Abstract: In many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, inadequate political accountability and transparency, coupled with ineptitude leadership and bad governance remain a major challenge in many nations and more often than not, it has led to political unrest. To deal with political unrest, economic empowerment is unavoidable and it depends on the accountability of political leaders. This study sought to effect of leader accountability on economic empowerment of low income households in Siaya County. A descriptive design was applied in the study. The population for this study was 166,460 households in Siaya County. The study employed quota random sampling with each constituency in Siaya County having an equitable share of sampled households depending on the number of households. This method led to a sample of 384 households. The study used primary data which was both quantitative and qualitative. This data was collected through semi structured questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed through statistical tools which generated frequency distributions, percentages and mean scores. The analyzed data was presented using charts, graphs and tables. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic summary analysis and presented through prose. The study found that leaders in Siaya County are not generally accountable to the electorate for their actions. Leader accountability is important since leaders are given authority by the electorate. In addition, leaders in the county were seen to lack in transparency, communication of policy decisions, poor in teamwork, poor in relationship building, and lacking in personal effectiveness. This lack of openness and accountability to the residents of the county was perceived by the residents to contribute to poor economic advancement of the county. The study recommends that leaders should be accountable to their followers and electorate. The electorate also should demand accountability from their leaders. This can be done through having proper channels of communication between the leaders and electorate and also ensuring that best practices are always followed. Leaders should be transparent and open in their dealings. They should also have the ability to consistently exercise good and clear communication. On the sender side of leadership communications, the ability to articulate ideas and vision, inspire, provide feedback, espouse practical philosophies and values - are all necessities. The electorate should look for such qualities in selecting leaders.
Keywords: Accountability, Economic Empowerment, Political Leaders.
Title: EFFECT OF LEADER ACCOUNTABILITY ON ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN KENYA: A CASE OF SIAYA COUNTY
Author: AUKO Mc’ Omondi Crispino, Dr. KINYA Henry
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
Volume 10, Issue 1, April 2022 - September 2022
Page: 38-48
Available at: www.researchpublish.com
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