PUBLIC BUDGETING AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AT THE KENYA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Keywords:
Participatory Budgeting, Public Budgeting, Performance MeasurementAbstract
Purpose of the Study: The study examined the effects of public budgeting on performance measurement at the Kenya National Assembly, with specific emphasis on participatory budgeting. It sought to determine how public involvement in budgeting processes influences accountability, transparency, citizen empowerment, and institutional performance measurement within Kenya’s legislative budgeting ecosystem and governance structures overall.
Methodology: The study was anchored on Stakeholder Theory and Goal-Setting Theory and guided by pragmatism research philosophy and descriptive research design. Data were collected from 103 Members of Parliament using questionnaires and interview schedules. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed, while data reliability was tested using Cronbach Alpha coefficients.
Findings: The findings established that participatory budgeting had a positive and statistically significant influence on performance measurement at the Kenya National Assembly. Public participation forums enhanced accountability, transparency, communication of budget details, citizen empowerment, and quality financial reporting. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate-to-strong positive relationship between budgetary participation and performance measurement (r=0.672). Regression analysis further indicated that budgetary participation significantly predicted performance measurement (β=0.301, t=4.613). However, the study observed that effectiveness varied depending on the degree of institutionalisation of feedback mechanisms and inclusivity practices, particularly in incorporating citizen contributions into final budget decisions effectively.
Conclusion: The study concluded that participatory budgeting is a critical determinant of effective performance measurement at the Kenya National Assembly. Institutionalised public engagement mechanisms enhance accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in budgeting processes
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