By Peter Mwibanda.
NAIROBI, KENYA.
Twelve years ago, devolution promised to bring government closer to the people, spur equitable development, and end decades of centralized neglect.
Today, that vision is faltering under the weight of entrenched graft with county halls emerging as epicenters of looting.
From Okoth Obado’s turbulent tenure in Migori to Ferdinand Waititu’s upcoming high-profile trial, the list of governors facing corruption charges is a stark indictment of how devolution has been exploited for personal gain.
Auditor General reports tell a familiar story: inflated tenders, ghost projects and public funds diverted into private accounts while essential services wither.
The consequences are visible across Kenya. Hospitals lack basic medicines. Boreholes and water projects exist only on paper.
County employees go months without pay. Roads are launched with fanfare and photo opportunities then abandoned half-built.
The public once promised a revolution in service delivery is left with crumbs from a feast enjoyed by the politically connected.
“Little for development a lot for thieves” has become the unspoken motto of too many county administrations.
In 2023 alone the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission investigated at least 27 sitting and former governors over billions in questionable expenditures.
Yet convictions remain rare, hampered by political patronage, drawn-out court cases and quiet settlements.
Critics say the rot is systemic fueled by weak oversight, compromised county assemblies and a national anti-corruption drive lacking political will.
Civil society leaders warn that without bold reforms devolution risks becoming a “decentralized feeding trough” for elites rather than a tool for grassroots empowerment.
Promise vs. Reality: 12 Years of Devolution
The Promise (2013)
Bring government closer to the people.
Allocate at least 15% of national revenue annually to counties.
Deliver transparent budgeting, citizen participation and rapid service improvement.
The Reality (2025)
KSh 3.2 trillion disbursed to counties since 2013.
27 governors investigated for corruption in 2023 alone.
Hospitals without essential drugs.
Ghost water projects and incomplete roads.
County workers unpaid for months.
Few convictions, justice slowed by politics and legal delays.
Ends.
