Nairobi, April 8 -- The 47 counties have, in nearly 13 years, shown their potential to boost national development, but have also manifested some serious financial weaknesses.

Most of these devolved units rely solely on their equitable share of revenue from the National Treasury for their recurrent and development expenditure. Little happens until the funds are disbursed. And equally damning is the realisation that corruption and other vices have also been largely devolved.

The promise of devolution is being tested by this severe cash flow crisis and mismanagement, as the counties have failed to develop their own sources of revenue. Exchequer allocations should complement a county's financial capacity.

However, a revenue crisis is choki...