Kisumu, December 19, 2025 – Financial expert Dr Akali Agembe has urged county governments in the Nyanza region to reevaluate their development approaches, warning that poor management of public resources has deprived residents of the full benefits of devolution.
Dr Akali spoke in Kisumu on Friday night during celebrations marking his graduation with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Business Administration, specialising in Finance, from Kisii University. He said development across the region remains far below expectations despite years of devolved governance.
He noted that many residents continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities, a situation he described as troubling. According to Dr Akali, voters entrusted county administrations with resources and authority to improve their livelihoods, but that responsibility has not been adequately met.
“The minimal development being recorded in most Nyanza counties is worrying and falls short of the objectives of devolution,” he said.
Dr Akali attributed the slow pace of development to weak planning and poor financial management, arguing that county governments have not sufficiently utilised available professional expertise. He challenged governors and senior county officials to involve qualified financial experts to enhance transparency and ensure public funds are invested in projects with lasting impact.
The financial expert also used the occasion to launch his book, Financing and Governance Growth Strategy for Driving Performance in Emerging Firms. He said the concepts outlined in the publication apply not only to the private sector but also to public institutions, including county governments.
“County leaders must rethink their strategies if they are to achieve meaningful transformation in this region,” he said, adding that accountability and sound planning are critical to economic growth.
Dr Akali, who serves as Director of the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority, also commented on the ongoing debate over political leadership and kingpinship in Luo Nyanza. He urged leaders to shift their focus from succession politics to development priorities.
He said leaders within the broad-based government should concentrate on delivering tangible benefits to residents instead of engaging in political rivalries. According to him, key development needs in the region include improved roads, a reliable water supply, the establishment of markets and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
“The Luo community should leverage its presence in government to push for development rather than compete over political supremacy,” he said.
Dr Akali added that the gains realised so far under the broad-based government arrangement remain insufficient compared to the region’s needs. He called on cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and other senior civil servants from Nyanza to take a more active role in advancing development projects.
In addition to his professional work, Dr Akali is involved in politics. He contested the Suba North parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Election and has expressed interest in vying again in 2027.
As counties prepare future budgets and development plans, his remarks are expected to reignite debate on the utilisation of devolved funds and the effectiveness of county governments in delivering services to the people.
