Raila Proposes Pensions for Two-Term Governors in Push for Devolution Reform

Homa Bay, August 14, 2025 — Opposition leader and Raila Odinga proposed that governors who serve two full terms be automatically entitled to pensions. Speaking at the Devolution Conference, he argued that this should be done to honour their service and encourage good governance—just as the law already provides for Members of Parliament.

“In Parliament, we did an amendment so that any MP who serves two terms is entitled to a pension. Why can’t we do the same for governors?” he challenged delegates.

Key Proposals from the Devolution Conference

• Automatic Pensions for Governors: Raila called for legislative amendments to ensure two-term governors receive pensions similar to MPs.

• Strengthen Devolution Oversight: He criticized the Senate for summoning governors to Nairobi, asserting that county assemblies, especially their Public Accounts and Investments Committees, should be the supervisory bodies.

• Expand County Functions: Raila urged the full devolution of education (up to secondary level) and local infrastructure management—arguing national agencies should not micromanage counties.

• Incentive-Based Governance: He proposed a performance-based rewards system to incentivize counties that deliver quality services such as poverty reduction, youth employment, and environmental stewardship.

Quick Overview

Why It Matters

• Equity in Retirement Benefits: This addresses an ongoing disparity—MPs benefit from pensions, while governors, despite similar term limits and responsibilities, do not.

• Local Governance Strengthened: Giving more power to counties can streamline service delivery and reduce delays from centralised decision-making.

• Incentives Over Central Control: A reward-based model aligns success with outcomes, strengthening the devolution framework.