dc.description.abstract | This study examined devolution which was
introduced in Kenya at the beginning of 2013 with a view to
establishing whether it was helping to reduce poverty as
provided for in the Republic of Kenya Constitution (RoK,
2010). As is the case in other African countries, the majority
of Kenyans are poor. We gathered data through desk reviews
of relevant books, journal articles and reports and interviews
with senior staff of Kakamega, Kisumu and Kajiado counties.
It was evident that after abolishing Kenya’s independence
(1963) devolved constitution termed “Majimbo” and
establishing a highly centralized governance system,
Kenya implemented several deconcentration measures
which included the District Focus for Rural Development,
Rural Development Grants and Rural Works Program aimed
at facilitating decision making and allocation and use of
resources in communities. These various efforts did not lead
to improvement in the country’s poverty situation which
stood at 56 per cent in the 1980s and 1990s. With the
introduction of devolved funds such as the Constituency
Development Fund (CDF) and the Local Authority Transfer
Fund (LATIF) in 2003, the poverty situation had reduced
gradually to 46 per cent at present. We have also shown that
devolution which was introduced recently with more
decision-making powers and resources had potential to
ensure further reduction of poverty, especially at the county
and household levels. | en_US |