Devolution and Its Effect on the Community: a Cross Sectional Study of Githunguri Constituency in Kiambu County

Abstract

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 set a pace for the process of devolution. In Kenya devolution involves transfer of finances and power to County governments with an aim of bringing services and development close to its citizens in view of vision 2030. Despite this initiative, there is less evidence indicating the effect of devolution on the many communities in Kenya. This study sought to examine the impact of devolution on community development with reference to Githunguri constituency. The study used a cross sectional study design and utilized qualitative as well as quantitative data. The target population was 39350 house hold heads in Githunguri constituency. Fisher‘s fomula was used in the determination of the sample size. Stratified random sampling was applied to select a sample size of 384 household heads from the target population. The strata were the five locations in Githunguri constituency. In addition, purposive sampling to select on 5 chiefs from the five locations in Githunguri Constituency as the key informants. The study used primary data collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. The study found that the social and economic projects initiated after devolution in Githunguri Constituency had yielded some benefits. Devolution had led to improved accessibility to the market due to improved roads and feeder roads, improved availability of medicine in healthcare facilities, improved lighting in the streets, increased accessibility to water. However, factors such as poor administrative capacity, embezzlement of revenues, evasion, lack of capacity, use of traditional service delivery methods, improper procedures in procurement and lack of professionalism in public sector management were negatively influencing devolution. xiv This study recommends that the national government as well as the county governments should formulate and implement policies to separate powers and authority so as to ensure that there are no overlapping of powers and authority. In addition, County Governments should ensure an increased use of modern technology in service delivery and in procurement. This will help to improve efficiency of service delivery and reduce collusion and corruption in public procurement.