Influence of Resource Allocation Management Strategies on Performance of County Governments in Kenya: A Study of Migori County

Abstract

Performance of county governments are being viewed from the perspectives of levels of pending bills, own source revenue collections, development funds absorption rates and infrastructural developments initiated and completed and staff skills and capabilities development. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of resource allocation management strategies on performance of county governments in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the influence of planning management strategy on performance of county governments in Kenya, to establish the influence of allocation management strategy on performance of county governments in Kenya, to establish the influence of implementation management strategy on performance of county governments in Kenya and to establish the influence of monitoring and evaluation management strategy on performance of county governments in Kenya. The study was based on Resource-Based Theory (View) and McKinsey 7s Framework. Target population was 102 county government employees. The study was conducted using a census survey through the use of a descriptive research design. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. The pilot test was done in Homa Bay County to test reliability of the data collection instrument. The quantitative data collected was presented in tables, frequencies, means, standard deviations, figures and percentages. The strength of the correlations was tested using Pearson's Product Moment Coefficient. The impact of the independent variables on the dependent variable was then examined using inferential statistics, namely simple and multiple regressions. To determine whether the data met the requirements for regression analysis, a diagnostic test was performed. The study found that resource allocation management strategies had a favorable and significant impact on Kenyan county governments' performance. The study also demonstrated that planning management strategy is an essential component of resource allocation management strategies since it helps managers learn how to allocate resources, manage strategy implementation, assess how well and efficiently strategic goals are being met, and determine what to do in the event of negative deviations. It also established that allocation management strategy or how decisions and choices are made on distributing resources to different sectors of a county government significantly influences its performance because it allows for the optimization of resources among different strategy execution areas. Implementation management strategy was also found to be aligned to county annual development plans and budgets. The study also established that resource allocation management is a critical activity that allows for strategy execution. Further, it was established that county has ways of determining whether resources are being properly utilized and has a legal framework to support effective structures for monitoring and evaluation of the progress and outcomes/ outputs of their programs and projects. The study concludes that successful and efficient service delivery by counties depends on resource allocation management systems. According to the report, the county government should push for performance targets in accordance with the plan and within the allotted time frame, and allow for the reallocation of resources in response to changes in needs among various competing uses. In order to improve service delivery across many sectors, the County must also give strategy implementation management issues adequate priority when allocating resources.