Farm Household’s Participation in Governance: Lessons From Devolved Systems in Kenya

Abstract

Abstract

Citizen participation is widely recognized as a critical strategy for improving governance as it is seen to increase the efficiency of public service delivery, government responsiveness to local needs, and accountability for government spending. Kenya promulgated a new Constitution in 2010, which now places more emphasis on citizen participation in governance. A new structure of government, where functions are devolved to County (local) governments, came in to place in March 2013. In this structure, consultative approaches with the citizenry are expected to be critical in planning and implementation of programs by both the national and county governments. This study, therefore, aims at providing an understanding about the extent of citizens’ participation in the agriculture sector after devolution of functions to County governments. Our results show that the strongest factor that affected household’s decision to participate was their own experience in participation in development and planning meetings. In addition, traditional modes of communication such as friends/relatives/neighbours, schools, churches, public boards, and public meetings are still effective in getting information to households. Also, being involved in group activities and knowledge about local projects increased the likelihood of participation by households in development meetings. Farm households’ participation in development meetings has been minimal after the first year of devolution. The study, therefore, recommends that the county governments should create a greater awareness of the development programmes and projects and support community-based organizations in civic education to enhance awareness besides the already existing channels of communication. In addition, the policy action should target mobilizing households to increase participation in meetings.

Keywords: Devolution, Governance, Community Participation, Kenya