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Contribution of Responsive Governance to Personal Security: The Case of Crime Victims Support Services (CVSS) in Kenya
(2024) Mwenje Mary W
This study investigates the role of responsive governance in enhancing personal security for
crime victims within Kenya's law enforcement and justice system. The research addresses the
systemic neglect of victims' rights and evaluates governance mechanisms to propose a victim
centered approach for equitable justice. The following objectives guide the study; to examine
the key principles of responsive governance that contribute to the success of crime support
services, to assess the extent to which governance mechanisms in Kenya acknowledge and
comprehensively serve the requirements of crime victims through the perspectives of crime
victims and relevant stakeholders and to investigate strategic interventions for enhancing the
efficacy of the existing governance mechanisms in addressing the needs of crime victims. The
study adopted governance capacity and victim centred approach theories which integrates
concepts from governance studies, victimology, and security studies to elucidate how
governance mechanisms influence personal security outcomes for crime victims. Utilizing a
mixed-methods approach, data was collected from 180 respondents, including crime victims,
law enforcement, legal practitioners, and advocacy groups, through structured questionnaires
and in-depth interviews. The study identified major gaps in the accessibility and effectiveness
of victim support services, with only 33.3% of respondents finding these services easily
accessible and 35.3% expressing dissatisfaction with their effectiveness. Despite progressive
legal frameworks, implementation gaps persist due to lack of a clear well-resourced single
institution dedicated to crime victim welfare, financial constraints, corruption, low awareness
and poor coordination among agencies with complimentary mandates. A strong consensus
emerged on the need for strategic interventions, including a budget increase for victim support
and streamlining the justice system to reduce re-victimization and undue delays. The study
concludes that inclusivity especially of crime victims, transparency, and collaboration are
crucial for successful victim support programs. However, significant implementation
challenges undermine these efforts, necessitating specific, measurable, and time-bound
interventions to improve governance mechanisms. The study advocates for enhancing the
accessibility and tailoring of support services, strengthening legal/policy/administrative
frameworks, increasing funding, and improving coordination among agencies. In view of the
above, the study proposes urgent establishment of a Victim Support Agency (VSA) in Kenya
meant to strategically provide leadership and ensure the effective coordination and oversight
of crime victim support services.
Keywords: Responsive governance, crime victims, criminal justice system, victim-centered
approach.
Bilateral Labour Agreements and Human Rights Protection of Kenya Migrant Workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council
(NDU-K, 2024) Njoka Neema M M R
In recent years, the global Labour market has seen a substantial increase in the
movement of migrant workers, driven by factors such as economic disparities,
demographic shifts, and Labour shortages in various industries. However, despite the
existence of the bilateral Labour agreement, the migration process exposes workers to
various human rights abuses, including Labour exploitation, discrimination, and lack of
access to social protections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the existing
bilateral Labour agreements and their effectiveness in protecting the human rights of
Kenyan Labour migrants in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries. Specific
objectives included examining the existing Bilateral Labour Agreements, policies and
regulations between Kenya and GCC countries, exploring the push and pull factors that
make Kenyan workers travel to the GCC Countries despite the challenges faced, to
establish the reasons for human rights abuses on Kenyan migrant workers in Gulf
Cooperation Council and to determine the mechanisms through which existing Bilateral
Labour Agreements can best serve interests of and safeguard Human rights of Kenyan
Workers in GCC Countries. This study is based on Ravenstein’s Theory of Migration
(RTM) and Interest Theory of Human Rights. This study used qualitative research,
emphasizing understanding and interpreting complex social phenomena. This study
adopted a research design based on primary data collection method and secondary data
analysis to explore the connection between Bilateral Labour Agreements and the
protection of human rights for Kenyan migrant workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC). Primary data collection involved conventional methods, such as interviews with
guides to former migrant workers at GCC and Kenyan government officials in relevant
ministries/agencies concerned with migrant workers at GCC—secondary data analysis
involved collecting and examining pre-existing data from diverse sources. The study
also relied on established secondary data sources, including government reports,
international media, academic research, and organizations. The collected data was
subjected to content analysis to reveal essential themes and qualitative insights. The
study reveals that many GCC countries lack comprehensive legal frameworks to protect
migrant workers' rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Existing
Labour laws are often poorly enforced, and domestic workers are mostly excluded from
Labour law protections. The study recommends renewing Bilateral Labour Agreements
(BLAs) between Kenya and GCC countries, raising awareness about workers' rights,
establishing a Task Force Committee, adopting Asian Labour governance strategies, and
establishing a robust migrant database for policymaking.
Leadership Change and the Implementation of Kenya’s Foreign Policy
(NDU-K, 2024) Maingi Natalynne N
Leadership changes affect foreign policy execution worldwide. This study explored how
leadership transitions affect foreign policy in the US, Russia, UK, SA and Kenya. These countries
showed how presidential and legislative leadership transfers affect foreign policy and international
relations. The study examined the impact of emerging leadership practices on Kenya's foreign
policy, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs' leadership culture, the adequacy of leadership
operationalized to drive Kenya's foreign policy from 2002 to 2022 and the extent to which
leadership structure was responsive to Kenya's foreign policy. The study objectives sought to
determine the influence of electoral cycles on Foreign Policy, assess the influence of political
ideologies on Foreign Policy Implementation, examine the influence of diplomacy on Foreign
Policy Implementation and analyse the intervening role of bureaucratic offices in the
implementation of Foreign Policy. The study focused on how leadership transitions might have
affected Kenya's national interests and foreign policy priorities using Scott (2005) institutionalism
theory. The theory noted that institutions, encompassing formal and informal rules, norms and
procedures, greatly influenced the behaviour and choices of political actors. Leadership changes
and foreign policy outcomes were examined using a descriptive case study design. Comprehensive
analysis included qualitative and quantitative methods. Kenya's government transitions, foreign
policy decisions, diplomatic contacts and regional/global roles were the focus of the study. The
target population was 388 which included top officials from the office of the president,
parliamentarians, international relations experts and MFDA officials. Proportionate sampling was
employed to sample 30% of the target population. Interview guides, questionnaires and document
analysis tools were research tools. A pilot study established tool validity and reliability. Thematic
analysis for qualitative data and statistical analysis for quantitative data were used. The study
followed ethical research norms, including informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, correct
citation and institutional clearances. Findings of the study extensively explored the complex
interplay of political, economic, technological and cultural factors influencing Kenya's foreign
policy. Leadership changes, electoral cycles and psychological factors emerged as significant
drivers, impacting foreign direct investment, peace and state integrity. While economic
considerations, technological advancements and cultural diplomacy initiatives were generally
viewed positively, challenges such as limited technology access and potential cultural
misunderstandings were identified. The study acknowledged the generally successful nature of
Kenya's diplomatic efforts, citing positive perceptions of effectiveness among respondents.
Bureaucratic offices were recognized as pivotal in foreign policy implementation, with
recommendations focusing on achieving a more consistent foreign policy aligned with national
interests, leveraging economic, technological and cultural opportunities, addressing identified
challenges and streamlining bureaucratic processes for enhanced effectiveness, communication
and collaboration. The study concluded by emphasizing the importance of understanding and
navigating the multifaceted nature of factors shaping Kenya's foreign policy for successful
outcomes and strategic formulation.
Enforcement Measures and Control of Illicit Cigarette Trade In Kenya: A Case of Kenya Revenue Authority
(NDU-K, 2024) Jemutai Nancy
The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of enforcement efforts undertaken by KRA
to control illicit cigarette trade in Kenya. The tobacco industry is afflicted by illicit activity
Like many other markets, mostly linked to tax evasion and the counterfeiting of legitimate
goods. The objectives of the study are to: investigate measures employed by KRA to control
illicit cigarette trade; highlight the existing conditions that hinder effective implementation of
enforcement measures by the Kenya Revenue Authority in anti-illicit cigarette trade and
determine the impact of enforcement measures on government revenue in Kenya. This study
was anchored on institutional theory. The study used a mixed methods research design. This
research targeted 126 enforcement officers at KRA. The study used census method where every
officer was engaged during data collection. Questionnaire was used to collect data. The
questionnaire was converted into a Google form and shared with the study participants via
email and social media platforms. Quantitative data was keyed into SPSS Version 26 and
analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented using charts,
graphs, frequency tables and figures. For qualitative data, thematic analysis technique was
employed to identify themes and categories. The study findings indicate that enforcement
measures play a significant role in combating the distribution of illicit cigarettes in Kenya, but
suggesting a need for enhanced online market regulation. Additionally, the study highlighted
the impact of various factors on controlling illicit cigarette trade, emphasizing on the
importance of government enforcement capabilities. In conclusion, enforcement efforts were
recognized for their significant impact on government revenue preservation, public health
protection, and the reduction of illicit trade prevalence.
Environmental Diplomacy and the Conservation of Endangered Wildlife Species in Kenya: A Casestudy of Pangolin
(NDU-K, 2024) Muita Lucy W
The main aim of this study was to establish environmental diplomacy and the conservation of
endangered wildlife species in Kenya: Pangolin. The specific objectives that guided the study
include; analyzing the nature and forms of advocacy efforts towards the conservation of
endangered pangolin species in Kenya determining the legislative and institutional framework
governing the conservation of pangolins in Kenya and evaluating the challenges affecting
conservation of Pangolins in Kenya. The study utilized collaborative conservation theory and
protected area theory, to contextualize the role of environmental diplomacy in conservation of
endangered species in Kenya in this case the Pangolin. The study utilized a case study method in
establishing the relationship between environmental diplomacy and conservation of endangered
species in Kenya using a case of Pangolin. Primary data was collected using in-depth personal
interviews and structured questionnaires, while formal periodic reports from security agencies,
government ministries and departments, and non-governmental organisations provided secondary
data. The acquired qualitative data was analysed using qualitative analysis. To aid deeper analysis,
interpretation, and identification of the numerous thematic issues in the study, the researcher used
content and theme analysis to organise the data into several categories. To analyse the quantitative
data, descriptive statistics such as frequency, means, and percentages were employed. The findings
revealed that advocacy efforts for pangolin conservation involve raising awareness, mobilizing
support, and influencing policies. Efforts include educating the public, engaging local
communities, influencing government policies, and fostering stakeholder cooperation. The
legislative framework, including the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013, provides
legal protection for pangolins. However, challenges such as habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and
poaching hinder effective conservation. The study recommends prioritizing public awareness
campaigns, strengthening and monitoring wildlife protection legislation, and enhancing law
enforcement to combat pangolin trafficking.