MACHAKOS, Kenya – Wavinya Ndeti, the governor of Machakos County, has rejected criticism regarding intergovernmental cooperation in carrying out development projects, claiming that both county and national governments have constitutional obligations to enhance the quality of living conditions for their citizens.
Speaking at the Kyaume Dispensary maternity wing’s commissioning in Tala Ward, Governor Wavinya cautioned against politicising development projects, arguing that initiatives that assist locals shouldn’t be transformed into political competitions.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti during the official opening of the Kyaume Dispensary Maternity Wing. Photo: Wavinya Ndeti. Source: Facebook.
“I have so many projects as the governor of Machakos to commission that I can’t even go to all of them. There are so many of them. But anything that I work on in collaboration with the national government, then I must get involved,” said the county boss.
“We understand that water is a devolved function. It is against this backdrop that we, as the county government of Machakos, wrote a proposal to Tana-Athi on the Mwala cluster. Tana-Athi went and did the project but cannot distribute water directly to the people,” explained the governor.
Devolution as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution
Governor Wavinya reiterated that it is the work of the national government to take those ‘big projects’ and implement them.
“In this case, that money should have come to the county government to do the work, but we don’t have a problem with that. The national government through Tana-Athi has done a good job for us. They have done the Mwala cluster for us. I don’t know why people are getting agitated when I don’t have a problem working with the current government,” she added.
Serving her first term in office, Governor Wavinya observed that the 2010 Kenyan Constitution provides for cooperation between the two levels of government in implementing development programs.
The official opening of the Kyaume Dispensary Maternity Wing marks another milestone in expanding access to quality maternal and child healthcare services.
The new maternity wing will serve a catchment population of over 5,200 residents, benefiting an estimated 600 women from… pic.twitter.com/0mb09hRD3O
— Wavinya Ndeti Oduwole, EGH (@Wavinya_Ndeti) July 2, 2026
Governor Wavinya emphasised that water is a devolved function, explaining that while Tanathi develops bulk water infrastructure, the county government is responsible for distributing water to households.
Collaboration between counties and the national government
She maintained that the county welcomes all National Government-funded projects, saying the priority is to improve the lives of Machakos residents.
“The important thing is ensuring our people receive reliable water services. Any project that benefits the people of Machakos should be welcomed,” she further said.
“The Constitution is very clear: the county government must work in collaboration with the national government. And as a law-abiding citizen, I must work with the national government. If they (the national government) ask me to look for land for a particular project to be implemented for the benefit of our people, I will gladly do so.”
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President William Ruto has assented to the County Allocation of Revenue Act, 2026, paving the way for the disbursement of KSh428 billion as the equitable share of nationally raised… pic.twitter.com/cCzmHWjp3S
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Speaking at the same time, Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the two levels of government have distinct but complementary mandates in service delivery. “The project belongs to us, but the financing is by the national government,” said the deputy governor.
All projects by government should benefit Kenyans
Mwangangi dismissed claims that the county government had taken credit for national government projects, insisting the Mwala Cluster Water Project is a product of intergovernmental collaboration.
“And what I am saying is water is devolved, and that money should have come to the county in the first place for that project to be implemented,” DG Mwangangi explained.
The DG added that the county government cannot oppose projects implemented by the national government, saying every investment that improves the welfare of Machakos residents deserves support regardless of the implementing agency.
At #DevCon2025, Senate Speaker Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi reaffirmed the Senate’s role as the shield of devolution, celebrating 14 years of progress while urging integrity, timely county funding, stronger oversight & full transfer of devolved functions. #DevolutionForThePeoplepic.twitter.com/LjqwJzvqPN
Meanwhile, Peris Maingi, a resident of Chaume village in Machakos County, lauded Governor Wavinya for commissioning the Kyaume Dispensary maternity wing.
The new maternity wing will serve a catchment population of over 5,200 residents, benefiting an estimated 600 women from Sengani, Katine, Makuie, Mangauni and Manza villages.
The new Kyaume Dispensary maternity wing
Peris recounted her journey during pregnancy when she sought treatment at the medical facility before it was upgraded by the devolved unit.
“Even though I wasn’t able to come and deliver at the hospital because there was no maternity wing, today I am grateful because Governor Wavinya Ndeti has opened a new maternity wing that is fully equipped with a labour ward and other amenities needed for delivery,” she said.
In her own words, the mother of three children went on:
“This being my third child, I am hopeful that I will give birth to my other babies right here. So, thank you, Governor Ndeti, for the great work that you are doing for us, and we assure you of our unwavering support.”
No expectant mother should be forced to travel long distances to access maternity care.
The commissioning of the Kyaume Dispensary Maternity Wing represents a major step in bringing maternal health services nearer to home
— Wavinya Ndeti Oduwole, EGH (@Wavinya_Ndeti) July 2, 2026
With an average of 20 deliveries every month, Governor Wavinya indicated that the facility will enhance access to skilled maternity care, ensuring expectant mothers receive safe and timely services closer to home.
”This investment reflects our commitment to strengthening primary health care as we advance universal health coverage for Mwananchi,” the county boss further said.
Dennis Lubanga is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years experience. He has a rich and extensive focus on politics, climate change, environment, and food security. He has previously held positions at Y News Digial (Editorial Lead), TUKO.co.ke (Current Affairs Editor) and Nation Media Group (News Correspondent). He is affiliated with respected journalism programs such as The Nature Conservancy African Journalism Programme, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and African Uncensored Investigative Journalism Programme. His work has been honored in the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) among other platforms.
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