Building good county governance means strong economy and more jobs

The promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 was a watershed moment for the country. 

After many years of a centralised authoritarian governance and reward-punishment model of development, Kenyans were ushered to a new path of equity, inclusion, participation, and sustainable development in the form of devolution.

Deepening democratic local governance is essential to meeting modern day challenges.

It is the basis of building a stronger, prosperous, cohesive, democratic, and inclusive country. 

Thus, good local governance practices, a stronger inclusive economy, tackling crime, and a proper functioning democracy are indisputable tools for waging war against youth unemployment, economic exclusion, gender disparities, terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism. It is the path to strengthening a sense of belonging and building resilient communities. 

Kenyans realise that building an effective local democracy is an inclusive political process based on dialogue and local ownership. The sustainability of democracy and its institutions is dependent on its ability to change the lives of ordinary people and ensure the success of quality service delivery.

County governance that successfully delivers creates hope and guarantees economic freedom and thriving rule of law and local democracy.

WORK TOGETHER

Kenyans have tasted devolution. The challenge is to build inspiring county democratic institutions, active citizens, and a responsible political governance system.

International friends and partners of Kenya need to work together with county governments, civil society, and local populations to improve public sector management, economic policy-making, and political governance. Civil society remains a vital force and partner in creating and shaping local participatory democracy. County governments, for their part, need to improve their economic and political governance through a better management of resources and creating an enabling environment for sustainable inclusive local economic development.

There is a need to establish a clear understanding of the role and capabilities of county governments, identify strengths and capability gaps, and develop actions to build county governance that is sustainable, efficient, effective, and responsive to the community’s needs.

More than any other sector, the county government serves and engages with communities and local businesses every day. It must look into its own resources, structures, and performance.

How well county governments perform impacts on how well communities and citizens prosper and succeed. Continuous strengthening of county governance institutions, processes, and systems is a necessity for delivering quality public and social services. County governance leadership needs to be bolder in providing solid policy strategies for the greater prosperity and wellbeing of communities.

NEED TO IMPROVE

Strengthening small and medium businesses is a step towards prosperity and creation of quality jobs for young people. Small and medium business should be given incentives such as tax credit to grow and expand.

It is clear that county governments need to improve, particularly in three broad areas.

First, strengthening performance in governance systems, managing finances, making good spending decisions, and delivering value for money. Secondly, strengthening local policy and governance systems to achieve strategies for developing greater prosperity and wellbeing of communities.

Finally, improving communication and interaction with the public and various other sectors for better understanding of what the county government is doing and providing people with the opportunity to have their say.

The reputation of local government is influenced by perceptions of performance. This can be improved by making sure service delivery does not deteriorate in the areas that are doing well and improving those areas that are performing poorly.

Economic development requires investment. Spending and short-term narrow focus are harmful. County governments need to make decisions that, although unpopular in the short term, will be beneficial over time.

The writer is the executive director, International Centre for Policy and Conflict. [email protected]