Transition Authority has a race against the clock

In 2010, Kenyans voted for a devolved system of government and ensured it was embedded in Chapter Eleven of the Constitution.

With just over four months to the March 4 General Election the clock is fast ticking towards the timeline for launching the county governments in 47 headquarters across the country.

Today, a robust number of individuals, among them seasoned politicians, career diplomats, civil servants, professionals, business people, corporate gurus, and journalists have announced their intention to occupy seats and various positions in the devolved system of government.

But the big question is what structures and systems have been readied as envisaged which will transition the new band of leadership into office? There is no doubt that there are a number of Kenyans and organisations of goodwill who are devoted to devolution.

These good people offering themselves for the positions of leadership, and those planning various county meetings should orient their programmes and activities towards transition in partnership with the Transition Authority.

The Government identified the Transition Authority (TA) chaired by Kinuthia Wamwangi as the one stop shop where dialogue, planning, training, audit and varied partnerships on transition can be delivered before March next year.

The TA is charged with auditing of assets and debts of local authorities, tallying of staff of both central and local authorities, educate the public on county governments, preparing county profiles, classifying which town is a city and municipality, and assist new county officials to draft budgets.

Wrong leaders

The Authority has a tall order. It is expected to train county officials in their new duties, transfer functions originally done by national government authorities, review the performance of each county government, and report its evaluation to the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution and that of Revenue Allocation.

The process of transition to devolved governance is ticking slower than expected and the TA with minimal resources and staff is expected to guide the process smoothly albeit with resistance from those against devolution.

Requisite legislation on devolution has been enacted setting the stage for transition, but the authority requires goodwill from government agencies, civil society, donor partners and aspirants if devolution is to be ushered in smoothly in the next four months.

The Transition Authority is expected to lay basic foundation before March elections.

While recent opinion surveys show that many Kenyans are still ignorant of the dynamics of devolution, there must be resources committed for civic education to enlighten the people on the roles, functions, and exercise of power in the counties.

The knowledge gaps on the kinds of leaders required under the new system must be plugged well in advance. Every old and illiterate granny in any corner of the country needs to be made aware of the importance of electing leaders different from those she or he has voted for or against in her lifetime.

The South Consulting Report in May said about 29 per cent of Kenyans do not know the role of the governor. Worse still, about 44 per cent of citizens do not know the role of County Assembly representative. How then will they elect people whose roles they care less or know nothing about? This is a recipe for electing wrong leaders.

Experts have proposed that civic and voter education be directed at the general public and employees of devolved governments.

The transitional team comprising of four permanent secretaries – Local Government, Public Service, Justice and Finance – has been challenged to guard against manipulation by the Executive, which may have hidden interests in the transition.

Challenging times

The best these central government offices can do is to promote and facilitate the decentralisation of State organs, their functions and services from the Capital of Nairobi to the 47 counties and to enhance the separation of powers.

The gesture by Parliament to support establishment of County Assembly structures, Draft Standing Orders, and a curriculum for training those who will elected is a good call ahead of challenging times.

The Country Assemblies will require sergeant-at-arms, speakers, clerks, and above all rules and regulations, which are a replica of Standing Orders.

Political parties, too, must play their role in ensuring democratic principles prevail in the nomination and election of office bearers in the counties.

The first crop of leaders elected during the General Election would lay the foundation for a successful devolved government.