Browsing by Author "Israel Nyadera"

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    Afforestation as a Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy in Isiolo County, Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities
    (International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2025-10) Abdullahi Hassan Osman; Israel Nyadera; Stephen Mailu
    The aim of this study was to examine afforestation as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy in Isiolo County, focusing on its evolution, the challenges limiting its implementation, and the opportunities that can be harnessed to improve its effectiveness. The study also sought to demonstrate how afforestation contributes to building resilience in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where recurrent droughts, land degradation, and dependence on natural resources increase vulnerability to climate change. Over the past few years, afforestation programmes have been launched to curb climate impacts in ASALs. The study was guided by three objectives: to investigate the evolution of afforestation as a climate change mitigation strategy in Kenya; to assess challenges facing its implementation in ASALs; and to establish opportunities for enhancing its effectiveness. Anchored on Ecosystem Restoration Theory, a mixed-method research design was applied with a sample size of 80 participants. Data was collected through questionnaires, analyzed descriptively, and presented in tables. Findings show afforestation programmes have improved in ASALs; however, their main challenge is the frequency and intensity of natural hazards. Opportunities lie in proactive governance through climate-sensitive policies and legislation. The study concludes that afforestation has evolved as a key climate change response, but its impact is limited by environmental and institutional barriers. It recommends policies linking afforestation to economic outcomes for local communities and stresses the need for regular maintenance practices such as weeding, thinning, pruning, and fire prevention to strengthen sustainability.
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    Use and Misuse of Social Media and National Security in Africa: A Delicate Balance between Order and Liberty in Kenya
    (Africa Journal of Security and Strategic Studies, 2026-02) June R Ruto; Emily Okuto; Israel Nyadera
    Social media activism in Africa presents both opportunities and risks. It promotes transparency, accountability, and civic engagement, but also generates misinformation, polarization, and security threats. In Kenya, campaigns such as #RejectFinanceBill2024 have demonstrated how online mobilization can strengthen democratic participation but also escalate to unrest when fueled by disinformation and incitement. This study examines the impact of social media activism on national security in Kenya between 2014 and 2024, focusing on three objectives: how social media facilitates activism that threatens security, the correlation between online activism and security breaches, and the effectiveness of government interventions. Anchored in Social Movement Theory, Network Theory, and Securitization Theory, the study employed a descriptive design, random sampling of 384 social media users and purposive sampling of 10 experts, and mixed data collection through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive and thematic analysis revealed that platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp are central to both civic mobilization and the spread of hate speech, propaganda, and cyber threats. Correlation tests showed strong associations between online activism and violent protests as well as between activism and the unintentional spread of misinformation. While government responses, ranging from legislation to digital surveillance, aimed to contain these risks, they have often sparked public contestation for undermining freedoms. The study concludes that safeguarding Kenya’s national security requires balanced regulatory frameworks, platform-specific co regulation, digital literacy initiatives, and real-time crisis communication, measures that address genuine threats without eroding constitutional rights.