Devolution is one of the most transformative changes introduced by Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. It brought power closer to the people by creating 47 county governments, each with its own leadership, budget, and responsibilities. But how exactly does devolution work in Kenya?
In this article, we break it down in a simple and clear way.
What is Devolution?
Devolution is the transfer of power, resources, and responsibilities from the national government to local (county) governments. The main goal is to promote local development, ensure equitable distribution of resources, and allow citizens to participate in decision-making at the grassroots level.
The Structure of Government in Kenya
Under the Constitution, Kenya has two levels of government:
- National Government
- County Governments (47 in total)
Each level is independent and performs specific functions, but they also work together in certain areas.
Key Players in Devolved Government
1. County Governor
- The chief executive of the county.
- Elected by county residents.
- Oversees county departments and development projects.
2. Deputy Governor
- Assists the governor and acts in their absence.
3. County Executive Committee (CEC)
- Appointed by the governor (with county assembly approval).
- Functions like a cabinet, in charge of various sectors such as health, education, trade, etc.
4. County Assembly
- Comprises Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
- Responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and providing oversight.
Functions of County Governments
The Constitution assigns specific functions to county governments, including:
✅ Health services (like hospitals and clinics)
✅ Early childhood education
✅ Agriculture support and extension services
✅ Local infrastructure (roads, markets)
✅ Trade development
✅ Water and sanitation services
✅ County planning and development
What the National Government Handles
The national government still manages key responsibilities like:
✅ National security
✅ Education (universities and secondary schools)
✅ Foreign affairs
✅ Immigration
✅ Monetary policy
How Counties Get Their Money
Counties need money to deliver services. They get funds from:
- Equitable Share: A percentage of the national budget allocated to counties (at least 15%).
- Conditional Grants: For specific projects like health or roads.
- Own Source Revenue: Counties can collect revenue through fees, licenses, property taxes, etc.
- Donor Funding: Some counties get development aid from international partners.
Why Devolution Matters
Devolution aims to:
- Bring services closer to the people
- Create equal development across Kenya
- Encourage citizen participation
- Reduce regional disparities
- Increase government accountability
Challenges Facing Devolution
While devolution has achieved a lot, it faces challenges such as:
❌ Corruption and misuse of funds
❌ Delays in fund disbursement
❌ Political conflicts between governors and MCAs
❌ Lack of skilled personnel in some counties
Success Stories of Devolution
Despite challenges, many counties have made great progress. For example:
- Makueni County built a public health insurance scheme for its residents.
- Kakamega County launched dairy projects that increased local income.
- Uasin Gishu County invested in agricultural support, boosting food security.
Final Thoughts
Devolution in Kenya was designed to make government more responsive, efficient, and inclusive. When it works well, it improves lives at the grassroots. But to succeed fully, it needs transparency, citizen involvement, and continuous support from both levels of government.