Devolution working, let's strengthen it

NAIROBI: Devolution is one of the key pillars of the 2010 Constitution. In the previous centralised government, decisions were made in Nairobi by Government mandarins with little or no inkling of rural Kenya. That has changed quite remarkably.

But as with all things new, it has not been an easy run. Constant disagreements between the national and county governments over funding and functions have threatened to derail an otherwise good concept. There was also fear (rightly) that corruption, wastage and inefficiency and all the bad ways of the old would migrate to the county headquarters.

Though there have cases of outright theft, abuse of office and the creeping Big-Man Syndrome, the gains far much outweigh the faults. Three years after devolution became functional; the gains are evident across the country; from infrastructural developments in roads, health, agriculture and trade. Even the remotest of villages now has a fair share of the national cake.

The healthcare system being rolled out is robust and responsive to the needs of the people: Mombasa County has had three open heart surgeries while Mandera Country had its first birth through Caesarean Section. Governance has improved a great deal too.

Moreover, the power of self-governance means the people can determine their own destinies through active participation in county government legislation. Youth, women, and the physically challenged have unmatched representation in government.

Yet this system is not without blemish: The county units rely partly or wholly on money from the national government. Last year, Sh291 billion was shared between the 47 counties. This has been a cause of constant friction and fear. Ultimately, he who pays the piper, calls the tune. Crafting ways to create more wealth and thereby ensuring a bigger cake to be shared around is critical.

Devolution holds out unmatched potential for job and wealth creation in those places hitherto abandoned by the central government. It should be strengthened.