Kenya’s 2010 Constitution introduced devolved government, creating 47 county governments alongside the national government. Understanding how these county governments work helps you know where to get services and how to hold leaders accountable.
What is Devolution?
Devolution means transferring power and resources from the national government to county governments. This brings government closer to the people and allows counties to address their specific needs.
Why Devolution?
Before 2013, the national government controlled everything. This led to:
- Uneven development across regions
- Services concentrated in Nairobi
- Local communities having little say in their development
- Resources not reaching grassroots level
Devolution aims to solve these problems by giving counties control over their own development.
Structure of County Government
Each county government has three main parts:
The County Executive
Led by the Governor, the county executive implements county policies and runs day-to-day operations. The Governor appoints a Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee Members (CECs) who head different departments.
The County Assembly
County Assembly Members (MCAs) make county laws and oversee the executive. Each ward elects one MCA, and additional nominated MCAs ensure representation of marginalized groups.
County Public Service Board
This independent board manages county government employees, ensuring merit-based recruitment and fair treatment of workers.
Functions of County Governments
Counties handle many services that directly affect your daily life:
Health Services
Counties run:
- Public health centers and dispensaries
- County hospitals
- Ambulance services
- Disease control and prevention
- Health promotion programs
If you need healthcare at a public facility below a national referral hospital, that is the county government’s responsibility.
Water and Sanitation
Counties manage:
- Water supply in urban and rural areas
- Sewerage systems
- Storm water drainage
- Sanitation services
Water bills in most areas are paid to the county government or county water companies.
Roads and Transport
Counties maintain:
- County roads
- Street lighting
- Traffic and parking in county areas
- Public road transport
Major highways remain under the national government, but most roads you use daily are county roads.
Agriculture
Counties support:
- Crop and animal husbandry
- Livestock sale yards
- County abattoirs
- Plant and animal disease control
- Fisheries
Agricultural extension officers in your area work for the county government.
Trade and Business
Counties handle:
- Business permits and licenses
- Markets and trade facilities
- County public works
- Fire fighting services
- Regulation of trade
When you apply for a business permit, you deal with the county government.
County Revenue
Counties get money from two main sources:
National Government Allocation
The national government must give counties at least 15% of national revenue. This is shared among the 47 counties based on a formula that considers population, poverty levels, land area, and other factors.
Own Source Revenue
Counties also collect their own revenue through:
- Business permits and licenses
- Parking fees
- Market fees
- Land rates (property tax)
- Cess (produce fees)
- Rent from county properties
How to Access County Services
Getting county services is straightforward:
Visit County Offices
Each county has a headquarters where you can access various services. Most counties also have sub-county and ward offices closer to you.
Online Services
Many counties now offer online services:
- Nairobi County: ecitizen.go.ke for various services
- Mombasa County: online business permits
- Machakos County: digital revenue collection
- Other counties are developing online platforms
Huduma Centers
Some county services are available at Huduma Centers, making access easier.
County Budgets and Development
Counties prepare annual budgets showing how they will spend their money. By law, counties must involve the public in budget preparation through public participation forums.
Public Participation
Counties must hold public participation meetings where residents can:
- Suggest development projects
- Give views on the budget
- Question county spending
- Propose changes to county policies
Your voice matters in these meetings. Attend and participate to influence how your county develops.
Oversight and Accountability
Several mechanisms ensure counties use resources properly:
County Assembly
MCAs oversee the executive, approve budgets, and can impeach the Governor or Deputy Governor for misconduct.
Office of the Auditor General
Audits county accounts annually and reports to Parliament and County Assemblies.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
Investigates corruption in county governments.
Controller of Budget
Monitors how counties spend their budgets and publishes quarterly reports.
Challenges Facing County Governments
Despite progress, counties face challenges:
- Limited revenue collection capacity
- High wage bills leaving little for development
- Corruption and mismanagement in some counties
- Inadequate civic education about devolution
- Political interference in service delivery
Your Role as a Citizen
You can make your county government more effective:
- Participate in public forums
- Monitor county projects in your area
- Report corruption or mismanagement
- Vote for competent leaders
- Use county services and pay required fees
- Engage your MCA on local issues
Differences Between National and County Functions
Some confusion exists about what the national versus county government does:
National government handles:
- Foreign affairs and defense
- National security
- Higher education
- National hospitals
- National highways
- Energy policy
County government handles:
- Healthcare (except national hospitals)
- County roads
- Water and sanitation
- Agriculture
- Pre-primary and village polytechnics
Understanding this division helps you know which government to approach for different services.
Future of Devolution
Devolution is still evolving in Kenya. Ongoing discussions include:
- Increasing counties’ share of national revenue
- Creating a third tier (regional governments)
- Strengthening counties’ revenue collection
- Improving service delivery
As a citizen, stay informed about these discussions because they affect how government serves you.
County governments bring democracy and development closer to you. Understanding how they work empowers you to demand better services and hold leaders accountable. Your county is yours to shape through participation and engagement.