Kenyan Constitution, Chapter Eleven, Part 1, Article 174 to 175

Devolved Government

Objects and principles of devolved government

Article 174: Objects of devolution

The objects of the devolution of government are–

(a) to promote democratic and accountable exercise of power;

(b) to foster national unity by recognizing diversity;

(c) to give powers of self-governance to the people and enhance the participation of the people in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them;

(d) to recognize the right of communities to manage their own affairs and to further their development;

(e) to protect and promote the interests and rights of minorities and marginalized communities;

(f) to promote social and economic development and the provision of proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya;

(g) to ensure equitable sharing of national and local resources throughout Kenya;

(h) to facilitate the decentralization of State organs, their functions and services, from the capital of Kenya; and

(i) to enhance checks and balances and the separation of powers.

Article 175: Principles of devolved government

County governments established under this Constitution shall reflect the following principles–

(a) county governments shall be based on democratic principles and the separation of powers;

(b) county governments shall have reliable sources of revenue to enable them to govern and deliver services effectively; and

(c) no more than two-thirds of the members of representative bodies in each county government shall be of the same gender.