Month: November 2024

County Governments have pledged their commitment to strengthen urban governance for enhanced economic growth and improved service delivery in devolved units. Making remarks during the induction on the Second Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP II) held on 14th October 2024 in Diani, Kwale County, Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson and Wajir governor H.E FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi underscored that County Governments and their urban institutions are committed to ensure the successful implementation of the program.
“Guided by the numerous lessons learnt under the first phase of the program, we are optimistic that KUSP II will empower counties to sustainably manage urban development, enhance service delivery, and spur economic growth ,” noted H.E Ahmed Adullahi.
“Sustainable Urban Development is more than just bricks and mortar, it is about fostering communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstance. Central to this approach is the concept of inclusive urbanism. We must ensure that our urban spaces are accessible to all, that they are safe, clean, and green, and that they offer ample opportunities for employment, education, and recreation,” added the Kisumu governor and Chair, CoG Lands, Housing and Urban Development Committee H.E. Prof. Anyang Nyong’o
The Second Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP II) will focus on strengthening urban governance and positioning cities and municipalities as the main engines of growth. It will be implemented in 45 counties and seeks to strengthen the capacities of urban institutions to: Improve the delivery and resilience of urban infrastructure and services; Enhance the private sector engagement in urban planning and; Support the transition of refugee camps into integrated host community and refugee settlements. “There is need for County Governments to increase their own source revenue and allocate a greater portion to urban development initiatives,” added the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Alice Wahome further highlighting that both tiers of government should work together.
In this regard, it was agreed that CoG in partnership with the State Department for Housing and Urban Development will develop a model law to implement section 173 of the public finance management act on the financing of cities and urban areas. Further, there is need to fast-track the operationalization of the Presidential Directive on establishment of the National Urban Development Fund as provided for in the National Urban Development Policy and ensure the transfer of delegated functions to Cities and Municipalities. The discussion on matters urban development and governance indeed came at an opportune time as Kenya marked its 61st Mashujaa day celebrations in Diani, Kwale County on 20th October 2024 under the theme “Boma yangu, nyumba yangu, mimi ni shujaa”.
Making his address H.E President William Ruto singled out key initiatives such as the Kenya Urban Resilience Project, the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project and the National Climate Resilience Programme which have significantly transformed the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans by providing affordable, decent homes.
“Under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation agenda, we are committed to striking a major blow for the freedom struggle of our time by eradicating poverty and enhancing the dignity, well-being and standard of living for everyone,” noted the President.
Host governor H.E Fatuma Achani on her part highlighted the infrastructural developments witnessed in Kwale County further lauding the partnership between both levels of government in a number of projects including CAIPS and the stimulus market programme.
“We have donated 50 acres of land for the affordable housing programme. It has brought employment to our people and the entire jua kali sector,” added the Kwale governor.
The Mashujaa day celebrations marked the culmination of the Affordable Housing and Urbanization Week held from 14th -18th October 2024, at the Mvindeni Grounds in Diani, Kwale County.
With the theme “Boma Yangu; Housing the Nation, Empowering the Future,” the Affordable Housing week aimed to address the pressing issues surrounding affordable housing, urbanization and sustainable urban development.
“As urbanization accelerates across the country, the demand for affordable housing has become even more pressing. To accommodate this expected population surge and ensure sustainable urban development, Kenya must invest in robust infrastructure planning and development,” noted the Housing and Urban Development PS Charles Hinga. Millions of Kenyans need secure and dignified living spaces, making it critical for stakeholders—government entities, private sector actors, civil society, and local communities to come together.
Key areas of discussion highlighted include: Innovative financing mechanisms for affordable housing projects, including public-private partnerships, green financing, and community-based funding models; Integrating Infrastructure Development with Land Allocation including issuance of titles; Private Sector-Driven Enterprise Creation in Affordable Housing Projects; and Supply Chain Optimization and Local Manufacturing for Affordable Housing; social infrastructures which is essential for creating vibrant, sustainable communities; and the need to develop comprehensive urban plans that integrate climate resilience at every level including housing, infrastructure, transport, and public spaces targeting the urban poor.

Kwale Governor H.E Fatuma Achani has been hailed for the significant advancements in healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, and economic growth among others in her County. Speaking during the activation of the G7 Strategy at the Kwale Teachers Training College in Kwale County, H.E Fatuma Achani enumerated the milestones achieved across various sectors during her tenure. “Under my administration, we have opened more than 300 companies for women groups as part of the women empowerment efforts. Additionally, in the last financial year, more than 30 women groups received tenders to do business with the County Government of Kwale,” added H.E Achani.
The G7 Strategy activation in Kwale brought together Women Governors, Elected Members of Parliament and County Assemblies, the CS for Health Dr. Deborah Barasa, Eminent Women leaders from all over the country, Development and Non-governmental partners and residents of Kwale County. Kwale is the 4th woman-led county to launch the strategy at the local level following the Kirinyaga County chapter activation in September. “Despite the elusive two thirds gender rule, significant strides have been made with more women being elected to gubernatorial slot deposit pulsa positions in the second cycle of devolution. The vision of the G7 strategy is to increase the representation of women at all leadership and decision making levels and together, we can move from G7 to G24. H.E fatuma Achani has proven that indeed women leadership works,” noted Kirinyaga Governor H.E Anne Waiguru. Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga further echoed the clarion call – G7 to G24, emphasizing the need for increased women participation and representation across from the grassroots to the national level.
Her counterpart H.E Cecily Mbarire of Embu commended H.E Fatuma Achani for being the first female muslim to be elected as a governor in Kenya, having previously served as the Deputy Governor in Kwale for 10 years.
“Women leaders are faced with many challenges. It is therefore important for all actors, including both men and women, to support women leaders to deliver on the devolution agenda and bring the much needed transformation for the growth of our communities and economy,” added H.E Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos.
Nakuru’s Susan Kihika joined her colleagues in applauding the work undertaken in Kwale County by the women leaders at all levels led by H.E Fatuma Achani. “I have learnt a lot and l intend to replicate the development projects in Kwale in my own county, especially the Oncology Centre,” she added while thanking the CEO CoG Mary Mwiti for her exemplary leadership and commitment to service.
The G7 members visited key development projects in the County including the newly launched Oncology Centre at Kwale Sub-County Hospital, Kwale Audio-Visual Recording Studio, the Kwale Stadium, and the Renal Unit and ICU at Kinango sub-county Hospital.
Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa pledged the commitment of the National government in ensuring the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and providing quality healthcare to all Kenyans. “The achievements made in the health sector in Kwale are indeed admirable and we will work together with the County Government and all stakeholders to improve health service delivery to our people,” she added.
The event also saw the launch of a Ksh. 20 million NAVCPD grant that will be allocated to the Saccos in all the 20 wards in Kwale County. Women groups were also given LPOs to do business with the County Government. The G7 Strategy provides a detailed framework that guides our collective efforts in realizing the true potential of devolution in Kenya while amplifying the voices of women in leadership.
Let us all join hands in championing for inclusivity, development and women leadership.