Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Ph. D. Candidate, Department of Computing and Information Science, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya.
2
Lecturer, Department of Computing and Information Science, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya.
10.22034/ijism.2026.2066654.1869
Abstract
Advancements in digital technologies have eased the creation, storage, distribution and access to information, providing timely access to critical and vital information and accelerating social-economic development among communities and nations. Despite the advancements, marginalization and digital exclusion of the marginalized communities, like the Turkana pastoralists in Northern Kenya, have been exacerbated, thrusting the marginalized into severe information poverty, worsening their already depressing socio-economic status. As a result, this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of information channels on the socio-economic development of the marginalized Turkana pastoralists in Northern Kenya. The study mapped the information channels used by the pastoralists, assessed their perceptions of the channels' effectiveness, trustworthiness, and frequency of use, and analyzed the nexus between information access and socio-economic development. The study was conducted in 21 sub-locations in Turkana North Sub-County, targeting a population of 59,401 households. A sample of 384 was calculated using Cochran's formula at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The sample was proportionately stratified across the 21 sub-locations. The number of complete responses obtained and analyzed was 340. A questionnaire was developed for data collection and administered orally by locally trained research assistants to overcome challenges associated with language barriers and low literacy. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear and logistic regression. The study established that radio, chiefs, elders, and mobile phones were the most used channels. Multiple linear regression showed that perceived trustworthiness of a channel (β = .39, p < .001) and effectiveness (β = .44, p < .001) were significant positive predictors of the channels' use. Binary logistic regression showed that higher channel use frequency (OR = 1.52, p < .001), perceived trustworthiness (OR = 1.42, p = .012), and perceived effectiveness (OR = 1.34, p = .024) were associated with positive socio-economic outcomes. The use of trusted channels was associated with improvements in household income and livestock management. The study recommends using channels tailored to the unique nature of pastoralists and culturally contextualized to bridge gaps in channels and provide access to vital information for socio-cultural advancement. The government should also consider improving the infrastructure that supports access to and use of digital technologies, in addition to rolling out digital literacy programs.
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