The impact of patronage dynamics in government employment on service delivery in Wajir County, Kenya

Abstract

Government performance and service delivery in the public sector is largely dependent on the quality of its service providers defined by the individuals employed in different departments of the sector. Nevertheless, the process through which governments recruit and select public employees is often marred by employment dynamics affecting the labor market as a whole. This paper addresses the impact of patronage dynamics in government employment on service delivery in Wajir County Kenya. Adopting the attraction selection attrition theory, the author explores how patronage dynamics affect the hiring process in government employment assessing the consequences of the same in-service delivery. Through descriptive research design, the study used questionnaires and interviews to collect data from 169 respondents selected by stratified sampling technique. Descriptive statistics is used in the analysis of collected data which is further presented in tables. The findings of the study indicated that patronage dynamics significantly undermine both employment and service delivery in Wajir County, hence diminishing job opportunities for qualified individuals, further eroding public trust and social cohesion. The study recommends implementation of transparent and merit-based recruitment and promotion practices across public institutions which is paramount to mitigating the influence of patronage on access to employment opportunities in government. This will eventually enhance the quality of service delivery.