Evaluation of the Performance of County Forest Conservancies against their Performance Contracts Targets as Indicated in Their AWP&B in Kenya

Abstract

Annual Workplan and Budget (AWP&B) are prepared annually by public organizations as required by the government policy for funds allocation by the treasury, which presents a focused role and a determined direction that estimates organization finances against her activities in a financial year. This study analyzed the effect of AWP&B on the performance of County Forest Conservancies (CFCs) in Kenya. Specifically, the study evaluated the performance of CFCs against their PC targets as indicated in their AWP&B. Descriptive research design was employed to analyze the AWP&B on the performance of CFCs. The result of the evaluation of performance showed that the observed calculated Chi-square (χ2) test statistics (79.81) was greater than the critical value (5.99) at 95% (α = 0.05). The test result was found to be significant, showing that the performance of CFCs did not support the full realization of their PC targets as indicated in their AWP&B. In conclusion, AWP&B indicated a significant impact on the performance of CFCs, showing that the planned target was not achieved fully as expected. The reason established for under achievement was that the CFCs do not receive adequate fund to enable them run their activities effectively. The study, therefore, recommended that the management implement a co-financing/cost-sharing model in AWP&B by exploring, securing and harnessing diversified funding sources, including private stakeholders, public-private partnerships and international grants to enable the organization to attain the overarching goal of increasing forest and tree cover in the country.