Governance factors influencing implementation of disaster risk reduction guidelines in Meru south district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction guidelines in public secondary schools in Meru South District, Kenya. The study sought to establish the extent to which involvement of stakeholders in decision making, sensitization of the community, availability of financial resources and monitoring of schools by government agencies influenced the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction Guidelines in Meru South District. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 20 public boarding secondary schools, and 20 boarding masters in those schools. Findings revealed that principals involved the stakeholders in decision making through parents meetings, students council meetings and class meetings. It was also revealed that majority 18 (94.7%) of housemasters indicated that the teachers assessed the premises daily and that the students' leaders routinely monitored the premises. The study further revealed that the schools put in place structures necessary for the implementation of disaster risk reduction. Findings further revealed that majority 17 (98.5%) of principals indicated that they did not have occupation certificate for occupied buildings but they had grills removed from windows. Majority TS (68.4%) of principals lacked disaster management training for staff. Based on the study findings, the study concluded principals involved the stakeholders in decision making through parents meeting, students council meetings and class meetings. The study lastly concluded that the schools had inspection of the school by Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (DQASOs) but the principals lacked disaster management training for staff and fire brigade personnel talks and demonstrations. Based on the findings and conclusion made above, the study makes the following rccorcmendations. that the school management should initiate sensitization by way of creating awareness through parents meetings, students meetings, assemblies, and rules and regulations; stakeholders to be sensitized on disaster preparedness which either combats the disaster or minimizes its effects. The school management should solicit for funds and budget for the same in construction of safe infrastructure and purchase of equipment necessary in disaster management.