Journal of Policy and Development Studies (JPDS)

Non-governmental organizations’ development interventions and community empowerment in Kitui County, Kenya

Joshua Kithuva Mutisya, Charles Mogote — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of non-governmental organizations’ development interventions on community empowerment in Kitui County. The theoretical framework of this study drew upon the Empowerment Theory and the Sustainable Development Theory. This study was underpinned by a pragmatic research philosophy. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population of this study primarily comprised the residents of the eight sub-counties within Kitui County. Content validity was established by consulting the university supervisors to review and validate the research instruments. The sample size for this research project was determined to be 384 residents. Structured questionnaires were employed and interview guides utilised. Quantitative data obtained from the structured questionnaires were meticulously captured. From the study findings, 66 per cent of respondents acknowledged the positive impact of NGO-provided materials on education quality, though concerns about marginalised communities remained. Teacher training programs were also well-received (66%), but follow-up support was needed. In health, 65 per cent of respondents reported increased immunisation coverage, reducing vaccine-preventable diseases (68%). Maternal and child health clinics received positive feedback for lowering mortality rates (65%). Health education workshops increased knowledge and awareness (64%). In women empowerment, microfinance and entrepreneurship training were effective in economic empowerment (64%) and poverty reduction (66%). Leadership and advocacy training enabled women to take on leadership roles (69%) and advocate for their rights (65%). Women's rights advocacy improved legal rights awareness (68%) and access to justice (65%). To enhance NGO interventions in Kitui County, increased collaboration, tailored capacity-building, innovative funding, and community participation are essential.

The nature of livelihood insecurity among agropastoral households in South Kerio Basin, Elgeyo Marakwet County

Juster Gitonga, Henry Rono, Daniel Muia — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the nature of livelihood insecurity in the South Kerio Basin, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, a semi-arid region. The study, a cross-sectional survey design with a mixed methods approach, was guided by the theory of livelihood insecurity. The unit of analysis included households in three locations: Keu, Kibargoi, and Arror. From a population of 8,199 registered households in the three locations, a sample of 383 households was determined using Yamane (1967) formula and distributed proportionately. An interview guide was used to collect quantitative data, while qualitative data was collected using key informant interviews and a focused group discussion guide. Every kind of ethical consideration was taken into consideration. The statistical package SPSS V22 was used to generate quantitative descriptive and inferential statistics, and the Excel spreadsheet was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study established that households experienced varied livelihood insecurities in terms of environmental variability, deficiencies in livestock production, land use and productivity and income and household endowments. These drove households to adapt to new livelihood strategies, including diversification into horticultural production. The study concluded that despite livelihood insecurities, horticultural production offered households new livelihood pathways to meet their needs. The study recommends partnerships and integration between the National and County governments and the local community to address livelihood insecurities and develop policies for strengthening households' local capacity and coping mechanisms.

Influence of public participation in the planning phase on the outcome of water projects in Matungulu sub-county, Machakos County

Elias Mutua, Dr. Grace Ndeke, Dr. Mary Mboga — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to find out the influence of public participation in the planning phase on the phase-specific outcome and overall outcome of water projects in the Matungulu sub-county, Machakos County, Kenya. Employing a sequential mixed-method approach, data was gathered from 220 household heads, one water project manager, and eight water user committee representatives. Quantitative data analysis was done using linear regression, and the hypothesis was tested at a significance level of 0.05. A thematic approach was employed for the qualitative data analysis. Results indicated that public participation in the planning phase significantly influenced both the planning phase-specific outcome and the overall water project outcome. However, the level of public participation in the planning phase was found to be low. The study recommends that the Machakos County government officials and elected representatives prioritise public consultation and involvement in the planning phase since it ensures that water projects implemented are relevant to the needs of the local residents and enhances project ownership at an early stage. This ultimately guarantees project success and sustainability. This study provides insights to both the national and county governments on how the involvement of the local community in the planning phase fosters project ownership and leads to more sustainable water projects.

Enabling retired trainers' participation in circular economy workforce in Kenya: Policy frameworks and recommendations for enhanced engagement

Paul K Komen, Jackline A Ongínjo — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to examine the participation of retired trainers in Kenya's circular economy workforce, evaluating existing policy frameworks and identifying the barriers and enablers influencing their engagement. Despite the global importance of circular economy principles, retired trainers in Kenya face challenges hindering their involvement in the circular economy workforce. Using a descriptive survey design, data was gathered from a target population of seventy-five retired trainers, with sixty-three responding. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, presented in tables and percentages while preserving anonymity. The findings recognize the potential contributions of retired trainers to circular economies in Kenya, but existing policies often need to address their specific needs and challenges, such as limited access to training, financial constraints, and age-related discrimination. By addressing the policy implications of retired trainers' engagement in circular economies, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development and inclusive growth, offering actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders. These recommendations empower them to foster a more inclusive and resilient circular economy workforce in Kenya.

Impact of monitoring and evaluation practices on the performance of Health IT projects coordinated from Nairobi, Kenya

Eugene Murunga, Naomi Njoroge — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the impact of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices on the performance of Health IT projects coordinated from Nairobi, Kenya. The research problem focused on assessing how M&E planning processes, technical expertise, and stakeholder involvement influence project outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires and qualitative insights via semi-structured interviews with project beneficiaries, health IT staff, and key stakeholders. Results revealed that 82 per cent of respondents agreed that comprehensive M&E planning enhances project execution and outcomes. Additionally, 77 per cent emphasised the importance of technical expertise, while only 42 per cent confirmed adequate stakeholder analysis and 46 per cent agreed on the collection of stakeholder feedback. The findings highlighted the necessity of integrating detailed M&E plans into project designs for systematic tracking of progress and timely corrective actions. Technical expertise is crucial for effective M&E, underscoring the need for continuous training and the selection of competent personnel. Recommendations include developing comprehensive M&E plans at the project's inception, investing in continuous skill development through regular training programs, and enhancing stakeholder engagement strategies by conducting comprehensive stakeholder analyses, collecting regular feedback, and involving stakeholders in key decision-making processes.