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ADVANTAGES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN A COUNTRY

Governance definition varies from an institution to another, an author to another and from one setting to another. This paper intertwines various definitions of governance as a basis of understanding good governance, outlines the principles of good governance, and discusses the advantage of good governance based on six key principles with variance examples across the continent.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Governance refers to the manner in which public officials and public institutions acquire and exercise the authority to provide public goods and services, including the delivery of basic services, infrastructure, and a sound investment climate (World Bank, 2007). It is also the exercise of power or authority; political, economic, administrative or otherwise to manage a country's resources and affairs (Kefela, 2011).

The United Nation (2008) has defined governance in terms of process of government action and how things are done, not just what is done. Governance covers the quality of institutions and their effectiveness in translating policy into successful implementation, which includes the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences (Kefela, 2011). The referred institutions are the bodies setting formal rules (property rights, rule of law etc) while taking into account informal constraints (beliefs, traditions and social norms) that shape human interactions (United Nation, 2008).

A country’s good governance is therefore the mechanism in which government exercise the power of authority to manage a country’s resources and affairs though proper mechanism and institutions for the benefit of its citizen. Morita et al, (2007) characterises good governance as accessibility, accountability, predictability and transparency.

In summary, good governance has openness, participation, accountability, and transparency as key elements as once outlined by former president of Tanzania (Nyerere, 1998)

‘The key to a good governance is based on government's effectiveness and its ability to lead the nation which is achieved with the combination of three elements; its closeness to its people, and its responsiveness to their needs and demands. Its ability to coordinate and bring into a democratic balance the many functional and often competing sectional institutions which groups of people have created to serve their particular interests, and the efficiency of the institutions (official and unofficial) by means of which its decisions are made known and implemented throughout the country.’
1.2. PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

Good governance is open to interpretation based on six or eight core principles widely accepted. The six principles are; Participation, Decency, Transparency, Accountability, Fairness, and Efficiency (Agere, 2000; Financial mechanism, 2004-2009; United Nation, 2008; World Bank, 2006).

Other organisations view these principles as eight. An addition of consensus oriented and responsive as outlined on the below figure.

Figure 1: characteristics of good governance[pic]

*Adopted from: United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ENESCAP, 2013).

This paper will be based on six common principles with the merging of the two additional principles outlines on ENESCAP (2013). These principles are briefly outlined below as a basis of understanding the advantages of good governance.

a. Accountability: this is the act of taking responsibility on ones deeds. It involves leaders being responsible to the citizen for what they say and do. b. Decency: the degree to which the formation and stewardship of the rules is undertaken without harming or causing grievance to people. c. Efficiency: the use of limited human and financial resources without waste, delay or corruption on the correct intended purpose. d. Fairness: the degree of equality to the citizen based on the constitution/rule of the land. e. Participation: this is the degree of involvement of all shareholders and stakeholders in a country i.e. leaders and citizens. f. Transparency: this is the act of openness and clarity in which decisions are made.

These principles are applied on different governance arenas in a country: Government as an executive stewardship of the system; Public administration as implementers of the policies; Judiciary as a legal executive; Economics, as market forces in both public and private sectors; Political society, as a base for integrating citizen interest; Civil society which works in hand with political society; and Sustainable development where environmental concerns are included (United Nation, 2008).

It is important to note governance is all round and intertwine its principle for an all round achievement. One element of it affects the other element. This was outlined by Mo Ibrahim Index for Good Governance in Africa during the release of its 2010 annual report which focuses on four main categories: safety and rule of law, participation and human rights, sustainable economic opportunity, and human development based on their previous year performance;

‘While many African citizens are becoming healthier and have greater access to economic opportunities than five years ago, many of them are less physically secure and less politically enfranchised.’ (Julie, 2010).

1.3 ADVANTAGES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

This section is discussed on the principles of good governance;

1. Accountability

Good governance promotes political, financial and administrative accountability. It involves the act of taking responsibility on ones deeds more so leaders being responsible to the citizen for what they say and do (United Nation, 2008).

Political accountability holds political or elected leaders responsible for their word of mouth and actions. This promotes integrity among leaders and goodwill to the citizens. Further, it eliminates laziness among leaders and sets high working standards among the politicians which promote healthy competition in serving the citizens of a country. Political leaders are also forced to uphold to the rule of law and face the consequences of their actions.

Example: political leaders in Kenya are bided by their oath to uphold the constitution which states ‘every leader should be accountable to the public for decision and action’ (Constitution of Kenya, 2010). Several leaders were forced to resign due to accountability; the former minister of finance Mr. Amos Kimunya was forced to resign after being mentioned in corruption cases. Mr William Ruto was also forced to resign as a minister for higher education while the golden bag scandal forced many people to loose their jobs including the former CBK chairman Mr. Cheserem.

Good governance foster financial accountability which breed for accurate and timely reporting on the utilization of funds, usually through professionally audited accounts. Leaders use public funds for the intended purpose, economically and efficiently (Agere, 2000). Good governance enhances economic and social growth/development of a country, and hence is inherently linked to the objectives of the financial mechanisms through financial accountability. Economic development includes increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), general infrastructure, increase in economic growth and economic stability which enables a country to depend on its own income rather than foreign aid (Financial mechanism, 2004-2009).

Example: In Bostswana, the number of accountable extractive capacity has been high than most of African countries and during the period 1980 to 1996, the government revenue excluding grants as a percentage of GDP was averaged more than 50% with a pick of 64% in 1988 and a low of 44% in 1993. (Ossrea, 2009). This financial accountability has set Botswana to be among the leading economic countries in Africa with less than 10% poverty rate.

Administrative accountability is applied to public servants who are not elected but appointed based on their competencies. They are answered to the fulfilment of the assigned and accepted duties within the framework of the authority and resource provided (Agere, 2000). Further, public servants are held responsible to serve the end-users/consumers/citizens. Citizen gets the rights appropriate to consumers e.g. right to information, right to demand quality services, right to approach consumer court and right to be consulted on important decisions regarding their daily undertakings (Ravichandra, 2007).

The new system of decentralization or devolution in Kenya is expected to take the services next to the people. This will force the administration in each county to be accountable in order to listen to the peoples needs and provide them with what they require in the best way possible. Issues to do with free education, health services, infrastructure, human resources and other county developments will only be achieved based on the appropriate and timely information (Riitta-Liisa, 2013) which will not be effective without administrative accountability.

In summary, political, financial and administrative accountability is key in all forms of development in a nation. As stated by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, on 14th Feb 2009.

‘...as we all know, infrastructure is not just a matter of roads, schools and power grids. It is equally a question of strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law. Without accountability, not only of the government to its people but of the people to each other, there is no hope for a viable democratic State.’

2. Transparency

Transparency is the act of openness and clarity in which decisions are made and enhances the ability of the people to gain better and dignifies life, greater options to choose from and ensuring transparency in administration (Ravichandra, 2007; United nation, 2008).

Transparency in good governance creates a world in which government, politics, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption (Transparency International, 2013). This enables citizens to be more confidence in the leadership of their nation, be more willing to invest in their own county which will greatly reduce cost of capital. Further, a country will increase its productivity and the capacity to produce as leaders who will avoid fraud and develop a working policy/ measures against it (Bryne, 2011).

In leadership, transparency in good governance builds trust and partnership among the leaders and the citizens in a country. The partnership is importance for the citizens to offer the required support to both political and administrative leaders.

In Kenya, the transparent manner in which judiciary was selected; both the chief justice and the deputy chief justice and the scrutiny of judges currently serving at the bar have restored trust among Kenyans with the judiciary system in place.

Lack of transparency breeds corruption which affects social and economic development. Nigeria is taken as an example, being a country rich with oil, with government revenue of about US 200 billion dollars between 1973 and 1995 and another US 3 billion dollars loan from the World Bank, still the overall economic performance is poor, with social development indicators indicating Nigeria to be among the poorest nation and increase in poverty (World Bank, 1996).

Transparency International (2012) puts this in perspective with the countries that are more transparent having less corruption cases than those which are not transparent from the political system, administration system and to citizen of a nation. In 2012, Kenya was ranked number 139 out of 176 countries in corruption with percentile rank of 19% in comparison to Botswana which was mentioned as an example in accountability; was ranked at 38 out of 176 with percentile rank of 80%. Transparency uproots corruption which is a poison in a nation’s development.

3. Participation

Participation is the degree of involvement of all shareholders and stakeholders in a country; leaders and citizens. The leaders are categorized as national/provincial leaders, middle level leaders, and local officials, while the citizens are entrepreneurs, mafia, NGOs, daily workers, urban elite, middle class and the urban poor by the ENESCAP (2013) as outlined on the following figure.

Figure 2: participation of different organs in a country
[pic]
*Retrieved from: http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/gg/image1.gif
Good governance promotes free and fair participation of both the government and its citizens which is the key cornerstone of governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. Good governance promotes informed and organized participation by all for the maximum consideration of those in the lowest level (ENESCAP, 2013).
Figure 2, shows freedom of participation, association and expression of all the institutions including an organized civil society, the leaders and citizens. Human rights, equity and equality are highly practiced in such participation.
Citizens especially the middle class and the lower class are also strengthened activated and given freedom of participation which are considered without biasness based on their status. This highly empowers them to individual and communal social and economic development.

4. Equality and Fairness
Equality and fairness has a meaning with the degree of participation. The degree of equality and fairness to the citizen is based on the constitution/rule of the land and can be measured only by how the leaders and citizens participate on it (United nation, 2008). A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society (ENESCAP, 2013).
Good governance allows equity and fairness for all groups in the society especially the middle and poor class in the society. The minority and those with special needs are also considered. These groups are given opportunities to express, live, maintain or improve their lives like any other members of the society. Those with special needs are given special attention based on their degree of special needs e.g. the blind are given special schools with special materials for their schooling.
Equity and fairness reduces poverty and offers opportunity for participation in a country e.g. health services, education, human capital, entrepreneurship, agriculture, religion etc. there is freedom and no discrimination.
The system of Ujamaa in Uganda advocates for equity based on socialist principle. Citizens were made to return to their traditional mode of life before British colonial influences to reclaim their history and heritage. Nyerere’s socialist principle was also focused on education under “Education for Self-Reliance” which shows his belief that education should be for the common good and not only for creating an elite. Education became universal at primary school level and also had a distinctly Tanzanian essence to it. Although Nyerere’s ideals did not bring prosperity or even independence from external powers, his roles as ‘Father of the Nation’ and mwalimu, or teacher, were very important for the development of pan-African thought (McDonald, 2003). 5. Rule of law/ Decency
Good governance promotes the rule of law that is enforced impartially. The formation and stewardship of the rules is undertaken without harming or causing grievance to people; full protection of human rights including the minority as outlined on the principle of participation, equity and fairness.
Another advantage on the rule of law is a county that enforces the rule of law has an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force (ENESCAP, 2013). This builds trust with the citizens as the judicials and police force plays a key role on the implementation of the rule of law.
The rule of law goes hand in hand with other principles. Where accountability, transparency and equity have not been achieved, the rule of law is affected. According to Mo Ibrahim Index for Good Governance in Africa during the release of its 2010 annual report, countries which have seen the worst downturn in the safety of their citizens in the past year are the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Mada-gascar. Madagascar in particular has witnessed a 13% de-crease in safety and rule of law in just one year. (Julie 2010).
During the 2007-2008 post election violence in Kenya, the electoral body failed to be transparent and accountable together with the leaders which affected the judicial and police force. Kenyan citizen failed to trust both the police force and the judicial system which forced the case to be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the country is still grappling with changes in both electoral, judicial and police forces reforms to safeguard the rule of law under the Kenyan Constitution. 6. Effectiveness and Efficiency
Good governance promotes the use of limited human and financial resources without waste, delay or corruption on the correct intended purpose (Ossrea, 2009), which is to meet the need of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal.
Effectiveness and efficiency creates a good government capacity and competition based on provision of resources to its citizens. This enhances economic and social development, equality and peace in the country due to unity and love among the citizens. Further, it promotes equality and fairness with equal participation among the citizens due to proper planning of realistic and achievable goals.
The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment (ENESCAP, 2013).
Due to good governance, Botswana has an effective, transparent and efficiency system that has created a fair competition to stand on its own. Its financial aid, as a percentage of public capital expenditure has come down from near 100% in 1960s to 15% in 1992 to about 5% in recent statistics. Botswana health services receive the highest donor aid to total revenue of 3% which has been attributed to increase of HIV/AIDS support (MFDP 2004: 2005; Ossrea, 2009).

3. Conclusion
Governance and the inherent values of government, citizens and organizations are intrinsic and impossible to separate. Good governance incorporates; Government, Public administration, Judiciary, Economics, Political society, Civil society, and Sustainable development. In practice, Good Governance, is shaped by its principles which are intertwines though an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. However, the advantage outlined on this paper based on principles of good governance brings to light the importance of making the ideal a reality and implement to its totality.

In summary, the advantages of good governance highlighted are; improved government effectiveness and performance, protection of the citizens, sustainable economic and social development, equity and fairness on participation and resource distribution, reduction of corruption, upholding and respect of human rights based on the rule of law, good decision making strategies, reduction in investment capital and donor aids, increase in entrepreneurship among others. Furthers, leaders are enforced to uphold integrity, responsibilities and its consequences to the highest standard based on the rule of law while serving their nation.

1.5. Reference

Bryne. (2011). Economy building http://economybuilding.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/transpanrency-in-corporate-governance/ Accessed on 2nd April, 2013

Constitution of Kenya. (2010). Published by the National Council for Law Reporting with the Authority of the Attorney General.

David A. McDonald. (2003). The Legacies of Julius Nyerere, Influences on Development Discourse and Practice in Africa. Africa Research & Publications

Financial Mechanism. (2004-2009). Good Governance and Anti-corruption policy and guide. EEA Financial Mechanism & Norwegian Financial Mechanism Paper.

Julie A. (2010). Governance in Africa: The Relevance of the Ibrahim Index. Africa Faith and Justice network. http://www.afjn.org/focus-campaigns/other/other-continental-issues/80-democracy-and-governance/914-governance-in-africa-the-relevance-of-the-ibrahim-index.html. Assessed on 1st April, 2013.

Kefela, G. (2011). Good governance enhance the efficiency and effectiveness public spending in Sub-Saharan countries. African Journal of Business Management.

MFDP (Ministry of finance and development planning). (2005). Budget speech. Gaborone: Governemnt printers, Botswana.

Morita, Sachiko and Zaelke. (2007). Rule Of Law, Good Governance, and Sustainable Development. A paper presented on Seventh International conference on environmental compliance and enforcement.

Nyerere. J. (April 1998) Southern African Political and Economic Monthly Magazines. Third World Network Features.

Ossrea. (2009). Good Governance and Civil Society Partic. Political Science. African Books Collective.

Ravichandra, C. Beena & Renuka Regani. (2007). Good Governance: Issues, Challenges and Prospects. Public administration. Global Vision Publishing.

Riitta-Liisa Kolehmainen-Aitken. Decentralization and Human Resources : Implications and Impact. Program Associate Management Sciences for Health, Boston. Retrieved on 2nd April 2013.

Sam Agere. (2000). Promoting good governance: principles, practices and perspectives. Political Science. Commonwealth Secretariat.

Transparency International http://www.transparency.org/whoweare. Assessed on 2nd April, 2013.

United Nation (2008). Guidebook On Promoting Good Governance in Public-Private Partnerships. New York and Geneva.

UNESCAP, (United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific). (2003). Good governance. http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/gg/governance.asp. Assessed on 1st April 2013.

World Bank. (2007). Strengthening World Bank Group Engagement On Governance And Anticorruption. Paper published on March 21, 2007.

…………….. (1996). Nigeria- poverty assessment. Report No. 14733-UNI. West Africa department.

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