Effect of Financial and Political Decentralization on Service Delivery in County Governments in Kenya

Abstract

In devolution, financial decentralization and political decentralization have been advocated as powerful means for improving the service delivery in many developing countries. This study attempted to examine the association between financial decentralization, political decentralization and service delivery. The data used was derived from 275 government officials drawn from 8 county governments in Kenya. Service delivery was measured by accessibility of services, efficiency of services, quality of services and citizen satisfaction in relation to water, health, rural roads, and sewer services. Using regressions analysis (enter method), the study found significant positive relationship between financial decentralization and service delivery in county governments in Kenya. In addition, the study also revealed that political decentralization significantly and positively influences service delivery in county governments in Kenya. Based on the finding, the paper concluded that financial decentralization and political decentralization positively influences service delivery. This paper recommends that for improved service delivery in a devolved government, there is need to enhance political and financial decentralization. The paper further recommends that there was need for central governments to increase funding to the county governments in order to enhance service delivery.