Government structural change on improvement of economic welfare of communities in Butula, Busia

Abstract

Kenya has devolved funds up to grass root level with the aim of bringing services and development close to its citizens in view of vision 2030. However a report by the controller and Auditor General in Kenya gazette 2010 uncovered massive misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds in 16 Constituencies. In spite of this, other constituencies were reported as posting remarkable performance. Presence of devolved funds at community level seems to spark little concern among community stakeholders yet, the funds are meant to bring improvement in socio economic welfare. The purpose of this study is to investigate how government structures change influence improvement of welfare of Butula people. The study explore the following objectives, To establish how devolved funds within the government structure influence improvement of economic welfare of communities in Butula Busia County, to examine how administrative systems within the government structure influence improvement of economic welfare of communities in Butula Busia County, to evaluate how human resource within government structure influence improvement of economic welfare of communities in Butula Busia County and to determine how community participation within government structure influence improvement of economic welfare of communities in Butula Busia County. The study used a descriptive survey design with a target population of 121,870. Krejecie and Morgan table of sample determination was used to determine the sample. The study use questionnaire and interview schedule to collect data. Data was analyzed both deceptive and inferential techniques of which Frequencies, cross tabulations, and chi-square elements for measuring association were used to study the findings at 5% α-level significance. The study therefore established that budgets allocated, amounts provided, funding channels in the county, accessibility of such funds through groups and individuals, county administrators meeting requirements before being appointed, feasibility studies before project roll out and project monitoring and evaluating committees significantly influenced economic welfare of communities in Butula, Busia County.