EARLY WARNING SYSTEM AND DROUGHT RESPONSE IN KENYA. A CASE STUDY OF BARINGO COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Abstract

Baringo County, Kenya, grapples with the profound challenges presented by recurrent drought, which threatens water resources, agricultural productivity, food security, and socio-economic stability. The main focus of this study was to assess the drought early warning information system on effective response in Baringo County Government, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine the effect of monitoring and early warning, preparedness and planning, response and mitigation, recovery and rehabilitation and evaluation and learning on effective drought response by Baringo County Government, Kenya. This study was guided by diffusion of innovation theory, resource dependence theory, contingency theory and organizational learning theory. This study used a cross-sectional survey design. This study targeted 59 officials from Directorate of Disaster Management in Baringo County Government. Census sampling technique was adopted. Therefore, the sample size for the study was 59 respondents. Data was collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Piloting was done on 5 individuals representing 10% of study sample and was selected randomly from the target population and excluded from the final study. The data collected from the pilot group was used to test for validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Data obtained from the field was coded, cleaned, and entered into the computer for analysis using the SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistical included frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistical analysis used was multiple regression and correlation analysis. The significant of each independent variable was tested at a confidence level of 95%. The study's findings, based on the beta coefficients from the multiple regression analysis, revealed that monitoring and early warning (β = 0.189, p < 0.05), preparedness and planning (β = 0.218, p < 0.05), response and mitigation (β = 0.156, p < 0.05), recovery and rehabilitation (β = 0.279, p < 0.05), and evaluation and learning (β = 0.303, p < 0.05) all positively and significantly influence the effectiveness of drought response by Baringo County Government, Kenya. It is concluded that Baringo County's drought management can be significantly improved by enhancing each of these areas. The study recommends that the county invest in advanced monitoring technologies, regularly update response plans with stakeholder input, integrate traditional and modern response techniques, prioritize sustainable recovery initiatives, and establish strong feedback and knowledge-sharing mechanisms.