NAIROBI, Kenya – A recent report by Twaweza East Africa indicates that a significant majority of Kenyans believe devolution has positively impacted health services in their counties. This sentiment is shared by 68% of the population, reflecting the widespread approval of devolution’s effects on local healthcare systems.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Devolution, devolution’s primary goal has been to decentralize power and enable citizen participation in governance. Speaking at the release of Twaweza East Africa’s research findings in Nairobi, Mbaika detailed the successes of devolution since its inception in 2013. These include the establishment of intergovernmental relations systems for better cooperation between government levels and enhanced capacity development for local governance.
The report further reveals that 75% of Kenyans have observed an overall improvement in services due to devolution, with 58% noticing positive economic developments in their counties. The data particularly highlights health services, with seven out of ten citizens acknowledging improvement. The report notes that women, young people, and those in the agricultural sector are more likely to perceive these improvements than their older, wealthier male counterparts.
Significant strides have also been made in governance accessibility. The study shows an increase in the ease of meeting county leaders, influencing county decision-making, and accessing information. These findings, part of a research brief titled “Power to the People: Kenyan citizens’ experiences and opinions on ten years of devolution,” were derived from data collected via Sautiza Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative high-frequency mobile phone survey. The survey engaged 3,746 respondents between July 19 and July 27, 2023.
Approximately half of the Kenyan population agrees that devolution has fostered inclusion and accountability, citing greater involvement in decision-making, increased transparency, and fairer resource distribution. Notably, 83% of Kenyans support devolution, with the highest support observed in counties like Tana River, Marsabit, Turkana, Makueni, and Elgeyo Marakwet. Furthermore, 54% of citizens believe devolution is being implemented effectively.
The report also highlights a rise in civic engagement since 2015, with increased attendance at county meetings and active participation. However, it notes that attendance and active participation in such meetings are predominantly by men, older individuals, and those in rural areas.