Pay attention to skills if devolving

For a long time, there have been cries of unbalanced implementation of the development agenda of the government, especially at the hearings of the constitutional making.

Devolution as proposed in the draft Constitution implies power and resources getting decentralised to regions or counties.

The proposed structure of devolution, thus, would deviate from the current system where resources are collected across the nation into one basket before distribution.

Devolution prescribes that part of political and economic decision making is transferred to the people through local assemblies.

Although devolved structure implies decentralised functions of government and decision-making, it, however, does not preclude the existence of a national government that oversees the national agenda.

The devolved units will adopt policies that are in line with the national guidelines.

Three-tier government

The draft proposes a three-tier devolved government on the basis of geographical spread, underlying diversities, the need for local communities to manage own affairs and to form networks and associations for growth of their regions.

The devolved structure is likely to be expensive to implement given the human and financial resources required, among others.

Nevertheless, there are advantages wherein people get an opportunity to manage their own affairs and map out priorities better than the central government on their behalf.

To support the devolved structure, we propose that Kenya embrace good governance practices at all levels.

There is a lot of untapped potential in the country.

Taxation, for instance, registers a penetration level of about 50-60 per cent of the population with ability to pay.

The revenue authority proposed should, therefore, endeavour to widen its tax net to bring on board all the potential taxpayers to help in funding the services.

We also need to stem corruption through which we lose hundreds of billions of shillings to support the devolved systems.

But it is incumbent upon policy makers to ensure that production processes are efficient to increase volumes.

It would also be important for the government to finalise automation to enhance quality and speed of service delivery for a possible one-stop shop.

The implementation of the devolved government structure must meet the minimum expectations of accountability through ensuring that the roles at each level are clearly defined in practice not just on paper.

Proposals in the draft constitution for more oversight and implementation bodies such as the Controller of Budget, Commission on Revenue Allocation and Economic & Social Council will require more staff, particularly accountants and economists.

Reports by trainer Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (Kasneb) indicate that over 160,000 students are undertaking various accountancy examinations although less than 15,000 of these have completed examinations.

Of these, only about 7,000 are registered with the Institute and can rightfully use the term CPA (K).

If we look at the number of students undertaking degree courses in accountancy and related fields, we estimate about 10,000 to 15,000 graduates annually.

In our view, the theoretical knowledge is available but the challenge will be providing these graduates with the practical skills they need to perform their work effectively.

Qualified accountants

The challenge will be providing qualified and experienced accountants to meet the demands for both the private and public sectors.

Besides, there will be competition for the accountants from the region and globally, further straining the ability of local companies to retain experienced staff.

It is, therefore, likely that the salaries for these experienced accountants will increase and, unless the Government improves terms and conditions of service, they may end up being training grounds for people who migrate to choice employers like the private sector and international organisations.

Kigen is the chief executive officer, ICPAK.