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Nadco committee promises delivery of UDA-ODM reforms
Dr Agnes Zani (centre) and other members of the committee overseeing the implementation of the 10-point ggenda and national dialogue address the media in Nairobi on January 22, 2026.
What you need to know:
- The Committee assured Kenyans that it remains on track to deliver its mandate within the set timelines.
- Committee is currently conducting public participation forums to gather views on the 10-point agenda.
The committee overseeing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)–Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) 10-point agenda has assured Kenyans that it remains on track to deliver its mandate within the set timelines, even as it urged politicians to refrain from what it described as unwarranted attacks.
The National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) said it is committed to completing its work, which it believes will help the country address and resolve long-standing challenges.
Committee chairperson Agnes Zani said early engagements had already revealed recurring patterns in the issues Kenyans consider most pressing.
Top concerns include the fight against corruption, youth unemployment, strengthening devolution and reducing the public wage bill.
Persons with disabilities have also emerged as a vocal group, decrying marginalisation and demanding a seat at the negotiation table.
The committee is currently conducting public participation forums across various counties to gather views on the 10-point agenda.
So far, it has visited Kisumu and Homa Bay, with counties such as Migori next in line.
Dr Zani said the process has created a rare and vital platform for Kenyans to articulate the challenges they face, adding that the submissions will be presented to the government for action.
“All submissions will be carefully consolidated into a final report to be presented to President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga,” said Dr Zani.
She said that Nadco's role is oversight, not implementation.
President William Ruto (left) confers with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga during the Piny Luo Festival in Senye Beach in Nyatike, Migori County on December 17, 2025.
“We will give updates on our progress. We are not the implementers; our role is to ensure that what Kenyans have requested is carried out,” she said, adding that the final report will be made public once completed.
The committee has until March 7, 2026, to conclude its task.
Despite these assurances, some politicians have criticised the committee for slow progress, more than ten months after President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed the agreement that initiated the process.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna accused Nadco of delays, claiming the committee has made little meaningful progress toward producing a final report on the issues affecting Kenyans.
In response, the committee said some politicians were deliberately misrepresenting its work.
Dr Zani explained that compiling and analysing the submissions required significant time and effort.
“We have already engaged stakeholderssome in person and others through submitted memoranda. All this is being processed,” she said. She added that consolidating the views involved a detailed review of each item on the 10-point agenda.
“When reviewing these issues, we consider what action is required and what key performance indicators will show whether that action has been implemented,” Dr Zani said on Saturday during a public participation forum at Kabunde Social Hall.
Her deputy Javas Bigambo said the committee had received strong support from President Ruto and Dr Oburu Oginga, while accusing some politicians of exerting undue pressure on the team.
“Many of the issues under review are of significant public interest, which partly explains the intense political attention surrounding the committee’s work. I would encourage politicians to give us the necessary support rather than attacking us. We do not implement policies—the implementers are the ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals,” Mr Bigambo said.
He also noted that some of the reforms Kenyans are calling for could only be realised through a referendum.
“Issues that may not be implemented by March 7 will be presented to President Ruto and Dr Oburu Oginga, along with recommendations on what needs to be done to fully implement the 10-point agenda,” he said.
During the Homa Bay forum, residents called for the strengthening of devolution, questioning the roles of ward and sub-county administrators employed by county governments. Many argued that Members of County Assembly are often more visible and accessible at the ward level.
On youth unemployment, Asego Public Litigation Forum CEO Michael Kojo argued that retired civil servants should not be reappointed to government positions.
“Most people appointed to serve in various positions are retirees. How will we address unemployment if we keep recycling leaders?” he asked.
Other residents raised concerns over resource allocation, claiming some politicians channel support only to communities they believe will vote for them.
