CONTESTATION OF BIOMEDICAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19 IN ALEGO-USONGA

Purpose of the study: The study examined community contestation of biomedical information and COVID-19 containment measures in Alego-Usonga, Kenya. Statement of the problem: Although containment measures were introduced to reduce viral transmission, their implementation encountered resistance shaped by local social, cultural, and economic circumstances. Understanding these responses is important for strengthening public trust in future health emergencies. Research methodology: The study adopted an ethnographic research design involving 35 purposively selected community members, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were documented through audio recordings, video recordings, and field notes and examined using thematic and discourse analysis. Findings: Community members contested curfews, mask requirements, social distancing, hygiene protocols, vaccination campaigns, transport capacity limits, school closures, and restrictions on gatherings. The reported concerns included perceived infringements of civil liberties, livelihood disruption, weakened social relationships, cultural dissonance, misinformation, and distrust of public authorities. Resistance to vaccination also reflected uncertainty about vaccine safety and inconsistent messaging. Conclusion: The study concludes that contestation reflected the interaction between biomedical interventions and community interpretations of their social consequences. Public health measures were more difficult to accept when they were perceived to disregard livelihoods, rights, and established social practices. Recommendations: The study recommends that policymakers should design culturally responsive risk-communication strategies and engage communities early in emergency planning. Health authorities should communicate consistently, address misinformation, and explain the rationale for interventions. Future responses should balance disease control with civil liberties, economic security, and community resilience. Keywords: Sociocultural barriers, contestation, COVID-19, containment measures, risk communication