Challenges Facing Local Government in Development in Kenya: The Case of Machakos District, 1950-1974

Abstract

Local government in Kenya plays an important role in socio-economic development. This role began in the colonial period with the establishment of Local Native Councils (LNCs). Machakos LNC was established in 1925 and took up various socio-economic development functions such as provision of health, education, sanitation and the construction and maintenance of roads. Constitutional changes in 1950 leading to independence came with important challenges to the local government in Machakos. Lack of funds to finance ongoing and new development projects was the main challenge. This paper is an evaluation of those challenges which were carried into independence up to 1974 when the significance of local government declined in Kenya. The reasons for such a decline are also examined in this paper.