County governments want functions devolved fully, but are ill-prepared to handle them

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and CoG Chairperson Anne Waiguru hand over the overall presentation and documentaries award to Nakuru governor Susan Kihika after the closure of the 2023 Devolution Conference on August 18, 2023. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

As Kenyans take stock of the 2010 Constitution, devolution stands out. Through devolution, rural Kenya has been opened up through investments in road networks. For once, no region can claim not to have an inch of tarmac road.

County headquarters have been spruced up, giving far-flung residents a feel of civilisation as they can access supermarkets, banks, good hotels, traffic lights, high-rise buildings and piped water without travelling to the city. On the flip side, devolution has its own fair share of challenges, including costly administration through over-representation, wanton corruption, unfocused leadership, cronyism, endless bickering pitting the assembly against executive and the worst, the near collapse of health services in most counties.