Assessing the Effectiveness of Civil – Military Coordination during Disaster Response Operations in Kenya: A Case Study of Solai Dam Tragedy in Nakuru County, Kenya

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Date
2023
Authors
Kiumbani, Charles Muriithi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The world has seen a significant rise in both human-made and natural disasters which demands a response from both civil and military organizations. Thus, coordination between~ civilian and military organizations is vital during disaster response to achieve an efficient and effective response, but unfortunately, coordination between miilitary and civil organizations remains elusive. In Kenya, military and civil organizations have had coordination problems and challenges during disaster response operations which have led to slow responses, high fatality, and mortality rates. The study sought to assess efficacy of Civil-Military coordination during disaster response operations, Solai Da.m Tragedy in Nakuru County Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the effectiveness of Civil-Military coordination in resources mobilization during the disaster response operation of the Solai Dam tragedy in Nakuru County; to study Civil-Military coordination effectiveness in communication during disaster response operation of the Solai Dam tragedy in Nakuru County; Analyze the lessons learned on the effectiveness of the Civil-Military coordination for future disaster preparedness in Nakuru County, Kenya; evaluate the moderating effect of disaster management policies on civil-military coordination during disaster response operations in Kenya. This study was informed by general systems theory. The study's target group included 395 respondents from the multi-agency response team and other stakeholders who were involved in the Solai dam accident. A descriptive research design was used. The study's 199 respondents were chosen by stratified random selection, and its major data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. The researcher sought permission from the relevant authority before proceeding with data collection. A pilot study was undertaken by the researcher to evaluate the questionnaire's validity and reliability. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23) was used in the cleaning and recording of data. The qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis while quantitative dgta was analyzed using descriptive, regression, and correlation analysis. Data presentation was done by the use of percentages, frequency tables, means, and narratives. The res'egrclx demonstrated a positive and statistically significant impact of Civil-Military coordination in resource mobilization and communication on the effectiveness of disaster response operations in Kenya. Based on the results of the study, it _concludes that civil-military coordination in resource mobilization and communication hgs a statistically and positive significant impact on disaster response qperatmns effectiveness in Kenya. The study recommends for Civil-Military organizations must i i i d relations to improve their command and control, understanding, knowledge, an : i ication. The study further legal and improve coordination in resource mobilization and communicat e recommends strict adherence and implementation of the existing policies, institutional frameworks on disaster managemen t.
Description
A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Security and Strategic Studies in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University,July, 2023.
Keywords
Assessing the Effectiveness, Civil – Military Coordination, Disaster Response Operations, Solai Dam Tragedy, Nakuru County, Kenya
Citation