Flood Disaster Preparedness and Safeguard of Livelihood in Garissa County, Kenya
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Date
2025-12
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Flood disasters continue to pose significant threats to livelihoods in Garissa County, particularly due to its arid and semi-arid climatic conditions that heighten vulnerability to climate-related shocks. Despite interventions such as early warning systems, embankment construction, and community sensitization programs, recurrent floods continue to destroy household assets, disrupt socio-economic activities, and weaken community resilience. This study examined the effect of flood disaster preparedness on the safeguarding of livelihoods in Garissa County by focusing on four dimensions: flood risk assessment, fiscal resource allocation, community involvement, and emergency planning capacity building. The study was guided by the Disaster Risk Reduction Theory, the Theory of Adaptive Capacity, and Resilience Theory, and adopted a descriptive research design targeting 141,444 individuals, including disaster management officials, residents of flood-prone areas, and members of community-based organizations. A stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 384 respondents, from whom data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated that all four dimensions of flood disaster preparedness had significant positive effects on livelihood safeguarding, with community involvement and emergency capacity building emerging as the strongest predictors. Key challenges identified included limited funding, weak coordination mechanisms, and low community participation in planning processes. The study concludes that integrated, community-centered preparedness strategies are essential for strengthening flood resilience and protecting livelihoods in Garissa County. It recommends enhanced investment in risk communication, participatory planning, and capacity development to support long-term sustainability and resilience for households in flood-prone areas
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements tor the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, December, 2025
Supervisor:
1.Benjamin Kimolo