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Governance And Regional Development Disparities In Kenya

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  • BUNDE Aggrey Otieno

Abstract

This study explores Northeastern Kenya's regional development dynamics pre and post decentralization. The centralized structure of governance in Kenya brought a lot of challenges post-independence; the governance system was plagued with regional development disparities, lack of public involvement in governance processes, and marginalization of some communities. The decentralized constitution recognized the need for equity in development planning across the country. This study was anchored on the growth pole philosophical paradigm, economic development strategy, and cumulative causation theories. We conducted a desk review of two constitutions, government annual financial reports, and decentralized units integrated medium-term development plans. We comparatively evaluated development differences before and after decentralization in the region. With the emergence of political and fiscal decentralization in Kenya, the study revealed that counties in the northeastern region have seen development projects trickling down to their regions since the implementation of the new constitution in the year 2013. In the region, massive infrastructure investments have been made in roads and health programs, local gross domestic products have increased, fiscal decentralization has increased, and primary and secondary education facilities have been improved. There is a lot of promise in decentralization driving regional development in marginalized counties we investigated. Indeed, as demonstrated in this study, there are apparent indications that the northern counties have begun to witness growth because of devolution. Moreover, the main challenge that is bedeviling decentralization and that the government should pay much attention to in Northern parts of Kenya is lack of transparency in financial resource management; this is hurting the implementation of many development projects within the region.

Suggested Citation

  • BUNDE Aggrey Otieno, 2023. "Governance And Regional Development Disparities In Kenya," Regional and Sectoral Economic Studies, Euro-American Association of Economic Development, vol. 23(1), pages 51-72.
    • Handle: RePEc:eaa:eerese:v:23:y2023:i:1_4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Decentralization Governance Regional Development Disparities; Kenya;

    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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