Constructive Strategies for Enhancing Public Engagement in County Governance: A Focus on Nandi, Kenya, 2024.

Abstract: This article examined the effectiveness of constructive strategies for engaging the public in county governance in Nandi County, Kenya, 2024. It highlighted that the legal and institutional framework has not ensured public participation as intended by the Kenya 2010 constitution. The study’s objectives included examining the effectiveness of constructive strategies for engaging the public in county governance in Nandi County. It utilised Adam Smith’s Rational Choice Model and employed a concurrent mixed research design, incorporating purposive sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, with secondary data from document analysis. Analysis was done using a statistical package for the social sciences for descriptive statistics, and qualitative data was processed through thematic analysis. Devolution in Kenya, implemented in 2013, shifted responsibilities to county governments to enhance transparency and public participation. It allowed citizens to elect local leaders and engage in decision-making, promoting responsive governance. The County Government Act (2012) emphasises timely access to information and the role of non-state actors in fostering citizen involvement. The findings revealed that the most common mode of collaboration was electing project leaders. However, many individuals were unaware of the importance of participation, leading to low engagement, especially in project identification and implementation. The primary source of information on development projects was barazas (public meetings). The study concluded that public participation in development projects is below desired levels as per the County Government Act and recommended that Nandi County should improve public engagement across all sectors for a more significant impact on constructive strategies.