Effect of financial decentralization on service delivery among administrative staff in Central Equatorial State, South Sudan. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i5.27Keywords:
Service delivery, financial decentralization, Central Equatorial state, South SudanAbstract
Background:
Financial decentralization refers to the transfer of competencies, responsibilities, and financial resources from the central (state) level to the lower levels of government. Performance of decentralized services by county governments can be measured by indicators of allocative efficiency, accountability, reduction of corruption, and equity in service delivery. The study aimed at determining the effect of financial decentralization on service delivery in Central Equatorial State, South Sudan.
Methodology:
The study adopted both descriptive cross-sectional survey research design and explanatory research design to identify, analyze, and describe the relationship between financial decentralization and service delivery. The target population of the study was the county administration staff. A stratified random sampling technique was used. A representative sample of 150 residents (50 from each county) was selected. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis.
Results:
There was positive statistically significant relationship between financial decentralization and service delivery(p<0.05), majority 82% of the respondents agreed that county government has sufficient power to decide on how to raise revenue, 52% agreed that the county government met the budget for locally generated revenue in the last financial year and 86% agreed that the county government has the authority to set the rates and charges for devolved services.
Conclusion:
There is a statistically significant influence of financial decentralization on service delivery in Central Equatorial State, South Sudan. A positive increase in financial decentralization leads to an increase in service delivery in Central Equatorial State, South Sudan.
Recommendation:
The national government and county should put in place a set of deliberate and proactive processes, policies, and structures that support financial decentralization. The national government should review existing policy on financial decentralization with a view to increasing funding to counties.
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