EXPLORING THE ROLE OF REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS IN BRIDGING POLICY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY IN KENYA

Abstract

The process of putting a policy into practice is called implementation. Implementation is concerned with the environment in which policy is put into action. It is argued that a population group is facing food insecurity when they do not have adequate physical and monetary access to quality, nourishing food that meets their dietary needs and nutritional preferences for a healthy and active lifestyle. Given its large population, severe poverty, and high rates of malnutrition, Kenya faces a struggle with food security and nutrition. Important objectives of policy implementation research include identifying, creating, and testing implementation strategies. This study intended to examine particular policy implementation strategies intended to reduce food insecurity in Murang'a County. Examining the mediating role of regulatory framework on policy implementation strategies is the study's key objective. To completely address the research objective, 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 with the target demographic being representatives of the Murang'a County Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Extension Officers to put research findings into context. SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data; statistics computed included analysis of variance and correlations to search for linkages or a lack thereof between key variables. 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. The study further revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between regulatory frameworks and effective policy implementation strategies. Among key recommendations for the study were to robustly involve the private sector for implementation of policies; train agricultural extension officers to equip them with relevant know- how of policy implementation; review and harmonization of existing policies with the National food security goals and objectives; and allocation of a clear budget for implementation policies geared towards mitigation of food insecurity.