Abstract:
Efficient delivery of public services in Kenya and other developing countries has for long been hindered
by highly centralised governments. Recognising the need to achieve high economic growth and reduce
poverty-related inequalities, Kenyans persistently pushed for enhanced decentralisation of governance and
development. In response, government has over time initiated numerous reforms, key among them the
Vision 2030 blue print and a new constitution aimed at strengthening institutional capacities to improve
service delivery, enhance economic governance and promote citizen participation. Despite the gains made,
more needs to be done to enhance maximum direct participation of citizens. This paper documents the
reforms and their resultant impact on social development in Kenya. It is argued that while decentralisation
is a multi-faceted concept comprising three key typologies: Devolution, De-concentration and Participation,
the prevailing decentralisation initiatives in the past ignored the key element of citizen participation
leading to “public departicipation”. It is recommended that mainstreaming transformational leadership,
prudent utilisation of devolved funds and institutionalisation of transformed and reformed national and
county governance structures characterised by high-level executive capability consistent with a rapidly
industrialising country is prioritised. Adoption of e-governance leading to honesty and transparency will
facilitate the necessary transformative platform for the public sphere
