Effects of Quality of Population Data on Budget Formulation in Nyandarua County

Abstract

This study assessed how population data affects budget formulation in Nyandarua County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design whose target population was the 1524 staff at the Nyandarua County headquarters. The sample size was 306 staff proportionately distributed between the levels of management in the departments that handle finance and budgets. The main instrument for primary data collection was a structured questionnaire that collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was used to supplement interpretation of quantitative data. Analysed data was presented in percentages and frequency tables, charts and graphs for easy interpretation and discussion. Regression analysis was used to determine relationship between variables. The study revealed that though population records are maintained by the County Government there is need to improve on the way population records are obtained and maintained. In addition, the study revealed that the overall human population data in use by the county was of poor quality, was out of date and not clear to most staff members, meaning they could not trust its accuracy.  The study recommends that Nyandarua County should work with the relevant authorities to improve the quantity and quality of the demographic data it uses for budgeting. It also recommends that the county should organize to conduct baseline surveys on important indicators in the planning of the county development.

Keywords: Population data, budget formulation, County Government