Assumed Role Of Devolved Government On Performance Of Constituency Development Fund: A Study Of Migori County In Kenya

Abstract

The main reason for the study was to assess the role that devolution was going to play on the performance of CDF. The specific objectives were to evaluate the role of internal controls and the ward representatives on the CDF performance, to assess the role of separation of power on the performance CDF, to determine the role of County Project Committee on the accountability and community participation on CDF performance and to establish the checks and balances for the CDF processes implementation. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The study aimed at collecting information from respondents on the impact of devolution of government on the accountability of CDF focusing on constituency development fund with a view to establish strategies that may effectively improve service delivery, efficiency and accountability of CDF. A target population of all the CDFC member of the constituencies in Migori County was considered in this study. All Eight (8) constituencies with a population of 144 (18 from each constituency) CDFC members was targeted for the study. The research was carried out using a questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0 was used in the analysis of data collected from the questionnaires. Descriptive statistics was used which included the use of percentages, frequency, mean and standard deviation. The study found that that there were challenges facing CDF in the constituency majority cited yes, respondents were asked whether they face challenges in the selection of CPC members in their constituency majority cited yes, on whether respondents think that CPC can influence CDF operations majority indicated no, on whether the constituency involves public to be involved in selection and implementation of CDF projects majority indicated yes, on respondents view concerning the publishes and publicizes the CDF reports and whether the problems are with the implementation of CDF projects majority cited yes. From the study the researcher concludes that however there are CDF internal controls the CDF implementation process still faces challenges like mismanagement of funds and it’s also affected by personal interest culprits being the CDF leaders. Citizens are allowed to take part in the selection of CPC members in their constituency which influences CDF operations to a great extent. Citizens were allowed to take part in the selection of CDF members and besides they receive publications of CDF reports. The study recommends that internal controls should be improved in order to boost CDF performance. The study also established that factors influencing completion of projects were insufficient funds and insufficient skills. The study therefore recommends that enough funds and skills should be allocated to projects.