By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Devolution Civil Society Working Group (KDCWG) today sounded the alarm over what it termed “a coordinated assault on devolution”, accusing the national government of deliberately stalling critical functions while reinforcing political patronage through State House-controlled funding.
Speaking at a press conference at Act Change Transform in Nairobi, the coalition of over 50 civil society organizations warned that Kenya risks sliding back to centralized, politicized development, betraying the promise of devolution.
“Begging Bowls Back at State House” -Devolution in Reverse
KDCWG coordinator Jane Muthon minced no words, “County governors are once again trekking to State House like subjects before a king, begging for funds that should rightfully be theirs. This is not devolution, it is deception.”
The group highlights three key threats undermining effective governance. First, stalled function transfers, as the national government continues to control essential devolved functions like healthcare and agriculture, which cripples service delivery despite constitutional deadlines.
Second, unconstitutional funding schemes, including efforts to legalize NG-CDF and introduce new “presidential development funds,” threaten county budgets and erode parliamentary oversight.
Lastly, the revival of political patronage manifests in development funds being allocated based on loyalty rather than need, compelling governors to pledge allegiance to access crucial resources.
“This is a return to the dark days when roads, hospitals, and water projects only appeared in regions that voted ‘right’,” said Michael Ochieng of Transparency International Kenya.
NG-CDF Bill: “A Constitutional Coup”
The coalition demanded the Senate reject the proposed NG-CDF Bill, warning it would permanently sabotage devolution by creating a parallel, MP-controlled funding system.
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“The Supreme Court already ruled NG-CDF illegal. Now, MPs want to smuggle it back through the backdoor,” said Anne Karanja of Katiba Institute. “This is a power grab, not public service.”
Devolution Conference Locking Out Wanjiku
KDCWG also slammed the upcoming Devolution Conference as an “elite carnival”, priced beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
“The conference was meant to be a national dialogue. Now, it’s a governors’ retreat with Sh50,000 entry fees and no room for grassroots voices,” said Eric Mwangi of the Society for International Development.
KDCWG presents a bold 6-Point Demand List that calls for the immediate transfer of all devolved functions and resources, urges the Senate to reject the NG-CDF Bill, and demands the cessation of State House-controlled patronage funds.
The group insists on restoring Parliament’s budget oversight role, ending duplication while boosting transparency in county spending, and making the Devolution Conference inclusive and affordable for all stakeholders involved.
“Devolution was meant to serve Wanjiku, not politicians,” declared Muthoni. “We will mobilize citizens to defend it.”
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