PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
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Date
2025-07
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THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA
Abstract
Effective public financial management (PFM) is critical for good governance and sustainable development. In Kenya, county governments continue to face sustainability challenges due to persistent financial inefficiencies. This study
examined the relationship between PFM practices and the sustainability of county governments, focusing on five components: financial controls, financial accountability, resource mobilization, financial monitoring, and budget
implementation. Anchored in Decentralization Theory and using a positivist paradigm with an ex-post facto design, the study targeted 23 counties within the LREB, NOREB, and SEKEB economic blocs. A multi-stage sampling technique yielded 1,219 finance staff as respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and secondary records and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicated that strong financial controls enhanced fund security, efficiency, and plan adherence. Financial accountability promoted transparency, stakeholder engagement, and access to funding. Resource mobilization through revenue diversification and partnerships improved financial independence. Effective financial monitoring enabled timely corrective actions, while sound budget implementation supported strategic resource use and stability. The study concludes that county government sustainability relies on strengthening both development and recurrent budget management. It recommends enhancing internal controls, regular audits, staff capacity building, adoption of digital revenue systems, participatory budgeting, and strategic partnerships. Real-time monitoring and improved interdepartmental coordination are also essential for long-term financial sustainability
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Keywords
Public financial management, financial sustainability, county governments, public sector finance, budgeting practices, fiscal management, Kenya