Abstract:
Public participation is an integral part of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) process, as it provides opportunities for interested and
affected parties to participate in the decision-making process. The specific
objective was to determine whether public sensitisation influences public
participation in the EIA process in environmental conservation projects in
Narok North Sub-County. Participation Theory was adopted in this study.
The study used Krejcie and Morgan’s statistical formula in the selection
of household heads who were involved in the study, census sampling
method was used to select NEMA officers and project proponents. In
total, 394 respondents were selected for this study. The data was collected
using a questionnaire where all the questionnaires were administered
individually to all respondents of the study. Analysis of data was done by
use of descriptive and inferential statistics through the use of SPSS
software version 22. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the
level of association between the dependent and independent variables.
Data was presented by the use of tables, graphs, and charts. The study
showed a significant positive correlation between public sensitisation and
public participation in the EIA processes (correlation coefficient =0.297,
P-value 0.000). Descriptive results show that increased awareness and
civic education would increase participation willingness by local
residents. Descriptive results show that regular awareness and
sensitisation driven by NEMA about the EIA process is important and that
it is important to lobby for support from political groups early before the
implementation process begins; this is critical to drawing the necessary
support and commitment from the larger community and political leaders.
