How Kenya’s two levels of government and 47 counties work.
Search the official Constitution →Devolution is the system, created by the 2010 Constitution, that moved political power, money and services from the national government down to 47 county governments — to bring decision-making closer to ordinary citizens.
Article 174; Chapter Eleven; Fourth ScheduleKenya’s Constitution divides government responsibilities between the national and county levels in its Fourth Schedule. Broadly, the national government sets policy and handles country-wide matters, while county governments deliver local services.
Article 186; Fourth ScheduleCounty governments deliver the 14 functions devolved to them by the Constitution — the everyday services closest to citizens, from county health facilities and water to county roads, agriculture and pre-primary education.
Fourth ScheduleCounties are funded mainly by an “equitable share” of nationally raised revenue — at least 15% each year under the Constitution — topped up by the Equalisation Fund, conditional grants, and the money counties raise themselves.
Article 203; Article 204; Articles 202–204 and 215–216Every Kenyan county government has three parts: a County Executive led by the Governor that runs services, a County Assembly of elected MCAs that makes county laws and provides oversight, and a County Public Service Board that handles staffing.
Article 179; Articles 176–179 and 185