A Senate poll conducted on its website shows 60% of respondents reported no positive impact from their county governments, with 6% uncertain and 33% affirming improvements. Despite its simplicity, the survey has drawn minimal participation, with only a few dozen voters engaging over time.
The findings align with public frustrations over county performance, including recent healthcare crises where nurses' strikes disrupted services. County leaders responded by threatening to recruit replacements, exacerbating tensions. The poll’s results could influence discussions at the annual Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga County, where debates about reducing the number of counties may intensify.
Julius Mwatu, chairman of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, attributed the skepticism to corruption allegations involving county officials. He noted that while devolution is still in its early stages, public participation and transparency remain critical. "If counties engage communities directly and clarify their actions, sentiments could shift," Mwatu said.
Challenges persist in implementing the Big Four Agenda, particularly in health and agriculture, which require coordination between national and county governments. A National Assembly committee warned that poor collaboration risks undermining these initiatives, emphasizing the need for a unified framework to address shared responsibilities.
