Petty corruption and service delivery in Hargaisa local government, Somaliland

This study examined the relationship between petty corruption and service delivery in the Hargaisa Local Government of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region grappling with governance challenges amid limited international recognition. Petty corruption, characterized by small-scale bribery and favoritism, undermined public trust and disrupted equitable access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and waste management. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, to assess the prevalence of petty corruption, evaluate service delivery performance, and analyze their interplay. Findings revealed a high level of petty corruption, particularly in the form of bribery and negligent administrative practices, which significantly deteriorated service quality. Despite a well-educated and experienced workforce, systemic inefficiencies and weak accountability mechanisms perpetuated corruption. Regression analysis indicated a paradoxical weak positive association between corruption and service delivery, suggesting that petty bribes may have temporarily circumvented bureaucratic hurdles, though this relationship was not statistically robust. The study concluded with recommendations for enhancing transparency, streamlining bureaucratic processes, improving public sector wages, and fostering citizen engagement to combat corruption and improve service delivery.