Obstacles to Effective Utilization of Communication Channels by the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in Kipkarren Division, Nandi County, Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines the obstacles to effective utilization of available communication channels by the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in Kenya. The study employed a census approach where a sample of 89 respondents was used. Of these, 25 were Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs and 64 were primary and secondary school head teachers. Questionnaires and observation checklist formed the primary data collection instruments. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The main findings of the study were that although there were other channels of communication, the oral channel of communication was the most employed by the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs. The study established that lack of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools was the main obstacle to effective utilization of a number of ICT-based communication channels. Arising from the findings, it was concluded that reliance on the oral medium of communication is not the most effective in communicating information to the public. It is recommended that the government should invest in modern communication channels and other infrastructure, including community radio to enhance communication channels at the grassroots level. The findings are useful to the Kenyan government in setting up policies and infrastructure to facilitate use of ICT tools in the grass root levels amidst the devolved system of government.