Factors Affecting Upholding Of Accountability In County Government Projects In Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

Upholding of accountability has become a universal principle in project management in the global arena hence this necessitating close observation on how various projects are run and resources spent. Despite many countries trying to institute laws to guarantee responsiveness in project management, the challenge of unaccountability still remains persistent. This study examined factors affecting upholding of accountability in county government projects in Narok County, Kenya. The following objectives guided the study: to assess how political influence, commitment of stakeholders, application of monitoring and evaluation practices, management of records, and project communication affected upholding of accountability in county government projects in Narok County. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design and targeted county government projects in Roads, Infrastructure and Public works sub-sector, which formed units of analysis for the study. A sample of 118 respondents was used, and primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from published materials such as books and journals among other sources. Both face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires were applied in collecting data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive data analysis techniques, supported by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM Version 21 software program and Excel worksheets. Qualitative data was organized using NVivo and analyzed using the coding, pattern and content analysis technique. Analyzed data was presented in the form of tables. From the sampled population of 118 respondents, 85 of them managed to successfully complete the interviews, making a response rate of 72%. In terms of gender, 64 (75%) were males while 21 (25%) were females. Regarding age distribution, 41 (48%) were aged 46-55, 25 (29%) were aged 36-45, 9 (11%) were aged 56 & above, 7 (8%) were aged 26-35, and 3 (4%) were aged 16-25 years. On the highest academic qualifications of the participants, majority of the respondents had a university degree, accounting for 53 (62%) and 32 (38%) had a diploma. From the findings, 57 (67%) of the projects had been in existence for 1-3 years, 17 (20%) for 4-6 years, 8 (9%) for 10 & above years and 3 (4%) for 7-9 years. Majority 61 (72%) of the respondents had worked in their respective projects for 1-3 years. From the findings, it was established that application of M&E practices had the greatest effect on upholding of accountability in county government projects, with the highest coefficient (β = 1.166). This was followed by project communication (β = 0.927), political influence (β = 0.244), stakeholders’ commitment (β = 0.121), and management of records (β = 0.099). This means that each of the five independent variables affected the overall upholding of accountability in county government projects proportionate to their respective coefficients. The study concluded that close monitoring and evaluation of projects was critical for projects and programs to have significant impact on communities. Secondly, the government and other development agencies had the responsibility for putting strong mechanisms in place to enhance service delivery to the public. Thirdly, besides the government having working structures in place, sensitization of the public about their roles in management of public affairs made the whole difference in terms of realizing tangible results. The study recommended enhancement of public participation so that all people can understand their role in management of county government projects.