Effects of Capacity Building on Management of County Resources in Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, the quest for development to improve economies cannot be undermined. Countries that are categorized as developed have adopted different forms of governance that best suits equal resource distribution and management. However, even with devolution of governance and the increased use of capacity building practices, the management of resources has been a center of discussion. The study also sought to examine the effect of capacity building on the management of county resources in Machakos County, Kenya. This research used descriptive survey design. The target population of this study was all 228 staff working in the 9 departments in the County government of Machakos and the 59 Members of County Assembly. The study used 50 percent of the population as the sample size and hence the sample size was 114. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 114 respondents from the target population. The study used primary data, which was collected by use of semi-structured questionnaire and key informant interview guide. The analysis of qualitative data from open ended questions in the questionnaire and key informant interviews was done using thematic analysis and then presentation of the results was done through use of a narrative form. The relationship between the research variables was established through use of inferential statistics which comprised of correlation analysis together with regression analysis. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Descriptive statistics entailed mean, standard deviation, percentages and frequencies. The research results were presented by the use of tables together with figures. The study further established that capacity building has a positive and significant effect on management of resources in Machakos County. The study revealed that training policy, scholarships and on-job training had an effect on management of resources. The study recommends that the county government of Machakos should always ensure that the training plans and policies are adhered to so as that the county employees can acquire appropriate skills to work effectively. In addition, the study recommends that the county should set aside funds to sponsor and fund employees who are willing to further their studies in their area of work. In addition, Machakos county government should formulate and implement a framework through which employees can free and fairly win scholarships from the county to further their studies to enhance their knowledge and skills. This will improve the level of employee productivity hence improving the level of service delivery.