Agile and Harmonized Assistance to Devolved Institutions (AHADI)
With the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, Kenya set itself on a path toward devolution, introducing a new system of governance that includes 47 county governments with governors and legislatures. The purpose of AHADI is to support Kenya’s vision and agenda for achieving the promise of devolution. AHADI aims to promote governance systems that are transparent, accountable, effective in service delivery, and responsive to empowered citizens by working at both the national and county government levels.
AHADI is an integrated program working to leverage governance advances to improve service-delivery outcomes while also working to directly deliver sector results in agriculture, education, climate change, and extractives. The project also supports the development and implementation of WASH policies at the county level. USAID helps strengthen governance in water resources by supporting the national policy and legal framework for WASH, as well as capacity building for selected communities related to water laws, policies, regulations, and strategies.
Activity Description
In partnership with Kenyan institutions, AHADI will enhance capacity to implement devolution by piloting innovative tools, knowledge sharing mechanisms, and capacity building activities that benefit both devolved and national-level institutions. AHADI activities will be planned and implemented in collaboration with Kenyan leaders in government and civil society, and in close coordination with other development partners.
AHADI will build capacity of all actors – national, county, subcounty, and civil society – who have a role in the devolution process. Capacity building will be Kenyan-led and demand driven. It will combine training, on-the-job mentoring, and experiential learning to advance the work of government and citizens.
AHADI will support county governments and citizens to learn from each other. An information hub on devolution will disseminate practical tools, policy research, and lessons learned to ensure that shared learning, peer mentoring, pilot programs, and cross-county exchanges benefit all county and national institutions.
AHADI will integrate citizen participation into training, policy development, and research activities to provide a key link between citizens and government. AHADI will work with community organizations, as well as regional and national organizations, to help them seize opportunities for government participation. AHADI will also work to implement constitutional and statutory provisions for meaningful citizen participation.
AHADI will create linkages between County Assemblies, Governors, County Executive Committees, and Parliament to advance and maintain devolution’s momentum. It will also facilitate consultative forums bringing together citizen associations and civil society organizations in constituencies and key coordinating bodies to foster sound relationships and dialogue. AHADI will work with key national institutions to foster improved linkages between and among policy makers at all levels.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes are to:
- Strengthen the capacity of counties through training, mentoring, and technical assistance for key leaders – building skills and accountability in governance and service delivery;
- Build the capacity of civil society to more effectively represent citizen interests and needs to county governments;
- Support institutions and structures that will facilitate the devolution process, and strengthen cooperation and ties between counties and the national government.
Actual Outcomes
The actual outcomes were the:
- Approval of AHADI work plan by the Ministry of Devolution and Planning,
- 23 active grants currently supporting program activities,
- 98 county legislators and their staff attended trainings or educational events,
- 14 national legislators and their staff attended trainings or educational events,
- 11 policies/laws underwent County Assembly Forum (CAF) review,
- Supported the establishment of a resource center at the Council of Governors’ Secretariat in Nairobi,
- Supported the Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC) in developing a draft legislative guide to assist both the National and County Government(s) in the formulation of policies, bills and administrative measures.