The goal of devolved government as per Article 174 of the Constitution of Kenya is for communities to manage their affairs.

County governments have replaced the old and corrupt local authorities run by central government. But it is important that the new governors, who are in effect the chief executives of Kenya’s 47 counties, appreciate the importance of setting up properly defined systems.

Article 174, which anchors the principle of devolution, envisages the county units as beacons of accountability, something that was sorely missing in the municipalities and councils that they replaced.

The new governors must thus understand that they cannot just wake up and make decisions without consulting the people. The principle of devolution rests on a consultative process that enhances people participation.

So far the governors have begun on a wrong footing, and already are sounding no different from the local authorities they replaced where authoritarianism, self-interest and unruly behaviour was the rule of the day. Governors must distinguish themselves from the rabble that ran our old local authorities to the ground. They must be willing to listen to alternative opinion without resorting to thuggish behaviour.

Divergence of views is what makes democracy tick. And in the process of entrenching accountability, one of the biggest concerns previously expressed by the Commission for Revenue Allocation was how county units would manage funds allocated them in a proper and fair manner.

Much as they would like to sign cheques governors must remember that it comes with responsibility.

They cannot just be given the green light to spend taxpayers’ money without proper financial controls in place.

Yes, the governors are right in requesting that they be availed funds so they can get down to business, but they too must respect the principle of separation of powers. Voices of the County Executive Committees and County Assemblies are missing in the din from the governors who have adopted a herd mentality when confronting central government.

But devolution is grounded in the Constitution and anyone in central government trying to subvert the new laws must also be told they are engaged in a futile exercise.