By Aoma Keziah,
A coalition of civil society groups is calling on the government to stop what it describes as deliberate attempts to weaken Kenya’s system of devolved governance.
The Kenya Devolution Civil Society Working Group (KDCWG), which brings together networks from all 47 counties, says the promise of devolution is at risk of being reversed through stalled policy reforms, illegal funding schemes, and the return of old style patronage politics.
One of devolution’s key goals was to stop local leaders from having to seek favors at State House to fund basic services. But the working group says county bosses are again being summoned to the capital to plead for development money.
They argue that new national projects and constituency-based funds are bypassing county budgets and Parliament’s oversight role.
“We are slipping back to a system where loyalty to power decides who gets roads, markets, or clinics,” said Evans Kibet, Convener of KDCWG.
The group says the national government has failed to fully hand over functions that should be run by counties, pointing out to the long delayed Omnibus Bill, which is supposed to set clear rules for how powers are shared.
They also claim the National Treasury has not released billions of shillings meant to pay for services that counties are already expected to deliver.
“ They want Parliament to add this missing money to the next budget and to make sure the Treasury does not keep control of devolved cash,” stated Sherry Muthaura, Central Region Economic Bloc.
The group has also asked the Senate to reject a fresh attempt to revive the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). Courts have ruled that constituencies are not recognized as units for development spending.
“NG-CDF goes against the Constitution. It sets up parallel structures, weakens oversight, and keeps power in a few hands,” Sherry added.
On Locked-Out Citizens, they also took aim at the annual Devolution Conference, saying it has become an expensive show for governors and senior officials, shutting out ordinary people who should have a say in how counties are run. They want future conferences to include grassroots groups and community voices, not just county elites and national politicians.
The working group is demanding passing of the Omnibus Bill and release all funds for devolved functions, stop duplication of services between the national and county governments, reject the NG-CDF Bill and uphold court rulings and open up the Devolution Conference to the public and keep costs affordable.
“Devolution was meant to bring services closer to Wanjiku, not to create new ways for a few to control public money,” underscored Halima Sharif, PWD representative.
In conclusion, the group urged Kenyans to hold leaders accountable and to defend the system that was meant to make government more transparent and fair for everyone.
Mt Kenya Times