Anyang Nyong’o rejects Kajwang’s proposal to reduce number of counties
Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o has rejected Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’s recent proposal to reduce the number of county governments in Kenya from 47 to just 13.
In an official letter dated Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Nyong’o criticised Kajwang’s proposal to reduce the number of counties, calling it a hasty, simplistic solution focused on easy calculations rather than considering the complex needs of the nation.
He emphasised that the original decision for 47 counties was based on thorough discussions about Kenya’s diverse regions, adding that for a serious, inclusive conversation about Devolution’s progress and challenges, rather than reducing the number of counties, the current structure should be evaluated to identify successes and areas for improvement.
“I don’t think Hon. Kajwang’s idea will help us. It is a knee-jerk reaction of an accountant mesmerised by the game of easy calculation of figures,” Nyong’o said.
“At the dawn of devolution, there were several proposals regarding how many counties were needed and appropriate for this nation. These reasons need to be considered before throwing numbers into the vague marketplace of proposals.”
The governor further suggested that Kajwang should initiate a serious discussion involving diverse representatives from various perspectives to ensure that the issue of reducing counties is carefully deliberated and resolved in a way that benefits the nation.
“I suggest that Hon. Kajwang’ should call for a serious discussion involving diverse representatives from different schools of thought so that this issue can be deliberated upon seriously and resolved in a manner that will benefit the nation,” he added.
In addition, Nyong’o expressed full support for the current structure of devolution, suggesting that it should be evaluated to assess achievements and identify areas for improvement, acknowledging any shortcomings that may have been overlooked.
“In the meantime, I submit that I fully accept the present structure of devolution. Let us evaluate it, establish what has been achieved, and identify what we could have accomplished after acknowledging some of the shortcomings we might have overlooked,” Nyong’o stated.
