Influence of Public Participation on Service Delivery in Counties in Kenya: the Case of Isiolo County

Abstract

Kenya’s devolution, adopted following the March 2013 general elections, had the main purpose of making government services locally available to the people in addition to restoring the power of local communities to participate in the management of their affairs. County governments have been given the responsibility of ensuring participation of people in their affairs at the local level. Public participation is a key tool in the effective, efficient and economic delivery of services to the citizens as it enhances transparency, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the local community. The aim of this research study was to investigate the Influence of Public Participation on service delivery in Isiolo County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 268,002 residents of Isiolo County (approximate population 2019 National Census). The sample size was 384 respondents. Questionnaire and interview guides were used in the collection of primary data, which was analyzed using the SPSS and Ms-Excel software and presented in descriptive statistics (distribution tables, percentages) and inferential findings. The findings of the study indicated a response rate of 84.6%. The study findings showed gaps in the process of public participation in Isiolo County, which had an effect on the process of public participation and consequently compromising on service delivery. Specifically, the findings of the study showed that County Government of Isiolo has not established programmes to build the capacity of its residents so as to enhance their participation in management of local affairs. The findings also established that the county does not give feedback to its residents on how and whether their input affected the final decisions made. The study concludes by recommending that Isiolo County should undertake meaningful public participation by fulfilling all the preconditions for meaningful participation so as to enhance service delivery in Isiolo County.