Assessment of challenges facing the implementation of the county integrated development plan: a case study of Narok county government

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess challenges facing the implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) in Narok County Government. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 10 County Executive Committee Members, 22 County Chief Officers who report to CECs and 62 directorates of the respective functional sections or units of the government in Narok County. The study utilised a census technique of data collection meaning the target population was studied. A self-administered questionnaire containing open-ended and closed questions was used to obtain primary data while data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The major findings of the study were that NCG employees were involved in the formulation of the CIDP, the CIDP had been implemented to a moderate extent, NCG had met less than 50% of the performance targets as well as less than 50% CIDP development projects or interventions, the CIDP of NCG is comprehensive as per the requirements of the constitution of Kenya 2010, NCG indeed experienced financial-related challenges, human resource- related challenges and leadership-related challenges in the process of implementing the CIDP. The findings also revealed that national government policies and legislation and organization culture influenced the implementation of the CIDP. Based on the findings, the study concluded that NCG had implemented the CIDP to a moderate extent. The study also concluded that financial-related challenges, human resource-related challenges, leadership- related challenges, national government policy and legislations and organization culture of NCG had a significant relationship with the implementation of CIDP in NCG. Finally, the study recommends that the national government of Kenya should disburse funds to the county governments regularly and on time, NCG should review their style of leadership to a transformational and consultative style, and that the national government should review the national legislations and policies that govern the operations of county governments.