School of Science and Technology

Trends in Avian Species Diversity And Composition in Green Spaces of Nairobi County in Kenya

2026-05-01T00:00:00Z

Trends in Avian Species Diversity And Composition in Green Spaces of Nairobi County in Kenya Ngugi, Maryann This study evaluated avian species diversity, community composition, and seasonal trends at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and Karen Karara (KK) between 2014 and 2020. Utilizing a retrospective quantitative research design, the study analysed secondary bird ringing records for 3,843 individuals representing 147 species. Data was standardized using rarefaction to reduce the unequal sampling biasness. The methodology employed Shannon-Wiener diversity (H'), Pielou’s evenness (J’), and Jaccard’s similarity indices, with composition differences statistically validated through Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). Results revealed that Karen Karara maintained a more evenly distributed community structure (median J'≈0.87) compared to the NMK site (J’≈0.78), where a few species tended to dominate, indicating a greater degree of niche partitioning in the former. However, Karen Karara exhibited a statistically significant decline in Shannon diversity over the seven-year period (p < 0.005, R2 = 0.68), whereas the decline at NMK was statistically non- significant (p = 0.081). Species similarity between the two sites remained consistently low (Jaccard index < 0.4), indicating that these proximate green spaces support distinct avian assemblages requiring site-specific management interventions. Furthermore, while seasonal variation significantly influenced the species present (PERMANOVA: p = 0.001), overall diversity levels did not vary significantly across seasons, suggesting a pattern of functional species replacement rather than net diversity loss during different periods of the year. The study concludes that Nairobi’s avian communities within green spaces are undergoing measurable erosion, with peri-urban forests like Karen Karara exhibiting higher vulnerability to species turnover than central urban refuges. The observed decoupling between alpha diversity stability and high beta diversity turnover highlights a system undergoing significant compositional reorganization. To mitigate these trends, the study recommends the enhancement of habitat heterogeneity at NMK and the implementation of urgent restoration efforts and buffer zone creation at Karen Karara. Although sampling efforts differed between the sites, there is an imperative need for increased long-term monitoring to protect declining species and enhance urban biodiversity while reducing pressure on the remaining green corridors in the county. Ultimately, effective urban conservation strategies must move beyond aggregate diversity counts to prioritize seasonal composition shifts and the specific, fine-scale habitat requirements necessary to sustain avian biodiversity in an increasingly fragmented landscape. A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of science in environment and natural resources management in the department of environment and natural resource management at the school of science and technology of Africa Nazarene University

Impact of Environmental Resource Management on The Operations of Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises in Langata, Nairobi

2026-05-01T00:00:00Z

Impact of Environmental Resource Management on The Operations of Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises in Langata, Nairobi Karuri, Kago Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Langata Constituency operate within a highly volatile urban ecosystem characterized by severe resource constraints, including irregular municipal water supply, escalating electricity tariffs, frequent power grid outages, and inadequate solid waste management infrastructure. This study investigated the operational and financial implications of the water-energy-waste nexus among localized commercial operators, focusing specifically on how resource consumption, energy efficiency, and material recovery practices influence overall business performance. Theoretically anchored upon the Resource-Based View (RBV) framework, the research positioned sustainable utility optimization as a core internal strategic asset capable of driving operational resilience and distinct cost advantages. The study adopted a mixed- methods research design, deploying concurrent triangulation to systematically merge qualitative key informant insights with qualitative field data collected from a high-integrity sample of seventy-five (75) actively operating manufacturing, service, and trading MSMEs clustered within the diverse administrative wards of Langata. Primary data collection was executed utilizing structured questionnaires, field observations, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis was conducted in R-Studio using descriptive metrics, Spearman’s Rank Correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) modelling, while qualitative themes were processed via thematic analysis. The empirical findings revealed complex, asymmetric relationships within the urban resource nexus. Multiple Linear Regression analysis established that a unit increase in structural water sustainability practices significantly reduced monthly expenditures by KES 26.72, underscoring the immediate financial return of efficiency technologies. Conversely, Spearman’s correlation tests demonstrated a weak positive correlation (rho = 0.1427) between enterprise sustainability scores and monthly electrical bills, highlighting that baseline technological inefficiencies and fixed tariff structures frequently overshadow isolated conservation behaviors. Within the waste sector, MLR modelling proved that enterprise sustainability scores (p = 0.939), weekly waste volumes (bags disposed; p = 0.340), and industry sector classifications exerted no statistically significant influence on localized waste disposal costs (overall model P – value = 0.7881). This anomaly is driven by institutional market rigidities, specifically the prevalence of flat-rate monthly private collection fees that fail to reward source segregation or volume minimization. Qualitative data synthesized from field observations indicated that immediate cost-saving utility reductions serve as the primary catalyst for micro-scale conservation, while rigid, non-negotiable flat-rate disposal fees act as a structural hinderance to effective material recovery. Current enterprise sustainability frameworks remain profoundly inadequate relative to rapidly accelerating urban consumption trends, and local regulatory compliance remains fundamentally reactive rather than driven by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Consequently, physical resource scarcity forces vulnerable operators to depend on highly inflated, informal private water markets and expensive generator fuels. The study concluded that while natural resource management among Kenyan urban MSMEs is currently driven strictly by short-term economic survival, structured efficiency can be leveraged as a transformative business strategy to secure long-term operational resilience. A Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Environment and Natural Resource Management in the department of Environment and Natural Resource Management and the school of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University

Assessment of The Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Change on Human-Wildlife Conflict in Mukogodo Landscape, Laikipia County, Kenya

2026-05-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of The Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Change on Human-Wildlife Conflict in Mukogodo Landscape, Laikipia County, Kenya Lare, Peres Akinyi Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change is a global phenomenon with far-reaching implications for ecosystems, biodiversity, and human–wildlife interactions. Across East Africa, rapid agricultural expansion, settlement growth, and rising human and livestock populations have intensified Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC), already one of the most pressing conservation and livelihood challenges. The Mukogodo Landscape in Laikipia County, Kenya, provides an ideal setting to examine how landscape transformations between 2009 and 2024 influence conflict patterns. These changes, driven by agricultural expansion, population pressure, and habitat fragmentation, have heightened HWC manifested in crop raids, livestock predation, infrastructure damage, human injuries, and even deaths—threatening both biodiversity and community wellbeing. Guided by three specific objectives, (1) to map the extent of LULC changes in Mukogodo Landscape between 2009 and 2024; (2) to assess the correlation between these LULC changes and the frequency of HWC incidents; and (3) to evaluate existing land management and conflict mitigation strategies and recommend sustainable management approaches for reducing HWC. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating geospatial analysis of Landsat imagery with qualitative data from 98 household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Spatial mapping revealed a 48.3 km2 increase in human impact zones and a 27.0 km2 decline in forest cover between 2019 and 2024, with elephants responsible for 75.9% of the 3,112 recorded HWC incidents. Kernel Density Estimation and Global Moran’s I (0.617, p < 0.001) confirmed spatial clustering of conflict hotspots around settlement clusters and degraded habitats. Regression analysis showed a strong negative correlation between forest cover and HWC (r = – 0.93), while seasonal variation analysis identified the cool & dry season as the peak conflict period. Social surveys further revealed that community members perceive HWC as increasingly severe, particularly regarding property destruction and livestock losses, and express limited confidence in existing mitigation strategies such as fencing and compensation. Based on these findings, the study recommends: ecosystem-based land use planning incorporating designated zones of interaction that balance human livelihoods with wildlife needs and protection and restoration of degraded forests, grasslands, and critical wildlife corridors (particularly elephant migratory routes). The findings underscore the combined influence of LULC change and climate variability in shaping conflict dynamics and highlight the socio-ecological complexity of managing coexistence in arid and semi-arid landscapes. Outputs from this research, including LULC maps, statistical models, and policy recommendations provide actionable insights for sustainable land management and conflict reduction. By linking ecological change with community perspectives, the study contributes to broader efforts to manage HWC and supports the design of integrated conservation and development strategies for the Mukogodo region and beyond. A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science Environment and Natural Resource Management in the Department of Environment and Natural Resource Management and the School of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University

Social Impact Assessment of Built Environment And Strategic Measures of Mitigating Social Impacts: The Case of Standard Gauge Railway Line at Sultan Hamud in Makueni County, Kenya

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Social Impact Assessment of Built Environment And Strategic Measures of Mitigating Social Impacts: The Case of Standard Gauge Railway Line at Sultan Hamud in Makueni County, Kenya Okumu, George Ochieng Built environment refers to the aspects of human made surroundings distinguished from the natural environment that provide support for human activity such as transportation, recreation, social networking, economic activities, defences from natural disasters, telecommunications among others. Built environment impacts the environment and the society positively and negatively. This study therefore was undertaken to determine the impacts of built environment on the society using the Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway line (SGR) as a case study. Specifically, the study was to: (i) determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the stakeholders and households impacted by built environment (SGR), (ii) undertake a scoping exercise for Social Impact Assessment (SIA), (iii) Assessment of social impacts of the built environment (SGR) using the SIA framework and variables, (iv) identification of mitigating strategies and ranking of their effectiveness in alleviating social impacts of a built environment (SGR). A mixed method research design incorporating crossectional, descriptive, ex post facto and evaluative designs was used for this study. The target population was the households within ten-kilometre radius of Sultan Hamud town within the corridor of the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR. A stratified random sample of 344 households was identified and surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Key Informants Interviews (KII) of sixty-three (63) purposively selected stakeholders were undertaken to identify and rank the impact mitigating strategies. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted to triangulate the survey and KIIs data. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 27). The findings showed that the social impacts of the built environment (SGR) using the combined index of five dimensions and twenty-six (26) indicators of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) framework were rated as high (M=5.0, SD=.45) on a scale 0 no impact to 7 very high impact. The reliability of the index using Cronbach’s alpha was determined as (α=.877). The stakeholders identified mitigating strategies for social impacts of the built environment (SGR) at Sultan Hamud and ranked their effectiveness in terms of their implementation. The Corporate Social Responsibility and the utilisation of the new livelihood ventures created by the Built environment (SGR) were highly ranked strategies by the stakeholders. The study recommended public involvement and participation in mitigating social impacts. The implication of the study findings to the stakeholders and the communities impacted by the Built Environment (SGR): (i) the SIA process creates an awareness to the affected community of their social responsibility as pertains to the management of the impacts of development project, (ii) the identification of the significance and magnitude of the social impacts shows the stakeholders and the impacted community of the effects of the development for them to address, (iii) as they identify the social impacts and strategies for mitigating the impacts, it allows them to mitigate or eliminate the negative impacts and enhance the positive ones to manage their economy, and (iv) the SIA procedure also identifies and brings together the project stakeholders to the table to discuss and manage the challenges arising from the building and implementation phase of the development projects. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science Environment and Natural Resource Management in the School of Science and Technology, Departments of Environment and Natural Resource Management of African Nazarene University

Design, Development And Validation Of An Arduino- Based Global System For Mobile Communication Prototype For Remote Water Level Monitoring

2024-04-01T00:00:00Z

Design, Development And Validation Of An Arduino- Based Global System For Mobile Communication Prototype For Remote Water Level Monitoring Matu, Benard Munyiri Amidst global research on IoT-based water level monitoring devices, questions persist about sensor dependability and accuracy, especially in real-world scenarios. The research main objective was to design, develop and validate the Arduino-based Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) prototype that utilizes a JSN-SR04T waterproof ultrasonic sensor in remote water level monitoring that meets the requirements of accuracy and reliability. Two theoretical frameworks were used in this research study to bring out the relationship between the predictor and outcome variables: The ultrasonic wave reflection principle and the Piezoelectric Effect. The research method employed in this research was mixed methods research comprising of explanatory and predictive statistical approaches of gathering and analyzing data to ascertain whether there was a significant difference between the means of data obtained from the IoT-based monitoring system and those from the manual gauge. Linear and Multiple regression were used to analyze the effect of air temperature variations on ultrasonic sensors under different locations. One (1) Arduino-based GSM water level monitoring prototype that utilized a JSN-SR04T waterproof sensor was developed and used to collect sensor datasets. The research study used stratified sampling techniques and had the following sample sizes: 48 manual gauge readings, 48 sensor readings and 15 tests of GSM efficiency. Data was visualized in the Arduino serial monitor, the ThingSpeak Server application and in Excel using graphs and charts. The research study found that the developed and validated Arduino-based GSM water level monitoring prototype was very accurate and reliable for application in water reservoir level monitoring. The IoT prototype achieved a water level accuracy of 98.92 percent in a lab setting environment and an accuracy of 95.083 percent in an outdoor simulation. The ANOVA test confirms the lack of significance for the location effect on accuracy with a p-value of 0.09099. While the sensor demonstrates high accuracy, reaching 100% in certain temperature ranges during outdoor testing, there are instances of lower accuracy, particularly noticeable at 23.44°C and 42.97°C. The impact of temperature on accuracy is evident, with fluctuations noted, and a distinct decrease in accuracy observed at higher temperatures. The research study concludes that while temperature significantly affects the accuracy of outdoor readings, the location of the sensor, whether indoors or outdoors, does not significantly influence accuracy. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing sensor use in various environmental conditions. The significance of this research study is that it adds to the existing knowledge on effective water resource management through the implementation of IoT water level monitoring systems. A Project thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Applied Information Technology in the Department of Computer and Information Technology and the School of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University.

Design, Development and Validation of an Arduino- Based Global System For Mobile Communication Prototype For Remote Water Level Monitoring

2024-06-01T00:00:00Z

Design, Development and Validation of an Arduino- Based Global System For Mobile Communication Prototype For Remote Water Level Monitoring Matu, Benard Munyiri Amidst global research on IoT-based water level monitoring devices, questions persist about sensor dependability and accuracy, especially in real-world scenarios. The research main objective was to design, develop and validate the Arduino-based Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) prototype that utilizes a JSN-SR04T waterproof ultrasonic sensor in remote water level monitoring that meets the requirements of accuracy and reliability. Two theoretical frameworks were used in this research study to bring out the relationship between the predictor and outcome variables: The ultrasonic wave reflection principle and the Piezoelectric Effect. The research method employed in this research was mixed methods research comprising of explanatory and predictive statistical approaches of gathering and analyzing data to ascertain whether there was a significant difference between the means of data obtained from the IoT-based monitoring system and those from the manual gauge. Linear and Multiple regression were used to analyze the effect of air temperature variations on ultrasonic sensors under different locations. One (1) Arduino-based GSM water level monitoring prototype that utilized a JSN-SR04T waterproof sensor was developed and used to collect sensor datasets. The research study used stratified sampling techniques and had the following sample sizes: 48 manual gauge readings, 48 sensor readings and 15 tests of GSM efficiency. Data was visualized in the Arduino serial monitor, the ThingSpeak Server application and in Excel using graphs and charts. The research study found that the developed and validated Arduino-based GSM water level monitoring prototype was very accurate and reliable for application in water reservoir level monitoring. The IoT prototype achieved a water level accuracy of 98.92 percent in a lab setting environment and an accuracy of 95.083 percent in an outdoor simulation. The ANOVA test confirms the lack of significance for the location effect on accuracy with a p-value of 0.09099. While the sensor demonstrates high accuracy, reaching 100% in certain temperature ranges during outdoor testing, there are instances of lower accuracy, particularly noticeable at 23.44°C and 42.97°C. The impact of temperature on accuracy is evident, with fluctuations noted, and a distinct decrease in accuracy observed at higher temperatures. The research study concludes that while temperature significantly affects the accuracy of outdoor readings, the location of the sensor, whether indoors or outdoors, does not significantly influence accuracy. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing sensor use in various environmental conditions. The significance of this research study is that it adds to the existing knowledge on effective water resource management through the implementation of IoT water level monitoring systems. A Project thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Applied Information Technology in the Department of Computer and Information Technology and the School of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University.

A Model for Mitigating Cyber Security Threats and Vulnerabilities in Small and Medium Enterprises

2024-07-01T00:00:00Z

A Model for Mitigating Cyber Security Threats and Vulnerabilities in Small and Medium Enterprises Kiragu, Rose Waithera Security breaches of touchy facts have remained as risk urge for food fluctuate from one company to another, it activates the chance evaluation gear be included with company`s facts protection coverage for you to make certain protection controls at The primary reason of this examine changed into to expand a version for use to mitigate cyber-protection threats in small and medium establishments. Threats and vulnerabilities confronted with the aid of using Small and Medium Enterprises, to evaluate the gear utilized in mitigating threats and vulnerabilities confronted with the aid of using Small and Medium Enterprises, to expand aversion for use to mitigate cyber-protection threats in small and medium establishments and to validate the version. Implemented each quantitative andqualitative study. Data was gotten using purposive sampling from Small Medium Enterprises and was analyzed using SPSS model 26 and Python. Discoveries have been that the modern-day contraptions for risk appraisal paperwork have now no longer blanketed statistics protection association for possible protection management primarily based totally on company`s hazard. The want of compelling risk evaluation primary sources which includes servers and purchaser wise devices at the hand of assailants and on this manner increment risks and chance to compromise the sources. The examine determined that vulnerabilities, authentication mechanism and schooling stood out because the unbiased variables from the coefficient examine achieved with the aid of using python making the researcher drop infrastructure competencies and facts protection coverage. Made have been that Small Medium Enterprises preserve to put in force cyber security to Small Medium Enterprises and has progressed paintings overall performance as nicely as to paintings better. Further studies are wanted on a comprehensive version to mitigate cyber security threats in Small Medium Enterprises in Kenya, strategies,demanding situations and great practices in Nairobi. Version to mitigate cyber security threats in Small Medium Enterprises in Kenya. A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Applied Information Technology In the Department of Computer and Information Technology and the School of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University

Assessment of Socio-Economic Drivers, Community Participation, and Ecological Outcomes of Community-Led Governance Systems in Ruko Conservancy, Kenya

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of Socio-Economic Drivers, Community Participation, and Ecological Outcomes of Community-Led Governance Systems in Ruko Conservancy, Kenya Laurine, Koech Jemutai Conserving biodiversity is critical for maintaining ecological balance, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring ecosystem health. In Kenya, habitat loss, fragmentation, and changing climate are major threats to biodiversity, increasing the frequency and severity of drought, impacting wildlife and local communities. The study examined the effectiveness of community led governance in conservation of biodiversity in Ruko Conservancy, Kenya. The study was conducted using a cross sectional, mixed method design, based on the theories of place-based learning, social learning and resource dependence. Five locations—Komolion, Korossi, Mukutani, Kapkechui, and Rugus—were identified and 330 surveys were conducted, with five key stakeholder interviews added in. GIS mapping and NDVI computation were used to explore the land use/land cover (LULC) change and vegetation health between 1985 and 2025.The findings suggest that community involvement is crucial to Ruko's conservation efforts, with younger community members more involved than the older. 59.1% of the respondents reported better conservation results after implementing community led governance. The ecological analysis indicated an increase in tree cover from 11.84% (1985) to 30.19% (2025), as well as a shift to a more diverse ecosystem and improved woody vegetation health. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the importance of local involvement in resource management, biodiversity conservation, and peacebuilding, as exemplified by the Ruko Community Conservancy. Yet, outside insecurity remains a challenge, threatening governance structures and sustainability. The study calls for institutional measures to support equity and accountability, representation of women and youth through formalization, capacity development, and the inclusion of long-term monitoring in conservation funding to address these issues. They are vital in sustaining community-led conservation areas in Kenya and offer a framework for the effective management of biodiversity whilst allowing for local control. A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resource Management in the Department of Environment and Natural Resource Management and the School of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University

Impact of Climate Variability on Households’ AdaptiveCapacity and Adaptive Strategies in Maasai Pastoralist Communities in Magadi Division of Kajiado County, Kenya

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Impact of Climate Variability on Households’ AdaptiveCapacity and Adaptive Strategies in Maasai Pastoralist Communities in Magadi Division of Kajiado County, Kenya Muya, Phiah Wanjiru Every corner of the world is already experiencing climate change, and the situation will worsen unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and adaptation measures are implemented. As a result, it is necessary to quantify the degree of variation and change in climate and the adaptive capacity of households and identify the potential effective adaptive strategies to buffer against climatic impacts. The goal of this study therefore, is to quantify the level of variation and change in climate, adaptive capacity of the households and the effective adaptive strategies for dealing with climate impacts of Maasai pastoral households in Magadi division of Kajiado County. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the characteristics of Maasai pastoral households, (ii) assess the level of climate variation and change, (iii) determine the adaptive capacity to climate variability and change of Maasai pastoral households, (iv) evaluate the adaptive strategies to climate variation and change undertaken by Maasai pastoral households in Magadi division of Kajiado County. This study used a mixed-methods research design. Primary data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussion reports, archival documents, and journals as secondary data sources. A structured questionnaire was used to survey a stratified proportional random sample of 366 households. Thirty-four (34) key informant interviews were conducted on purposely selected respondents based on their knowledge on climate variation and change in the study area. Four Focus Group Discussions of ten (10) participants each were conducted within the four different locations in the study area to triangulate the information from the household survey. Descriptive (mean, median, mode, and frequency distributions) and inferential statistics (regression analysis, ANOVA, Chi-square, t-test) were used to analyze the collected data. Statistical tests were performed at a 5% level of significance. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 26) statistical software. The level climate variability was found to be high, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 35.4 and negative standardized precipitation index (SPI) in 17 years. Climate change based on long term rainfall trends was found to be on a decreasing trend. The Maasai pastoralists perceived the level of climate variability and change to be high (M = 3.97, SD = .204) on a scale of 1 to 5. There were no statistically significant (t=3.378, df 364, p=.059) differences between the male and female household heads in their rating of climate variability. The level of adaptive capacity to climate variation and change among the Maasai pastoral households was found to be moderate (M=2.55, SD=1.156). There were no statistically significant differences (t=1.688, df 364, p=.092) between the male and female headed households. The nature based adaptive strategies to climate impacts that were recommended included: forage preservation, ranked (M=3.94, SD=1.12) on a scale of 1-5; pasture restoration with enclosures, ranked (M=3.91, SD=1.11). while the non-nature based solutions to climate risks included: diversification to non-livestock livelihoods, ranked (M = 4.17, SD = .99); training on the climate mitigation measures (M = 3.88, SD = 1.38). The findings from the study will influence policy development in implementing climate variation and change adaptive and mitigating measures in Kajiado County. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Masters of Science in Environment and Natural Resources Management in the Department of Environment and Natural Resource Management and the School of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University

Impact of Modern Conservancy Models on Pastoral Grazing and Environmental Sustainability: A Case of Borana Pastoralists in Merti Sub-County, Isiolo, Kenya

2025-06-01T00:00:00Z

Impact of Modern Conservancy Models on Pastoral Grazing and Environmental Sustainability: A Case of Borana Pastoralists in Merti Sub-County, Isiolo, Kenya Galma, Ambrose Abdub This study assessed the impact of modern conservancies on four areas: land tenure security and pastoral mobility, vegetation cover and ecosystem health, social cohesion and community governance, and policy strategies for sustainable grazing and conservation in Merti Sub- County, Isiolo County, Kenya. The area is predominantly inhabited by Borana pastoralists who depend on communal rangelands for their livelihoods. The emergence of community conservancies has introduced new dynamics in land governance, raising questions about their influence on customary land rights, ecosystem functionality, and local governance systems. The study pursued four objectives: to explore conservancies’ impact on land tenure security and pastoral mobility; to evaluate their effect on vegetation and ecosystem health; to analyse their influence on social cohesion and community governance; and to propose policy strategies for sustainable grazing and conservation. A mixed-methods approach engaged 150 participants, including 138 pastoral households and 12 key informants comprising conservancy officials, local leaders, and government officers. Data were collected through household questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document review. Remote sensing analysis using 30-m Landsat imagery processed via Google Earth Engine was used to assess vegetation dynamics over time. To examine the impact of conservancies on land tenure security and pastoral mobility, household survey results showed that 81.9% of respondents perceived their tenure as secure despite 92.8% lacking formal land documentation. However, 14.5% reported restricted access to grazing areas due to the expansion of conservancy boundaries, and 58.7% observed changes in grazing access, with 26.1% attributing these directly to conservancy rules. Only 35.5% believed conservancies supported traditional mobility patterns, suggesting limited alignment with pastoral land-use systems. To evaluate the effect of conservancies on vegetation and ecosystem health, household responses were mixed: 40.6% believed conservancies contributed positively to environmental outcomes, 45.7% saw no impact, and only 30.4% considered conservancy lands better managed. In contrast, remote sensing analysis showed increased vegetation greenness and density within conservancies, supported by 2024 land cover maps that revealed improved shrub, grassland, and tree cover—indicating localized ecological recovery under conservancy management. To analyse the influence of conservancies on social cohesion and community governance, 55.1% of households reported receiving tangible benefits such as education support, water access, and livestock services, while 44.9% received none. Additionally, 50.7% felt excluded from conservancy decision-making. Interviews and focus groups reinforced these perceptions, highlighting elite capture, limited community involvement, and weak integration of customary governance systems like the Dedha. To propose policy strategies for sustainable grazing and conservation, the study drew on document reviews and stakeholder consultations. Key recommendations include the legal registration of communal lands to safeguard mobility corridors; formal inclusion of Dedha committees in conservancy governance; establishment of inclusive decision-making structures; investment in drought-resilient grazing infrastructure; promotion of community-based geospatial monitoring; and implementation of transparent, equitable benefit-sharing frameworks. In conclusion, while modern conservancies have potential to support rangeland restoration and diversify livelihoods, their effectiveness depends on aligning with customary tenure and mobility systems, producing measurable ecological benefits, and fostering inclusive, culturally legitimate governance. Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resource Management in Department of Environment and Natural Resource Management and in the School of Science and Technology of Africa Nazarene University