NAIROBI: Two years since it was rolled out, it is apparent that devolution is working pretty well. Devolution is bringing out what defines us. It has showcased our diversity, strengthened our sovereignty and fostered stronger national values.
Achievements in the counties highlight the benefits of devolution. In Turkana, education received a big boost through increased bursaries. The building of more hospitals meant people had to walk shorter distances to get medical attention.
Kisii town has a 24-hour economy after the installation of 300 solar lights while Mombasa County has introduced a feeding programme for children in nursery school and in Standard One to Standard Three. The first caesarean birth since independence was carried out in Mandera. Virtually all counties have ambulance services to address cases of emergency.
Devolution is here to stay: Secondly, history has a few sobering lessons for the country about the centralised system.
We are compelled to repeat what this newspaper said last year: "For 50 long years, Kenyans were accustomed to a system of government that was far away in the capital. In Nairobi, policy wonks drew up policy papers for places they had not the least idea where they were on the map of Kenya, leading to misalignment of resources with the resulting consequence that certain areas became more developed than others. Accountability was absent and Parliament didn't enjoy the independence to hold the Executive to account. Over time, the citizenry inured itself to a system that propagated negative ethnicity, tribalism and exclusivity. The system encouraged a free-for-a-few mentality devoid of social justice and integrity and transparency. Corruption became a way of life. For many, it felt like the rungs had been removed from the ladder of opportunity.
"Devolution has given it back to them. And that is the vision the framers of the 2010 Constitution had in mind. They envisioned that the two levels would work together for the common good of the country. Many acknowledge that devolution offers a fresh breath of air. The system offers a people-centred approach to leadership, a key ingredient for development. It upholds participation and consultation and transparency. No longer will Treasury mandarins dish out money as it pleases them. It offers equality. In a nutshell, it offers to redraw the past, by correcting its mistakes. Therefore, all should protect devolution and fix the machine while it is running."
There are a few hiccups though. Some of the devolved functions like health have taken a beating, occasioning strikes and an exodus of doctors and nurses to the private sector.
Delayed salaries, poor remuneration and lack of medical supplies have been cited as reasons for the mess in medical services. Could it be that the units were not ready for the tasks? It is expected that out of the conference, clear guidelines will be set on which services ought to be devolved without compromising on quality and delivery.
Late disbursement of funds from the National Treasury which, in part, contributes to the turmoil in counties over delayed salaries, is an area of concern.
Extravagance and wastage within counties must be curbed and more emphasis placed on development and less on recurrent expenditure.
Meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly clear that corruption has found its way to the counties. To minimise leakages, institutions that fight the vice ought to be reinforced.
On the whole, it can only get better.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join