INFLUENCE OF INSTITUTIONAL FINANCING IN EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS ON DROUGHT MITIGATION IN ARID AND SEMI-ARID LANDS

Purpose: This study assessed the influence of institutional financing in early warning systems on drought mitigation in Mandera County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined funding adequacy, timely disbursement, resource sufficiency, financial transparency, and responsiveness to vulnerable communities. The study sought to establish how institutional financing relates to effective drought preparedness and mitigation outcomes. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design using mixed methods, guided by institutional theory. From 210 stakeholders, 136 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling, with 118 completing questionnaires. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and thematic analysis were employed. Findings: Findings revealed unfavourable perceptions of institutional financing (mean = 2.59, SD = 0.69), particularly regarding timely fund disbursement (mean = 2.21) and funding adequacy (mean = 2.31). Drought mitigation received a moderate rating (mean = 3.06, SD = 0.80). Early warning information scored highest (mean = 3.64), while prompt response scored lowest (mean = 2.78). Institutional financing demonstrated a positive, statistically significant relationship with drought mitigation (r = 0.571, p < 0.01). Regression results indicated that financing explained 32.6% of variation in drought mitigation outcomes (β = 0.571, p < 0.001), highlighting the importance of reliable institutional funding for effective drought management. Conclusion: The study concludes that institutional financing significantly predicts drought mitigation outcomes in Mandera County. Inadequate funding and delayed disbursement constrain timely responses despite reliable warning information. Strengthening financing mechanisms through adequate budget allocations, timely fund releases, transparent financial management, and vulnerability based resource distribution is essential for improving drought resilience.