The transformative impact of devolution in the Tana River County

UNDP KENYA
3 min readJul 23, 2024

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Hon. Godhana Dhadho, Governor Tana River County

As the Governor of Tana River County, I am privileged to share the incredible story of how devolution has brought about a profound transformation in our region. Through this remarkable governance system, our voices as citizens are finally being heard, and our aspirations are shaping the future of our development.

Since the implementation of devolution, we have witnessed remarkable progress in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance. Our commitment to fostering public participation and accountability has empowered us to actively engage in decision-making processes, ensuring that our actions align with the needs and dreams of our community.

One of the most significant impacts of devolution is in healthcare. By allocating resources to our various wards, we have brought essential services closer to the grassroots level. Hola Hospital, our primary healthcare facility, has been upgraded with specialized units and improved healthcare services, leading to a remarkable improvement in the quality of life for our residents. We have invested in state-of-the-art medical equipment, including a high dependency unit (HDU) and a comprehensive maternity wing, catering to the unique needs of our patients. Moreover, the provision of dialysis services, capable of serving up to 10 patients daily has reduced the burden of long-distance travel. Devolution has truly empowered our community to take charge of their health and well-being.

In the agricultural sector, devolution has played a crucial role in boosting food security and improving the livelihoods of our farmers. By leveraging our local resources and partnering with organizations like the FAO, we have implemented innovative agricultural programs. Through specialized training, modern farming techniques, and improved access to markets, our farmers have increased productivity and contributing to our economic growth and sustainability.

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure for economic growth, we have invested significantly in road networks, bridges, and critical infrastructure projects. These developments have connected our communities and opened opportunities for trade and investment. Reliable infrastructure is essential for the prosperity of our region, and we are committed to providing our residents with the necessary means to thrive.

Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of our devolved government. We have established structures to ensure that our actions and decisions are open to scrutiny. Through public participation forums, we actively engage with our citizens, allowing them to express their views, ask questions, and hold us accountable for our promises. This feedback loop enables us to better serve our constituents and ensures that our development initiatives align with their needs and aspirations.

Devolution has also created space for civil society organizations to flourish and contribute to the betterment of our county. Recognizing their expertise, resources, and diverse perspectives, we have fostered collaborations with local and international partners. Through these partnerships, we have strengthened our capacity to address challenges, ranging from environmental conservation to youth empowerment.

Together, we are working towards a more sustainable and inclusive Tana River County. Looking ahead, we remain committed to harnessing the power of devolution to drive positive change. Our focus is on prioritizing the welfare of our residents and seeking innovative solutions to address their needs. We strive to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, provide quality education and healthcare, and improve the overall well-being of our citizens. Our vision is to build a future where every individual in Tana River County can thrive and fulfill their potential.

Through devolution and partnerships with organizations such as UNDP and other UN sister agencies, we have entered a transformative era in Tana River County. Significant progress has been made in healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance, positively impacting the lives of our residents.

We have empowered our communities, strengthened democracy, and fostered sustainable development. As the Governor of Tana River County, I am dedicated to upholding the principles of devolution and working tirelessly to create a prosperous future for our county and its people.

Together, we will continue building a vibrant and inclusive Tana River County for generations to come.

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UNDP KENYA
UNDP KENYA

Written by UNDP KENYA

In #Kenya, UNDP works with the Government and communities towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic and human development. https://www.ke.undp

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