Assessment of County Government Structure and the Implementation of Kenya Vision 2030 Strategy in Identified Counties in Kenya

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the influence of county government structure on the implementation of the Vision 2030 strategy in Kenya. This follows the promulgation of the constitution that provides for the implementation of devolution of services to the county governments. The aim of this study was to access the strategies adopted by the county governments in the implementation of the Vision 2030 strategy. The other objective was to assess the influence of devolution structure in the successful implementation of public sector reforms. This study was conducted in six counties classified under three economic regions as Urban, rural and high potential counties and finally, Arid and semi-arid lands. Questionnaires were administered to all the respondents and data analyzed in SPSSv17. The findings of this study show that there are differences in the leadership management structure in the different counties on the aspect of gender equality, women employment, marginalized groups, persons with disabilities and the youth. Most of the respondents agree that Gender equality, women and youth have been addressed in the leadership management structure unlike the marginalized groups and persons with disabilities. The respondents indicated that they would prefer to have the county strategies linked to Vision 2030's while noting most people are not satisfied with the implementation of public sector reforms. This study recommends linking of the county strategies with Vision 2030's to enhance successful implementation of Vision 2030 strategy and public sector reforms. It also supports that the structures adopted should be guided by the Kenya's constitution 20 I0 as well as to help promote integrity, ethics and transparency. This study also offers several areas for further research in order to fill the existing gaps on devolution and implementation of Vision 2030 strategy.