Influence of Governance Practices on Performance of County Governments in Kenya

The Kenyan government acknowledges that there has been poor performance in the public sector over the years, especially in the management of public resources, which has hindered the realization of sustainable economic growth. Governance presents the single biggest opportunity for operational efficiency in any organization; therefore, its adoption is paramount in public sector management. The study examined the influence of governance practices on the performance of county governments in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to establish how internal controls, stakeholder participation, internal audit standards, and transparency influence the performance of county governments in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population was Heads of Departments in all Ministries, Chief Officers of all Ministries, and Members of the County Assembly. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data gathered from the questionnaires administered was analyzed with the help of SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The study used multiple linear regression and correlation analysis to show the relationship between the variables. The study findings indicated that internal controls, stakeholder participation, internal audit standards and transparency have a positive and significant relationship with on performance of county governments' in Kenya. The entire null hypotheses was rejected. The study recommends that the County Government should encourage stakeholders to participate by incorporating their views in governance processes. A feedback mechanism should also be delivered where stakeholders are informed of the process of their participation and the key decisions that result from the participation. Further, the study recommends that there is need for the county government to come up with its calendar of events on its activities. Keywords: Internal Controls, Stakeholder Participation, Internal Audit Standards, Transparency, Performance & County Government.

Pre-School Teacher Support and Retention of Pupils in Public ECDE Centres Kenya

Pre-primary teachers need support from the government to ensure that they perform their instructional duties in the classroom effectively. With the devolving of Early Childhood Development Education from the national government to the county level, it was expected that this action would improve the standard and status of learning in these institutions. However, studies have shown that the expected reforms have been done at a slow pace affecting the achievement of ECDE objectives. This paper looks at the kind of support that teachers are provided with by the county government and its impact on the retention of pupils in public pre-primary schools in Wareng Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This study was conducted in 83 public pre-primary schools in Wareng Sub County, Uasin Gishu County. The study applied a descriptive survey research design with the target population involving 166 pre-school teachers and five county government ECDE field officers. The research instruments involved the use of questionnaires and interview schedules. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data analysis. Research results showed that all respondents agreed that there has been a significant change in public pre-primary centres because of the devolution support. Correlation statistics showed that there existed a significant positive relationship between pre-primary teachers’ support and retention of pupils in public ECDE centres in Wareng Sub County, Kenya. The study recommends that additional pre-primary teachers should be employed in schools with a higher learner population and terms of employment should be permanent and pensionable.

Noble Preoccupations

The accession of Charles I exacerbated the tensions experienced between monarch and Parliament under James I and Herbert’s courtly career gradually faded following the deaths of the duke of Buckingham and earl of Pembroke. Chapter 13 examines Herbert’s attempts, after his return from France, to secure noble title, appointment to the Privy Council, and payment of his long-overdue allowances. It explores his efforts, as old age approached, to retain a place for himself among the rising stars at court, carve out a role for himself as a member of the Council of War, avoid active involvement in parliamentary criticism of the royal prerogative, offer occasional (unsolicited) advice to the king, and reassert his authority in county government in Montgomeryshire and Shropshire. It looks at his extensive remodelling of Montgomery Castle to provide a fashionable country house appropriate to his rank, his use of prestigious rental properties in London, and his efforts to increase the income derived from his neglected estates in England, Wales, and Ireland. It charts his difficult relationship with his wife and adult children and neglect of his patriarchal responsibilities, including his failure to marry his daughter and his longstanding dispute with his eldest son, Richard, over his allowance, debts, and inheritance of his mother’s estates. It briefly probes Herbert’s unsuccessful attempt to remarry in the late 1630s.

Effects of Adherence to Environmental Rules and Regulations in Stone Quarrying at Tuluongoi Sublocation of Baringo County, Kenya

Stone quarrying has been recognized as a socioeconomic activity serving as a fundamental source of livelihood for some communities. Nonetheless, most operations are often accompanied by adverse effects on the same communities and the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the level of awareness of environmental rules, regulations, and principles governing stone quarrying in Tuluongoi sublocation, Tenges Division, Baringo County. The study also sought to establish whether there is a linkage between awareness of environmental rules, principles, and regulations governing stone quarrying and the impacts on the environment. Two villages were chosen for the study. The stratified sampling procedure was used to pick 120 households from the two villages, the total number (97) of regular quarry workers was enumerated, and purposive sampling was used to select six key informants. The quarry workers and household heads were the primary units for data collection. Primary data were collected by using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations, and pictorials. Secondary data were obtained from census reports, peer-reviewed journals, county strategic plans, unpublished theses, and scholarly books. Some data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while the SPSS software was used to generate tables, graphs, and frequencies. The chi-square procedure was used to test whether the awareness of environmental rules and regulations on stone quarrying were significantly independent of environmental degradation at the 0.05 significance level. The study established that 55.1% of quarry workers and 65% of household heads were unaware of any environmental rules, regulations, and principles governing stone quarrying. Out of those aware, 88.9% of household heads and 67.7% of quarry workers had poor awareness of environmental regulations and requirements. The study recommends that National Environment Management Authority promotes and enforces environmental rules, regulations, policies, and principles governing stone quarrying in collaboration with the relevant county government departments by enhancing awareness among the residents.

Relationship Between Budgetary Monitoring and Financial Performance of County Government of Kericho, Kenya

Budgeting has become a fundamental issue for many organizations and business entities across the globe. Despite the availability of a legal framework on budgetary processes in the public sector, County Governments are still facing challenges such as delays in payment to suppliers, budget deficit, stalled projects, and poor development records. It is on this basis that this study sought to investigate the relationship between monitoring and financial performance of the County Government of Kericho. The study was guided by expenditure theory. The study adopted a correlation survey research design. The target population for the study was 3,848 employees from 12 departments of the County Government of Kericho. A stratified sampling technique method and simple random sampling technique were used to ascertain the sample size for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics were presented by frequency tables, charts, and graphs, while inferential statistics were presented by correlation and regression models. The findings established that there was a significant statistical relationship between budgetary monitoring and financial performance (β = 0.901, p < 0.05). The study concludes that the budgetary monitoring had significant impact on financial performance of County Government of Kericho. The study recommends that for an efficient budgetary process, the county government should set realistic revenue targets to ensure that expected expenditure matches expected incomes and also acquire and train staff involved in budget planning for an efficient planning process. Participation from other stakeholders was also recommended to enhance the implementation process. The study recommends that further research on determinants of budget implementation in county governments should be carried out.

STAKEHOLDERS PREPAREDNESS OF SCHOOL TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES TO FACILITATE TRANSITION FROM 8-4-4 TO COMPETENCY BASED CURRICULUM IN BUNGOMA, KENYA

Change and transition processes are complex. As a result, the implementers tend to be reluctant in executing them. Education in Kenya has evolved with time in an effort to meet the needs of the changing times to attain quality standards. However, policy changes in the education sector have been both a success as well as have experienced failures in their implementation. Kenyas education system is currently transitioning from 8-4-4 to the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) which is in its implementation stage following a one-year pilot. This study sought to investigate the Stakeholders preparedness of school teaching and learning resources to facilitate transition from 8-4-4 to Competency Based Curriculum in Bungoma, Kenya. The study was anchored on Kotters eight step model theory that defines the manner of handling change in an organization and used descriptive research design due to its appropriateness in identifying characteristics, frequencies, trends, correlations and categories of the variables under study. The population under study was divided into separate clusters from which a probability sample was drawn. The target population of 3,159 was used and samples were drawn from the target population with the use of systematic random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Further, data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview guides and document analysis guide. The study revealed that the pace of transition from 8-4-4 to CBC was slow with (287) 90% out of the 319 school heads who held the view that the pace of transition to CBC is slow while 113(64.6%) out of the 175 teacher respondents held a similar view. The study found that the lack of adequate resource variables accounted for the slow pace of transition compared to attitude and condition variables. Further the study revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between availability of school resources and transition from 8-4-4 to CBC. Indeed, the availability of physical resources is critical in facilitating the transition from 8-4-4to CBC. Further, the study recommended that focus should be laid on providing interventions for the lacking resource variables and incorporation of self-learning training strategies for the instructors as well as students in order to overcome the challenge occasioned by the inappropriate pupil-teacher ratio. The study concluded that the discrepancy with regards to the lack of adequate resources had more to do with lack of proper change management with regards to transition and therefore the National government, County government, educational planners, principals and School Boards of Management ought to intervene by incorporating change management strategies to spur the CBC change management process, failure to which the CBC may fail to take root like other preceding policies in the education sector.

INFLUENCE OF VOTING IN ELECTIONS ON RESPONSIVE GOVERNANCE IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA

Purpose- This study focused on establishing the influence of voting in elections on responsive governance in Kenya. Its main objective was to establish the influence of voting in elections on responsive governance in Kenya. Methodology- Descriptive research design and positivism research philosophy were adopted. The study focused on a target population of 680 respondents from Eighty-five wards within Nairobi County, and data was collected from the following groups of respondents; Civil society representative, religious representative, ward administration representative, youth representative, women representative, the special interest group representative, a representative of the citizens’ anticipating county services and a representative of the old aged residents were targeted. A sample size of 139 respondents was determined though purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and secondary data through published materials. Data was analysed through SPSS and presented in tables. Hypothesis testing was done through the use of t-test. F test (ANOVA) was also conducted to ascertain the difference between groups on study variable. Findings- The study found that voting in elections has a positive and significant relationship with responsive governance. The study concluded that that citizen’s education influences their ability and decision to vote in leaders who are effective in service delivery. The study also concluded that incumbent leader performance influences achievement of county goals. Based on the study findings, the researcher recommends that there is need to establish, County, Sub-County and Ward Citizens Forums to enhance voter awareness of residents in local governance. The forums will specifically enable citizens to engage directly in the planning, policy making and monitoring of service delivery accorded to them. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need in understanding how voting in elections can influence responsive governance. The study therefore recommends that all citizens should be empowered and given the rights to vote in their desired leader. Additionally, free and fair elections should be conducted to ensure that candidates with clear manifestos are elected.

INFLUENCE OF PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC DEBATES ON RESPONSIVE GOVERNANCE IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA

Purpose- This study focused on establishing the influence of participation in public debates on responsive governance in Kenya. Its main objective was to establish the influence of participation in public debates on responsive governance in Kenya. Methodology- Descriptive research design and positivism research philosophy were adopted. The study focused on a target population of 680 respondents from Eighty-five wards within Nairobi County, and data was collected from the following groups of respondents; Civil society representative, religious representative, ward administration representative, youth representative, women representative, the special interest group representative, a representative of the citizens’ anticipating county services and a representative of the old aged residents were targeted. A sample size of 139 respondents was determined though purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and secondary data through published materials. Data was analysed through SPSS and presented in tables. Hypothesis testing was done through the use of t-test. F test (ANOVA) was also conducted to ascertain the difference between groups on study variable. Findings- The study found that participation in public debates had a positive and significant relationship with responsive governance. The study concluded that through participation in public debates citizens are able to support the incumbent leader to facilitate achievement of county goals. The results from participation in public debates indicated that an increased Participation in Public Debates resulted to responsive governance. Correlation results revealed that Participation in Public Debates and responsive governance were positively and significantly related. Regression further showed that participation in public debates have a positive and significant relationship with responsive governance in Nairobi city county government in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice - The study recommended that there is need to establish forums to in order to enable citizens to engage directly in planning, policy making and monitoring service delivery. Based on the study findings, the study recommends that there is need to establish, County, Sub-County and Ward Citizens Forums to enhance participation of residents in local governance. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need understand how Participation in Public Debates can influence responsive governance.

Citizen Participation in the Formulation of Public Policy in Mombasa County, Kenya

To assist the government in determining its mandate, citizens should be involved as they best know their needs. The significance of citizen engagement in the process of policy formulation is rooted in among others, the fact that public policy outputs and effects affect those to whom the policy is targeted at. This study aimed to determine the effect of public participation in the public policy making process in Mombasa County, Kenya. The objectives of the research were; to establish the modes of citizen participation used in public policy making process in Mombasa County, Kenya; to determine the main factors that influence citizen participation in public policy making process; to establish the implication of citizen participation in public policy making process and to determine the extent of citizen/ public participation in public policy making process. The study was guided by Good Governance Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 560 County government and civil society representatives including women leaders, youth leaders and people living with disabilities representatives. The study used Yamane formulae to determine the sample size of 233 respondents. Purposive sampling was employed to select respondents. Data were collected through primary sources which include questionnaire, and interview schedule; while the secondary data were collected from the documentary sources. Data analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, and presented through frequency tables, pie chart and bar graphs. Qualitative data were analyzed by themes and presented through narration and pros forms. The findings of the study established that the main factors that affect citizen participation in formulation of public policy include direct benefits (financial, material), tangible or non-tangible to long or short term, among others. Other factors such as culture, history, government policy and social, political and economic structures influence community participation. Also, the findings of the study revealed that citizens are well acquainted with public policy processes and there is effective county government guidelines and clear standards enhance public policy making processes. The study findings revealed that involvement in policy formulation is positively related to performance. Also, consultation enables easy supervision of work. The research also concluded that education is essential for both parties who are participating towards high quality public policy formulation as it would certainly reduce unnecessary manipulation and the problem brought on by lack of knowledge, accountability and transparency and understanding of each party’s requirements. The study recommends that County Government of Mombasa should establish a participatory framework that allows citizens to monitor and evaluate development outcomes in the counties to ensure better decision making and implementation for subsequent projects and plans.

Effects of Social Media on Security-Agenda Setting in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Social Media (SM), its reach, impact, and potential in a globalized world are no longer contested; it has affected people’s lives, regarding its use and misuse. Groups of gangsters, terrorist associations, non-state actors with bad intentions and rebellious including Gaza, Al-Shabaab, routinely utilize social media websites like Facebook, Twitter Instagram, and WhatsApp to disseminate propaganda, recruit and inspire their sympathizers as well as instill fear in the members of the public and claim their terrorist attacks. This study aimed to identify the effects of social media on security agenda setting to introducing new technologies for use by the security agents to enhance and improve security. It was informed by Agenda-setting Theory and Technological determinism to help see how technology has affected human activity and thought. The study was conducted in Nairobi City County on social media users and security agents. The researcher used a descriptive research plan. The validity test was conducted through a pilot study and specialists’ judgment and reliability through test-retest strategy. The data was gathered using semi-organized surveys and analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative information was examined through descriptive statistics which incorporates; frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation among others. Qualitative information was be analyzed using themes. The findings show that social media has a significant influence on security agenda setting in Nairobi City County. Different social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and WhatsApp play a significant role in the spread of information and fight against crime in Nairobi County. They help in mobilization, data gathering, and analysis. Their contribution is affirmed by inferential analysis outcome, which shows that both dependent and independent variables are positively and significantly related. The study recommends the DCI’s office, through the ICT ministry, County government, and National government to reduce chances of youth recruitment by criminal organizations via social media by using different platforms, such as Facebook to learn much about gang affiliations and identify whether their comments or pictures shared are meant to attract or convince unsuspecting people. A similar approach can be applied by law enforcers within Nairobi County to reduce cases of youth recruitment through social media by criminal organizations. The government is also recommended to prevent such social media mobilization that spreads false information by enforcing criminal sanctions and hefty penalties for any offenses or suspected spread of information that can trigger insecurity within the scope area.