Ruto Fires Warning to MCAs at KICC: “Make Devolution Work or Be Accountable!"

President William Ruto on Thursday rallied members of county assemblies to strengthen devolution and fast track service delivery, saying grassroots leadership remains central to Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.

Speaking at the County Assembly Forum Annual General Meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, the Head of State urged Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to rise above partisan politics and focus on legislation that improves the lives of ordinary wananchi.

Ruto told the delegates that the success of his administration’s development blueprint depends heavily on collaboration between the national and county governments.

He noted that county assemblies play a critical oversight role in ensuring public funds are prudently managed and directed toward impactful projects.

The President challenged MCAs to enact laws that promote local investment, strengthen health systems, and support agriculture and small enterprises.

He said counties must position themselves as engines of growth by creating business friendly environments and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that discourage investors.

Devolution was meant to bring services closer to the people. We must make it work,” Ruto said, adding that national government ministries would continue partnering with counties to unlock stalled projects and enhance revenue generation.

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He also emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, warning that misuse of public resources undermines public trust.

The President encouraged assemblies to enhance oversight of county executives while maintaining constructive engagement to avoid governance paralysis.

On intergovernmental relations, Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to timely disbursement of funds to counties, noting that predictable financing is key to efficient planning and implementation of development programmes.

He called for dialogue to resolve emerging disputes, saying cooperation not confrontation would yield better outcomes.

Delegates at the AGM, drawn from all 47 county assemblies, discussed shared challenges including budget constraints, legislative capacity building and strengthening public participation frameworks.

The forum also explored ways to harmonize laws across counties to support national priorities such as affordable housing, universal healthcare and agricultural transformation.

Ruto concluded by urging MCAs to act as ambassadors of unity within their counties, saying political competition should not derail development.

He called on leaders at all levels to reject divisive rhetoric and instead champion inclusive growth.

The meeting underscored the evolving role of county assemblies more than a decade after the advent of devolution, with stakeholders agreeing that stronger legislative institutions are essential to delivering tangible benefits to citizens.