Friday, 4 April, 2025
State Department for Devolution Nominee pledges to enhance accountability and collaboration in devolution๐ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ, ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ
Principal Secretary nominee for the State Department for Devolution, Mr. Michael Lenasalon, has pledged to eliminate corruption and foster collaboration among key stakeholders to improve service delivery within the devolution sector.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Development for his vetting, Mr. Lenasalon emphasized the need to address gaps in county revenue collection.
โWith my experience at the Kenya Revenue Authority, I will leverage my expertise to digitize revenue collection systems and ensure accountability in resource management,โ he stated.
His appearance followed a notification from the Speaker (No. 003 of 2025), dated 26th March 2025, which relayed a message from His Excellency the President.
In accordance with Articles 132(2)(d) and 155(3) of the Constitution, the President nominated fourteen individuals for appointment as Principal Secretaries.
Parliamentary approval of such appointments is guided by the Constitution, the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Peter Lochakapong (Sigor), sought to understand the nomineeโs strategies for ensuring transparency and integrity in the devolution space.
A software engineer by training, Mr. Lenasalon cited his extensive managerial experience and commitment to inclusive governance.
He highlighted the importance of public participation in decision-making processes as a way to understand citizensโ needs and craft localized solutions.
โI believe in involving the public to ensure that policies and programs truly reflect the needs on the ground,โ he said.
Hon. Kazungu Tungule questioned the nomineeโs motivation for seeking the position;
โYou seem to have a good job. What drives you to pursue this appointment?โ he asked.
Mr. Lenasalon responded by sharing that growing up in a minority community inspired him to seek leadership roles that would allow him to influence policy and promote inclusive development.
Vice-Chairperson Hon. Paul Abuor praised the nominee on his understanding of devolution.
Mr. Lenasalon acknowledged that while legal frameworks exist, counties must be granted greater autonomy to deliver effectively.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening monitoring and evaluation tools to track performance and ensure accountability.
When Hon. Mary Emaase inquired about his approach to dispute resolution, Mr. Lenasalon expressed his preference for resolving conflicts through management structures rather than court interventions.
He further committed to advocating for equitable allocation of funds to marginalized communities to ensure fair distribution of development initiatives across the country.
On the matter of insecurity in the North Rift, Hon. Lochakapong posed a question on how he would address the issue using a whole-of-government approach.
Mr. Lenasalon stressed the need for collaborative, inter-community dialogue, noting that historical ethnic conflicts required long-term, negotiated solutions involving both leaders and community members.
Hon. Peter Nabulindo (Matungu) raised concerns over widespread corruption in counties, particularly in employment practices, which he attributed to political interference.
In response, Mr. Lenasalon promised to align county work plans with budgets and to strengthen county public service boards.
He stressed the importance of ensuring these boards operate independently and adhere strictly to public service policies.
Recognizing that the Committee plays an oversight role over the devolution docket, Hon. Khamisi Chome urged the nominee to regularly engage the Committee if appointed, to promote transparency and provide progress updates.
As required by the Constitution, the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, and the Standing Orders, the Committee will prepare and table a report on the nomineeโs suitability for consideration by the House.