Publication: Decentralization and politics in Nakuru county Kenya, 1963-2015
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2016-10
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
This study examines the history of decentralization and politics in Nakuru County from 1963
to 2015. The study investigates the genesis of decentralization, its development and impact on
politics; and resource allocation. Given that many of the county governments are not ethnically
homogenous, it is important to understand how this contributes to ethnic inclinations. The study
examines the various challenges associated with decentralization since 1963. Nakuru County
has been chosen as a case study because of its volatility in ethnic politics. A case study design
was adopted for this study to determine the impact of decentralization on politics and resource
allocation. The study relied on two types of historical evidence; namely primary and secondary
data. Primary data was obtained through field research and the Kenya National Archives. The
secondary data was obtained from several libraries. The selection of informants was done using
the non-probability sampling methods specifically purposive and snowballing. Data analysis
was done qualitatively and presented in descriptive format. Decentralization in Kenya went
through several transitions such as federalism, special programmes for rural development,
district focus for rural development, constituency development fund and devolution. The study
found that in all these periods, decentralization faced many challenges that includes ethnic
politics and skewed resources allocation among others. The study established that ethnicity is
one of the factors that influences county politics in terms of voting patterns for the members of
national and county assembly. The study also found that the challenges of limited resources and
governance impacts negatively on development. The study established that despite the negative
impacts, there are some positive aspects of decentralization in regard to resource allocation. It
has promoted development and provided some basic services which the central government
may not have been able to provide.
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Decentralization, Politics, Nakuru