Your County: Will you participate?

One of the key objectives of devolution is to bring services closer to the people. It is a move from the central system of government to a government where people can contribute towards their collective economic and social welfare. Our legislators should know that it is no longer business as usual. The Constitution has placed the people at the core of every governance process either directly or indirectly through their elected representatives.

The County Government Act for instance is very clear on the role of a County Assembly representative which is to act as the intermediary between the people and the County Assembly. They are supposed to consult the electorate and present their issues in the Assembly for debate. The Governor and the county executive committee are also supposed to be accountable to the people. They should consult the people, eg through public forums before decisions affecting them are affected. Residents of a County will for instance participate in the formulation of county development plans.

I am mindful that we are fast approaching the budgetary season, if I may call it so. We are likely to see several tugs of war. One is between the national and county governments as the latter fight for their rightful share of the national revenue. The second is a fight at the county level as Kenyans seek to be involved in the budgetary process. With billions of shillings being allocated to counties, Kenyans should be keen to ensure that the funds are not wholesomely allocated to recurrent expenditure.

At the county level public participation is not an option or a recommendation, it is a legal requirement. Devolution has therefore heralded a new era whore the voice and opinions of the people matter. Governance is now participatory, it is not a matter of elected representatives alone. It is the representatives and the electorate.

However I must sound a warning that although the Constitution and various county legislations have opened the door for public participation, Kenyans must remain vigilant. I am sure some leaders will be happy if the public does not bother to participate since they will have been saved the rigorous duty of being accountable to the last coin.

If devolution is to truly succeed, you must participate fully.