Influence of Stakeholder's Engagement on Implementation of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy: A Case Study of Langas Estate Uasin Gishu County

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the research study was to ascertain how the involvement of stakeholders affects the decline in substance abuse in Langas Estate. Specifically, the study was anchored on the following objectives; Public awareness, Capacity building and Policy implementation.

Methodology: The researcher adopted a simple random sampling approach who were to help present primary data. Primary data was gathered using surveys with closed ended questions, with focus being on Langas Estate, comprising youth and adults. Google forms were used as the primary data collection tool, with respondents receiving a link to the form, filling and submitting the completed forms. Microsoft Excel was used to code, tabulate, and analyze correctly completed surveys forms. To get a representative sample, a 5% margin of error and 90% confidence level and a 30% proportion was used. The calculated sample size was 229 respondents. Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviation, frequency and percentages. Data was presented in form of tables and graphs. Correlation and regression analysis were used to explore the strength between the independent and dependent variables.

Findings: The findings showed limited awareness of drug policies and education efforts based on low mean scores, reflecting gaps in the Belief System Model. Respondents disagreed that capacity building by entities like Nyumba Kumi is adequate, aligning with Family Systems Theory. Sentiment indicated ineffective policy implementation, tying to Problem Behavior Theory. The analysis reveals deficits in awareness, capacity building and policy implementation that likely perpetuate drug abuse, validating the study's theoretical framework. The study recommends stakeholders strengthen awareness campaigns, increase community empowerment programs, improve policy enforcement and funding support.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study identifies the gaps that lie between policy implementation, drugs and substance abuse awareness campaign. It shows that the stakeholders are not doing enough to help curb the menace. There are still gaps to be filled especially in awareness campaign, capacity building and policy implementation. It this calls for the full engagement of national government, county government, chief, Nyumba Kumi initiative and NACADA to play their roles effectively in enforcement of the stated policies.