Understanding devolved governance
Decentralization is the process of dispersing power between levels of
government. Decentralization involves sharing of power and can be horizontal or
vertical (Mwenda, 2010). There are four major forms or types of decentralisation
- deconcentration; delegation; devolution and privatization with each aimed at
enhancing the participation of citizens in planning and strengthening through
various means the voice of citizens in influencing service delivery providers.
Devolution however demands that part of political and economic decision
making is transferred to the people through locally established units.
A devolved structure would thus imply decentralisation of functions of
government and decision making to the devolved governance units. This
however does not prevent the existence of a national government with the sole
purpose of overseeing the national agenda and hence the devolved government
units will adopt those policies that are in line with the national policies.
Table 1: Dimensions and Types /Forms of Decentralization
