One of the most exciting things about the new constitution is Chapter 11 on devolved government which introduces 47 county governments. Initially calls for devolution were based on political and economic marginalization experienced by certain regions in the country; some continuously while some episodically, depending on their perceived political leaning. Thereafter there was broad political agreement that devolution was important but with differing viewpoints on the level of devolution and the extent of the fiscal power sharing between the national and devolved governments. The drafters of the constitution must be commended for devolution is captured across the constitution as per Kenyan’s views. The recently constituted Task Force on Devolution chaired by Moi University Lectrurer Dr. Mutakha Kangu has prepared a thorough guideline that they are currently using to discuss matters of governance, public service and financial management in all counties. Despite being complex, I trust that as the task force conducts its public hearings, it will break these guidelines down for the citizens to comprehend and respond adequately. Simplified materials for civic education on devolution should be developed from the Task Force’s reports.
Following the promulgation of the constitution, county forums bringing together multiple stakeholders to discuss development and governance issues have emerged. Most of these forums have websites or face book pages (Kiambu, Meru, Nyeri etc), have held consultative meetings (Bungoma, Isiolo, Kiambu, Baringo etc), launched strategic plans and even set up shadow county assemblies. Business people, professionals , religious leaders and public service employees are some of the competencies that have been brought together to contribute to these forums. However, in the majority of instances, urban based elites have firmly taken charge of the consultative process. The early involvement of rural based citizens will result in a powerful citizen’s engagement. Could this be the onset of issue based politics where voters can set the agenda and political candidates are evaluated against the same? A few counties, possibly due to the nature of the politics that their respective regions have experienced, have began grappling with key matters such as the “sharing” of county positions amongst different constituencies and clans to “protect minorities” (largely witnessed in Nyanza and Rift Valley regions). The location of headquarters for each county will be straightforward for some and a tussle for others. Indeed, these are discussions that are best done early enough and dispensed with before the general election.
It will be interesting to observe and study whether the past political expression of the counties’ respective constituencies will influence the ability of these forums to convene freely to discuss their county matters and eventually, the governing and management of county affairs. Would regions that have elected civic and parliamentary candidates with little regard to their political parties (such as Central Kenya), convene and discuss their issues more freely than regions that have had a more homogeneous approach in their elections (such as Nyanza, Central – Eastern region)? Conversely would the politically homogenous regions experience fewer wrangles on county management than their heterogeneous counterparts?
Several counties have key national public investments (Maasai Mara – Narok County; The Mombasa Port – Mombasa County; )and discussions on those investments that they will have control over should be held early enough to avert any conflict between national and county governments. The constitution provides for a phased transfer of functions from national to county governments within three years after the elections depending on the capacity that the counties have. If prior investments will be critical in determining the capacity levels of the counties, will the skewed development amongst counties result in an initial backlash against the central government when disbursements are made to those with capacity? Can the county forums take the cue and carry out a capacity assessment and capacity building strategy? 
The Kenya Investment Authority (KIA) has graciously provided technical assistance to regional forums such as the Nyanza Economic Forum (2008), the Coast Province Investment Conference (2010) and the recently launched South Eastern Investment Conference (2011)). KIA would be best placed to lead a collaborative exercise to map the investment opportunities in the counties. Alongside any standard set out by statute, county governments should be able to explore diverse development models These questions notwithstanding, the bottom line is that the increased activity at the counties is an indication of the people’s desire to move from the centralized control of public affairs which many researchers cite as the cause of our governance problems. This is a grand opportunity for all counties to take advantage of their human, capital and natural resources to create investment opportunities that will spur economic growth.
