Journal for Studies in Management and Planning http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ Available at e-ISSN: 2395-0463 Volume 02 Issue 2 February 2016 Available online: http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ Page | 364 Factors Affecting Contingency Preparedness at Kisumu International Airport, Kisumu County, Kenya Yusuf Muchelule 1 , Kevin Mulama 2 1- Lecturer, UMMA University, Kenya 2- Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology kevomanu@yahoo.com ABSTRACT The main aim of the research was to find out factors affecting contingency preparedness at Kisumu international airport, Kisumu County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: To determine how communication and information management influence contingency preparedness at Kisumu international airport; To establish how availability of facilities and equipment influence contingency preparedness at Kisumu international airport; To determine how management, direction and coordination (MDC) influence the level of contingency preparedness at Kisumu international airport; and To assess how public education, staff training and rehearsals influence contingency preparedness at Kisumu international airport.The study adopted a correlational and regression design combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches so as to provide solutions to the research questions and to test and come up with the outcomes of the hypothesis. The sampling method was used since the researcher was interested in interviewing the staff with the required information. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informants were interviewed to provide information needed for the study. The target population was the 277 Kisumu International Airport staff that is involved in contingency management from Air traffic control department; fire and rescue department; safety department; security department; the airline operators and the airport management. According to Yamane formulae (1967) the calculated sample size was 73 people, but due to the homogeneity of the target population, resource and time constraints, the researcher selected a sample size of 65 which is 89% of the calculated sample size.It is expected that findings from this research will be used to put measures in place to improve contingency preparedness in Kenyan airports and other key places of operation. Key words; Contingency preparedness, communication and information management, public education, staff training. 1. Introduction Even though flying is one of the safest forms of transportation, headline-grabbing contingency s still occur at frequent intervals and Africa has been labeled as one of the most aviation contingency prone regions in the world (Kwiatkowski, 2001).The air transport industry continues to play an increasingly important role as a facilitator of overall economic activity and a critical element in certain economic sectors. Notwithstanding the importance of passengers carried, air transport has become a necessity to ensure the efficient and cost effective movement of goods and services.