Institutional structure and implementation of social welfare programs: a case of Tana River County, Kenya
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Date
2026-06
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Counties have faced persistent challenges in implementing social welfare programs due to utmost weak institutional structures. As a result, vulnerable populations continue to experience unmet basic needs and limited access to essential social services. The purpose of this research study was to assess the effect of institutional structures on implementation of social welfare programs in Tana River County Government, Kenya. The study was guided by the following research specific objectives; to establish the effect of coordination structure, resource allocation structure organizational culture and compliance structure on implementation of social welfare programs in Tana River County Government, Kenya and to evaluate the effect of monitoring structure on implementation of social welfare programs in Tana River County Government, Kenya. The Institutional Theory, Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory and the Organizational Culture Theory guided the research. The research used descriptive research design. The target population was 900 respondents comprising of the management staff and area elders denoted as ‘Nyumba Kumi’ as part of the population. This study used Slovin's formula to determine the appropriate sample size to ensure representativeness and accuracy; the sample size was 305 respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The researcher established the content validity by seeking the opinion of education experts and revising the questionnaires accordingly. The pilot test involved checking on validity by consulting the allocated supervisor and administering the questionnaires to 10% of the sample size. Reliability check was achieved by were using Cronbach alpha values to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was revised based on the feedback from the pilot test. The collected data underwent a meticulous process of organization and revision to ensure completeness and consistency. The analysis of the data encompassed descriptive statistics, inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics involved calculating percentages, frequencies, mean, and standard deviation. Furthermore, in terms of inferential statistics, both correlation analysis and regression analysis was conducted as part of the study. Correlation analysis was the suitability of the research variables for further investigation, while regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the variables. The results of the analysis were effectively presented through tables, graphs, and charts. This study concludes that the coordination structure within the Tana River County Government plays a vital role in the implementation of social welfare programs. All ethical matters were observed especially on data protection and anonymity as well as protection of respondents expressed some concerns about the sufficiency of the budget and the monitoring of resource allocation, indicating that a more detailed assessment of program needs and better monitoring mechanisms are essential for ensuring effective resource use. The study concludes that the Tana River County Government’s organizational culture supports the implementation of social welfare programs. For the compliance structure, the findings highlight that adherence to regulations and policies significantly supports program implementation. There is a need for a more detailed assessment of the needs of social welfare programs to ensure that resources are allocated in line with those needs. the Tana River County Government should work on reinforcing shared values and commitment to social welfare goals across all levels of the organization. The Tana River County Government should strengthen its feedback loops and use monitoring results to inform both policy adjustments and improvements in program delivery
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts Degree in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University
June 2025
Supervisor:
Dr. Wilson Muna