Devolved System Of Government Research Articles

Devolved Governance System and its Economic Development Impact to Rural Counties in Kenya: Case Study Kakamega County, Kenya

This study aims at discussing how devolved governance system has an economic impact to rural counties in Kenya with Kakamega rural county as the case study. The Devolution is one of the most transformative changes to Kenya’s governance system brought about by the Kenya Constitution, 2010. Article 174 of the Constitution provides that one of the key objectives of devolution is to promote social and economic development and provide proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya. Many rural Counties including Kakamega County faced with a myriad of challenges such as poverty, unemployment, disease, low agricultural productivity among others. Kakamega County through its short, medium and long term plans came up with an Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). The CIDP helps the county in identification of the projects and programmes through various consultative forums at the sub-county level vide Focused Ward Groups, community dialogues, County Stakeholders, such as the County Budget and Economic Forum, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, Public Benefit Organizations such as GROOTS Kenya, ADS, and International development partners such as UNICEF, UNDP and USAID. Kakamega county has achieved much in terms of developments in various sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and urbanization. This study contributes in highlighting how devolved governance system has a positive impact to rural areas in kenya. The study provides crucial insights on devolution as a tool to economic development changes in rural Kenya especially in Kakamega County.

Predictors of strategic procurement performance metrics adoption in county governments: empirical evidence from Kakamega county government, Kenya

PurposeAmidst the scarcity of resources, it is undisputable that an effective public procurement performance measurement system (PMS) is required particularly in county governments, especially for Kenya to realize its ambitions in devolved governance system. County governments cannot be effectively evaluated on their performance if the long-term, strategic impact of public procurement processes and projects is not captured. Arising from this backdrop, this study aims to determine the predictors of strategic procurement performance metrics (SPPM) adoption in public procurement PMS of county governments.Design/methodology/approachAnchored on institutional theory and public sector scorecard model, a survey research design was adopted where data were collected through census from 115 respondents working in procurement, finance and stores department of Kakamega county government. Data were collected using questionnaire (75.56% response rate) and key informant interviews, and analyzed by using multiple regression model and ordinal logistic regression models.FindingsMultiple regression model and ordinal logistics regression revealed that national government support negatively and significantly, and regulatory framework positively and significantly affects the adoption of SPPM.Practical implicationsThere is need for formal mechanism that will enable the national government in partnership with the council of governors to be proactively involved in developing procurement performance measurement capacity of county governments. This study’s findings also provide suggestions for a working regulatory framework required for the adoption of SPPM by county governments.Originality/valueThis work adds value to the prevailing body of knowledge on public procurement PMS in the public sector.

The Effect of Public Participation on Performance of Devolved Governance System in Kenya: Case of the Government of the County of Kwale

Public engagement, openness, and accountability are strongly emphasized in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution and the accompanying legislative framework on devolution as ways to increase the effectiveness, equity, and inclusivity of government and service delivery. The devolution framework includes many laws mandating county governments to interact with residents during planning, budgeting, and service delivery monitoring and to make information publicly available. The aim of this research was to how public participation affect devolved governance system in Kenya at Kwale County Government. Specific objectives were developed for the study and included; to determine the impact of fair notice and time on Kenya's decentralized government structure and public engagement, to evaluate the impact of appropriate and accessible information on Kenya's decentralized government system and public engagement, to ascertain the impact of fair and open dialogue on Kenya's decentralized government structure and public engagement and to determine the impact of inclusive and Adequatet representation on Kenya's decentralized government system, public involvement. This research was guided by Agency Theory, Stewardship theory and Stakeholder Theory. This study applied descriptive survey design. Target population of this research was five hundred and eighty residents of the Kinango Sub County. Data was presented using tables as well as figures. To test how public participation and devolved governance system in Kenya are related, a linear multiple regression test was conducted and analysis was carried via coefficient of multiple regression. With a mean of (mean=3.81, SD=.782), the majority of respondents said that members are aware of the topics to be discussed. The least number of respondents, with a mean of (mean=2.89, SD=0.345), agreed that members had access to information on the topics to be addressed. The outcome implies that many legislations in Kenya have acknowledged public participation in governance issues. The researcher can conclude that the study came to the conclusion that the success of Kenya's devolved government system is positively impacted by public engagement. The researcher recommends that in order to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to participate, emphasis should be placed on using local language while engaging the public. To decide how long a member should remain in the forum, more research should be conducted. The county governments should establish and put into effect public participation statutes through their county assemblies. The Researcher recommends to the devolved government system in Kenya to use the structured framework that incorporates the four independent variables as a model for how to conduct public involvement.

Perceptions about the Factors that Influence Public Participation in Rural Kenya

The aim of this study was to establish the factors influencing participation of the public in development projects in Wote-Nziu ward in the context of a devolved governance system. The objectives of the study were to establish the impact of socio-economic factors, political factors and demographic characteristics on public participation in development projects. The study sample was comprised 85 respondents sampled from the general population within Wote/Nziu ward. In addition, 15 Key informants were drawn from Project Management Committees (PMC) and 9 focus group discussions were with the committee members drawn from the various projects within the ward that are initiated and implemented by the County Government of Makueni. Analysis of the data collected, that is, correlation between independent and dependent variables revealed positive values of correlation coefficients (R). The study findings revealed that demographic characteristics, socioeconomic and political factors influence the level of public participation in development activities of the residents of Wote-Nziu Ward in Makueni County. Comparatively, however, political factors have more influence on public participation. The study concludes that residents and the County Government of Makueni have embraced public participation as a tool to meaningfully engage in development initiatives in a devolved system of governance.

Effect of Responsiveness Practices on County Government Performance in Kenya: A Case Study in Makueni and Marsabit County Governments

It is expected that public involvement through participation and incorporation of other good governances’ practices in the developed governance process would enable policy makers legislate responsive policies that promotes performances in the county governments through timely delivery of services and efficient utilization of resources in the counties. The Constitution of Kenya has prioritized public participation in the devolved governance system, by acknowledging the right of local people to manage their own matters in advancing their political, social and economic expansion. However, previous studies indicate that counties are experiencing misappropriation and misallocation of resources, against the needs and priorities for the public. About 41 percent of Kenyans were unsatisfied with performances of their counties. This hinders effective performance. Conversely, some counties have performed well according to rating done by Policy Tracking Impact Public Affairs Consulting 2018, which ranked Makueni county government as the best performing county based on development projects and policies implied by counties. Therefore, the study sought to compare the effects of corporate governance practices on performances in Makueni and Marsabit counties. Marsabit County was chosen because despite Makueni being ranked the best, both counties experience almost similar challenges in their governance. The issues of low human capital development, cross-border community level conflicts, and low level of investment in infrastructure, high level of poverty, food insecurity, land degradations and poor health system are the common challenges that affect performance in the counties. Thus, this study sought to examine the effects of responsiveness governance practices on the selected counties in Kenya. To accomplish the objectives, the study adopted correlational research design and interpretivism research philosophy. The target population consisted of county officials, heads of groups and community leaders in the two counties. Primary data was collected and analyzed using a linear model to estimate the coefficients. The findings indicated that responsibility had significant positive effect of 13.6 percent on county government performance. In this regard, the study recommended the need for counties to ensure strict adherence of resource allocations in line with the county integrated development plans and annual development plans, developed through public participation.

The Influence of Devolved Governance System in Participation Management of Public Funds in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties in Meru Community, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of devolved governance system in participation management of public funds in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties in Meru community. Devolved governance system in Kenya has taken root with the central government devolving funds, policies and programs with minimal involvement of the people on the grass root level.. Since the advent of devolution it is critical to find out whether people have taken the initiative to influence governance and be involved in fund management. The research questions guiding the study were: What is the influence of Devolved System of Governance in managing funds in County Governments in Meru Community? What is the influence of devolution and public participation in governance of County Governments in Meru Community? How does devolution and political representation in counties influence performance of governance in County Governments in Meru Community? To which extent does devolution and public participation in decision making is being institutionalized by county governments in Meru community?  What is the effectiveness of control activities in the management of public funds in county governments in Meru community? The research was conducted in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties and through purposeful sampling had two case studies from each county in Meru community. Data was collected using guided interviews and semi structured questions. The data was collected through a focus group discussion, documents and audio-visual materials..   The study examined the literature review to understand devolved governance system and its practice globally, regionally and in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties. The theoretical framework was anchored on the governance theory, devolution theory, management theory and participation theory which imply that citizens are able to participate in fund management. The study findings indicated that the devolved system of governance is able to improve on financial planning, which eases the decision making process. It improves the transparency on financial matters and there is accountability on financial utilization which has influenced the financial management in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties.  The study concluded that public participation is a pivotal factor in the budgeting process as optimal participation by the public reduces instances of fractious processes and the budgets captured the wishes of the masses. The essence of assuring public participation is requisite in the quest to have openness in budget making. Keywords: Devolved governance system, Participation, management, Public Funds.

Politics and administration in times of crisis: Explaining the Swedish response to the COVID‐19 crisis

AbstractThe Swedish response to the COVID‐19 pandemic is different not only to the response of other European countries, but also to other Scandinavian countries, which are geographically proximate and culturally similar. The question that emerges from an analysis of the Swedish case concerns the reasons why the country chose to take such a relatively liberal crisis response to the onset of the pandemic compared to the rest of Europe. In this paper, I treat the national response to the pandemic as the outcome variable, which I seek to explain through an analysis of the intersection of dualism in the model of Swedish public administration and the devolved governance system that bestows operational autonomy on public agencies and local public authorities. The duality that characterizes the relationship between politics, policy, and administration in Sweden resulted in a response that was necessarily decentralized. The decentralized response in conjunction with high political trust among the citizenry necessitated, and was conducive to, broad guidelines. I conclude the article with a discussion placing the Swedish response in perspective for further comparative research.摘要瑞典对新冠肺炎大流行的响应不仅不同于其他欧洲国家，还不同于其他斯堪的纳维亚国家，后者在地理和文化上都与瑞典相似。浮现的问题则有关于瑞典选择自由式危机响应的原因。本文中，我将国家对大流行的响应作为结果变量，试图通过分析瑞典公共行政与下放治理体系（将操作自治权交予公共机构与地方公共机构）模式中二者的交集，对该变量进行诠释。瑞典政治、政策与行政之间的关系的双重性导致对危机的响应必然是去中心化的。去中心化响应加上全体公民高度的政治信任，不仅使广泛的指南成为必需，同时有益于该指南。我以一项探讨作为本文结论，这项探讨诠释了瑞典的危机响应对进一步比较研究的重要性。

Institutional Challenges In Managing County Government Resources In Kenya

In 2010 the Government of Kenya promulgated a new Constitution, articulating a devolved-system of Government entailing a National Government and County Governments. As a key pillar to the constitution of Kenya, devolution seeks to bring governance closer to the people. Kenyans are therefore looking at the county governments to derive the required change in the country. However, fundamental challenges have continued to dog the Counties including irregular or delayed disbursement of devolved funds from the national Exchequer; low revenue collection levels from local sources; weak and uncoordinated planning and execution among others. This has led to several stalled projects; indebtedness to suppliers; inadequate capacity at the county level to effectively and efficiently perform the devolved functions; inadequate financial resources among others. Although there are opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment and capital inflow; Public-Private Partnerships; Grants; Exchange programs; and wider markets for the local products, that the Counties need to explore and pursue, most of them are not in a position to sustain themselves. The purpose of this paper is to review the Institutional and Legal frameworks as provided by the Constitution of Kenya using the business sustainability model of the seven Ps (i.e. Preparation, People, Processes, Preservation, Place, Product and Production). It is hoped that the paper will form a conceptual framework to inform future county Government’s strategic decisions in order to utilize grants from development partners for the improvement of their citizens welfare. Further the paper will inform policy makers and development partners on fundamental areas that may need to be looked at in order to ensure effective utilization of available resources.

Levels of transparency and county service delivery in Kenya

In order to push development to the grassroots and ensure citizens contribute meaningfully to development, many African countries have adopted the devolved governance system. However, it has been observed that the devolution of political powers has not translated equally to envisioned overall development. In Kenya County governments have achieved various milestones towards development demonstrated through the infrastructure, social amenities, and standards of living. However, corruption has been increasing mainly due to a lack of transparency. This paper sought to examine the contribution of transparency levels in County government service delivery. The study adopted mixed method approach using survey and in-depth interviews concurrently. Stratified multi stage cluster sampling was deployed. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and qualitative data using interview schedules. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and a typological theory developed to explain the study results. The study findings showed that the level of transparency in the counties was low which affected service delivery. The study concluded that county governments should ensure that public participation and sharing of information is bidirectional to involve both users and management so as to improve service delivery.

The Moderating Effect of Government Policy on Strategic Leadership and Performance of County Governments in North Rift Region, Kenya.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 reversed the centralized non - participatory governance paradigm by institutionalizing a devolved governance system. A total of 47 counties were created in the constitution. Each county was to receive funding from the National government and at the same time generate funds to sustain themselves. Devolution approaches tailored to sub-national, regional and local circumstances were considered better able to address the continuing problems caused by entrenched territorial inequities in growth, income and employment. These counties are streamlined under government polices where evaluation is done and planned early in the policy development cycle and embedded into all policies. The objectives of the study were to determine the moderating effect of government policy on strategic leadership and performance of county governments in North Rift region, Kenya. The study adopted mixed research design that targeted 539 county governments’ employees in the North Rift region. A sample size of 230 employees was determined and selected by use of stratified random sampling technique. The main study instrument was self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. Validity was determined by population and content validity. Reliability of instruments was tested by use of Cronbach’s alpha. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were adopted. It was noted that government policy has a moderating role because in its presence, it accounts for 53% of the performance of county government while in its absence, the performance can only be attributed to 49.2%. The study concluded that government policy has a moderating effect with performance in the county government.

Politics, Centralisation and Service Delivery in Urban Zimbabwe

The politics of urban control has revolved around centralisation since independence in 1980. However, such politics became more pronounced after 2000 owing to the rise of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) as the main governing party in urban areas. Political tensions and contradictions ensued between central government, under the Zimbabwe African National Union (Patriotic Front) (ZANU[PF]), and local authorities, under the MDC, over the control and administration of urban areas. Based on 30 interviews, the article explains how central government and, by extension, ZANU(PF) attempted to regain control of urban areas through centralisation of water and vehicle licensing functions. This practice, however, contravenes existing laws. Hitherto, scholarship has attributed centralisation by the government to a strategy to defuse the opposition rule in cities. This article extends reasons for centralisation to include ZANU(PF)’s strong ideological belief in centralisation, access to resources in a failing economy and maintaining a firm grip on power. In particular, the article focuses on how urban politics is manifested in the transfer of water and sanitation and vehicle licensing functions from local authorities to government-run entities. It is also evident that the prioritisation of survival politics neglects key service delivery in urban centres. In the absence of a functionally devolved system of governance, this casts doubt on the feasibility and success of opposition political parties in governing African cities.

Devolution of power in Zimbabwe's new constitutional order : opportunities and potential constraints

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have adopted constitutions which legislate different forms of decentralisation for their governance structures and systems. This currency and desirability for decentralisation is built on a consensus of African governments, international development agencies and civil society organisations that see it as a democratic system of government which advances citizen participation in human development. This consensus further sees decentralisation as a key for local democratisation in Africa since it brings a locally responsive government closer to the people and makes government more accountable to local people. Although there are four main forms of decentralisation, namely, administrative, political, fiscal and market, many African governments have chosen to implement political decentralisation (devolution) and administrative decentralisation (deconcentration) with those running devolved systems of government being seen and acclaimed as more democratic. These are the democratic credentials usually showered on Kenya and Uganda which run devolved governments, as well as South Africa which uses a unique decentralisation model based on a three tier co-operative government structure. Of late, Zimbabwe has joined this group of African countries with constitutions that legislate a devolved governance system. Zimbabwe's new Constitution adopted in May 2013 states that governmental powers and responsibilities must be devolved between the national government, provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities which are expected to ensure good governance by being effective, transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of local people. This introduction of devolution of power as a new governance model in Zimbabwe replaces deconcentration on the premise that devolution is a more democratic, citizen centred, participatory, more transparent, accountable and locally relevant development focussed governance system. This article examines the opportunities and potential constraints associated with this transition from deconcentration to a three tier devolved system of governance. It does this through answering the following questions: To what extent will this reconfiguration of the State from centralisation to devolution give citizens more power to elect representatives who understand and champion their local development needs? Will local needs, aspirations, influence and drive the development agenda as opposed to the current top-down deconcentration model of development? Which consequentialist and deontological benefits will be derived from devolution of power? Is devolution going to influence equitable and fair exploitation of local resources for the benefit of all communities including marginalised provinces, such as, Matabeleland, Midlands and Manicaland? Does an anti-devolutionist ZANU-PF dominated government have the political will to fully implement devolution? Or maybe devolution of power will remain a symbolic constitutional provision while the deconcentration status quo remains?

Linking outputs and outcomes from devolved forest governance using a Modified Actor-Power-Accountability Framework (MAPAF): Case study from Chilimo forest, Ethiopia

Recent changes in the policy and institutional framework for forestry of Ethiopia emphasize the decentralization of power including through devolution. With the aim of filling the gap in the literature on Ethiopia, this study explored the actors involved, the nature of power they hold, the accountability relationships among actors and the social and environmental outcomes of the devolved governance system using a Modified Actor-Power-Accountability Framework (MAPAF). The results indicated that discretionary decision-making space is created for the local population and the leaders of Forest Cooperatives to manage and protect the forest and use it for subsistence purposes. To generate income from their withdrawal rights, however, local actors require approval from a mid-level actor, the Oromia Forest and Wildlife Enterprise. Devolution has improved physical and human conditions and the benefits from natural capital, which were identified as salient for the local population as a means of coping with their vulnerabilities and for income generation. The environmental outcome differed depending on the policy followed by the mid-level partner organizations that make decisions with the local population on income-generating activities from the sale of forest resources. Overall, elite capture and the recent emphasis on income generation over forest conservation were identified as key factors hampering positive social and environmental outcomes from the devolved governance system.

Examining the assumptions of integrated coastal management: Stakeholder agendas and elite cooption in Babuyan Islands, Philippines

In the Philippines, Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) represents the dominant response to narratives of ecosystem decline. However, there are persistent challenges to implementation, manifested in continued resource degradation, questioning of the exercise of stakeholder involvement and rising resource conflicts. This paper examines the implementation process and how the assumptions embodied in the ICM regime meet the local reality in one group of islands in the Philippine archipelago. The evidence shows how the transformation towards a supposed equilibrium state of coastal ecosystems is undermined in the face of diverging stakeholder agendas. Expected actors are disempowered by the incoherence between the policy owners’ worldview and reality, paving the way for unethical influence from elite alliances. This is coupled with a deepening of the dominance of state, international development banks, foreign aid agencies, and NGOs in promoting their respective interests. In localities such as the Babuyan Islands, when assumptions of ICM collapse it has destructive consequences for fisherfolk and the coastal environment. We conclude that if ICM is to foster an effective and equitable correction of current unsustainable exploitation patterns, then there is a need to institute improved accountability mechanisms in the devolved governance system as well as taking seriously the espoused commitment to stakeholder involvement in determining the goals and assumptions of ICM.