Abstract:
Social economic livelihood is a function of various factors that work interchangeably
to influence social relationships. This study was carried out in Keiyo North, Keiyo
south, Marakwet West, and Marakwet East sought to examine the role of social
capital in enhancing socio economic livelihoods. The specific objectives of the study
were; to examine determinants of social capital; to find out components of social
capital integration; and to evaluate the effects of social capital integration on people’s
socio economic livelihood. The study adopted simultaneous triangulation of
descriptive and inferential studies; it was guided by social capital theory and
Sustainable Livelihood Framework which emphasized the importance of the
livelihood resources of social, physical, economic and natural resources. Concurrent
mixed method research design was used to facilitate expanded evidence of data and
its analysis. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires, interview
schedules and Focus Group Discussion and sample of 384 from the target population
of 454,480 was picked using stratified probability sampling technique. Descriptive
statistical technique was utilized in analysis of quantitative data, while qualitative
aspect were thematically transcribed and interpreted. The study main findings were:
For objective one, most households own less than 3 hectares of land; hence the
households have a motivation to look for alternative means of generating resources
for enhanced socio-economic livelihoods. For the second objective residents of EMC
are members of various groups with majority being members of religious groups,
women groups and neighboring committees; these networks assist members to deal
with common issues including road repair, digging boreholes, ensuring community
security and better management of common shared resources. As for the third
objective the results indicated that mixed positive and negative effects emerged from
social capital integration initiatives. Some negative effects included misuse of pooled
resources, failure to repay loans leading to disassociation and loss of trust. The study
concluded that social capital enhanced security through nyumba kumi initiative,
conservation of natural resources; forest swamps areas, better education, improved
food security, resource management (climate change, erosion control) and reduced
vulnerability. The study recommended the need to intensify the implementation of
policies that support the operations of groups and subsequently giving them force
through structured frameworks and consequent stakeholder involvement. This would
strengthen social capital integration which would in turn have a positive influence on
socio economic livelihoods.