EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ENFORCEMENT STRUCTURES IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

FRANCIS LOPEYOK CHARLES LENANTIRI; WILSON MUNA

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v6i1.327

FRANCIS LOPEYOK CHARLES LENANTIRI Student, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
WILSON MUNA, PhD Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v6i1.327

Keywords: Community enforcement structures, Biodiversity Conservation, Laikipia County in Kenya

Abstract

Local communities and biodiversity conservation are closely interconnected. While community enforcement structures play an integral role in ensuring compliance, safeguarding and monitoring illegal activities that are detrimental to natural ecosystems, limited attention has been drawn in research particularly on their effectiveness in the broader conservation frameworks. This study examined the effects of enforcement structures on biodiversity conservation in the context of Laikipia County in Kenya. Stakeholder theory and sustainability theory anchored the study. Descriptive survey was used to guide the data collection and analysis. The study targeted a population of 2,035 consisting of 6 Government Environment Officers, 29 managers of conservancies and 2,000 community land representatives in Laikipia County, Kenya. Sample size of 327 was obtained through Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table of sample determination. Structured questionnaires, interviews and observation guide were data collection instruments. Pilot-testing of the instruments was conducted in Samburu County to a sample size of 33. Reliability of the instruments was determined through split-half method. Data was analyzed through content analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearsons’s correlation and regression analysis. F statistical test was used in testing hypothesis at 95% confidence interval. It was revealed that enforcement structures had strong positive relationship with biodiversity conservation in Laikipia County (r=0.75) and accounted for 56% variation in the conservation of biodiversity in Laikipia County (R-Square=0.56). Government was recommended to institute relevant policies that will build the capacity of local enforcement teams through training and resource allocation so as to strengthen their effectiveness in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Author Biographies

FRANCIS LOPEYOK CHARLES LENANTIRI, Student, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Student, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

WILSON MUNA, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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