SAM’S SENSE: Counties and Singapore

This week on my sense, I look into the state of counties and what governments there might be missing in the aspiration to reach developed-country status.

Last week, Parliament released a report that measured the fiscal performance of counties based on budget implementation and commitment to developing the devolved units.

What is recurring are the systemic weaknesses in the performance of county governments in their duties. For the second year running, the majority of the counties posted average performance, with 74 per cent of the counties scoring a Grade C. Only three counties scored 60 per cent and above in fiscal performance, rated Grade B, with none scoring an A. By the standards of the Competency-Based Education grading system, none exceeded expectations. A few met expectations while many are approaching expectations.

Yet, some county governors have been basking in the glory of being ranked in the top ten. They see it as the pinnacle of excellence, with a Grade C.

Some of those hailing their ranking performed dismally on county audits, meaning that their financial records were questioned by the Auditor-General, with no sufficient explanation given. They have not been paying off pending bills and have neglected development programmes. And this here tells you a deeper story of the fiscal irresponsibility in county governments, where even the county assemblies have failed to correct this through oversight.

On the ground, counties continue to report poor services in the health sector, roads and infrastructure, and basic education. When asked, they cite inadequacy of resources.

Yet, oftentimes we have seen county governors dishing out money and Christmas bags to residents; dishing out money to members of county assemblies, especially when crucial decisions are desired. And we have seen perception shifting, with residents saying that their governors are just keen on making deals.

Some governors defend some of their development initiatives, like building mega hospitals in towns and villages. Only that beyond the brick and mortar, it has taken years before such facilities are equipped and health workers deployed. Instead, from time to time, we hear of health workers' strikes, demanding recognition of collective bargaining agreements or simple payment of their arrears.

Here we are, a year to the next election. Those defending their seats are busy boosting their public appearance. Every little survey or opinion poll will be hyped as long as it has a ray of good light for the incumbent.

In counties where the governor is serving a second term, there is less excitement as the end approaches. Yet, some are eyeing other political offices.

A look into how Singapore moved from a similar footing with Kenya in 1963 shows a stark contrast. In six decades, Singapore has managed to cut its infant mortality rate from 29 to just two children in every 1,000 born alive. While Kenya has made progress from 101 deaths to 34, we are yet to reach the level of Singapore in 1963.

And it points to the basics: quality healthcare. We live in a world where mothers still deliver at home or away from hospitals. We live in a world where some pregnant women have no access to antenatal care, where some are delivered through traditional or local knowledge. Only those villages hear that a county governor exists.

Singapore's life expectancy is now 83. In Kenya, ours is 64, still lower than that of Singapore when we began in 1963, when it stood at 67.

If we are to reach the Singaporean status, counties must, as a matter of urgency, do the right thing. Provision of basic services is simply a right that cannot wait.

When county governors waste resources on non-priority initiatives just to make some money, failing to address what is most pressing to the people, it can only take a miracle for us to change the story. We cannot continue to spend billions of shillings of county resources while access to clean water, agricultural support and basic health services remains a mirage.

After thirteen years of devolution, counties must not wait for the 60th anniversary to realise how far behind we will be from Singapore. Kenyans cannot afford the luxury.