Devolution and National Security- Case of Mombasa County

A devolved system of governance is that where power rests on the local units. Nations adopt the devolved system to transform the discriminatory components that can exist within centralized system of government, to establish a level playing field for all communities to prosper. Devolution alters the structure of governance including fiscal structure and the distribution of public resources across a nation. Therefore, this research paper sought to explore the influence that devolution has on national security, with a specific focus on economic security in Mombasa County. This study traced the impact that devolution has on the deeply seated marginalization grievances of the coastal communities in Kenya. This study focused on impact of devolved governance on economic security in Mombasa County. The study found that devolution has promoted equitable distribution of resources, contrary to what was observed when Kenya was operating under a unitary system. Mombasa County was among the counties on the receiving end of the discriminatory policies adopted by successive regimes in the post-independent Kenya. However, with the introduction of devolution, significant improvement has been observed in access to essential services and infrastructure development. Considering the positive impact of devolution, the researcher recommended that it should be securitized, which would ensure that this system is prioritized by current and future regimes. The public should also become an equal partner in the processes of policy development and implementation. Also, improving county revenue structures is essential to unlocking their Own Source Revenue potential for greater economic progress.