Civil Society and Socioeconomic Development of Isiolo County, Kenya 1963-2015
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Date
2023
Authors
Makhanu, Agatha
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
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.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Law Arts and Social Sciences in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Political Studies) of Kenyatta University.
Keywords
Civil Society, Socioeconomic Development, Isiolo County, Socioeconomic