Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo has urged a nationwide review of the state of devolution, warning that gaps in healthcare delivery, food security and early childhood education continue to expose weaknesses in coordination between the two levels of government.
Addressing senators during the opening of the Senate Assessment and Planning Retreat for the Fifth Session in Naivasha, Madzayo said it was time for an honest review of why some devolved functions are yet to deliver equal benefits across the country.
He noted that uneven rollout of key services points to deeper structural and coordination challenges between the National and County Governments.
“Our assessment must diagnose these specific gaps to guide corrective action,” he said, calling for a practical evaluation of areas where devolution has stalled or fallen short of expectations.
The retreat, which runs from February 10 to December 4, 2026, has brought together all 67 senators under the leadership of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
Madzayo described the meeting as more than a routine forum, saying it sets the direction of the House for the year.
“This retreat is our essential strategic workshop. The end we seek is a Kenya where the principles of devolution are fully realized, where County Governments are empowered and accountable, and where every Kenyan feels the tangible benefit of the work done by the Senate,” he told the gathering.
He identified the uneven county rollout of Universal Health Care as a major concern, saying residents in different counties are experiencing different levels of service.
The Senator also cited threats facing agriculture and national food security, warning that without a shared plan between the two levels of government, progress will remain slow.
Disparities in Early Childhood Development Education across counties also featured in his remarks, with Madzayo stressing the need for common standards and proper funding to ensure children receive equal opportunities regardless of where they live.
To address these challenges, he called for stronger intergovernmental relations, clearer division of responsibilities and closer collaboration between ministries and county departments.
Madzayo also reflected on the Senate’s work in the previous session, saying the House had strengthened its oversight and legislative role.
“The Fourth Session was one of significant activity and institutional strengthening. From the Legislative Summit in March to our historic sittings in Busia County, and from the robust debates on the Devolution Conference floor to the introduction of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, we have actively carried the mantle of devolution,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, he outlined a legislative plan focused on what he termed concrete and collaborative results.
Among the priorities is scrutiny of the Referendum Bill to safeguard the devolution framework and ensure proposed changes do not weaken county governments.
He said the Senate will also work toward a joint National and County strategy on agriculture and food security, aimed at improving production, stabilizing supply chains and protecting livelihoods.
Another key agenda item will be the adoption of a clear and costed framework for implementing Universal Health Coverage, with defined roles for each level of government to avoid duplication and service gaps.
In addition, the House plans to push for the establishment of a national standard for Early Childhood Education to guarantee fair funding and quality assurance across all counties.
Madzayo maintained that the success of devolution depends on strong oversight, unity of purpose and a clear roadmap that responds to the everyday needs of citizens.
