Tensions in the central-local government relations system and poor institutional
coordination between central government agencies and LAOs. The decentralization reforms
have led to establishment of locally elected councils for all LAOs with the mandate to plan and
deliver services, and in turn be accountable to the electorate. However, the deconcentrated
arms of the central government at the provincial level have not been rolled back, and in practice
have retained control over the management of local authorities. This situation has meant that
centrally appointed officials who are accountable to the central government make most of the
decisions on planning and delivery of services, and elected councilors who are accountable to
their electorate have not been provided the autonomy to manage LAOs. Such a system has
led to dilution in the local accountability framework and is causing tensions in the central-local
government relations system. Another related issue is that sector ministries do not directly
coordinate interventions with LAO’s but must legally go through the Ministry of interior’s
Department of Local Administration – which is problematic because large number of LAOs (7,854)
makes comprehensive monitoring and coordination unfeasible for the MOI