Devolution can fast track Vision 2030

In 2008, Kenya launched Vision 2030, a socio-economic and political blue print to transform the country into a "newly industrialised middle income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens in a clean and secure environment by 2030". This blue print is based on three "pillars": Economic, Social, and Political.

Later, in 2010, Kenyans promulgated a Constitution that saw the departure from a central government to two levels of governments; one national government and 47 devolved units known as county governments.

The blue print delineates the political pillar as one which has a democratic political system that is not only issue-based and people-centred but also result-oriented and accountable to the public.

An issue-based system is one that meets the larger interest of the stakeholders. On the other hand "people-centred" refers to an approach that involves citizens in decision making such as social justice, participation in all public policies and resource allocation processes. The people-centred approach recognises participation of the people as one of the national values and principles of governance. In addition, the Constitution provides that women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres.

Lastly, a result-oriented system is one that is not only characterized by stability and predictability but is also based on measurable outcomes. Furthermore, an accountable system is one that is open, transparent and permissive of the free flow of information whereby leaders are held accountable to the various citizens who elect them.

When we examine the various thematic areas under the political pillar within the context of devolution, it is quite apparent that devolution is a key determinant in the achievement of Vision 2030 aspirations. Firstly, Devolution is intended to be issue-based with services closer to the people.

Functions such as health, agriculture, trade and developments have been devolved. In so doing, health services have been brought closer to the citizens by the county governments. Gone are the days when citizens used to travel to former provincial headquarters for essential services. For example, we had cases whereby a person in Turkana had to travel to Nakuru to apply for a trade license. In health matters, Mombasa County is a clear indicator that in deed devolution is working.

Three open heart surgeries were successfully carried out in July at the Coast General and Referral Hospital. There are many other similar examples from further afield that clearly illustrate that devolution is on course. However, more still needs to be done to mitigate against some issues hindering service delivery in the counties such as tackling health workers strikes.

Secondly, one of the objects of devolution in the Constitution is "to give powers of self-governance to the people and enhance the participation of the people in exercise of powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them". In short, this is people-centred theme.

The inclusion of minority, youth, women and people with disabilities in the county governments is a clear testimony that the country is on the right track towards achieving  Vision 2030. For instance, last year, the Bungoma High Court nullified the appointment of 13 chief officers after a minority group "Bungomek" moved to court citing discrimination and lack of affirmative action in the recruitment process.

Thirdly, the political pillar should be result-oriented and accountable to the people.  In putting this thematic area in the context of devolution, leaders are deemed to be accountable to the people who elected them. This is a prominent feature especially when citizens question the county governments' usage of public funds.

While devolution may not be the panacea to all the challenges facing a third world country like Kenya, it is one of the many frameworks that offer an appropriate platform that may be used to achieve a globally competitive and prosperous nation.

Other critical ingredients would include advancement in technological innovations, the entrepreneurial spirit, a wide pool of educated and skilled personnel, and adherence to the rule of law, peace and stability.