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Gender Dynamics in Countering Violent Extremism: Insights from Local Communities in Isiolo County, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2024-10) Zadock Wambua Kavemba; Mumo Nzau; Emmanuel Kondoltiony
Countering violent extremism (CVE) has become a significant concern globally, with various strategies being explored to address the root causes of radicalization. In regions like Isiolo County, Kenya, gender dynamics play a pivotal role in influencing both vulnerability to and engagement in efforts to combat extremism. Gender-sensitive approaches have been increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance the effectiveness of CVE interventions by addressing the social, economic, and political inequalities that contribute to radicalization. This study investigates Gender Dynamics in Countering Violent Extremism: Insights from Local Communities in Isiolo County, Kenya, utilizing a feminist security theory framework. The objective of the study is to explore how gender influences the effectiveness of CVE strategies and to identify the factors that enable women’s active involvement in CVE. A mixed-methods approach, including surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, was used to gather perspectives from individuals directly or indirectly affected by violent extremist activities, as well as key informants involved in CVE initiatives. The study finds that promoting gender equality, fostering inclusive community dialogue, addressing underlying social issues, empowering women in leadership roles, and engaging men and boys in challenging traditional gender norms are critical to enhancing women’s participation in CVE. These findings underscore the importance of adopting a gender-sensitive approach to CVE, which recognizes and tackles the intersecting social, economic, and political factors driving violent extremism. Key recommendations include implementing governance reforms to promote gender equality, expanding educational and economic opportunities for women, fostering inclusive dialogues, and engaging men and boys in promoting positive masculinity. These insights contribute to broader discussions on gender-responsive approaches to security and peacebuilding, highlighting specific strategies to strengthen women’s roles in preventing and countering violent extremism in Isiolo County.
Evaluating the Role of Rehabilitation Programs in the Post-Release Reintegration of Female Prisoners at Lang'ata Women Prison, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2025-06) Yusuf Kaitopok; Resila Atieno Onyango; Cliff Obwogi
This study examined the role of rehabilitation programs in supporting the post-release reintegration of female prisoners at Lang’ata Women Prison, Kenya. Drawing on rehabilitation theory and restorative justice principles, the research uses a mixed-methods approach, involving surveys of inmates and staff (n = 198) and in-depth interviews with formerly incarcerated women and prison personnel. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings reveal that vocational training in tailoring, baking, and ICT provides valuable skills for employment. Psychosocial interventions, such as counselling and maternal care, improve emotional resilience, while enhanced healthcare and nutrition support physical wellbeing. However, many women face significant reintegration challenges due to the lack of transitional housing, limited employment linkages, and community stigma. These systemic gaps undermine the sustainability of rehabilitation outcomes and increase the risk of recidivism. The study recommends establishing a structured “Continuum of Care” framework that includes halfway houses, partnerships with employers, micro enterprise support, and community reintegration initiatives. Institutionalizing these components can bridge the gap between prison rehabilitation and successful reintegration, reduce repeat offenses, and strengthen Kenya’s correctional justice system in line with restorative justice goals.
Assessing the Effectiveness of East African Community Interventions in Combating Economic Crimes in Tanzania
(Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS), 2025-08) Peter Yohana Mrio; Stephen Handa; Emmanuel Psongol Kondoltiony
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the East African Community (EAC) interventions in combating economic crimes in Tanzania, with a focus on the performance of collaborative mechanisms among EAC law enforcement agencies. Guided by collective action theory and rational choice theory, the research employed a mixed-methods design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were gathered from key stakeholders such as law enforcement personnel, policymakers, legal professionals, and civil society representatives using structured interviews and questionnaires. The sampling strategy combined both probability and non-probability techniques to ensure a balanced representation. Ethical standards were upheld through institutional approval and informed consent procedures. Findings indicate that while formal structures for regional cooperation exist, their effectiveness is undermined by bureaucratic red tape, limited technological capacity, and insufficient political will. These obstacles impede efficient intelligence-sharing and coordination across borders, weakening the region's overall response to economic crime. The study recommends enhancing institutional capacity through increased funding, specialized training, and the integration of advanced technologies. Strengthening regional cooperation through improved communication and intelligence-sharing is essential, as is reinforcing political commitment to combat corruption and promote accountability. Public engagement should be heightened through awareness campaigns involving civil society and the private sector. Finally, the study advocates for the creation of a centralized EAC Economic Crimes Unit to lead and coordinate regional anti-crime initiatives.
Stakeholder Participation Mechanisms in Foreign Policy Decision-Making: Lessons from Kenya’s EACRF Deployment
(The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy, 2025-12) Wamuyu Ndururi; Caroline Kathure Gatobu; Mumo Nzau
This article examined the role of stakeholder participation mechanisms in foreign policy decision-making, focusing on the deployment of Kenya’s contingent (KENCON) under the East African Community Regional Force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The general purpose was to investigate how diverse stakeholders influence foreign policy processes within the framework of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It specifically sought to (i) identify the constitutional frameworks guiding foreign policy decision-making, (ii) analyse the role of key stakeholders in influencing the KENCON deployment decision, (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of public engagement platforms in facilitating stakeholder participation, and (iv) propose strategies to strengthen inclusive foreign policy decision-making. Anchored in public choice theory and constructivism, the study applied a qualitative approach using case study design. Data were collected from 188 respondents who included government officials, military personnel, policy analysts, civil society representatives and members of the public. The data collection instruments used were questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used. The study identified barriers to effective participation which included institutional capacity constraints, information asymmetries and political culture factors. The findings also indicated that despite the existence of stakeholder mechanisms in theory, in practice they are weak, symbolic and dominated by executive actors. The study proposed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement framework that incorporates multi-tiered consultation processes, enhanced information sharing mechanisms and strengthened institutional capacity for public participation. This framework would address the need for balancing security imperatives with democratic accountability while ensuring meaningful stakeholder engagement in foreign policy formulation.
The Role of Research and Development in the Manufacturing Sector in Fostering Technological Innovation and Economic Security in Ethiopia
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2025-10) Tegegn D. Toge; Joseph Mutungi; Paul Gachanja
This study investigates the critical nexus between Research and Development (R&D), technological innovation, and economic security within Ethiopia's manufacturing sector. Despite ambitious national plans to become a lower-middle-income country and a regional manufacturing hub, the sector's contribution to GDP remains low, hampered by low productivity, technological stagnation, and weak innovation capabilities. Employing a mixed-methods case study design, this research collected data from 30 senior officials and researchers across five specialized manufacturing R&D institutes and 9 key informant interviews. The findings reveal a significant systemic disconnect: while Ethiopia has established a structured R&D institutional framework, it is severely hampered by chronic underinvestment (only 0.61% of GDP), weak linkages between academia and industry, and a policy implementation gap. Consequently, promising R&D outputs, such as waste valorization technologies and AI-driven quality control prototypes, fail to achieve commercial scale and transformative impact. The study concludes that without strategic interventions to boost funding, foster robust industry, academia and government manufacturing industry R&D institutes collaboration, and create effective commercialization pathways, Ethiopia's manufacturing R&D will continue to fall short of driving the technological innovation necessary for enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic security. Recommendations include increasing R&D expenditure to at least 1% of GDP, implementing targeted policy incentives for private-sector involvement, and establishing formalized triple-helix partnerships to bridge the existing innovation chasm.