Devolution at crossroads: Counties struggle with dependency and graft

President William Ruto and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga samples products at the Devolution Conference on August 13, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard]   

When Kenya adopted devolution in 2013, it was hailed as a transformative step to unite a fractured nation, spur grassroots development, and promote social justice.

Thirteen years later, that dream is dimmed by a stark reality: many counties remain little more than ‘distribution units’ waiting for the national government’s cheque — crippled by incompetence and riddled with corruption.