Robert Alai: Northern Kenya’s growth needs accountability at all levels

Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has argued that discussions surrounding Northern Kenya’s development should go beyond criticism of county governments and include accountability across both county and national levels, saying progress in the region cannot be measured without examining how resources and constitutional obligations have been implemented.

In a statement shared on X account on Friday, June 5, 2026, while responding to a question raised by journalist Jamila Mohamed on who bears responsibility for the state of Northern Kenya, Alai said the conversation must begin with a clear understanding of how national resources are shared and utilised under devolution.

Alai pointed out that counties receive only a small share of national revenue, arguing that expectations placed on devolved units must reflect the actual resources allocated to them.

“Counties receive barely 15% of national revenue (Article 203). So, before we judge the impact of that 15%, ask: what has the other 85% retained by the national government done for that region?” he posed.

Devolution impact defended

Alai defended devolution, saying it has delivered visible improvements in historically marginalised regions, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure development since 2013.

According to him, billions of shillings have been channelled to counties, the NG-CDF, and other development funds, resulting in tangible outcomes on the ground.

“The money is having an impact on the ground, even where it’s low,” he said.

He cited improvements in access to education and healthcare, including increased school infrastructure and better maternal health indicators in northern counties, as evidence of progress under devolved governance.

Equalisation Fund concerns raised

However, Alai also questioned the effectiveness of national government interventions, particularly the Equalisation Fund meant to support marginalised regions.

He argued that delays and partial disbursement of the fund have slowed development in areas that were historically underserved.

“The Equalisation Fund, created under Article 204 specifically to lift marginalised Northern Kenya, was owed KSh 60 billion. Only some KSh 13.4 billion (22%) has ever been disbursed,” he noted.

Call for shared responsibility

While acknowledging governance challenges at the county level, including corruption and mismanagement, Alai warned against dismissing devolution entirely, saying such a narrative ignores structural issues in national resource distribution.

He called for stronger public oversight, greater civic participation, and accountability at both levels of government to ensure funds are properly utilised.

“Devolution put dispensaries, boreholes, water wells, classrooms, and roads in places that had been ignored for over 50 years,” he said, adding that accountability must be continuous and shared by all stakeholders.

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