Browsing by Author "Ithara, Mary Anne Muthoni"

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    Perceptions of Flood Risks among Users of Hells Gate National Park, Nakuru County, Kenya for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness and Management
    (International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 2024-10-22) Ithara, Mary Anne Muthoni; Ming’ate, Felix Lamech Mogambi
    Flooding is a significant natural hazard, particularly in regions like Hell's Gate National Park in Nakuru County, Kenya, where the park's steep gorges and proximity to water bodies heighten flood risks during rainy seasons. This study investigates the perceptions of flood risk among park users, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preparedness in flood management strategies. Utilizing a descriptive research design, data were collected from 125 respondents, including 112 park users and key informants from relevant institutions. The results indicate that while 98.2% of park users are aware of flooding, only 20.5% have directly experienced a flood event within the park. The study reveals significant preparedness gaps, with only 36.6% of respondents aware of evacuation routes and 59.8% knowledgeable about designated safe areas. Furthermore, 74.1% of participants expressed concerns about the reliability of current warning systems. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted educational campaigns to address these gaps, focusing on the severe consequences of flooding, such as potential loss of life and environmental damage, to enhance risk perception and motivate proactive behaviour. The findings suggest that improving communication systems, increasing awareness of evacuation procedures, and fostering community engagement are crucial steps toward bolstering flood preparedness and resilience among park users. The research contributes valuable insights into the broader understanding of disaster management in recreational areas, with implications for similar settings globally.
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    Preparedness and Response to Flooding Risks by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park, Nakuru County, Kenya
    (EANSO, 2024-10) Ithara, Mary Anne Muthoni; Ming’ate, Felix Lamech Mogambi
    Floods are short-lived events that occur abruptly with little to no warning and are among the most dangerous disasters relating to weather due to the hazardous conditions caused for people, the destruction of property and the loss of life as well. Thus, minimizing flooding impacts timely and passing accurate information is critical in flood preparedness and response. Previous studies have focused on the probability of floods occurring and their magnitude, therefore leaving a knowledge gap on preparedness and response to flooding risks in national parks by government agencies in Kenya. Hell’s Gate National Park experiences significant flash flooding; therefore, it provided a good venue to study the levels of preparation and response mechanisms available in Kenyan national parks. The objectives of the study were to understand the level of preparedness and mechanisms to respond to flooding events by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park. The study was guided by a descriptive research design which involved collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 118 park users and other key informants. The study found that the Kenya Wildlife Service plays a crucial role in flood preparedness and response, but there is room for improvement in early warning systems, hazard map distribution, and user education because only 36.6% of the respondents were aware of escape routes to be used during floods. In terms of recommendations, the study found that it is crucial to enhance the existing flood preparedness and response mechanisms within the park including investing in advanced technology for early warning systems, conducting regular drills, and fostering community engagement and partnerships, continuous improvement of flood preparedness and response plans, along with a robust communication strategy.