Influence Of Governance Practices On Performance Of County Governments In Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan government acknowledges that there has been poor performance in the public sector over the years, especially in the management of public resources, which has hindered the realization of sustainable economic growth. Governance presents the single biggest opportunity for operational efficiency in any organization; therefore, its adoption is paramount in public sector management. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of governance practices on the performance of county governments in Kenya. The study sought to establish how internal controls, stakeholder participation, internal audit standards, and transparency influence the performance of county governments in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design; the study prefers this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. The target population was Heads of Departments in all Ministries, Chief Officers of all Ministries, and Members of the County Assembly. Pilot study was carried out to establish the reliability and validity of research instruments. The instruments was designed appropriately according to the study objectives. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data gathered from the questionnaires administered was analysed with the help of SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The outputs was presented in the form of statistical diagrams, tables, and charts. The study used multiple linear regression and correlation analysis to show the relationship between the variables. The study findings indicated that internal controls has a positive and significant relationship with on performance of county governments' in Kenya. Further, stakeholder participation had a positive and significant relationship with on performance of county governments' in Kenya. Internal Audit Standards has a positive and significant relationship with on performance of county governments' in Kenya. Lastly, the study concluded that that transparency has a positive and significant relationship with on performance of county governments' in Kenya. The entire null hypotheses was rejected. The study recommends that the County Government should encourage stakeholders to participate by incorporating their views in governance processes. A feedback mechanism should also be delivered where stakeholders are informed of the process of their participation and the key decisions that result from the participation. Further, the study recommends that there is need for the county government to come up with its calendar of events on its activities. should be availed to all the citizens at the beginning of a financial year. This will help in proper planning of its activities and ensure timely submissions of statutory requirements to both the county assembly and other organs.”