Evaluation of Intervention Measures to Mitigate the Socio-Economic Impact of Water Vessel Accidents in Mbita Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

For a long time, in many regions across the world, water vessel accidents have been on the rise hence has disrupted the socio-economic activities of many people. Indeed, a lot of properties and lives have been lost during these unfortunate occurrences. Therefore, this study assessed the interventions for mitigation of social-economic impacts of water vessel accidents in Mbita Sub-County. The study employed a disaster impact model by Lindell and Wisner to analyze the impact of ship and boat accidents on the community’s livelihood. Similarly, the research used survey research design in this study. The study used stratified sampling technique to select respondents for the study. The sample size of this study was 384 respondents drawn from all the communities around Lake Victoria with Mbita sub-County. Data collection tools included questionnaires, Interview guide and document analysis. Data was coded and then entered in the SPSS software and analyzed. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative results were presented in graphs, tables, frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that there is presence of navigational aids, search and rescue teams, and daily weather updates information, inspection of water vessels standards and crews and educational training. However, the study indicated that there is absence of emergency rescue portals for those in distress trapped in Lake Victoria waters. The government responds to distress calls by clearing water hyacinth and through using motor boats, choppers and divers. However, slow response during water vessel accidents was cited in addition to the government not offering any help to cushion the affected families from suffering negative socio-economic effects resulting from the disasters. the study recommends that concerned government departments promotes local community-initiated mitigation measures so as to build community resilience.