Thesis:

Influence of devolved leadership structures on service delivery in Wajir county government Kenya

The devolution of power in Kenya, particularly in Wajir County, significantly transformed governance structures. Understanding how devolved leadership impacted service delivery was crucial for effective policy-making and resource allocation. Despite the implementation of devolved governance structures in Wajir County, persistent challenges continued to hinder effective service delivery, undermining the expected benefits of decentralization. Key issues such as inequitable resource allocation, favoritism, and corruption plagued the county, creating disparities in public services. This study aimed to determine the influence of devolved leadership structures on service delivery within Wajir County, Kenya. Specifically, the study investigated the impact of administrative capacity, accountability mechanisms, and resource allocation on service delivery. The research was guided by Decentralization Theory, Public Administration Theory, Principal-Agent Theory, and Resource Dependency Theory. A mixed-methods research design was utilized, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The study focused on county government executives, including the governor, deputy governor, county secretary, economic advisor, and other significant officials. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 71 participants. Data collection involved structured questionnaires for the quantitative component, alongside semi-structured interview guides for qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS to produce descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to uncover patterns and trends. The findings were presented in tables, charts, and narrative descriptions to enhance interpretation. Ethical considerations were paramount, with authorization obtained from Kenyatta University and NACOSTI, ensuring participant confidentiality and informed consent. The study found that devolved leadership structures, administrative capacity, accountability mechanisms, and resource allocation significantly influence service delivery in Wajir County government. The regression model explained 66.2% (R²=.662) of service delivery variance. Devolved leadership had the strongest influence (β=0.223, p=0.001), followed by accountability mechanisms (β=0.204, p=0.006), administrative capacity (β=0.138, p=0.004), and resource allocation (β=0.101, p=0.001). All variables showed statistically significant positive relationships with service delivery performance, confirming their importance in improving governance outcomes. Devolution has positively transformed service delivery in Wajir County. The significant influence of leadership structures, accountability mechanisms, administrative capacity, and resource allocation demonstrates the multifaceted nature of effective governance. While the current framework shows promise, challenges in coordination, resource constraints, and capacity gaps persist. The study concludes that strengthening these four pillars is essential for sustainable improvement in public service delivery across all communities. The county government should prioritize strengthening devolved leadership through capacity development programs and enhanced coordination mechanisms. Accountability frameworks should be reinforced through stricter oversight and increased public participation. Administrative efficiency should be improved through targeted training and technological integration. Resource allocation processes should be reformed to ensure equity and transparency, with innovative financing models adopted to overcome funding constraints and reduce regional service delivery disparities.