STATE DEPARTMENT SEEKS INCREASED FUNDING TO STEADY DEVOLUTION

STATE DEPARTMENT SEEKS INCREASED FUNDING TO STEADY DEVOLUTION

Parliament Buildings 
Thursday, 19th February, 2026 

The State Department for Devolution has appealed for enhanced funding to reinforce county governments and stabilise intergovernmental relations, more than a decade after Kenya ushered in the devolved system of governance.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Regional Development, chaired by Peter Lochakapong (Sigor), Principal Secretary M.L. Lenasalon defended the department’s 2026 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), saying the proposed reforms are aimed at addressing persistent structural and operational gaps within the devolved framework.
The department, operating under Vote 1032, derives its mandate from Article 190 of the Constitution and the County Governments Act. Its core functions include promoting cooperation between the national and county governments, offering technical support, and overseeing civic education and public participation.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the department has prioritised strengthening intergovernmental relations through structured consultation forums, reviewing legislation to align devolved functions with constitutional provisions, and enhancing performance management systems across counties.
Key targets include finalising the valuation and transfer of registrable assets to counties, costing unbundled devolved functions to guide equitable resource allocation, and rolling out the Devolution Performance Assessment Framework. The department also plans to document county best practices and support civic education units nationwide.
However, the BPS identifies several unfunded priority programmes, raising concerns over possible implementation delays if additional resources are not secured.
“Devolution remains the backbone of equitable development. Strengthening coordination, capacity, and accountability at the county level is essential to delivering services effectively,” Mr. Lenasalon told the committee.
The Committee is expected to scrutinise the proposals before tabling its recommendations for the 2026 budget estimates.