Factors influencing contribution of constituency development fund to economic growth in Kenya: a case of Nyeri Town Constituency

Abstract

In an attempt to stimulate and hopefully achieve sustainable economic growth in the country, successive post independent governments in Kenya have over the years employed various resource distribution models. One such model is the constituency development fund (CDF). However proper utilisation of the funds allocated to CDF is often doubted. Questions have been raised on the capacity of CDF management committees to manage such huge funds efficiently and the ability of the communities to participate in the project cycle effectively. The study endeavoured to make an assessment on the factors influencing the contribution of CDF to economic growth in the country.

For the purpose of this study a case of Nyeri town constituency was considered. Descriptive survey design was used. A sample of CDF projects was selected through stratified and simple random sampling methods. Primary data was collected using Questionnaires and interviews which were administered to respondents from selected projects. Documented facts also served as a source of secondary data. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics.

The findings of the study were that the CDF management staff in the constituency was fairly qualified academically with a majority (53%), having tertially college education. A good proportion of the staff (55%) had little work experience ofless than three years. A significant number (24%) of the staff had not attended any seminar or workshop on project management. There was a preference for projects in Education sector which had 50% of the projects funded. Only 4% of the CDF funded projects had stalled. Most of the respondents felt that the CIF funds were not adequate. The stakeholders level of awareness and commitment on CDF projects was found to be high. There is Gender inequality in favour of the male gender.

From the findings of the study, it is recommended that inservice courses in terms of workshops and seminars should be mandatory for CDF staff members. The amount of funds reserved for CDF should be increased by up to 100% for the fund to have a significant contribution to economic growth. Sensitisation and affirmative action may be necessary to bridge the gender and age structure imbalance in CDF staff appointments.