West Pokot Research Articles

Participation in County Budget Making Process and Economic Well-Being Among the In Youth in West Pokot County, Kenya.

Public participation has gained prominence in modern days due to the belief that it contributes to accountability and enhanced service delivery. Many countries around the world have enacted public participation laws which have mandated the governments to prioritize public participation. Kenya, like other countries around the world has made public participation mandatory during budget making process. The Constitution of Kenya 2010, the county Government Act 2012, Public Finance Management Act 2012 and Public Participation Act 2016 all explain how public participation should be conducted. However, the participation of youth in public participation forums has been poor. Several factors have been identified to contribute towards poor youth participation in budget making process. This study sought to investigate participation in budget making process and well being of youths in West Pokot county, Kenya. The study focused on determining the effect of access to information on well being of youths in West Pokot county to find out the effect of youth’s knowledge and skills on well being of youths in West Pokot county, to explore the influence of youth attitude on well being of youths in West Pokot county, Kenya, to assess the effect of process location on well being of youths in West Pokot county, Kenya. The study targeted the youth aged between the ages of 18-35 in the four constituencies in West Pokot County namely: Kacheliba, Pokot South, Kapenguria and Sigor constituency. The target population for this study were youth and the county government officials particularly from the department of youth and finance especially those in charge of public participation during budget making process. Descriptive research design was used and purposive sampling adopted to obtain the sample size. The study test was conducted in West Pokot County involving 120 respondents. Out of the 120 questionnaires distributed 94 were returned for analysis. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between access to information regarding budget making process and economic wellbeing of the youths and that there is inccrease of up to 0.307 units in youth economic wellbeing for each unit of increase in access to information information. The study further concluded that the youth’s knowledge and skills has a significant effect on youth economic wellbeing based on β2 = 0.073 (p-value = 0.061 which is greater than α = 0.05). Subsequently, the study results showed that youth’s attitude had significant estimation coefficients based on β3 = 0.674 (p-value = 0.000 which is less than α = 0.05), implying that we accept the hypothesis that a significant relationship exists between the youth’sattitude and youth economic wellbeing. Finally, study concluded that there is a significant relationship between process location and youth economic wellbeing. This was supported by the findings, as process location had a positive and significant effect youth economic wellbeing at β4 = 0.327 (p-value = 0.000 which is less than α = 0.05). Based on the results, the study recommended the following: County Government in collaboration with the other stakeholders should consider creating awareness among the youth on importance of participating in public participation events. The study also recommended that the county government should find a way in which the views of the less educated can be addressed because they also have some concerns that the county government must address. Another research can be conducted to broaden the scope of the study to other counties to find out whether youth’s perception, information availability and citizen’s perception determine youth participation in budget making process.

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS ROLE ON CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS AND PEACEKEEPING MISSION ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST POKOT AND TURKANA IN KENYA

There are conflicts in many pastoral communities around the globe, while the Sahel region and East Africa demonstrate sustained levels of inter-pastoral violent conflicts with associated potential impacts on their livelihoods. Turkana-Pokot Violence across borders, conflict is now the norm. A number of efforts have been made by various bodies to bring peace to the region. Despite the Kenya Police Reservists disarmament and arming of communities, peace initiative meetings, prosecuting perpetrators, declaringof illicit firearms surrender, amnesties, and setting up of peace committees continue to prevail in the region, insecurity and violent conflicts. It is in this regard that the researcher examines the role of civil society organizations in peacebuilding and reconstruction, which has gained significant attention over the last fifty years. Today, the main question is whether civil society organizations have an impact on peacebuilding efforts in the world, especially in third world countries or not. This study has primarily utilized the Protracted Social Conflicts (PSC) theory of Edward Azar. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Turkana and West Pokot Counties of Kenya. A total of 434 respondents were targeted in Pokot North and Turkana South. The sample size of 130 respondents was selected from each of the two Sub Counties. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis and focus group discussions. Pilot study was conducted in Wajir County to establish reliability and validity of research instruments using content analysis and Cronbach alpha respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS to obtain descriptive statistics and chi-square. Qualitative data was analyzed by use of themes and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was presented in form of tables, charts and graphs. Qualitative data was presented in form of narratives and verbatim quotations. The findings of the study revealed that, the proximity of Turkana County to three international borders, namely Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia had contributed to the proliferation of small arms through the porous borders that are not governed by the respective governments. This contributed to the availability and cheapness of small arms in Turkana County as a whole, hence the sustenance of the conflict between the two communities. Therefore, this theoretical framework was useful in anchoring the study. The study findings therefore suggested that Politics, governance, peace-building strategies, commercialization of raided animals and proliferation of small arms are the sustainers of conflict among the pastoral communities of Turkana and West Pokot Counties of Kenya. The study established that CSOs play a crucial role in conflict resolution in West Pokot. The study found out that CSOs provides food, clothing, water and tents in case of calamity. This was attributed to the fact that basic needs and health services are basic for the survival of every community. It was also established that NGOs settling conflict affected persons leads to conflict resolution. When natural resources are,well-managed conflicts are minimized. The CSOs provided for meetings during which residents were given awareness concerning peace and conflict resolution. The study revealed that CSOs organized social functions once per year.

Spatial–Temporal Influence of Sand Dams on Chemical and Microbial Properties of Water from Scooping Holes in Degraded Semi-Arid Regions

Communities in semi-arid lands use sand dams to enhance access water during the dry seasons. However, there is limited information on the quality of water derived from these sand dams, especially in degraded lands where storm surface runoff poses contamination risk. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the spatial–temporal variations in water quality of sand dams in Chepareria, West Pokot County in Kenya. Water samples were collected from scooping holes across 18 purposefully selected sand dams. Results obtained showed significant differences in water quality based on a sand dam’s age and location of the scooping holes, but the magnitude of these differences differed with specific properties. For instance, in recently constructed sand dams (<1 year), scooping holes near the sand dam wall had lower pH values (8.5) than holes scooped a distance from the sand dam wall (9.2). For total dissolved solutes and microbial properties, sand dam age had the greatest impact, over the location of the scooping holes. For example, water obtained from <1 year old sand dams had significantly higher TDS with an average value of 100.3 mg L−1. The thermotolerant coliforms (TTC) exceeded the maximum allowable levels recommended by The World Health Organization. Thus, water obtained from these sand dams should be treated before consumption. Finally, sand dams meant for domestic water harvesting should be protected. Shallow wells with appropriate aprons for effective protection against contamination should be installed to enhance abstraction of safe water from sand dams.

Academic Achievement of Students in Kenya's Public Secondary Schools: The Effects of Teacher Time Management and Class Attendance

Almost all firms use performance appraisal as one of the strategic tools in human resource management to get a competitive edge. Every employee's performance is identified, measured, and evaluated during this procedure. One of the fundamental instruments that encourages employees to be highly productive and engaged at work is the Teacher Performance Appraisal Development (TPAD). The system of teacher performance appraisal is intended to increase student learning outcomes by positively influencing teachers' professional growth if it is properly developed and put into practice. In general, many schools, particularly those in West Pokot Sub County's rural areas, have performed poorly. The study was designed to investigate teachers’time management and lesson attendance on students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The target population was 43 public secondary schools, which had 12900 pupils, 86 Quality Assurance and Standard Officers, 43 principals, 43 deputy Principals, and 860 teachers. The Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size of 388. Sample size is the number of participants included in a study. Interviews, interview schedules, and questionnaires were all used as data gathering tools. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of the research instruments used to measure accuracy, consistency, and the degree to which differences in measurement results accurately represented differences between respondents. Additionally, important was the Cronbach alpha. Data analysis benefited from the use of the statistical package for social sciences version 27. The significant levels of one variable were transferred to the other with the use of the multiple regression analysis. Each variable's correlation coefficient was calculated after an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. The study found that student performance on the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is favourably and significantly influenced by teacher time management and lesson attendance.

Cultural Determinants Associated with Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months in West Pokot County, Kenya

Cultural Determinants Associated with Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months in West Pokot County, Kenya

Ethnobotany of pokot communities on bamboo species in the dryland areas of West Pokot County, Kenya

Communities in dryland areas of West Pokot in Kenya rely on fragile degraded ecosystems that have led to famines, low productivity and income. Although cultivating bamboo provides solutions to part of these problems, the benefits of bamboo cultivation are species and site-specific. However, no research has established the ethnobotanical knowledge of bamboo in West Pokot, making it difficult to upscale its cultivation. The study aimed at 1) determining the level of awareness of bamboo 2) the uses of bamboo 3) factors motivating and hindering its cultivation. The study adopted an analytical cross-sectional survey research design. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the study site. A Systematic random sampling technique was used in selecting households to be used in establishing local knowledge through questionnaires. Data were analysed using chi-square test of fit, chi-square test of association and cochran’s Q test of K-related samples. Results showed that farmer to farmer approach (38.9%) was the main source of information. Among the respondents, 70.6% of them were aware of bamboo out of which 67.6% were aware of its uses. The commonly identified uses were soil conservation (48.1%), shade provision (39.5%), fencing material (38.8%) and construction material (36.9%). The findings revealed that 74.1% of the respondents were willing to cultivate bamboo due to its environmental, economic and cultural benefits among others. However, inadequate knowledge of bamboo planting and management techniques (51.8%) is the main impeding factor to the cultivation of bamboo in the region. Therefore, forestry and agricultural extension agents in the county should sensitize and train farmers on bamboo establishment and management for farmers to realize its full potential.

Ethnobotany of pokot communities on bamboo species in the dryland areas of West Pokot County, Kenya

Communities in dryland areas of West Pokot in Kenya rely on fragile degraded ecosystems that have led to famines, low productivity and income. Although cultivating bamboo provides solutions to part of these problems, the benefits of bamboo cultivation are species and site-specific. However, no research has established the ethnobotanical knowledge of bamboo in West Pokot, making it difficult to upscale its cultivation. The study aimed at 1) determining the level of awareness of bamboo 2) the uses of bamboo 3) factors motivating and hindering its cultivation. The study adopted an analytical cross-sectional survey research design. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the study site. A Systematic random sampling technique was used in selecting households to be used in establishing local knowledge through questionnaires. Data were analysed using chi-square test of fit, chi-square test of association and cochran’s Q test of K-related samples. Results showed that farmer to farmer approach (38.9%) was the main source of information. Among the respondents, 70.6% of them were aware of bamboo out of which 67.6% were aware of its uses. The commonly identified uses were soil conservation (48.1%), shade provision (39.5%), fencing material (38.8%) and construction material (36.9%). The findings revealed that 74.1% of the respondents were willing to cultivate bamboo due to its environmental, economic and cultural benefits among others. However, inadequate knowledge of bamboo planting and management techniques (51.8%) is the main impeding factor to the cultivation of bamboo in the region. Therefore, forestry and agricultural extension agents in the county should sensitize and train farmers on bamboo establishment and management for farmers to realize its full potential

Effect of Supplier Evaluation on Procurement Performance of West Pokot County in Kenya

Effect of Supplier Evaluation on Procurement Performance of West Pokot County in Kenya

Government Peace Building Strategies in Mitigation of Natural Resource Induced Conflicts Between Communities of West Pokot and Turkana Counties, Kenya

Government Peace Building Strategies in Mitigation of Natural Resource Induced Conflicts Between Communities of West Pokot and Turkana Counties, Kenya

Clinical features, immunological interactions and household determinants of visceral leishmaniasis and malaria coinfections in West Pokot, Kenya: protocol for an observational study

IntroductionVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) and malaria are two deadly parasitic diseases that coexist in West Pokot County, Kenya. The local population is at considerable risk of coinfection with VL and malaria;...

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN KENYA: A STUDY OF WEST POKOT COUNTY

This paper focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the education system in Kenya with reference to vocational training institutions. The paper analyses how the provision of vocational training was impacted after Covid-19 from the perspective of principals of colleges, tutors, and students. The paper collected qualitative experiences of the above-mentioned stakeholders to understand to which degree vocational education has been affected by Covid-19. This was accomplished through the use of interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. The study has found that the Covid-19 pandemic completely disrupted learning in six public VTCs as institutions were closed and students and tutors did not meet or interact for more than eight months. It was impossible for a work-based learning model to be used by students after institutions were closed because even the industries and businesses where they were supposed to undertake their practicum and internship programmes downscaled their operations, while others closed down completely. After reopening of VTCs in January 2021, close to 34.8% of their former students did not report back because some of them dropped out, some could not pay fees, some engaged in alcoholism, drugs, and substance abuse, some emigrated to other areas to look for opportunities while some settled down in marriage. It is recommended that guidance and counselling should be continuously provided to tutors and students as a way of addressing the psychological and behavioural challenges brought about by Covid-19, tutors need to be trained on remote learning methodologies (digital skills) and county governments need to invest in setting up infrastructure to support online learning in VTCs. This research provides a realistic picture of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on vocational education and training in public institutions in West Pokot County which is considered to be a marginalised and arid and semi-arid region in the North-western part of Kenya.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0027/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Sand Harvesting, Environmental Degradation and Livelihoods in North Rift Kenya

In Kenya, thousands of households rely on sand harvesting as their main source of livelihood. Sand harvesting is common in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid areas, but left uncontrolled it depletes water catchment areas, and thus, the need to promote sustainability by striking a balance between it and environmental conservation. This paper illustrates how sand harvesting is affecting the environment in West Pokot County. Findings indicate that sand scooping reduces surface water quality and quantity 251(61%), leads to river bed degradation 311(87.4%), sand harvesting increases erosional valleys 308(86.6%), there is contamination of water and scarcity of water due to sand harvesting 289(81.1%), sand harvesting affects the flow of the river downstream 280(78.7%), reduces land for farming 145(40.7%), storage of sand causes destruction of vegetation cover 214(60%) and destruction of the forest cover 206(48%). The paper concludes that sand harvesting is accompanied by disastrous environmental effects, which raises questions on the cost-benefits and sustainability of the sand harvesting activities in the study area. Consequently, the paper recommends for measures to be put in place to surmount the hazardous environmental effects and enhance the multiplier effects of sand harvesting on livelihood security.

Effect of land rehabilitation measures on soil organic carbon fractions in semi-arid environment

Soil erosion threatens the sustainable intensification of food systems among smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Intensifying adoption of soil mitigation and rehabilitation measures is thus needed urgently in these ASALs, but scaling up these measures depends on scientific evidence of their contributions to key components of sustainable intensification such as soil organic carbon. However, there is no information on how existing mitigation and rehabilitation measures influence soil carbon fractions and carbon management indices in ASALs. This study evaluated the influence of soil erosion mitigation and rehabilitation measures on soil carbon fractions and management indices in Arenic Lixisols of semi-arid environments in West Pokot County, Kenya. We evaluated different vegetation types (maize-beans intercrop and pastures) with and without two locally developed terrace designs for soil conservation (Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini). Combining terracing with annual cropping significantly increased total organic carbon (TOC). The highest TOC (13 g C kg−1) was recorded in pasturelands with terraces while degraded land with no intervention was found to have the lowest TOC (6.0 g C kg−1). Terraced farms with longer residence time (>4 years old) had significantly higher organic carbon than (<4 years old). Other soil properties remained stable with terrace age (1–5 years). Labile SOC and non-labile SOC differed significantly within and across vegetation types with or without terraces (p < 0.05). Pasture and crop systems with terraces had high labile SOC content of 5.9 g C kg−1 and 7.2 g C kg−1, respectively. Labile SOC followed the TOC trend with terrace age, i.e., increasing from 1 year to 5 years old. Combined pasture and terraces had a significantly higher carbon management index (CMI) of 161.7, or 14 times the CMI found in degraded systems with no interventions and 1.5 times the combined crop system with terraces. CMI was also directly correlated with residence time terraces had stayed in the crop system, increasing from 1 year to 5 years old. Contrary to CMI and other indices, the weighted enrichment ratio was found to inversely correlate with age of terrace. Improvement of carbon content and CMI resulted from restorative measures and likely improved soil quality and ecosystem functions. Although terraces play a significant role in the restoration of degraded soils as indicated by the above-mentioned changes, they are most beneficial when used in combination with croplands because of the high level of disturbance and flows of both inputs and outputs of carbon for these croplands.

The contribution of resource conflict to food insecurity in the Kerio river basin

This study sought to determine the contribution of resource conflict to food insecurity in the region. With Northern Kerio Valley as the study site, Kolowa Ward of Tiaty in Baringo County, Endo Ward of Elgeyo Marakwet County, and Lomut Ward of West Pokot County are considered. The study comprised a target population of 2600 households in the three Wards from which a sample size of 387 was drawn using Yamane (1967) sample size determination formula. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire, while secondary and qualitative data was collected through Key Informants Interviews (KIIs) and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). The study established that the majority of the households representing 60 per cent, had experienced three or more inter-ethnic conflicts in the last five years, with another 60 per cent reporting a severe impact on access to food and livelihoods as a result of the conflicts. The study concluded that inter-ethnic conflicts are one of the major drivers of food insecurity in the Kerio Basin and therefore recommended that there is a need to pay more attention to socioeconomic resilience and transformation in the region. Arguably, measures would be adopted to address the core (fundamental) drivers of the conflicts, namely limited formal and functional education, limited occupations (around agro-pastoralism), severe poverty, and severe cycles of droughts.

Adapting to Climate Change in the Semi-Arid Northern Kenya

Climate change in the semi-arid northern Kenya is evidenced by increasing frequency and duration of severe droughts. The effects are devastating with the region experiencing massive loss of livestock, total crop failures and increased levels of hunger and starvation resulting in near collapse of livelihood sources which is mainly pastoralism. This study investigated the most appropriate drought adaptive strategies that pastoralists in the semi-arid northern Kenya depend on to subsist. Data was collected from the counties of Garissa, Samburu, Turkana, Isiolo, Marsabit, West Pokot, Laikipia and Baringo where drought is persistent. The study used a cross-sectional design where past and current data was obtained through face-to-face and telephone interviews from purposively sampled respondents and observations. Document information collected supplemented the information obtained from the respondents. The pastoralists embrace adaptive strategies that are easy, accessible and affordable. The traditional adaptive strategies such as food preservation and herd composition and management predominate. These strategies are preferred because of their ease of implementation and also culturally acceptable. With increasing drought severity and other factors like increase in population growth, there has been decline in grazing areas limiting transhumance activities. This has stemmed the adoption of non-pastoral activities such as crop farming, craftwork, poultry keeping, petty trade and dependence on external assistance. The traditional adaptive strategies play a key role in surviving the droughts. Due to their pastoral nature, the non-pastoral sedentary practices do not fit their lifestyles and are less practiced especially by men but taken up much better by women who are left at home. Therefore, efforts to enhance pastoral resilience in the semi-arid areas should strengthen the traditional practices as well as capacity building on the non-pastoral activities.

INTERNET SOURCING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN TURKANA COUNTY GOVERNMENT

The aim of internet procurement adoption is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and responsibility of public procurement. Kenyan county governments encountered procurement challenges during the Covid-19 period, leading to the implementation of internet procurement as a solution. This aligns with a global trend. The County of Turkana's procurement process has faced obstacles stemming from non-compliance with procurement laws and a lack of technological expertise. This study examines the impact of internet procurement on the Turkana County government's service delivery. The study aimed to assess the impact of internet sourcing characteristics on service delivery by the Turkana County administration. The study utilized the diffusion of innovation theory as an analytical framework. The research utilized correlational and descriptive survey designs. The audience comprised 60 individuals, consisting of 20 staff members and 30 procurement officers. A saturation sampling strategy was employed for sample size determination. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview schedules. Experts in management science confirmed the instruments’ validity. The West Pokot County Administration carried out a pilot project. A reliability test was conducted using Cronbach's alpha, with a minimum threshold of r>0.70. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which the independent variables affected the variance in the dependent variable. The R-squared coefficient of determination for the multiple regression model indicates that service delivery accounted for a significant portion of the variation in the internet procurement process. The study found that internet sourcing had a significant positive impact on service delivery. The study suggests that an online supplier contract management system would be beneficial for the County government to handle supplier selection and management. The study's results suggest that internet procurement could enhance service delivery by the Turkana County administration and federal government.

A computer systems cybersecurity challenges encountered by secondary schools in Kenya, a case study of west Pokot county

A computer systems cybersecurity challenges encountered by secondary schools in Kenya, a case study of west Pokot county

Agro-Pastoralists Viable Options towards Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation in West Pokot County, Kenya

Climate change and variability is one of the most important developmental and environmental challenges on sustainable agricultural productions threatening small scale agro pastoral community livelihoods. This study examines how the agro pastoral community respond to the current and future weather and climate risks and recommend viable options towards sustainable climate change adaptation by small scale agro pastoralist community in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study adopted mixed research design combining both quantitative and qualitative data sources using stratified, purposive and random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected from a sample of 384 household heads and validated through focused group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs) and general observations. Data collected on perception to climate change were coded and analysed using descriptive and qualitative content analysis. The study found that the community have a thorough knowledge and understanding of their environment with perceptions revealing degradation of the available natural resources largely due to deforestation arising from agricultural land expansion. Drought, deforestation, landslides, floods and soil erosion are some of the major events adversely affect crop and livestock and contribute to vulnerability presently and in the future. The viable options recommended to reduce the present and improve future weather and climatic risks are awareness creation, tree planting, good agricultural practices, government support and agricultural insurance. The findings are key in guiding state and non-state actors together with the community in local level decision making for the conservation and restoration of degradation hotspots towards sustainable management of natural resources, resilience building, poverty reduction, food nutrition and livelihood security.

Evaluation of Drought Management Strategies for Enhanced Food Security in West Pokot County, Kenya

Drought risk reduction is the main strategy that is considered as part of initiatives that aim at mitigating the risk posed by drought. Reducing community vulnerability to the effects of recurrent droughts in ASAL Counties requires a comprehensive multi-sectorial approach. The drought risk reduction (DRR) in West Pokot County is a new approach to addressing the chronic impact of drought through adopting long-term strategies. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the drought management strategies employed in West Pokot County. The study used an evaluation research design. Respondents were selected through random and purposive sampling methods. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 398 respondents identified through random sampling from different strata of the community and the stakeholders in the drought management and food security sectors. Interview guides were used to collect data from the key informants and focus group discussions. Quantitative data obtained from relevant institutions were analysed using the SPSS version 20 method. The results obtained from the analysis were presented in tables, charts, graphs, and narratives. The study found that 32% of the respondents indicated that growing of drought tolerant crops is a key strategy in reducing drought impacts, while 20% indicated limiting the portion size at mealtime, 38% prefer access to early warning information and 44% indicated livestock migration is the main mitigation measure for drought risk reduction initiatives. In terms of factors contributing to community vulnerability to drought, it was indicated that poverty was the main factor, with 40%, 35% indicating climatic variability, and 17% indicating dependency syndrome on foreign aid. The study further indicated for the humanitarian programs in West Pokot, 36% of the respondents preferred food aid, and 28% indicated cash transfer. These results are useful in developing mitigation measures to reduce risks from drought and enhancing the communities’ resilience to chronic drought and food insecurity adverse impacts.

Performance evaluation of hydraulic ram pumping systems for small-scale farmers: a case study of West Pokot county, Kenya

Abstract Hydraulic ram (hydram) pump has been in existence for more than two centuries. However, these pumps have been on the verge of extinction since the invention of motorized pumps, which are more powerful and efficient. Unfortunately, motorized pumps are expensive to acquire, operate, and maintain. Their contribution to climate change and environmental degradation has steered the need for an alternative pumping technology. Therefore, as the world's technology shifts to green energy, hydram pumps need to be re-invented. In the late twentieth century, studies on hydram pumps have been revived with the aim of making them more efficient and economically competitive. Small-scale farmers in West Pokot County, Kenya, have embraced the hydram technology, but due to low technical capacity; installed low-performing hydram that operated under low efficiencies of less than 30%, with the majority having operational failure due to inadequate designs. Hence, this study investigated the design and operation of these pumps. Thereafter, designed and assembled a hydram pump, using locally available materials, to supply water for domestic and small-scale agricultural use. The optimum efficiency achieved by the pump was 54%, with an optimum delivery flow rate of about 13 L/min.