Ms. Mary Mwiti, EBS

At the 79th Session of the World Health Assembly #WHA79, the Council of Governors today convened a high-level side event on Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), bringing together leaders from Kenya, Uganda and global health partners to showcase progress and solutions driving reductions in preventable maternal and newborn deaths. During discussions featuring representatives from the Ministries of Health of Kenya and Uganda, the Social Health Authority, AFENET, Digital Health Agency, Kenya Mission, GOAL 3, CHU4UHC, UNFPA, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Lwala, among other key stakeholders, leaders reaffirmed that ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths will require sustained political commitment, stronger accountability systems, investment in emergency referral support and coordinated action across governments and partners. Uganda highlighted progress made through implementation of its 2017 MPDSR Guidelines, reporting a decline in maternal mortality from approximately 600 to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, supported by a digitized National MPDSR Tracker and the establishment of 16 Centres of Excellence focused on improving maternal and newborn care. The discussions reinforced a shared global message: when leadership, accountability, governance and evidence-based action converge, maternal and newborn survival becomes measurable impact rather than aspiration. Present during the engagement was CoG Vice-Chair H.E. Muthomi Njuki, Chair Resource Mobilisation Committee H.E. Stephen Sang, Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale, CoG CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, EBS, CEO SHA Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, CEO DHA Anthony Leinayara, alongside representatives from development partners and global health institutions. @MOH_Kenya @Araap_Sang @CEOCOG @WHOKenya @WHO

I joined global health leaders and partners at the WHO SPECS 2030 side event convened by the Livelihood Impact Fund to advance conversations on eliminating uncorrected refractive errors, still the leading cause of vision impairment globally. Kenya’s experience demonstrates the transformative role of Community Health Promoters in driving awareness, early identification and referrals for corrective eye care, especially among underserved communities. Ethiopia showcased the value of integrating eye screening into routine healthcare delivery, while Nigeria highlighted how screening programmes continue to uncover hidden vision needs, including among frontline health workers themselves. As Counties continue strengthening community health systems, we remain committed to people-centred, preventive and integrated healthcare approaches that improve access, protect productivity and ensure no one is left behind in accessing quality eye care services. @WHO @WHO

Power closer to the people, resources directed to where needs exist and leadership that is accountable at the grassroots level. Devolution, stands as Kenya’s most consequential governance reform designed to confront the deep-rooted accountability deficits that once plagued our country. #google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">standardmedia.co.ke/opinion/articl…

Today, we held a fruitful meeting with the leadership of the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training (KBEST) Programme implementing team from @CICan_Kenya and the Executive Director of @crawntrustkenya Ms. Daisy Amdany to deliberate on policy and practice challenges affecting Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in our Counties. The discussions focused on strengthening access, equity, inclusion and the quality of training in county VTCs, particularly for learners from marginalized backgrounds, including women and persons with disabilities. @KenyaGovernors will continue championing policy reforms, strategic partnerships and sustainable interventions aimed at strengthening vocational training, improving opportunities for learners and enhancing the capacity and welfare of VTC trainers across the country.

Consultative engagement with County Health Records and Information Officers (CHRIOs) to align on priority actions aimed at strengthening maternal and perinatal data reporting systems, including enhancing real-time reporting for MPDSR indicators. The engagement provided updates on the IC MPDSR Initiative, the CoG MPDSR Dashboard and the GIS-enabled platform designed to improve data visualization, analysis, and response mechanisms across Counties. Strengthening data quality and reporting systems is essential in informing evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and targeted interventions that save the lives of mothers and newborns. @KenyaGovernors

Young people remain central to the future of Kenya’s agrifood systems. Through the partnership between the @KenyaGovernors and AGRA, we have developed a Model County Youth in Agribusiness Strategy to deliberately position youth at the heart of agricultural transformation. The initiative, piloted in Bungoma, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Meru, and Kakamega Counties, has already delivered a comprehensive strategy, implementation toolkit, knowledge products and 5 flagship projects to guide Counties in unlocking youth potential in agribusiness. While many young people are active in agriculture, most remain concentrated in low-value, high-risk and informal segments of the value chain. We must now create pathways for youth participation in aggregation, processing, logistics, quality assurance, and structured markets.

Mothers remain at the heart of society, nurturing values, inspiring resilience and holding communities together even in the most difficult moments. Their love, sacrifice, strength, and guidance continue to shape our families, communities, and the future of our nation. Happy #MothersDay to all mothers.

Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, stakeholder consultation and public participation are not optional—they are foundational principles that anchor governance in transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Any legislative or regulatory process must meaningfully engage citizens and affected institutions to ensure decisions reflect the collective will and lived realities of Kenyans. The Council of Governors, led by Whip H.E. Governor @BenjaminCCheboi and Legal Committee Chair H.E. Dr. @OAyacko , presented its submissions on the draft Intergovernmental Relations (Sector Forum) Regulations, 2026 before the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation. The Council underscored the need to withdraw the current draft to allow for wider stakeholder consultations and alignment with the Resolution of the Summit. Key proposals included: ✅Fresh public participation to capture all stakeholder views ✅Clear guidance from the Office of the Prime CS and the Executive Office of the President on designation of the Cabinet Secretary to sign off on the regulations ✅Alignment with the pending Intergovernmental Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Congratulations to my good friend, Dr. Douglas Bosire on his well-deserved appointment as the CEO of @nsdcc_kenya I celebrate you as a true champion of devolution and appreciate your unwavering support to County Governments and contribution to strengthening Kenya’s health systems. We look forward to deepening the existing partnership between @KenyaGovernors and NSDCC in advancing the devolution agenda.

Dear Kenyans, You are a hardworking people - among the most industrious in the world. Your dedication remains the backbone of our nation, powering progress across all sectors. At the Council of Governors, we remain committed to strengthening systems, supporting county workforces, and advancing policies that promote dignity, productivity, and opportunity for all. Happy Labour Day.

Seven months since launch, the Inter-County MPDSR Initiative is already demonstrating strong progress. I commend counties for prioritizing maternal and newborn health, and appreciate the Gates Foundation for its continued catalytic support. Our focus now must be on: ✅Strengthening national–county coordination under CoG leadership ✅Institutionalizing accountability to ensure recommendations translate into action ✅Leveraging data for timely, informed decision-making ✅Investing in sustainable, County-led solutions @KenyaGovernors in partnership with the @gatesfoundation and other key sector players, we will strengthen county capacity through training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing platforms; roll out an MPDSR tracker; and convene an MPDSR Conference to bring all stakeholders together. We must sustain momentum, deepen collaboration, and ensure every intervention counts toward saving lives.

The digital era has redefined our social interactions, how we experience the world and how we conduct business across multiple fields. The governance landscape has witnessed a major shift, with ICT and emerging technologies transforming service delivery in different sectors including finance, health, trade and citizen engagement. Kenya has emerged as a pacesetter in ICT in Africa, with its growth largely attributed to Fintech innovation, market liberalization, changing geopolitical dynamics as well as a competitive and inclusive regulatory environment. Read More... the-star.co.ke/opinion/star-b…

Strengthening retirement security is central to a resilient devolved system. The Council of Governors held a consultative meeting with the County Pension Fund to address pension sustainability, including arrears, non-remittance of contributions, and pension management for County Public Service employees. County Governments will develop and implement time-bound payment plans to clear outstanding pension arrears, guided by the multi-agency report to be tabled before the full Council for adoption and alignment on a structured repayment framework. @CPFKenya

The 2nd Joint Health Cooperation Framework Steering Committee Meeting brings us closer to a more coordinated and accountable health system under the USG–Kenya G-to-G framework. Together with partners from the US Government, National Government, Office of the Attorney General, and National Treasury, we have agreed on a clear reporting mechanism to strengthen implementation, transparency, and results. This is a critical step in ensuring health investments translate into real impact for our counties and citizens.

At the Council of Governors, we remain focused on ensuring compensation structures support effective service delivery while upholding fiscal discipline across our Counties. @KenyaGovernors @CogChair @srckenya

Honoured to have been sworn in today as Joint Secretary to the Selection Panel for the recruitment of nominees to @IGRTC_KE. I sincerely thank H.E. @WilliamsRuto for the trust and opportunity to serve in this important process. In line with the oath, We will ensure that the process is a transparent, credible and merit-based exercise that will strengthen intergovernmental relations and advance devolution.

As we navigate this loss, we find comfort in God’s grace and in the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Mum, lala salama.

I sincerely thank all who have stood with my family and I during this difficult time through your prayers, messages and presence. Your support has carried us more than words can express.

Today, we laid my beloved mother to rest. I am deeply grateful to God for the gift of her life, for her love, her strength and the values she instilled in us. She was our anchor, our guide and a constant source of warmth and wisdom.