In a symbolic and high-level transition that signals continuity in Kenya’s ongoing devolution agenda, Mr. Michael Loikenu Lenasalon has officially taken over as Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Devolution.
The handover ceremony, held at Teleposta Towers in Nairobi, marked the formal departure of Ms. Teresia Mbaika, who has been redeployed to the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development under the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
Mr. Loikenu, an accomplished public administrator with over two decades of experience in governance and intergovernmental relations, steps into the role at a critical time for Kenya’s devolution journey.
He most recently served as Director of Devolution Affairs at the Council of Governors (CoG), where he was instrumental in advancing county capacity-building, fiscal decentralization, and inter-county collaboration.
“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this mandate,” said PS Loikenu during the ceremony. “I step into this office deeply aware of the progress made, and I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to drive deeper integration, stronger institutions, and more equitable development across our counties.”
Ms. Mbaika, who served as Devolution PS since 2022, leaves behind a record of advancing robust frameworks for coordination between national and county governments. Known for her results-driven leadership, she emphasized the importance of institutional partnerships in delivering on the promise of devolution.
“As I transition to a new portfolio, I take pride in the partnerships we have built—within government and with our development partners—that have helped bring services closer to the people,” Ms. Mbaika noted. “I have full confidence in Mr. Loikenu’s ability to steer this department forward.”
The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), a key player in Kenya’s devolution architecture, expressed strong support for the incoming PS. Mr. Victor Odanga, IGRTC’s Director of Programs, lauded the seamless transition as a testament to institutional maturity.
“Mr. Loikenu is no stranger to the devolution space. His expertise and deep understanding of the sector make him the right person to guide the State Department during this next phase,” said Mr. Odanga. “IGRTC is keen to continue its collaboration under his leadership as we consolidate gains and tackle emerging challenges in intergovernmental coordination.”
Stakeholders from the Council of Governors, development agencies, and representatives from county governments were also present, underscoring the significance of the handover.
“This is more than a change in office—it’s a renewal of our shared commitment to making devolution work,” said Ms. Ann Wanjiku, a policy advisor with the Council of Governors. “We look forward to enhanced synergy and leadership that puts counties at the center of Kenya’s development agenda.”
The State Department for Devolution plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s governance ecosystem, serving as a linchpin in ensuring effective service delivery, capacity development, and the institutionalization of intergovernmental mechanisms.
With his proven track record and collaborative leadership style, PS Loikenu is expected to bring fresh momentum and strategic focus to Kenya’s evolving devolution landscape.
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