It reflects residents’ honest feedback on devolution as county targets 80% in service delivery
KISUMU, August 24, 2026 –Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has lauded the County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM) as a critical tool for citizen participation in governance, accountability and policy reform.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Directorate of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) delegation for the 2026 validation exercise, Nyong’o said his administration remains committed to socio-economic transformation, which informed its voluntary submission to the review.
“The feedback from residents was clear and constructive, recognizing our investments in vocational training, health, urban planning and the blue economy, alongside honest reflections on where we must do better,” Nyong’o said.
He described the county’s 50 percent score as a baseline for honest reflection, not a final destination.
“The 80 percent target ahead represents our shared ambition: measurable, resident-by-resident improvement in the quality of life. We embrace the challenge,” he said.
Nyong’o said constitutional mandates are clear but require adequate resources to implement, adding that the county will continue building partnerships with institutions that share its development vision.
State Department for Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr Boniface Makokha said CPRM is the domesticated version of APRM adopted by African Heads of State.
“The government is keen on participating. The final report captures citizens’ voices to both levels of government,” Dr Makokha said.
Dr Makokha said constructive feedback is helping county governments to plan better, strengthen accountability and enhance citizen participation.
“CPRM is also making the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) a reality because we put mwananchi at the centre of everything. It also allows a national conversation beyond 2030,” he said.
Later, the one-day validation exercise for the third phase of CPRM kicked off at Mama Grace Social Centre in Kisumu, where participants reviewed preliminary findings across 14 devolved sectors.
Sarah Adhiambo, a resident of Nyalenda, Kisumu, said the findings captured most issues raised during ward-level stakeholder meetings.
“We bope that the county government will improve on the existential gaps in variois sectors,” she remarked alongside the validation exercise.
The assessment is based on data collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) held in May, June and July 2026.
“This validation exercise is vital to verify the accuracy and completeness of preliminary findings derived from the FGDs,” CPRM said in a statement. “Engaging stakeholders at sub-county level ensures reports reflect the reality on the ground.”
The mechanism is anchored on peer learning, mutual accountability and inclusive dialogue among county stakeholders. It brings together a Panel of Eminent Persons, civil society actors and community representatives.
The validation will be conducted in each participating county at sub-county level, targeting two participants per ward who took part in the earlier FGDs.
The county engagement schedule will be led by CPRM panel members Amb. Rukia Subow, Pete Ondeng, Salesa Adano Abudo, Dr Hassan Bashir, Amb. Dr John Kakonge and Dr Wanjiru Kamau in Homa Bay, Migori, Meru, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kilifi and Kitui between August 24 and September 2026.
The reports will be presented to the Council of Governors at an upcoming summit in Nairobi.
