Influence of Participatory Budgeting and Public Expenditure Tracking Mechanisms of Civil Society Organizations on Governance in Kenya

Abstract

This research sought to investigate the influence of participatory budgeting and public expenditure tracking mechanisms of civil society organizations on governance in Kenya. Specifically, the study looked at the influences of participatory budgeting and public expenditure tracking surveys on governance and the moderating effect of government regulations. Using cross-sectional survey research design, the study targeted 80 civil society organisations who were involved in social accountability initiatives across the country. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential statistics (mean and standard deviation) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while the analysis of qualitative data was done using content analysis. The researcher used multiple regression analysis to determine whether the proposed factors in the model together showed the influence of these social accountability mechanisms of civil society organisations on governance in Kenya. From the results of the study, it was established that participatory budget had significant influence on governance in Kenya. However, public expenditure tracking surveys mechanism was insignificant in determining governance in Kenya. It was further established that government regulations moderated the relationship between social accountability mechanisms used by the civil organizations and governance in Kenya. Therefore, for better governance in Kenya in terms of transparency, accountability, citizen awareness and participation, civil society organization should use these participatory budgeting and public expenditure tracking mechanisms adhering to the existing government regulations to promote governance in Kenya.