Quality Management In Kenya’S Devolved Funds: The Case Of Constituency Development Fund

Abstract

I here is no doubt that devolution of funds is a novel concept and one that is expected to have major positive impact on development at the grassroots. Constituency Development I und was designed to fight poverty through the implementation of development projects at the local level particularly those that provide basic needs and also to increase citizen involvement in planning and execution. Citizen involvement, participation, empowerment and focus are aspects that are at the core of quality management principles. The purpose of this survey is to establish both the extent to which quality management practices are applied and also the extent to which quality management tools are known and applied in the management of the CDF program. The survey obtained information from 25 constituencies spread throughout the country, six from Nairobi, six form Central, three from Nyanza, eight from F.astern, two from Rift- Valley Provinces. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire some of which were sent through email while others were hand delivered. They were received through various transport companies, email and some were hand picked. SPSS and Excel software was used to calculate percentages, frequencies, mean, standard deviations, variances and to produce the charts. The findings of the survey were that the CDF Board employs mostly graduates to manage the fund at Constituency level, CDF relies on Government officers to manage and supervise projects, quality management expertise is lacking and more so, use of quality management tools is almost absent. Useful tools like pareto analysis is scarcely known, not used and there is no intention to use it. Quality management practices are applied to a XI moderate extent by non- trained officers. I his project recommends a policy paper on the literacy level of those with jurisdiction over the fund similar to the CDF Board, massive civic education of the citizens to participate in the implementation of the fund, posting of quality assurance officers and training of all management officers on the use of quality management tools. This report recommends ISO Certification of Constituency Development offices including Committees. The report also recommends further research on the education levels of the CDF Committee members. A research should also be conducted to establish whether the Government has increased technical personnel at the Districts to cater for the increased CDF workload