Devolution and Public Sector Reforms in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Public sector reforms in Kenya have had a long history since independence. Although Kenya adopted a federal constitution in the post-independence era, this did not last for long and was quickly abandoned after one year. Various constitutional dispensations have had consequences on the public sector reforms. The current constitution that was promulgated in the year 2010 adopts a devolved system of governance which seeks to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and transparency amongst others in as far as the public sector is concerned. This paper examines the different public sector reforms that have been adopted in the different constitutional dispensations, challenges, opportunities and key lessons that can be learnt.

Public sector reforms in Kenya have had a long history since independence. Although Kenya adopted a federal constitution in the post-independence era, this did not last for long and was quickly abandoned after one year. Various constitutional dispensations have had consequences on the public sector reforms. The current constitution that was promulgated in the year 2010 adopts a devolved system of governance which seeks to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and transparency amongst others in as far as the public sector is concerned. This paper examines the different public sector reforms that have been adopted in the different constitutional dispensations, challenges, opportunities and key lessons that can be learnt.