Kenya’s Religious Institutions Role in Devolution for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This paper examined the role of religious institutions in the success of devolution in Kenya. Politics influence almost every aspect of life and so does religion. The misuse of power, bad politics, hypocrisy of democracy and corruption were identified as obstacles to devolution and the development of a country. These aspects were championed passively by powerful and privileged minority political elites who hinder national development. It is said that whenever a state fails in the proper governance, people always turn to religious institutions for solace. It would be perilous to wait until the country gets to such a state. The community of faith in Kenya has a big role to play in the success of devolution both at the national level and the county level for sustainable development and for attainment of the Vision 2030. It is a tool for empowering and mobilizing the people to become the agents of their own development and liberating themselves from these dysfunctional structures that devalue them and their dignity. For long the church has been seen to be on the opposing side, opposing transitions, especially the new constitution and blocking the path for reforms, but not all. Some clerics have bled, been detained and others have died for the course. The article recommends vibrant involvement of the religious society in governance.