US govt pledges support to devolution

Kisumu, Kenya: Development partners have reiterated their commitment to partner with the Kenyan government to ensure the devolution dream is realised.

The international community said they would continue supporting Kenya to deal with challenges that has come with devolution stressing that its realisation is not a one-time event but a process.

Speaking at the four days second devolution conference that kicked off in Kisumu yesterday, United States Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec described the two years of devolution in Kenya a success.

He lauded Kenyans for implementation of the constitution that was promulgated in 2010 thanking them for ensuring devolution works as change could clearly be seen in all counties with service delivery improved in the regions.

He added that more money was being channelled to every corner of Kenya for development purposes, terming it a mileage for the country.

While acknowledging the gains of devolution, Godec asked Kenyans who have had their expectations on high, to be patient as the implementation of a devolved system will take time.

"Even as we urge Kenyans to redouble their efforts in implementation, we stress that devolution cannot be achieved quickly since it is complex and will be achieved overtime," said Godec.

He referred the over 5000 delegates at the conference to United States history where he explained that for more than 240 years Americans engaged in a debate where on power being centralized or taken to states.

The US Ambassador however called on the national and county governments in Kenya to work together for devolution fruits to be realised fully.

"For devolution to succeed, partnership is required from all stakeholders to deal and improve on key challenges in budgeting and legislation," said Godec.

He reiterated that both governments, national and county, need to involve the public in decision making.

"Strong states embrace the power of the people and therefore the civil society is a powerful ally for both levels of government," said Godec.

Godec reassured Kenyans of US's support in fight against terror following the frequent terror attacks in Kenya, the latest being in Garissa where 148 lives were lost.

"I applaud Kenyans for their extraordinary resilience and state that we are with them during this trying moment," said Godec. "Together we shall end the scourge of terrorism, it may not be quick but we will win this battle," said Godec.

He urged the national government to involve everybody in the war against terrorism irrespective of their religion and nationality stating that the partnership Kenya has had with US for more than 51 years will not be shaken.

"Our friendship is unwavering as it is built on a strong foundation and in this time we need unity, hard work, partnership and creativity to fight terrorism and ensure devolution works," said Godec.