How Makueni County and MCLD are Advancing Participatory Development Through the Kenya School for Devolution and Community-Led Development
By Steve Ogutu (MCLD) & Zippy Wambua (Makueni County)
This year, MCLD is marking 10 years of progress and will be highlighting its impacts, lessons, and achievements.
When the Kenya School for Devolution and Community-Led Development (CLD) was launched in Makueni County in March 2023, its vision was clear: to equip government officials, civil society organizations, and community-based groups with tools and skills needed to strengthen devolution, enhance localization and foster sustainable community-driven change. Co-established by Makueni County and MCLD-Kenya, the School has become a transformative platform for participatory governance, ensuring that development is driven by the very communities it seeks to serve.
The school is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority of Kenya (TVETA), the regulatory body mandated to ensure the institution offers quality and relevance courses that comply with the TVET Act CAP 210A and all other applicable statutory provisions and continually improve its QMS based on the requirements of ISO 9001:2015.
Makueni County has long been recognized for its innovative approach to devolution, but a key challenge remained—how to ensure meaningful citizen engagement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of development projects. With the support of MCLD-Kenya, the county has been able to institutionalize community-led development, strengthening governance structures and embedding citizen participation at every stage of the development process.
“The impact of community participation has been profound,” says Dr. Zippy Wambua, Director in charge of Devolution at Makueni County. “Through the School for Devolution and CLD, we have built the capacity of our government officials to actively involve citizens in decision-making, making governance more responsive and inclusive.”
The School’s first cohort graduated in November 2023, comprising 35 county officials who have since become champions of community-led governance. These officials have introduced participatory planning forums at the village and ward levels, ensuring that projects align with the real needs of the people. The result? Enhanced accountability, reduced resource wastage, and stronger community ownership of government projects.
The Governor of Makueni County acknowledges the transformative impact of these efforts. “Cases of vandalism of government projects have significantly reduced because communities now feel a deep sense of ownership,” he explains. “When citizens are actively involved in designing and implementing projects, they protect and sustain them. This is how we create lasting change.”
Beyond reducing vandalism, this approach has also curbed corruption and inefficiencies. Before embracing community-led development, many projects faced delays, budget overruns, or mismatches between government priorities and community needs. Now, with clear structures for participation, resources are better utilized, and project outcomes are more sustainable.
MCLD-Kenya Executive Director Steve Ogutu highlights the broader significance of this model. “What we are seeing in Makueni is proof that when communities are at the center of development, governance improves. It is not just about giving people a seat at the table; it is about co-creating solutions that work for them. Other counties can learn from Makueni’s experience and replicate this approach.”
The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of capacity-building and locally-led solutions. By embedding community participation in governance, Makueni County is setting a new standard for devolution in Kenya—one where development is not just done for the people but with the people. As the momentum continues, the School for Devolution and CLD stands as a beacon of hope for a future where every county in Kenya embraces inclusive, accountable, and community-driven development.
Featured Photo: School for Devolution and CLD Launches in Makueni County Kenya, March 2023.