CHURI’S PUNCHLINE: A befitting Bible verse for upcoming devolution conference

Next week, devolution stakeholders converge in Makueni County for the 7th devolution conference, for some stock taking. No doubt, since 2013 when the first crop of leaders in the 47 county governments were elected, a lot has been achieved in 9 years.

Many parts of the country have witnessed development that probably they would only have dreamt of, if we remained a centralised unit. People at the very local level are able to decide, through their elected ward representatives and public participation, the projects they would like initiated.

From hospitals, to markets, early childhood education institutions, to agriculture, one can say devolution is working.

However, it is not all smooth sailing. Just like a beautiful rose flower, devolution has had its fair share of thorns and threats. For starters, close to Ksh.3 trillion has been devolved to the 47 county governments. But in your county, do you feel the weight of these billions of shillings channeled to your devolved unit? Is devolution changing lives in your county? Would you say more money devolved to your county is being utilised in the right way, or is it an opportunity for a chosen few to enrich themselves?

The undeniable truth is that while resources and power were devolved, so was corruption and looting. Some of the county government bosses have become overnight millionaires, if not billionaires, courtesy of resources meant to equip hospitals, build markets for millions of traders, among other services.

Yes, there have been inconsistencies in disbursement of the devolved funds. The National Treasury has often been accused of frustrating county governments through late release of funds, that are allocated to counties through the annual Division of Revenue Act. No doubt, there are some elements who still believe in a centralised government and have never fully embraced devolution.

However, as governors, county executives and county assembly members congregate in Makueni, I recommend a reading from the Holy Scriptures; the gospel of St. Luke, chapter 16, verse 10. “whoever can be trusted with very little, can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little, will also be dishonest with much…” Let them honestly ask themselves how much of the devolved money has made a difference in their respective villages, wards and counties.

Yes, there is a very good case for increased allocation to counties. In equal measure, to whom much is given, much shall be required, the good book teaches us. The clarion call should be increased allocation, increased vigilance, increased accountability. It would be futile to ask for more, and when asked to account for what has been allocated, you frown or throw tantrums. Of course there is that tired argument that the national government is also corrupt and so we shouldn’t be hard on counties, but surely, should the devolved units be in some form of competition with the national government on misuse, mismanagement and plunder of public resources?

Hopefully, during the three-day conference, governors, county executives and assembly members will have a candid discussion of pending bills. Thousands of citizens are suffering, some have sunk to depression, others have been declared bankrupt or their properties auctioned, simply because they did honest business with county governments, but remain unpaid for years.

And finally, devolution must generate sufficient political talent. Potential presidents must be identified and sharpened in county governments. Counties must be training grounds for effective national leaders. After all it has been done elsewhere. But perhaps I am expecting too much. Just who among the current 47 governors or senators do you think can make a good president? Let me bring it even closer home, would you be comfortable with your governor being the country’s president?

I can guess the answer, but you see, these governors and senators don’t force their way into power! We elect them. If we elect a thief, and he steals our money, should we be surprised? If someone had integrity questions in their previous work stations, and we elected them, while labeling them ‘mwizi wetu’, should we be surprised if they end up mismanaging resources, leaving us with hospitals that lack basic necessities?

In 8 months, if we elect rats to manage our 47 granaries, then we shouldn’t act surprised when there is no grain for the next season.