Governor Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir County, Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG), has praised Kenya’s development partners for their pivotal role in transforming counties through effective collaboration.
Speaking at the 13th Development Partnership Forum held at the Official Residence of the Deputy President in Karen, Nairobi, Governor Abdullahi highlighted the tangible impact of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in strengthening hospitals, boosting agriculture, and fostering hope in classrooms across the nation’s 47 counties.
The forum, convened by Deputy President H.E. Kithure Kindiki under the theme “Enhancing Effective Development Cooperation,” brought together Cabinet Members, Principal Secretaries, senior government officials, and representatives from development agencies, including ambassadors and heads of agencies.
Governor Abdullahi described the event as more than a review of ODA progress, stating, “This Forum was not just a review of progress on Official Development Assistance. It was a reaffirmation: that together, we will steward every resource with prudence and purpose.”
The Council of Governors, representing Kenya’s devolved units, expressed deep gratitude for the sustained support from development partners.
“On behalf of the Council of Governors, I extend deep appreciation to our development partners, represented by their Excellencies the Ambassadors and the heads of agencies for walking with us,” Abdullahi said in a statement shared on his official social media platforms.
He emphasized the transformative outcomes of these partnerships, noting, “From stronger hospitals, to thriving farms, to classrooms filled with hope, our collaboration with development partners is delivering tangible results aligned with our national priorities and shared vision.”
The forum underscored the critical role of ODA in supporting Kenya’s devolution agenda, with counties like Wajir, Lamu, and others benefiting from projects in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Governor Abdullahi reaffirmed the commitment of Kenya’s governors to transparent and accountable resource management, stating, “As Governors, we commit that every shilling mobilized will be used transparently, accountably, and effectively in all 47 Counties.”
This pledge aligns with Kenya’s constitutional principles of devolution, as outlined in Articles 174 and 201, which emphasize accountability, public participation, and equitable resource distribution to promote sustainable development.