The Effect of Governance on Resource Decentralization Within Counties in Eastern Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish the effect of county governance on resource decentralization within counties in Eastern Kenya. The study was anchored on three theories: principal-agent theory, sequential theory and stakeholders’ theory. The study adopted a descriptive research study design and random sampling technique to determine the sample size. The target population consisted of 100 respondents mainly County officers in charge of strategic planning and delivery in selected five counties: Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Embu and Marsabit that fall in the Eastern Kenya region. The study was based on primary data and used structured questionnaire for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The research findings revealed that governance strategy had an influence on the resource decentralisation in Counties. The study further revealed that citizens in the counties had ease access to County information through established information visibility channels; county roads and other infrastructural developments lagged before completion with impressive health service delivery in the local health centres within the county governments. The study established that County Governments has exclusive autonomy in the recruitment and deployment of their staff in respective areas of responsibility, and participated in the public and private partnerships for development purposes. The study concludes that there is a positive significant relationship between governance strategy rolled out in counties and resource decentralization. The study recommends an increase of resource decentralization to counties and increase watch or monitoring mechanism to ensure there is proper accountability and performance in the counties. The study also recommends that National Government to facilitate proper governance and provide speedy decision making pertaining matters relating to the County and national Governments. This study will benefit the County Governments, National Government, Policy Makers and Stakeholders in the devolution sector.