scholarly journals The Effects of Procurement Planning Practices on Service Delivery among County Governments in Kenya: A Case of Kericho County Government

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kellen K Kiambati

In order to push development to the grassroots and ensure citizens contribute meaningfully to development, many African countries have adopted the devolved governance system.  However, it has been observed that the devolution of political powers has not translated equally to envisioned overall development. In Kenya County governments have achieved various milestones towards development demonstrated through the infrastructure, social amenities, and standards of living. However, corruption has been increasing mainly due to a lack of transparency. This paper sought to examine the contribution of transparency levels in County government service delivery.  The study adopted mixed method approach using survey and in-depth interviews concurrently.  Stratified multi stage cluster sampling was deployed. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and qualitative data using interview schedules. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and a typological theory developed to explain the study results. The study findings showed that the level of transparency in the counties was low which affected service delivery.  The study concluded that county governments should ensure that public participation and sharing of information is bidirectional to involve both users and management so as to improve service delivery.


2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 808-821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayce L. Farmer

This study extends the literature on county government structure by examining the three basic forms of county governments and their long-term effects on regional service spending. An examination of 1,532 U.S. counties between 1977 and 2012 reveals that those with the commission government form produce on average less regional service spending than those with reformed government structures. Examining the two major distinctions in reformed government types reveals that elected executive governments spend on average more than those with the commission-administrator form. However, the amount of increase for elected executive spending was very minor. The findings also reveal that the ability to establish home rule charters alters the effects of government structure for commission and commission-administrator counties. Meanwhile, charter-enabling laws matter little regarding the effects for elected executive counties. The analytical results lead to four major points for consideration regarding the link between county service provision and county institutional arrangements.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
James K. Sirite ◽  
Henry Ongori ◽  
Darius Bosire

The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges faced in quality service delivery to Turkana Central Sub-county citizens of Turkana County. The study used cross-sectional survey design. The sample size selected for the study was 261.  Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures for ease interpretation. The major findings of the study show that devolved governance faces some challenges. For instance the devolved governance is faced with corruption, lack of transparency and accountability and inadequate funds. This adversely   affects quality service delivery to its citizens. The findings of the study would inspire policy makers at the county and national government level to come up with appropriate strategies to mitigate the challenges identified in order to improve the quality of services offered by the county governments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 110-114
Author(s):  
Hussein Abdi Ali ◽  
Salah Abdirahaman Farah

The Agriculture sector in Kenya is as important as the country. Much of the agricultural function was transferred to the devolved units when the new constitution was passed by Kenyans and promulgated. The question many are asking is, have county governments initiated strategies in place to improve food security and ultimately contribute to the economy. Agriculture is the major contributor of our economy today. Kenya needs to be a self-sufficient country and feed its people. County governments have a huge role in ensuring this objective achieved. Based on this, a research title is proposed “Understanding the influence and effects of devolution on agricultural development: A case study of Garissa county, Kenya” The research seeks to clarify to the public and the other stakeholders concerned if actually devolved units have done anything to improve the agricultural sector since its inception. Have county governments put clear, achievable and practical strategies for this sector to grow and how best can counties improve this important sector. The research findings will be very helpful to those who are involve in the agricultural sector, directly or indirectly. The research objectives are; to compare performance of agriculture before and after devolution, to evaluate the achievements of devolution in the agricultural sector, to analyse the challenges faced by county governments in developing this sector, to examine the perception of the public on the best strategies to improve agriculture in Kenya and to give synthesised recommendations to all stakeholders. The research was conducted within Garissa County, four out of the six sub counties. A total of 310 respondents were engaged ranging from farmers, the general public and the staff of the county government The research found out that there is a gap in the sector that needs attention. Agricultural production, although remained steadfast over the years, has been in deplorable situation. The research findings is helpful to all stakeholders-both levels of governments, farmers, the public and non-state actors.  The research commends that the County governments should use bottom-up approach strategy when making critical decision affecting the department. This will aid them obtain raw and unbiased information for action. The department of agriculture experts should be deployed to all sub counties (at the grassroots). 95 percent of these staff stay at county headquarters doing nothing. Their presence at the villages, farms will come in handy or the farmers. People with experience and experts should be employed to spearhead this exercise. Routine visits should be made to the farming areas.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Onuko ◽  
Joseph Onyango

Abstract Background : A reliable and dedicated health workforce is instrumental in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three on health. This is even more appropriate for Kenya where there is a dire shortage of health workers, and where health workforce management has been devolved to county governments. This study focusses on the influence of talent management practices (attraction, training and development, and retention) on doctor’s service delivery in four county hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Method : The study through a descriptive research design used quantitative questionnaires to gather data from 108 doctor respondents from four County Hospitals (Mbagathi, Mama Lucy Kibaki, Pumwani Maternity, and Mutuini Hospitals) in Nairobi, Kenya. Inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results : Findings show that there is a positive correlation between attraction, training and development and service delivery of doctors. Employee retention, however, did not have an association with service delivery. Conclusions : As Kenya adjusts to a devolved system of governance in relation to health, it is important that the attraction, training and development, as well as retention of doctors is given serious consideration if service delivery is to be improved.


Author(s):  
Steve Modlin

The financial audit process has provided much transparency into the internal control structure and the ability of local governments to remain fiscally stable. The outcomes of many of these audits have provided much information regarding the ability of local governments to provide services in a timely and efficient manner. Even with the implementation of stricter legislation and more stringent accounting standards in addition to an increased level of state oversight, irregular practices and mismanagement continue to occur. This study examines the independent auditor findings in professionally administered governments in North Carolina. Findings indicate numerous reporting problems within a majority of county governments ranging from internal control problems to reconciliation issues that are required to be addressed for information users that question the sustainability of the unit. Lengthy audits processes, less expensive audits and smaller governments that do not have the ability to employ more accountants or accounting specialists are among the factors that increase the probability of reporting problems and inaccurate data.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (V) ◽  
pp. 28-41
Author(s):  
Salma Omar Ahmed ◽  
Peter Nganga

Internal control practices have been established to influence financial performance of County Government, though County Government have been facing a myriad of challenges in terms of financial performance. The drive of this study was to establish internal control practices that influence county governments to streamline their operations and perform efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the general interest. Therefore the general objective of the study was to determine the internal control practices and financial performance of county governments in the coastal region of Kenya. Specifically, the study endeavored to establish the effect of audit function, risk management, financial reporting and cash management on financial performance of county governments in the coastal region. The study was based on the following theories: The Agency theory, Attribution theory and procedural justice theory. The researcher  adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the study were 30 employees drawn from 5 departments in the Ministry of Finance, Budget and planning in the county governments of the Coastal region. The study targeted 4 Counties in the coastal region of Kenya, that is Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Taita and the respondents were 40 finance managers obtained from Finance Planning Ministry of the listed County governments. A census of 40 respondents was carried out. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study found a positive and significant effect between risk assessment, monitoring, control environment, information and communication on financial performance. The study concluded that the risk identification and mitigation play the most significant role in influencing financial performance of the County governments. Hence, risk identification can essentially be said to be the key starting point of any risk management program as the Counties cannot manage what is unknown. Monitoring the financial performance of the County creates more certainty and confidence in making both short and long term decisions. This in turn leads to a healthier business and faster growth rate. The control environment provides the basis for carrying out internal control across the organization. Effective adoption of information and communication systems is of vital importance in making sure that the County governments improves their financial performance. The study recommends that the management of the Counties should put in place cost-effective measures for timely risk identification and effective risk mitigation so as to ensure that their financial performance is not impacted negatively. The County governments should have appropriate tools for monitoring their financial performance so as to effectively monitor their goals, the progress they make and all the key performance metrics throughout their financial operations. The County governments should demonstrate a commitment to integrity and ethical values. Specific standards of conduct should be understood throughout all levels of the County, and processes should be in place to evaluate performance and quickly address deviations from expectations. The County governments should communicate successfully with their investors to form stronger relationships with them. Information and communication should be between the County and financial stakeholders about the County’s economic events and their effects within and outside the financial statements.


Author(s):  
Elijah Mwangi Ngunjiri

Green Public Procurement has been used as a tool to achieve environmental objectives by some countries especially in Europe. Public procurement in Kenya is estimated to account for between 70 and 80 percent of the national budget.  This gives the government purchasing power to influence manufacturing and supply of green products for sustainable development. County governments in Kenya are allocated between 15 and 45 percent of the total country’s income.  Despite all these finances Counties possess, many of them do not fully use their purchasing power to achieve environmental objectives. Laikipia County for example, did very well on procurement activities to be ranked the best performing entity in public procurement in Kenya in 2014, yet it did not have a similar identity on Green Public Procurement. It is this research gap that this study sought to fill. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting implementation of Green Public Procurement in Laikipia County government. The study was guided by knowledge gap and buyers’ perception on green products as independent variables and implementation of Green Public Procurement as the dependant variable. Descriptive research design was applied in this study.  The study targeted County governments in Kenya. The study population was 45 employees from Laikipia County government drawn from procurement and finance department. Primary data was collected by use of a semi structured questionnaire.  The questionnaire was self administered. Descriptive statistics and statistical model of multiple regression were used in analysis of data .The study established that knowledge gap (0.561) and buyer’s perception on GPP (0.143) had a positive effect on GPP implementation with knowledge gap as the major one. The study recommends County governments to organize for compulsory training of its staff on GPP. They should conduct lifecycle costing of all products procured by the County governments so as to create the right perception on these products. 


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document