This study aims at analyzing the effect of decentralization frameworks on service delivery by devolved governments in Kenya.
Devolution as a system of governance was introduced after the promulgation of the new constitution in 2010. Since then, both levels of governments have been working hard in order to implement all the new structures required for the operationalization of the new system. The statement of the problem shows that the process of implementation has faced many bottlenecks at the political, administrative and fiscal levels hence curtailing the speed of implementation and service delivery as detailed in the literature review.
The research objectives have brought out the variables under the study as: to determine the effect of fiscal decentralization framework on service delivery by devolved governments in Kenya; to examine the effect of political decentralization framework on service delivery by devolved governments in Kenya; to investigate the effects of administrative decentralization framework on service delivery by devolved governments in Kenya, investigate the effects of economic decentralization framework on service delivery by devolved governments in Kenya to establish the moderating influence of regulatory frameworks on political, fiscal and administrative decentralization and service delivery in Kenya.
The study will be undertaken in 14 counties covering all the main regions of Kenya. Several theories have been explored linked to the various variables considered under the study. These are: The Soufflé theory, The social capital theory, The principal Agent theory and finally the Accountability theory. The conceptual framework outlines the independent variables, as administrative, political and fiscal decentralization while the dependent variable is service delivery. The moderating variable is the regulatory framework. Data will be collected by the use of a questionnaire. The quantitative data will be captured with the help of a likert scale while the qualitative data will be captured with open- ended questions at the end of each variable. Data analysis will be done by both qualitative and quantitative methods, as both types of data will have been collected. Quantitative data will be analyzed by use of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).
Table of Contents
1.1 Background of the Study
1.1.1 Global perspectives of decentralization frameworks
1.1.2 Regional perspectives of decentralization frameworks
1.1.3 Local perspective of decentralization frameworks
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 General Objective
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
1.4 Research Hypotheses
1.5 Justification of the Study
1.6 Scope of the Study
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Theoretical Review
2.2.1 The Soufflé Theory of Decentralization
2.2.2 The Social Capital Theory
2.2.3 The Principal Agent Theory
2.2.4 The Accountability Theory
2.3 Conceptual Framework
2.3.1 Political Framework
2.3.2 Fiscal Framework
2.3.3 Administrative Framework
2.3.4 Economic Framework
2.3.5. Regulatory Framework
2.3.6. Service delivery
2.4 Empirical Review
2.4.1. Political Framework
2.4.2. Administrative Framework
2.4.3. Fiscal Framework
2.4.4. Economic Framework
2.5. A Critique of Existing Literature Relevant to the Study
2.6. Summary of Literature Reviewed
2.7. Research Gaps
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.2.1 Research Philosophy
3.3 Target Population
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
3.4.1. Sampling Frame
3.4.2. Sample and Sampling Techniques
3.5 Data Research Instruments
3.6 Data Collection Procedure
3.7. Pilot Study
3.7.1 Validity of Research Instrument
3.7.2. Reliability of Research Instrument
3.8. Summary of measure of study variables
3.9. Data Analysis and Presentation
3.9.1. Factor Analysis
3.9.2. Normality Test
3.9.3. Multicollinearity
3.9.4 Autocorrelation
3.9.5. Statistical Modelling
3.9.6. Confidence Levels for Statistical Testing
3.9.7. Moderated Multiple Regression Models
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
This study aims to examine the impact of various decentralization frameworks—specifically political, fiscal, administrative, and economic—on service delivery within Kenya's devolved government system, while accounting for the moderating influence of the regulatory framework.
- Analysis of fiscal decentralization and its impact on public service efficiency.
- Evaluation of political decentralization and its role in public accountability and decision-making.
- Investigation into administrative decentralization and the capacity of local government structures.
- Assessment of the moderating role of regulatory frameworks in the successful implementation of devolution.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1 The Soufflé Theory of Decentralization
According to the soufflé theory of decentralization each of the different forms of decentralization leads to a total improvement in the service delivery to the citizens. The model is developed from the idea of a soufflé that requires just the right combination of milk, eggs, and heat to rise. Hence a successful program of decentralization must include just the right combination of political, fiscal, and institutional elements to improve local government development outcomes (Parker, 1995).
Fiscal decentralization enables the devolved unit to receive allocation of a certain amount of funds from the central government depending on set criteria. This means that the unit has some autonomy in decision making on how to use the resources. The decentralized unit has the powers to levy taxes and charges in its area of jurisdiction. Availability of resources gives the unit some leeway to offer services to the citizens efficiently, effectively, sustainably and responsively. The citizens have a choice on the type of projects they want prioritized. Political and administrative decentralization creates an environment that allows citizens to elect leaders whom they want. Hence leaders are ready to be held to account, there is citizen participation and engagement and an open administration system, which is transparent and accountable. All these functions, spheres, departments and offices have to work together so that they can offer synergy in the provision of better services to citizens according to the soufflé theory i.e. a whole systems perspective where levels and functions and spheres of influence work to create some measurable synergy in service delivery (UNDP, 2005).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: Provides the research background, statement of the problem, and outlines the specific objectives and research hypotheses related to decentralization in Kenya.
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW: Reviews global and local theories on decentralization, including the Soufflé and Social Capital theories, and presents the conceptual framework for the study.
CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the research design, target population, sampling techniques, data collection instruments, and statistical methods used for analysis.
Keywords
Decentralization, Devolution, Service Delivery, Fiscal Decentralization, Political Framework, Administrative Framework, Regulatory Framework, Kenya, Public Accountability, Governance, Soufflé Theory, Social Capital, Resource Allocation, Economic Growth, Implementation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of this research?
The primary objective is to determine the effect of decentralization frameworks on service delivery by devolved governments in Kenya.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The research focuses on four main decentralization frameworks: political, fiscal, administrative, and economic, with the regulatory framework serving as a moderator.
Which research philosophy guides this study?
The study is guided by the positivist philosophy, utilizing scientific processes to test hypotheses regarding the cause-and-effect relationship between decentralization and service delivery.
What is the methodological approach used?
The study employs a mixed-methods approach, using a cross-sectional descriptive survey design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data.
What does the literature review address?
It covers theoretical reviews, empirical studies, and conceptual frameworks linking independent variables of decentralization to the dependent variable of service delivery.
What are the key keywords associated with the study?
Key terms include Decentralization, Devolution, Service Delivery, Fiscal Decentralization, Public Accountability, and Governance.
How does the "Soufflé Theory" apply to this research?
It is used as the primary theoretical framework to explain that successful decentralization requires a precise combination of political, fiscal, and institutional elements to achieve improved service delivery.
How does the study address the moderating role of the regulatory framework?
The study uses moderated multiple regression models to evaluate how regulatory frameworks influence the relationship between decentralization and service delivery.
What is the target population for this research?
The target population consists of citizens in 14 selected counties in Kenya who are eligible to participate in public forums and provide views on the management of their counties.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Thomas Muema (Autor:in), 2019, Effect of Decentralization Frameworks on Service Delivery in Devolved Governments of Kenya, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/470477
