Devolution and public participation

Devolution is the transfer of power, resources and functions from the national government to county governments. It was introduced by the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and started after the 2013 general election.

Objectives

• Bring services closer to the people.
• Promote fair sharing of resources.
• Give people power to make decisions on matters that affect them.
• Protect minorities and marginalised groups.

Functions of county governments

Agriculture, county health services, pre-primary education (ECDE) and village polytechnics, county roads, trade licences, water and sanitation services, and county planning.

Public participation

Citizens take part in decisions through public forums (barazas), commenting on county budgets and bills, petitions and voting. Every county must allow public participation.