West Pokot: Data validation in West Pokot County concerning the status of devolution with regard to the 14 devolved functions across the 20 selected counties has been concluded. Speaking after concluding the three-day tour of the county to validate the data collected from the research conducted in the last three months, Prof. Olive Mugenda, who is an Advisor to the NEPAD/African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Kenya programme, noted that preliminary findings were promising. Prof. Mugenda said she was impressed with the milestones made, attributing it to the good working relationship among the various arms of government within the county. 'I am impressed with the working relationship between the County Executive and the Assembly and this is the critical aspect for any progressive development to be realised,' stated the Nepad Advisor.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Mugenda disclosed that the final County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM) report would be released and would go a long way in assisting county governments to learn from each other about the best practices for meaningful development as envisioned in the purposes for their establishment. 'There are areas where this county has done well and others that they have to do more and this is very normal with administration. We are delighted that West Pokot County accepted to be part of the survey,' she highlighted.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin lauded the initiative, saying the validation of the data gives his administration the insight to do more for better devolution, which is an ongoing process. 'This review process gives us a valuable opportunity to reflect, learn and strengthen our governance systems for the betterment of our people,' said Kachapin. He promised open and collaborative development, lauding the partnership with the NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat for conducting the review that would enhance county leadership.
The governor highlighted that the reason for the devolved leadership was to ensure that development reaches the people at the grassroots levels through equal distribution of resources under the devolved functions. Kachapin hailed Prof. Mugenda for her outstanding performance while serving as the Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, where she pioneered the establishment of a mega health facility at the institution whose services some West Pokot residents enjoy.