ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS IN ENHANCING COMPLIANCE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR ENERGY AND PETROLEUM INCIDENTS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms in promoting compliance and enhancing disaster preparedness for energy and petroleum-related incidents in Nairobi County, Kenya, a region vulnerable to fuel spills, explosions, and fires. A descriptive research design employing a mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected from 384 respondents—including facility managers, technical personnel, emergency responders, and local residents—via structured questionnaires to assess regulatory compliance, preparedness measures, and perceptions of enforcement effectiveness. Qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews with senior officials from regulatory and disaster management agencies, complemented by focus group discussions to capture stakeholder experiences and contextual challenges. The study found that regulatory inspections, integration of preparedness requirements into licensing, and clear legal frameworks were highly effective in enhancing compliance and disaster readiness, with mean scores between 4.05 and 4.32. Follow-up inspections and the enforcement of penalties further strengthened preparedness. However, inconsistencies in enforcement and variations in response times across operators were identified as areas requiring improvement. The study advances theory by linking enforcement mechanisms directly to measurable improvements in disaster preparedness within the energy and petroleum sector. Practically, it highlights strategies such as regular inspections, licensing requirements, and penalty enforcement as critical for stakeholder compliance. For policy, the findings provide evidence-based recommendations for harmonizing enforcement practices, strengthening monitoring systems, and building regulatory capacity, thereby enhancing urban energy system resilience and mitigating disaster risks.