Richard is the Son of Abugah and Mary, Peasant farmers who reside in Magombo Nyamira County. Richard attended Kisii University for his Law degree (LLB). He worked for several organizations before establishing Kisii College of Accountancy (KCA) where he is the Director. Richard is currently the serving member of the County Assembly of Nyamira representing Magombo ward in Kitutu Masaba and the Chairman of the Budget and Appropriation Committee
Topic
DETERMINANTS OF SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER PROJECTS UNDER THE DEVOLVED SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE IN KENYA: A CASE OF NYAMIRA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Abstract
Informed by the failure of centralized governments to effectively implement water projects, devolved water governance was tied to the promise of improved citizenry access to water. However, the devolved implementation of water projects continues to face a myriad of challenges and influenced by various factors. This study specifically investigated the influence of; community participation, financial resources, intergovernmental relations and political goodwill on the implementation of water projects under the devolved system of governance. The study was guided by Allocative Efficiency and Community Participation theories. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The target population was Ministry of Water and Natural resources employees 126, Ward administrators 24 and Members of County Assembly 36.The sample size was 127 (n=127) for Ministry of Water and Natural resources employees, Ward administrators and 36 Members of County Assembly that were selected to participate in the study. Stratified and Simple random sampling techniques were used to pick the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data from Ministry of Water and Natural resources employees and Ward administrators and while an interview guide was used to collect data from Members of County Assembly in the study locale. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 21.0 and was presented in frequency and percentage tables. The study established that community participation, financial resources, intergovernmental relations and political goodwill all influenced the implementation of water projects under devolved system of governance in Nyamira County, Kenya. Majority of the respondents as shown by 70% agreed that community participation in the implementation of county funded water projects enhanced projects‟ sustainability. Majority of the respondents as shown by a Mean of 4.41 agreed that the successful implementation of county funded water projects leads to the economic empowerment of the populace in Nyamira County. Further, the results of this research as shown by 70% of respondents have revealed that supremacy battles between the two levels of governance exist adversely influencing the implementation of water projects at the devolved governance level. 63% of respondents agreed that the existence of high levels of bureaucracy adversely influenced the implementation of water projects consequently influencing access to water in the county under study. The study concludes that though the Intergovernmental Relations Act Kenya 2012 guiding central and county governments working relations exists, the continued sour relations adversely influencing implementation of water projects portray failure by both levels of governance to enforce this law. It can also be concluded that, adequate financial resources disbursed in good time are key drivers of the implementation of water projects in Nyamira County. From the findings, the study recommends that both levels of government need to design and harmonize projects‟ funds disbursement procedures that expedite implementation process. The study also recommends that county governments through their respective county assemblies enact community participation procedures that enhance projects‟ implementation. The study also recommends that the government with the help other development partners should put in place strong policy measures that curb political patronage impeding implementation of water projects under the devolved system. Research could be done on similar topic in other County governments in Kenya for comparison and generalization purposes.
