More than two-thirds of Kenyans support devolution - survey
From left: Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Council of Governors chairman Isaac Ruto, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana address the Press at their Delta House office in Nairobi on July 24, 2014. More than two-thirds of Kenyans support devolution, according to the latest opinion poll by Ipsos Synovate. PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI |
What you need to know:
- The survey found that 71 per cent of 18-34-year-olds supported devolution while 64 per cent of those above the age of 45 were for shifting power and resources from the centre.
- Support among those working in the public and private sector was 73 and 69 per cent respectively, meaning that public officials and civil servants showed higher support than those in the private sector.
- Only two per cent of respondents across both genders said that devolution would create jobs. Less than one per cent thought said it would create peace and promote cohesion among communities.
More than two-thirds of Kenyans support devolution, according to the latest opinion poll by Ipsos Synovate.
Support is stronger among men where 74 per cent of the respondents said they backed the creation of county governments. The support was slightly lower among women, whose backing for devolution stood at 69 per cent.
SHIFTING POWER
Support for county governments was strongest among the youth, but was progressively lower in older respondents.
The survey found that 71 per cent of 18-34-year-olds supported devolution while 64 per cent of those above the age of 45 were for shifting power and resources from the centre.
Support was almost even between urban and rural populations at 67 and 70 per cent respectively.
Devolution was most fervently supported in Nyanza where 79 per cent of the respondents said they backed they system.
Support was weakest in North Eastern Province where 57 per cent said they favoured the system.
More Christians than Muslims said they supported devolution with two thirds of the former for, as opposed to 60 per cent of the latter.
Support for county governments also increased with educational qualifications.
Eighty-three per cent of those with post-graduate qualifications support the system as opposed to 58 per cent of respondents with no formal education.
Support among those working in the public and private sector was 73 and 69 per cent respectively, meaning that public officials and civil servants showed higher support than those in the private sector.
Devolution also enjoyed greater support among the employed compared to the unemployed.
Supporters of devolution said it will bring resources closer to the people as 42 per cent said it will bring services closer to the people.
More men than women supported devolution because of decentralisation of resources.
ACCESS TO SERVICES
At the same time, more women than men supported the system because it would grant faster access to services.
Only two per cent of respondents across both genders said that devolution would create jobs. Less than one per cent thought said it would create peace and promote cohesion among communities.
Those who said they do not support devolution described it as “too expensive”. This view was almost evenly shared across the sexes, the rural/urban divide and age groups with only slight variations.
More Christians do not support devolution because of cost compared to Muslims.
