Kenyan residents from ten counties have voiced their opposition to the proposed closure of regional development authorities, citing the institutions' crucial role in enhancing the lives of marginalized communities and delivering critical projects at the grassroots. The Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026, introduced by Kikuyu legislator Kimani Ichung'wah, seeks to abolish six regional development authorities and transfer their assets and liabilities to the National Treasury. This move is expected to eliminate overlapping functions between the national and county governments.
Public participation forums held in Isiolo and Narok counties revealed that beneficiaries of the Ewaso Ng'iro North and Ewaso Ng'iro South development authorities have benefited significantly from the institutions. Residents called for the institutions to be strengthened through internal restructuring and additional resource mobilization. They argued that the authorities have played a crucial role in addressing development disparities and marginalization in the regions.
Jillo Buke, a resident from Isiolo, emphasized that the Ewaso Ng'iro North Development Authority (ENNDA) is crucial to the livelihoods of people in Northern Kenya. He warned that abolishing the authority would threaten the livelihoods of residents, who still require additional support and initiatives to address development disparities and marginalization. Despite the Equalization Fund and limited allocations to counties, the region requires more support.
Residents from Narok, Kajiado, Nakuru, and Nyandarua counties also outlined the benefits of the Ewaso Ng'iro South Development Authority (ENNDA), including the provision of clean water and employment opportunities for local residents. They argued that the authority has improved their lives tremendously, particularly in terms of access to food, income, and financial independence.
During a public participation meeting at Maasai Mara University, residents expressed their concerns about the proposed closure of the development authorities. They stated that the institutions have provided critical services, including clean water, roads, and schools, which would be lost if the authorities are abolished. Residents urged the government to strengthen the institutions rather than scrap them.
The proposed bill has sparked fears that the closure of the development authorities would lead to a loss of services and undermine the progress made in addressing regional disparities. Residents emphasized that the institutions have helped to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly in terms of drought, hunger, and malnutrition.
The opposition to the bill is expected to continue, with residents and stakeholders calling for the government to reconsider its proposal. The government will need to weigh the benefits of eliminating overlapping functions against the potential costs of scrapping the development authorities, which have played a critical role in promoting regional development and addressing marginalization.
Key points
- The proposed closure of regional development authorities has sparked opposition from residents across ten counties.
- The institutions have played a crucial role in enhancing the lives of marginalized communities and delivering critical projects at the grassroots.
- Residents are calling for the institutions to be strengthened through internal restructuring and additional resource mobilization rather than being scrapped.
