Kericho Governor, Dr. Erick Mutai, has hailed devolution as one of Kenya’s most transformative governance reforms, saying it has enabled counties to deliver development directly to citizens and accelerate investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Chelilis Primary School in Chemosot Ward, Bureti Sub-County, the governor said the country’s journey in self-governance had been strengthened by devolution, which continues to empower communities through improved service delivery and locally driven development programmes.
“Devolution has brought government closer to the people and enabled counties to respond more effectively to the needs of wananchi,” said Dr. Mutai, adding, “The progress we are witnessing in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when resources and decision-making are taken closer to the grassroots.”
The Governor’s remarks came as the nation marked Madaraka Day under the theme “Education, Skills, and the Future,” a theme he said resonates with Kericho County’s commitment to investing in human capital as a foundation for long-term socio-economic transformation.
In a somber moment during the celebrations, Dr. Mutai led residents in observing a minute of silence in memory of the 16 students who recently lost their lives in the Utumishi academy fire tragedy, among them two learners from Kericho County.
He described the loss as a painful reminder of the need to strengthen safety measures in learning institutions across the country.
“Parents entrust schools with the lives and future of their children. We must, therefore, do everything within our power to guarantee their safety and well-being,” he said.
The Governor announced that education stakeholders in the County would soon convene to review safety standards in boarding schools and develop practical measures, aimed at improving emergency preparedness and response systems.
He noted that safeguarding learners must remain a collective responsibility involving government agencies, school management boards, teachers, parents, and local communities.
Dr. Mutai highlighted significant gains made through county investments in technical and vocational training. He revealed that more than 5,000 youths have graduated through county-supported vocational programmes, while another 5,000 are currently undertaking training in various technical institutions.
To strengthen access to skills training, the county government has established seven new vocational training centers and expanded existing institutions through the construction and equipping of modern workshops.
The investments, he said, are helping equip young people with practical skills required in the labour market and entrepreneurship.
The Governor cited notable progress in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), where the County has constructed 129 ECDE centers and confirmed 1,107 teachers alongside 31 coordinators to enhance the quality of learning and improve service delivery.
He said the investments are aimed at giving children a strong educational foundation from an early age.
In the agricultural sector, Dr. Mutai congratulated Kericho coffee farmers for emerging as the country’s top performers at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange during the 2025/2026 season.
He noted that farmers delivered more than 4.2 million kilograms of coffee valued at approximately Sh3.65 billion, placing Kericho at the top nationally in both production and earnings.
The governor attributed the achievement to continued investments in extension services, farmer support programmes, and value chain improvements, noting that agriculture remains a key pillar of the county’s economy and a major source of livelihoods for thousands of households.
The county’s leading cash crop, tea, Dr. Mutai urged farmers to remain patient as reforms within the sector continue to take shape. He expressed optimism that ongoing energy-related projects and other interventions, would lower production costs and improve returns to growers in the long term.
Beyond education and agriculture, the governor outlined progress made in healthcare, water supply, infrastructure, and industrialization.
He pointed out the expansion of health facilities, implementation of water projects, maintenance of road networks, installation of street lighting, and the ongoing development of the Kericho County Industrial Park as some of the initiatives driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
Dr. Mutai called on residents to continue embracing unity, accountability, and hard work, saying sustainable development can only be achieved through collective effort and responsible leadership.
He noted that as the country reflects on the gains made since attaining self-rule, leaders and citizens alike must remain committed to protecting the achievements of devolution and creating opportunities that will secure a better future for generations to come.
By Gilbert Mutai
