Publication

This analysis zeros in on how the six coastal counties created by Kenya’s 2010 constitution have failed to promote political devolution in their region. Instead, the counties have replicated the closely-held patronage systems of the past and added to existing inefficiencies, costs and mutual suspicions. Given these problems, the text’s authors conclude that in order to maximize the potential of devolution, and prevent militant groups such as Al-Shabaab from exploiting popular discontent, Nairobi and the new counties need to become more cooperative, open to dialogue, and inclusive, especially when it comes the marginalized youths of specific communities.