State Interventions on Social-Economic Wellbeing of IDPs in Non-Camp in Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The number of Internally Displaced Population has been on rise in the recent past due to natural disasters, conflicts, and violence. IDPs encamp plight can easily be responded to by state and non-state actors. However, the nature of non-camp IDPs makes it difficult for state and non-state actors to respond to their plight. This study delve to examine the state interventions on social-economic wellbeing of IDPs in Non-Camp settlement in Baringo County, Kenya. This study was led by the following two objectives; to find out the effectiveness of assistance by state agents to non-camp IDPs, and to examine the effectiveness of the state assistance on social economic welfare of the non-camp IDPs in Baringo County, Kenya. The study adopted exploratory and explanatory research design. It utilized a mixed methodology where 167 response was from semi-structured questionnaires, 3 interviews, and 3 focused groups discussion. The data ware analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study findings were; on the effectiveness of State interventions, majority of the respondents (56.2%) felt that state agents were not effective, (22.2%) opined that state gents were slightly effective, (14.4%) effective, while (7.2%) felt that the state was effective. On the second objective; especially in areas that fall under its domain; particularly, security assistance rated at (9.5%) and education rated at (11.3%). The study concludes that the non-camp IDPs in Baringo County are still in dire need of government support. The study recommends that all stakeholders led by the government of Kenya should work together to ensure that the plight of IDPs is addressed.