Effect of Policy Network Legitimacy on Policy Process Outcomes in the Road Transport Sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The legitimacy of a policy network is an important factor in determining the success of a policy process. It can help to ensure that the policy process is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, and that the decision-making process is based on sound evidence and effective consultation. It also ensures that the policy process outcomes are based on consensus rather than on the interests of any particular group, builds trust between stakeholders and the government, which can help to ensure that the policy process is implemented effectively as well as help to enhance public participation in the policy process, which can lead to better policy outcomes. Given the limited empirical focus of the previous studies on the role of policy network legitimacy in achieving policy process outcomes, this study sought to establish the relationship between the two. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive design. The target population of the study was 470 policy actors in the road transport sector within Nairobi City County out of which 407 were sampled to respond to the questionnaire and 45 were sampled to participate in focused group discussions as well as key informant interviews. The sampling approach adopted was a purposeful sampling procedure. A mixed methodology was adopted whereby both quantitative and qualitative data was collected through structured questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews and focused group discussions. The quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics that is mean, frequencies and percentages as well as regression analysis. On the other hand, qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis and reported in a narrative format. Findings: The study established that the level of policy network legitimacy in road transport sector within Nairobi City County, Kenya was very high and this was associated with a significant improvement in the policy process outcomes. Recommendations: The study recommends a need for an increase public participation by the policy makers in the transport department in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study also recommend establishment of clear guidelines and rules for the policy network that all members must follow to ensure accountability. The study also recommend a transparent process for the policy network as well as promotion of accountability by ensuring all members of the policy network are held accountable for their actions.