly impacts the lives of citizens.
“Consultations with grassroots leaders are not just important—they are essential in accelerating national government programmes and ensuring that our development is people-centered and equitable,” DP Kindiki stated.
He emphasized the need to fast-track key national legislations aimed at empowering county assemblies, enhancing their autonomy, and improving the welfare of MCAs.
The Interior CS affirmed the national government’s full commitment to supporting devolution, noting that a stronger county-level leadership structure is central to achieving the country’s transformation agenda.
The forum comes at a time when calls for a more coordinated approach between national and county governments are intensifying, especially in addressing challenges such as resource allocation, governance, and service delivery.
“This engagement signals our recognition that the real engine of transformation lies in the counties. When we listen to ward-level leaders and work with them, we are better positioned to meet the development priorities of Kenyans,” Prof. Kindiki added.
The MCAs welcomed the DP’s initiative, hailing it as a progressive step toward inclusive governance and deeper democratic participation.
They reiterated their readiness to work closely with national authorities to push forward legislation and reforms that would enable counties to function more efficiently.
By bridging the gap between county and national government structures, the meeting highlighted the growing momentum to strengthen devolution and build a more responsive and accountable governance system in Kenya.