http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/214 2026-04-05T21:08:02Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2011 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS SOCIO-INCENTIVE TOOL IN THE CONSERVATION OF FOREST: INSIGHTS FROM UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA Kiptum, Andrew Rutto Community participation is an emerging socio-incentive tool needed to be inculcated in resource management; however, the influencing effect for households to participate is understudied. Therefore, this study sought to determine possible influencing level of participation in forests resources management, and to examine determinants that either support or constraints participation. Structured questionnaire was administered to 234 rural households in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, while multi-stage and systematic random sampling was employed as sampling procedure. Expressed WTP values from hypothetical market scenarios on either presence or inexistence of participation were used to determine its influence, while determinants of public participation were analysed using OLS regression model. Additionally, Logit model was used to analyse the probability of influence of each selected variable in this study. Results showed that participation is an incentive that could contribute to about 60% of WTP value for the management of forests. Again, OLS regression results revealed that variable of education level (t = 1.052, p< 0.1) and households income (t = 0.2.694, p< 0.05) supports participation, and variable of family size (t = – 0.121, p< 0.01) impedes participation, while their probability to influence was at 55.7%, 57.0% and 49.3%, respectively. These findings point the need to contextualise education level, income and family size of the population when formulating participation policies and programs by the forests conservation authorities. However, significance of random factor (t = 27.094, p< 0.001), with its probability to influence at 73.0%, explains existence of unobserved variables that influences participation suggest the need for further investigation on variables beyond the scope of this study. The implication of this finding informs resource managers to identify and adopt an implementation mechanism that considers critical demographic factors that enhances forests conservation to sustain forests stock flow of consumable products to the communities. 2023-07-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1971 Dam Sites Identification using Multi-Criteria Analysis and Spatial Weighted Overlay. The Case of Kapseret Sub-County, Kenya Biwott, Gladys Chelagat; et al. Water shortage is a common phenomenon in many parts of Kenya in the dry season, including the Kapseret Sub-County. However, water harvesting has seldom been practised, despite its high potential to alleviate water shortages in the dry season. This is largely influenced by a lack of access to dams and pans. The objective of this study was to identify potential dam sites for water harvesting in Kapseret Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Multiple criteria analysis and weighted overlay were performed on ArcGIS to map suitable sites for the location of dams. The multiple criteria considered in site suitability analysis were land use and land cover (LULC), slope, and proximity to streams, institutions, roads, and airports. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 30 m resolution was downloaded from the USGS website and used to process stream network, slope, and contours. Landsat 8 satellite imagery taken on January 2022 were downloaded from the USGS website and used to generate LULC data. It was established that the Kapseret basin has moderate to highly suitable zones for dam siting, covering 74.66% of the area with only 25.34% of the land being unsuitable. Further analysis using contours identified four potential dam sites with a combined capacity of 3,436,500 m3. The study concluded that the potential for water harvesting is high in the area as significant portions of the land are generally suitable for dam siting. It was recommended that action be taken by the county and other stakeholders to develop dams in suitable zones so as to increase access to water, particularly in the dry season when there are shortages. 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1968 Making Kenyan Urban Transportation System Smart: The Case of Eldoret Municipality Cheboi, J. K.; et al. Transportation systems are the fundamental to the economic prosperity of any nation. Nonetheless, transportation itself more so the use of automobiles has unintended negative environmental impacts that threaten the very existence of humanity through production of green house gases leading to climate change. Other negative impacts of transportation include compromise of human safety through traffic accidents causing injury and even deaths. This study sought to establish urban mobility patterns within Eldoret Municipality as a means to establish a green transportation planning. Traffic modal split was measured at different Gordon points on the major routes traversing through Eldoret Municipality. Findings illustrates that transportation in Eldoret municipality is unsustainable. There is heavy use of automobiles as compared to greener options such as cycling and walking. The study concludes that in order to achieve green urban transportation system there is need for an integrated approach in the implementation of transportation policy. Provision of feasible and convenient alternatives to car use, provision of high-quality public transportation systems as well as secure and opportune walking and cycling facilities have been recommended as opportunities for making urban transport green in Eldoret Municipality. 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1961 Making Kenyan Urban Transportation System Smart: The Case of Eldoret Municipality Cheboi, J. K.; et al. Transportation systems are the fundamental to the economic prosperity of any nation. Nonetheless, transportation itself more so the use of automobiles has unintended negative environmental impacts that threaten the very existence of humanity through production of green house gases leading to climate change. Other negative impacts of transportation include compromise of human safety through traffic accidents causing injury and even deaths. This study sought to establish urban mobility patterns within Eldoret Municipality as a means to establish a green transportation planning. Traffic modal split was measured at different Gordon points on the major routes traversing through Eldoret Municipality. Findings illustrates that transportation in Eldoret municipality is unsustainable. There is heavy use of automobiles as compared to greener options such as cycling and walking. The study concludes that in order to achieve green urban transportation system there is need for an integrated approach in the implementation of transportation policy. Provision of feasible and convenient alternatives to car use, provision of high-quality public transportation systems as well as secure and opportune walking and cycling facilities have been recommended as opportunities for making urban transport green in Eldoret Municipality. 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1827 Self-Image and Green Buying Intentions among University Students: The Role of Environmental Concern and Social Influence Simiyu, Gabriel; Kariuki, Valentine The current study presents a research model that elucidates the mechanism through which self-image influences green buying intentions among university students. Little is known about these mechanisms as well as the circumstances under which any such effects are strengthened or weakened. This study attempted to fill this void by investigating how environmental concern serves as an explanatory mechanism for the relationship between self- image and green buying intention, with social influence moder- ating this relationship. Based on survey data from 384 university students, environmental concern mediated the impact of self- image on green buying intention, and social influence had a conditional effect on self-image, environmental concern, and green buying intention. The findings also indicate that social influence moderated the indirect effect of self-image on green buying intention through environmental concern, with the indir- ect effect being stronger when social influence was low versus when it was high. These results add to the body of knowledge and provide new insights into theory and practice. The practical implications and future research directions are also discussed. 2023-03-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1709 Landslide Occurrences in Kittony Area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya Aseta, Ayieko, J.; Ochieng, Richard Landslides and other forms of ground failure affect communities all across the nation. Despite advances in science and technology, these events continue to result in human suffering, billions of dollars in property losses, and environmental degradation. As the population increases and the society becomes ever more complex, the economic and societal costs of landslides and other mass wasting processes will continue to rise. The objective of the study was to establish the types of landslides prevalent in Kittony area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The study population comprised of 2000 residents of Kittony Area in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Five members of the local administration, and a County Geologist. The sample size consisted of the following respondents: two hundred and forty six residents of Kittony area, the local chief of Kittony area and a County Geologist. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized a qualitative research methodology. The systems theory was used to underpin the study and a conceptual framework showing the interrelationship between the dependent and independent variables was used to guide and conceptualize the study. The findings of the study included the types of landslides that exist in the area. 2016-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1328 Optimizing community participation in the management of Yala Wetland Ecosystem, Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya: The Yala Hub Framework Odero., Douglas O.; Odenyo, Victor A. O. Wetlands are one of the world’s most important environmental assets which experience complex challenges. Wetlands’ sustainability requires meaningful participation of the riparian communities in their management, yet this remains a challenge. Yala Wetland is a very important resource whose key challenges revolve around land and water resource use for competing interests and from catchment degradation. Consequently, action research was conducted to assess level and effectiveness of Yala Wetland community participation in Yala Strategic Environmental Assessment and Land Use Plan processes. The Spectrum Model revealed wetland communities participation in SEA/LUP processes was at Inform (17%) and Consult (83%) levels while the measure of effectiveness on 10 indicators was poor (20%) and unsatisfactory (80) thus not meaningful and effective. Consequently, Yala Hub Framework was developed to improve community participation, occasioning significant improvements in the final Yala LUP (consult 80% and collaborate 20%) and effectiveness moved to satisfactory and good. The Yala Hub also led to a community- led governance framework and an equitable benefit sharing mechanism of wetland resources. Thus, effective community participation determines and influences effective implementation of decisions made and that increased participation will eventually increase the effectiveness of community development. 2021-11-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1327 Assessing community participation in the strategic environmental assessment and land use plan of Yala Wetland ecosystem, Lake Victoria, Kenya Odero, Douglas O.; Odenyo, Victor A. O. Effective community participation in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Land Use Planning (LUP) is key to wetlands’ sustainable management. Yala Wetland key challenges of land and water resource use for competing interests prompted Siaya and Busia County Governments to initiate preparation a LUP/SEA to resolve these and enable it to sustainably support local residents’ livelihoods and protect its ecological integrity. A LUP/SEA Framework with Yala Project Advisory Committee for local communities guided the planning process and implementation. Concurrently, an action research was conducted to assess community participation, identify the local communities’ key environmental issues, and incorporate them in the SEA/LUP outcomes. Research data came from 410 respondents from 60 local community groups, 34 key informant interviews; 187 students and satellite images. The study revealed that the utilization of Yala resources had been partly informed by how the wetland communities perceive its formation, communities managed the wetland ecosystem using various indigenous knowledge systems that promoted wise utilization and concern for the other users, satellite images analysis corroborated some communities’ findings, absence of community sensitive governance structures in wetland’s management. The study integrated local communities’ vast knowledge and planning information in the final LUP and facilitated formation of Yala Swamp Management Committee with communities at the centre of conservation. Therefore, improvements to sustainably manage Yala wetland ecosystem has to embed community participation in all stages from planning, implementation to evaluation. These missing pieces have since been incorporated in the final Yala LUP and Indigenous Community Conservation Area Management Plan 2019-2029. 2021-03-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1325 Challenges Faced in Implementing Poverty Reduction Strategies and Development of Pro-Poor Urban Poverty Reduction Strategy Model in Eldoret Town, Kenya Kipkemei, Felix B.; Cheserek, Grace Poverty is the state of being inferior in quality or insufficient in amount, on the basis of social, economic and political aspects. There are different ways to identify the types of Poverty which include Absolute, Relative, Situational, Generational, Rural and Urban Poverty. A study to assess urban poverty in Kenya estimated the percentage of urban poverty in Eldoret town at 35.5% with a population of 79.9% and 20.1% living in core urban and peri-urban respectively. World bank estimates that the pace of poverty reduction in Kenya is only at 1% per a year. At such a pace, poverty eradication can only be a dream. On Sustainable Development Goals of eliminating poverty, Kenya has a similar goal through vision 2030 to have poverty reduced to lower levels. The objectives of this study were to establish the challenges facing implementation of National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG- CDF), Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and to develop a pro-poor urban poverty reduction strategy model. The major significance of this study was to highlight on pro-poor poverty reduction methodology by developing a pro-poor poverty reduction strategy model to inform policy. Literature review was done to establish facts as they are in other countries. The descriptive research design was adopted for this study to describe the situation on challenges faced in implementing poverty reduction strategies. Fischer’s formula was used to get a sample size of 273 respondents who formed government officials and household heads of low-income estates of Yamumbi and Msikiti localities in Langas estate, Mwitiriria and Bahati in Munyaka estate, and Kambi Teso and Bondeni in Kamukunji estate. This study targeted two major groups of persons: those in governance like in institutions e.g., hospitals, county government offices and schools formed key informants. The Key informants chosen gave specific information about the challenges faced in implementing NG- CDF, OPCT and NHIF as well as various ways to develop a pro-poor urban poverty reduction strategy model. The study used cluster sampling for 200 household heads in the three low-income estates, snowball sampling techniques to identify 58 respondents from beneficiaries of OPCT and purposive sampling technique to obtain data from 15 key informants. Questionnaires as well as interview schedules were employed to collect data. Pilot testing was carried out to check for reliability and validity of the tools. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data where chi square tests were carried out on the variable items to show the significance differences in the results. A proportion of (63.24%) of the respondents comprised of females. 83.27% of the respondents had formal education. Unemployed respondents constituted the highest percentage (86.40%). Those who owned the houses they lived in were (45.05%). The study revealed that the county government of Uasin Gishu had various strategies to reduce poverty such as NHIF (13%), Mama na kuku programme (18.2 %) kijana na acre programme (9.1%), Beyond Zero initiative (13%), water kiosks (4%) among others with a significance difference (χ2 = 21.23, d. f.=8, P = 0.0066). Respondents indicated that there were challenges that faced implementation of poverty reduction strategies in Eldoret town that included insufficient allocation of funds (45.0%) and misappropriation and corruption of public funds (25.0%). Some of identified urban poor coping strategies included use of microfinancing (76.5%) and use of seminars for education purposes with a significance difference (χ2 = 86.67, df=2, P< 0.0001). Respondents had the opinion that setting up dispensaries in every estate would be effective as poverty reduction strategy. The study came up with proposed pro-poor poverty Reduction strategy model with the following levels: The NHIF, OPCT, and the CDF levels. Challenges that would face the model would be decreasing profit margins for health insurance companies because they must now manage healthcare costs for people with pre-existing medical conditions and cover the entire costs of preventive services. In conclusion, the NHIF, the OPCT and the NG -CDF should be managed well by ensuring proper funding and enhanced transparency for reasons of accountability in order to bring significant change in the lifestyles of the urban poor measured by the changes in Social Economic Status’ indicators (SES) such as education, health facilities, security and empowerment. The study recommends that OPCT should be remitted every month consistently and money set aside should be enough to cater for poor person’s needs. The OPCT and NHIF of older people should be integrated to cater for monthly premiums due for NHIF cover. The CDF should focus on matters outside schools as well. The NHIF board should review its remittance policy so that unemployed and poor people should be given highly subsidized or even free treatment for whatever ailment they suffer from. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1289 High Altitude as an Environmental Economic Good: Estimating Its Economic Value Using Willingness to Incur Costs by Athletes Misoi, Silah; Kiptum, Andrew High altitude training provides acclimatization to athletes by enhancing endurance; however, this environmental service has remained unaccounted and un-priced. Therefore, this study sought to estimate economic value of high altitude services to athletes using travel cost valuation approach. This study was carried out at Iten Township in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. Systematic simple random sampling technique was used in administering 223 structured questionnaires to respondents. Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version-20) were used for data analysis. Findings from the study showed that athletes incurred estimated cost of about $9.59 per day to train at high altitude, while high altitude attributes such as experience, safety and altitude acclimatization were highly ranked as motivating factors by athletes to train in the study area. Results from statistical tests revealed that experience, age of athletes, safety and altitude effects were significantly difference in influencing athletes’ willingness to incur extra cost for altitude acclimatization. Analysis from logit model showed that experience, age of athletes, safety and altitude effects had high probability to influence athletes to train at high altitude areas. However, stochastic variable in the model showed significant difference in influencing willingness to incur cost by athletes while training at high altitude. This error term explains unobserved variables in the model which were beyond the scope of this study. In conclusion athletes are willing to incur travelling and living costs to train at high altitude areas in order to gain incremental altitude training effects as affirmed by bootstrap hypothesis testing results. Significant of this study will inform policy and decision makers on critical information while they develop sustainable infrastructure, legislation and policies for sports industry. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z