Cultural and Lifestyle Impacts: Analysing the Effects of Nomadic Pastoralism on Alternative Approaches to Basic Education in Samburu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of nomadic pastoralists' lifestyle on the AABE programme in Samburu County. AABE was introduced by the Kenya Government, religious entities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with the aim of promoting access to basic education and enhancing Universal Primary Education for all (UPE). However, school enrolment and literacy levels in Samburu have been low, at (44%) and (12%) respectively, raising the need to examine the success of AABE in meeting the envisaged purpose. The study tested one hypothesis, namely, nomadic pastoralists' way of life in Samburu County. The study applied a survey research design and collected data from both primary and secondary sources. Three structured questionnaires were used for 400 learners' household heads, 56 teachers in charge of the 56 AABE Centers, and 10 AABE providers. Secondary data were obtained from the Ministry of Education offices, AABE Centers, libraries and the Internet. A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample the 400 respondents. Data was presented using frequency tabulations, chi-square, multiple regressions and correlation analyses. The findings had (80%) of the respondents who stated that mobility and herding affected success of AABE. The study recommended that there is a need to approach the development in nomadic pastoralists’ areas from a multi-faceted approach, such as addressing the problems of inadequacy of water, medical facilities, infrastructure, livelihoods and the problem of conflicts. The study recommended that more studies be done on the viability of AABE in other nomadic pastoral areas and encompass other variables.