An adoption model for WhatsApp messaging in enhancing public participation in budgeting process: a study of Migori county government

Abstract

Globally the use of WhatsApp messaging has gained momentum. Governments and other institutions have embraced WhatsApp messaging to enhance access to information on development processes. However little is known about possible usage of WhatsApp messaging in public participation in the budgeting process. Migori County has been grappling with challenges in its journey to involve the citizen in its budgeting process as required under the Kenyan constitution 2010.Ineffective communication is among the challenges undermining the budgeting process. The purpose of the study was therefore to design an effective Adoption Model for WhatsApp messaging which can enhance the county’s public participation in the budgeting process. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the use of WhatsApp messaging as communication tool in public participation in the budgeting making process, investigate the factors influencing the adoption of WhatsApp messaging as means of communication in public participation budgeting process and finally design an adoption model of WhatsApp messaging for public participation in the budget making process for Migori County. The study relied on participatory development theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) .This study was carried out in three sub counties in Migori County which are Rongo, Awendo and Suna East with a study population of 143,468 and a sample size of 399 identified using Yamane’s formula. This study used a survey design because it involved exploring people’s opinion and attitudes. Seven county staff key in public participation budgeting process were sampled purposively while the 392 member of the public from Rongo, Awendo and Suna East sub counties were sampled using stratified and systematic sampling technique. Data from 7 county government officials key in public participation process were collected using semi-structured Key Informant interviews while questionnaires were administered to 392 members of the public involved in budgeting process. Quantitative data were studied using descriptive analysis, and qualitative data were narratively presented and thematically assessed. The majority of survey participants learned about public participation in the budgeting process via WhatsApp, according to the study. Majority of the respondents in the study proposed the use of WhatsApp messaging for public participation because of the conclusiveness in WhatsApp discussions, convenience, timeliness, ease of use among others. The respondents however indicated that high cost of data bundles, non-inclusivity, poor coordination and identification of people to participate in public participation should be addressed. The study has also proposed a five staged model for WhatsApp messaging. Finally, social, political, technological; individual and organizational influence the proposed model. Based on the findings the study has recommended that the county government of Migori can consider using WhatsApp messaging as one of the communication tools for public participation while considering existing political, social, political technological, organizational and individual factors. The county government of Migori can also consider using the proposed 5 staged WhatsApp messaging model.