dc.description.abstract | Devolved democratic governance has continuously been embraced by many nation
states as a response to the abuse of authority by the ruling elites as well as a means of
promoting effectiveness and efficiency in governance based on the interest of the
people. Recently, many states have adopted devolution of power so as to enhance
transfer of responsibilities closer to the people and this has been as a demand by the
people so that they can realize the impact of inclusive sustainable development, solves
inequalities that for many years have tormented states in the world. Devolution of
power promotes the principles of democratic governance which requires peoples
involvement in governance, thus states, levels of government respond to the
aspirations of the people based on the rule of law. Devolved democratic governance
has been pushed by the masses because of its potential to enhance democracy in the
society. The study was grounded by specific objectives to investigate the contribution
of devolution to democratic governance in Africa, analyze the influence of devolution
in promoting democratic governance in Kenya and South Africa as well as examining
the challenges and prospects for devolved democratic governance in a globalizing
world. The study hypothesized that under decentralization, democratic governance
practices can be enhanced in Africa and that devolved democratic governance has
challenges and prospects in a globalizing world. The study used Liberal theory
because it considers the formation of institutions or organizations that creates
platforms for checking political power as well as advancing individual freedom to
participate in governance issues. Qualitative and quantitative research design was
used in this study and data analysis was based on content analysis, narrations and
presented using charts, tables and graphs. The study established that devolution of
power has the potential of promoting democratic governance in Kenya and South
Africa since it was a push from the grass root level as well as from development
partners in the international arena. It was observed to be a tool for enhancing
cooperation and efficiency in service delivery to the people hence sustainable goals.
Despite having the capacity for democratization, it was established that devolution of
power does not automatically leads to democratic governance since it has various
challenges for instance corruption, nepotism, political patronage, weak institutional
framework and misuse of public resources that has as well been devolved. On the
academic front, since the study only focused on the role of devolution in advancing
democratic governance in Africa; comparative analysis of Kenya and South Africa,
there are numerous areas that should be investigated, areas that can buy the focus
within the theme of international relations for instance; the impacts of globalization of
devolved democratic governance on African international relations. There is also need
to advance theory building on the subject. The study recommends that devolution
should be viewed as a vehicle of promoting the interest of the national government
and not competitor. It is essential for the African states to strengthen the legal and
institutional frameworks so that devolution can have maximum impact in serving the
interests of the citizens as a whole. | en_US |