TOWARDS CLIMATE DISASTER RESILIENCE. AN APPRAISAL OF DEVOLVED DISASTER POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This research delves into the complexities of decentralized climate disaster policy implementation in Kenya, focusing on policy approaches, external stakeholder influences, and challenges in decentralization and public participation. While a top-down approach prevails, a growing recognition of the bottom-up approach is evident. Several influences on public policy implementation including external stakeholder involvement, policy capacity, politics, government collaboration, are observed to significantly shape policy implementation outcomes. Devolution, while introducing local autonomy, also engenders challenges related to policy consistency. Public participation faces hurdles like awareness gaps. The findings provide insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for a balanced disaster policy implementation approach, strategic collaboration with stakeholders, and careful consideration of challenges associated with decentralization and public participation. This research contributes to refining strategies for resilient and effective climate disaster policies in Kenya, catering to the diverse needs of local communities.