Power to Cities: Devolution and the Daily Fix

Episode Narrative

In the early years of the twenty-first century, a quiet revolution began to reshape the political landscape across Africa. Amidst the vast and diverse continent, the winds of change were palpable. This was not just a story of governance but a profound shift in the relationship between ordinary citizens and their leaders. It was a movement focused on the promise of decentralization, a promise that aimed to bring power closer to the people.

In 2010, Kenya became one of the pioneers in this transformative journey when it adopted a new constitution that redefined its governance structure. This landmark document created 47 counties, each empowered with elected governors and county assemblies. This was not merely a bureaucratic adjustment; it marked a significant leap toward local autonomy. The intent was clear: to enhance local budgeting, improve land management, and elevate the delivery of services. For many Kenyans, this was seen as a new dawn, a hope for more accountable governance that could directly respond to the needs of its people.

Across the continent, other nations watched closely. In Nigeria, Lagos State implemented its own innovative solutions in 2013, establishing a robust tax collection system through the Lagos Internal Revenue Service. This initiative transformed the bustling metropolis into a major tax revenue generator in Africa. With these financial resources, Lagos was better positioned to fund essential urban services, from waste management to infrastructure development. For the residents of Lagos, this was more than just improved services — it was a direct investment in their daily lives.

As the decade unfolded, Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, emerged as another shining example of effective urban governance. Between the 2010s and 2020s, Kigali showcased what was possible when good governance and technology converged. With the introduction of digital land title registries and smart waste collection systems, the city began to tackle issues of corruption and inefficiency head-on. Governance, in this urban landscape, became a theater where daily life unfolded under the direction of capable leaders.

Yet, the continent's journey toward decentralization was not linear. Between 1991 and 2025, numerous African countries undertook constitutional reforms, many striving to devolve power to local governments. The aim was clear: to cultivate governance that was accountable and responsive. Yet challenges still loomed large. Corruption continued to plague many systems, and limited budgets hampered efforts to realize the full potential of these reforms. The aspirations for efficient governance often collided with the harsh realities on the ground.

In 2018, the African Continental Free Trade Area, or AfCFTA, was signed, igniting further ambition in the realm of economic integration. This monumental agreement held the promise of enhancing intra-African trade, thereby empowering cities and local governments with expanded markets and fiscal resources. In theory, such integration would bolster local governance and improve service delivery. However, the fundamental question lingered: would local authorities be equipped to rise to the occasion?

Despite pockets of growth, fiscal capacity across African states remained uneven. Between 1991 and 2025, the development of democratic institutions and state-building initiatives did contribute to improved tax collection and public finance. However, the disparities became starkly evident as some regions thrived while others stagnated. The contrast was glaring, and the challenges of governance — riddled with corruption and inadequate infrastructure — still constrained the effectiveness of local authorities.

As cities expanded — the continent saw an unprecedented wave of urbanization — new dynamics emerged. Local governance systems were suddenly tested like never before. The demand for better land management, infrastructure, and public services soared. Yet, many local governments found themselves grappling with limited fiscal resources and insufficient capacity to meet these burgeoning demands. The gap between aspiration and reality grew wider.

In response to these challenges, the 2010s to 2020s witnessed the rise of local leaders, mayors, and activists who sought to innovate within the constraints. Grassroots efforts began to flourish as community-driven solutions to service delivery problems emerged. In many cities, residents found ways to “hack” local governance systems, improvising solutions in waste management and land registries. This local ingenuity became a beacon of hope, a testament to the human spirit's resilience.

Meanwhile, technology began to play an increasingly central role in governance. Digital land registries and mobile tax payment systems emerged as tools for transparency and efficiency. But while these innovations offered a glimmer of promise, they also demanded new governance frameworks and important capacity building to ensure that technology served the people rather than complicate bureaucratic processes further.

International development partners also stepped into the fray during this period, providing support for governance reforms. Programs financed by organizations like USAID aimed to strengthen capacities within urban areas. These partnerships focused on institutional strengthening, driving home the message that the future of governance depended not only on policy shifts but also on building the necessary skills and frameworks to sustain these changes.

Environmental sustainability, too, became a central focus for urban governance. As cities contended with pollution and waste management challenges, new priorities began to emerge. By the tail end of 2020s, integrating ecological considerations into urban planning and budgeting became less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Local governments were compelled to adopt policies addressing these pressing issues, underscoring the recognition that sustainable practices were essential for the wellbeing of future generations.

Yet, despite all these efforts, the complexities of governance in Africa often resulted in a tug-of-war between national governments and local authorities. Many central governments maintained a strong grip on fiscal policies and land management, creating friction that hindered the realization of devolution goals. The independence of local governments varied considerably, leading to uneven fiscal decentralization across the continent. While some cities gained substantial budgetary autonomy, others remained trapped in cycles of dependence on central government transfers.

From land ownership issues to waste management challenges, governance became a canvas on which the struggles and triumphs of city life were painted. The pressing need for land title reforms became evident as cities expanded; digitization efforts aimed at securing land ownership grew into critical initiatives meant to ease disputes and facilitate investment.

Additionally, local activists and civil society organizations began wielding more influence. Armed with digital tools and social media backchannels, these groups pressed for accountability and better service delivery from local governments. They played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of transparency where citizens could hold their leaders accountable.

As we reflect on this unfolding narrative of decentralization, the story cannot be complete without acknowledging both the potential and the challenges. The governance landscape in Africa, marked by vibrant local initiatives yet constrained by external pressures, prompts us to consider the future. Will the gains made in empowering local governments translate into sustained improvements for ordinary citizens? Will the aspirations for accountability and responsive governance bear fruit in the face of persistent challenges?

As the sun sets on one era of governance, it rises on another — the dawn of empowered local voices echoing through the bustling streets of African cities. The struggle continues, but in this theater of governance, hope and resilience remain lit, reminding us that the journey toward true democracy, accountability, and service delivery is far from over. The question now lies in our collective hands: how do we ensure that the power has indeed shifted to the cities?