Kenya's 2010 Constitution didn't just create a new government structure; it assigned specific jobs to each level. This division of labor is detailed in the Fourth Schedule, which acts as a clear job description for both the national and county governments. It outlines which services are handled nationally and which are managed locally.

This clear separation of duties is guided by the core principles of distinctiveness and interdependence . Each level of government has its own lane, but they must coordinate to serve citizens effectively. A county can't manage its health services without national policies on medicine, and the national government can't implement education policy without counties running the local schools. It's a partnership, not a competition.

To ensure this partnership remains balanced, the Constitution created a watchdog for the counties: the Senate. The Senate's primary role is to represent and protect the interests of the 47 county governments at the national level. It's the voice of the counties in Parliament.

Any proposed law that affects the functions or finances of county governments must be considered and passed by the Senate. This gives counties a direct say in national legislation that impacts their operations. Most importantly, the Senate plays a crucial role in deciding how much money is allocated to counties each year, a process we'll explore next.

Devolution isn't just about transferring functions; it's about transferring the money to perform them. The Constitution mandates that a share of nationally raised revenue must be equitably divided between the national and county governments. This is known as the equitable share.

The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) is the independent body responsible for recommending the formula for this division. The formula isn't arbitrary. It's a complex calculation designed to ensure fairness and address the unique needs of each county.

Despite this framework, the annual 'division of revenue' bill often becomes a major political battle. The National Assembly and the Senate frequently disagree on the total amount to be allocated to counties, leading to legislative stalemates. These delays can paralyze county operations, affecting everything from paying doctors' salaries to funding local infrastructure projects.