Kisumu DG: Nyong’o has zero tolerance for corruption
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Ochieng has called for decisive action against corrupt governors while emphasising that not all county leaders are involved in graft.
Speaking during the ongoing Devolution Conference 2025 debate in a TV interview on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Ochieng said those implicated in corruption should face the full force of the law without fear or favour.
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“Not all governors are corrupt. However, for those who are, they should face the full force of the law. I am glad to work with Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who has zero tolerance for corruption,” Ochieng said.
He commended the Kisumu governor’s commitment to transparency and integrity in managing county affairs.
Progress under devolution
The deputy governor also praised the achievements of devolution in transforming counties, pointing to significant infrastructure and development projects. “From piers in Homa Bay to amphitheatres in Kisumu and marathons promoting antelopes at Ruma National Park, plus new roads and hospitals, devolution is delivering results,” he said.
Ochieng noted that devolution has brought services closer to the people, boosting economic growth and social development across Kenya’s regions. He said that while challenges such as corruption persist, the gains made so far demonstrate the system’s potential to uplift communities if resources are managed well.
The Devolution Conference 2025, themed “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice”, will bring together leaders from national and county governments, development partners, and civil society to review progress and chart the way forward for Kenya’s devolved governance system.
Youth inclusion
Ochieng also addressed the issue of youth empowerment, saying both national and county governments have made significant strides in creating opportunities for young people. However, he emphasised that more needs to be done to address unemployment and ensure the youth benefit fully from development initiatives.
“National as well as county governments have created space for the youth, and we are headed in the right direction. However, they need to come together and forge a way forward to address youth and employment issues,” he said.
The deputy governor urged leaders to prioritise policies and programmes that promote job creation, innovation, and skills development, stressing that investing in the youth is key to securing Kenya’s future prosperity.
