🌐 The Missing Link: Why MCAs Need Structured Training for Devolution

When devolution began in 2013, much attention was given to preparing county executives. Through programs such as AHADI, Africa Lead’s Champions for Change, and MODS, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, and technical staff received training in governance, leadership, and Public Expenditure Management (PEM). National institutions were equally equipped: senior executives went to the Kenya School of Government, the Judiciary had its Judicial Training Institute/Judiciary Academy, and Members of Parliament were supported through the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST).

But amid this wave of capacity building, one crucial group was largely overlooked: Members of County Assemblies (MCAs). Despite their central role in legislation, oversight, and representation, MCAs had no structured institution or program dedicated to their professional development. At best, they received ad hoc sensitization on specific bills or budgets. The irony is striking—devolution empowered MCAs to shape county policy and budgets, yet the system provided them little formal preparation for this responsibility.

This gap persisted until 2020, when USAID’s Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems Activity (KCDMS), implemented by RTI International, stepped in. Recognizing that agricultural transformation hinged on informed legislative leadership, the project launched the Super Champions for Change (SC4C) leadership course, which was offered in 2020 and 2023.

Targeting Agriculture Committee MCAs from 12 counties in Nyanza, Western, and Eastern Kenya, the course equipped 452 participants with knowledge of continental frameworks like CAADP and the Malabo Declaration, Kenya’s Agriculture Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy, and the budgeting and planning cycle.

The results were striking. Participants developed action plans to strengthen oversight, increase agricultural budget allocations, and foster multi-sectoral approaches to food and nutrition security. Evaluations showed more than 90% of participants rated the course “excellent,” with many calling for expansion to other committees and all MCAs.

The lesson is clear: MCAs are the linchpin of county governance, and devolution will only thrive if their legislative and oversight capacities are strengthened. USAID’s pioneering SC4C effort demonstrated what is possible. The next step must be institutionalizing structured, ongoing training for MCAs—so that the promise of devolution is matched by the preparedness of those elected to deliver it.

Josephine Songa (PhD), Dan Ochieng, Tom Carr, Robert KN Mwadime, Rita Laker-Ojok, Judy Odongo, Dorine M. Mukoya, MSc, SHRM-SCP, PMP®, MIHRM, Lydiah Were, beatrice tonui kirui, david ojigo, Michael Mwimah.