Devolution and Governance Conflicts in Africa: Kenyan Scenario

The interests on devolved system of government have increased over time in Africa. This paper looks at devolution and governance conflicts in Africa. The paper makes an attempt in assessing the likely conflicts from this system and possibly so their mitigations with the Kenyan scenario. The study applies the underlined objectives in achieving its goals. Ultimately, the paper will attempt to answer questions such as; what is devolution? Why devolution? What is the rationale of devolution? What are the likely conflicts inherent in devolution and governance in Africa from the global experience? What are the mitigations available and its prospects and challenges? Confusions linger as to whether devolution is decentralization or federalism. In tackling the objectives, this study tries to make clarity to these dilemmas. Key words: Devolution/ Decentralization/ Conflicts/ Governanc

Challenges in The Decentralization of Recruitment and Selection of Teachers in Kenyan Secondary Schools: A Case of Gucha District

Decentralization of teacher recruitment and selection in Kenya was as a result of World Bank/IMF policies, which support projects that guarantee direct net economic returns by productivity and indirect returns on externalities.  The approach has been used as a way of improving service delivery. This strategy that has been successful elsewhere may not necessarily be appropriate for Kenya.  Any meaningful interventions in Kenya ought to be based on research data from within the countries education system. This paper is based on a research that was conducted in Gucha district in the year 2010. The study sought to assess decentralized approach process and examined the challenges faced in the application of the approach in secondary teacher recruitment and selection. Arising from the descriptive survey research analysis and interpretation is that despite the crucial role decentralized approach play in Secondary teacher recruitment and selection, there are still some negative aspects that hinder the applicability and implementation of the approach. It was noted that, the approach has led to better staffing in rural remote schools, equity and equality in employment leading to community development and high rate of teacher trainee absorption in the employment sector. However, very little attention is paid to competence of the BOG/PTA, adequate funds, corruption, political interference and teacher performance that challenge the efficiency and effectiveness of the approach. Consequently, this paper recommends that capacity building be incorporated to the BOG/PTA members for empowerment; increase of funds set aside by the government for recruitment to increase teacher absorption rate for adequate and equal distribution; streamline decentralized approach to give it a national outlook and supervision of the exercise by professionals for sustainable development in Kenya. Keywords: Decentralization, Teacher, Recruitment, Selection and Challenge

Challenges in the Decentralization of Recruitment and Selection of Teachers in Kenyan Secondary Schools: A Case of Gucha District

Decentralization of teacher recruitment and selection in Kenya was as a result of World Bank/IMF policies, which support projects that guarantee direct net economic returns by productivity and indirect returns on externalities.  The approach has been used as a way of improving service delivery. This strategy that has been successful elsewhere may not necessarily be appropriate for Kenya.  Any meaningful interventions in Kenya ought to be based on research data from within the countries education system. This paper is based on a research that was conducted in Gucha district in the year 2010. The study sought to assess decentralized approach process and examined the challenges faced in the application of the approach in secondary teacher recruitment and selection. Arising from the descriptive survey research analysis and interpretation is that despite the crucial role decentralized approach play in Secondary teacher recruitment and selection, there are still some negative aspects that hinder the applicability and implementation of the approach. It was noted that, the approach has led to better staffing in rural remote schools, equity and equality in employment leading to community development and high rate of teacher trainee absorption in the employment sector. However, very little attention is paid to competence of the BOG/PTA, adequate funds, corruption, political interference and teacher performance that challenge the efficiency and effectiveness of the approach. Consequently, this paper recommends that capacity building be incorporated to the BOG/PTA members for empowerment; increase of funds set aside by the government for recruitment to increase teacher absorption rate for adequate and equal distribution; streamline decentralized approach to give it a national outlook and supervision of the exercise by professionals for sustainable development in Kenya. Keywords: Decentralization, Teacher, Recruitment, Selection and Challenge

Effects of Resource Mobilization on Turkana Pastoralists’ Livelihoods: A Focus on Lake Turkana in Kenya

Both natural and human resources shall continue to play an instrumental role towards   fulfilling people’s sustainable livelihoods as evidenced by the large population that still depends on resources for their basic needs. The scenario however is likely to change if appropriate measures are not evolved towards resource mobilization in enhancing sustainable livelihoods   especially among the disadvantaged communities. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of resource mobilization strategies on Turkana pastoral community, while specific objectives were to; evaluate resource mobilization strategies being applied to Lake Turkana as one of the major resources found in Turkana County, assess the impact of resource mobilization strategies on people’s livelihoods and analyze challenges faced in mobilizing resources around the Lake. The study was based on resource mobilization theory by McCarthy and Zald that views individuals as rational actors that are engaged in instrumental actions that use formal organizations to acquire resources and foster resource mobilization development. Descriptive survey research design was applied where simple random technique was used on stratified samples. Instruments of data collection were; questionnaires, focused group discussions, interview schedules and observation. Out of the targeted population of 134,674, a sample size of 277 was selected. Data was coded and assigned numeric values, descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using computer statistical software where results were presented in tables, graphs and figures. The study findings showed that Turkana community is endowed with numerous resources and Lake Turkana being one of the important resources available in Turkana County. The study indicated the following as key strategies for resource mobilization in Turkana; proposal writing, fundraising and community mobilization and support from the state and none state actors. The hypothesis was; Ho1, there is no significant relationship between resource mobilization strategies and people’s livelihoods. The hypothesis was tested and ?2 = 1014.326, df =221 and sig = 0.000 was found. The researcher therefore rejected the null hypothesis since p < 0.05 and confirmed that there existed a significant relationship between resource mobilization and pastoralist communities’ livelihoods. The relationship was established by use of Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r). The level of significance was set at .05 whereby a result would be statistically significant if p is less than the set value. The coefficient of determination (r squared) was calculated to quantify the strength of the linear relationship. There was need to determine the magnitude and direction of this relation.  The results indicated a weak but positive (r = 0.382) correlation between resource mobilization strategies and pastoralist communities’ livelihoods. The study is worthwhile since it strengthens the existing policy framework on resource mobilization strategies on pastoral communities and also informs all the stake holders on matters of policy formulation and decision making on matters relating to Pastoral economy