Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has made a strong appeal to the national government to increase financial allocations to counties and uphold the constitutional promise of devolution, arguing that empowering grassroots governance is key to unlocking Kenya’s development potential.
Speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Odinga hailed the county’s hosting of the national event as a “testament that devolution works — if empowered.”
“I invite you, President Ruto, to ensure that devolution works,” Odinga said, directly addressing the Head of State.
“By allocating more resources to counties, let them have sufficient funds so that they can provide services to the people.”
He called for the allocation of Sh450 billion to counties in the upcoming national budget and emphasized the delegation of certain national functions to county governments to improve service delivery and responsiveness.
Odinga also rejected any moves to revive the provincial administration system, branding it a “colonial relic” incompatible with a modern, devolved Kenya.
“Do not resurrect provincial administration. It has no place today in a free and independent Kenya,” he said.
In a clear call for institutional clarity, Odinga asked Members of Parliament to focus on their legislative and oversight roles, leaving development implementation to counties.
President Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar were among dignitaries present at the historic Madaraka Day celebration; the first time it was held in Homa Bay County since independence.
