I find myself in a rare position: agreeing with Anyang’ Nyong’o in his exchange with my friend and elder brother, Moses Otieno Kajwang.
That said, I do not support the governor’s choice of language, particularly toward accounting professionals.
Let’s be clear the structure of devolution is not the issue. The real challenge is a lack of commitment to good governance. Both governors and senators have fallen short on accountability, transparency, and meaningful citizen engagement.
Despite its challenges, devolution has delivered significant and unprecedented progress. Since 2013, many previously marginalised communities have seen real transformation.
Today, areas that once lacked basic services now have hospitals and functioning public institutions. These are tangible gains that cannot be ignored.
Any proposal to reduce the number of counties is misguided and regressive. It must be firmly rejected.
However, progress must be matched with responsibility.
Senators must take their oversight role seriously by strengthening accountability systems and ensuring proper use of public funds. Weak oversight has created room for misuse of resources at the county level.
At the same time, counties are underfunded. Governors should not be negotiating for minimal allocations they should be demanding a fair share that reflects the functions they perform. Counties deserve significantly more resources to deliver meaningful development.
The current revenue-sharing formula continues to disadvantage counties and limits their ability to serve citizens effectively.
Meanwhile, funds like CDF have grown rapidly, proving that increased allocation can drive impact when properly managed. So, is devolution working? Yes but only at about 70 percent of its potential.
The Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) debate further highlights the struggle over control of resources. Yet, devolution has already improved visibility and accountability in how such funds are used, especially at the local level.
The way forward is simple: deepen devolution and strengthen accountability. Senators must focus on their core mandate instead of undermining the very system they oversee.
Kenyans deserve development that is visible, inclusive, and responsive to their needs. We cannot reverse the progress made because of leadership failures.
Instead, we must fix leadership and protect devolution. One centralised government cannot effectively serve all citizens while county governments remain underfunded.
Devolution remains one of Kenya’s greatest achievements. It must be protected, strengthened, and made to work.
The Author is former Raila Odinga Surrogate and 2022 Youth Presidential Campaign Lead
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