A journey of transformation: Ten years of devolution in Kenya
As the sun sets over the sprawling landscapes of Laikipia County, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we have embarked upon over the past decade. As the Governor of this vibrant County, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact of devolution on our communities.
When I first assumed office as Governor, devolution had just arrived, bringing with it a decentralized format of leadership and resource dissemination. The 2010 Constitution had given birth to county governments, and expectations ran high among citizens and community leaders. Devolution was seen as a means to empower communities directly, as power was now in the hands of local leaders who emerged from within our own localities.
However, the initial years of devolution were not without challenges. We faced a steep learning curve, as we grappled with the devolution of functions amid limited resources. Resource mobilization and access were challenges, often creating a disconnect between expectations and the actual inflow of funds. Yet, in some of the marginalized areas, this was the first time communities felt that the government had truly reached out to them.
As the Governor of Laikipia County, my first priority was to streamline our county activities. We tackled issues that had plagued our communities for years, such as cattle rustling, which had been a source of conflict. By collaborating with local stakeholders, we prioritized addressing these challenges and gradually expanded our efforts to other sectors. We established dispensaries to enhance healthcare and promoted communal empowerment through women’s business groups.
We also worked tirelessly on the formulation of the County Integrated Development Plans (CIPD), ensuring that our communities could witness the positive impact of effective leadership. Today, the impact of devolution is undeniable. Access to services has seen phenomenal growth, and leadership at the grassroots level has been greatly improved. Communities now have a stronger voice, better accountability, and increased access to resources. Devolution has brought our communities together, unlocking the potential and skills of individuals, and enabling everyone to benefit from its fruits. Rural areas now have improved access to essential services, leading to an enhanced quality of life.
One of the most significant outcomes of devolution is the empowerment of individuals to compete at various levels within the county. Our citizens are now encouraged to start their own businesses and pursue opportunities within their communities, rather than feeling compelled to migrate to urban centers like Nairobi. Devolution has nurtured a sense of ownership and pride among our people, as they actively contribute to the development and prosperity of their own localities.
The structure of devolved governments has fostered a higher sense of accountability. Senators hold governors answerable for their actions, ensuring that non-performing leaders are not re-elected. This mechanism guarantees that new leadership prioritizes the people’s interests and effectively serves their constituents.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of devolution. As one of the founding governors during its implementation, I have seen firsthand the initial challenges and the subsequent establishment of strong foundations. Building these foundations has allowed us to sustain the government and bridge revenue gaps. In Laikipia County, we continue to work cohesively, holding consultative meetings to drive progress. We are establishing innovative hubs across various sectors, such as agriculture and aggregation centers, to promote economic growth and development.
Despite the remarkable progress we have made, challenges still lie ahead. Development partners, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), play a crucial role in supporting our efforts. They provide technical and financial assistance in areas such as climate change, youth empowerment, gender equality, and healthcare. Collaboration between the Government, communities, and external stakeholders will enable us to overcome these challenges and continue the positive trajectory of devolution.
UNDP’s involvement has been instrumental in promoting growth and addressing gaps in the implementation of County Integrated Development Plans (CIPD) across all counties. Their support has ensured that county specific projects align with the CIPDs, and they offer the necessary expertise to promote key priorities and bridge implementation gaps.
Moreover, donor partners, including Sweden and sister UN agencies, have played key roles in establishing county government structures, promoting the implementation of CIPDs, and specifically focusing on infrastructure development. Their contributions have been invaluable in advancing the goals of devolution, fostering sustainable development, improving service delivery, and contributing to the overall progress of devolution in Kenya.
I am filled with pride and hope for the future. Devolution has truly transformed leadership and empowered our communities. It has allowed us to dream big and work collectively towards a better future. Together, we will continue on this path of progress, embracing the challenges that lie ahead, and building a Kenya where every citizen has an equal opportunity to thrive.
