Challenges in institutionalization of governance of group ranches in West Pokot District, Kenya

Abstract

This paper discusses the challenges facing institutionalization of governance of group ranches in Kenya. The Study makes use of the government group ranch interventions in Chepareria and Kong’elai Division in West Pokot District as a case study. The time frame taken into account is the colonial and post independence times since the group ranch concept was introduced in the colonial ea. This paper unearths a low institutionalization of governance of group ranches in the district. This low institutionalization is attributed to transhumance and poverty which constrain the practice of the state prescribed measures of governance. Transhumance is an obstacle to the practice of governance because when ranches are due to hold annual general meeting, they are in the dry season grazing for away from ranches. On the other hand, the presence of poverty makes it difficult for ranches to accept ranch measure like employment of accounts clerk, opening of bank account and postal address because this will drain the meagre resources of the ranch. The conclusion from this paper is that sometimes what is known to be good governance is not necessarily a tool of poverty reduction. It is recommended that in order to improve the productivity and quality of animals, water should be availed in ranches. In addition, financial capital should be made accessible to the ranchers through availing of credit facilities if the group ranch governance is to be institutionalized in West Pokot District.