Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has warned that corruption and poor accountability in some counties are slowly undermining the progress made under devolution and damaging public trust in county governments.

Speaking on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Kingi criticised a number of governors for failing to honour invitations to appear before Senate committees to explain how they have used public funds. He said this behaviour not only hurts the working relationship between the Senate and counties but also weakens efforts to promote transparency.

“Corruption and weak accountability systems in some counties continue to threaten devolution,” he said. “The failure by some governors to appear before the Senate to account for public resources is very regrettable and unacceptable.”

Kingi also pointed out that in some cases, Senate committees have been met with open hostility during county visits behaviour he described as harmful to the spirit of cooperation in governance. He urged leaders to avoid letting short-term politics get in the way of long-term development goals.

“The greatness of a nation is not found in the shine of its capital city, but in the dignity of its villages,” he added.

The Speaker praised the Senate’s contribution to strengthening devolution over the past decade, saying the institution has been a key driver in ensuring counties function effectively.

He noted that the Senate has allocated nearly Sh4 trillion to counties through revenue sharing laws, anchored oversight through standing committees, and passed important legislation such as the County Public Finance Amendment Act, which gives county assemblies financial independence.

Kingi highlighted the recent passage of the Fourth Revenue Sharing Formula for 2025–2030 as an example of unity and teamwork in the Senate, a shift from the bitter divisions that often marked similar debates in the past.

However, he warned that persistent challenges including duplication of roles between national and county governments, low revenue collection at the county level, political infighting, and delays in releasing county funds continue to hold back progress.

He gave the example of Meru County, where at one point there were two assemblies, two clerks, and two speakers due to leadership disputes.

“To secure the next decade of devolution, we must act decisively and work together,” Kingi urged. “Devolution is not a final destination; it is an ongoing journey that demands vigilance, courage, and commitment.”