EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF PARLIAMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES.

Abstract

This study examined the factors that affect Parliament’s performance in promoting accountability. It focused on the Parliament’s Accountability Committees namely Public Accounts Committee, Local Government Accounts Committee and Committee on State Authorities and Statutory Enterprises. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches the study findings indicated there is a big relationship between the performance of Parliament and institutional factors that hinder its performance. This includes multi party politics, independence and committee funding. The capacity factors included the weak research capacity and capacity to perform value for money audits. The Oversight Institutions that compliment the role of Parliament had challenges including limited funding and lack of autonomy from the Executive. In addition, Public institutions did not adhere to guidelines and financial regulations and fail to implement recommendations made by Parliament. There was also limited public participation in ensuring accountability. The study concluded that although Parliament faced challenges in promoting accountability, its performance had improved due to the multi party political dispensation. The study recommended increasing the research and performance of value for money audits, increased funding to Parliament and independent review of the audit reports. Oversight institution strengthening and independence was also needed. There was also need to ensure implementation of Parliament’s recommendations and increase public participation to perform its accountability role. This study complemented the studies already done on the performance of parliament but was unique because it examined accountability as it is enforced under the new experience of a multi party Parliament. The study helped to understand the interplay between Parliament and the other oversight Institutions that have the legal mandate to promote accountability. The findings of this study can be used for policy change to address the capacity and institutional bottlenecks of the legislature.