INFLUENCE OF DEVOLUTION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY ON PROVISION OF HEALTHCARE: A CASE OF LEVEL FIVE HOSPITAL IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA
Ayub Kobia Miriti - Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Peter Keiyoro - University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
In Kenya, devolution was created by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and it involves the transfer of power, resources and representation down to the counties. According to Kenya Constitution Schedule Four, some of the devolved functions include county health services, agriculture, county transport, county development and planning; control of air pollution, noise pollution, other public nuisances and outdoor advertising; cultural activities, public entertainment and public amenities; animal control and welfare; trade development and regulation; county public works and services among other functions. This research aimed at assessing the influence of devolution of government service delivery on provision of healthcare in Meru Level Five hospital. The specific objectives were to examine how use of information Communication and Technology influenced provision of healthcare; to determine the Influence of devolution of finance on provision of healthcare services; to find out how staffing influences provision of healthcare; to establish the extent to which leadership styles influenced provision of healthcare at Meru Level five hospital in Meru County respectively. A descriptive research design was used in this study in order to obtain information based on the four research objectives. The target population was 500 participants. A sample of 111 representative participants of the whole population was selected. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of both closed and open ended questions. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21 software. Quantitative data was analysed and presented through descriptive statistics; however for qualitative data, detailed narrative was used to summarize data. The study concluded that ICT and financing for the hospital was the national government In addition, devolution of government service delivery had increased access to healthcare services in terms of availability, affordability, accessibility and acceptability. In addition, the study recommended that the Hospital engage qualified institutions to carry out regular patient satisfaction survey. This would give Meru Level Five Hospital management and leadership an independent appraisal of staff performance from the end-user’s perspective. To be up to date with the happenings in the medical fraternity, support for training and development programmes initiated by the hospital leadership should be provided to the medical personnel to acquire relevant modern medicine and contemporary management practices.