It is only in Kenya where a leader can yearn to be praised, respected and honoured for doing nothing.
At a time when counties are expected to drive development and improve the lives of ordinary citizens, a growing number of leaders are facing scrutiny over what many describe as misplaced priorities and underwhelming delivery.
The contrast has become sharper following renewed debate sparked by a widely circulated card questioning development in Kiambu County. In the card, Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo raises concerns about the authenticity and source of funding behind projects associated with Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi.
However, the figures and visible projects emerging from Kiambu paint a different picture, one that is now forcing comparisons across counties.
Kiambu’s development record raises questions elsewhere
Kiambu County has, in recent months, showcased a series of tangible projects that are difficult to ignore.
These include the construction of 512 ECDE centres, the establishment of 6 Level Four hospitals and 26 Level Three hospitals, and the installation of 12,000 solar streetlights.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga speaks during a past event. Photo: Governor Gladys Wanga Source: Facebook
In addition, over 600,000 farmers have reportedly benefited from farm input programmes aimed at boosting food production and rural incomes.
These are not abstract plans or promises. They are physical projects that residents can see, access and benefit from daily.
The scale and spread of these developments have inevitably raised uncomfortable questions in other counties, particularly those where residents continue to grapple with poor healthcare, inadequate infrastructure and stalled projects.
Homa Bay under scrutiny as priorities questioned
Attention has increasingly turned to Homa Bay County, led by Governor Gladys Wanga, where critics argue that the pace and visibility of development do not match public expectations.
The debate has been fuelled further by the same card featuring Millie Odhiambo, which questions Kiambu’s achievements. While the intention may have been to cast doubt, it has instead triggered a broader national conversation about performance and accountability.
Observers note that while some counties are investing in healthcare, early childhood education and agricultural support, others appear to lag behind, with limited flagship projects to show for allocated budgets.
Residents and analysts are now asking a simple question: if one county can deliver hundreds of classrooms, dozens of hospitals and widespread agricultural support, what explains the gap elsewhere?
The issue is no longer about political rivalry. It is about measurable outcomes.
As Kenyans become more informed and more demanding, leaders across the country are likely to face increasing pressure to justify their track records not through statements or deflections, but through visible, impactful development.
The comparison between counties such as Kiambu and others now serves as a benchmark, one that may redefine how performance is judged in devolved units moving forward.
