EFFECT OF CIVIL SOCIETY BUDGET MONITORING ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN BUNGOMA COUNTY

Civil society has a significant stake in governance, and a substantial role is expected in the delivery of government policy plans regarding social schemes, the provision of public services, and grassroots utilization. Its influence cannot be underestimated by policy makers, practitioners and scholars. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of budget control strategies employed by civil society in enhancing public sector service delivery in Bungoma County, Kenya. The specific objectives outlined the correlation between budget monitoring and service delivery in Bungoma County. The study used a descriptive research method to examine the role of the civil society in implementing government projects due effect budget monitoring on service delivery. The target population consisted of county government employees, county assembly members, and civil society members engaged in county budget monitoring over a period of three financial years. A sample size of 138 participants (12% drawn from the accessible population of 1117) was arrived at through stratified random and purposive sampling techniques particularly for County Assembly respondents. Gathering of primary data was attained through online questionnaires containing both closed and open-ended questions. A total of 134 responses were received through an online questionnaire representing 97% response rate. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data, while qualitative data from interviews was examined using thematic content analysis. The study showed a positive influence of civil society budget monitoring on service delivery in Bungoma County. The relationship between the variable and service delivery was, however, not very strong, indicating that other factors beyond the scope of this study also contributed to the overall outcome of service delivery. The study recommends an in-depth investigation of these factors and a comparison of results. It also recommends the need for a holistic approach in enhancing service delivery. Strengthening budget monitoring forums is a viable strategy but requires all budget stakeholders including the government to adopt other approaches to address other determinants of public service delivery. Keywords: Budget monitoring, Civil Society Budgetary Controls, Civil Society, Service Delivery.