Kenya's devolution, implemented in 2013, is faltering as most counties remain dependent on national government funds, hindering grassroots development and fostering corruption. Critics argue the system has become a mere "distribution unit" rather than achieving its intended goal of creating "productive units of development."

• Professor Peter Kagwanja, CEO of the Africa Policy Institute, states that after three cycles, devolution has not achieved its goals, with counties acting as administrative outposts instead of productive hubs.
• Policy and governance expert Philip Kisia highlighted that even the smallest county has received over Sh30 billion in the past 12 years, yet many are worse off, accusing governors of incompetence and mismanagement.
• Auditor General’s reports consistently reveal issues like ethnic bias in employment, inflated procurement, ghost projects, and billions lost to dubious deals, while convictions for corruption remain rare.