Kenyans now appreciate the benefits of devolution

This was devolution celebration week. The negative press that tended to define conversations on devolution, ranging from MCAs travel to exotic destinations and Governors spending more time motorcading through Nairobi than resolving health in their counties was absent. In its stead were glowing accolades of gains made by counties, from dusty Marsabit to hilly Muranga!

But first a digression. One of the titillating highlights of the event was the second podium sharing by a Kenyatta and an Odinga, in Kisumu. In a case of history repeating itself, some unkind words emanated from the Odinga. Last time this happened, what followed were Kenyatta-Odinga angry exchanges, tear gas, injuries and deaths. This week was different; not only did this Kenyatta take the criticism in stride, he proceeded to visit Nyalenda, "disorganised informal residence" (I am told there are no slums in Kisumu) where he received a thunderous welcome. We surely have made some progress!

Anyway back to devolution. Even the worst pessimist will agree that despite its many challenges devolution is, relatively, one of the greatest successes of our new constitutional architecture. The most obvious effect of devolution is the distribution of resources and spread of development to hitherto unimaginable villages. Less obvious but just as important is the way devolution has dispersed leadership, thus reducing the political and social risks of the previously winner take all system. That would explain why there were no tensions in Kisumu despite the presence of the two doyens of Kenya's politics. Apart from the generally likable persona of the President and Raila's camaraderie, the reality is that Kisumu is not excluded and alienated as it did pre-devolution. Nyanza does not feel that all eggs had been placed in the Odinga basket. Consequently his electoral loss did not spell doom for the region. With devolution, there are now alternative access routes to the table where national cake is shared. Jack Ranguma, Obado, Awiti and Rasanga are now legitimate Nyanza leaders controlling significant resources which are available to these Nyanza counties irrespective of their politics.

Of course the other natural product of devolution is that it inspires hope, it tells all that there is a new template of wealth creation which could lead to improved circumstances. Old feelings of helplessness are dissipating at least in the immediate term. This naturally comes with a challenge for county governments.

In the first instance they must win the battle of perception and the conference this week was a masterpiece in this regard. The continued false narrative about the scale of wastage and corruption in the counties must be challenged continually. Yes, we have wastage and theft in the counties, but it is a drop in the ocean compared to the shenanigans at the national level.

The answer therefore is never claw back to a centralised past but an improvement of the systems of accountability, including empowering citizens to be effective watchdogs. But the fight must not be only about perception. The county leadership must invest heavily in improved service delivery, particularly in sectors like health, water and agriculture; areas which have immediate impact on the common Kenyan. There must be greater determination in growing local economies.

This brings me to security, which the Governors are craving for. In truth, the greatest guarantor of security is a functional economy in which the people thrive. This critical aspect of security is precisely why county governments exist.

Governors must focus more in ensuring a vibrant economy than on command and control of the police. This fascination of controlling APs is a relic of a discredited past. It is a shame that the governors see themselves as the new Provincial Commissioners with a politicised police force at their beck and call. Their Excellences must read the Constitution and see that the police are no longer commanded by the Executive, even at the national level, but are under independent command of the Inspector General.

What Governors need is participation and information on security matters. Fortunately, the framework for that involvement is already in law with the County Policing Authorities, which are chaired by Governors and in which all the security services in the county sit. Let us operationalise these institutions and avoid unnecessary contentions between our Governments.