Assessing the role of strategic leadership in the effective Management of the national government constituencies Development fund. A case of Kitutu Masaba constituency, Kenya.

Abstract

Effective public fund management is essential for fostering equitable development, especially in decentralized systems such as Kenya's National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). Established in 2003, the NG-CDF aims to promote grassroots development by financing local projects in education, security, and infrastructure. However, persistent challenges in relation to transparency, community participation, and leadership capacity have affected the efficient utilization of these funds. This study sought to assess the role of strategic leadership in the utilization of NG-CDF in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, focusing on three key dimensions: strategic planning, transparency, and community involvement. The study was guided by three theoretical frameworks: Transformational Leadership Theory, Upper Echelons Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, which collectively explain how leadership behavior, managerial background, and stakeholder engagement influence organizational outcomes. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Structured questionnaires were used as the primary data collection instrument, supplemented by open-ended responses to capture qualitative insights. Respondents were selected using simple random sampling techniques from the six wards within the constituency. Findings from regression analysis showed that strategic planning (B = 0.478, p < 0.001) and transparency (B = 0.333, p < 0.001) had a significant positive impact on NG-CDF fund utilization, while community involvement (B = 0.222, p < 0.001) had a less pronounced effect. The study highlights the critical role of visionary leadership and open governance in fund effectiveness. The study recommends strengthening leadership training, enhancing transparency through digital platforms, and restructuring community engagement mechanisms to ensure inclusive and accountable fund management.