lowereas
Makueni County has once again emerged as a benchmark for effective devolution, following a high level endorsement by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) implementation team during an assessment visit held in Wote on March 10, 2026. The delegation, led by Agnes Zani, singled out the county’s governance model as a national success story crediting much of the progress to the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.
The team commended Governor Kilonzo Jr. for his hands on, disciplined leadership style that has consistently prioritized citizen needs.
His administration’s commitment to inclusive governance has anchored Makueni’s reputation as a pioneer of bottom up development, where community voices directly shape planning and budgeting processes.
NADCO officials noted that under the Governor’s stewardship, Makueni has institutionalized structured public participation, ensuring that development priorities reflect real community aspirations. This people centered approach has not only enhanced transparency but also strengthened trust between the county government and its residents.
A key highlight of the visit was the county’s strong synergy between the executive and the County Assembly an achievement the committee described as a model of constitutional accountability. This collaborative governance framework has enabled the efficient implementation of policies and oversight mechanisms that safeguard public resources.
Governor Kilonzo Jr.’s administration also received praise for its performance in local revenue generation and integrated governance systems, which have enhanced service delivery across sectors. The Ward Development Fund was particularly recognized as a transformative tool driving equitable resource distribution at the grassroots level.
Further reinforcing Makueni’s progressive stance, the NADCO team applauded ongoing efforts to operationalize the one third gender rule, signaling the county’s commitment to inclusive leadership and gender equity.
The endorsement positions Makueni not just as a county performing well, but as a national reference point for how visionary leadership and community driven governance can translate devolution into tangible development outcomes. 
ENDS///…
