Gender, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

Narok County, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, has significant natural resources, including land, wildlife, forests, and water systems that support livelihoods and economic development. However, access to and control over these resources are shaped by gendered social structures that influence development outcomes. This study examines gender, resource governance, and sustainable development in Narok County through a desk review of county policy documents and scholarly literature. The study draws data from the Narok County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027, Annual Development Plans (ADPs), and peer-reviewed studies, which were analyzed thematically to identify patterns and gaps in gendered resource governance. Drawing on the Feminist Political Ecology (FPE) framework, the study looks at resource distribution, gendered access and control, governance, and local strategies for sustainable resource management. Findings indicate that despite Narok County’s rich resource base, including a population of approximately 1.28–1.31 million people and a land area of 17,950.3 km², resource benefits remain unevenly distributed. Women play a key role in agriculture and household resource management but face structural barriers in land ownership and decision-making. Climate variability, including declining rainfall trends and increasing temperatures, further worsens vulnerability, particularly among marginalized groups. Although governance tools such as the CIDP and ADP promote inclusivity, gaps remain in translating participation into meaningful influence. The study concludes that achieving sustainable development goals SDG 1, SDG 5, SDG 13, and SDG 15 in Narok County requires strengthening gender-transformative approaches, equitable resource access, and inclusive governance to strengthen resilience, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development.