Devolution as a Means for Self-governance: Its Potential for Poverty Reduction in Kenya

Abstract

This study examined devolution which was introduced in Kenya at the beginning of 2013 with a view to establishing whether it was helping to reduce poverty as provided for in the Republic of Kenya Constitution (RoK, 2010). As is the case in other African countries, the majority of Kenyans are poor. We gathered data through desk reviews of relevant books, journal articles and reports and interviews with senior staff of Kakamega, Kisumu and Kajiado counties. It was evident that after abolishing Kenya's independence (1963) devolved constitution termed "Majimbo" and establishing a highly centralized governance system, Kenya implemented several deconcentration measures which included the District Focus for Rural Development, Rural Development Grants and Rural Works Program aimed at facilitating decision making and allocation and use of resources in communities. These various efforts did not lead to improvement in the country's poverty situation which stood at 56 per cent in the 1980s and 1990s. With the introduction of devolved funds such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Local Authority Transfer Fund (LATIF) in 2003, the poverty situation had reduced gradually to 46 per cent at present. We have also shown that devolution which was introduced recently with more decision-making powers and resources had potential to ensure further reduction of poverty, especially at the county and household levels.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT IN KENYA:Peoples' awareness and perceptions of their governance systems and participation in their leadership and poverty-reduction projects.

“…In their earlier study, Chitere and Ngundo (2015) found, among other things, that the three counties of Kakamega, Kisumu and Kajiado were among Kenya's 47 counties. Whereas Kakamega and Kisumu counties are in western Kenya with their indigenous inhabitants being Luhya and Luo, respectively while Kajiado to the southern part of the country is a semi-arid pastoralist whose indigenous inhabitants are Masaai.…”

“…In their earlier study, Chitere and Ngundo (2015) found that the three counties were poor when examined on the basis of indicators such as high population density, especially in Kakamega and Kisumu, low literacy rate, teacher: pupil ratio and infant and child mortality. This poverty situation was examined further by asking respondents about the needs/problems of their towns.…”

“…In an earlier study, Chitere and Ngundo's (2015) found that the counties had prepared their County Integrated Development Plans (CIDP), 2013-2017 on the basis of which projects were being planned and implemented funded by disbursements from the national treasury and from counties' own tax collections. In Kakamega, projects that were being implemented included:Agricultural such as horticulture, dairying, fish and tea farming; soft loans for farming and business; improvement of market facilities and construction or improvement of health facilities and roads.…”

“…In Kakamega, budget forums had been formed at sub-county and ward levels (Chitere and Ngundo, 2015). The problem was the extent of their representativeness.…”

“…The earlier study was published in the International Journal of Social Work and Human Services Practice an article entitled: "Devolution as a means for self-governance: Its potential for poverty reduction in Kenya" (Chitere and Ngundo, 2015). The publication presented results of a study that had examined devolution which had been introduced in Kenya at the beginning of 2013.…”