Aden, Leila Hawa2025-07-242025-07-242025-05https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/30781A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, May 2025. Supervisor David MinjaThe study examines effect of devolution in social and health functions in the prevention of gender based violence within Wajir county, Kenya. Specifically, it examined the impact of devolution in four areas: medical services, youth, gender and social services, early childhood education, and water and sanitation services. Data was collected through semi structured questionnaire and descriptive research design was employed in the study. Regression analysis was the model used to examine relationship curbing GBV, devolution of early childhood education, devolution of water and sanitation services, medical service and devolution of youths, gender and social services. Results from the regression model suggest that devolution of healthcare access led to reduction in GBV cases (β = -0.509, p < 0.001). It was also revealed that devolution of early childhood education led to reduction of GBV cases (β = -0.339, p < 0.001). However, there was little impact from devolving youth, gender and social services (β = -0.072, p = 0.311) and significant impact of water and sanitation services became questionable (β = -0.153, p = 0.062). The findings suggest that while some devolved functions play a meaningful role in reducing GBV, others require improved implementation and policy focus. The study called for enhanced coordination in different sectors to fully eliminate gender based violence cases. The research underscores the need for strategic funding in local health and education systems.enThesis