Kenya’s urban centres are increasingly straining under the weight of rapid rural-to-urban migration as thousands move to cities in search of employment, healthcare, housing, education, and better livelihoods. 

This swift population surge is stretching physical infrastructure—already outdated and undersized—to breaking point.

In response, the National Caucus of Cities and Municipalities Managers is spearheading a campaign for comprehensive urban reforms and a deeper implementation of devolution.

The group is pushing for structural changes in the way cities are governed, financed, and resourced, with a call for urgent innovation in urban management. 

Urban sprawl is transforming Kenya’s cities with new buildings and expanding real estate developments that are redefining cityscapes, particularly in places like Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru.

Yet the accompanying demand for sewer systems, water, public transport, healthcare, and schools is far outpacing the pace of infrastructure development. 

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga and his deputy Charles Omolo report critical gaps in basic urban services, pointing to the need for urgent investment and planning. 

These challenges reflect systemic weaknesses in Kenya’s devolution framework.

According to the Caucus, cities are unable to function optimally due to the incomplete transfer of functions from the national government to counties, and the inadequate funding that accompanies those functions. 

At a recent forum in Nairobi, the leaders called for the national government to fully transfer all devolved functions to counties within 60 days, along with commensurate funding.  

They also proposed enhanced financial autonomy for county assemblies to reduce executive interference and improve accountability.

Revenue generation remains a core challenge, for instance, Kisumu consistently misses its revenue targets—raising less than Ksh2 billion annually against a projected potential of Ksh4–7 billion, according to Kenya Revenue Authority estimates. 

Former councillor Isiah Onyango recalls that before devolution, Kisumu City alone raised up to Ksh1.2 billion under former Mayor Sam Okello. 

Today, despite added resources and a county-wide mandate, the city struggles to match that performance. 

Surprisingly, a county like Homa Bay — despite lacking city status—has overtaken Kisumu’s revenue collection by nearly Ksh700 million.

This raises serious questions about efficiency and leakages. 

City officials attribute this underperformance to rampant pilferage, poor compliance with land rate payments, and weak enforcement mechanisms.  

According to Finance CECM George Okonho, the county lags behind with over 20 years of accumulated arrears, despite numerous waivers on penalties for defaulters.

That is why the CMC is backing the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, currently under review in the Senate.

Sponsored by Deputy Senate Speaker Kathuri Murungi, the bill seeks to give county assemblies greater control over their budgets, shielding them from undue executive influence.

Council of Governors Chair Anne Waiguru has added her voice to the reform agenda, urging the President to formally acknowledge the expanded role of MCAs and review their remuneration.

She insists that MCAs, as key players in the devolved governance system, deserve enhanced recognition and support.

Since 2013, devolution has delivered measurable progress. Counties now manage critical sectors like health, agriculture, and planning.

Between 2013 and 2018, the number of health facilities increased by 34 per cent across the country.  However, deeper issues persist.

Counties receive only 15 per cent of national revenue, limiting their ability to effectively deliver services.

Combined with corruption, overlapping mandates, and weak institutions, these constraints stall development. 

Governance experts warn that without accountability, devolution risks becoming a new avenue for localised mismanagement.

Civil society groups have stepped up efforts to empower citizens—especially in marginalised regions—to monitor local government actions and demand transparency. 

“Devolution holds the key to equitable development, but only if we empower citizens to participate and leaders to act with integrity,” says Betty Okero, a civic education advocate based in Kisumu. 

The cities managers caucus is determined to push past the noise of national politics and focus on practical urban solutions.  

Through legislative reforms, improved funding structures, and a commitment to local innovation, they aim to reimagine Kenya’s cities as engines of inclusive growth and resilient urban governance.  

The writer is a senior writer with People Daily, a media consultant.