Abstract: Citizen participation has been a critical issue in the decision making process in the county. The Kenya Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 201(a) states that there must be openness and accountability, including public participation in financial matters. However, citizen participation is not limited to any specific decision and public finance is no exception. The main aim of the study was to determine the effects of citizens’ levels of civic awareness on public finance management by the county government of Nyeri in Kenya. The study covered only the wards in Nyeri Town Sub County, Kenya. The sample size was 68 members of the public and 16 government officers. With a total 68 questionnaires distributed, all were returned but 4 officers were not available for the interview. Stratified random, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to draw the sample. The data was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, and the results represented in graphs, tables and pie charts among others. The study found that the citizens were interested in attending the public fora but timely information was not accessible. Citizens’ civic awareness had a significant influence in community public participation in public finance management of the county government. Lack of understanding of budgets and budgeting procedures affected citizen participation in public finance. In conclusion, the civic awareness and its information dissemination framework significantly influenced citizens participation in public finance management. The study recommends that civic education should be undertaken in the County (as well as nationwide) to enlighten the citizens on matters relating to their rights of participation in county government functions especially in finance management.
Keywords: Civic Awareness, Public Finance, Citizens’ Participation.
Title: EFFECTS OF CITIZENS’ LEVELS OF CIVIC AWARENESS ON PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT BY THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF NYERI IN KENYA
Author: Ann Wambui, Dr. E. Kihonge
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations,
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
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