Decentralisation is a widespread trend. How can reform promote citizen participation and local accountability? What constitutes ‘good’ or ‘bad’ practice in relation to citizen participation and accountability in local government?
Reforms in Kenyan local government are seeking to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to deliver services to their citizens. Over the past three years, funding at the local level has increased through the Local Authority Transfer Fund (LATF). This briefing paper, from the International Development Department of the University of Birmingham explores the scope for citizens’ involvement in decision-making and for government accountability to its residents, in order for lasting improvements to be achieved. Case studies from seven Kenyan local authorities provide some practical guidelines as to what constitutes ‘good’ or ‘bad’ practice in local government, some of which may be transferable to other contexts.
Practices of citizen participation and local government accountability vary widely between local authorities in Kenya. The following findings emerged from the case studies:
- The effectiveness of local authorities depends to a considerable extent on the leadership qualities and commitment to good practice of individual leaders (mayor/councillor/official/local chief). Problems in leadership arise from bad relationships, conflict, lack of trust, corruption, opportunism and rent-seeking behaviour
- Financial constraints include lack of funds, low revenue collection, corruption and debt
- Conditions attached to the LATF provide scope for developing more open, participatory and accountable systems of service delivery
- Five-yearly local elections and vague manifestos are not adequate to establish detailed local needs and priorities
- Many disadvantaged groups remain excluded from participation in local politics
- If local authorities fail to deliver tangible results, people become disillusioned with participating.
The aim of local government should be to reflect the needs, priorities and interests of citizens, including the poor. The case studies suggest the following guidelines for local governments and citizens to extend citizen participation and enhance accountability in decision-making about the use of resources:
- Community Based Organisations need to be perceived as ‘stakeholders’ rather than as a threat to local authorities. Local Authority Service Delivery Action Plans are achieving this by requiring local authorities to consult community organisations about priorities for the use of resources
- Revenue and budget forecasts should be realistic so that budgets allocate only the resources actually available, and projects can be implemented
- The LATF requirements for publication of resource availability and auditing of projects increase accountability in local government
- Voter education is needed to reduce the bad practice of vote-buying
