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 said devolution has brought decision-making closer to communities and expanded opportunities for public participation, with tangible benefits in health, infrastructure, agriculture, and climate resilience.
“As development partners, we commend county governors and county assemblies for their leadership in advancing this transformative agenda,” Groth said.
“We also salute the Council of Governors, the State Department for Devolution, and the Office of the Deputy President for their vital role in fostering coordination between counties and the national government.”
He described the annual Devolution Conference (DevCon) as a key platform for recommitting to the spirit of devolution, noting that the theme of this year’s event underscores the ultimate goal of improving the lives of citizens.
Groth highlighted the importance of listening to citizens, particularly youth and ensuring meaningful engagement at the county level to build trust and strengthen democratic governance.
Germany, through its technical cooperation, co-chairs the Devolution Donor Working Group alongside the UNDP.
The ambassador disclosed that as development partners, they had identified several priorities to secure the future of devolution in Kenya, including timely transfer of funds from the national government to counties, enhanced revenue collection systems, and reduced dependency on national allocations.
“Reliable resource flows are essential for counties to meet their development needs,” he said, adding that recent technological innovations showcased at the conference through the booths could help counties expand their revenue base.
He further called for strengthened public financial management, transparency, and accountability, alongside robust public participation that ensures the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“Our commitment to supporting devolution and deepening partnerships with counties remains strong,” Groth affirmed.
By Sitna Omar
