Strong devolution would be Raila's illustrious legacy

Former Prime Minister and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Students of Kenyan politics know former Prime Minister Raila Odinga did not get the type of devolution he wanted.

During the constitutional review process that birthed the 2010 Constitution, he was initially in the camp that preferred a dozen or so strong regional governments (of the immediate post-independence kind) to the 47 counties. His side lost, and instead of majimbo, they got vijimbo.

The challenges facing the 47 counties notwithstanding, devolution remains the crown jewel of the 2010 Constitution.

By taking government close to the people, the counties are important laboratories of democratic self-government; not to mention important checks against presidential favouritism along ethnic or partisan lines.

For around 15 per cent of the budget, we have provided a whole new set of public goods and services. For the most part, that is money that might have been squandered by the national government. That is progress that we should certainly build on.

Yet for all its benefits, it is a curious thing that our politicians largely refuse to see devolution as a potential mechanism of accelerating our political and economic development.

It was not a major issue in the 2022 presidential election; and since then, has taken a back seat to myriad other concerns. Meanwhile, the National Treasury routinely delays disbursements of appropriated county budgets - a fact that severely limits county government's ability to effectively do their job.

The same pattern of always neglecting devolution is evident in the demands made by Azimio coalition as a condition for pausing weekly street protests. Given the importance of devolution, I would have expected Azimio leadership to push for further strengthening of devolution.

Such a move would be in their self-interest. If you cannot win State House, you might as well ensure counties have sufficient powers to improve the welfare of ordinary Kenyans (while also benefitting those at the top of the socio-economic ladder, like politicians).

Furthermore, popularity of devolution means that entrenching it would also be good politics.

Cynics can be forgiven for abandoning all hope for Kenyan politicians being mindful of the general will. However, it is important not to lose hope and to keep reminding them of how transformative devolution has been for many Kenyans.

As such, Azimio should ensure devolution is an important part of the agenda should a window open for structural reforms.

-The writer is an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University