An assessment of the communication strategies for land reform in Kenya: a case study of Kajiado North District

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the level of awareness of the National Land Policy among land owners and land users in Kenya. Kajiado North district was used as a case study. Random sampling method was used to select sample population. The study examined communication strategies used to disseminate information on the policy /0 determine the effectiveness of the channels.

The research study examined gender disparities to establish if the differences influenced awareness level and channel preference. This is because male and female have different interests and perceptions based on socialization in the society. This means disparity in interests between genders will determine their preferred channel. The target population in the study was land holders and users in Kajiado North district. Random sampling was used to select the 105 respondents used in the study. Questionnaire was used as a tool to elicit responses.

The male respondents in the study were 59% while female respondents were 41 %. The study established that 69% of the male respondents were aware of the National Land policy compared to 63% of the females. The investigation established that most of the respondents learnt about the policy through newspapers. However, when asked about the most effective channel, most of the respondents indicated radio was most effective.

The study recommended to the government to use radio to disseminate messages on NLP because the channel was rated as the most preferred by the respondents. The study also recommended for the allocation of more resources for advocacy and the expansion of rural electrification allow radio, television and mobile phone users use the facilities obtain information on land policy.