Open Access
Research (Published online: 17-10-2017)
10. Organizational leadership perspectives in implementation of the One Health approach: A case of the Zoonotic Disease Unit and core One Health implementers in Kenya
Thomas Manyibe Nyariki, Mathew Muturi, Athman Mwatondo, Michael Cheruiyot, Harry Oyas, Vincent Obanda, Francis Gakuya, Rees Murithi Mbabu and Mercy Muthoni Mugambi
International Journal of One Health, 3: 57-65

Thomas Manyibe Nyariki: Department of Extra Mural Studies, University of Nairobi, Main Campus, P. O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Mathew Muturi: Zoonotic Disease Unit, KNH Compound, NASCOP Ground, Opp. Afya, P.O. Box 20811-0020, Nairobi, Kenya.
Athman Mwatondo: Zoonotic Disease Unit, KNH Compound, NASCOP Ground, Opp. Afya, P.O. Box 20811-0020, Nairobi, Kenya.
Michael Cheruiyot: State Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, Office of the Director of Veterinary Services, Veterinary Research Laboratories, Private Bag, Kabete, Kangemi 00625, Nairobi, Kenya.
Harry Oyas: State Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, Office of the Director of Veterinary Services, Veterinary Research Laboratories, Private Bag, Kabete, Kangemi 00625, Nairobi, Kenya.
Vincent Obanda: Kenya Wildlife Services, P.O. Box 40241-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Francis Gakuya: Kenya Wildlife Services, P.O. Box 40241-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Rees Murithi Mbabu: State Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, Office of the Director of Veterinary Services, Veterinary Research Laboratories, Private Bag, Kabete, Kangemi 00625, Nairobi, Kenya.
Mercy Muthoni Mugambi: Department of Extra Mural Studies, University of Nairobi, Main Campus, P. O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2017.57-65

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Article history: Received: 15-08-2017, Accepted: 14-09-2017, Published online: 17-10-2017

Corresponding author: Thomas Manyibe Nyariki

E-mail: nyarikitom@gmail.com

Citation: Nyariki MT, Muturi M, Mwatondo A, Cheruiyot M, Oyas H, Obanda V, Gakuya F, Mbabu RM, Mugambi MM. Organizational leadership perspectives in implementation of the One Health approach: A case of the Zoonotic Disease Unit and core One Health implementers in Kenya. Int J One Health 2017;3:57-65.
Abstract

Aim: This study examined organizational leadership as a cross-sectoral collaboration factor in the implementation of the One Health (OH) approach using Kenya's Zoonotic Disease Unit and its core OH implementers as an example.

Materials and Methods: The study used a mixed methods research design. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 71 respondents, and key informants were interviewed using an interview guide. All the seven key informants and 53 (74%) of the respondents participated in the study. Data were checked for consistency, coded, entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results: From the analysis, 41/53 (77.2%) of the respondents were senior personnel, 51/53 (85%) of them had worked for 5 years and above in their organizations, and 38/53 (71.7%) had at least a Master's degree. The study established that although most leaders in the organizations had embraced the OH approach, they were not actively involved in its implementation due to constraints such as inadequate funding. There were moderate and statistically significant positive correlations between participation in leadership roles in implementing the OH approach and the level of awareness (Rs (51)=0.54, p<0.001) as well as level of sensitization (Rs (51)=0.52, p<0.001). Majority (86%) of respondents acknowledged that top government leaders were not well sensitized about the OH approach.

Conclusion: Organizational leadership plays an important role in the implementation of the OH approach. However, sensitization of leaders about the OH approach needs to be enhanced and expanded.

Keywords: cross-sectoral collaboration, One Health approach, organizational leadership, sensitization.

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