Influence of county resource planning on sanitation service delivery at Makueni County government in Kenya

Abstract

Devolution of governance in Kenya was intended to improve service delivery at the county level. However, many counties are still facing substantial challenges in meeting the needs of their populations. A key constraint is the inadequate allocation of resources, which significantly impairs the capacity of county governments to effectively provide essential services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of county resource planning on sanitation service delivery in Makueni County government in Kenya. The study was grounded in the Max Weber theory of bureaucracy. A descriptive survey research design was used. The study population was 208 stakeholders involved in sanitation services in Makueni County, out of which 30% was selected as the sample size using the stratified random sampling method. In total, the sample size was 66 participants. Questionnaires and an observation guide were used for data collection. A pilot study was done to assess the reliability and validity of the instrument. Primary data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The descriptive statistics comprised percentage frequencies, means, and standard deviation, and were presented using tables. These statistics helped to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The findings revealed that county resource planning is widely institutionalized and plays a critical role in shaping sanitation services. The study concluded that county resource planning strategies are a foundational determinant of sanitation service delivery in Makueni County. It recommends that Makueni County Government should strengthen its resource planning strategies by ensuring not only the adequate allocation of financial, human, and technical resources but also the timely disbursement of funds to avoid bureaucratic delays. Stronger integration between county planning frameworks and national sanitation priorities should be pursued to enhance coherence, legitimacy, and long-term sustainability.