Homa bay: Germany has praised Kenya's devolution journey over the past decade, citing its transformative impact on governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement across the country. Speaking during the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth emphasized the significant role devolution has played in bringing decision-making closer to communities and expanding opportunities for public participation. This shift has resulted in tangible benefits in sectors such as health, infrastructure, agriculture, and climate resilience.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ambassador Groth commended the leadership of county governors and county assemblies in advancing the devolution agenda. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Council of Governors, the State Department for Devolution, and the Office of the Deputy President in fostering coordination between counties and the national government. The annual Devolution Conference (DevCon) was described as a crucial platform for reaffirming the commitment to devolution, with the theme of this year's event highlighting the ultimate goal of improving citizens' lives.
Groth stressed the importance of listening to citizens, particularly the youth, to ensure meaningful engagement at the county level. This approach is seen as vital for building trust and strengthening democratic governance. Germany, through its technical cooperation, co-chairs the Devolution Donor Working Group alongside the UNDP.
The ambassador revealed that development partners had identified several priorities to secure the future of devolution in Kenya. These include the timely transfer of funds from the national government to counties, enhanced revenue collection systems, and reduced dependency on national allocations. Groth underlined the necessity of reliable resource flows for counties to meet their development needs, adding that recent technological innovations showcased at the conference could aid counties in expanding their revenue base.
He also called for strengthened public financial management, transparency, and accountability, alongside robust public participation that ensures the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Groth reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting devolution and deepening partnerships with counties.