Abstract:
This study was aimed to assess local government practices, challenges and opportunities of Jimma
town administration and some selected kebeles. This study applied the descriptive survey design with
the mixed approach of the study. For the purpose of this study the researcher employed purposive
sampling technique. The data was obtained through primarily and secondary source of data.
Moreover the researcher employed Questionnaire, In-depth interview, FGD and observation as an
Instrument of data collection. SPS version 20 was employed to analyze the data collected
quantitatively from the participants of the study. The study incorporated 160 sample size out of the
370 employees of these selected kebeles, Jimma town administration and municipality of the town.
As the result of the study revealed that, the level of local governance in the town was found to be
fairly poor. This implies lack of network and cooperation between the administration and other stake
holders in the society such as civil society organizations, private business sector and other
governmental organizations. Direct accountability to the public was very low. This was due to
absence of information to the public scrutiny and failure of the administration to allow the society to
involve in examining and improving its overall performance. The level of participation was poor
interims of information, consultation, involvement, collaboration and empowerment. The society has
a good potential for participation due to the presence of awareness and interest for participation in
the society. The practice of corruption and discrimination in time of providing service specifically in
municipal office were highly prevailing. Finally, as the recommendations were forwarded with the
hope that the administration will take it in to account. The administration should facilitate the
conditions that can foster its interaction and cooperation with various stake holders in the society.
This can be done by providing various opportunities that promotes communications and working in
collaboration to solve common problems of the society. Policy makers should follow bottom up
approach in order to account for the problems and interest of the society. It is necessary to develop
mechanisms through which services can be provided with in a short period of time and fast
complaint handling can be achieved. As long as possible it is necessary to receive feedback of the
society in every aspect of the administration's activity. This can be done through citizen report card
or by establishing common suggestion box. To improve direct accountability to the public, the
administration should allow and invite various members of the society to examine and improve its
performance. The administration has to improve the level of information, consultation, involvement,
collaboration and empowerment of the society
