Policy and Implementation Plan

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Decentralisation overview National framework

Policy and Implementation Plan

Explore the full objectives of the 2023 National Decentralisation Policy and the 2023-2027 Implementation Plan - beyond the indicators currently monitored by TI-Z.

This is national policy information for public understanding. It is broader than the areas currently included in TI-Z's monitoring dashboard.
The policy is wider than the current dashboard

The national framework contains seven objectives across four strategic areas. TI-Z's current pilot uses selected indicators only, so an area missing from the dashboard is not missing from the policy.

Full policy scope

Four strategic areas and seven objectives

2023 policy

Decentralised governance

Inclusive citizen and community participation in democratic local governance.

  • Strengthen platforms for community engagement.
  • Promote community participation in local affairs.
  • Build the engagement, planning, coordination and service-delivery capacity of provinces, districts, Local Authorities and wards.

Administrative decentralisation

Functions, institutions, people and plans needed to deliver services at lower levels.

  • Transfer decision-making authority, functions and resources to districts, Local Authorities and the lowest feasible level.
  • Realign institutional structures and systems for devolved functions.
  • Develop merit-based human resources and strengthen institutional performance.
  • Use participatory Integrated Development Plans for inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient local development.

Fiscal decentralisation

Resources and financial systems that should follow devolved responsibilities.

  • Improve resource sharing between central and local government.
  • Strengthen Local Authority own-source revenue capacity.
  • Improve intergovernmental transfers, financial management, accounting and debt sustainability.

Policy coordination and legal arrangements

A coordinated and legally aligned system for putting devolution into practice.

  • Strengthen coordination mechanisms for decentralisation.
  • Align legislation with the Constitution.
  • Develop enabling legislation and monitor implementation through the national plan.
2023-2027 Implementation Plan

From policy intention to measurable action

The Implementation Plan turns each objective into a monitoring and evaluation matrix. It identifies measures, activities, indicators, annual targets, responsible institutions and estimated costs.

ObjectivesWhat the policy intends to achieve
ActivitiesActions expected during implementation
IndicatorsEvidence used to track progress
Annual targetsMilestones scheduled from 2023 to 2027
ResponsibilitiesLead and cooperating institutions
Estimated costsResources anticipated for delivery
Official implementation monitoring

Government and independent evidence are different

The policy assigns national monitoring to Cabinet Office in collaboration with ministries, Local Authorities and other stakeholders, with bi-annual and annual progress reports. TI-Z contributes independent civil-society monitoring and does not replace that official system.

How TI-Z monitoring works
Implementation responsibilities

Many institutions have a role

Cabinet Office

Leadership, direction, oversight, capacity building and digitisation.

Finance and Local Government ministries

Resources, financial standards, local governance direction, guidance and inspection.

Sector ministries and commissions

Service standards, functional devolution, staffing guidance and capacity building.

Provincial and district administrations

Coordination, concurrent functions and local monitoring.

Local Authorities and WDCs

District administration, devolved services, CDF, by-laws and citizen participation.

Civil society, media and communities

Information, participation, evidence, independent monitoring and accountability.