Etikett: Kenya

Deciding Together: Citizen Satisfaction and Institutional Design of Participatory Governance in Kenya

This policy brief provides practical insights for local governments on leveraging participatory budgeting (PB) to enhance citizen satisfaction and ownership of development projects. Based on a study in rural Kenya, three PB approaches—consultation, voting, and deliberation—were evaluated. All methods increased satisfaction and willingness to invest in projects, demonstrating their value in strengthening community engagement. Deliberation, while more resource-intensive, fostered deeper consensus and included marginalized voices, making it particularly effective for equitable decision-making. These findings guide policymakers in designing participatory processes that align with community needs, build trust, and improve the legitimacy of public decisions in resource-limited settings.

This publication is based on the study that was awarded ”Best paper” at the Local Democracy Academy 2024.

Typ av publikation
Policy Briefs
Projektområde
Inclusive leadership and governance
Globala mål
1 - Ingen fattigdom10 - Minskad ojämlikhet16 - Fredliga och inkluderande samhällen
Tema
Participatory democracy, citizen dialogues and budgeting
Etiketter
Action research, Collaborative governance, Kenya, Local Democracy Academy, Participatory Budgeting, Participatory governance, research,

Understanding the Complexities of Urban Flood Governance: A Case Study of Ruiru, Kenya

Urban flooding presents a significant challenge in developing cities, where rapid urbanisation, population growth, and infrastructure development intersect with natural processes and climate change. This study examines how governance structures influence urban flood management in Ruiru, Kenya. Through thematic analysis, this study explores local experiences with flooding, evaluates existing governance structures, and examines their effectiveness. The findings reveal that weaknesses in governance structures due to poor collaboration, reactive measures, limited resources, and a lack of transparency and political imbalances hinder effective urban flood management. This study advocates for a holistic approach to urban flood governance. This approach moves beyond traditional, limited solutions and prioritises both adaptability and long-term sustainability. By embracing this comprehensive strategy, Ruiru can build the resilience necessary to confront future urban flooding.

Typ av publikation
Master Thesis
Projektområde
Environment/Climate changeInclusive leadership and governance
Globala mål
11 - Hållbara städer och samhällen6 - Rent vatten och sanitet för alla
Etiketter
fieldwork grant, flood governance, Kenya,

The Plastic Bag Ban in Kenya: A study on consumer perceptions and attitudes following the plastic bag ban in Nairobi, Kenya

In 2017, Kenya’s government banned plastic bags, to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. Today Kenya has one of the strictest plastic bag bans in the world.

This study examines the perception of the plastic bag ban by different income classes in Nairobi, as well as what factors influence people’s support for the plastic bag ban in Nairobi.

The result indicates that the majority of respondents expressed strong support for the plastic bag ban, citing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices. However, a small segment of the population remained skeptical about the effectiveness and feasibility of the ban. The opinions of respondents that the ban was not strict enough is an indicator that the government still needs to do more and work towards a better environment. Factors such as age and education level emerged as influential factors in shaping individuals’ perceptions. However, the relationship was not enough to influence opinion on supporting the ban.

Consumer behaviors and awareness about environmental factors were mainly significant in influencing the opinions of residents in supporting the ban. This suggests that people that have reduced their plastic bag usage and are environmentally conscious, are more likely to support the plastic bag ban.

In conclusion, the findings from this study contribute to the public’s opinion on this strict plastic bag ban, in Kenya. The results emphasize the importance of promoting awareness and education to ensure the successful implementation and acceptance of the plastic bag ban. These findings can inform policymakers, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders in designing effective strategies to address plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.

Typ av publikation
Master Thesis
Projektområde
Environment/Climate change
Globala mål
12 - Hållbar konsumtion och produktion13 - Bekämpa klimatförändringarna
Etiketter
behavioral change, fieldwork grant, Kenya, plastic bag ban,