Work environment and the performance of forest rangers in South West Mau Forest, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract. Etemesi NI, Sirmah PK, Chepkwony J. 2018. Work environment and the performance of forest rangers in South West Mau Forest, Kenya. Asian J For 2: 46-53. Forest protection requires strong governance in the implementation, compliance and enforcement of laws and policies. This can only be achieved if personnel responsible for such duties are equipped with good working environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate and understand how the working environment of forest rangers under Kenya Forest Service (KFS) affects their performance. The Rangers, under the Enforcement and Compliance Division (ENCOM) of KFS, are mandated to implement the enforcement of laws and policies pertaining to forests and their allied resources as prescribed in the Kenya Forest Act of 2005. Qualitative research approach was employed in the data collection by the use of structured questionnaires in four forest stations, namely three stations in Londiani, Masaita, and Sorget of Kericho Zone, Mau complex, and one station in the Kericho Ecosystem Conservator's Office. From a total of 46 rangers deployed in the four stations, 32 rangers were sampled randomly, 8 serving in each of forest stations. A pre-tested questionnaire on demographic trends, duration of service, work environment variables constituting remuneration, living conditions, motivation, appraisals, rewards, empowerment, communication, work tools, mobility, uniforms, challenges, and personal life were administered in January 2016. The performance indicators gave dissatisfaction rates of 59% and 63% in most of the parameters tested. Comparison of the finding of this study with the findings of the surveys of 2010 and 2013 in different conservancies in Kenya gave an index of 51.4% and 56.74% satisfaction respectively. The results, therefore, denote a progressive correlation between the working conditions drivers and the performance of forest rangers. More radical measures must be undertaken to enhance the performance and productivity of rangers through motivation, improving both their intrinsic and extrinsic working environment.