Devolution is working, Uhuru asserts

President Uhuru Kenyatta has rubbished claims of incompetence within the Devolution Ministry.

Speaking in Eldoret while flagging off road works equipment to build 1500 kilometres of rural roads and murram for at least 250 kilometres for Uasin Gishu County, the president said that  “This is a clear sign that devolution is working and this is what the people of Kenya expected when they voted for the Constitution in 2010.”

Kenyatta further noted that devolution has opened doors of opportunities through investments, adding that a lot was being done in the counties through the help of the national government.

The President termed those claiming that devolution was becoming a failure as individuals who have lost touch with the reality in the country.

“I am impressed that devolution is transforming the lives of Kenyans in many counties in this country contrary to claims by some individuals that it is becoming a failure,” said President Kenyatta.

“I wish to particularly commend some counties for using the resources they get prudently to engage in projects which can uplift the lives of the people,” he added.

Kenyatta dismissed those who are lying that the economy has collapsed, saying development projects he has launched and commissioned during his tour are a testimony that the economy is “safe and in steady hands”.

The Head of State said the government would continue working closely with the county governments in ensuring that devolution becomes a success.

On his part, Deputy President William Ruto said devolution remains key to the delivery of services at the grassroots.

“I want to particularly commend Uasin-Gishu County Government for the great work it is doing for its people. It is clear that devolution is working well for the people here,” the Deputy President said.

This comes amidst calls for Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru to resign over corruption allegations in her docket.

Waiguru has been implicated in two major sagas; the National Youth Service (NYS) saga where Ksh791 million was lost and a recent report that showed inflated prices of basic items by her ministry.

The asset register for the financial year 2013-14 showed that the ministry procured 18 male and female condom dispensers at a cost of Ksh450,000 and 20 ballpoint pens at Ksh174,000.

Additionally, the ministry is said to have bought Kaspersky anti-virus at a cost of Ksh973,780 in September 2013 and Adobe InDesign CS6 software for office use at a cost of Ksh1,900,000.