Thesis:

Influence of devolution on public policy implementation: A case of Meru county government

This study assessed the effectiveness of devolution on public policy implementation, with a focus on Meru County Government. Devolution was institutionalized in Kenya through the 2010 Constitution to enhance resource distribution, promote local service delivery, and increase public participation in governance. Despite these intentions, counties face persistent challenges that hinder effective policy implementation, including inadequate resource allocation, weak legislative frameworks, limited public participation, and insufficient staff capacity. The objectives of the study included evaluating the impact of citizen participation, assessing the role of resource allocation, analyzing the influence of the legislative framework, and examining the contribution of staff training to policy implementation in Meru County. The study was guided by two key theories: Participatory Governance Theory and Resource Dependency Theory. A descriptive research design was employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population comprised of 1,576 county employees, including 10 heads of departments and other staff across 10 departments. Stratified random sampling was used to select 310 employees, while the heads of departments was included through a census. A pilot study was conducted with 10% of the sample size, represented by 32 respondents drawn from Tigania Sub County, which neighbors Meru County. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides, focusing on demographic information and research objectives. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Inferential analysis, such as correlation and multiple regression, was conducted to establish relationships between variables. The results was presented using tables, charts, and narratives to provide a clear understanding of patterns, trends, and relationships within the data. The study aims to contribute to improved governance and service delivery in Meru County by providing recommendations to enhance devolution and strengthen public policy implementation. This study assessed the influence of institutional management capacity on the teaching of geography in public secondary schools in Nyahururu Sub-County, Laikipia County. The research focused on five key areas: infrastructure, instructional materials, pedagogical approaches, financial resources, and teacher attitudes. A descriptive research design was used, with data collected through questionnaires and interviews from teachers and school administrators. Findings indicated that inadequate infrastructure, including poorly equipped classrooms and insufficient teaching aids, negatively affected geography instruction. The study also found that the availability and use of instructional materials, such as maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), significantly influenced student engagement. Pedagogical approaches played a crucial role, with interactive methods proving more effective than traditional lecture-based teaching. Additionally, financial constraints were a major challenge, limiting access to teaching resources and professional development opportunities. Teacher attitudes and preparedness were also found to be critical in motivating students and enhancing performance in geography. The study concludes that strengthening institutional management in these areas can improve geography education. It recommends investment in infrastructure, provision of adequate instructional materials, adoption of interactive teaching strategies, increased financial support, and continuous teacher training to enhance student performance in the subject.