Browsing by Author "Raphael Z. Mwatela"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Linking Infrastructure to Livelihoods: Assessing the Influence of Infrastructure Development on Socio-Economic Security in Taita Taveta County, Kenya
    (Journal International of Social Science & Humanities, 2025-07) Omondi, Truphosa Apondi; Raphael Z. Mwatela; Peterlinus O. Odote
    This study investigated the influence of mega infrastructural development projects on socio-economic security in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, with a focus on road, rail, and housing sectors. Employing a descriptive cross sectional design, the research combined quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from 414 respondents across Voi, Taveta, Mwatate, and Wundanyi sub-counties. The findings reveal that road and housing infrastructure have had a positive and statistically significant impact on socio-economic security by enhancing access to essential services, creating employment opportunities, and improving overall household welfare. In contrast, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project exhibited limited socio-economic benefits due to weak integration with local economic systems and minimal community engagement during planning and implementation. The study concludes that while infrastructure is a key enabler of development, its socio economic impact depends on equitable distribution, functionality, and local relevance. It recommends that future projects be guided by inclusive planning, targeted outreach to underserved areas, and alignment with local livelihoods to ensure sustainable and inclusive socio-economic gains.