Date
11-11-2026
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD)
Chair
Abi Oguntuase
Keywords
Employment, Programs, Implementation, Meru County, Governmental Structure, Youth
Disciplines
Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
Recommended Citation
Murori Muuna, Lawrence, "Understanding the Impact of the Devolved Government of Meru, Kenya, on the Employment Experiences of the Youth: A Phenomenological Study" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 9061.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/9061
Abstract
This study investigated the governmental structure of Meru County and its impact on the youth employment program, recognizing that scientific management and administrative principles are vital to effective governance. Meru County’s government structure and employment programs also have the capacity to significantly impact youth employment. The study relied on the classical theory of administration, an economic rationality of employment based on Adam Smith, with its three branches: Scientific Management, Administrative Principles, and Bureaucratic Organization. Guided by this theory, the researcher qualitatively investigated Meru’s devolved governmental structure. A phenomenological design was used to develop a theory of the effectiveness of Meru County's government structure on youth employment and to examine the study’s research question: How does Meru County’s governmental structure impact youth employment? The researcher examined the Meru County Vision 2040 document and conducted interviews with 18 participants aged 20 to 34: nine from the sub-county and nine from the constituency. Surveys were also conducted with 21 participants to collect data on Meru County's governmental structure, employment programs, and their implementation. Further, the researcher identified, described, and analyzed the phenomenon using primary data to develop a composite description and present it. The study findings revealed that corruption, nepotism, and favoritism affect Meru County’s effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery and implementation of employment programs. Additionally, the study findings revealed the absence of a youth-tailored employment program beyond the Meru Youth Service (MYS) and the Uwezo Fund, and highlighted the need for greater socioeconomic engagement to create job opportunities.
