CS John Mbadi comments on reverting devolution and the structure of Kenya’s counties to the previous eight provinces or reducing the number of counties to a maximum of 14 stems from concerns about the sustainability of the current system. According to Mbadi, the existence of 47 counties has placed an unsustainable strain on the national government, especially due to the growing wage bill and the financial demands of running these units.

Devolution, which was enshrined in the 2010 Constitution, aimed to bring government services closer to the people and ensure that regions with historically less representation could have a say in their development. The creation of 47 counties was part of this effort, giving each county its own government, with a governor, assembly, and executive. It was designed to ensure that resources were more evenly distributed and that local leaders could directly address the issues of their communities.

However, over time, the financial burden of sustaining the operations of 47 counties has become a topic of concern. Each county has its own administrative costs, which include salaries for elected leaders, civil servants, and other overheads. This has contributed to an increasing wage bill that has, in turn, put pressure on the national budget. Critics argue that such a large number of counties is inefficient and unsustainable, given the current financial realities.

Mbadi’s proposal to revert to fewer counties would likely be seen as an effort to streamline administration and reduce costs. Reducing the number of counties could make governance more efficient by consolidating resources and cutting down on redundant administrative costs. It could also focus government efforts on fewer but larger regions, potentially reducing the financial strain on the national budget.

However, such a move would come with significant implications for the country’s governance. Devolution was intended to empower local populations and ensure that resources are distributed more equitably across Kenya. Reducing the number of counties could undermine this goal, especially for regions that have benefited from devolved government. Local communities might feel that their voices would be diminished, and development could be less targeted to the needs of specific areas.

Moreover, the shift back to larger provinces would also mean centralizing power once again. This could potentially reverse many of the gains made in decentralizing authority and decision-making. While the goal of reducing costs is important, the balance between fiscal responsibility and local autonomy is a delicate one.