EU, UK and UN diplomats united in support of Kenya's county Governors

EU Ambassador Stefano A. Dejak today welcomed the progress being made in decentralising powers from the national government in Nairobi to Kenya's 47 counties. Speaking today, Ambassador Dejak welcomed Kenya's progress in quietly but effectively changing the way the country is run. The county Governors' induction meeting "Better governance and accountability for ultimate devolution" in Diani is also being attended by British High Commissioner Nic Hailey and UN Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee (pictured, together with Ambassador Dejak).

"From a centralised structure of governance headed by a 'winner takes all' President in Nairobi, the steady decentralisation of Kenya's governmental power to the counties is bringing decision-making closer to the ordinary Mwananchi," said the EU Ambassador. "The European Union appreciates this transformation, which is one of the major accomplishments of both the national government and of the counties themselves."

The fresh mandates for county governments, together with the new County Integrated Development Plans, are now setting the agenda for development in Kenya's counties. Instead of pursuing separate development objectives, the European Union is now committed to using its development funding to support each county's agenda. Sound public financial management, transparency, accountability and fighting corruption at county level are all vital factors for devolution to succeed in Kenya. These are also key conditions that must be met for the European Union to be able to provide funding to counties, but are in any case needed to improve ordinary Kenyans' access to basic services and county level. Such conditions are also to be found in Kenya's Constitution, in its laws, in Governors' manifestos and - above all - in Kenyan citizens' expectations.