Practical Guide to Conducting Fieldwork in Kenya: Lessons from Regional Immersion and Survey Realities.
Highlights Most researchers design surveys with ideal conditions in mind; but the realities of Kenyan fieldwork can make or break the integrity of your data. Recently, I immersed myself across Kenya’s diverse regions to uncover the true operational challenges behind social and market research. From sparse populations at the Coast to household overlaps in Western Kenya, I dissected the myths, examined proven methodologies, and revealed why adaptive protocols—not rigid designs—are the real driver of reliable insights, efficiency, and long-term impact. Inside this article, you’ll discover: • The critical distinction between research design and field realities (and why most studies miss it) • Region-specific budgeting strategies that keep surveys feasible and cost-effective • Practical methodologies to optimize enumerator KPIs and reduce fatigue across diverse terrains • Real-world lessons from extensive immersion that show what works—and what doesn’t—in Kenyan surveys ...