The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical legal and institutional weaknesses in emergency response mechanisms, particularly in decentralized governance systems (WHO, 2020). In Kenya, national legal instruments such as the Public Health Act (Cap. 242), Public Order Act (Cap. 56), and ministerial directives were used to manage the crisis (Government of Kenya, 1921; 1950). However, these frameworks were often misaligned with the devolved governance structure under the 2010 Constitution (Government of Kenya, 2010). This study investigates the implementation of these legal instruments in Kilifi County, analyzing their enforceability, legitimacy, and adaptability. Grounded in stakeholder theory (Freeman, 1984) and contingency theory (Donaldson, 2001), the research draws on qualitative data from 25 key informant interviews and document analysis. Findings reveal that outdated, centralized laws and limited county legislative authority led to jurisdictional confusion, poor compliance, and reduced public trust (Onyango & Wamalwa, 2020; Okech & Lelei, 2021). The study contributes to scholarship on pandemic governance and legal preparedness in Africa by recommending reforms to localize public health legislation, strengthen intergovernmental coordination, and institutionalize participatory legal processes. These legal reforms are vital for building inclusive, adaptable, and trusted frameworks to manage future public health emergencies in Kenya and similar decentralized contexts.