The Role Of Multinational Corporations In Socioeconomic Development Of Kenya: A Case Study Of Dominion Farms (K) Ltd (2003 -2017)

Abstract

In this study, the author attempted to delve into the debate on the viability of Multinational Corporations in host nations. Dominion Farms (K) Ltd was the model MNC through which fundamental questions on its role on food production and Corporate Social Responsibility can be answered, especially on their impact on socio-economic development in Siaya County. The answers to these questions were aimed at establishing the possibility of a positive relationship between Dominion’s food production and socio-economic development. Another possibility that required confirmation was the positive relationship between the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and socio-economic development. A descriptive survey design was adopted on a population of rural small-scale farmers who stay within a distance of at least two kilometres from Dominion’s central operation Centre at Ratuoro. Purposive sampling was used to select five villages, and stratified random sampling was applied whereupon, the population was divided into groups or strata representing the five villages. Each population unit represented households in the five villages. Purposive sampling was also used to select former staff of Dominion. The study found that Dominion had a major contribution in irrigation farming that produced mainly rice, and indirectly improved the socio-economic development of Siaya County. In Corporate Social Responsibility, the company’s policy had minimal influence on socioeconomic development of the County. The study recommended that there should be more incorporation of the community and other stakeholders in future MNC activities to avoid conflicts. Future investors were expected to recognize the status of Yala swamp as an important national resource capable of producing enough food for the Country. It was also recommended that Siaya County Government should come up with policies that incorporate close working relations with Multinational Corporations or any investor in the area.