FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSEHOLD DECISION MAKING IN MARABA LOCATION, NANDI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Despite household decision making being a critical input in household socio-economic development, it seems to be taken for granted in most situations. This study sought to examine factors influencing household decision making in Maraba location, Nandi County, Kenya. Most households in the study area seemed to lag behind and score poorly in terms of their social and economic conditions despite having the necessary resources to propel them into better development indicators. The specific objectives of the study were to examine social factors that affect household decision making in Maraba Location, to analyze cultural factors that affect household decision making in Maraba Location, and to establish economic factors that affect household decision making in Maraba Location. The study was guided by the rational choice theory by Verbeok (2010). The target population of the study was all households in Maraba Location. A sample size of 174 households participated in the study. The unit of analysis were the household heads. Purposive and simple random sampling was employed. Data was collected by use of an interview schedule and in-depth interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis were employed. Socially, it was found that despite 86% of the respondents having attained basic education, formal education was not significant in selecting one as the household head (117, 67.2%). Age, at 107(61.5%) and sex at (157, 90.2%) were significant in decision making. Most of the decisions were by the married (153, 87.9%) and majority (80%) were Christians. Cultural beliefs (154, 88.5%), expectations about men and women (141, 79.9%), traditions and customs (29, 74.1%) affected decision making. Gender of the household head (156, 89.7%) and responsibility were vested in men (170, 98.2%). Male dominated decisions on ownership of property like land (116, 66.7%), livestock farming (115, 66.1%) and leadership (123, 70.7%). Women dominated decisions on kitchen (125, 71.8%) and care of girls (72, 38%). Economically, majority (144, 82.8%) of the respondents engaged in informal employment and earned below K.Sh.10,000 per month (111= 64%). The income was not enough (131=75%). Ownership of assets influenced decision making (132, 75%). It was concluded that social and cultural factors were significant in determining one being a household head, decision-making process, and types of decisions taken. The study recommended for a more inclusive and effective decision making. There was need to promote cultural practices that enhanced socio-economic development of households and refute those that were retrogressive.