Influence of crisis mitigation strategies on performance of tana river county in Kenya

Abstract

Kenyan counties have faced significant challenges due to inadequate crisis mitigation strategies, particularly in managing natural disasters and health crises. The absence of effective early warning systems and preparedness plans in some counties has resulted in delayed responses to drought conditions, worsening food insecurity and water scarcity issues. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted deficiencies in health crisis mitigation strategies across Kenyan counties. A KNBS Report disclosed that over 50% of county governments in Kenya struggled in the first half of 2020 due to the considerable crisis triggered by the emergence of COVID-19. Consequently, this study investigated the effect of crisis mitigation strategies on the performance of Tana River County in Kenya. The study aimed to determine the influence of confrontation mitigation strategies, containment strategies, cooperation, and preventive strategies on the performance of the Tana River County Government. The study was underpinned by four theories: conflict resolution theory, social capital theory, situational crisis communication theory and contingency theory. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting 136 respondents. The research integrated both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Qualitative data was gathered through interview and was presented in prose. Quantitative data, obtained through closed-ended questions, was organized, coded, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while inferential statistics explored relationships of the variables. The study found that confrontation mitigation strategies are positively and significantly related to the performance of Tana River County government (β=0.128, p=0.018). Cooperation mitigation strategies also demonstrate a positive and significant relationship with performance (β=0.334, p=0.000). Similarly, containment mitigation strategies display a positive and significant relationship with performance (β=0.196, p=0.002). Finally, preventive mitigation strategies exhibit a positive and significant relationship with performance (β=0.286, p=0.000). The study concludes that all four mitigation strategies examined (confrontation, cooperation, containment, and preventive) had positive and significant relationships with performance of Tana River County government. The study recommends that the county government should strengthen its confrontation strategies by establishing rapid response teams, ensuring resource availability, and designing effective communication channels to address crises proactively. Additionally, the study recommends prioritizing cooperation strategies through stakeholder consultation, pre-planned crisis management frameworks, media cooperation, and joint social media updates to leverage collective expertise. Robust containment strategies, such as limiting crisis scope, providing alternative workplaces, enforcing social distancing, and managing expectations, are recommended to prevent escalation and minimize negative consequences. Furthermore, comprehensive preventive strategies, including clear policies, early detection systems, focused crisis plans, and enhanced risk management skills, are recommended to enhance crisis preparedness, reduce likelihood of crises, minimize disruptions, and improve overall stability and performance.