Factors influencing effective service delivery to communities. A case of Nakuru town, Kenya

Abstract

The most important milestone in the world in regards to improved community welfare is efficient and effective service delivery on essential areas such as health, water, sewerage; sanitation, security, and economic empowerment, reducing community poverty levels as stressed by WHO in 2011. This study sought to generate a deeper understanding through factors influencing effective service delivery to communities. A case of Nakuru town. Thus the objectives guiding this study were to determine the extent to which availability of funds affect service delivery in Nakuru town, to examine the extent to which availability of technical know-how affect service delivery in Nakuru town, to establish the extent to which political interference affect service delivery in Nakuru town, and to determine the extent to which community participation affects service delivery in Nakuru town. The study adopted the descriptive survey design involving a sample size of 209 respondents. Quantitative sampling was employed in reaching the sample size through information obtained from Kenya‟s 2009 housing and population census. Both Interview schedules and questionnaires were used in this study. An interview schedule guide was used for the key informants allowing for probing while mail questionnaires were employed for the category of respondents who could not be reached physically. Qualitative data collected was coded allowing for the quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics. The data obtained in this study was presented in frequencies, percentages and mean. Findings stated that 88% of respondents indicated that for effective service delivery to exist within communities there must be availability of funds to put up new structures, expand on available facilities and ensure running of existing ones. A Majority 81% implicated required expertise for sustainability of community projects. On political leaders‟ interference, 93% stated negatively and a great barrier to improved community service delivery, and most respondents by 78% felt left out on community projects dealing with service delivery and this affected their full participation. It is for these reasons that the researcher strongly recommends national governments allocation of service delivery funds to the County governments annually, Mandatory rule to have expertise input on all community service delivery projects, laid down rules and regulations where politicians do not interfere with community service delivery, and maximum involvement of community members in service delivery projects in line with community needs and wants.