Ichung’wah Bill seeking to scrap development authorities draws resistance from residents

After Kikuyu legislator Kimani Ichung'wah introduced the Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026, more stakeholders have rejected the bill in its entirety, calling it a reversal of grassroots gains.

Residents from across ten counties have voiced their opposition to the closure of regional development authorities, saying the institutions have enhanced the lives of marginalised communities and catalysed the delivery of critical projects at the grassroots.

In public participation forums held in Isiolo and Narok counties, beneficiaries of the Ewaso Ng’iro North and Ewaso Ng’iro South development authorities, respectively, called for the institutions to be strengthened through internal restructuring and additional resource mobilisation.

“The role ENNDA (Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority) plays is crucial to the livelihoods of people in Northern Kenya. Abolishing it will threaten the livelihoods of residents. Despite the Equalisation Fund and the limited allocations to our counties, this region still requires additional support and initiatives to address development disparities and marginalisation,” said Jillo Buke, a resident from Isiolo.

Jane Lesabadei, a resident of Marsabit, added: “We rely on pastoralism and face many challenges during drought. ENNDA has helped us a lot as women through the gums and resins project. We now earn income, save money and are more financially independent than before. We used to lose children due to hunger and malnutrition, but access to food has improved. Our lives have changed tremendously.”

During a public participation meeting at Maasai Mara University, residents of Narok, Kajiado, Nakuru and Nyandarua counties outlined the benefits of the Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority (ENNDA), including the provision of clean water and employment opportunities for local residents.

“Wakati hakuna ENNDA, tumekuwa tukiiona ile Narok hapa ilikuwa imekufa. Saa hii barabara tunaona, mashule ndio hiyo tunaona. Naona maji iko wapi? Sasa ndio maana tunafikishia Rais hiyo rambirambi,” said Narok resident Leleshwa Ole Mtandao

Sayanka Ole Kuse, from Kajiado, adde: “Kutoa hizi authority ni kumaliza huduma kwa raia. Tunaomba hiyo, inafaa wapewe nguvu, wapewe pesa wafanye kazi, sababu sisi hatujui chochote kutoka Nairobi.”

The bill seeks to abolish six regional development authorities and transfer their assets and liabilities to the National Treasury, in a move expected to eliminate overlapping functions between the national and county governments.