Effect of Policy Issue Salience on Public Policy Formulation in Wajir East Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of policy issue salience on public policy formulation in Wajir East Sub county, Kenya. The study was supported by Pluralism Theory. The research design for this study adopted a descriptive research design with a predominantly quantitative approach. The target population comprised of key stakeholders involved in the public policy formulation process in Wajir East Sub County. Wajir East Sub County had a fragmented civil society sector with 203 civil society organizations. The sample size was determined using stratified random sampling to ensure representation from various groups within the target population from which a sample size of 134 was included in the study. The research instruments consisted of structured questionnaires for quantitative data collection and semi-structured interviews. The collected data was analyzed using appropriate statistical tools for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative. Findings indicated that civil society organizations effectively prioritize salient policy issues. The study concluded that in Wajir East Sub County, Kenya, policy issue influences public policy formulation. The study recommended stakeholders in Wajir East Sub County prioritize salient policy issues, collaborate to raise awareness, and engage communities in decision-making.