Kericho: Kericho Governor, Dr. Erick Mutai, has hailed devolution as one of Kenya’s most transformative governance reforms, saying it has enabled counties to deliver development directly to citizens and accelerate investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mutai made these remarks during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Chelilis Primary School in Chemosot Ward, Bureti Sub-County. He emphasized that the country’s journey in self-governance has been strengthened by devolution, which continues to empower communities through improved service delivery and locally driven development programmes.
Dr. Mutai stated, “Devolution has brought government closer to the people and enabled counties to respond more effectively to the needs of wananchi.” He added that the progress observed in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure demonstrates the benefits of resources and decision-making being taken closer to the grassroots.
The Governor’s comments were made as the nation celebrated Madaraka Day under the theme ‘Education, Skills, and the Future,’ which aligns with Kericho County’s dedication to investing in human capital for long-term socio-economic transformation.
During the celebrations, Dr. Mutai led a moment of silence in memory of the 16 students who recently lost their lives in the Utumishi academy fire tragedy, including two from Kericho County. He emphasized the importance of strengthening safety measures in learning institutions across the country.
He announced that education stakeholders in Kericho County would soon meet to review safety standards in boarding schools and develop measures to improve emergency preparedness and response systems. He stressed the collective responsibility of safeguarding learners, involving government agencies, school management boards, teachers, parents, and local communities.
Dr. Mutai highlighted the county’s achievements in technical and vocational training, revealing that over 5,000 youths have graduated from county-supported vocational programmes, with another 5,000 currently in training. The county has established seven new vocational training centers and expanded existing ones to enhance skills training.
In Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), the County has constructed 129 ECDE centers and confirmed 1,107 teachers and 31 coordinators to improve learning quality and service delivery, aiming to provide children with a strong educational foundation.
In agriculture, Dr. Mutai congratulated Kericho coffee farmers for topping the Nairobi Coffee Exchange in the 2025/2026 season, delivering over 4.2 million kilograms of coffee valued at approximately Sh3.65 billion. He attributed this success to investments in extension services, farmer support programmes, and value chain improvements.
He urged patience among tea farmers as reforms continue in the sector, expressing optimism that ongoing energy-related projects and other interventions will lower production costs and improve returns in the long term.
Beyond education and agriculture, Dr. Mutai outlined progress in healthcare, water supply, infrastructure, and industrialization, highlighting initiatives such as health facility expansion, water projects, road maintenance, street lighting, and the development of the Kericho County Industrial Park.
Dr. Mutai called for continued unity, accountability, and hard work among residents, emphasizing that sustainable development requires collective effort and responsible leadership. He urged leaders and citizens to protect the achievements of devolution and create opportunities for a better future for coming generations.
