Under the theme “The promise of devolution: Consolidating the gains after transition and looking into the future” the participants and speakers evaluated critically the achieved results and the ongoing challenges. It was apparent from most speakers that devolution indeed was a game changer. For instance Mandera County residents are proud to have the first ever tarmac road under the auspices of devolution.
His Excellency, Gov. Peter Munya (Chair of the Council of Governors) pointed out:
“...identifying the challenges with a view to collectively addressing them and looking into the future with a determination to make the promise of devolution work for the long term stability, cohesiveness and economic prosperity of our country."1
KAS and its partners are highly aware of the fact that Devolution remains the most important gateway to Kenya's prosperous future. It behooves all of us, whether in government, in civil society or as private citizens to make it work. During the Conference we had an opportunity to present a policy paper called “Walking through the Journey of Devolution” to Governors and Deputy Governors who assured their support for the EU-Cofunded Project. This paper mentioned clearly the status of implementation of Devolution in Kenya and mentioned risks, challenges, achievements and provided suggestions for the same.
1 Remarks by H.E. Peter Munya, Chairman, Council of Governors and Governor Meru County: http://devolution.cog.go.ke/index.php/eventprogram/third-annual-devolution-conference/2016-devolutuion-conference-speeches, p.3f.