Former High School Teacher turned lawyer, Jackson Musyoka Kala, has called for the full devolution of functions and the release of accompanying funds as the 2025 Devolution Conference starts in Homa Bay County this week.
Kala, who served as Labour Cabinet Assistant Secretary, stated that devolution was the best thing to have happened to Kenya since independence and could transform the development agenda in all sectors of the economy if well-managed.
“If well guided, devolution will ensure equitable and uniform development of the country. However, a lot needs to be done for these envisaged benefits to be realised,” said Kala, who spoke to the Education News.
Among the issues which needed to be fast-tracked as a matter of urgency, Kala said, was the release of funds to all devolved functions and capacity-building to ensure adequate absorption of the funds.
This, Kala said, will minimise wastage at both the National and County levels.
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“All devolved functions together with accompanying funds need to be devolved without any further delay,” said Kala.
Mr Kala, who has expressed interest in the Machakos County Senatorial seat, said allocation to counties needed to be increased to at least 50 per cent of the National budget, adding that this can be realised through an amendment to the constitution.
The advocate also called for respect of the independence and autonomy of the County government through the upholding of the constitutional principle of ‘mutual respect and consultation between the two levels of government.
The Devolution Conference 2025 is scheduled to take place in Homa Bay County from August 12 to 15, to assess the progress of devolution in Kenya, focusing on equity, inclusion, and social justice.
The theme “For the People; For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice” highlights the importance of devolution in addressing socio-economic disparities
By Stephen Muthini.
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