Devolved units not ready for duties, new study shows

By Roselyne Obala

Nairobi, Kenya: As the row over transfer of functions to counties rages, a survey to gauge the preparedness of the regional governments to discharge the expanded mandate exposed inadequacies.

The Standard has established that a report by private consultancy firm, The Horn Consult Limited, on Quick Readiness Assessment (QRA) for the transfer of functions to county governments, a self-assessment of Uasin Gishu County revealed that it was not ready.

The report dated May 31 noted that the county was not ready to assume the devolved functions, according to TA chairman Kinuthia WaMwangi’s letter to the governor Jackson Mandago dated July 15.

“The purpose of this letter is to request the county government and the respective line ministries to study the report, paying particular interest to the interventions highlighted,” read WaMwangi’s letter.

He continued: “This report will also be a useful guide when applying for transfers in your county and while undertaking capacity development interventions.”

From the QRA, it is clear that there is shortage of individual capacity at the county with the respondents indicating low number of skilled personnel in their respective areas of operation hence a need for capacity assessment to point out the gaps.

However, Governor Mandago questioned the criteria that was used in undertaking the study.

The situation is similar in other counties with Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya questioning how the firm arrived at its verdict that his county was 60 per cent ready.