28/07/2026
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ฉ๐ข๐๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก
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๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ข, ๐ธ๐พ๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐ข ๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐ผ
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Speaker of the County Assembly of Garissa, Hon. Abdi Idle Gure, has called for a stronger legislative voice in the implementation of devolution and regional integration, urging closer collaboration between County Assembly Speakers and the Council of Governors to strengthen oversight, legislative coordination and the delivery of devolved services.
Speaking during the Fourth Devolution Sensitization Week in Garissa, Hon. Gure also appealed for the inclusion of County Assembly Speakers in the governance structures of the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), saying their participation would enhance legislative ownership, accountability and regional integration across the frontier counties.
The week-long forum, themed "Devolution for Better Health; Empowered Communities," was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Bare Duale, who assured governors that the Ministry of Health would continue supporting county governments in the delivery of the devolved health function.
CS Duale also highlighted the transformative reforms being implemented by President William Ruto's administration to achieve unprecedented outcomes in the health sector.
Deputy Speaker and Iftin MCA, Hon. Mustafa Abdirashid, whose ward hosted the national event, warmly welcomed guests who had travelled from far and wide to attend the forum. He said he had witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation that devolution has brought to the region, describing its impact as profound and far-reaching.
Speaker Gure observed that devolution has transformed Garissa by bringing services and decision-making closer to the people, citing the establishment of Dadaab, Balambala, Bura East, Modogashe and Masalani municipalities. He added that the establishment of Hulugho Municipality is progressing well following the successful completion of public participation.
Hon. Gure emphasized that devolution is not merely about the transfer of functions but about improving people's quality of life through equitable access to public services, inclusive governance and sustainable local development.
On this year's health-focused theme, the Speaker noted that healthy communities are the foundation of sustainable development, supported by reliable water services, quality road infrastructure, food security and expanded economic opportunities.
He reaffirmed that public participation remains the cornerstone of devolution, enabling citizens to shape county policies, budgets and development priorities.
The Speaker also reiterated the County Assembly's commitment to its constitutional mandate of legislation, representation and oversight, noting that the Assembly continues to strengthen governance through the approval of county budgets, the establishment of municipalities and the vetting of Municipal Boards.
The event was attended by Host Governor H.E. Nathif Jama Adam; H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Governor of Mombasa County and Chairperson of the Council of Governors' Health Committee; H.E. Benjamin Cheboi, Governor of Baringo County; H.E. Ahmed Muhumed, Deputy Governor of Wajir County; H.E. Dr. Ali Maalim, Deputy Governor of Mandera County; H.E. Robert Komolle, Deputy Governor of West Pokot County; Senator Abass Sheikh (Wajir), MPs Hon. Peter Lochakapong (Sigor), Hon. Dekow Barrow (Garissa Township); Principal Secretary for Devolution, Michael Loikenu Lenasalon; COG CEO Mary Mwiti; Members of County Assemblies; County Executive officials; and representatives of development partners.
The week features free medical camps, community barazas, land and legal clinics, and exhibitions showcasing the pastoral economy, food security initiatives, and cultural heritage.