EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS, POLICY IMPLEMENTATION DELAYS AND DEVOLVED COUNTY GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY IN SELECTED COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS, POLICY IMPLEMENTATION DELAYS AND DEVOLVED COUNTY GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY IN SELECTED COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
Dennis Omwamba Masenge - PhD Student, Department of Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr Wilson Muna - Senior Lecturer, Department of Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr Felix Kiruthu - Senior Lecturer, Department of Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Policy implementation is a crucial phase of the public policy process which serves as a key pillar in the policy design. Public policy implementation process is part of the pre-decision phase of policy making that entails physical operationalization of the policies on the ground in an aim of achieving the specific goals, agendas, priorities as stated in the policy paper. The main objective of the research was to examine policy implementation delays and its effect on devolved governments service delivery in County governments in Kenya. The research's target population was 331 respondents, which included: County secretaries, executive committee members, County Assembly speakers, Chief officers, county assembly members, Opinion Leaders, Civil society delegations, and County political party leaders. The study sample size was 259 of the study population. The study employed Yamane's formula (1969) to determine the sample size. The theory of separation of powers and the structural-functionalist approach was used to inform the research. Data was presented using bar graphs, tables, chats, and histograms. Nine party officials, two county secretaries, and two county assembly speakers were interviewed for the study. Expert opinion was used to evaluate the validity of the study instrument, while Cronbach's Alpha was used to assess the study instrument's reliability. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. Correlation and regression analysis was done to establish the relationship between the variables. Quantitative data was analysed using multi-linear regression approaches and Pearson correlation analysis. Stepwise regression was used to analyze the moderating variable. The study then presented quantitative data using tables and figures. Qualitative data was organized based on the themes of the study, analysed using content analysis, and then reported in continuous prose. The policy implementation delays accounted for 0.07% of county government service delivery in Kisii and Meru counties. Besides, the results (sig. =0.034, r=0.194) indicate a weak but significant relationship between policy implementation delays and county service delivery in Kisii and Meru counties. The study recommends that the legislature and executives should strengthen coordination and communication between different departments and levels of government involved in policy implementation. Regular meetings, clear communication channels, and information sharing via digital platforms(technology) can all help achieve this. Additionally, it is recommended that the two county arms allocate resources to enhance public officials' capacity to implement policies.
