In as much as Counties in Kenya have been mandated to expedite devolved services to the citizens for accelerated development. Whereas the functions of county governments include provision of firefighting and disaster management services,... more
In as much as Counties in Kenya have been mandated to expedite devolved services to the citizens for accelerated development. Whereas the functions of county governments include provision of firefighting and disaster management services, the citizens have raised concern on the manner in these services are delivered especially bureaucratic culture in provision of firefighting services. This study aimed at assessing the influence of bureaucratic culture in delivery of firefighting services in Nyamira County by; analyzing the effect of organizational structure in the delivery of firefighting services in Nyamira County, assessing the influence of rules and regulations in the provision of firefighting services in Nyamira County, and determining impact of standards of operating procedure in the delivery of firefighting services in Nyamira County. The author made intensive review of documentary information relevant to the subject matter through questionnaires with closed ended questions as well conducted focus group discussions with market committee members in Nyamira County. This study adopted descriptive research design using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive tools such as mean and percentages and presented using tables, charts and graphs. The study involved 22 homesteads, 6 market centers and 19 schools affected by fire breakouts within the last five years. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Max Weber Bureaucratic Model. Analysis was done by the help of software program SPSS version 22 where tables and percentages was used to describe the phenomenon for easy presentation. Qualitative data collected from focus group discussions from key respondents was grouped and discussed based on the themes of the objectives of this study. The study revealed that; the existing organizational structure at the County government impedes service delivery, there are good rules and regulations managing fire fighting services at the county, and the county had standards of operating procedures. The study concluded by recommending that the county should pursue necessary organizational structural reforms.
