Devolution in Kenya is anchored in Article 174 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which outlines the objectives of devolution. Article 175 further provides the principles that guide devolved governance. The system of decentralized governance aims to bring government services closer to the people and enhance accountability, equity, and participation.
1. Objectives of Devolution in Kenya
The objectives of devolution in Kenya, as outlined in Article 174, include:
- Promoting democratic and accountable exercise of power
- Ensures that power is exercised transparently and responsibly at the county level.
- Fostering national unity by recognizing diversity
- Encourages inclusivity and respects ethnic, cultural, and regional differences.
- Giving powers of self-governance to the people
- Empowers local communities to make decisions that affect their development.
- Recognizing the right of communities to manage their own affairs
- Allows communities to directly participate in governance and development.
- Protecting and promoting the interests and rights of minorities and marginalized groups
- Ensures fair representation and inclusion of disadvantaged communities.
- Promoting social and economic development and service delivery
- Brings government services closer to the people, ensuring equitable development.
- Ensuring equitable sharing of national and local resources
- Resources are fairly distributed to avoid economic disparities between regions.
- Facilitating decentralization of state organs and services from the capital
- Reduces dependence on Nairobi as the center of governance.
- Enhancing checks and balances and separation of powers
- Prevents abuse of power through a clear distinction of roles between the national and county governments.
2. Principles of Devolution in Kenya
According to Article 175, county governments in Kenya must adhere to the following principles:
- Democratic Principles and Separation of Powers
- County governments must operate based on democratic values and maintain a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative arms.
- Reliable Sources of Revenue
- County governments must have adequate financial resources to enable them to effectively govern and deliver services.
- Gender Representation
- No more than two-thirds of the members of any county representative body shall be of the same gender.
3. Why Devolution Was Introduced in Kenya
Before devolution, Kenya operated under a highly centralized government system, where power was concentrated in the national government. This led to:
- Marginalization of certain regions in development.
- Inefficiency and delays in service delivery.
- Lack of citizen participation in governance.
- Resource distribution inequalities.
The 2010 Constitution reintroduced devolution to address these challenges and enhance local governance.
Conclusion
Devolution in Kenya seeks to empower citizens, enhance service delivery, and promote equitable development. By transferring power and resources to the county level, the system ensures accountability, inclusivity, and local participation in governance.
