Decentralising Power: Kenya’s Bold Step Towards Enhanced Devolution

Nairobi, 

Tuesday, 17 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Kenya is on the cusp of a transformative shift in governance as the National Government advances plans to transfer key functions to counties. 

This historic move, formalised through a recent gazettement, marks a pivotal moment in the country's devolution journey. 

During the 11th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit held at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto outlined a clear directive: the necessary funding must follow the transfer of functions by the next fiscal year starting July. 

This initiative, driven by the Inter-Governmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), aims to strengthen collaboration and enhance service delivery across all counties.

Unbundling of Functions: What Will Change?

The transfer of functions from the National Government involves an in-depth process of unbundling roles and resources to empower county governments.

According to President Ruto, the functions identified for devolution include sectors integral to Kenya’s socio-economic transformation agenda.

In terms Agriculture and Food Security, Counties will have more control over agricultural initiatives, including irrigation projects, extension services, and input subsidies. This aligns with efforts to reduce food insecurity and lower the cost of living.

On the Healthcare sector, The Taifa Care programme will be integrated with county health services, addressing gaps in universal health coverage and ensuring affordable, quality care for all.

On the Kenya Kwanza Affordable Housing and Infrastructure projects, Counties will take on more responsibilities in housing projects and local infrastructure development to bridge housing deficits and create jobs.

Counties will also support small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting local manufacturing through direct investments and support frameworks.

Furthermore on Digital Technology Adoption, Counties will be empowered to implement digital systems for efficient service delivery and resource management.

The IGRTC, which oversees the transfer, is tasked with ensuring a smooth transition, allocating resources tied to the transferred functions, and resolving any disputes through alternative resolution mechanisms.

The Fiscal Framework: Challenges and Solutions

President Ruto acknowledged the financial constraints facing both levels of government, citing inherited fiscal vulnerabilities, a high public debt, and inefficiencies in revenue collection. These challenges, he stressed, are temporary and do not undermine the government’s commitment to devolution.

The President’s directive that resources accompanying the functions be included in the next fiscal budget stresses the importance of aligning financial and administrative responsibilities. 

This measure is critical for avoiding service delivery gaps, which could arise from unfunded mandates. Furthermore, consistent disbursement of allocated revenues, underpinned by recent improvements in the economy—such as inflation dropping to 2.8%—offers hope for better financial stability.

The Benefits of Enhanced Devolution

The transfer of functions comes with numerous benefits that are expected to accelerate Kenya’s socio-economic transformation, These include :

Improved Service Delivery: Counties are better positioned to address local needs and priorities, ensuring citizens access quality services faster.

Economic Growth: By decentralising resources, counties can attract investments, create jobs, and boost local economies.

Increased Accountability: With counties managing more resources, citizens will have greater oversight and participation in governance.

Bridging Inequalities: Devolution ensures that even the most marginalised regions receive attention, reducing disparities in development.

Ahmed Abdullahi, Chairperson of the Council of Governors, emphasised that devolution has already proven its capacity to deliver sustainable development from the ground up. The transfer of additional functions will solidify this progress and bring governance closer to the people.

Navigating the Challenges

While the prospects are promising, the transition is not without hurdles. The scale and ambition of projects like Taifa Care and the Social Health Insurance Fund highlight the complexities of implementation. 

Operational challenges, coupled with historical inefficiencies in counties, call for robust frameworks to ensure accountability and efficiency. 

President Ruto’s call for unity of purpose and collaboration between both levels of government is essential to overcoming these constraints.

Additionally, the need for dispute resolution through the IGRTC cannot be overstated. By adopting alternative mechanisms, the government hopes to avoid protracted legal battles that could derail progress.

Why This Matters

Devolution has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s governance since its inception in 2013, empowering counties to take charge of their development. However, this transfer of functions signifies a new phase, where counties will play an even more central role in the country’s socio-economic transformation.

By decentralising decision-making, power, and resources, Kenya is not only enhancing efficiency but also reinforcing the constitutional promise of bringing governance closer to the people. 

As Deputy President Kithure Kindiki aptly put it, "Devolution ensures services are brought closer to the people, decentralising decision-making and power."

The transfer of functions from the National Government to counties represents a bold step towards achieving sustainable development. It reflects a commitment to strengthening the devolution framework, fostering interdependence between levels of government, and ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind. As President Ruto noted, “Our relationship must be built on consultation and cooperation.”

With counties set to take on greater responsibilities, the next phase of Kenya’s devolution journey promises to unlock unprecedented potential for growth, equity, and innovation. 

The success of this initiative will ultimately depend on sustained collaboration, effective resource management, and unwavering commitment to the principles of devolution.