Devolution’s Success Hindered by Graft and Fund Misuse, Reveals Report
Corruption and improper use of funds, according to six out of ten Kenyans, are the most significant obstacles to the complete implementation of devolution in the country.
According to a recent report by Twaweza Kenya on the state of devolution, among the 3,746 Kenyans surveyed, 62% identified vices as the most significant obstacles.
Poor financial management was identified by 32% of respondents as the second most significant issue, followed by inequity between counties at 25% and inadequate funds at the devolved entities at 32%.
The interviews were carried out in July utilizing computer-assisted telephonic interviews with a nationally representative sample.
Participants were queried regarding the extent to which citizens perceive devolution to be effective, the industries that have been most and least affected by it, and the greatest obstacles that devolution has encountered.
In addition, they were questioned regarding the extent to which participation in the devolution process has increased or decreased over time, as well as their perspectives on the distribution of funds to the counties.
“Power to the People: Kenyans’ Experiences and Opinions on Devolution in Practice: Ten Years in Advance” is the title of the report.
Low citizen participation, delayed disbursement to counties, interference by the national government, insufficient capacity of county officials, and role overlap between the national and county levels are additional concerns raised by respondents.
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The report is being released concurrently with Kenya’s observance of the first decade since devolution was implemented.
The regional non-governmental organization Twaweza is dedicated to the advancement of open government.
As a result, 16% of Kenyans believe devolution is being executed exceptionally well, whereas 38% believe it is being executed adequately.
18 percent of respondents said it was being implemented poorly, while 27 percent were uncertain.
Regarding health services, a majority of three out of ten individuals favor county management, while four out of ten individuals advocate for national government oversight.
Accessibility is the primary justification in favor of counties, whereas capacity and quality are the primary arguments in favor of the national government.
“The most critical message is that Kenyans still do not feel that the government officials, however, near or far, genuinely take their views into account when making decisions,” James Ciera, the organization’s country lead said during the launch.
Devolution’s Success Hindered by Graft and Fund Misuse, Reveals Report
