Accountability and Governance in Kenya's Sustainable Development Goals Implementation: A Developing Country Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33423/jaf.v24i5.7438Keywords:
accounting, finance, accountability, governance, sustainable development goals (SDGs)Abstract
This study analyzes how accountability mechanisms and governance structures impact the achievement of SDG targets, providing a comprehensive review of Kenya’s progress, a developing country facing unique governance challenges. Specifically, the paper aims to define key concepts of accountability and governance within the Kenyan context, assess the frameworks in place for ensuring transparency and resource management, and evaluate their alignment with international best practices. A review of relevant literature was conducted, analysis of available reports on Kenya’s SDG progress, and case studies that highlight successes and failures in accountability and governance. While Kenya has made significant strides in some areas, gaps in governance and accountability continue to limit the full realization of the SDGs. Case studies reveal how governance reforms and partnerships with international organizations have yielded positive outcomes in certain SDG initiatives, yet systemic challenges persist. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for enhancing governance and accountability frameworks in Kenya. These recommendations have broad implications for other developing countries facing similar challenges.
References
Adenle, A.A. (2020). Assessment of solar energy technologies in Africa-opportunities and challenges in meeting the 2030 agenda and sustainable development goals. Energy Policy, 137, 111180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111180
Allsop, D.B., Chelladurai, J.M., Kimball, E.R., Marks, L.D., & Hendricks, J. (2022). Qualitative methods with nvivo software: A practical guide for analyzing qualitative data. Psych, 4(2), 142–159. https://doi.org/10.3390/psych4020013
Bersch, K., & Fukuyama, F. (2024). Calibrating autonomy: How bureaucratic autonomy influences government quality in Brazil. Governance, pp. 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.12865
Bovens, M. (2007). Analysing and Assessing Accountability: A Conceptual Framework 1. European Law Journal, 13(4), 447–468. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0386.2007.00378.x
Bowen, G.A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and be(com)ing a knowing researcher. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2129597
Gichuhi, L., Obiero, C., & Kangethe, M. (2022). Developing a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Education Systems in View of Sustainable Development Goals: A Case from Kenya. In M. Öztürk (Ed.), Educational Response, Inclusion and Empowerment for SDGs in Emerging Economies (pp. 39–50). Cham: Springer International Publishing (Sustainable Development Goals Series). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98962-0_3
Gutiérrez-Negrín, L.C.A. (2024). Evolution of worldwide geothermal power 2020–2023. Geothermal Energy, 12(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-024-00290-w
Hellqvist, L., & Heubaum, H. (2024). Energising equality: The impact of globalisation on women’s empowerment in Kenya’s renewable energy sector’. Research in Globalization, p.100251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resglo.2024.100251
Hope, K.R. (2023). Corruption, Sustainable Development and Security Challenges in Africa: Prospects and Policy Implications for Peace and Stability. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland (Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-32229-7
Isser, D.H., Raballand, G., & Watts, M.J. (2024). Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st Century: Four Trends and an Uncertain Outlook. Washington, DC: World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/1813-9450-10713
Koch, S. (2018). Identifying enabling factors of science-policy interaction in a developing country context: A case study of South Africa’s environment sector. Forest Policy and Economics, 91, 36–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2017.07.007
Maina, P., & Parádi-Dolgos, A. (2024). The effectiveness of climate adaptation finance and readiness on vulnerability in African Economies. Climate, 12(5), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12050059
Nassaji, H. (2020). Good qualitative research. Language Teaching Research, 24(4), 427–431. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168820941288
Nyamai, D.N., & Schramm, S. (2023). Accessibility, mobility, and spatial justice in Nairobi, Kenya. Journal of Urban Affairs, 45(3), 367–389. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352166.2022.2071284
Onwuegbuzie, A.J., & Johnson, R.B. (Eds.). (2021). The Routledge reviewer’s guide to mixed methods analysis. New York London: Routledge.
Onyango, G. (2024). How Mafia-Like Bureaucratic Cartels or Thieves in Suits Run Corruption Inside the Bureaucracy, or How Government Officials Swindle Citizens in Kenya! Deviant Behavior, 45(5), 689–707. https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2023.2263136
Oraro-Lawrence, T., & Wyss, K. (2020). Policy levers and priority-setting in universal health coverage: A qualitative analysis of healthcare financing agenda setting in Kenya. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1), 182. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-5041-x
Resa, J., & Nzomo, B. (2024). Good governance and sustainable performance in the Kenyan public sector.
Savin-Baden, M., & Howell Major, C. (2023). Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice (1st edition). London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003377986
Tomaszewski, L.E., Zarestky, J., & Gonzalez, E. (2020). Planning Qualitative Research: Design and Decision Making for New Researchers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 160940692096717. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920967174
Transparency International. (2024). 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index: Explore the results. Transparency.org. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023