Influence Of Bureaucratic Culture In Delivery Of Firefighting Services In Nyamira County, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, counties have been mandated to expedite devolved services to the citizens for accelerated development. Among the functions of county governments include provision of firefighting and disaster management services. However, the citizens have raised concern on the manner in these services are delivered especially bureaucratic culture in provision of firefighting services. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the influence of bureaucratic culture in delivery of firefighting services in Nyamira County. The study analyzed the effect of organizational structure in the delivery of firefighting services in Nyamira County, assessed the influence of rules and regulations in the provision of firefighting services in Nyamira County and also determined impact of standards of operating procedure in the delivery of firefighting services in Nyamira County. In order to achieve these objectives, the study made intensive review of documentary information relevant to the subject matter. The study administered questionnaires with closed ended questions as well conducted focus group discussions with chairpersons of market committee members in Nyamira County. The study used total population purpose sampling strategy to identify sample size hence involved 22 heads of households, 6 chairmen of market centers and 19 heads of schools affected by fire breakouts within the last five years and 10 officials of firefighting department-1 chief officer,1 director and 8 fire rescue services officers. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Max Weber Bureaucratic Model. This study adopted descriptive research design using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive tools such as mean and percentages and presented using tables, charts and graphs. These methods of analysis was done by the help of software program SPSS version 22 where tables and percentages was used to describe the phenomenon for easy presentation. Qualitative data collected from focus group discussions from key respondents was grouped and discussed based on the themes of the objectives of this study. The study revealed that the existing organizational structure at the County government impedes service delivery. Also the study observed that there are good rules and regulations managing fire fighting services at the county. Further, the study showed that the county had standards of operating procedures. The study concluded by recommending that the county should pursue necessary organizational structural reforms. The county should strive to overcome the bottlenecks of rigidity in observance of rules and regulations which impedes service delivery. Also the county government should establish an official communication number (fire emergency number) for communication during emergency. Further, the county disaster management department should design working service charter from the existing SOP this will enhance timely response to fire emergency. The county government should decentralize fire fighting services to ward levels and equip the ward disaster management teams with well-equipped emergency machines. The study recommends that a further study need be conducted to identify and investigate other factors that influence the delivery of firefighting service in the counties. Also a study is necessary to investigate the place of women in provision firefighting and other emergency services in Kenya.