Thesis:

Influence of social economic determinants on implementation of public policy in Kenya: a case of Meru County

Effective implementation of public policies remains a significant challenge, particularly in developing countries like Kenya, where socioeconomic determinants can profoundly influence policy outcomes. Meru County, being one of the counties in Kenya, is no exception. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of socioeconomic determinants on the successful implementation of public policies in Meru County, Kenya. The study will be guided by the following objectives: to assess the influence of resource allocation on the implementation of evaluate in Meru County, Kenya, to investigate the influence of public participation on the implementation of public policy in Meru County, Kenya, to evaluate the influence of stakeholders' literacy on the implementation of public policy in Meru County, Kenya, and to evaluate the influence of community income levels on the implementation of public policy in Meru County, Kenya. The study is grounded in the resource dependence theory and the resource-based view theory, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding the study variables: The resource availability, capability, and policy implementation. The study is delimited within Meru County, covering the 45 wards forming Meru County. The study employs a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a mixed-mode approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, with data collected using self administered open-ended questionnaires and key informant interview guides. The study will target members of the county assembly and ward administrators as key respondents, while county executives and assembly heads will be targeted as key informants. The total target population will be 102 respondents. A pilot study will be carried out in the neighboring county of Tharaka Nithi, targeting 10% of the sample population. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Finally, the study is designed to observe the highest level of integrity and observe ethical issues throughout the process. The study's findings confirm that resource allocation remains a significant challenge in Meru County, consistent with the broader literature that underscores the critical importance of adequate and effectively distributed resources for successful policy implementation. While stakeholders in Meru County have some access to necessary information (mean score of 3.3168), their social capital, knowledge, attitudes, and interpretive skills are notably insufficient, with mean scores of 2.3861, 2.0693, and 2.3267, respectively. The study concluded that inadequate resource allocation significantly impedes the effective implementation of public policies in Meru County. The insufficient financial and human resources, coupled with ineffective mechanisms for mobilizing and distributing resources, hindered the execution of policy initiatives. To improve policy implementation, there is a critical need for better allocation of financial and human resources and more efficient resource mobilization strategies. The study recommended that Meru County should develop and implement a comprehensive resource allocation framework. This framework should aim to ensure an equitable distribution of both financial and human resources across various policy initiatives. It should also focus on enhancing the effectiveness of resource implementation strategies to improve overall policy implementation efficiency