The Role Of Devolution In Advancing Democratic Governance In Africa

Abstract

Devolved democratic governance has continuously been embraced by many nation states as a response to the abuse of authority by the ruling elites as well as a means of promoting effectiveness and efficiency in governance based on the interest of the people. Recently, many states have adopted devolution of power so as to enhance transfer of responsibilities closer to the people and this has been as a demand by the people so that they can realize the impact of inclusive sustainable development, solves inequalities that for many years have tormented states in the world. Devolution of power promotes the principles of democratic governance which requires peoples involvement in governance, thus states, levels of government respond to the aspirations of the people based on the rule of law. Devolved democratic governance has been pushed by the masses because of its potential to enhance democracy in the society. The study was grounded by specific objectives to investigate the contribution of devolution to democratic governance in Africa, analyze the influence of devolution in promoting democratic governance in Kenya and South Africa as well as examining the challenges and prospects for devolved democratic governance in a globalizing world. The study hypothesized that under decentralization, democratic governance practices can be enhanced in Africa and that devolved democratic governance has challenges and prospects in a globalizing world. The study used Liberal theory because it considers the formation of institutions or organizations that creates platforms for checking political power as well as advancing individual freedom to participate in governance issues. Qualitative and quantitative research design was used in this study and data analysis was based on content analysis, narrations and presented using charts, tables and graphs. The study established that devolution of power has the potential of promoting democratic governance in Kenya and South Africa since it was a push from the grass root level as well as from development partners in the international arena. It was observed to be a tool for enhancing cooperation and efficiency in service delivery to the people hence sustainable goals. Despite having the capacity for democratization, it was established that devolution of power does not automatically leads to democratic governance since it has various challenges for instance corruption, nepotism, political patronage, weak institutional framework and misuse of public resources that has as well been devolved. On the academic front, since the study only focused on the role of devolution in advancing democratic governance in Africa; comparative analysis of Kenya and South Africa, there are numerous areas that should be investigated, areas that can buy the focus within the theme of international relations for instance; the impacts of globalization of devolved democratic governance on African international relations. There is also need to advance theory building on the subject. The study recommends that devolution should be viewed as a vehicle of promoting the interest of the national government and not competitor. It is essential for the African states to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks so that devolution can have maximum impact in serving the interests of the citizens as a whole.