Public participation for sustainable development in a devolved system of governance in Kenya.

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development to many nations still remains a major concern inspite of the numerous initiatives that are being employed. Today however, many nations Kenya included, seem to be adopting public participation strategy as means of realising sustainable development although little information exists on its actual effectiveness. This study examined the influence of public participation on sustainable development in the devolved system of governance in Kenya with emphasis on South Rift region comprising Kericho, Bomet and Narok counties. The study objectives were to: evaluate public participation process, examine the effects of public participation and assess the challenges facing public participation in the devolved system of governance. Anchored on the Human Development theory, the study adopted Pragmatism philosophical paradigm and Concurrent Triangulation research design. The target population for the study was 807,372 and using multistage cluster and simple random sampling techniques, a sample size of 383 was selected. Instruments of data collection were questionnaire and interview schedule. Questionnaire was administred to 383 respondents who are registered voters and six key informants were interviewed using interview schedule. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis while quantitative data was analysed descriptively and inferentially. Descriptive analysis employed frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics utilized chi square and ANOVA. The chi square test for independence, from the value at 0.000 thus less than 0.05 which is significant; established that there was significant association between demographic characteristics and public participation process. ANOVA test, from value at (F, (2,315) = 2.208, P= 0.112 thus greater than 0.05; showed that for the items tested on effects of public participation on development, the results were statistically significant. Descriptively, majority of the respondents agreed that county governments and assemblies rarely involve the public in higher level public participation process such as collaboration and partnership but concentrated more on informing and consultation. The respondents interviewed believed that public participation has a positive impact on development. In conclusion; public participation is visible in the three counties, especially in information dissemination, consultation and awareness creation; but public involvement, collaboration and empowerment were least applied. It emerged that in instances where public participation took place, there was tangible evidence in the form of quality, friendly, acceptable and long-lasting projects. As much as public participation plays an instrumental role in achieving sustainable development; numerous challenges persist. If public participation is not handled well it may lead to negative attitude towards it and lack of willingness of the public to participate. Finally, a lot need to be undertaken to create awareness through civic education programs and continuous communication; engaging the right stakeholders especially the opinion leaders and experts. Public participation is feasible but it will fail to yield expected results if poorly handled. Otherwise the symbiotic relationship between public participation and sustainable development cannot be over emphasised. Public participation enhances sustainable development.