Wamalwa: No plans to merge or reduce counties

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa. [Photo, Standard]

The Government has no plans to reduce or merge the current number of counties for political or economic expediency, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has said.

Mr Wamalwa said Kenyans were comfortable with the current devolution units which have become important cogs in national development.

He said although devolution was just a ‘six-year-old baby’, it should continue to be nurtured since its future is bright.

“If you ask any Kenyan they will happily tell you that they have ’seen the Government’ since the advent of devolution six years ago with massive development never witnessed since independence,” he said.

Wamalwa, however, admitted there were existing and emerging challenges which various stakeholders continue to address.

He said this at Kerugoya Boys High School where senators, ward representatives and county staff played football on Monday evening.

The Council of Governors Deputy Chair and Murang'a County boss Mwangi wa Iria, noted that corruption had cost the country dearly.

Host governor Anne Waiguru said her county does not have a stadium where a function of national magnitude can be held.

“We look forward to seeing a modern stadium where we can host national events,” she said.