School of Development & Strategic Studies

Contribution of the independent policing oversight authority to police accountability in Kenya

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Contribution of the independent policing oversight authority to police accountability in Kenya OBONG’O, Wilson Odida This study focused on the contribution of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to police accountability in Kenya. It thus established that the National Police Service (NPS) is an important factor in the security sector of Kenya, it serves to; detect and prevent crime, maintain public order, investigate, crimes, and support the criminal justice system. To effectively discharge such duties, the police are legally endowed with the powers to arrest, detain, and use force. This monopolistic privilege to use force has been subject to numerous cases of abuse such as violently crushing demonstrations thereby leading to the deaths of citizens; thus calling for the need for an oversight body to ensure responsibility in the use of police powers. Kenya in a view to reform its police service established the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) in 2011 to help in promoting police accountability. Notwithstanding the existence of IPOA, complaints of Police misconduct have continued to rise, thus creating a contention as to whether the IPOA is really achieving its founding objectives. The study‘s overall objective was to evaluate the contribution of IPOA to police accountability in Kenya with the specific objectives being to: assess IPOA‘s complaint handling mechanism; evaluate IPOA‘s investigative capacity and examine the challenges IPOA faces in attempts to hold Police accountable for their actions. The study employed the use of Institutional theory to understand how IPOA interacts with the Police as an institution influencing institutional behavior. Similarly, the study adopted a mixed- method design incorporating the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches for primary data collection. Fisher et al., (1998) formula was employed to arrive at the study‘s sample size which upon data collection and coding yielded 322 respondents drawn from IPOA, NPS, victims of Police misconducts, and actors within the criminal justice system; four categories of key informants interviews and Focused Group Discussions were employed for qualitative data collection while quantitative data was collected through questionnaires. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed thus generating themes around the three specific objectives whereas quantitative data was analyzed by way of simple descriptive statistics represented in histograms and percentages with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS). The study established that IPOA‘s complaints handling mechanism had positively contributed to reporting of complaints of police misconducts thus fostering police accountability in Kenya, that IPOA‘s investigative capacity is aligned to the responsibilities bestowed on them as custodians of public interest in policing though not sufficiently staffed and finally that IPOA operates in a difficult environment. In conclusion, the study established that IPOA had a positive impact on police accountability in Kenya. The study made recommendations aimed at enhancing IPOA‘s capacity to uphold police accountability in Kenya. In conclusion, the study made suggestions for further research in the field of policing such as a comparative study of police accountability in Kenya and other countries with similar oversight initiatives

An analysis on the contribution of European Union foreign electoral assistance on Kenya’s general elections integrity

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

An analysis on the contribution of European Union foreign electoral assistance on Kenya’s general elections integrity OGUTU, Reuben Kennedy In both the global North and South, electoral integrity serves as the bedrock of democratic societies, and is an idea used to mean ensuring the legitimacy of election outcomes and fostering peaceful transitions of power. Nonetheless, challenges in this realm persist, particularly in developing nations such as Kenya. The European Union (EU) has emerged as a significant player, providing electoral assistance in an attempt to address these challenges. This study analyzed the EU's contribution in enhancing Kenya's general elections integrity using three analytical objectives which are the main avenues through which EU supports Kenya‘s electoral democracy; civic education, technical and capacity building, and finally to examine key electoral stakeholder perceptions on EU‘s support. Informed by the Democratic Peace Theory, the study employed a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the EU's impact. Quantitative analysis involved a diverse sample of 384 individuals across nine strata, encompassing media, ORPP, JLAC, judiciary, political parties, IEBC, law enforcement, CSOs, and local observers. Qualitatively, 31 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) provided in-depth insights while quantitative data were collected using semi-structured survey questionnaire. To ensure the rigor of findings, multiple data sources were employed and tools underwent pre- testing. Each objective was pursued through both quantitative and qualitative means. Questionnaire data were subjected to simple descriptive statistics, while KII data were analyzed thematically. Study found that EU's role in civic education, revealed that 68% of respondents considered EU interventions highly effective in promoting voter education. KII data corroborated this, with CSOs highlighting the EU's crucial contribution to enhancing civic and political consciousness; it also indicated that 53% of respondents perceived EU‘s capacity building and technical support as highly necessary with CSOs and the IEBC echoing this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of EU capacity-building and technical support initiatives. However, only 33% of the respondents supported the views that EU‘s interventions can lead to free, fair and credible elections through technical and capacity building; in-depth interviews further revealed that EU‘s electoral assistance is not enough but what matters in the extent of ―political hygiene‖ within Kenya‘s body politick. Lastly, stakeholders' perceptions of EU contributions. While 66% of respondents believed that EU interventions significantly improved electoral integrity, KII insights provided a nuanced picture. CSOs and the IEBC displayed confidence in the EU's role, while political parties, ORPP, and law enforcement expressed skepticism. The findings shed light on the multifaceted dynamics of the EU's involvement in Kenya's elections. This study contributes to both academic discourse and policy debates. It deepens our understanding of the various dimensions of EU contributions and provides insights into Kenyan viewpoints, enriching debates surrounding the influence of external actors on democratic consolidation. However, the empirical findings also underscore the complexity of external interventions. While some stakeholders acknowledge the positive impact of EU assistance, divergent opinions among political parties and law enforcement reveal the intricate interplay between external assistance and domestic dynamics. This mirrors the Democratic Peace Theory's assertion that external actors' interests can shape domestic politics, though internal dynamics define the outcome of the interventions. The insights generated have far-reaching implications for theory, policy, and future research. They enhance our understanding of the interplay between external assistance and domestic context, informing policies that promote electoral integrity. Furthermore, the study provides a foundation for future research, urging scholars to delve deeper into the multifaceted dynamics of external actors' contributions to democratic consolidation.

Determinants of research uptake in the preparation of taxation Policy in Kisumu county, Kenya

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Determinants of research uptake in the preparation of taxation Policy in Kisumu county, Kenya AKEYO, Raphael Juma Taxation is important in mobilizing resources for governments. Efforts by County Government of Kisumu to enhance resource mobilization through taxation have had challenges of unmet revenue targets, unorganized tax system, and revenue leakages. Existing research shows that policy-makers use research evidence in limited circumstances in informing fiscal policy. Existing literature focuses on stakeholder engagements, the role of political actors, and research funding as the major factors influencing uptake of research evidence in policy making, with a knowledge lapse on the manner in which uptake of research evidence in policy making is affected by: categories of research evidence, communication of research outputs and knowledge of policy makers. The main objective of this study was to examine determinants of research uptake in preparation of taxation policy in Kisumu County. Specifically, it sought to examine how categorization of research evidence determines research uptake in preparation of taxation policy, how communication of research evidence affects uptake of research in preparation of taxation policy, and determine how knowledge of policy makers determines uptake of research evidence in preparation of taxation policy. The study used descriptive research design involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches guided by rational comprehensive theory of public policy. The study population was 225 staff from the County Government of Kisumu, consisting of 126 staff from County Department of Finance and 99 from County Assembly. Sample sizes of 95 and 16 were drawn using Krejice & Morgan (1970) sampling formulae and stratified random sampling respectively. The collection of data was undertaken through the use of semi-structured interviews from 95 respondents by use of questionnaires, key informant interviews on 5 respondents, 1 focused group discussion and secondary sources. The tools were pre-tested to ensure reliability. Triangulation and consultations with supervisors was done to ensure data validity. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) while qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis, where relevant codes were developed and systematically categorized to develop coherent themes. The study found low uptake of research evidence in taxation policy making in Kisumu County influenced by economic, socio-cultural and political categories of research evidence. Economic category of evidence is highly preferred (47.3%) followed by socio-cultural category of evidence (31.6%) and political category of evidence least utilized in taxation policy making (21.1%). Limited understanding and appreciation of role of research evidence in taxation policy by policy makers in Kisumu County was noted. The study found that social media tools such as WhatsApp are used in sharing research evidence amongst various stakeholders besides use of workshops and conferences thus enhancing uptake. Majority of taxation policy makers in Kisumu County do not have requisite skills on research and public policy formulation with 94.7% requiring training in order to enhance their knowledge and ability to interpret and uptake research evidence in taxation policy making. The study recommends sensitization of policy makers on categories of evidence, capacity building of policy makers on research methodologies, policy analysis and interpersonal skills as well as enhanced sharing of research evidence through contemporary internet communication tools.

Assessment of factors influencing inclusion of people with disabilities in county planning and budgeting: the case of Muhoroni sub-county, Kisumu county

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Assessment of factors influencing inclusion of people with disabilities in county planning and budgeting: the case of Muhoroni sub-county, Kisumu county MOHAMED, Ali Ibrahim In the 21st century, disability issues have gained prominence in discussions surrounding inclusive development. These concerns are not only evident in global development frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but have also been enshrined in national laws and policies worldwide. Despite these significant policy achievements, evidence still indicates that development processes often fail to truly address the needs of people with disabilities (PWDs), remaining inadequately sensitive to their unique requirements especially due to their non-inclusion into the process. In Kenya, the introduction of the devolved system of governance in 2013 aimed to bring policymaking and decision-making closer to PWDs, similar to other segments of the public. While numerous studies have examined public participation in various aspects of county governance processes, a lack of research specifically explores the extent of PWDs' engagement in county-level planning and budgeting processes. This study addresses this gap by focusing on the participation of PWDs in county planning and budgeting, particularly in rural areas – areas that often present challenges such as limited transportation and geographical detachment from town halls, where much public participation occurs, further environmentally discouraging PWDs involvement. The study's selected site, the Muhoroni sub-county, exemplifies these rural characteristics. The specific objectives of this research were as follows: to assess the level of awareness among rural-based PWDs regarding legal and policy documents concerned with planning and budgeting; to explore the structures employed to enhance participation of rural-based PWDs in county development processes; and to analyze the methods used to mobilize rural-based PWDs for participation in planning and budgeting processes. The study employed a mixed-methods research design and drew upon the Social Model Theory of Disability, which differentiates between impairment and disability, attributing the exclusion of PWDs to socially created barriers. The study population included 775 PWDs from the five wards of the Muhoroni sub-county from which a sample size of 30% was chosen and surveyed, as well as 19 key informants representing various levels of PWD organizations and policy-level actors purposively selected, and 5 FGDs with PWDs self-help groups from the five wards. Data collection utilized survey questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). The qualitative findings were subjected to qualitative thematic content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using SPSS v.20. The mixed-methods approach enhanced data triangulation for a comprehensive analysis. Findings showed low awareness of legal provisions. Inclusion structures exist but were perceived ineffective, inhibiting PWDs' participation, and finally, mobilization strategies yielded mixed success. Rural challenges constrained participation, including transportation and communication barriers. In conclusion, PWDs' participation in county planning and budgeting faced multifaceted challenges. Awareness, inclusion structure effectiveness, and mobilization emerged as critical issues. These findings underscored the need for targeted interventions to promote PWDs' inclusion and ensure equitable development. By addressing these findings, countries can foster a more inclusive society that values and integrates the perspectives of all citizens, regardless of ability, and contribute eventually to the global clarion call: “leaving no one behind”.

Assessment of police-community partnership in community policing initiatives in combating crime in Kisumu Central sub- County, Kenya

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Assessment of police-community partnership in community policing initiatives in combating crime in Kisumu Central sub- County, Kenya OTIENO, Pildas Odidi Community-oriented policing (COP) is no longer a ―quiet revolution‖ as Meese averred exactly 3 decades ago. Today, nearly every country has embedded COP principles into their policies and national police-related laws. In Kenya, this is reflected in the National Police Service Act (NPSA) 2011 and recently in a targeted regulatory piece – the Kenya COP Guideline/Booklet. One key goal is to bridge the divide between police and the community and create a partnership environment necessary for their engagement and proactive collaboration in policing. However, despite these policy and legal frameworks, crime and public disorder remain a significant challenge in Kisumu and the county is ranks way above national averages across many indicators of crime. Kisumu central bares a higher percentage of crime rate as compared to all other sub-counties as it hosts the city CBD, Kondele, Nyalenda, Obunga, and Manyatta slums all of which are categorized by the NCIC as hotspots for criminal activities. Consequently, this study investigated the assessment of police- community partnership in COP initiatives to combat crime in Kisumu Central sub-county, Kenya. Specific objectives examined the nature of community engagement in community policing policy and practice; assessed the extent of application of police-community collaborative problem-solving initiatives using a SARA model; and finally assessed the opportunities and challenges that underpin the implementation of COP in Kisumu Central sub-county. The study was guided by Systems Theory (von-Bertalanffy, 1972). An exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted, drawing respondents from each of the six administrative Wards. A sample size of 394 was drawn from the current population of Kisumu Central Sub-county based on the Fisher et al. (1991) formula. 18 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were with community members (6), police officers (6), and Community Policing Committee members (CPCM) (6). 16 Key Informant Interviews were held 2 with each of the 6 strata and an additional 4 with key community members, traditional leaders, youth representatives, and women representatives. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit knowledgeable actors in FGDs and KIIs while simple random sampling was employed to administer household surveys. Simple descriptive statistics helped analyze survey data while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed low levels of engagement across the five indicators used, low levels of collaboration in each other SARA model elements, and lastly that numerous challenges are responsible for this state of affairs. Together, findings revealed community perception that links lack of engagement and collaboration to be responsible for the perceived high rates of crime and disorder across the Sub-County. Fortunately, analysis shows that there are opportunities to turn the story around and make Kisumu Central Sub-County a better place to live. The study reveals the need for forging whole-of-government and whole-of-society mechanisms as well as a commitment by the Government of Kenya to walk her talks envisaged in the National Police Service Police Act 2011 by allocating resources to implement, monitor, and improve COP not only in Kisumu but across the country

Fiscal decentration and the enhancement of county own Source revenue: a study of the dynamics of implementation of Busia countycess act

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Fiscal decentration and the enhancement of county own Source revenue: a study of the dynamics of implementation of Busia countycess act OKEYO, Truphena The devolved system of government introduced in Kenya in 2013 ushered in fiscal decentralization, granting counties the autonomy to collect and manage their own-source revenues (OSR). Embedded in the Constitution and supported by legislations, OSR was further guided by a National OSR Policy formulated by the Government of Kenya through the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA). This policy aimed to streamline county OSR processes, becoming crucial for sustained service provision by county governments, particularly as an alternative financing source when the equitable share disbursement faces challenges. Despite these initiatives, the anticipated benefits of fiscal decentralization have not been uniformly realized. A prime example is Busia County, where a mere 20 percent of the projected OSR was in collected in 2022, significantly below the national average. This declining trend over five years triggered the need for an in-depth examination of the factors impacting OSR implementation, focusing on the Cess Act – a legislative tool governing the collection and administration of agricultural product revenues. Given Busia County's agrarian economy, this study sought to assess OSR Policy implementation within the framework of the Cess Act. The study pursued three specific objectives: firstly, to scrutinize the legal and policy frameworks shaping the enactment of the Cess Act for agricultural produce collection within Busia County Government; secondly, to dissect the obstacles impeding effective administration and collection under the Cess Act in the county; and lastly, to evaluate the efficacy of the collection and administration strategies outlined by the Cess Act. Through a mixed-method approach, this research engaged diverse stakeholders engaged in agricultural revenue processes, spanning taxpayers to tax officers. Stratified into three tiers, these actors formed the analytical unit, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of challenges and dynamics. Data collection encompassed document analysis of pertinent county and national reports, quantitative data from semi-structured questionnaires, and qualitative insights from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Study sample population encompassed 461 based on Fischer et al. 1998 adjusted 20% upwards to cater for unforeseen limitations to participation. The findings offered valuable insights into Busia County's OSR landscape. They uncovered legal and policy gaps, and operational challenges that hindered effective Cess collection and administration. Beyond the empirical results, the study's theoretical underpinning of fiscal decentralization shed light on the intricate interplay between policy intent and on-ground hurdles. In conclusion, this study's inquiry into OSR Policy implementation through the Cess Act within Busia County illuminates the intricacies of revenue collection and administration. It bridges the gap between policy aspirations and implementation realities, enriching the understanding of fiscal decentralization dynamics in the Kenyan context. The study underscores the urgency for coherent legal frameworks, efficient strategies, and meaningful stakeholder engagement to advance sustainable county development.

Influence of free maternity delivery policy on safe Motherhood in Mandera county, Kenya

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of free maternity delivery policy on safe Motherhood in Mandera county, Kenya KASSIM, Haji Abdinoor More than half a million women die globally from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. In Kenya maternal deaths are 488/100000 live births. Since maternity fee exemption policy is enhances the utilisation of skilled birth attendants and reduction of maternal mortality, it was introduced in Kenya in 2013 in line the Sustainable Development Goals. Unfortunately, despite the free maternity policy in Kenya, Mandera County continues to exhibit very worrying maternal health indicators with maternal mortality ratio of 3795/100,000 live birth and low skilled delivery of 38%. This trend requires empirical analysis into the dynamics of the implementation of this innovative policy. Such policy relevant study is critical to provide evidence for decision- making, policy reforms and to inform ongoing programs as well as academic debates. Against this backdrop, this study evaluated the effect of free maternity delivery policy on safe motherhood in Mandera County. Specific objectives of the study examined factors that influence implementation of free maternity policy, determining factors that influence utilization of free maternity policy and analyzed trends in the utilization of skilled delivery since the inception of the policy in Mandera County. Guided by the Donabedian‘s SPO framework used to evaluate the quality of medical care (Donabedian, 1966. The study adopted correlation study design. Study population was 38,978 women who delivered during the implementation of free maternity policy and 150 health care-workers who are implementing the policy. Sample size of 340 households was determined using the Cochran formula (1977). Employing systematic, simple random, proportionate and multi-stage sampling techniques to execute quantitative aspects of the study, 340 mothers and 67 health workers from 9 health facilities in the sampled area were recruited to fill the tailored structured questionnaires. Qualitatively, Focus Group interview schedules (FGDs) interview schedules were used to guide 3 FGDs among the mothers, while key informant interview schedule was used to collect data from 9 health facility in-charges. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted on quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Data was presented through narratives, charts, figures and frequency tables. The main finding of this study is that while the free maternity policy is a key innovation toward reducing maternal and child mortality and associated problems, the extent of its implementation is dependent on the circumstances sounding beneficiaries and implementers. Specifically, the study found that access and utility of skilled delivery exhibited a positive trend during the period of implementation of free maternity policy; however, qualitatively, the outcome cannot be said to be positive since factors including attitudes of service providers, user fees charged, distance to the health facility, impeded implementation and utilisation of the policy. This study recommends that the policy should be implemented with a focus on contextual determinants of its success in an area like Mandera County. This can be through incremental adjustment to the policy to address the broader aspect of continuum of care for safe motherhood, institutional factors that affect implementation and social-cultural and economic factors that influence utilisation.

The national government affirmative action fund and youth Employability: a comparative study of Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties, 2017-2022

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The national government affirmative action fund and youth Employability: a comparative study of Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties, 2017-2022 MBOHA, Oloo Joseph The global youth demographic bulge presents a pressing challenge that requires strategic public policy interventions. Projections indicate that the current youth population, as defined by the United Nations, will increase from 1.2 billion to 1.3 billion by 2030. Concerns arise among academics and policymakers regarding the unpreparedness of the world, particularly sub-Saharan African countries, to harness this impending demographic surge into a demographic dividend. Policymakers acknowledge that sustained job creation offers the most viable path toward realizing this goal. This study investigates the impact of innovative public policy interventions, specifically implemented under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), on the employability of youth beneficiaries from 2017 to 2022 in Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties. The research specifically examines the influence of various skill sets supported by NGAAF on youth employability, assesses the impact of post-skills acquisition support on youth employability, and scrutinizes the challenges faced by the program in these two counties. Guided by the Social Partners Model and the theory of self-employment, data collection and analysis were structured. Employing a comparative case study design to appraise county-specific experiences, the study involved 29 key informants from NGAAF Management, industry experts/institutions, and National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) centers, as well as 680 beneficiaries of NGAAF training opportunities. The sample size comprised 381 (56% of total: 680) participants, with 157 from Kisumu and 224 from Homa Bay, determined using a formula that gave a sample size whose responses could be generalized. Data were collected through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) for qualitative data and semi-structured questionnaires for quantitative data. Simple descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were employed to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Triangulation of data from both sources revealed areas of convergence and divergence within each thematic area corresponding to the study's objectives. The findings highlight that the impact of youth empowerment interventions hinges on the skill sets supported, with graduates of quick-service, short-term courses demonstrating higher employability rates compared to their counterparts from long-term technical programs. Additionally, providing post-training support to youth enhances their employability by reducing the time taken to secure employment after graduation. Together both skill-sets and post-training support helped graduate seek employment; underscoring the value of solid practical vocational training as opposed to theory-based education. However, youth empowerment programs face a myriad of challenges, both structural and non-structural, necessitating a collaborative social partners approach to address these obstacles and establish sustainable momentum for reducing youth unemployment through employability-based empowerment initiatives. This study underscores the importance of allowing beneficiaries to choose courses aligned with their preferences, formalizing post-training support, and developing strategies to address contextual factors and policy issues. These include design considerations, stakeholder analysis and involvement, financing, and addressing beneficiary-specific limitations. Ultimately, the research contributes new insights to policy and academic discourse, emphasizing the significance of skill sets, post-training support, and the challenges inherent in these processes. The empirical evidence presented here shifts the ongoing policy dialogue from unemployment – as an ambiguous concept - to a more focused debate trajectories to youth employability.

Effects of devolution on the road sector and livelihoods in Kisii County, Kenya

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of devolution on the road sector and livelihoods in Kisii County, Kenya NYAGWOKA, Alfred Moreka After a successful general election on 9th March 2013, Kenyans launched a devolved system of governance that was brought about by the new Constitution, in 2010. The constitution established two levels of government namely, National and 47 county governments. These governments have specific statutory functions stipulated in the Fourth Schedule of the constitution. From the devolved functions, Kisii County Government identified road transport as a major stimulator of economic development, therefore prioritizing road development by allocating a considerable budget towards improving road accessibility. The available reports show that within the first four years of devolution, the Kisii County Government had opened and improved 1,850 kilometers of County roads. However, the source of these evidence has not been verified by empirical studies to confirm their veracity. The study sought to establish the effect of devolution on the road sector and livelihoods in Kisii County. Specifically, the study sought to find out how devolution had improved road accessibility in Kisii County since the start of devolution in 2013, determine how improved road accessibility affects the livelihoods of Kisii residents, and assess the level of public satisfaction with improved road accessibility. This study was anchored in the souffle theory of decentralization (Andrew Parker, 1995) and Principal - agency Theory. Parker (1995) contends that the three components of devolution must complement one another for there to be a responsive local government that will ensure effective, efficient, and sustainable service delivery besides maintaining fiscal discipline. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design, where the target population was 585,712 adults aged 20 years and above. A sample size of 204 respondents was derived using Yamane (1967). Multi stage sampling, systematic sampling, probability proportional to size sampling, and purposive sampling methods were also used to select respondents. The study employed semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, non-participant observation, and focus group discussions to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using the content analysis technique supported by verbatim quotations. The study findings revealed that devolution contributed greatly to improved road accessibility. The study also established that road accessibility had a significant effect on people’s livelihoods. The study further established that the level of public satisfaction was low with regards to roads development programs. The study concluded that devolution not only improved road accessibility in Kisii County but also significantly improved the resident’s livelihoods, whereas, on the low level of public satisfaction, the study concludes that public involvement in decision making is critical in development. The study, therefore, recommended the review of the existing national integrated road policy with a view to transfer all access roads to county governments to minimize overlapping functions between governments, address road management in counties and ensure; effective, efficient and sustainable development in the road sector and people’s livelihoods. Similarly, the study recommended for systematized and inclusive training programs aimed at sensitizing the public on the role of devolution and the need for their active involvement in governance.

The influence of caregivers’ formal and nutrition literacy levels on health care of children born to adolescent girls in Ndhiwa sub county, Homa Bay county

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The influence of caregivers’ formal and nutrition literacy levels on health care of children born to adolescent girls in Ndhiwa sub county, Homa Bay county MUSEMBI, Teresia Yula Child deaths have been a serious health challenge in Kenya and this is attributable to poor nutrition and frequent bouts of illness in children. Despite government efforts to curb this menace, data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2014) revealed that deaths among children aged 5 and below are still in elevation at 74 cases for every 1000 live deliveries compared to the expected standard of 25 cases for every 1000 live deliveries as per Sustainable Development Goal number 3. Previous studies associated these deaths to preventable diseases while giving little focus on the role of caregivers in lessening the worst effects of these illnesses. The current study thus analyzed the influence of caregivers’ formal and nutrition literacy levels on healthcare of children born to adolescent girls in Homa Bay County. Specifically, the study examined how caregivers’ formal and nutrition literacy influences feeding practices among children born to adolescent girls, how their literacy influences access to health services among children born to adolescent girls and to explain how these literacy levels influence engagement in playing activities with the under-fives. These aspects are flagged in the National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Policy, 2013. The study was conducted in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County which is amongst areas with high child mortality and teenage pregnancy cases. The study was anchored on descriptive design and correlational design allowing for a mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative data. It was guided by Ecological Systems Theory which suggests that the microsystem: the closest surrounding a child lives in, has a great impact to their overall growth. In a study population of 1470 caregivers and 497 Community Health Volunteers various data collection techniques were used in collecting both Quantitative and Qualitative data. Using Yamane’s formula, applicable for a finite population, 204 caregivers were systematically sampled for responses. The researcher used the principle of maximum variation to conduct interviews with as many Community Health Volunteers as possible until they reached a point of saturation. Primary information was acquired through Questionnaires, Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and Observation whereas Secondary information was obtained from government documents, journals and books. Descriptive statistics was utilized in analyzing quantitative data from questionnaires. Regression analysis and Chi square tests were used to identify the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Statistical significance was established using a p-value of <0.05. The study used frequency tables, percentages and charts to summarise data. Qualitative data collected through interviews and focus group discussions was analyzed through coding, where themes were generated to capture the original content of the data. The findings of the study revealed an existence of a significant association between caregivers’ formal and nutrition literacy and feeding practices where p-value was 0.000, less than alpha, 0.05. It was also established that formal and nutrition literacy is significantly associated with good health seeking practices of caregivers since these two forms of literacy help them improve their health seeking behavior. Finally, the findings from the Chi square tests on caregivers’ formal and nutrition literacy versus engagement in playing activities with the under-fives showed p-value to be 0.000 which confirms existence of a significant relationship between these variables. In order to improve on the adopted policies including the National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Policy (2013) and the Kenya Health Policy 2014-2030, the study recommends that the government enhances the provision of education for girls. This can be achieved through strengthening the implementation of the Kenya School Health Policy, 2018. Acquiring education will equip them with good child care practices during motherhood and have the capability to make the right decisions for their children.