The effects of integration criteria on job satisfaction among employees of defunct local authorities in Kenya: a case of county government of Kericho

Abstract

In 2010, Kenya entered a new constitutional dispensation which established 47 counties from 175 local authorities. In 2013, when implementation began, the process of transfer of functions and resources was carried out and it was observed and noted to be cumbersome and complex to manage. Though the process of transfer of functions and resources to the counties were declared to be successful, there were challenges which were recorded during and in the course of this particular assignment that was crucial in devolution process. Therefore, this research investigated the effects of integration criteria on job satisfaction among the staff of redundant local governments with a case study of employees absorbed into the County government of Kericho. Although employees who worked in the defunct local authorities before devolution were absorbed by County Governments, there was need to establish if they were satisfied with their work changes, hence the research. Specifically, the objectives were to establish the effects of placement policies, qualifications alignment and condition of service on job satisfaction among the integrated employees. The study used descriptive survey design and it adopted mixed research methods whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the sample. The target population of the study was four hundred and two employees. A sample of two hundred were selected and one hundred and forty (140) respondents participated in the study by filing and returning the questionnaires and four Key informant interview were held. The researcher employed stratified sampling to recruit the study participants. Purposive sampling was used to select the four key interviewees. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and Correlation and multiple regression were used to test the hypothesis. The results were presented in narrative, tables and graphs. The results from the study shows thatmajority of the workers were satisfied with placement policies in the county with 62.9% while 37.1% were dissatisfied. On qualifications alignment 40% of the employees were dissatisfied while 60% were satisfied. Finally, 35.7% of employees were dissatisfied with the scheme of service while 64.3% were satisfied. The study concludes that majority of the defunct local authorities’ employees in Kericho County were satisfied with the integration on the basis of placement policy, qualification alignment and scheme of service. The significance of this study is its practical contribution towards addressing the deployment of employees integrated to the County Government. The study recommends for appraisal of integrated employees to address the need of the minority integrated employees who are dissatisfied. The study also recommends that the County Governments carryout performance appraisal annually and those due for promotion be promoted accordingly.