Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has met with leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties to discuss multiple challenges facing the devolved units and the country at large.
Speaking on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after the meeting, Raila revealed that they addressed several pressing issues, including healthcare funding, county resource allocation, and infrastructure development.
On healthcare, he highlighted concerns over the contentious Social Health Authority (SHA) which has faced implementation difficulties since its inception.
“We have talked about this healthcare system—SHA—which is having serious challenges,” Raila stated.
He also addressed the financial constraints impacting county governments nationwide, noting that members of county assemblies (MCAs) expressed concerns over reduced allocations to county assemblies, an issue affecting many areas.
“We have also talked about inadequate funding currently rocking the counties, which is also a national issue. The MCAs here have raised concerns about the reduction in the allocation of funds to county assemblies, which is happening across the board,” Raila stated.
Additionally, the meeting tackled the affordable housing program, infrastructure development, and market expansion, which he noted required urgent attention.
“All these are issues that require to be dealt with,” he rallied.
Raila blamed corruption for the inefficiencies in service delivery, labelling it a major contributor to Kenya’s economic struggles.
“Our country has reached this place because of a lack of proper attention to critical issues, and pilferage is also a major contributing factor. The animal called corruption in service delivery is responsible for the lack of efficient services in the country,” he said.
Way forward
While keeping details about his future political plans close to his chest, the veteran opposition leader hinted that he would soon address the nation on the way forward.
He emphasized that Kenya’s current challenges are solvable with the right focus and leadership.
“I believe that our country is in a crisis, but this crisis is solvable, and it should be solved. I have said that I am going to say where we want to go, but generally, our country has reached this point due to negligence on critical issues,” he stated.
“I do not want to say more than that and I will be talking again soon,” Raila added.
