The provincial administration and the democratisation of development process in Kenya

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the emergence of the new actors such as Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and (Peoples Organizations) POs in the development space and their impact on the developmental role of the Provincial Administration in Kenya. The following objectives were formulated: First, to investigate the nature of the relationship between the civil society (NGOs and POs) as new actors in the development process, and the Provincial Administration (PA). Second, to examine the current development tasks of the Provincial Administration. Thirdly, to examine the impact of the democratization of the development process on PA with specific reference to the development activities of a given locality, and fourth, to investigate the impact of the emergence of the new actors (NGOs and POs) in the development space on popular participation. This was done within the theoretical framework of development theories including statism and public or political choice. The study did not however lose sight of the fact that development still attracts both academic and policy debates that definitely have a bearing on the formulation of both development theory and/or policy in the light of the shifting world development thinking. The study used both secondary data, and primary data obtained from surveys conducted in Nyamira, Nairobi and Migori districts in Kenya. The sample survey comprised a total of seventy-two respondents from all the three districts. The secondary data was analyzed by use of content analysis. The survey data was coded and analyzed through cross tabulations of the frequencies and the results presented in table statistics form. The main findings of the study were as follows: First, the increased democratization of the development process has called for a greater role for the Provincial Administration in development activities, especially in areas of security, advisory and mobilization of the local public. Secondly, it was found that an enhanced level of co-ordination of various project activities in the locality, liaison with other governmental agencies on behalf of local POs and NGOs are some of the new roles of the Provincial Administration. This is besides the traditional routine law and order roles of provision of security and mobilization of local population. Thirdly, the level of involvement of Provincial Administration is directly proportional to the level of popular participation in the development activities. Finally, the study found out that the level of involvement of civil society in the development activities is directly proportional to the level of popular participation in the development process provided the necessary level of party affiliation and involvement of Provincial Administration is sustained. Finally, the study has recommended further research on the policy implementation consequences of liberalization of security arrangements and the role to be played by the Provincial Administration, and the need to investigate the impact of significant rise in the number of political parties on popular participation. The study recommended to the policy makers, especially government to consider: the training and retraining of Provincial Administrators to attain the required standards of professionalism; initiate and support policies to make development a shared responsibility of the PA and POs as the key players at the local level, and finally to formulate development policies tailored to different areas reflecting the socio- economic structural forms, wishes and needs of all the local stakeholders.