Lamu County Research Articles

Effect of Human Settlement on the Sustainability of Lake Kenyatta Wetland in Lamu County

The wetland ecosystem represents a crucial ecological resource, supporting diverse flora and fauna while providing essential services to the local communities. However, rapid human settlement within its environment has raised concerns to play it important functions. The study assessed the effect of human settlement on wetland ecosystem sustainability at Lake Kenyatta Wetland in Lamu West Sub-County. This study adopted descriptive research design. The target population of the study was 2750 persons comprising of households from Lamu West Sub-County, three chiefs, and three sub-chiefs surrounding Lake Kenyatta Wetland Ecosystem and four environmental officers from Lamu County. The sample size of the study was 185 respondents; it was determined using Krejcie & Morgan (1970) formulae. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of means, and percentages and presented in tables and figures. The study findings on effect of human settlement showed that majority of the respondents 93.8% agreed that human settlement practices have hindered the long-term sustainability and resilience of Lake Kenyatta wetland, and thus human activities can introduce invasive plant and animal species into wetlands. In conclusion, human settlement has affected the ecological health and balance of the wetland ecosystem. The impact of human activities has led to degradation, habitat destruction, and hindered long-term sustainability of the lake. The study recommended that stakeholders engage in comprehensive community consultations and awareness programs. Collaborative efforts involving local authorities, environmental agencies, and community leaders are crucial for implementing sustainable policies that balance economic opportunities with environmental preservation

Critical Analysis of Status of Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Manda, Lamu County, Kenya: A Multifaceted Examination of HUMINT and SIGINT

This paper presents a critical analysis of counter-terrorism strategies in Kenya, with a specific focus on the multifaceted examination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a thorough understanding of Kenya's efforts to combat terrorism. The target population of this study encompassed participants involved in counter-terrorism activities in Kenya. This included officers in security agencies such as the National Intelligence Service and the Kenya Defense Forces which formed our target population. A total of 93 officers participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. By addressing multiple levels of involvement, the paper provides a holistic view of counter-terrorism strategies and their impact. Quantitative data was collected through surveys administered to a representative sample of security personnel in the NIS and KDF. Qualitative data on the other hand was collected through interviews. Semi-structured interviews were done with key informants, such as heads of the National Intelligence Service and Kenya Defense Forces helped capture the nuanced perspectives on HUMINT and SIGINT. STATA and Statistical Package for Social Scences (SPSS) Software were used to analyze quantitative data from the survey. The statistical significance between the average expectations and average perceptions in both security agencies was analyzed using two-sample t-tests. Additionally, the significance of the gaps between the agencies was assessed with Hotelling’s T-squared test at a 5% significance level. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were also used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between the independent variable (s) and the dependent variable. The study generally found that the indicators of the HUMINT strategy were effective in countering terrorism except for source penetration. Further, the study determined that all indicators of SIGINT strategy were ineffective in countering terrorism except for interception of communication and timely warnings.

Triple-drug therapy with ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole for the acceleration of lymphatic filariasis elimination in Kenya: Programmatic implementation and results of the first impact assessment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed the use of triple-drug mass drug administration (MDA) regimen with ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole (commonly abbreviated as IDA) to accelerate the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem in settings where onchocerciasis is not co-endemic. The National Programme for Elimination of LF (NPELF) in Kenya was among the first adopters of the IDA-MDA and two annual rounds were provided in 2018 and 2019 to the residents of Lamu County and Jomvu sub-County in the coast region. This study documented the feasibility of successfully delivering the two rounds of IDA-MDA. An operational research study was undertaken to determine efficient sampling strategies, indicators, and the appropriate population groups that could be used for the monitoring and evaluation of LF programs using IDA-MDA for the elimination of the disease as a public health problem. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted at baseline in 2018 before IDA-MDA and an impact assessment 17 months after the second round of IDA-MDA. The reported epidemiological treatment coverage was at least 80% in all implementation units during each round of IDA-MDA. Blood samples were tested for filarial antigenemia using commercial Filariasis Test Strips (FTS) and any individual found to be positive was tested again at night for the presence of microfilariae in finger prick blood smears using microscopy. The overall prevalence of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) was relatively low at the baseline survey with Jomvu having 1.39% (95% CI: 0.91, 2.11) and Lamu having 0.48% (95% CI: 0.21, 1.13). Significant reduction in CFA prevalence was observed during the impact assessment after the two annual rounds of mass treatment. The overall relative reduction (%) in CFA prevalence following the two rounds of MDA with IDA was significant in both Jomvu (52.45%, Z = -2.46, P < 0.02) and Lamu (52.71%, Z = -1.97, P < 0.05). Heterogeneity, however, was observed in the CFA prevalence reduction between random and purposive clusters, as well as between adult and child populations. The results of the impact assessment survey offered strong evidence that it was safe to stop the IDA-MDA in the two EUs because transmission appears to have been interrupted. It is also important to implement a post-treatment surveillance system which would enable efficient detection of any recrudescence of LF transmission at a sub-evaluation unit level. Our findings show that IDA-MDA may be considered for acceleration of LF elimination in other settings where onchocerciasis is not co-endemic.

Do Community Capitals Influence Climate Adaptation? Critique of Financial, Physical, Human and Social Capital in the Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies among Smallholder Farming Community in Lamu County, Kenya

Purpose: This study aimed to establish a framework for testing the community capitals theory and assessing the empirical significance of financial, physical, human, and social capital in the adoption of climate-smart agriculture technologies. Materials and Methods: Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires administered to 256 randomly selected household heads. An ordinal logistic regression model was employed to analyze the significance of community capitals in climate-smart agriculture adoption. The data is presented in tables. Findings: The results revealed several important findings. Access to finance has a significant positive association with Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption (P&lt;0.001, OR=3.23). Input subsidies are also significantly positively associated with Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption (P=0.001, OR=3.66). Training shows a significant positive association with Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption (P&lt;0.007, OR=2.03). Labor has a highly significant and positive relationship with Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption (P=0.001, OR=8.97). Interaction positively and significantly correlates with higher levels of Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption (P=0.021, OR=4.04). Additionally, empowerment demonstrates a significant positive association with Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption (P=0.006, OR=2.96). Notably, the model challenged the conventional view of finance and labor as independent determinants for climate-smart agriculture adoption, instead positioning them within a social context. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study suggests that climate action programs should prioritize social ties over investments in financial, physical, or human interventions to enhance climate-smart agriculture adoption and promote resilience. Lastly, combining the Community Capital Framework with Social Capital Theory offers a more detailed understanding of the factors influencing Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption, emphasizing the interaction between various types of capital and social dynamics.

Effects of climate change on mangrove-dependent livelihoods in Lamu County, Kenya

Effects of climate change on mangrove-dependent livelihoods in Lamu County, Kenya

Pattern and determinants of contraceptive use among the muslim women in Wajir and Lamu counties in Kenya: a cross-sectional study.

Improving access to family planning (FP) is associated with positive health benefits that includes averting nearly a third of all maternal deaths and 10% of childhood deaths. Kenya has made great strides in improving access to family planning services. However, amid this considerable progress, regional variation has been noted which begs the need for a clearer understanding of the the patterns and determinants that drive these inconsistencies. We conducted a cross-sectional study that involved 663 Muslim women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from Wajir and Lamu counties in Kenya between March and October 2018.The objective of this study was to understand patterns and determinants of contraceptive use in two predominantly Muslim settings of Lamu and Wajir counties that have varying contraceptive uptake. Eligible women were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic information and history of family planning use. Simple and multiple logistic regression were used to identify determinants of family planning use. The results were presented as Crude Odds Ratio (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) ratios at 95% confidence interval. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 663 Muslim women of reproductive age consenting to participate in the study, 51.5%, n = 342 and 48.5%, n = 321 were from Lamu and Wajir County, respectively. The prevalence of women currently using contraceptive was 18.6% (n = 123). In Lamu, the prevalence was 32.8%, while in Wajir, it was 3.4%. The determinants of current contraceptive use in Lamu include; marital status, age at marriage, employment status, discussion with a partner on FP, acceptability of FP in culture, and willingness to obtain information on FP. While in Wajir, determinants of current contraceptive use were education, and the belief that family planning is allowed in Islam. Our study found moderately high use of contraceptives among Muslim women of reproductive age in Lamu county and very low contraceptive use among women in Wajir. Given the role of men in decision making, it is critical to design male involvement strategy particularly in Wajir where the male influence is very prominent. It is critical for the government to invest in women and girls' education to enhance their ability to make informed decisions; particularly in Wajir where FP uptake is low with low education attainment. Further, our findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate messages and involvement of religious leaders to demystify the myths and misconception around family planning and Islam particularly in Wajir.

Influence of Cultural Socio-Economic Factors on K.C.S.E Examination Performance in Public Secondary Schools: A Case If Lamu West Sub County, Lamu County, Kenya

The measure of success in many countries is measured by the Academic performance in national examinations like Kenya Certificate Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) which is a national examination in Kenya. This study endeavoured to establish the influence of selected cultural factors on the academic performance of students in Lamu West Sub-County in Lamu County in Kenya. The study was carried out in Lamu West Sub-County which has persistently registered low academic performance in national examinations. The cultural factors leading to this poor performance in Lamu Sub-County had not been adequately addressed. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the types of cultural factors that influence academic performance in Lamu West Sub-County and the influence of cultural factors on K.C.S.E. academic performance in Lamu West Sub-County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population comprised of teachers, and Board of Management (B.O.M.) parents. The sample size was 144 teachers and 48 B.O.M parents. The collection of data was by use of questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data while qualitative was analysed through content analysis. The findings were presented by use of frequency distribution tables and percentages. The results showed that cultural factors influenced the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) national examination in Lamu Sub-County. Interviews from B.O.M parents also provided data to show how these cultural factors influenced KCSE academic performance. Based on the findings, the study established that early pregnancies, gender stereotypes, early marriages as well as the frequent religious cultural practices influenced KCSE academic performance in Lamu West Sub-County. Among the recommendations was that parents should take an active role in advising their children about the importance of education, and also the government should take stern measures against out-dated cultures like early marriages which should be banned.

A quasi-experimental study of effects of community health workers’ incentivisation on uptake of maternal, newborn and child health services in Lamu County, Kenya

Background: Community health workers (CHWs) are known as the ‘gate keepers’ of good health in the community. Being the first contact with the patients at the community level, they can help improve the maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) indicators if they are well motivated to conduct their day-to-day work. At the same time, MNCH indicators are negatively affected by hard-to-reach health facilities and cultural factors thus the CHWs can help improve the health status in this category. Methods: The study utilized a quasi-experimental study design with an intervention and a control site in both Lamu West and Lamu East Sub Counties. Purposive sampling used to select study population and study site. Study period was (August 2018-March 2022). Mixed methods approach was used with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies of data collection to enable data triangulation. Questionnaires were used to collect data from CHWs, focused group discussions with caregivers and In-depth Interviews conducted with key informants from the Ministry of Health- Lamu County and the implementing partner-PharmAccess. Results: The study established that 78% of the CHWs were selected by the community members. Most of the CHWs in the intervention site had attended other trainings after the initial capacity development program, had at least one supervision in the last month preceding evaluation, were satisfied with the community and county appreciation. The difference between control and intervention site had a statistical significance (p&lt;0.05) for report writing during home visits, cross-referencing of reports before submission, attendance of refresher courses, loss of interest to work as a CHW and referral of patients to link facilities. Conclusions: CHWs need motivation in delivering their services. This can be done in form of incentives (both monitory and non-monitory), refresher trainings and supportive supervision.

Sustainable natural resource management must recognise community diversity

ABSTRACT Deforestation and overexploitation of mangrove forests are affecting the livelihoods of millions of families that rely on their ecosystem services. Understanding local perceptions about the status and threats to mangroves is therefore crucial in addressing this issue. This research aims to enhance understanding of how sociodemographic factors influence resource use and perceptions of environmental changes through a questionnaire survey (n = 592 households) in five locations in Lamu County, home to 62% of Kenya’s mangroves. The results highlight the variability of mangrove use, ecosystem service recognition, and perceptions and drivers of change across locations, which are influenced by sociodemographic factors such as gender, education, and occupation. Although 89% of respondents reported using mangrove products, only 56% were able to identify mangrove ecosystem services, with those without formal education being less likely to recognize them. Interestingly, 50% of respondents perceived an increase in mangrove cover, contrary to research showing mangrove loss in the area over the last decade. Results show that communities are diverse and perceptions vary between groups, suggesting that implementing uniform management measures may be incomplete or ineffective. Awareness campaigns and capacity-building efforts must be tailored to reduce misperceptions about the state of local resources and to address the specific needs and challenges faced by different groups. Recommendations made here are widely applicable to promote more inclusive and sustainable community engagement in the management of natural resources in developing countries worldwide.

Analysing women’s perceptions of sustainability of LAKWA’S water kiosks services and benefits

This study focused on analysing women's perceptions in relation to the sustainability of LAKWA's water kiosks services and benefits in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, Kenya. The study relied on the theory of the ladder of participation and Sarah Longwe's theory of empowerment. It employed mixed-method design in which qualitative and quantitative methods were used in collecting and analysing data. Data were collected using open and closed-ended questionnaires. The study had 200 respondents comprising 100 women from rural settlements and 100 women in the Mpeketoni division of Lamu County in Kenya. It's evident that most respondents positively perceive large families seeing more benefits of LAKWA kiosks than small families, mostly for domestic uses. These are common expectations since the water quantity raised by large families is higher than that of small families. Furthermore, it's their perception that the situation will remain the same for the next 10 to 20 years. This study recommends that further research on ways of including women's perceptions in water management planning to improve the water intake and efficiency of the LAKWA water system should be carried out.

Investigating women’s satisfaction with LAKWA’S water kiosk service design features and service delivery

This research sought to investigate women's satisfaction with LAKWA'S water kiosk service design features and service delivery in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, Kenya. The research used a mixed-method design in which qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect and analyse data. First, data was collected using open and closed-ended questionnaires. Then, they were administered using questionnaires. The research had 200 respondents comprising 100 women from rural settlements and 100 women in the Mpeketoni division of Lamu County in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive statistics used to summarise data and compare the results. The study found out that respondents were more satisfied with the design aspects adopted by LAKWA water kiosk, also the majority of the respondents faulted the opening and closing hours of the kiosks, which they said did not match their other activities the majority of the respondents said they were satisfied with the satisfaction level with the quantity of water and finally, most of the respondents from small and large families said they were satisfied with the level of water kiosk services. This study recommends for ways on inclusion of women's perceptions in water management planning to improve the water intake and efficiency of the LAKWA water system.

The Effectiveness of Multi-Agency Operation Leadership in Mitigating Insecurity in Lamu County, Kenya

There has been much discussion among various stakeholders on the benefits of multi-agency operations in response to security threats. This discussion is constrained, though, in that it downplays the complexity of multi-agency operations. Despite this, several nations, like Kenya, have used a multi-agency approach to deal with challenges related to national security; nevertheless, there is insufficient empirical evidence about the usefulness of this method in reducing insecurity issues. This study aimed to ascertain how well multi-agency operations leadership mitigated insecurity in Lamu County, Kenya. The collaborative advantage theory served as the basis for the investigation. This study used an ex post facto survey research design methodology. The study was carried out in Lamu County with a particular interest in the county's security personnel: an interview schedule and a questionnaire with structured and open-ended questions served as the data-gathering tools. The essential characteristics of the quantitative data gathered were displayed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Thematic analysis was used to create themes by grouping and open coding. The study discovered that multi-agency collaboration leadership successfully reduced insecurity in Lamu County. The study marked these out to address cases of inter-agency rivalry disputes, agency inferiority and superiority complexes, and the necessity to build a shared working policy on the ranking structure for the concerned agencies. The ongoing multi-agency operation has made Lamu County, in general, safer and more stable. Researchers interested in the leadership efficacy of multi-agency procedures are expected to benefit from the findings of this study, as will policymakers in the security sector.

Precision mapping of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school age children at the coastal region, Kenya

Accurate mapping of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil transmitted helminths (STH) is a prerequisite for effective implementation of the control and elimination interventions. A precision mapping protocol was developed and implemented in the coastal region of Kenya by applying the current World Health Organization (WHO) mapping guide at a much lower administrative level (ward). A two-stage cluster survey design was undertaken, with 5 villages in each ward selected. From within each village 50 households were randomly selected, and a single child between the ages of 8 and 14 sampled following appropriate assent. The prevalence and intensity of infection of Schistosoma mansoni and STH were determined using the Kato-Katz method (single stool, duplicate slides) and urine filtration for S. haematobium. Of the 27,850 school age children sampled, 6.9% were infected with at least one Schistosoma species, with S. haematobium being the most common 6.1% (95% CI: 3.1-11.9), and Tana River County having highest prevalence 19.6% (95% CI: 11.6-31.3). Prevalence of any STH infection was 5.8% (95% CI: 3.7-8.9), with Lamu County having the highest prevalence at 11.9% (95% CI: 10.0-14.1). The most prevalent STH species in the region was Trichuris trichiura at 3.1% (95% CI: 2.0-4.8). According to the WHO threshold for MDA implementation, 31 wards (in 15 sub-Counties) had a prevalence of ≥10% for SCH and thus qualify for annual MDA of all age groups from 2 years old. On the other hand, using the stricter Kenya BTS MDA threshold of ≥2%, 72 wards (in 17 sub-Counties) qualified for MDA and were targeted for treatment in 2021. The precision mapping at the ward level demonstrated the variations of schistosomiasis prevalence and endemicity by ward even within the same sub-counties. The data collected will be utilized by the Kenyan Ministry of Health to improve targeting.

Status of Kenya’s Counter-Terrorism Measures in Lamu County, Kenya

This study explored the status of Kenya’s counter-terrorism in Lamu by looking at the effectiveness of security operations implemented by the Kenyan government in countering terrorism and the effectiveness of community engagement in countering terrorism in Lamu County. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was the residents of Lamu who had information regarding the topic under discourse as well as the various security agencies heads such as the Military and the Police. Their population was 87429 from which a total of 156 respondents who participated was drawn. The sample was selected through purposive sampling. The questionnaire used was researcher-administered. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the residents while interview schedule guides were used to obtain information from Intelligence the heads of security agencies in the area of study. The questionnaire was administered to 156 residents. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r)at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from Lamu County determined that there was a statistically significant effect of security operations and community engagement on countering terrorism. The findings also demonstrated the reasons for the negligible community engagement effect on countering terrorism.

The Contribution of Science and Technology in Countering Violent

This study examines the role of science and technology in countering violent extremism (CVE) in Lamu County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design and mixed-method cross-sectional survey approach, focusing on multi-agency team operations, specifically emphasizing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) activities in the Boni Forest. The research population comprised key stakeholders and practitioners involved in CVE efforts, totaling 120 officers. A purposive sampling technique ensured diversity within the sample based on participants’ expertise, background, functional areas, departments, age, and units within the Kenya Defence Forces. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and key informant interviews for primary and secondary data from books, journals, and operating procedures. Quantitative data analysis employed SPSS for descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. The study reveals that science and technology have been integral to Kenya’s CVE efforts, with the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC) playing a significant role in intelligence gathering and analysis using technology. Collaboration with international agencies allowed sharing of intelligence, aiding the prediction of attacks and identification of areas with prevalent radicalization. Surveillance technologies like drones and CCTV cameras have enhanced monitoring in high-risk areas, leading to effective response measures. Moreover, mobile money transfer systems like M-Pesa are beneficial and susceptible to misuse in financing terrorist activities, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between financial institutions and security agencies. The study recommended integrating science and technology with community engagement, education, and policy initiatives. It underscores the need for a comprehensive community-centered strategy in Lamu County, fostering partnership and trust between the government and local communities. Continuous research, capacity building, and counter-narratives using technology are essential for sustained progress in countering violent extremism. While science and technology offer invaluable tools, collaboration, and holistic approaches remain vital to achieving comprehensive results and maintaining national security.

Barriers to Community Participation in Governance Standards Setting for Sustainable Mangrove Management in Lamu County

Barriers to Community Participation in Governance Standards Setting for Sustainable Mangrove Management in Lamu County

Exploring the Nexus between Climate Hazards and Conflict in Lamu County: Implications for Community Adaptation Action Plans

Exploring the Nexus between Climate Hazards and Conflict in Lamu County: Implications for Community Adaptation Action Plans

Compliance with Environmental and Social Safeguards by Large Infrastructure Projects: The Case of Lamu Port and Associated Road Infrastructure Projects Implemented under LAPSSET

The study evaluated compliance with environmental and social safeguards during the implementation of Lamu Port and associated road infrastructure projects implemented under LAPSSET in Lamu County. The study employed a mixed-method approach in collecting primary and secondary data. This comprised of key informant interviews, focused group discussions, and field observations for primary data and document analysis of; i) the LAPSSET Corridor Feasibility Study report, ii) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) report, and iii) the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Reports for Lamu Port and associated infrastructure, ESIA’s of Lamu Port access road and Garsen-Witu-Lamu Highway. Descriptive statistics and geospatial analysis were used to synthesise and interpret the data collected. Results show that the project safeguards meant to deter alteration of marine water quality, pollution of marine flora and fauna, protection of livelihoods of the fishing community, preservation of tangible and intangible heritage were not implemented. The study further established that compensation of project-affected persons pre-determined as exposed to effects of the project like landowners for loss of arable land was done while loss of grazing fields and watering grounds for pastoralists were not compensated. Overall, the location of the chosen borrow pit sites for the extraction of construction materials was inappropriate with about 25% of the borrow pits being in close proximity to homesteads. Rehabilitation of borrow pits was minimal; less than 10% of disused borrow pits had been rehabilitated. Inadequate budget and lack of enforcement by government agencies were cited as the main cause of poor compliance.

Utilization of Basic Essential Obstetric Care Services Among Bajun Women Attending Post Natal Clinic in Faza Division, Lamu County, Kenya

Purpose: The objective of the study was to establish the level of utilization of obstetric care services; to establish factors promoting utilization of obstetric care services, and to identify factors hindering utilization of essential obstetric care services among Bajun women in the Faza Division.Methodology: The study was cross-sectional. Purposive and systematic sampling was used in getting participants. The research instruments to be used were self-administered semi-structured questionnaires and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). Chi-square values were used to test the significance of the association between the dependent and independent variables. Qualitative data from FGDs were transcribed and analyzed by the thematic content analysis technique.Results: More than half of the respondents (95.6% (175)) indicated that obstetric services are important essential services while 4.4% (8) of them indicated that obstetric services are not important essential services. More than half of the respondents, (74.4% (131)) indicated that they have ever been provided with these services while 25.6% (45) of them indicated that they have never been provided with these services. The findings also indicate that there was an insignificant association (x2 = 2.135a, p = 0.711) between age of the respondents, the level of education (x2 = 0.258, p = 0.612) and (X2 = 1.144a, P = 0.887) between religion of the respondents and the utilization of essential obstetric care services. There is thus, a high probability of utilization of essential obstetric care services (1.049, 2.045, 1.219 and 1.051 times respectively) for those women who have received the information about obstetric services from mass media, the health care, parents and their teachers respectively compared to those who received information from their peers. For the women who were pregnant, the findings indicate a low probability of the utilization of essential obstetric care services for the women who sought pregnancy help from their doctors and nurses/wives (0.357 and 0.102 times respectively). There is also a high probability of utilization of essential obstetric care services for those women who have ever been pregnant, those who have ever had complications during pregnancy, labour &amp; delivery, those who seek help during their pregnancy complications and those who seek help from the hospital during their pregnancy complications.Unique contributions to theory, policy and practice: Therefore, the study recommends the intensification of knowledge to the women in Faza Division, Lamu County about the importance of utilization of essential obstetric services. This will help to reduce the cases of complications affecting mothers during pregnancy, labour and delivery and thus reduce the infant as well as the maternal mortality rate in the County.

Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) As A Strategy For Security Stabilization Operations: Case Of Lamu County, Kenya

Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) As A Strategy For Security Stabilization Operations: Case Of Lamu County, Kenya