The Role Of Elected Leaders In Promoting The Implementation Of Devolution In Kericho County

Abstract

ABSTRACT Devolution is mainly associated with transfer of power and sharing of national resources among the 47 counties in Kenya. The country has witnessed a gradual but comprehensive transfer of power, responsibilities and resources from the national government to the county governments. Devolution has been effective in major functional responsibilities such primary education, health, water and sanitation, and rural feeder roads from the central government to the county governments. This study is important in pointing out the roles played out by the elected leaders in implementation of devolution in Kenya. The findings of this study can be applied be applied in other counties in Kenya. Since they have similar structures and system of governance. This can help in finding and applying solutions as intended. The population under this study is constituted by the entire political, technical and civil leadership of Kericho County who are residing within the bounds of the said county at the time the study was carried out. Stratified sampling method was employed to select 42 respondents. Primary data sources were used in this study. The research established that training of staff as well as enabling legislations have not been effectively carried out. Resource mobilization locally to generate resources is lacking despite the poor funding from the national government. In order to effectively implement devolution it is recommended that training of staff, legislations and mobilisation of resources should be encouraged by the local authorities.