kenyancitizens support decentralization, advocate for the disbursement of undistributed local funds
In a recent survey conducted by the Kenya Devolution Sector Working Group (KDSWG) and Twaweza, it has been revealed that Kenyans largely support the devolution process, introduced in 2013, but face critical challenges that need immediate attention.
The survey highlights a strong public approval for devolution, with 71.2% of Kenyans remaining satisfied since its inception. The main benefits cited include improved access to services (66%) and greater citizen inclusion (13%). However, concerns about county funds withholding by the national government, poor accountability, weak public engagement, and uneven service delivery have also been raised.
A significant finding is that 74.2% of citizens oppose the national government withholding allocated funds from counties, and 76.7% want these funds released immediately to maintain essential county services. The survey also reveals that 58% of Kenyans have never seen county planning consultations, according to WOHAD Chief Executive Officer Halima Shariff.
The survey results underscore a paradox: strong faith in devolution but deepening frustration with national leadership. This frustration is reflected in the growing dissatisfaction with national leadership and governance, including undemocratic tendencies and restrictions on free expression, as reflected in related Twaweza surveys.
Regarding the 2025 Devolution Conference, KDSWG views it as a critical opportunity to address these issues, particularly the release of withheld funds and reinforcing accountability mechanisms. The conference is also seen as a chance to pass the long-delayed national public participation bill.
Recommendations implied by these findings include the immediate release of withheld county funds to sustain service delivery and respect constitutional devolution commitments. The need for strengthening accountability and transparency in county engagements and public participation, ensuring citizens see and influence county planning outcomes, is also emphasized. Enhancing public engagement so that citizens have meaningful opportunities to participate and receive feedback on devolved governance processes is another key recommendation. Lastly, reinforcing democratic freedoms and governance reforms at the national level to support effective decentralized governance and citizen rights is suggested.
Interestingly, the survey shows that 30% of Kenyans have greater trust in Gen Z to act in the public interest than in traditional institutions such as the presidency, Parliament, or police. However, most Kenyans did not report incidents due to fear, mistrust, or lack of awareness.
The survey also reveals low confidence in government accountability. 68.7% are dissatisfied with resource management, 76% with contract transparency, and 72.4% have witnessed bribery or misuse of resources. Nearly three-quarters of Kenyans say the outcomes of public participation are rarely shared.
In summary, while Kenyans largely back devolution and appreciate its benefits, addressing financial blockages, improving accountability, and enhancing citizen participation are essential to fulfill its promise ahead of the 2025 Devolution Conference.
- Beyond politics and general news, the issue of county funds withholding by the national government has emerged as a significant concern in business, especially in terms of policy-and-legislation, as it directly impacts service delivery in Kenyan counties.
- The 2022 Twaweza survey indicates that war-and-conflicts might not be the only factors leading to migration in Kenya, as 76% of Kenyans express dissatisfaction with the current government's resource management, encouraging some citizens to contemplate moving elsewhere.
- Crime-and-justice is becoming an increasing concern across all age groups in Kenya, as shown by the survey findings, which reveal that 72.4% of citizens have witnessed bribery or misuse of resources.
- Kenyans are facing critical challenges in the areas of policy-and-legislation, including the slow progress on passing the national public participation bill, which is crucial for enhancing public engagement and ensuring citizen inclusion.
- Accidents, fires, and other unexpected incidents are met with mistrust and lack of awareness in the Kenyan community, as illustrated by the survey results, which show that most Kenyans did not report incidents due to fear, mistrust, or lack of awareness.
