PHD-Department of History, Archaeology and Political Studies

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Browsing PHD-Department of History, Archaeology and Political Studies by Subject "Civil Society"

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    Civil Society and Socioeconomic Development of Isiolo County, Kenya 1963-2015
    (Kenyatta University, 2023) Makhanu, Agatha; Joseph Wasonga; Edwin Gimode
    Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) generally have been promoted by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and the international donor community in the developing countries from the early 1980s because of the assumption that they might help resolve the socioeconomic crisis. This study interrogates the role of International Civil Society Organizations (ICSOs) in socioeconomic advancement of Isiolo County in Kenya between 1963 and 2015. The objectives of this study were to evaluate Kenya’s socioeconomic policies in relation to Isiolo County from 1963-2015, to assess operations of ICSOs in Isiolo County from 1963 to 2015 and to propose a developmental framework that can synergize roles of both the state and CSOs for sustainable socioeconomic development in Isiolo County. The study used the Developmental State theory and the Social Exclusion theory to discuss the research findings. This study was premised on the assumption that state-led policies contributed to the marginalization of Isiolo County. This in turn led to the proliferation of developmental CSOs as the main engine of socioeconomic development because of the need of the locals. The study justification was based on the argument that although funding for CSO programs has increased alongside their explosion, effect of their work has remained marginal. Again, focus on socioeconomic development enables people to live long and meaningful lives. Therefore, an empirical study to explore the policies and practices of CSOs championing socioeconomic development in Isiolo County examines efforts made so far and identifies challenges. The significance of this study is to demonstrate that inequality and poverty are structural issues, which CSOs on their own cannot resolve without involving the state. This study used a descriptive and exploratory methodological design. It employed primary and secondary sources of data. Snowball and purposeful non-probability sampling approaches were utilized. To find ICSO officials involved in socioeconomic development, snowball and purposeful selection were used. Beneficiaries of ICSO programs and Key Informants were found using purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with ICSO representatives, while a semi structured questionnaire was administered on Focused Group Discussions (FGD). Both open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The study respondents were 298 in total. The researcher observed the necessary ethical considerations. In terms of findings, this study revealed that the Kenyan state had developed several policies to address marginalization in Isiolo County. Some policies applied to the entire country, while others were tailor-made to suit the unique ASAL biophysical features. However, some entrenched marginalization, while some were unsuccessful. The ICSOs therefore came in to mitigate the circumstances and have contributed to socioeconomic development of Isiolo County. Despite their large and prolonged presence, socioeconomic indicators remain low compared to other regions in the country. Also, the current complementarity strategies, where the state and CSOs are engaged in different approaches to socioeconomic development have not borne fruit. Therefore, this study advocates for state-CSO collaboration as the way forward in addressing socioeconomic transformation in Isiolo County sustainably.