The Administrative factors hindering the efficient accountability of public officers in fulfilling public functions

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the regulation and holding to account of public officers with regard to fulfilling public functions, which can be understood as the responsibility taken up by the state to provide public services to its citizens. There has been an exponential increase in cases reported of public officers mismanaging and embezzling public funds in Kenya, leading to inefficient provision of services to the public and a reduction in the socio economic welfare of the citizens due to mismanagement of tax payer’s money. This research paper outlines the administrative measures stipulated by law with respect to policies made and the institutions established in regulating, monitoring, investigating and prosecuting actors. Moreover, the dissertation seeks to assert the real issues that have inhibited the efficient regulation and holding to account of public officers by providing a historical account of the role of regulatory bodies mandated with the role of investigating corrupt public officers in public office. The research paper further highlights the National Youth Service corruption scandal as its case study, providing the facts of the case and thereafter providing new reforms/approaches that can be implemented in the ongoing probing of the public officers accused of the corruption offences. Inherently, this research paper seeks to outline the statutory loopholes in the law with respect to regulation of public officers. It also outlines general institutional measures, internal and external, necessary to maintain efficiently provided public functions guided by the principles set out in the constitution with respect to leadership, integrity and the rule of law