Role of Public Participation on Performance of Devolved Governance Systems in Kenya

Abstract

Public participation is the process through which citizens influence and share control over priority setting, policy-making, resource allocations and access to public goods and services. Public participation is widely known to improve performance, the quality and effectiveness of planning and decision making as it widens the knowledge base, stimulates creativity while creating social support for public sector services. Literature reviewed in this study affirmed that public participation contributes to better projects, better development and improved collaborative governance. Kenya’s 2010 constitution stipulates that all devolved governments should inculcate public participation processes in their governance systems. Despite the fact that efforts have been made in fostering public participation through legal frameworks and while there is empirical evidence that engaging the public contributes to enhanced performance, actual performance of counties across Kenya has been dismal. The study examined the role of public participation on performance of devolved governance systems in Kenya with a specific focus on citizen empowerment, policy and decision making, service delivery, conflict management and feedback mechanisms. A survey research design was adopted in this study. The study population comprised of all the counties in Kenya. Cluster and purposive sampling techniques were used in this study involving 400 respondents. Questionnaires and interview guides were used in the collection of relevant data. Data was analysed and presented using the SPSS software and spreadsheets. A response rate of 84% was achieved. The study found out that effective handling of all forms of conflicts and their root causes among stakeholders is critical for enhanced performance of devolved governance systems in Kenya. The study also revealed that establishing effective stakeholder identification processes ensures inclusivity and equity in planning and implementation thus avoiding unnecessary conflicts that stifle performance. The study emphasised on the importance of effective feedback mechanisms by counties to ensure implementation of decisions reached through citizen participation. Participation of citizens during the development of clear indicators of progress and performance and the attendant means of verification was also considered critical during project planning processes. The study also found out that communication from counties should be through sub-counties for interpretation and dissemination in a language understood by all citizens in order to stimulate performance. It was also revealed that all county governance structures should ensure decisions reached through public participation and consensus building forums are strictly implemented. Instituting appropriate and adequate engagement forums for inclusivity, equality and effective citizen participation in management and development matters was emphasised for the development of policy that promotes performance. These findings will significantly contribute to the understanding of the role of public participation on performance of devolved governance systems in Kenya. The study made suggestions for future studies.