Abstract:
The Maasai like any other people in Kenya need adequate, current and accurate
information to be able to exploit their economic potential. Despite the importance of
information, the Maasai may not have benefited much from it on account of lack of
knowledge by information providers about their information needs. This study therefore
sought to investigate the information needs and seeking behaviour of the Maasai
pastoralists of Kajiado with a view to develop appropriate strategies to address their
needs. Specifically, the study attempted to achieve the following objectives: Establish
different socio-economic activities the Maasai are involved in, determine their
information needs, investigate factors influencing their information seeking behaviour,
describe information sources and channels they consult when seeking information,
identify barriers to information access; and finally propose strategies to improve
information access. The study used Wilson model of information seeking behaviour. The
study used ethnographic qualitative research design. Cluster sampling, simple random
sampling, snow ball and judgmental sampling were employed to select the samples. The
study used interview schedule, focus group discussions and participant observation as
data collection instruments. The major findings were presented using basic statistical
tools such as frequency distribution tables and percentages. The study established that the
Maasai are involved in a number of economic activities which include: livestock keeping;
livestock trade and other emerging forms of occupations. They have information needs
which are influenced by a number of factors such as decision making; survival; livestock
keeping and business; rain and weather patterns. Some of the information sought by
Maasai pastoralists includes: information on animal husbandry; health, education; land
and governance. There also exist different channels and sources of information, which are
classified as: personal conducts; organizations and mass media. Several factors were
identified as barriers to information access, namely: illiteracy; language; lack of
government support and unavailability of information centres. The study recommended
the following: repackaging of information in Maa language, establishment of community
radios; establishing information desks in government departments; e-government,
information outreach programmes; and use of the internet and social networks.