STREET LEVEL BUREAUCRACY: RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AMONG ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICERS AND ITS EFFECTS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER QUALITY REGULATION POLICY IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
The study addressed a persistent challenge in water policy implementation, focusing on Kenya's water sector where policy formulation was not the challenge; instead, it was the implementation as still grappled with loss, depletion, and degradation of water resources. The research investigated how key policy actors, particularly street-level bureaucrats, influenced water policy regulations in Kisumu County's Kibos River, considering the impact of resource availability on the implementation. Employing Thomas's theorem, Principal-Agent theory, and Street-Level Bureaucratic theory, a descriptive research design was used with 154 participants, including county environmental officials, NEMA county officers, community leaders, and NGOs. Compliance with ethical guidelines was ensured. Results revealed strong agreement (66.7%) on officers' knowledge sufficiency but varying responses (50.5%) on database accessibility, aligning with previous studies. Diverse opinions were noted on funding availability (41.4%), integration of water resource development (30.0%), and SLBs' skills in water management (44.0%). Correlation analysis (r = 0.248, p < 0.01) indicated a moderate positive link between water policy implementation and resource availability. In conclusion, the study emphasized resource availability's pivotal role in implementing water quality regulation policies in Kisumu County, Kenya. While environmental officers possessed expertise, disparities existed in database accessibility and stakeholder funding. Diverse perspectives on Kibos River's management and technology effectiveness highlighted the need for strategic approaches and collaboration for effective water policy implementation. Furthermore, the influence of street-level bureaucrats on policy implementation underscored the necessity for clear policies and equitable material access. Addressing these aspects is critical for efficient water resource management in Kenya.
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