Does devolution work? Successes and failures of county governments.

 

In 2010, Kenya adopted a new constitution that introduced a devolution system aimed at decentralizing governance and promoting local development. The idea was to bring government closer to the people, empower regional governments, and reduce the dominance of the national government in decision-making. Under this new system, the country was divided into 47 counties, each with its own government, led by a governor and a county assembly. The concept of devolution, hailed as a transformative approach to governance, was expected to foster economic development, improve service delivery, and address regional inequalities. But does devolution work? What have been the successes and failures of Kenya's county governments?

The Vision Behind Devolution

The primary goal of devolution was to promote inclusivity, ensuring that resources and services were distributed more equitably across the country. Prior to devolution, there were widespread concerns about the centralization of power, with a disproportionate concentration of resources and development in Nairobi and a few other major urban centers. Rural areas, particularly those in the marginalized regions of Kenya, suffered from inadequate infrastructure, poor education, healthcare, and high levels of poverty.

By devolving power, the constitution aimed to give local leaders more control over their counties' resources, enabling them to tailor policies and programs to the unique needs of their populations. It was hoped that county governments would be better positioned to tackle local issues, encourage regional economic growth, and reduce historical inequalities.

Successes of Devolution

1. Improved Access to Services

One of the most significant successes of devolution has been the increased access to services, particularly in rural and previously marginalized areas. With county governments now responsible for sectors like health, education, and infrastructure, there has been notable progress in areas such as the construction and renovation of hospitals, schools, and roads. For example, many counties have improved access to healthcare by building new hospitals or upgrading existing ones, providing essential services closer to the people.

2. Economic Growth at the Local Level

Devolution has spurred economic growth in some counties, with governors focusing on local industries such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. For example, counties like Nakuru and Kisii have seen growth in horticulture and agribusiness, contributing to job creation and economic development. Additionally, counties have established local markets and promoted small businesses, which has created more opportunities for citizens to engage in trade and enterprise.

3. Empowerment of Marginalized Groups

Devolution has also played a key role in promoting gender equality and empowering marginalized groups. The constitution mandates that a certain percentage of county assembly seats be reserved for women, ensuring that women are represented in local governance. Furthermore, some counties have adopted inclusive policies targeting youth, people with disabilities, and other disadvantaged communities, giving them a platform to actively participate in governance and decision-making.

4. Fostering Political Accountability

With the direct election of county governors and members of the county assemblies, devolution has created a new level of political accountability. Local leaders are now more accountable to their constituents, who can vote them out of office if they fail to deliver on promises. The proximity of county governments to the people has also enabled citizens to more easily voice their concerns, participate in decision-making, and hold leaders accountable.

Failures and Challenges of Devolution

Despite the successes, devolution in Kenya has faced numerous challenges that have hindered its full potential.

1. Financial Mismanagement and Corruption

One of the most glaring failures of county governments has been financial mismanagement and corruption. Numerous counties have struggled with the misallocation of funds, with reports of embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of public resources for personal gain. In some cases, county officials have been accused of inflating project costs, leading to the collapse of infrastructure projects or the non-completion of essential services. Corruption has undermined public trust in county governments and diverted critical resources from development initiatives.

2. Capacity and Human Resource Gaps

While devolution has empowered county governments, many of these local administrations lack the capacity to effectively manage resources and deliver quality services. Many counties face significant gaps in skilled personnel, including health workers, teachers, and engineers. The decentralization of services has not always been accompanied by adequate training and development of local staff, leading to inefficiencies and delays in project implementation. The shortage of qualified professionals in counties like Turkana, Mandera, and Wajir has particularly hindered the delivery of basic services.

3. Inequality Between Counties

Although devolution was intended to reduce regional disparities, it has inadvertently led to unequal development across counties. While some counties have thrived, others, particularly those in arid and semi-arid regions, continue to face significant challenges. For instance, counties such as Nairobi, Kiambu, and Mombasa have seen considerable economic development, while more remote counties like Samburu and Tana River continue to lag behind. This disparity is often exacerbated by inadequate resources and the lack of a fair system for distributing the county allocations from the national government.

4. Political Instability and Misalignment

Political rivalry between governors and county assemblies has often led to gridlock and inefficiency in some counties. In cases where the governor and the majority of the county assembly are from opposing political parties, there have been instances of stalled projects, budgetary conflicts, and a lack of cooperation in governance. This has slowed down service delivery and reduced the effectiveness of county governments.

5. Overdependence on National Government

While devolution was meant to create self-sufficient county governments, many counties remain heavily dependent on the national government for financial resources. The allocation of funds from the central government constitutes a large part of many counties’ budgets, which has created a situation where county governments are unable to generate significant revenue locally. This overreliance has weakened the autonomy of county governments and slowed down local economic growth.

Can Devolution Work?

Devolution in Kenya has shown both promise and pitfalls. Its success in bringing government closer to the people, improving service delivery, and promoting economic growth in some regions is undeniable. However, the challenges of corruption, poor governance, inequality, and underdeveloped infrastructure persist. The question of whether devolution works depends largely on the capacity of county governments to address these challenges and build stronger, more accountable institutions.

To ensure that devolution delivers its full potential, several reforms are needed:

1. Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures: A robust system for auditing and monitoring county governments is essential to tackle corruption and ensure that resources are used effectively.

2. Capacity Building: County governments must invest in training and developing local talent to improve the efficiency of service delivery. This includes training for public servants and creating partnerships with universities and private sector organizations.

3. Equitable Resource Distribution: A more equitable system for distributing resources between counties would help reduce the disparities in development. Special attention should be given to marginalized counties to ensure that they catch up with more developed regions.

4. Revenue Generation at the County Level: Encouraging counties to generate their own revenue through local taxes and other sources could reduce dependence on national government allocations and improve financial autonomy.

Conclusion

Devolution in Kenya has proven to be a mixed bag. While it has brought significant improvements in local governance, service delivery, and economic growth in some regions, it has also exposed serious challenges, including corruption, political instability, and unequal development. The system has the potential to work, but its success depends on addressing these shortcomings and ensuring that county governments have the resources, capacity, and accountability mechanisms necessary to thrive. Ultimately, for devolution to truly succeed, both the national government and county governments must work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Kenya.