Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has commended Wajir County for its development progress since the introduction of devolution, even as the county faces criticism over the utilisation of public funds.

In a post shared on X on January 11, 2026, Mwaura said his recent visit to the county left him impressed by ongoing projects aimed at improving livelihoods.

“Let’s give credit where it’s due. Wajir County has done fairly well in its development record since devolution set in. I visited the county in the recent past, and I was impressed by the efforts to build infrastructure and empower communities through sound programmes. Some progress,” Mwaura wrote.

Debate spark

Mwaura’s comments come against the backdrop of a wider national debate triggered by remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on January 9, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference in Nyeri, Gachagua questioned why leaders from Northern Kenya counties, including Wajir, continue to seek affirmative action in national school placements.

Gachagua argued that more than a decade of devolution, coupled with substantial equitable share allocations, should have enabled counties in the region to establish high-quality schools and other public institutions comparable to those in other parts of the country.

He cited figures indicating that Wajir County has received about Ksh 99.6 billion since 2013, questioning whether the funding has translated into visible improvements in education, health, and infrastructure.

His remarks drew mixed reactions nationally, with leaders from Northern Kenya defending devolution gains while others echoed calls for greater accountability in the use of public resources.

Governor responds

In response, Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi took to X on January 10, 2026, challenging Gachagua’s assertions and defending the county’s development record.

“Let’s compare what devolution money (equitable share) has done in Wajir for the 8 years I have been a governor with any county of his choice in any region,” Abdullahi wrote. He proposed that an independent governmental or non-governmental agency conduct the assessment, with adjustments made for differences in allocations.

The governor also noted that some infrastructure developments, such as major highways and national electricity connections, fall under the national government’s mandate rather than county governments. He further stated that Gachagua had never visited Wajir during his time as Deputy President, inviting him to provide details if otherwise.