Decentralisation of power in Kenya in Introduction historical perspective

Abstract

Kenya is run by a devolved system of government. This system was reached through historical processes by which the State itself evolved to become what it is today. An understanding of the origin, structure and effectiveness or otherwise of the extant devolved system demands some history. The purpose of this chapter is to restate this history while reflecting on the implication of the various historical happenings on the question of marginalisation, which is at the core of the research in this publication. The chapter explores the theme of decentralisation of government in Kenya since the colonial days. In so doing, the chapter captures the various phases through which Kenya’s governance structure has evolved; The pre-colonial society, the colonial State, and the postcolonial State. In each of these epochs, the chapter sets out the key historical, normative, policy, structural and administrative developments. The chapter also examines the dominant ideologies that informed the identified developments. It concomitantly reflects on the question of marginalisation as dealt with alongside these key developments, and addresses the historical socio-economic neglect of segments of the Kenyan society over time. The chapter also lays bare the appurtenant struggles.