How to Ensure Quality Services in Devolution
By Ndung'u Wainaina
One of the critical features of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 is the creation of a devolved co-operative system of governance dismantling the old oppressive and skewed centralised government the country has had since 1964.
By Ndung'u Wainaina
One of the critical features of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 is the creation of a devolved co-operative system of governance dismantling the old oppressive and skewed centralised government the country has had since 1964.
It further repealed the sessional policy paper 10
of 1965, which was a defining moment in the country’s political economic
development and continue to influence policymaking.
A generic of this policy paper is the much-taunted Vision 2030, which has to be reviewed to comply with constitutional order.
The sessional policy paper 10 is a legacy of
uneven investment and exclusive development. It pre-occupied itself with
retuning good numbers on national income and growth with little concern
to the development of the people and without outlining the principles
of realizing political equality, social justice, equal opportunities and
equitable distribution, and human dignity.
The Constitution posited devolved government as a
critical development from below vehicle. The goal of this system of
governance is to establish devolved democratic developmental state while
rooting democracy and rule of law.
Practical
However, the country through the Senate is yet to
develop a national comprehensive coherent sessional policy paper on
devolved system of governance that would offer practical harmonised and
rationalised institutional guidelines.
The policy paper is a prerequisite tool in
outlining the pathways towards maximising inclusive socio-economic
growth, national cohesion identity, intra-governmental relations and
cooperation, as well as instilling the rule of law and public
participation.
People’s welfare is the ultimate objective of democratic devolved governance and ignoring them would be futile.
Strengthening democratic governance leverages on
effective service delivery and we must keep and eye on enhanced
accountability, responsiveness, transparency and participation. Already
Counties and their leadership are facing serious questions on budgeting
and development priorities.
Democratic devolved governance would definitely
imply transfer of such power, resources and responsibilities to the
democratically elected county government.
More importantly, the democratic county
governments should have sufficient autonomy to take decisions in all or
majority of important county issues. That is the key to the creation of
optimal level of service delivery at the local level.
People’s participation in policymaking and
planning is crucial for proper identification and assessment of local
needs and cost effective strategies to address them.
The writer is Executive Director, International Center for Policy and Conflict. (This Article was published in the Business Daily on Sunday 4th August 2013)
