NAIROBI– Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, alongside Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, led national and county leaders in marking 12 years of devolution at the 2025 Annual State of Devolution Address held at the CoG Headquarters in Nairobi.
Themed “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice,” this year’s event celebrated milestones achieved through devolution while spotlighting persistent challenges requiring collective action.
In his address, CS Duale reaffirmed the central role of devolution in the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He urged both levels of government to sustain strong collaboration in ensuring all Kenyans access quality and equitable healthcare services.
“Devolution has transformed healthcare delivery in Kenya. From oxygen availability to digitized systems and a growing health workforce, we are seeing tangible progress,” said CS Duale.
Health Sector Milestones Highlighted
The State of Devolution Report 2025 showcased several key health achievements:
- 24.4 million Kenyans registered under the newly established Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA)
- Distribution of 8,316 tablets to support digital health record systems across counties
- Installation of 75 PSA oxygen plants, 59 of which are operational, boosting oxygen coverage in public facilities to 86%
- 541 health facilities assessed under the National Emergency Surgical, Obstetric and Anesthesia Services Program (NESP), with 28 counties offering services and over 29,000 procedures delivered
- Engagement of 226,434 healthcare workers across the sector
- Deployment of 107,831 Community Health Promoters to enhance grassroots health access
Also in attendance were CoG Vice Chair and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, German Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Alexander Fierley, and Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and Mr. Michael Lenasalon, among other senior officials.
Counties Driving Inclusive Development
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, in his address, reiterated the commitment of county governments to uphold the constitutional promise of equity, inclusion, and social justice through people-centered service delivery.
“We must strengthen intergovernmental collaboration, empower institutions, and ensure development is felt at the grassroots,” said the CoG Chair.
Other Devolution Achievements:
- Ksh. 600 billion mobilized in total revenue, with 37% allocated to development projects
- Creation of over 308,000 jobs in the agriculture sector
- Construction of 75 new markets and renovation of 129 others, driving MSME and cooperative growth
- Environmental strides with 21 million trees planted, 453 waste-handling machines procured, and 246 forest nurseries established
- Launch of 34 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) to promote value addition and reduce post-harvest losses
Challenges Ahead and the Road to Homa Bay
Despite the notable progress, leaders raised concerns over unresolved issues including pending bills, delayed national disbursements, and increasing efforts
