Policy Implementation Strategies in Mitigating Food Insecurity in Kenya: A Case of Murang’a County

Abstract

The process of putting a policy into practice is called implementation. This study intended to examine particular policy implementation strategies intended to reduce food insecurity in Murang'a County. Examining policy implementation approaches in connection to governance, public-private partnerships, and national-county coordination in reducing food insecurity in Murang'a County are the study's key objectives. The research was based on the theory of complex adaptive systems as well as on the basis of policy analysis, an approach to the study and evaluation of public policy options in the context of given goals. A descriptive research strategy was employed for both qualitative and quantitative data. A sample of 50 people was randomly selected from a target population of 105 respondents from the Murang'a County Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Extension Officers. SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data to search for linkages or a lack thereof between key variables. This study sought to improve the conceptual rigor, applicability, and thoroughness of implementation techniques that can be applied singly or in combination in policy implementation research and practice. Key findings showed that the food security situation in the country has deteriorated in the last decade and that stability of food supply is Kenya’s most important food security challenge. Among key recommendations for the study were to robustly involve the private sector for implementation of policies; and allocation of a clear budget for implementation policies geared towards mitigation of food insecurity. Comparative study in alternate areas of the country was suggested for future studies.