Devolution at 12…wasted public funds…Photo/Courtesy.
By IP reporter.
NAIROBI .
When Kenyans voted for the 2010 Constitution, devolution was its most celebrated promise.
It was meant to bring government closer to the people, end decades of marginalization and spur development across 47 counties.
Twelve years later, critics say it has largely devolved corruption, not development.
From Promise to Plunder.
County governments once hailed as engines of innovation have become strongholds for political dynasties and tender cartels.
Governors, the so-called grassroots CEOs, often operate like warlords protected by tribal loyalty rather than the rule of law.
Auditor-General’s findings highlight the scale of abuse:
Siaya: Millions paid for “completed” projects that never broke ground.
Turkana: Billions allocated for water projects; residents still walk hours for unsafe water.
Kiambu: Road costs inflated up to triple market rates only for the roads to crumble within months.
Bungoma: Ghost workers on the payroll for years without reporting to work.
County Halls as Cartel Headquarters
Members of county assemblies (MCAs), tasked with oversight are accused of colluding with governors.
Alleged rewards include ward bursaries, inflated allowances and cash handouts disguised as “development facilitation.”
Oversight bodies such as the EACC and Senate Public Accounts Committee often generate media drama but deliver few convictions.
Governors under probe frequently return to high profile public events cutting ribbons on incomplete projects.
Devolution at a Glance:47 counties created by the 2010 Constitution.
Sh370 billion allocated to counties in the 2023/24 budget.
Over 60% of county budgets spent on salaries and perks.
Governors jailed for corruption since devolution began.
The Betrayal of the Ordinary Kenyan
Kenyans feel the impact in daily life:
Drug shortages in hospitals while officials drive Sh20 million luxury SUVs.
Leaking market stalls while counties host five-star “investment summits.”
Youth programs promised but never delivered leaving unemployment stubbornly high.
Breaking the Cycle of Looting:
Governance experts say the devolution dream can still be rescued if bold steps are taken:
Jail corrupt governors convictions not cosmetic suspensions.
Slash recurrent expenditure reduce the 70% spent on salaries and perks.
Open the books and make county spending data available online in real time.
Vote out thieves and reject leaders based on ethnic loyalty or token favors.
“Either citizens reclaim devolution through reforms and accountability or accept that the only thing truly devolved is theft.” Governance analyst, Nairobi
Ends.
