When the Kenya’s 2010 constitution and it’s centerpiece the Devolution act was endorsed. Devolution stood out as one of the most celebrated promises which was a sign of response to decades of centralized misrule and marginalization.
It promised to bring services closer to the people, enhance democratic participation and ensure resources are equally distributed across the 47 counties. More than a decade later, devolution has registered undeniable successes like various development yet equally overshadowed by challenges that cannot be ignored. It is time for Kenya to take an honest relook into the devolution act and the broader devolved governance with the aim of strengthening it.
One of the most persistent and damaging part of the Devolved structure is the cost of governance. The creation of 47 counties which has complete executives, assemblies and public service has led high wage bill. Study reveals that over 50 percent of revenue generated by the government is used to cater salary payments to civil servants which is a more dangerous thing to a country like Kenya which is struggling to grow economically. Cabinet secretary for treasury was lamenting that they are struggling in paying of employees due to high wage bill. This clearly shows that a system this radical needs serious pragmatic relook.
Weakened internal controls is also another rampant issue which is to be rechecked. Despite the existence of County assemblies and other oversight bodies, reports of resource misappropriation and lack of transparency remains rampant . There is a huge leakage in devolved government where budgets are being over spent , funds meant for for services like health, infrastructure and education are not reaching to intended projects.
County governments are failing to follow procurement laws and public management laws as well not complying with financial regulations that are put in place which has made Devolution ineffective. However, Devolution catalyzed the growth of ethnicity and political division. Initially devolution aimed to reduce ethnic competition at the national level but instead it has just devolved to the lower level.
Counties were divided according to communities which share same ethnic values which has turned counties into political ” bedrooms” thus raising concerns over exclusion of minority communities in the counties, unequal distribution of resources, border disputes and politicization of public appointments. An evaluated devolution law should be be incorporated so that it ensures stronger inclusion of minority groups and having a well structured public participation processes for protecting the marginalized groups.
Kenya does not need less Devolution but it just needs better Devolution. Revisiting and relooking at the Devolution Act is not failure but a sign of maturity and governance evolving. The 2010 constitution laid a strong foundation and no clear shortcomings should be treated as sacred. Kenya should just revisit it and make Devolved structure better for the better future of the country.
