An Assessment of Public Perceptions Regarding Power-Sharing Mechanisms in Promoting Social Cohesion in Migori County, Kenya

Ethnic diversity and political competition in Kenya continue to present challenges to social cohesion, particularly in counties where perceptions of exclusion, unequal resource distribution and ethnic tensions persist. Despite constitutional reforms and devolution, empirical evidence on county-level power-sharing arrangements and social cohesion remains limited, particularly in Migori County. This study sought to identify the existing power-sharing structures in Migori County, Kenya; assess the perception of the people on power sharing in promoting social cohesion in Migori County, Kenya; evaluate the role of power sharing in resolving conflicts in Migori County, Kenya; and recommend strategies that can enhance effective social cohesion in Migori County, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of power sharing and social cohesion. Structured questionnaires were administered to residents, while key informant interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders. The target population comprised 1,116,436 residents of Migori County. A sample of 400 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula, while purposive sampling was used to select key informants. Stratified random sampling was used to select questionnaire respondents from the eight constituencies in proportion to their population sizes, followed by simple random sampling within each stratum. Of the 400 questionnaires administered, 311 were fully completed and returned, representing a response rate of 77.8%. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The questionnaire used Likert-scale items to measure perceptions of representation, participation, inclusion, conflict resolution and social cohesion. The study considered validity and reliability of the research instruments before the main data collection. The findings indicated statistically significant positive associations between existing power-sharing structures and social cohesion (r = .532, p = .001), public perceptions of power sharing and social cohesion (r = .113, p = .047), the role of power sharing in conflict resolution and social cohesion (r = .348, p = .001), and proposed strategies and social cohesion (r = .168, p = .003). These findings indicate associations rather than causal relationships because the study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design. The study distinguishes between power-sharing arrangements as institutional and governance structures and public perceptions of those arrangements as experienced and reported by citizens. The study contributes to the literature by examining county-level power sharing and social cohesion from the perspective of residents, thereby extending existing research that has largely focused on political negotiations, elite agreements and political inclusion.

power-sharing, social cohesion, perception and Migori County, Kenya

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