Decentralisation = The original powers of local government + transferred power

Decentralization refers to the original power of local communities and the powers and authority
transferred from a the central government to regional or local authorities. It aims to empower local
communities and enhance their decision-making capacity

Strengths of Decentralization:

a) Decentralization encourages citizen engagement and participation in decision-making processes,

allowing individuals and communities to have a direct say in matters that affect them.

b) Decentralization can improve the delivery of public services, as local authorities have a better
understanding of local needs and can respond more effectively.

c) It promotes balanced regional development by enabling local authorities to address specific

regional challenges and allocate resources based on local priorities.

d) Decentralization can enhance accountability and transparency in governance by allowing citizens

to hold local authorities more directly responsible for their actions.

Weaknesses of Decentralization:

a) Implementing decentralization requires building the capacity of local authorities, which may be
lacking in terms of financial resources, expertise, and administrative capabilities.

b) If not carefully managed, decentralization can exacerbate existing inequalities and regional
disparities, as some areas may have more resources and capacity to benefit from devolved powers
compared to others.

c) Coordinating actions and policies among different local authorities and ensuring coherence in
decision-making can be challenging, leading to potential conflicts and inefficiencies.

d) Local authorities may be subject to political interference or capture by powerful interest groups,
which can undermine their autonomy and impartiality.

Deconcentration:

Deconcentration refers to the redistribution of administrative functions and responsibilities from

central government ministries and agencies to their local offices or branches. It aims to enhance
efficiency and responsiveness in public administration.

Strengths of Deconcentration:

a) Deconcentration allows for quicker decision-making by enabling local offices to make decisions
within their jurisdictions. Responsible of execution.

b) Deconcentration facilitates better coordination and communication between central government

entities and their local offices.

c) Local offices under deconcentration can provide specialized services tailored to the needs of the
local population, as they have a better understanding of local conditions and requirements.

d) Deconcentration allows central government ministries to maintain control over policies and
procedures while delegating implementation to local offices.
Weaknesses of Deconcentration:

a) While deconcentration brings decision-making closer to the local level, ultimate authority still rests
with the central government, which can limit the autonomy of local offices and hinder innovation.

b) If there is a lack of clear guidelines or supervision, deconcentration can result in inconsistent

implementation of policies and services across different local offices.

c) Deconcentration can increase the administrative burden on local offices, requiring them to handle
additional responsibilities without necessarily receiving commensurate resources or support.

d) The central government may retain excessive control over their actions.