Let’s focus on devolving functions to the counties

By Machel Waikenda

After independence, Kenya adopted a devolved system of governance quite similar to what we have today. However, mistrust and lack of political goodwill killed the devolution dream, but the country is now making a second stab to make it succeed.

While devolution in many countries has been anchored mostly on the sharing of political power, Kenya’s Constitution gives it a unique twist. Chapter 11 of the Constitution grants our system avenues to limit inequality, foster national unity and distribute resources.

In the referendum to change the constitution in 2010, Kenyans voted for a new system of governance that disperses real power to the grassroots. And in the March 2013 General Election, we turned this into a reality — the country now has 47 distinct governments that are inter-dependent with the national government.

There has been a lot of debate about the devolution process, especially its implementation, with some accusing the government of lacking commitment to transfer authority to the grassroots even though most of the devolved units have proved that they can function. In response, President Uhuru Kenyatta has underscored his government’s commitment to the devolution process.

Devolution is a governance system that envisages bringing government services closer to the people and giving them the first say in the running of public affairs, more so those that immediately and directly impact on their lives.

Regrettably, we have largely witnessed infighting over its implementation in the last one year forgetting the actual reason why we have fought to have devolution entrenched in the Constitution. Some misguided people harbour the notion that devolution is mostly about the transfer of political power and leadership to the counties. Not surprisingly some of our county governments appear to have relegated efficient governance models and service delivery mechanisms to a backseat and focused more on how to accumulate power and consolidate it. Some governors have been accused of lavish spending and hankering for status symbols without offering clear plans on how they will boost local economies.

Funds that have been set aside for development programmes must be used prudently. We have seen progressive county governments that have invested heavily on public services and infrastructure.

Each county has its unique qualities and we cannot really put them on the same weigh scale— counties with greater agricultural potential are likely to invest more in farming and livestock than counties that rely mining or tourism, for instance.

It is important that Kenyans support the national and devolved units of government to ensure that the original objectives of devolution are achieved.

Authority must, therefore, be people-centered and exercised from bottom up rather than the old top-down approach.

The implementation of devolution is a political process that must be handled delicately to smoothen the process. There must be political will as its implementation cannot be driven by only one section of the society or leadership at the exclusion of others.

The greatest threat to devolution will be the lack of appreciation of the roles the different levels of governments play — each must not usurp, demean or stifle the role of the other.

President Kenyatta has often reiterated that his government fully supports the devolution process and it is in this regard that Treasury allocated in the 2012/2013 budget more than 30 per cent of national revenue to the counties. According to the Division of Revenue Bill 2014, Treasury will allocate 43 per cent of the national revenue to the counties.

Therefore to harvest the fruits of devolution, we must exercise patience. That is the reality.