Governance Peace and Conflict Studies

Role of Technical And Vocational Education in Peacebuilding: A Case of Selected Tvet Institutions In Wajir East Sub-County, Kenya

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Role of Technical And Vocational Education in Peacebuilding: A Case of Selected Tvet Institutions In Wajir East Sub-County, Kenya Abdi, Adan Mohamud This study examined the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in promoting peacebuilding in Wajir East Sub-County, Kenya. Despite ongoing efforts by government and development partners to expand vocational training opportunities, the region continues to experience youth involvement in conflict, unemployment, and socio-economic exclusion. This study investigated how TVET contributes to peacebuilding by improving access to skills training, reducing youth participation in conflict, shaping perceptions toward peace, strengthening institutional strategies, and addressing key challenges affecting its effectiveness. The study was guided by five objectives: to examine access to TVET among youth; assess the role of TVET in reducing youth involvement in conflict; explore perceptions of former students on TVET’s contribution to peacebuilding; examine strategies used by TVET institutions in implementing peacebuilding programs; and identify key challenges and gaps in TVET-based peacebuilding initiatives. The research was anchored on the 4R Theory (Redistribution, Recognition, Representation, and Reconciliation) and Peacebuilding Theory, which explain how education systems can address inequalities and foster sustainable peace. A convergent mixed-methods design was adopted, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study targeted a population of 987 respondents, including 573 students, 35 former students, 57 tutors, 37 administrators, 95 government officials, 25 peace practitioners, and 145 community stakeholders. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 284 respondents was obtained. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. A pilot study was conducted at the Livestock Training Institute in Wajir County involving 15 participants to test the reliability and validity of the research instruments. The findings revealed that access to TVET in Wajir East SubCounty is moderate (Mean = 3.51), with strengths in geographical accessibility and course relevance. However, access remains constrained by financial limitations, sociocultural barriers, gender disparities, and inadequate infrastructure. The study established that TVET plays a significant role in reducing youth involvement in conflict (Mean = 3.77) by enhancing employability, reducing idleness, and promoting positive behavioral change. Former students expressed positive perceptions (Mean = 3.74), viewing TVET as a platform for promoting social cohesion, trust, and peaceful coexistence. Additionally, TVET institutions were found to implement key peacebuilding strategies such as integration of peace education, partnerships with stakeholders, and community outreach initiatives (Mean = 3.69). However, these efforts are limited by challenges including inadequate funding, weak monitoring systems, low awareness, and persistent socio-cultural constraints, particularly affecting female participation. The study concluded that TVET has strong potential as a strategic tool for peacebuilding by addressing youth unemployment and structural drivers of conflict. However, its effectiveness depends on addressing systemic barriers that limit access and program implementation. The study recommended increased investment in TVET infrastructure, enhanced financial support for learners, promotion of gender-inclusive policies, strengthened community sensitization, integration of peacebuilding into curricula, and improved collaboration among stakeholders. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of TVET on peacebuilding and conduct comparative studies across different regions. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Science Governance, Peace, and Security (Peace and Conflict Management) in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Africa Nazarene University

Influence of Government-Facilitated Strategies on Security Mobilization in Kenya: A Case Study of Wajir County (2019-2025)

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Government-Facilitated Strategies on Security Mobilization in Kenya: A Case Study of Wajir County (2019-2025) Mohamed, Abdirizaq Hussein The security landscape in Kenya has been marked by a series of challenges, including terrorism, organized crime, and inter-communal violence. It is, therefore, important to mobilize security to manage or deal with threats and vulnerabilities that hinder growth in economy. The main objective was to assess the influence of government-facilitated strategies on security mobilization in Wajir county, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to establish the nature of government-facilitated strategies that support security mobilizations, to assess the success of the government-facilitated strategies for supporting security mobilization, and to examine the legal and policy framework supporting government-facilitated strategies towards security mobilization in Wajir county, Kenya. The study was anchored on securitization theory, resource mobilization theory and institutional theory. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study targeted 734 participants including grassroot national government officials (Chiefs and sub-chiefs), grassroot county officials (village administrators), police officers and military personnel in Wajir County. The study used Nassiuma (2000) formulae to compute the sample of 164 participants and selected them using stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used for collecting primary data. The questionnaires were distributed to the grassroot national government officials (Chiefs and sub-chiefs), grassroot county officials (village administrators), police officers and military personnel in Wajir County. Key informant interviews were conducted by the researcher with the help of trained research assistants. Every questionnaire collected was referenced and all the questions in the questionnaire coded for facilitating entry of the data. Data cleaning was done which entailed sorting incomplete questionnaires and checking errors in data entry. Quantitative data analysis was through descriptive statistics. Multiple regression analysis was used for establishing how government facilitated strategies influence security mobilization. The analysis of qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews was through content analysis. The finding revealed that 69.3% of the variations in security mobilization in Wajir county could be attributed to government-facilitated strategies. The study found community policing significantly predicts security mobilization (β=0.733; p=0.000). The study revealed that military preparedness is significantly associated to security mobilization (β=0.706; p=0.000). Further, the study found that border control strategy significantly predicts security mobilization (β=0.825; p=0.017). It is recommended that the government of Kenya through Ministry of defence should increase the allocation of military and security resources in order to strengthen security mobilization efforts in border regions. There is also need for Kenyan government to ensure that border patrol units are equipped with modern technologies to assist in detecting, preventing and responding to security challenges A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Governance, Peace and Security Studies in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security, School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Africa Nazarene University

Influence of Social Media Platforms Usage on Food security in langata Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Social Media Platforms Usage on Food security in langata Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya Monirei, Anne Nashipae Social media digital platform is a body of technologies that facilitate social interaction, make collaboration possible, and enable deliberation across stakeholders. The platforms have become vital integral part of peoples’ daily life, shaping the way they connect and communicate with each other. This study examined the effects of social media platforms’ usage on food security in Lang’ata Sub-County. Specifically, the study determined the level of usage of social media digital platforms on food security; assessed the households’ perception on utilizing social media digital platform to enhance food security; and examined the challenges and opportunities in utilizing social media digital platforms to enhance food security. The study was anchored on platform theory. The study used descriptive and correlation research designs to gather data. This enabled the utilization of mixed research methods combining both qualitative and quantitative studies. A total of 176,314 households were targeted. Karen and Nyayo High Rise wards were purposively sampled from the five wards. A representative sample size of 370 households were selected using Yamane1967formula. Data collected were cleaned up, entered and analyzed in SPSS version 2.0 software to generate chi-squares, correlations, percentages, tables and figures. The mean score for social media platform usage in food availability activities was 202 (54.6); Mean score for social media platform usage in food accessibility activities was 141(38.2); Mean score for social media platform usage in food utilization activities was 188(50.8) while Mean score for social media platform usage in food stability activities was 183(49.6). While the overall mean score on social media platform usage on food security activities was 179(48.3), the majority329(89%) had a positive feeling that social media platform usage influenced food security. Household satisfaction in one social media platform activity was highly and significantly linked to satisfaction in other activities related to food security (p < 0.01 for all pairs). Households who were active users of social media platforms in seeking for food security, including posting content, interacting with others, and consuming information; and social media platforms in facilitating two-way communication and feedback between users on food security was (r = .866). The tendency to compare oneself to others on social media on matters related to food security, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction; and the way users perceived and processed food security information from social media, including the potential for misinformation and echo chambers were found to be highly significant at p-value=0.000. 296(80.0%) and 276(74.6%) of the households observed that high cost of internet and high cost of phones and other social media gadgets respectively were major challenges. The study recommends that social media platforms usage should be enhanced to promote food security at the household level. Therefore, all stakeholders and sectors in food security should consider utilizing social media platforms for food security by addressing affordability and usage challenges, providing conducive environment through mainstreaming social media and food security policies, laws and plans at the sub-county level. This Thesis is Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of The requirements For the Award of The Degree of Master of science in Governance, Peace, And Security, Department of governance, Peace And Security Studies, Africa Nazarene university

Impact of Ethnic Conflicts on Human Development in Merti Sub-County, Isiolo County, Kenya

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Impact of Ethnic Conflicts on Human Development in Merti Sub-County, Isiolo County, Kenya Jattani, Boru Adhi Ethnic conflict remains a significant impediment to human development in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands, with Merti Sub-County in Isiolo County experiencing recurrent inter-ethnic violence that has severely constrained progress across education, health, and economic dimensions. Despite numerous government interventions and policy frameworks, persistent conflicts among pastoralist communities have continued to disrupt livelihoods, displace populations, and undermine development initiatives. This study examined the impact of ethnic conflicts on human development in Merti SubCounty, guided by four specific objectives: to examine the prevalence and nature of ethnic conflicts; to determine their effects on human development indicators; to evaluate existing policy and legal frameworks; and to identify challenges in managing ethnic conflicts for enhanced human development. This study was anchored on conflict theory and human development theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design, targeting a population of 8,558 conventional household heads in Merti-Sub County, Isiolo County, Kenya. Using Yamane's formula, a sample size of 382 household heads was selected through stratified random sampling and 50 key informants to be selected purposively. The data was collected using structured questionnaires with Likert scale items and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 to generate descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and SDs, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically through content analysis. The findings informed evidence-based policy recommendations for improving conflict management and promoting sustainable human development in Merti Sub-County and similar pastoral contexts. The results indicated that cattle raiding (mean of 4.24) and competition over water and grazing land (mean of 4.16) were the main drivers of ethnic conflicts in Merti SubCounty. These conflicts negatively affected human development by destroying assets (85.8%), limiting healthcare (87.6%), displacing families (41.9%), and disrupting education (a mean of 3.15 and SD of 1.291). Existing formal and traditional policies to address conflicts were limited by low awareness (mean of 2.34), slow response (mean of 3.01), and enforcement challenges (mean of 4.11). Conflict management was hindered by weak law enforcement (92%), political interference (76.7%), and weapons proliferation (80.8%), with calls for stronger governance and improved infrastructure. The study concluded that ethnic conflicts in Merti Sub-County are highly prevalent and are mainly driven by competition over scarce resources, cattle raiding, and political influences, particularly among the Borana and Samburu communities. These conflicts had significant negative effects on human development, including loss of lives, increased poverty, disrupted healthcare services, and hindered economic growth, although the impact on education was localized. The study also found out that existing policy and legal frameworks were largely ineffective due to low public awareness, weak implementation, corruption, and political interference, despite the potential of traditional systems such as Dedha. The study therefore recommended strengthening early warning systems, promoting sustainable resource management, enhancing policy implementation and public awareness, integrating traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, and investing in disarmament, youth empowerment, and community cohesion initiatives to foster sustainable peace and improved human development. The findings provided empirical evidence to inform the design and implementation of more effective conflict management policies and human development interventions by government agencies and local communities’ leadership in Merti Sub-County and similar pastoral contexts. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Award of Master of Science in Governance, Peace And Security Studies Degree in The Department of Governance, Peace And Security Studies, School Of Humanities And Social Sciences, Africa Nazarene University

Early Warning Mechanisms Influencing the Mitigation of Intractable Ethnic Conflicts in West Pokot and Turkana Counties, Kenya

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Early Warning Mechanisms Influencing the Mitigation of Intractable Ethnic Conflicts in West Pokot and Turkana Counties, Kenya Yego, Bernard Kipkemoi Ethnic conflicts remain a persistent threat to peace, security, and development in regions characterized by resource scarcity, political marginalization, and weak governance structures. The Turkana and Pokot communities have experienced recurrent inter-ethnic violence driven by cattle rustling, competition over grazing land and water resources, and deeply entrenched historical grievances. Despite the proliferation of peacebuilding initiatives and early warning mechanisms (EWMs) at community, national, and regional levels, conflicts remain intractable, pointing to critical gaps in how early warning systems are designed, integrated, and operationalized. This study examined the influence of EWMs on mitigating intractable ethnic conflicts in West Pokot and Turkana Counties, Kenya, with specific focus on the nature of existing mechanisms, the extent of their integration, and the challenges and opportunities shaping their effectiveness. The study was grounded in two complementary theoretical frameworks: Galtung's Conflict Triangle, which provided a lens for analyzing the structural, attitudinal, and behavioral dimensions of conflict; and Austin's Early Warning and Response Theory offered a sequential framework for understanding the processes of detecting, communicating, and responding to conflict signals. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was adopted, whereby quantitative data collection preceded and informed qualitative inquiry. A sample of 350 community respondents were selected through multistage sampling from a total adult population of 15,915, while 50 key informants were purposively selected from among traditional leaders, government officials, and NGO practitioners. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, while qualitative data from Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were subjected to thematic analysis. The overall response rate was 96.3%.Findings revealed the coexistence of traditional and modern EWMs, with traditional systems reported by 80% of respondents as the most prevalent, trusted, and culturally credible category. Traditional mechanisms including elders' intelligence networks, community scouts, and ecological observation were found to detect conflict signals earlier than formal systems, though their effectiveness is constrained by weakening intergenerational knowledge transfer and the absence of institutional recognition. Modern systems, comprising NGO-led frameworks, government-led initiatives such as the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (NCEWERS), and technology-based tools including mobile alerts and GIS mapping, enhanced communication and coordination capacity but were limited by poor infrastructure, misinformation risks, and weak community trust. A statistically significant positive relationship was established between the integration of traditional and modern EWMs and conflict mitigation outcomes. However, integration was found to be moderate, structurally fragile, and dependent on informal personal relationships and short-term project cycles rather than institutionalized frameworks. Key challenges identified included resource scarcity, poor infrastructure, weak institutional coordination, limited community trust in authorities, and political interference. Significant opportunities exist in the form of robust indigenous knowledge systems, increasing mobile phone penetration, active NGO and peace committee presence, and growing regional cooperation through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and inter-county structures. The study concludes that EWMs can effectively mitigate ethnic conflicts when underpinned by structured integration, sustained institutional support, and genuine community trust. It recommends the formal recognition of traditional EWM structures within county policy frameworks, the establishment of permanent multi-actor coordination platforms, the development of droughtcontingent early warning protocols, and the promotion of inclusive, community-based approaches to early warning as foundations for sustainable peace in conflict-prone pastoral regions. A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements For the Award of Master of Science Degree in Governance Peace & Security in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security Studies in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Africa Nazarene University

Assessment of the Influence of Citizen Service Charter on Health Service Delivery at Mbagathi Hospital

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of the Influence of Citizen Service Charter on Health Service Delivery at Mbagathi Hospital Odunga, Choppy Ndedah The problem of ineffective service delivery in public hospitals remains a persistent challenge. The main objective of the study was to assess the citizen service charter and its implications for health service delivery in Mbagathi Hospital. Specifically, the study sought to assess the influence of service standards on health service delivery, to determine the influence of procedural clarity on health service delivery, to examine the influence of grievance redressal mechanisms on health service delivery at Mbagathi Hospital and to assess the influence of patients’ awareness of rights and responsibilities on health service delivery at Mbagathi Hospital. The study was guided by new public management (NPM) theory and public service motivation theory (PSMT). The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study site was Mbagathi Hospital. The study targeted 1208 daily outpatients at Mbagathi Hospital from whom data were collected using questionnaires and 19 key informants including hospital management staff for interviews. Hence, the sampling frame was 1227, which included both outpatients and hospital management staff. From the sampling frame, the sample size of 189 was selected using both the stratified proportionate random sampling method and purposive sampling. Primary data were obtained using respondent-administered 5-point Likert scale questionnaires and an interview guide. The pilot study was conducted in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital to assess the reliability and validity of the research tools. The questionnaires were administered to the outpatients in Mbagathi Hospital. The researcher used a drop-and-pick-up later approach for distributing the questionnaires. The researcher conducted key informant interviews with the help of trained research assistants. The researcher observed different legal and ethical considerations when conducting the study including obtaining informed consent from every participant before the collection of data and informing the participants that they retained the right to rescind participation in the process of data collection. Qualitative data from the open-ended questions and interviews were analyzed through content analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics: frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Presentation of the findings was in the form of tables and figures like pie charts and bar graphs. The study established that the R2 was 0.733, which implies that 73.3% of the variations in health service delivery could be explained by service standards, procedural clarity, grievance redressal mechanisms, patients’ awareness of rights and responsibilities in the citizen service charter. Findings showed that service standards (β=0.764; p=0.001), procedural clarity (β=0.643; p=0.000), grievance redressal mechanisms (β=0.712; p=0.011), and patients’ awareness of rights and responsibilities (β=0.558; p=0.000) had a significant influence on health service delivery in Mbagathi Hospital. From the interviews, the study established that the citizen service charter is implemented by ensuring it is accessible to everyone within the hospital. This is done by displaying it in key areas such as reception desks, waiting bays and outpatient departments where patients can easily access information. The study concluded that the citizen service charter significantly influenced the health service delivery in Mbagathi Hospital. The study recommended that management in Mbagathi Hospital should strengthen operational efficiency by introducing clear internal performance targets aligned with the charter. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Governance, Peace and Security Studies in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security, School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Africa Nazarene University

Effect of Drug-Related Crime, Gang Violence, and Petty Theft on Community Cohesion in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya: The Mediating Effect of Fear of Crime

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Effect of Drug-Related Crime, Gang Violence, and Petty Theft on Community Cohesion in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya: The Mediating Effect of Fear of Crime Odhiambo, Christopher Urban crime is a persistent challenge in informal settlements as it undermines social structures and threatens community resilience. This study investigated the effects of drug-related crime, gang violence, petty theft on community cohesion in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County. The study was guided by the following research objectives; to determine the effects of drug-related crime on community cohesion; to examine the effects of gang violence on community cohesion; to assess the effects of petty theft on community cohesion; and to establish the mediating effect of fear of crime on the relationship between selected urban crimes and community cohesion among residents of Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County. The study was guided by the Collective Efficacy Theory and the Social Disorganization Theory. It adopted a convergent research design with a parallel database variant. A random sample of 396 respondents was drawn from a study population consisting of 185,777 residents of Kibra Sub-County and 18 key respondents were selected purposively. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guide. Instrument validity was ensured through content validity and construct validity assessed using factor analysis, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure, and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity, while reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha. Qualitative trustworthiness was established through member checking. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics. The study hypotheses were tested using multiple and hierarchical regression analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in the form of narratives and direct quotes. Data was merged at the interpretation stage. Ethical consideration was maintained throughout the research process. From the findings, the overall multiple regression model was statistically significant, F (3, 334) = 14.643, p < .001, with R = .341 and R² = .116, indicating that the drug-related crime, gang violence, petty theft jointly explains 11.6% of the variance in community cohesion. At the individual level, drug-related crime (β = .069, p = .432), gang violence (β = .127, p = .186), and petty theft (β = .171, p = .077) did not significantly predict community cohesion. However, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that all three crime variables significantly predicted fear of crime drug-related crime (β = .19, p < .001), gang violence (β = .19, p < .001), and petty theft (β = .50, p < .001), while fear of crime significantly predicted community cohesion (β = .28, p < .001). The inclusion of fear of crime in the model increased the explained variance in community cohesion from 12% to 14% (R² change = .02), confirming a significant mediating effect. The study therefore concluded that urban crimes influence community cohesion indirectly through fear of crime. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting integrated interventions that address both crime and fear of crime, including community based and intelligence led crime prevention strategies, youth focused employment and rehabilitation programs, and environmental design improvements to reduce everyday insecurity. The study further recommends institutionalizing structured community police engagement forums, strengthening community policing, and implementing public reassurance and awareness initiatives aimed at reducing fear, rebuilding trust, and enhancing community participation. There is need for further studies on comparative analyses across different informal settlements and incorporate perspectives from residents, community leaders, and security actors A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Governance, Peace and Security in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences of Africa Nazarene University

Impact of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on the Well-Being of Women in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Impact of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on the Well-Being of Women in Tigray Region, Ethiopia Muse, Fardosa The humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia, has precipitated widespread conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), significantly undermining the well-being of women through physical, psychological, and socio-economic harm. Despite global recognition of GBV as a serious human rights violation, limited empirical research has examined its specific effects on women in conflict-affected settings such as Tigray. This study was guided by the need to address this gap. The general objective of the study was to examine the impact of conflict-related sexual violence on the well-being of women in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, with a focus on physical, psychological, sexual, and socioeconomic outcomes, as well as the moderating role of coping strategies. The specific objectives were to assess the physical and mental health outcomes associated with conflict-related sexual violence among women in Tigray, Ethiopia; to establish the socio-economic consequences of GBV in Tigray, Ethiopia; and to examine the moderating role of coping strategies on the relationship between conflict-related sexual violence and the well-being of women in Tigray, Ethiopia. The study was anchored on Eco-System Theory and Trauma Theory, which provided a useful basis for understanding gendered power relations and the long-term effects of violence on survivors. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The target population comprised 2,340 women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence residing in internally displaced persons camps across Tigray. A sample of 344 respondents was selected using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, thereby allowing both quantitative and qualitative data to be generated. The findings revealed that 82% of respondents experienced severe physical injuries, including trauma, disability and chronic health complications, while 77% reported depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Further, 69% of respondents reported loss of livelihoods, while 64% indicated disruption of education and reduced employment opportunities. The study also established that coping strategies played a moderating role in shaping women’s well-being, although such strategies were not sufficient to fully offset the adverse effects of conflict-related sexual violence. The study concluded that conflict-related sexual violence in Tigray has devastating physical, psychological and socio-economic effects on women, and that coping strategies only partly cushion survivors from these outcomes. The study recommends strengthening survivor-centred interventions, including improved access to medical care, psychosocial support and livelihood recovery programmes, while also enhancing communitybased and institutional coping mechanisms to improve women’s resilience and well-being in conflict settings. A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Governance, Peace, and Security Department of Governance, Peace, and Security, School of Humanity and Social Science of Africa Nazarene University.

The Contribution of Social Media to the Rising Cases of Femicide: A Case of Nairobi County, Kenya.

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

The Contribution of Social Media to the Rising Cases of Femicide: A Case of Nairobi County, Kenya. Wambui, Dorine Njoki Femicide, the intentional killing of women because of their gender, is a current global problem. In the recent past, femicide has become a growing concern in Nairobi County, and social media plays a vital role in both advocacy and the perpetuation of the negative portrayal of women. The purpose of this study is to establish the extent to which social media contributes to the rising cases of femicide in Nairobi. Despite government and civil society efforts, femicide still persists, driven by entrenched gender norms, online misogyny, and weak regulations of digital platforms. Therefore, the study was guided by the following research objectives: to analyze how social media perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes, to assess the role of social media advocacy in raising public awareness on the rising cases of femicide, and to identify intervention measures that can be leveraged to curb the rising cases of femicide. The theories guiding the study were Feminist Theory and Social Learning Theory. These theoretical perspectives provide a framework for understanding the social behaviors and gender disparities that lead to femicide and its representation on social media. The study adopted a mixed methods approach, whereby a convergent parallel design was employed to integrate quantitative and qualitative data, which was analyzed to yield the major findings of the study. Purposive sampling was adopted to identify participants, including social media users, police officers, and civil society organizations advocating for the rights of women subjected to gender-based violence, with a sample of 152 participants selected from law enforcement, NGOs, civil society organizations, and social media users. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data, while secondary data was obtained through content analysis of information posted on social media platforms and research papers. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed, and statistical tests using SPSS were conducted to determine the correlation between variables. Descriptive analysis showed that social media has a two-fold effect; on the one hand, it makes violence against women more visible through quick information dissemination and activism, while, on the other hand, it reinforces misogynistic stereotypes that legitimize violence against women. Consequently, the study recommends stronger content moderation, comprehensive legal frameworks addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, and digital literacy. The study also recommends enhanced multi-stakeholder collaboration in safeguarding women’s rights. A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement For the Award of The Degree of Master of Science in Governance, Peace And Security Studies in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security of African Nazarene University

Local Peace Building Strategies And Promotion of Human Security in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County, Kenya

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Local Peace Building Strategies And Promotion of Human Security in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County, Kenya Long’orio, Gladys Moru Local peacebuilding strategies in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County, are fundamental to promoting human security, reducing inter-community conflicts, and enhancing socio-economic development. Despite their critical importance, local peacebuilding strategies in Loima SubCounty continue to face persistent challenges; therefore, the study sought to assess the role of local peacebuilding strategies promoting human security in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County. Specifically, the study sought to establish how local governance influences the promotion of human security in Loima sub-county. In addition, the study sought to examine how community-led peace initiatives promote human security in Loima sub-county. The study also sought to assess how the legal frameworks supporting local peacebuilding strategies influence the promotion of human security in Loima sub-county. The study was guided by Liberal theory, Peacebuilding theory, Lederach’s Moral Imagination Framework and Human Security theory. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. The study was conducted in Loima Sub-County, located in Turkana County. The target population for this study consisted of 5 Senior Chiefs, 5 Assistant Chiefs, 1,796 elders, 900 kraal leaders, 6,227 youths, 9,000 women, and 30 representatives of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) drawn from the three main centres of Lokiriama, Lorengippi, and Urum in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County. The sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula, yielding a sample of 376 respondents. The study relied on primary data collected through a questionnaire and an interview schedule. A pilot study was conducted in Loima Sub-County using 38 respondents who did not form part of the main study sample. Qualitative data collected through open-ended questions in questionnaires and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and presented in prose. Quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version and presented in the form of percentages and frequencies. The findings revealed that local governance plays a significant role in promoting human security in Loima Sub-County; a majority of the respondents were aware of local peacebuilding strategies. The most commonly used strategies include traditional elder mediation, community dialogues, and inter-clan peace agreements. Youth engagement programs and government-led interventions are also in place, but to a lesser extent. The key actors in implementing these strategies are largely NGOs and civil society organisations, followed by local elders and local government authorities. The study also found that community-led peace initiatives have a significant positive influence on human security. A majority of community members in Loima Sub-County believe that local peacebuilding approaches have played a significant role in minimising violence and enhancing social cohesion. Moreover, the study concluded that the strategies have enhanced access to important common resources, including water and grazing land, particularly in areas affected by past conflict. The study also showed that there is a gap in community members’ legal knowledge in Loima Sub-County, as they are not familiar with the legal frameworks that underpin peacebuilding. The study recommends that the government should formalise and strengthen local peace agreements by integrating community-based mechanisms with formal legal systems. This approach aims to enhance the enforcement and sustainability of peace efforts. On a practical level, stakeholders should carry out targeted awareness campaigns to improve community understanding, participation, and engagement in peacebuilding initiatives. Furthermore, future research should investigate the role of women in peacebuilding within pastoralist communities. Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Peace, Governance and Security Studies in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security Studies of Africa Nazarene University.