Revitalising Transformational Governance for Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Kenya

Abstract

Efficient delivery of public services in Kenya and other developing countries has for long been hindered by highly centralised governments. Recognising the need to achieve high economic growth and reduce poverty-related inequalities, Kenyans persistently pushed for enhanced decentralisation of governance and development. In response, government has over time initiated numerous reforms, key among them the Vision 2030 blue print and a new constitution aimed at strengthening institutional capacities to improve service delivery, enhance economic governance and promote citizen participation. Despite the gains made, more needs to be done to enhance maximum direct participation of citizens. This paper documents the reforms and their resultant impact on social development in Kenya. It is argued that while decentralisation is a multi-faceted concept comprising three key typologies: Devolution, De-concentration and Participation, the prevailing decentralisation initiatives in the past ignored the key element of citizen participation leading to “public departicipation”. It is recommended that mainstreaming transformational leadership, prudent utilisation of devolved funds and institutionalisation of transformed and reformed national and county governance structures characterised by high-level executive capability consistent with a rapidly industrialising country is prioritised. Adoption of e-governance leading to honesty and transparency will facilitate the necessary transformative platform for the public sphere