Celebrating the magic of devolution

The promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 was a watershed moment for Kenya. After many years of a centralised, authoritarian governance and reward-punishment model of development, Kenyans ushered a new path of equity, inclusion, participation and sustainable development: A constitutionally devolved democratic development state. It is worthwhile to note that bad governance, a weak economy and unequal development are today killing more people than even terrorism.

Deepening democratic local governance is essential to meeting modern-day challenges. It is the basis of building a stronger, prosperous, cohesive, democratic and inclusive country. Thus, good local governance practices; a stronger inclusive economy; using legal means in tackling crime; and a proper functioning democracy are indisputable tools for waging war against youth unemployment, economic exclusion, gender disparities, terrorism, radicalisation and extremism. It is the path to strengthening a sense of belonging and building resilient communities.