Impact Of Devolution On Poverty Reduction: A Case Study Of Kiambu County

Abstract

Devolution which is the transfer of power and resources from the center to authorities at the lower levels, which are representatives of and accountable to the local population has not only transformed the structure of government but has also essentially altered the political scenery in Kenya. Kenya experienced a gradual but comprehensive transfer of power, responsibilities and resources from the central to local governments. The exercise began as a shift from appointed to elected councillors and leaders, initially of residence committees, and then later of local councils that have been formed in rural areas and urban wards as vehicles for county government and popular participation. Different sectors were devolved in terms of major functional responsibilities such public primary education, health, water, and sanitation, and rural feeder roads from the central to local governments. This study is has a critical objective of linking devolution with poverty alleviation in Kenya using Kiambu county as the case study. The findings of this study can be applied to other Counties in the Country. This is because they have similar structures and system of governance. This report is also important in assisting leaders of the 47 counties in finding and applying solutions related to poverty. The population under this study is constituted by the entire political, technical and civic leadership and Kiambu County who are residing within the bounds of the said county at the time the study is carried out and who depend on the public services that include public schools. Stratified random sampling was employed to select respondents within Kabete Constituency. The geographical location selected were Wangige, Lower Kabete, Upper Kabete and Gathiga. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in the analysis of this study.