EFFECT OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION STRATEGIES ON PARAMEDIC RESPONSE TO DISASTERS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose of Study: This study examined the effect of resource allocation strategies on paramedic response to disasters in Nairobi County, Kenya. It specifically focused on ambulance positioning, medical equipment adequacy, personnel deployment, and timeliness of resource allocation decisions, with the aim of establishing how these strategies influence the effectiveness of emergency response during disaster situations. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design and collected data from paramedics and disaster management officials in Nairobi County. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used. Of 171 questionnaires distributed, 162 were successfully returned. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression in SPSS. Findings: The findings established that resource allocation strategies had a moderately strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship with paramedic response to disasters (r = 0.574, p < 0.001). Resource allocation strategies explained 33.0% of the variation in paramedic response effectiveness. Ambulance pre-positioning, equipment adequacy, personnel deployment, and timely allocation decisions were important contributors to effective emergency response. Respondents generally reported satisfactory paramedic response, including decision-making, coordination, patient care, and adaptability. However, challenges remained, particularly traffic congestion, equipment shortages and malfunctions, delayed allocation decisions, and inadequate personnel during major incidents. The study rejected the null hypothesis and confirmed that resource allocation strategies significantly influence paramedic response effectiveness in Nairobi County. Conclusion: The study concludes that effective resource allocation significantly strengthens paramedic response to disasters in Nairobi County. Strategic ambulance positioning, functional medical equipment, adequate personnel, and timely deployment decisions improve emergency response effectiveness.