Challenges of implementing change at selected County Assemblies in Kenya

Abstract

Rose and Lawton (1999) observes that changes in the service institutions arise out of the need for efficiency, economy, effectiveness, performance evaluation ethics and market concerns. The objectives of this study were: to determine the extent the County Assemblies have implemented their planned changes since August 2012; to establish the challenges faced by County Assemblies in implementing changes and; to determine measures taken to manage the challenges. This study adopted a cross sectional survey design where a number of County Assemblies were included in the Study. The target population of the study was the County Assembles in Kenya. Following the small number of the target respondents, all the clerks of the selected assemblies were included in the study hence a census. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included closed ended questions for ease of administration. To enhance quality of data, Likert type questions sufficed whereby respondents were required to indicate the extent to which the statements representing variables applied to the respondent. The findings of this study established that all (100%) the respondents were involved in change management and the changes that have been introduced by the new Constitution at the County Assembly level include the creation of the assembly where the respondents indicated that it was implemented to a great extent as shown by a mean of 4.8182. Majority 54.5% of the respondents indicated that the county assembly was fairly successful at implementing change while 45.5% of the respondents indicated that the county assembly was just successful at implementing change. The study found out that most 72.7% of the respondents indicated that resources at the County Assembly for the implementation of the devolved systems were not adequate. The study concludes that changes have been introduced by the new Constitution at the County Assembly level where the County Assembly and the County Assembly Service Board are involved with the management of the overall change process at the County Assembly. The study recommends that county assemblies must find ways for operating by developing new competences as the old advantage and competences gained is quickly eroded owing to environmental changes. The study found out that lack of communication was a challenge in implementing change having been encountered in the respective counties