Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Implementation of the Ainabkoi Settlement Scheme 1963-2008 in Eldoret East District, Kenya

Abstract

Settlement schemes in Kenya have been faced with various constraints since independence in 1963. The main purpose of the study was to examine the socio-economic factors that affected Ainabkoi settlement scheme from independence to 2008. Methodology employed included oral interviews, secondary data and archival sources. The study also sought to interview 80 original settlers in all four phases or blocks in Ainabkoi settlement scheme. A pilot study was carried out in Lessos settlement scheme. Rural Development approach was used in analyzing data. The analysis of data was done using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study upheld the ethnicity and socio-cultural organization, such as lineage and clan loyalties persisted in Ainabkoi Settlement Scheme adversely affecting settlers socio-economic transformation. One of the findings was that the settlers should be regarded more as pioneers and therefore allowed to put a great deal of work on what will be their land in future. Secondly, the study showed that both social and economic factors are important for the attainment of settlement scheme objectives. Based on the findings, the study recommends that there should be national selection criteria of settlers for all settlement projects, future planning be considered by diversifying the economy of the settlers and by introducing pre-tested crops of high quality and cushion farmers against the fluctuations in market prices and enable them meet the demands of the settlement programme.