Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki underscored the transformative impact of devolution on national unity in Kenya. Addressing the 11th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House Nairobi on December 16, Kindiki praised the role of devolution as a cornerstone of governance that has helped to bind the country together over the past 13 years. Despite initial opposition, he argued, the Constitution’s provision for devolution has proven to be one of the most effective ways of fostering a united Kenya.
During the Constitution-making process, skeptics and critics argued that devolution would fragment the nation, creating regional divisions that could weaken the central government’s authority. However, Kindiki’s comments reflect a clear reversal of this prediction. “Those who opposed devolution tried to argue that it would work against national unity,” he stated. “Thirteen years later, we have established with certainty that, on the contrary, devolution is one of the governance principles and institutions that has helped build on our national unity.”
The Deputy President’s remarks came at a significant moment in Kenya’s devolution journey. The meeting was chaired by President William Ruto and was part of a broader effort to coordinate the relationship between national and county governments. The summit, which marked a decade and three years since the introduction of devolution in Kenya, focused on the continued challenges and successes of this system, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and cooperation between the various levels of government.
The Evolution of Devolution
Devolution, as embedded in the 2010 Constitution, sought to decentralize decision-making and disperse power and resources closer to the people. The objective was not only to improve governance by increasing public participation but also to expedite development at the grassroots level. As Kindiki noted, “The Constitution anticipates that the various role players in the devolution family will have issues and matters that require discussion and consultation. Whenever issues arise, the two levels of government and other role players in the devolution architecture must engage each other in the spirit of consultation, cooperation, collaboration, and mutual respect.”
This framework has been instrumental in mitigating the divisive potential of devolution. The National and County Governments Coordinating Summit, which brings together leaders from across Kenya, provides a platform for dialogue and consultation. It reflects the Constitution’s intent to create a robust mechanism for addressing disagreements and ensuring that the decentralization of power does not lead to fragmentation.
The recent summit also followed the 25th Ordinary Summit of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), where key resolutions were made, including calls for the immediate transfer of devolved functions to the counties. This was seen as a critical step in fully realizing the promise of devolution. Kindiki emphasized that such decisions are vital for the development of the country, noting, “To ensure that devolution works, not only to affirm our national unity but also to expedite the development of our country by decentralizing decision-making and dispersing power and resources closer to the people.”
A Path Forward for Kenya
Looking forward, Kindiki’s comments suggest a more refined approach to devolution, one that is based on lessons learned over the past 13 years. He highlighted the need for continuous dialogue between national and county governments to resolve disputes and address challenges effectively. “The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, expected that there would be disagreements between the various stakeholders in devolution,” he said. “It made available avenues for consultations. These are the avenues that we need to utilize more effectively.”
As Kenya approaches the next decade of devolution, the importance of the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit will only grow. It serves as a reminder that devolution is not a static process but a dynamic one, requiring constant adjustment and dialogue to ensure it meets the needs of the people. Kindiki’s statement also reflects the broader recognition among Kenyan leaders of the need to safeguard the principles of devolution against political and administrative challenges.
In conclusion, Deputy President Kindiki’s endorsement of devolution as a mechanism for national unity is a significant affirmation of the 2010 Constitution’s vision for Kenya. As the country looks to the future, the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and consultation will be essential in ensuring that devolution continues to build on the progress made over the past 13 years. The National and County Governments Coordinating Summit is a critical tool in this regard, providing a forum for engagement and a platform for resolving conflicts in the spirit of the Constitution’s promise of unity and development.
