Socio-Demographic Factors and Implementation of Gender Mainstreaming in Kajiado County, Kenya
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Date
0024-04
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Gender mainstreaming focuses on gender equality by emphasising that women's and
men's problems, interests and viewpoints are taken into account during policymaking.
Locally, there is limited exploration of the socio-demographic factors and
implementation of gender mainstreaming. In Kajiado County, gender inequality is a
persistent challenge with several concerning manifestations. They include high rates of
sexual violence against women, a high prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM),
high rates of adolescent pregnancies and early marriages, low rates of girls transitioning
to secondary and tertiary education, limited access to land ownership for women,
limited economic empowerment opportunities, and a lack of women's participation in
family planning decisions. This study examined socio-demographic factors and the
implementation of gender mainstreaming in Kenya's Kajiado County Government. The
survey specifically examined how education level, family dynamics, and affirmative
action influenced the implementation of gender mainstreaming in Kajiado County
Government, Kenya. The survey was anchored on the feminist theory and social role
theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design targeting 1,500 employees of
the County Government of Kajiado in various departments. A stratified random
sampling procedure was utilised to select a sample of 150 participants. A questionnaire
was employed to gather primary information. The collected data was analysed using
quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative analysis involved descriptive and
inferential statistics that led to multiple linear regression modelling. Qualitative
analysis involved thematic narration for the open-ended questions in the research tool.
Data results were presented using frequency tables, percentages and a regression
equation. The study obtained appropriate authorisations from the University,
NACOSTI, the County Government of Kajiado, and the respondents’ consent. The
results revealed that educational level, family structures and affirmative action were
significantly affecting the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the County
Government of Kajiado. Educational level and family structures had a negative effect
(β=-.038, p=.033; β=-.007, p=.031) while affirmative action exhibited a positive effect
(β=.073, p=.005) on the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the County
Government of Kajiado. This study recommends a paradigm shift in educational
reform, the development of family-centred policies and the enhancement of affirmative
action in Kajiado County to promote gender mainstreaming in the county.
Description
A Research Project Report Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, April 2024.
Supervisors
Weldon Kibet Ng’eno