The Impact of government spending efficiency on forest restoration outcomes in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya

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dc.contributor.authorFarah, F. M.
dc.date.accessioned2026-01-13T12:57:36Z
dc.date.available2026-01-13T12:57:36Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.descriptionFull - text thesis
dc.description.abstractThe Mau Forest Complex (MFC) is one of the most extensive montane forests in Eastern Africa. It is located in Kenya’s most crucial water catchment regions, but it remains affected by persistent environmental degradation. Despite considerable public investments aimed at its restoration, doubts persist around whether these resources have been efficiently allocated, implemented, and monitored. This study investigates how government spending efficiency, specifically in terms of allocation, project implementation, and monitoring and evaluation efficiency, affects forest restoration outcomes, both ecologically and socially. It is anchored in Theory of Public Expenditure and Forest Transition Theory and adopted a pragmatic worldview and also a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from a stratified sample of 217 participants, comprising government officials, indigenous groups and community representatives involved in forest-related interventions. A multiple linear regression model was employed using SPSS version 27 to assess relationships among the variables, followed by qualitative interviews that deepened and clarified the quantitative findings. The findings of the study showed a strong positive association between allocation efficiency and restoration outcomes. However, the effectiveness was weakened by slow disbursement processes and governance-related obstacles. Project implementation showed moderate efficiency, particularly in cost management and collaboration, yet was hampered by frequent delays and administrative bottlenecks. Similarly, while monitoring mechanisms were present, the limited integration of stakeholder feedback and modern technology weakened adaptive management. The study’s contribution is anchored in bridging theoretical concepts with empirical findings on government spending efficiency on forest restoration initiatives in a developing-country context. It sheds light on systemic inefficiencies in public forest restoration spending and offers targeted recommendations to improve institutional responsiveness, community engagement, and long-term sustainability in forest governance. Key words: Government Spending, forest restoration initiatives, allocation efficiency, project implementation efficiency, M&E efficiency, stakeholder engagements, long term sustainability, environmental and social outcomes.
dc.identifier.citationFarah, F. M. (2025). The Impact of government spending efficiency on forest restoration outcomes in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya [Strathmore University]. http://hdl.handle.net/11071/16004
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11071/16004
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherStrathmore University
dc.titleThe Impact of government spending efficiency on forest restoration outcomes in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya
dc.typeThesis
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MDF Theses and Dissertations (2025)