Decentralization debate: counties thriving or surviving?

 

Kenya's 2010 Constitution introduced a bold governance shift, devolving power from the central government to 47 county governments. This landmark decision aimed to bring governance closer to the people, promote equitable resource distribution, and foster local development. More than a decade later, the debate continues: are Kenyan counties thriving under decentralization, or are they merely surviving?

The Vision of Decentralization

Devolution in Kenya was designed to address historical inequalities caused by centralized governance. By allocating resources and decision-making powers to counties, the government sought to:

Improve service delivery.

Enhance citizen participation in governance.

Stimulate local economic growth.

Reduce regional disparities in development.

Counties were tasked with managing key sectors, including health, agriculture, water, and infrastructure, while the national government retained responsibility for security, foreign affairs, and education.

Success Stories: Counties Thriving

Several counties have demonstrated the potential of devolution:

1. Makueni County: Under Governor Kivutha Kibwana, Makueni became a poster child for successful devolution. The county invested in healthcare, establishing the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital, and pioneered public participation in budgetary processes.

2. Kisumu County: Kisumu has leveraged its geographical position along Lake Victoria to become a regional trade hub. Investments in infrastructure, such as the Kisumu Port, have spurred economic growth.

3. Mandera County: Previously marginalized, Mandera has made strides in healthcare by building referral hospitals and increasing access to education, significantly improving residents’ quality of life.

These success stories highlight how counties with visionary leadership and strategic planning can thrive under devolution.

Challenges: Counties Merely Surviving

Despite notable successes, many counties face significant challenges that hinder progress:

1. Corruption and Mismanagement: A lack of accountability has led to widespread misuse of funds in counties. Reports from the Auditor General frequently reveal unaccounted expenditures and inflated project costs.

2. Overreliance on National Transfers: Most counties depend heavily on allocations from the national government, with limited capacity to generate their own revenue. This dependence leaves them vulnerable to delayed disbursements, which disrupt service delivery.

3. Capacity Gaps: Many counties struggle with inadequate technical expertise to plan and implement development projects effectively.

4. Political Interference: Conflicts between governors and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) often derail progress, with some assemblies prioritizing political battles over governance.

5. Uneven Development: While some counties thrive, others lag due to poor leadership, historical disadvantages, or lack of resources.

The Role of Citizens

Citizen participation is a cornerstone of devolution. However, low levels of public involvement in decision-making and budgetary processes hinder accountability and transparency. Empowering citizens to actively engage with county governments is essential for effective governance.

Are Counties Thriving or Surviving?

The answer depends on where one looks. Some counties have effectively utilized devolution to transform service delivery and drive development, showcasing its potential. However, many counties are merely surviving, bogged down by corruption, inefficiency, and financial constraints.

The Way Forward

To ensure all counties thrive, Kenya must address the systemic challenges hindering devolution:

1. Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Implement strict measures to curb corruption and ensure public funds are used effectively.

2. Enhance Revenue Generation: Counties should diversify their revenue streams by investing in local industries, tourism, and trade to reduce reliance on national transfers.

3. Capacity Building: Invest in training for county staff to improve their ability to manage resources and deliver services.

4. Promote Equity: Address disparities by allocating more resources to historically marginalized counties to level the playing field.

5. Encourage Citizen Participation: Educate and empower citizens to engage with county governments, ensuring their voices shape development priorities.

Conclusion

Devolution remains one of the most transformative aspects of Kenya's governance system, with the potential to accelerate development and reduce inequality. However, its success depends on addressing systemic challenges and fostering leadership that prioritizes service delivery over politics. As the decentralization debate continues, the question is not whether counties can thrive but whether the political will and collective action exist to ensure they do.