County Government Research Articles

Factors that Influence the Use of Facebook in Service Delivery: A Case of Kisumu County Government, Kenya

Organisational communication needs to be effective for organisations to meet their objectives. This study examined Facebook as a communication tool for enhancing government service delivery in Kisumu County. It sought to determine the factors that influence the use of Facebook in service delivery in Kisumu County. The study used a descriptive research design. The population was 307,702 members of the public in Kisumu town. The Krejcie and Morgan tables was used to get the sample size. This study employed mixed methods in data collection which includes administered 399 questionnaires to service seekers and 5 interview guides to service providers in the county. Data analyses involved the utilization of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26). Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data, while for qualitative data, a thematic analysis approach was applied, where responses were grouped into themes and sub themes and analyzed Facebook's role in the County Government of Kisumu service delivery was influenced by factors like internet penetration, demographic information, infrastructure, government policies, and economics. This study recommends that the County Government of Kisumu should develop comprehensive initiatives aimed at expanding internet coverage and improving connectivity, especially in underserved areas.

Study on the Damage Characteristics of Red Sandstone Foundation Under Rainfall Infiltration in the Red-Bed Area of the Sichuan Basin—Taking Zhongjiang County as an Example

The Sichuan Basin in China is one of the most concentrated areas of red beds in China. In the red-bed area, abundant rainfall can easily cause natural disasters, such as landslides, mudslides, collapses, and subsidence. This has had a great impact on the safety of people and property and sustainable modernization in the area. Zhongjiang County of Sichuan Province is a typical red-bed area, and red sandstone is one of the main foundation rocks in this area. Under the influence of rainfall, the strength of red sandstone foundation easily decays, causing disasters such as house collapse. Therefore, in order to explore the influence of rainfall on the mechanical properties of red sandstone, this paper takes the red sandstone in Zhongjiang County, Sichuan Province, China, as the research object and conducts acoustic-emission uniaxial compression experiments under different water contents. The strength characteristics, instability precursor characteristics, fracture types, and damage characteristics of red sandstone in different water-bearing states are obtained. The abovementioned results provide a reference for the Zhongjiang County Government to consider the impact of rainfall on the red sandstone foundation during modernization and emergency management.

Establishing the Effect of Democratic Governance on the Performance of Public Hospitals in Selected Counties in Kenya

Background The study critically evaluates the effect of democratic governance on the performance of public hospitals in Kenyan counties, following the 2010 Constitution that introduced devolved governance. This shift aimed to enhance local decision-making, accountability, and service delivery, specifically in the health sector, by empowering county governments. Democratic governance principles, such as transparency, accountability, and citizen participation are critical for addressing long-standing challenges like inequitable resource distribution, underfunding, and inefficiencies in public health services. This study explored the effect of democratic governance on the performance of public health hospitals in Kenya.  Methodology A mixed-methods approach was employed combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews with county officials. Factor analysis was used to assess the relationship between democratic governance indicators - transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and public health service performance. Qualitative data, were gathered through interviews and content analysis of responses from county officials complemented the quantitative findings.  Results The study revealed that while democratic governance positively influences the performance of public hospitals in delivering health services in Kenyan counties, there are discrepancies in implementation across counties. Most respondents agreed that public participation and transparency in decision-making are strong, but the accessibility of financial records and county documents remains limited. Factor analysis confirmed that democratic governance significantly impacts health service outcomes, but qualitative findings indicated moderate transparency in financial matters, with only 8.3% of respondents rating transparency as high.  Recommendations To improve the performance of public hospitals in the delivery of health services, county governments should enhance the accessibility of public records, strengthen financial reporting and transparency, and foster deeper citizen engagement in governance. Improved oversight mechanisms and better governance practices are essential for leveraging the benefits of devolved governance.

Influence of Tendering Process on Performance of County Governments in Kenya

Procurement is essential to every organization, serving as a platform for all stakeholders to come together and discuss their needs and goals related to purchasing. The study aimed to explore factors influencing the tendering processes of County Governments in Kenya, focusing specifically on Siaya County Government. The study was guided by three objectives, to examine supplier selection criteria on performance of county Governments in Kenya, to establish the influence of Ethical Practices in Tendering processes on performance of county Governments in Kenya, to investigate the influence of automation processes of Tendering processes on performance of county Governments in Kenya, and to establish moderating effect of government policy on Public procurement And Disposal Act on performance of County Governments in Kenya. The research utilized a Descriptive Research Design approach to gather pertinent information. The study involved Census Sampling in which all 74 participants from different management levels and ad hoc committee members within the department. Questionnaires were used as the main data collection instruments. Data was gathered through the distribution of questionnaires to the chosen participants by means of pick and drop. respondents of 66% were received and were completed accurately, demonstrating an adequate response rate. The statements of the problem mainly focused on major issues facing the tendering procedures and analyzes their influence on organizational performance. The study findings show that Supplier selection criteria Mean of 4.002 and standard Deviation of 0.1428 the highest score amongst the key performance indicators was quality with mean of 4.29 and standard deviation of 0.097 showing highly significant to supplier selection criteria. Ethical practices in Tendering Mean of 4.012 Standard deviation of 0.097, of highest score in key performance indicators was Integrity with mean of 4.468 and standard deviation of 0.097. its shows that highly significant to Ethical practices, Automation of Tendering mean of 4.093 standard deviation of 0.148 highest amongst the key performance indicators was E informing with mean 4.224 and standard deviation 0. 147 shows highly significant to Automation. Moderating variable Mean of 4.094 standard deviation of 0.136 highest score among st key performance indicators of quality 4.306 standard deviation of 0.114 shows highly significant to Moderating variable and all the variables were critical to the performance of County Governments in Kenya. The study recommends that there is need to enormously implement procurement policies which encourage tendering, in order to enhance performance

Intergovernmental Relations and the Financial Resource Allocation for the Healthcare Sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Since the beginning of devolution of health sector in Kenya in 2013, there have been several concerns regarding heath care service delivery ineffectiveness, which have been attributed to strained ties between the national and county governments. There have been issues with service delivery and medical supply shortages in Nairobi City County's healthcare sector. This study sought to investigate how intergovernmental interactions have affected healthcare in in Nairobi City County. Specifically, the study examined how intergovernmental relations affect the financial allocation for the sector. The study was anchored on resource-based theory. A descriptive research design was employed involving a census for all the 7 administrators working at level 4 and level 5 health facilities in Nairobi City County as well as 78 employees working in the health department of Nairobi City County Government, constituted the sample population. Descriptive analysis was done using the standard deviation and the mean while inferential analysis was done using regression, F-test and ANOVA. The analyzed data was provided as frequency tables, percentages, and charts. Before the data collection, respondents were asked to provide informed consent, and anonymity and secrecy were assured to boost the response rate. The most critical relationship was between intergovernmental relations and financial resource allocation for the healthcare sector in Nairobi City County accounting to 39.4%. The findings suggested that in order to guarantee that financial resources are allocated appropriately, the national and the county government should work to enhance intergovernmental ties. This also helps in ensuring timely release of financial resources to health facilities by the national government. The study recommends that the financial allocation for healthcare should be enhanced so as to improve service delivery. There is also need to enhance own source revenue for the City County so as supplement the shareable revenue from the national government, which collectively will increase the finances available for utilisation in the healthcare sector

Youth Participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

The study focused on youth participation in agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The county being a bread basket of Kenya, the youth are a sign of progress in the agribusiness sector in the county and country at large. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess effect of youth attitude on participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, and to establish the effect of perceived benefits on youth participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The research theories in the study included; the pull- push theory, and unity maximization theory. A descriptive research design was adopted by the study. A target population of 10,080 respondents from which, a sample of 385 respondents was used for data collection and eventual analysis. Research questionnaires were used in collecting data. Both inferential and descriptive statistical methods were used for data analysis and presentation. This enabled the establishment of the strength and nature of relationship among the variables. The findings were expected to benefit county governments, national governments, youth, and various development agencies and to enrich the existing literature on youth programs and empowerment. The study employed the F-test in predicting the dependent variable which indicated that the model significantly predicted how the independent variables affected the dependent variable (youth participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya). The study further made recommendations on each of the variables for management consideration in future decision making processes. Keywords: Youth Participation, Youth Attitude, Perceived Benefits

The Role of Recruitment Practises in Enabling Workforce Diversity in County Governments in Kenya

Workforce diversity in public sector organizations in sub-Saharan Africa is supported by legal statutes and mandates as opposed to organizational policy initiatives. HR audits indicate a skewed distribution of specific ethnic groups and an aged workforce with redundant skills due to recruitment practices. Due to the dearth of studies on workforce diversity in sub-national governments in Sub-Saharan Africa, the study examined the role of recruitment practices in enabling workforce diversity in the County Government of Trans- Nzoia. The study was guided by the social identity theory and adopted a descriptive design that was cross-sectional in the time dimension. The study censused senior employees of the County Government and employed a questionnaire as the main research instrument The study carried out data analysis through descriptive analysis and used regression analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 and the output presented in the form of graphs, Charts, and tables. The descriptive statistics indicated the county government values employee qualifications and uses both internal and external job advertisements, with a skewed but consistent selection process. Use of interviews with little application of the psychometric test of candidates as a screening criteria. Workforce diversity significantly correlated with the recruitment practices; with job advertisements (r = 0.781, p< 0.05), and screening process (r = 0.679, p< 0.05), The study concluded that the recruitment practices have a positive effect on workforce diversity. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the county government support competitive recruitment procedures to improve workforce diversity. The study implications are that sector organizations can promote workforce diversity through efficient practices. The study calls for the HR professional to critically examine the different aspects of HRM in public sector organizations. The study findings are beneficial to sub-national governments, policymakers/legislators, and other scholars in Kenya

Enhancing tourism’s role in alleviating poverty: a bureaucratic approach to implementing SDG1 in China

ABSTRACT By adopting bureaucratic concepts from political science, this study seeks to identify effective strategies within the tourism industry to enhance the implementation of SDG1 in China’s governmental policies. Through a critical discourse analysis of policy documents from two county governments in Western Hunan Province and semi-structured interviews with local cadres, the study proposes a unified dual policy implementation model. This model encompasses two key dimensions: ‘hard’ institutional mobilisation and ‘soft’ relational governance. Furthermore, the study offers insights into a potential pathway for developing countries engaged in tourism-based poverty alleviation, especially those grappling with the challenges of implementation capacity traps.

Economic Effects Assessment of Forest City Construction: Empirical Evidence from the County-Level Areas in China

Forests are both an irreplaceable natural resource and a vital economic asset for all humankind. Based on the data of counties in mainland China from 2007 to 2020, the article explores the direct impact and spatial spillover effects of the policy implementation on the economic growth of counties with the help of the forest city pilot policy and the policy evaluation model. The results reveal that policy implementation can have a positive economic growth effect on the pilot counties, which, in turn, can significantly increase the size of the county′s GDP, the level of GDP per capita, and the total amount of nighttime lighting brightness. The implementation of forest city construction can bring about 2.74% of total GDP size, about 2.63% of per capita GDP development level, and about 7.25% of nighttime light brightness to the county on average. Cost–benefit analysis also indicates that forest city construction can bring about a comprehensive economic benefit of approximately CNY 686.453 million (approximately USD 96.82 million) to the counties. The rapid improvement in labor productivity, significant influx of high-end factors, and continuous expansion of market potential are important mechanisms through which policy implementation promotes economic growth in pilot counties. While promoting economic growth in the pilot counties, forest city construction can also have positive spatial spillover effects on neighboring areas in the pilot counties. Furthermore, when the deficits in atmospheric vapor pressure and annual evapotranspiration are used as instrumental variables for forest city construction, the empirical estimates are not significantly altered. In the process of building forest cities, county governments should be wary of issues such as the high cost of forest maintenance. This study provides a Chinese model and policy reference for other countries and regions in the world to deal with the relationship between forest city construction and county economic growth.

Assessing the Utilization of Commercialized Public Toilets in Kakamega Town

Human waste management continues to be a major global challenge facing urban growth. Managing sanitation is therefore a challenge facing most governments. The objective of this study was to assess the utilization of commercialized public toilets in Kakamega Town. The study adopted a descriptive research design carried out in Kakamega Town. The target population comprised residents of Kakamega town and those on daily transit. Purposive sampling was done for Kakamega County town and key informants, while Simple random sampling was done for town residents and business people. Systematic sampling was conducted on individuals using public toilets. A sample size of 351 participants was finally used and data was collected using observation, interviews, questionnaires, and document review. 265 (75.5%) of respondents knew of public toilets and their location with only 25.9% of females being very often users. The majority of respondents 256 (72.9%) chose public toilets because of their cleanliness and appearance. Physically challenged respondents were less likely to use commercial toilets in contrast to the able-bodied respondents (OR: 0.4; 95%CI: 0.2 – 0.8; p=0.008). Location, signage, and maps were among the factors identified as determining the utilization of the public toilet facilities in Kakamega Town. There were low incidents of open defecation, urination, and flying toilets in places where commercialized public toilets were. In conclusion, commercialized public toilets were highly utilized and preferred in Kakamega town due to their cleanliness, location, and accessibility. The study recommends the town increase the number of commercialized public toilet facilities and the management of non-commercialized public toilets in the county government of Kakamega to enhance cleanliness and access to all public toilets within the town

Relationship between Tax Reform Initiatives and Employee Job Satisfaction in the Public Sector: A Case of the County Government of Uasin Gishu, Kenya

Relationship between Tax Reform Initiatives and Employee Job Satisfaction in the Public Sector: A Case of the County Government of Uasin Gishu, Kenya

Effectiveness of TVET Training in Harnessing Skills Development amongst the Youths in Kisumu County, Kenya

The global challenge of TVET is ensuring that vocational education systems are inclusive, industry-relevant and aligned with the needs of the 21st-century labor market. Without addressing issues like funding, perception and curriculum development, TVET systems may continue to fall short in equipping young people with the skills needed for employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development. For this reason, this study sought to examine effectiveness of TVET Training in Harnessing Skills Development Amongst the Youths in Kisumu County, Kenya. The founding theoretical frameworks were: Human capital theory, social learning theory and empowerment theory. Descriptive survey was used. Target population was 20,857 comprising of 20,814 TVET students, 42 Heads of TVET institutions and 1 County Education Officer in Kisumu County Government. A sample size of 379 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) model. Disproportionate stratified random sampling was used to select respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guide. Data was analyzed through content analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson`s Correlation analysis was used to determine linear relationships between variables. For the coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.96, it implied a very strong positive relationship between TVET training and skill development. Government as policy-maker was recommended to institute regular reform for reviewing the existing TVET curricula in order to incorporate feedback from students and adapt to emerging dynamics of demographic dividends.

Assessing rural revitalization potential through rural transformation degree and sustainability: A quantitative study of 460 case villages in Lingbao, China

Extensive international experience shows that only villages with sustainable transformation achieve rural revitalization, while those with intense but unsustainable or stagnant transformation struggle to revitalize. However, this cognition lacks robust quantitative substantiation. Therefore, we established a rural revitalization potential assessment framework based on the rural transformation degree and sustainability, employing the Penalty for a Bottleneck (PFB) method and Entropy Function to measure the rural transformation degree and sustainability of 460 villages in Lingbao City, Henan Province, China, from 2000 to 2021, thus evaluating rural revitalization potential. The Mann-Kendall (MK) test was conducted to detect rural transformation thresholds, further quantifying the spatial relationship between rural transformation degree and sustainability through bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis (BSA). Our findings resonate with the central place theory that villages near those at advanced stages of development struggle to transform sustainably. Additionally, with the optimization of rural population density, and land use structure, these villages demonstrated a discernible upward trajectory in transformation sustainability. Villages with the highest rural revitalization potential were predominantly distributed in the northern of the Yellow River terrace, while those in the southwestern mountainous areas lacked revitalization potential due to low transformation degree. Generally, villages at higher altitudes and steeper slopes exhibited lower rural transformation degree, sustainability, and revitalization potential. With 30 km as the critical point, rural revitalization potential decreased initially and then increased with distance from the county government seat. This study provides essential references for the rational allocation of rural transformation and revitalization resources and for optimizing rural development planning.

COLLABORATION-INCLUSION MODEL: STAKEHOLDERS PERCEPTION OF ITS IMPEDIMENTS AS A SOCIO-COMMUNICATION SKILL DEFICIT INTERVENTION STRATEGY IN LEARNERS WITH AUTISM IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong neurological disorder that affects individuals’ ability to communicate and socialize. It is commonly evident by age three but some cases can take long to be noticed. Parents' lack of awareness and cultural barriers are commonly associated with the delay. Research-based evidence indicates that the best approach to address social communication skill deficits in learners with ASD is by the use of a collaborative multidisciplinary team approach. This is more optimally done in an inclusive setting, both at school and in society. In this approach, speech therapists and other stakeholders collaboratively and consultatively work together as a team. While this has worked perfectly on many occasions, it has not always produced positive results, especially in developing countries like Kenya. It is important to review the key impediments to this model so that families, practitioners and policymakers can work together to ameliorate the situation created by the impediments. The main objective of this research was to consolidate what stakeholders perceive to be barriers to the effective use of the collaborative-inclusion model and what should be done to improve the current situation. Participants were selected purposefully, with an interview schedule and open-ended questionnaires as the main tools of data collection. Main impediments were found to be cultural barriers, poor training, shortage of physical and human resources, attitude and lack of support from administrators. Solutions include in-service training, the creation of awareness, training of more teachers, the inclusion of inclusion strategies in teacher training curriculum, and more funding by both county and national governments.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0725/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

THE INFLUENCE OF COUNTY ASSEMBLIES’ COORDINATING ROLE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLANS IN THE NAIROBI CITY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA

In Nairobi County, just like the rest of Kenya, the county assembly is responsible for legislation, oversight, and representation of the county executive who implements the county strategic plans developed from the devolved functions of the devolution. However, the achievement of strategic plans is still with flaws despite this. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of the coordinating role on the implementation of strategic plans in the Nairobi City County Government, Kenya. The study was guided by the McKinsey 7s model, the Dynamic Capability Model, and the Resource-Based View Theory. The study was conducted using a quantitative research design. The target population was 123 members of the County Assembly, consisting of 85 elected and 38 nominated members. The population also included 3 officials from the County Assembly's Financial and Budget Office, Procurement Office, and Planning Department. The study involved 85 elected and 38 nominated county assembly members, using simple random sampling. Officials from the Financial and Budget Office, Procurement Office, and Planning Department were selected by census. Primary data was collected with 5-point Likert scales. SPSS regression analysis tested the relationships between dependent and independent variables, with multiple regression used due to activity interconnectedness. Results were presented in descriptive figures and tables, with regression outcomes shown in tables. The study's findings reveal a strong positive correlation (r = 0.847, p < 0.01) between the coordination role of MCAs and the implementation of strategic plans. The standardized coefficient (β =0.847; p =0.000) confirms the strong positive relationship between the coordination role and strategic plan attainment. The differing views among MCAs on coordination roles highlight the need for NCCG to enhance stakeholder engagement by creating clear communication frameworks, organizing regular interaction forums, and involving stakeholders in resource allocation to align their efforts with strategic objectives and improve the execution of strategic plans.

Establishing a cancer registry and baseline data for Nyandarua County, Kenya: A step towards establishing a central cancer registry

Cancer is a major global public health issue, causing a significant number of premature deaths worldwide. In 2020, the World Health Organization reported that more than 19 million individuals were diagnosed with cancer, and over 10 million lost their lives to the disease. Predictions indicate that cancer-related deaths will exceed 30 million by 2030, with around 75 % occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Kenya. Various factors contribute to this concerning trend, including aging populations, a high prevalence of cancer risk factors, socioeconomic disparities resulting in limited healthcare access, and deficiencies in healthcare systems within LMICs. This study focused on Nyandarua County, Kenya, which lacks a dedicated cancer registry. Without comprehensive incidence data, the county faces challenges in developing targeted programs for cancer prevention, management, and control. The main objective of this investigation was to establish a cancer registry specific to Nyandarua County, capable of continuously gathering accurate cancer data, patient treatment follow-ups and disease outcomes. A demographic survey was conducted to determine the frequency of all-cause and specific cancers among patients who attended selected health facilities between 2013 and 2020. Data were collected from existing hospital records in three main hospitals in the county. A total of 1373 cases were recorded, with 54.9 % of patients being female. North Kinangop Catholic Hospital accounted for the largest number of patients (62 %), followed by JM Kariuki County Memorial Hospital (35 %), while Engineer Hospital contributed the remaining 3 %. The top five cancer sites observed in Nyandarua County were esophagus (16.8 %), cervix uteri (13.4 %), stomach (10.6 %), breast (8.8 %), and prostate (8.6 %). Our findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of different types of cancer in the region. With the establishment of this cancer registry, Nyandarua County is now among the pioneering counties in Kenya. It is crucial for the county government to undertake the responsibility of continuously updating the registry to draw inferences regarding cancer prevalence in the region to enhance patients follow up and survival.

Agro-Processing Value Chains Mapping and Technology Needs Assessment for Nyeri County, Kenya

A sectoral value chain mapping of the County Government of Nyeri, Kenya was initiated and implemented with regard to agro-processing of various forms of plant resources: food crops, textile/natural products, honey/animal feeds/ bio-energy/ICT, environment & biotechnology, essential oils, engineering services and Blue Economy. In this case, the following value-chain processes were assessed: Tea, Coffee; Oil crops; Banana & Dairy products with the support of service providers and prototypic environments. It also looked into value-addition practices and other cross-cutting factors. The cross-sectional study uncovered distinctions and issues including variability in the power supply, absence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), minimal value addition, existence of counterfeit inputs, and unsuitable equipment. Recommendations include provision of standby power supply, provision of standard operating procedures, potential innovation in value addition, procurement of adequate equipment, and formulation of measures concerning genuine farm inputs. Therefore, by providing an enabling environment and putting into practice the strategies articulated in the study, sustainable agricultural-based growth and hence economic development in Nyeri County will be inevitably achieved under the Kenya Vision 2030.

The Role of Community Radios in Changing Perceptions of Cattle Rustling Communities in Turkana County, Kenya

Cattle rustling has constantly devastated and disrupted normal livelihoods of the pastoral community in Turkana. Traditionally, cattle rustling is a growing phenomenon and was perceived as a cultural activity through which cattle were raided to pay dowry among Turkana communities. However, in society today, cattle rustling has taken a different dimension altogether! It is characterized by the proliferation of sophisticated small arms in the wrong hands of bandits, which has resulted in wanton and reckless killings, children and women maimed, and property destroyed. To bring to an end the escalating challenges bedeviling the pastoralist community, as a result of persistent banditry in Turkana, In this regard, the study investigated the role played by community radios like Ekeyokon and Echami on changing perceptions of pastoralists in providing a long-lasting solution to the menace. The four objectives of the study were, first, to explain the extent to which community radio programs change perceptions of communities on cattle rustling. Second, to examine the role stakeholders play in providing an enabling environment for community radio stations to change perceptions of cattle-rustling communities. Third, to appraise the strategies the stakeholders put in place to leverage on the community radio stations, and finally, to evaluate the challenges community radio stations face in changing perceptions of communities on cattle rustling in Turkana. A descriptive research design was used in the study. Target population was 400,000 listeners. A sample size of 400 was determined using the Lamola and Yamane formula. Purposive sampling was used to identify the pastoralist community. A simple random sampling technique was also used to identify 5 radio editors, program producers, chair MCK-Turkana, County Director of Peace, and a representative of the Peace partner. Agenda-setting theory was used to evaluate the research problem. On data collection, the study administered a structured questionnaire and key informant interview schedule. Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26 and content analysis were used to analyze data. The study concluded that community radio in Turkana was the only powerful game-changer that influences pastoralists’ mindsets and social behavior on cattle rustling. The study recommended the county government intentionally establish a Community Media Fund to effectively support community radios to change pastoralists’ mindsets on the barbaric cattle rustling. It also put forward that the county government must formulate policies and legislation that make radios more effective and efficient. At the same time, outlaws cattle rustling. The study applies to academia, national and county governments, and non-state actors.

Factors Affecting Application of Modern Agrochemicals and Observance of Pre-Harvest Interval in Khat, Catha edulis (Miraa) Crops in Igembe South Sub County

In Kenya, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development as well as alleviating poverty in the households. Strengthening the agricultural sector will call for provision of requisite extension services and ensuring necessary agricultural inputs readily available to the farmers. Evidently, agrochemicals have boosted agricultural productivity over time. Categorized broadly as fertilizers and pesticides, agrochemicals were introduced to enhance crop yields and minimize crop losses due to soil infertility, pests, and diseases. However, use of agrochemicals has been associated with various issues including effects on the environment and specifically, problems related to human health, biodiversity, and the entire ecosystem. Thus, this study investigated factors affecting application of modern agrochemicals and the observance of Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. The specific objectives that guided the study were to investigate the effect of environmental factors on application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection and whether farmers observed recommended Pre-Harvest Interval in application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. A descriptive research design was utilized with a target population comprising Khat (Miraa) farmers in Igembe south sub county. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample. Stratified sampling was adopted in selecting individual respondents from the various wards to with the strata being the ward. Yamane (1967) formula was utilized to estimate the sample size of 399 respondents. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a response rate of 79.4%. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in figures and tables. From the analysis, the correlation between environmental factors in the application of modern agrochemicals and the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops was positive and statistically significant (?=0.546, P=0.000). The regression coefficient of environmental factors in the model was positive (r=.221) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Based on the calculated averages and PHI risk factors, majority of the farmers are categorized as high risk or very high-risk users of agrochemicals. Further statistical analysis indicated that the coefficient of the risk factor is positive (r=0.572) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Therefore, the risk factor in observance of the PHI has a significant effect on the number of farmers using specific agrochemicals. The study concluded that environmental factors and non-observance of recommended PHI, positively and significantly affects the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops. The study recommends targeted extension to sensitize Khat (Miraa) growers on importance of observing recommended PHI. Finally, the study recommends that the national and county governments ought to formulate policy guidelines that identify agrochemicals suitable in Miraa crops protection, the recommended application rates, and Pre-Harvest Intervals.

Stakeholder analysis and their roles in livestock disease reporting and response in Northern Kenya

IntroductionLivestock are central to pastoral livelihoods. A major constraint in pastoral production is livestock diseases, which is often exacerbated by inadequate surveillance systems. Reporting of disease outbreaks from pastoral communities to animal health workers is one of the challenges that affects effective and timely response to disease outbreaks. This study aimed to understand animal disease reporting and response in pastoral areas of Northern Kenya. Stakeholders, their roles, information flow among them and methods used for both livestock disease reporting and response and their strengths and challenges were identified.MethodsThe study was carried out in Marsabit County, a pastoral county in Kenya. Pretested tools were used to guide data collection through Focus Group Discussions, Narrative and Key Informant Interviews with pastoralists, County government Animal Health Workers, agrovets and private animal health workers, Community Disease Reporters, Chiefs, County Public Health Officers and local Non-Governmental Organization staff. Net mapping was further used where participants drew links among the various stakeholders and assigned them perceived influence and power. Output from thematic analysis, notes taken during data collection and net maps were used to produce a network of stakeholders and their links using Gephi software. Centrality measures were generated and recorded. Perceived power and influence scores were used to produce a graph and the reasons for the scores documented. Methods used for livestock disease reporting and response were obtained from thematic analysis.ResultsA network of 19 stakeholders with 67 links among them was identified. Major stakeholders were the Animal Owners/Pastoralists, Government Animal Health Workers, County Director of Veterinary Services, the Chief and radio based on network indices of Total degree and Betweenness Centrality, and also based on perceived scores of influence and power. Pastoralists had pivotal roles in both livestock disease reporting and response, Government Animal Health Workers (GAHWs) were mainly involved in disease surveillance and mass interventions including treatment and vaccinations. Non-state actors like NGOs and iNGOs collaborated and supported the County Government with resources to manage outbreaks. Various methods were used for reporting diseases, with use of mobile phones highly mentioned while for response to disease occurrences, the methods included trainings and treatment by both Government and Private AHWs and use of alternative veterinary practices by pastoralists. Various challenges constraining livestock disease response were highlighted, the most frequent challenges centered around low numbers and under resourcing of Animal Health Workers.ConclusionThese findings show that designing an efficient livestock disease surveillance system in pastoral areas requires recognition and utilization of all stakeholders and understanding of their roles. Gaps highlighted in disease response should be prioritized by the government and its development partners for improved animal health service delivery in pastoral areas. These inadequacies in livestock disease response have a direct effect on veterinary practice as mandated by the Government of Kenya Veterinary Surgeons and Para-professionals Act. The results are important for guiding policy formulation to support mitigation of disease impacts in similar areas with limited access to quality veterinary services.