Raila pushes for referendum to expand devolution

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has reignited debate on Kenya’s governance model, calling for a national referendum to review the framework of devolution and abolish remnants of the provincial administration.

Raila argued that the country’s current two-tier system of national and county governments has shortcomings that must be addressed to strengthen service delivery and accountability.

“I believe the time has come for the country to re-examine the whole issue of devolution. Kenya, in my view, is too tiny; we are just five short of the United States, which is a continent. Nigeria, with over 200 million people, has 34 states, while South Africa has nine provinces,” he said.

Speaking during celebrations to mark Katiba@15 at KICC, Raila clarified that he does not support scrapping any county but believes Kenya is ready for a three-tier governance system comprising counties, regional governments, and the national government.

He said such a model would improve coordination, efficiency, and equitable development across regions. He also revisited the debate on the provincial administration, describing it as a colonial relic that should not exist in modern Kenya.

“This was an issue at Bomas. We said provincial administration has no place in an independent Kenya, yet we seem to be reviving it,” he noted.

The ODM leader further criticised the existence of multiple national institutions and funds whose functions, he argued, overlap with those of county governments.

In particular, he singled out the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), saying it undermines devolution by bypassing county governments.

“Constituency is not a devolved unit. Devolution has two levels, national and county. It is not right for the national government to jump the county government and create another unit below it. The money being given for constituency projects should go to the counties, since they are the ones mandated to implement,” Raila said.

He also questioned the dual role of MPs who implement projects through NG-CDF while exercising oversight, calling it a conflict of interest.

“Parliament should do what is constitutionally mandated: representation, legislation, and oversight. If you are yourself a contractor and a member of parliament, who is oversighting you?” he posed.

Raila insisted that the matter should be put to a public referendum, arguing that Kenyans must decide whether MPs should continue managing funds while exercising oversight.

“I know my position is unpopular, but I don’t care. Over this issue, there is no compromise,” he said.