Browsing by Author "Matete, Jemima Butinyi"

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    Examining Constituency Development Fund as an Instrument of Rural Development in Kakamega County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-08) Matete, Jemima Butinyi
    Rural poverty remains a significant impediment to rural development. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was established in Kenya to address this challenge by decentralizing development. Despite its existence for nearly two decades, concerns persist about its implementation, distribution, and impact on poverty alleviation. This study examined the dynamics of CDF as a tool for rural development in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County. Specifically, it investigated community awareness and participation, fund utilization, and the challenges hindering CDF's effectiveness. Guided by Alexis de Tocqueville’s Decentralization Theory, the study employed a cross-sectional design with mixed methods. A sample of 384 participants was determined using Andrew Fisher's formula. Data collection involved surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the KUERC. Findings revealed high awareness of the CDF (84.4%), primarily through chief's barazas (53.6%). While 72% of participants perceived good fund utilization, challenges included low community participation, embezzlement, and corruption. The study concludes that effective strategies are essential to improve CDF implementation and achieve sustainable rural development. It is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize enhancing community participation, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and investing in capacity building to optimize the impact of CDF on rural development.