EFFECTIVENESS OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION ON LOCAL SPORTS MANAGEMENT IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA
EFFECTIVENESS OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION ON LOCAL SPORTS MANAGEMENT IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA
Charles Mutuku Muthoka - Student, Master in Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Edna Moi - Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences, Murang’a University of Technology, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Grassroots sports are critical for encouraging physical exercise, community participation, and social cohesion at the local level. However, the impact of grassroots sports organizations is not known. This research aimed at evaluating these aspects within local sports management in Makueni County. Grassroots sports offered powerful avenues to engage communities and promote meaningful transformation. The research sought to fill these gaps by evaluating the effect of resource allocation on local sports management in Makueni County. The research was informed by social capital theory, which emphasized the role of social networks, trust, and community engagement in supporting collective action. The target population comprised 330 elected council officials, 300 coaches, 300 referees, 5,250 athletes, 30 ward administrators, managers in county assembly offices, 12 government officials in sports and county planning, 72 federation officials, and 3,600 community members or fans, totaling 9,894 individuals. From this group, the sample of respondents included 120 elected council officials, 50 coaches, 34 referees, 90 athletes, 12 ward administrators and managers from county offices, 9 government officials, 20 federation officials, and 50 community members/fans, resulting in a total of 385 participants. The study used a descriptive design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to members of grassroots sports organizations in Makueni County. Validity and reliability were achieved through expert evaluation and preliminary testing. Data interpretation included descriptive statistics, multiple regression modelling, and theme analysis of qualitative replies. Data were displayed using tables and graphical charts. The findings revealed that resource allocation had a positive and statistically significant effect on local sports management in Makueni County. The study concluded that accountability, and decision-making within grassroots sports programs. Adequate resource allocation improves the availability of financial, human, and physical resources necessary for successful sports management. The study recommended that the County Government of Makueni strengthen grassroots sports governance structures, increase investment in sports resources and infrastructure, and enhance community participation in planning, implementation, and monitoring of sports programs to improve the effectiveness of local sports management.
