Abstract: In most cases, devolution is concerned with sharing of natural resources as well as decentralization of power within the county. Even though people participate in guaranteeing good governance, there exists an information gap on what comprises citizen participation and its role in efficient management of counties in Kenya. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of citizen participation and performance of county governance in Kenya. Specific objectives that were guided by the study where: to find out the technological factors that affect citizen participation in Vihiga county governance, to establish socio-cultural factors influencing citizen participation in Vihiga county, to determine institutional factors influencing citizen participation in the governance of Vihiga county, and to find out individual determinants of citizen participation in the governance of Vihiga county. The study was guided by two theories namely; the civic voluntarism theory and the public value theory. The study adopted Simple random and purposive research design targeting 530 respondents from the county of Vihiga. This comprised of Vihiga county Ministries, The Public service board, constituencies, Sub-county wards. For the 10 County Ministries, 10 respondents was sampled from each ministry. For the Public service board, a sample of 5 respondents was selected for the study. For the 6 constituencies, a sample of 100 citizens was selected for the study. The constituencies included Emuhaya, Hamisi, Luanda, Sabatia and Vihiga constituencies. A sample of 10 respondents from each of the 25 sub-county ward were interviewed.The finding were.The study recommended that more awareness be created among the members of the public. This will encourage their participation in governance as they will know the importance of participation and ways by which they can participate.The study also recommended that County government should be accountable for the County resources by eliminating corruption, tribalism and nepotism. This will change the attitude of the people towards participating in governance as it will reflect true and fair allocation of resources and job opportunities.The study further recommended that members of the public should change their attitude towards participation in governance and create time within their busy schedules. Their participation will allow the incorporation of their views for the betterment of lives.The study finally recommended that members of the public should be allowed to participate in governance without discrimination based on gender. This will encourage general public participation thus ensuring effective governance and development aimed at improving the lives of the public.
Keywords: Citizen, participation and the performance.
Title: INFLUENCE OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND THE PERFORMANCE OF COUNTY GOVERNANCE; CASE STUDY OF VIHIGA COUNTY
Author: Tony Omuhoma Olubayo, Prof. Mike .A. Iravo
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
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