Effects of devolution on the road sector and livelihoods in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

After a successful general election on 9th March 2013, Kenyans launched a devolved system of governance that was brought about by the new Constitution, in 2010. The constitution established two levels of government namely, National and 47 county governments. These governments have specific statutory functions stipulated in the Fourth Schedule of the constitution. From the devolved functions, Kisii County Government identified road transport as a major stimulator of economic development, therefore prioritizing road development by allocating a considerable budget towards improving road accessibility. The available reports show that within the first four years of devolution, the Kisii County Government had opened and improved 1,850 kilometers of County roads. However, the source of these evidence has not been verified by empirical studies to confirm their veracity. The study sought to establish the effect of devolution on the road sector and livelihoods in Kisii County. Specifically, the study sought to find out how devolution had improved road accessibility in Kisii County since the start of devolution in 2013, determine how improved road accessibility affects the livelihoods of Kisii residents, and assess the level of public satisfaction with improved road accessibility. This study was anchored in the souffle theory of decentralization (Andrew Parker, 1995) and Principal - agency Theory. Parker (1995) contends that the three components of devolution must complement one another for there to be a responsive local government that will ensure effective, efficient, and sustainable service delivery besides maintaining fiscal discipline. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design, where the target population was 585,712 adults aged 20 years and above. A sample size of 204 respondents was derived using Yamane (1967). Multi stage sampling, systematic sampling, probability proportional to size sampling, and purposive sampling methods were also used to select respondents. The study employed semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, non-participant observation, and focus group discussions to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using the content analysis technique supported by verbatim quotations. The study findings revealed that devolution contributed greatly to improved road accessibility. The study also established that road accessibility had a significant effect on people’s livelihoods. The study further established that the level of public satisfaction was low with regards to roads development programs. The study concluded that devolution not only improved road accessibility in Kisii County but also significantly improved the resident’s livelihoods, whereas, on the low level of public satisfaction, the study concludes that public involvement in decision making is critical in development. The study, therefore, recommended the review of the existing national integrated road policy with a view to transfer all access roads to county governments to minimize overlapping functions between governments, address road management in counties and ensure; effective, efficient and sustainable development in the road sector and people’s livelihoods. Similarly, the study recommended for systematized and inclusive training programs aimed at sensitizing the public on the role of devolution and the need for their active involvement in governance.