Dele Olowu and Soumana Sako (2002) point out that it is no secret that governance on the African continent has been under the spotlight, and for all the wrong reasons. Their have been improvements, however, with a shifting from autocracy to democracy in many African states; this has resulted in a move to better or good governance due to this democratic change. Good governance is a complex issue and there is no distinction between good, democratic and participatory governance. Furthermore, there has been little consensus pertaining to the criteria that distinguishes between good, bad, or better governance.
This paper will not delve into the conceptualisation of good governance due to length restrictions. The bulk of the paper will provide a detailed analysis of decentralisation, as well as looking at systems of government and models of local government. That will be followed by an overview of decentralisation on the African continent, with specific reference to its impact on the East African state of Kenya. The influence of decentralisation has produced mixed reactions, depending on who it effects; the adequate conceptualisation and method of implementation of the term has also been disputed. This paper holds the position that decentralisation has had a positive effect on the continent as a whole as well as on Kenya.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Systems of government
Decentralisation
Advantages of decentralization
Improved efficiency
Improved governance
Improved equity
Improved development and poverty reduction
Decentralisation as a conflict resolution strategy
Dimensions of decentralisation
Fiscal decentralisation
Institutional decentralisation
Political decentralisation
Models of local government
Historical overview of decentralisation in Africa
Post-independence
The parastatal sector
Decentralisation and local government reform
Case Study: Kenya
Government and Administration
Federalism and Local Government
Privatisation and Development Policies
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the role of decentralisation in promoting good governance, examining its theoretical potential for improving service delivery, equity, and poverty reduction, while providing a critical analysis of its practical implementation within the Kenyan political landscape.
- Theoretical analysis of decentralisation models and governance systems.
- Evaluation of the fiscal, institutional, and political dimensions of decentralisation.
- Examination of the historical context of administrative reforms in post-independence Africa.
- In-depth case study on the effectiveness and challenges of decentralisation in Kenya.
- Analysis of the intersection between corruption, privatization, and public sector efficiency.
Excerpt from the Book
Decentralisation as a conflict resolution strategy
Central governments began to realise the important role that decentralisation could play in conflict resolution (Olowu and Wentsch, 2004:51). Lederach introduced a model of peace building that involves all three levels of leadership. The top level includes important politicians, religious and military leaders; the second level, or middle-range leadership, includes respected leaders along ethnic, religious and academic lines; the third level, or grassroots leadership, covers community activists such as chiefs and local leaders. The number of actors involved in each level increase in number from the first level down (Lederach, 1997:39).
The top leadership is responsible for important negotiations, especially during the initial post-conflict phase, and a cease-fire is one of the most negotiations that they make in the peace-building process. The middle-range leadership is involved in the implementation of problem-solving workshops and conflict resolution training; and very importantly in the setting up of peace commissions. The grassroots leadership takes charge of local peace commissions, prejudice reduction and grassroots training. A peace process in a divided society needs to take the distinctive and interdependent needs and resources of all three levels into consideration (Lederach, 1997: 39-48).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the challenges surrounding good governance in Africa and sets the analytical framework for decentralisation.
Systems of government: Distinguishes between unitary and federal systems regarding their impact on governance and local autonomy.
Decentralisation: Explores the scholarly definition of decentralisation and the various complexities in its implementation.
Advantages of decentralization: Discusses how decentralisation can enhance efficiency, equity, governance, and conflict resolution.
Dimensions of decentralisation: Breaks down the specific requirements for successful decentralisation through fiscal, institutional, and political lenses.
Models of local government: Reviews different international models of local governance and the need for local development in Africa.
Historical overview of decentralisation in Africa: Traces the evolution of administrative structures from the post-independence era through the parastatal sector and subsequent reforms.
Case Study: Kenya: Analyzes the specific political and administrative challenges Kenya faced in attempting decentralisation and the impact of its governance structure.
Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, highlighting that while decentralisation is beneficial, it requires a holistic approach to overcome corruption and centralized interference.
Keywords
Decentralisation, Good Governance, Kenya, Africa, Public Administration, Fiscal Decentralisation, Political Devolution, Local Government, Poverty Reduction, Conflict Resolution, Parastatal Sector, Institutional Reform, Privatisation, Democracy, Service Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how decentralisation contributes to good governance, with a specific focus on the African continent and the Republic of Kenya.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The study covers the dimensions of decentralisation (fiscal, institutional, political), the historical context of African government reforms, and the practical challenges of decentralisation in Kenya.
What is the central research position?
The author argues that despite the complexities and disputes regarding its implementation, decentralisation has a fundamentally positive impact on governance, equity, and conflict resolution.
Which methodology is employed in the work?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analytical approach, reviewing scholarly literature, institutional structures, and historical case studies to evaluate governance models.
What does the main body address?
It provides a deep dive into the theoretical definitions of decentralisation, compares different local government models, and offers a comprehensive analysis of the Kenyan experience from independence to modern reform.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include Decentralisation, Good Governance, Kenya, Public Administration, Local Government, and Fiscal/Political/Institutional reform.
How does the author view the Kenyan district focus policy?
The author identifies it as an administrative deconcentration effort rather than genuine political devolution, noting that it had limited economic impact and served political interests.
What role does corruption play in the paper's analysis of Kenya?
Corruption is identified as a major barrier that has historically hampered development and led to the suspension of international financial support, necessitating reforms in the civil service.
Does the paper consider the influence of international financial institutions?
Yes, the role of the IMF and World Bank in pressuring the Kenyan government for transparency and structural adjustment is discussed in the context of privatization and public sector reform.
- Arbeit zitieren
- M.A. Michael Ferendinos (Autor:in), 2007, An analysis of how decentralisation contributes to good governance holistically and in Africa, with particular emphasis on its impact in the Republic of Kenya, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/122890
