Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned county chiefs against pursuing development projects that run parallel to those of the national government, arguing that Kenya’s economy can only grow if both levels of leadership move in the same direction.
Kindiki, who spoke on Monday at his Karen residence during the 28th sitting of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), said national and county governments must treat the economy as one system.
“We cannot afford to have conflicting priorities. The country’s economic agenda has to be shared between both levels of government if we are to make real progress,” he told the forum.
The DP outlined areas that, in his view, demand joint attention: stabilizing the economy, pushing agricultural and livestock value-chain reforms, building supportive infrastructure, creating jobs, and improving both education and healthcare.
He warned that duplication of projects has slowed growth in the past and insisted that stronger collaboration is the only way to speed up service delivery.
On the sticky issue of pending bills, Kindiki urged leaders to seek lasting, innovative solutions, stressing that unresolved debts continue to choke counties and businesses alike.
He also defended Taifa Care, the government’s universal health plan, calling it one of the boldest public healthcare undertakings globally—one that Kenya is determined to make succeed where others have failed.
Turning to devolution, Kindiki described it as the “heartbeat” of the Constitution, saying it brings decisions closer to citizens and disperses power away from Nairobi. He added that Kenya must build 47 county-driven growth hubs instead of relying solely on the capital.
But behind the DP’s words was a sharp undertone: counties that fail to align with State priorities risk stalling their own development—and perhaps igniting a silent confrontation with Nairobi’s center of power.
