"Effects of Foreign Aid on Developing Countries: Case of Turkana County" by Baraka M. Akeyo

Date of Conferral

3-10-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Lori Demeter

Abstract

Despite substantial foreign aid investments in road construction projects in Turkana County, Kenya, anticipated benefits of improved access to social facilities, economic development, and rural and urban growth have not been fully realized. This study involved assessing the impact of foreign aid for road construction in Turkana County. Grounded in the social constructivism perspective, the research acknowledges subjective realities shaped by individual and societal experiences. The agency theory served as the theoretical foundation, framing the donor-recipient relationship as one where donors act as principals imposing conditions on recipient communities as agents. The study addressed the central research question: What is the impact of foreign aid investments for road construction on economic development and access to social services in Turkana County, Kenya? Using a general qualitative design, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to process and interpret data, facilitated by MaxQDA software. Findings highlight while foreign aid has contributed to road infrastructure development, significant challenges persist. Recommendations emphasize the need for strategic reforms, ethical leadership, and ongoing civic education. The study underscores the importance of aligning donor objectives with local priorities to maximize the potential of foreign aid. The study also offers actionable insights for policymakers to redefine foreign aid’s role in infrastructure development, fostering positive social change by improving livelihoods, empowering disadvantaged groups, and promoting sustainable development in Turkana County.

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