By Standard Reporter
Kenya’s effort to establish county governments has received a shot in the arm with the US set to give Sh4.2 billion ($50 million) to aid devolution process.
The US government through, US Agency for International Development (USAID), East Africa Regional Mission, will disburse the funds under Ahadi (Agile and Harmonised Assistance for Devolved Institutions) project.
The funds will be used to help strengthen governance systems of county governments, one of areas identified to be key in making the devolution process a success.
“While devolution holds the promise of potentially alleviating conflict, delivering more responsive services, and empowering citizens, it could just as easily exacerbate ethnic tension, worsen service delivery, and reinforce corruption and unaccountable governance,” reads Ahadi document available on the US government site for federal business opportunities.
“Ahadi, which means promise in Kiswahili, will strengthen the governance systems of counties, making them more competent, transparent, accountable and inclusive in their governance and service delivery.”
The news is a boost for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government, which is keen on seeing the devolution process is a success.
There has been need to increase funding to the county government with Senators urging the national government to increase allocation of funds to Sh225 billion from the current Sh210 billion.
The allocation of funds can be taken as a gesture of the warm relations between Kenya and US.
There were fears that with President Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto facing crime against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court, international community would limit financial support.
However, the US seems keen on helping Kenya undertake one of “the single most significant governance processes that it faces”.
