| dc.description.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. | en_US |
