5. Research Articles

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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.
African biodiversity genomics in the era of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Ethical, Legal, and Social Perspectives
(2024) Anne WT Muigai; Sally Mueni Katee; Marietjie Botes; Varsha Shetty; Emmanual Hala Kwon-Ndung; Girish Beedessee; Sadye Paez; Sizwe Innocent Ndlovu; Bouabid Badaoui; Justin E. Ideozu; ThankGod Echezona Ebenezer
The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) is a Pan-African initiative which aims to improve food systems and conservation through genomics, and ensure data sharing and benefits. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) is one of the frameworks of the Convention on Biological Diversity which seeks to reduce threats to biodiversity, ensure sustainable use of biodiversity as well as equitable sharing of benefits. AfricaBP’s objectives and activities are closely aligned with the goals of the KMGBF. However, implementing genomic research in the African context presents unique ethical, legal and social challenges and benefits. Here, we explore the alignment between the AfricaBP and the KMGBF, focusing on the potentials for genomics to drive biodiversity conservation and food security across Africa. We critically examine the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) and related challenges associated with implementing the KMGBF. In response to these challenges, and to strengthen AfricaBP’s capacity to implement the KMGBF goals, we make specific recommendations such as, amongst others, the creation of clear policy and legal frameworks, implement transparent monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and ensure interoperability of key regulatory instruments in biodiversity conservation. We also discuss how AfricaBP integrates the theory of change in its activities to enhance the implementation of the KMGBF by strengthening biodiversity data infrastructure, creating awareness via communication and capacity-building whilst empowering local communities, promoting gender diversity in the African biodiversity genomics landscape, facilitating research and innovation by advancing ethical and legal frameworks, and understanding access and benefit-sharing and KMGBF through roundtable meetings, survey development and analysis.
Armed Non-State Actors in Eastern DRC and Diplomatic Relations in the Great Lakes Region
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-12) Anech Mubangizi
Armed non-state actors (ANSAs) are one of the most consistent threats to peace, security and diplomacy in weak states, although their influence on interstate relations is a debated phenomenon. This paper discusses the implications of ANSAs on the diplomatic relations in the Great Lakes Region (GLR), especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the other neighbours, Uganda and Rwanda. Even though the activities of such groups as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Democratic Forces to Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR), the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Mai-Mai militias are commonly associated with the destabilisation of the region, it is not clear how much the actions of these groups cause diplomatic tensions rather than are merely an instrument of the states. The study uses the mixed-methods design; survey data, interviews and secondary sources to question these dynamics. The results have shown that ANSAs are politically, economically, ethnically and ideologically oriented, and the economic factors, especially illegal mining and smuggling, have become prevailing. However, not only are their cross-border movement, territorial domination and violent operations a challenge to the sovereignty; they also expose deeper structural vulnerabilities in regional governance and immoral trust processes. The regional and international organisations are still involved, but limited by a lack of vigorous enforcement and conflicting interests of the member states, which creates doubts about the efficiency of multilateral responses. Civil society may seem to be the most important in the mediation of tensions; however, it does not necessarily participate in formal diplomacy. The conclusion part of the study is terminated with recommendations, which include collaboration of the regions, intelligence sharing, collective military approaches, dialogue with the community and external assistance as possible solutions to sustainable diplomatic relations within the GLR.
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.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Recruitment Practices in the National Police Service and their Impact on National Security in Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2025-07) David Koome Mutea; Dennis Ndambo; Victor Muithya
This study examined the effectiveness of recruitment practices within the National Police Service (NPS) of Kenya and their implications for national security. The research aimed to assess whether current recruitment procedures align with the operational needs and professional standards required to safeguard internal security. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with NPS personnel across various ranks and regions. The findings revealed key shortcomings in the recruitment process, including inadequate vetting mechanisms, political interference, limited transparency, and the lack of merit-based selection. These factors have contributed to the entry of underqualified and sometimes compromised individuals into the service, undermining professionalism, discipline, and operational effectiveness. The study further established that weak recruitment systems hinder the NPS’s ability to respond effectively to evolving security threats, eroding public trust and weakening national security. The study recommends reforming recruitment frameworks to emphasize integrity, competence, and institutional accountability as critical steps toward strengthening the security sector and enhancing the legitimacy of the police service in Kenya.
Assessing the Impact of Government Security Policies on the Frequency and Severity of Al-Shabaab Attacks in Mandera County, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2025) Mohamed Sirat Yussuf; Peterlinus Ouma Odote; James Kimuyu
This study evaluates the impact of government security policies and programs on the frequency and severity of Al-Shabaab attacks in Mandera County, Kenya, from 2014 to 2024. Researchers collected quantitative and qualitative data by carrying out structured questionnaires among 250 respondents and interviews with key informants. According to the results, only 21.6% of people are aware of counterterrorism policies put in place by the government. Most participants thought that attacks from Al-Shabaab were very severe (65%), but part of them expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of those actions (24.8%) and part of them felt the measures were not enough (46.4%). Results from regression analysis showed that a bigger military presence (β = 0.358) and stronger border patrols (β = 0.283) strongly reduced the number of terrorist activities, but surveillance technologies influenced them to a moderate degree only (β = 0.276). Research suggests that government support and community-based activities had only a small impact which might result from poor decisions about using resources and making policies. Improving security outcomes was found to rely on stronger collaboration and the exchange of information between the police and the community. Based on the findings, sustaining effective counterterrorism work in Mandera County requires having military, community and inter-agency strengths, plus programs to educate the public.
Beneficial Ownership Transparency and Economic Security in Kenya : Bridging Regulatory Gaps to Counter Financial Crimes
(The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy, 2025-12) Mohamed Abdul M'maka; John Kisilu; Charles Okongo Imbiakha
Transparency in beneficial ownership (BO) information has significant implications for economic security. In Kenya, BO opacity facilitates financial crimes such as corruption, tax evasion, illicit financial flows, and terrorism financing, undermining both national and economic stability. While previous studies have explored illicit financial flows in specific sectors, the broader link between BO transparency and economic security remains underexplored. With BO transparency as the independent variable and economic security as the dependent variable, this study, grounded in principal-agent and institutional theories, examines Kenya’s BO disclosure systems, the economic impacts of BO transparency, and the challenges to effective implementation. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was adopted, using purposive sampling to gather insights from practitioners. Data were collected through interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, and document analysis involving 38 participants. The study reveals that enforcement gaps in BO laws expose Kenya to financial crimes and weaken economic resilience. Key sectors with underdeveloped BO disclosure include the real estate, extractives, and energy. Lack of accurate and current BO registers, limited inter-agency collaboration, and weak enforcement mechanisms exacerbate illicit financial flows. Yet enhanced BO transparency presents economic benefits such as improved tax compliance, greater investor confidence, and reduced corruption. Challenges include high compliance costs and resistance from private sector actors. The study recommends strengthening legal frameworks, improving enforcement, leveraging technology, and promoting inter-agency cooperation. Ultimately, BO transparency is vital to Kenya’s economic security, and addressing current gaps is essential to combating financial crimes and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Beyond victimhood: gendered pathways to violent extremism and the imperative of transformative counter-strategies in Kenya’s borderlands
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-04) Zedekia Sidha; Israel Nyadera
This article seeks to examine gendered pathways to violent extremism. Drawing on feminist security studies and constructivist theory, it analyses the evolving relationship between gendered dynamics and violent extremism (VE) recruitment in Garissa County, Kenya. Using data from 120 life-history interviews, UCINET-based social network analysis, key informant interviews, and longitudinal survey data (N = 400), the study empirically traces different gendered pathways into Al-Shabaab networks. The results indicate that economic precarity intersects with shifting masculinities (driven by unattainable provider roles, absent fathers, and substance abuse) and femininities that are constrained (exacerbated by marital pressures, illiteracy, and economic desperation) to form distinctive vulnerabilities. Critically, the findings show how violent extremist actors strategically weaponise gendered fractures by offering alternative forms of belonging, recognition, and identity. The study shows a significant increase in the recruitment of women (approximately 35% of new cases), not only as logistical supporters but also as propagandists, recruiters, and coerced “wives,” with their perceived invisibility often exploited operationally. At the same time, the study identifies a major gap in CVE communication approaches: key local influencers, especially mothers and religious leaders, remain poorly integrated into mainstream CVE channels such as radio and baraza forums.
Bridging the Gender Divide in Digital Technology Courses and Careers in Kenya
(2023) Luvanda, Anthony
Kenya’s digital technology advancements—chief among them the mobile money transfer application referred to as Mpesa—has led to the country’s status as an emerging digital economy. However, the long strides in the move toward a fully-fledged digital economy are not reflected in the digital technology workforce with regard to gender balance. While digital technology careers are highly touted as the jobs of the future, women occupy less than 30 percent of digital technology positions in Kenya. The root cause of the problem can be traced to disadvantages that girls and young women accumulate throughout their years in education. This study takes a qualitative approach in trying to identify the root causes for the exclusion of girls and young women from digital technology courses at all levels of education—namely lower primary, upper primary, junior high school, senior high school, and the tertiary level in both rural and urban communities. The study identifies various cumulative factors that contribute to fewer women taking up digital technology courses, such as: inadequate infrastructure; insufficient staffing and training of digital technology personnel at learning institutions; the negative impact of gendered social norms; poor advocacy of digital technology careers and the absence of vocational counseling; and the lack of women role models. To increase the number of women in digital technology careers, we must improve institutional digital technology infrastructure at all levels of education, enhance the training of digital technology personnel within all levels of education, build girls’ interest in digital technology-related courses from the earliest years, increase digital technology advocacy and awareness among girls, and enhance vocational counseling on digital technology career.
Building Sustainable Community Peace and Cohesion in Informal Settlements: The Agency of Grassroots Organizations in Kibra, Kenya
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Knowledge, 2021-04) Christine J. Agaya; Joseph M. Mutungi
Consensus among scholars and practitioners points towards the agency of grassroots organizations in building sustainable peace and cohesion. These organizations are advanced as both organic and all-inclusive, which are important aspects of sustainability. Despite this acknowledgement, little research has been devoted towards establishing the factors that predispose the grassroots organizations as viable platforms for building peace and cohesion. This study which is anchored on the intergroup contact theory argues that the voluntary nature of grassroots organizations, their people-centric nature, emphasis on citizen participation as well as the presence of collaborative abilities render these organizations central to the bottom-up approach to building peace and cohesion. Contact between the groups helps create the kind of social capital necessary for collective action and subsequently reduction in prejudice.
Challenges Experienced By Midwifery Trainers In Midwifery Training
(Journal of Midwifery and Nursing, 2023) Cheptum, Joyce Jebet; Mbuthia, Florence; Chelagat, Dinah
Midwifery involves building relationships with women, their families and the entire community. Midwives are driven by a strong conscience to provide the best care to their clients. Midwifery training is quite involving, encompassing theoretical and practical skills, thus it requires a well-managed curriculum to ensure quality training and products. Aim, the objective of this review is to highlight the challenges experienced by midwifery trainers in midwifery training. Methodology, a descriptive overview was undertaken through a rapid literature review of the relevant local and international literature to highlight the global challenges of midwifery trainers. Results, the challenges experienced in many training institutions by midwifery trainers range from infrastructural, financial resource and human resource. Discrimination of the midwifery profession, lack of motivation and poor well – being and lack of emotional resilience of the trainers and lack of/ or inequalities in the training and education opportunities are challenges in training. Clinical set up challenges include lack of support from the clinical setting, overcrowding of students or poorly resourced facilities. The emerging and re-emerging health issues poses a challenge to the midwifery trainers. Conclusion, Midwifery trainers experience and myriad of challenges, which could compromise on the quality of midwifery training.
Determinants of Climate Action Integration in Health Sector Policy Making in Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2024-09) Loise Nyanjau; Joseph Mutungi; Zedekiah Sidha
The increasing threat of climate change poses significant challenges to global health, with Kenya being particularly vulnerable to its impacts. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the country faces a growing burden of climate-related health challenges such as vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and waterborne illnesses. In response to this threat, Kenya has taken steps to integrate climate action into its health policies, recognizing the urgent need to address the nexus between climate change and health. Despite these efforts, climate action has not been fully integrated into the health sector policies, necessitating this study to establish the barriers thereof. The study used a mixed methods approach and integrated key informant interviews and surveys to collect data, which was then analyzed using various inferential statistics. Statistical techniques such as t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analyzes were used to identify significant patterns and relationships within the quantitative data. In addition, thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data from the interviews and highlight key themes and insights related to integrating climate action in the health sector. The mixed-methods design followed an explanatory sequential approach, first collecting quantitative data from surveys to provide a comprehensive overview of climate action integration, followed by qualitative interviews to explore these findings in more depth. The target audience consisted of health sector stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners and climate health experts. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure relevant expertise and perspectives, supplemented by snowball sampling to further broaden the participant base. This comprehensive methodology enabled a detailed examination of the motivations, contexts, progress and barriers impacting the integration of climate action. While existing policy frameworks demonstrate a commitment to addressing climate-related health issues, challenges such as institutional silos, resource disparities, conflicting priorities, and complex stakeholder dynamics emerged as significant barriers to effective integration. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist to enhance integration through targeted actions focused on increasing awareness, improving data availability, strengthening governance structures, and garnering political support at all levels of government.
East African Community Regional Force and Southern African Development Community Mission in Northern Mozambique in enhancing Security in the Regions Abdihakim
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-12) Abdihakim Rashid Kassim; Mumo Nzau; Cliff Obwogi
The study sought to analyse the contributions of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) and the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIM) to security in the Great Lakes and Southern Africa regions, respectively. The neoliberalism theory underpinned the study. This study adopted a comparative case study design embedded within a mixed-methods research approach. A comparative case study design was applied to enable an in-depth, contextually grounded analysis of multiple PSOs across Africa, highlighting both convergences and divergences in performance. The target population for the study included military personnel directly and indirectly involved with the EACRF and SAMIM missions, non-military personnel (such as civilian police), local government officials, community leaders and representatives in the countries of operations of the two missions, subject matter experts, scholars and representatives from international and national NGOs. Through purposive sampling, a sample of 85 participants was obtained using the Cochran Formula. Content analysis was used to analyse secondary data, while quantitative data was examined using descriptive statistics. The conclusions of the study were that both EACRF and SAMIM contributed significantly to peace and security in the region, but their overall contribution was limited because of systemic issues. For instance, EACRF did not make considerable progress in the achievement of its objectives largely due to logistical challenges and political differences, its short lifespan notwithstanding. On the other hand, SAMIM achieved greater security gains due to its longer presence. Both missions exhibited quantifiable but contentious roles in the security of the region, with the views of the stakeholders strongly divided. EACRF, with its community-centric approach, enhanced local reconciliation, conflict resolution and the strengthening of governance. However, it faced considerable scepticism from the public. In contrast, the multidimensional approach of SAMIM that integrates the efforts in the area of economic opportunities, counterinsurgency and governance reform has had a more balanced, yet more nuanced impact profile. Although the progress of regional cooperation is still relatively modest, both missions suggest that the greater success in the long run will probably be pegged on additional integration of economic development initiatives to work on the root causes of disparities and maintain stability.
Effect of Kenya’s External Debt Sustainability on Militarisation and Crime Rate in Kenya (1993-2023): A Time Series Analysis
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-12) Mwende Mwendwa; Stephen Handa; Paul M. Gachanja
In this paper, the complex relationship between external debt sustainability and national security outcomes in Kenya is addressed through an analysis of indicators of militarisation and crime rates. The study examines the direct and indirect effects of debt sustainability on security outcomes from 1993 to 2023, focusing on militarisation and from 2004 to 2023, on crime rates, using Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models with time series data. Diagnostic tests, such as the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, KPSS test, Johansen cointegration analysis and multiple lag selection criteria, were used to pre-estimate the absence of long-term relationships among the variables, thereby justifying the use of the VAR method over alternative models. The findings indicate complicated interactions: although the external debt sustainability does not have a direct impact of any importance on existing military spending or the crime rate, there are crucial feedbacks via socio-economic mediators. Historical military expenditure has a positive impact on external debt (14.79, p < 0.10), indicating that security investments are counterintuitive to fiscal sustainability. Urbanisation negatively impacts debt sustainability (-594.36, p < 0.05), indicating demographic pressures on fiscal resources. Research indicates that important debt-to-GDP levels are between 55% and 60%, at which security effects become increasingly evident in a non-linear manner. Combined with the results, the sustainability of debt in the area is the primary factor affecting security through indirect channels (including unemployment, urbanisation and budgeting restrictions), rather than having direct budget implications. Policy recommendations, such as the institution of integrated debt-security monitoring tools, targeted intervention in high-risk cities and flexible military budget preparation that takes into account fiscal sustainability levels, can be suggested. The study can help maximise the knowledge of the impacts of fiscal constraints spilling over to security lapses in developing economies.
Effective approaches for enhancing data management and semantic interoperability within the healthcare sector
(2023) Harriet, Loice Tsinale; Mbugua, Samuel; Luvanda, Anthony
In a variety of contexts, Big Data is widely used. In healthcare Big Data has its own characteristics, including heterogeneity, incompleteness, timeliness and durability, privacy, and ownership. To enhance health-related science, these features present a number of challenges for data storage, mining, and sharing. Big Data helps to understand electronic health records, gather demographic and medical data such as clinical data, medical conditions, and diagnosis, allow doctors to provide a wide variety of patients with quality health care and also to make informative decisions. The large volume of data also provides researchers in the fields of medicine and healthcare with the ability to use tools and techniques to unlock hidden solutions. This study sought to investigate the effects that the existing approaches have on enhancing data management and semantic interoperability in healthcare sector. 180 respondents who took part of the survey were chosen from the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital. It was discovered that implementing health standards and tools can help healthcare companies in a number of ways by eliminating compatibility concerns and assuring accurate data representation. Consequently, encouraging successful adoption boosts decision-making processes, encourages sustainability, improves data quality, allows for interoperability, and makes it easier to comply with regulations. These implications help improve patient care, healthcare systems, and overall health outcomes.
Effectiveness of Antenatal Health Education via Mobile Phone Calls Among Women Seeking Antenatal Care Services in Kisii County, Kenya
(2023) Malachi, Zillah M.; Lucy W. Kivuti-Bitok; Cheptum, Joyce J.; Karani, Anna K.
Knowledge of antenatal care is important in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Mobile phones have demonstrated an increase in the use of antenatal care services. However, few studies have indicated the effectiveness of health education on antenatal care via mobile phone calls. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health education on antenatal care provided through mobile phone calls among pregnant women in Kisii County, Kenya. A total of 160 pregnant women up to 26 weeks of gestation were recruited for the study from 16 sub-county health facilities (clusters) in Kisii County. The women were enrolled in their first visit and followed up until delivery. The sub-county health facilities were randomly assigned to either intervention or control arms. The intervention involved giving health education on antenatal care through mobile phone calls. All the participants in both study arms received routine antenatal care. However, those enrolled in the intervention sites additionally received health education through mobile phone calls. The primary outcome measure was antenatal care knowledge scores. Baseline and end-of-study questionnaires were used to collect data. Women in the intervention group scored highly in antenatal care knowledge post-intervention as compared to those in the control group, 7.87 (SE of the difference = 0.68, p-value < 0.001, 95% CI (6.53–9.20). Health education delivered through mobile phone calls has great potential in improving antenatal care knowledge.
Enabling Africa’s implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through the African digital sequence information data bank
(2024) Anne WT Muigai; Achraf El Allali; Julien Alban Nguinkal; Sally Mueni Katee; Girish Beedessee; Bouabid Badaoui; Marietjie Botes; Semir Bechir Suheil Gaouar; Ichrak Hayah; Justin Eze Ideozu; Sadik Muzemil; Denye Nathaniel Ogeh; Abdoallah Sharaf; Kassahun Tesfaye; ThankGod Echezona Ebenezer
The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) is a Pan-African effort aimed at sequencing the genomes of 105,000 African endemic and indigenous species to support food systems, conservation, and ensure data-sharing and equitable benefits. This effort aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which aims to prevent or mitigate biodiversity loss while facilitating equitable access and benefit-sharing from genetic resources and Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and securing adequate technical and scientific cooperations. The AfricaBP Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics (AfricaBP Open Institute) is the knowledge exchange programme of the AfricaBP which aims to overcome infrastructural barriers through the development of technology and infrastructure. A key component of AfricaBP Open Institute's vision is the establishment of the African Digital Sequence Information Data Bank for Biodiversity and Agriculture (African DSI Data Bank), a federated platform for storing, analyzing, visualizing and sharing DSI data across the African continent. The African DSI Data Bank will address the current fragmentation of DSI across African institutions by linking existing databases and resources while ensuring compliance with regional and global standards. It will use a federated model, leveraging existing (and new) infrastructures across Africa, that allow institutions and countries to retain data sovereignty while adhering to national, regional, and international access and benefit-sharing regulations. Through a proposed Global Access Point (GAP), researchers will be able to gain equitable access to sequence data and metadata via a decentralized network. Furthermore, to understand the current landscape of biodiversity and agricultural DSI databases, analyses, visualization, and data sharing platforms, AfricaBP Open Institute conducted a survey across Africa, and recorded 161 responses. Although the majority of these participants shared common challenges such as limited infrastructure, funding, and capacity building, the overwhelming indication was that they support an African-based DSI platform through an inclusive governance model. Consequently, we describe the proposed roadmap for the creation of an African DSI Data Bank that includes African DSI federated database, visualization, analysis, and sharing platforms, as well as the ethical, legal, social, KMGBF, and sustainability considerations associated with such an infrastructure.
Enhancing Cooperation to Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Kenya
(2024) Col Maurice B, Wasomi,; Col (Dr) John R, Kisilu; Col (Dr) Charles Imbiakha
The threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Kenya necessitates robust and coordinated countermeasures. This study investigates collaborative approaches to countering IEDs, focusing on opportunities for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders. The primary objective is to assess the impact of multi-agency collaboration on improving the effectiveness of IED countermeasures and to provide policy recommendations for strengthening these efforts. The study is grounded in the theory of collaborative governance, which emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness and cooperative strategies among various agencies to address complex security challenges. Data were collected from a target population comprising security professionals, government officials, and international partners through a mixed-methods approach. This included a survey with 95 respondents and semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants. Findings from the study indicate a high level of engagement in collaborative efforts to counter IEDs. Survey results reveal that 69.8% of respondents agree or strongly agree that multi-agency collaboration is crucial for addressing IED threats, with a mean rating of 3.59. Similarly, 66.8% acknowledge the significant contributions of international partnerships, with a mean rating of 3.73. Despite these positive perceptions, challenges such as poor coordination and transparency issues in international collaborations were frequently cited. Interviews corroborated these findings, highlighting the need for improved communication channels and trust-building measures. Data analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize the level of agreement on various aspects of collaboration, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and insights. Key recommendations include the establishment of structured frameworks for information sharing, enhancing leadership capacities, and prioritizing transparency in international partnerships. Continuous engagement and knowledge-sharing initiatives are also vital for fostering innovation and effectively refining strategies to counter IED threats. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical importance of enhanced cooperation among stakeholders in mitigating the impact of IEDs in Kenya. By addressing identified challenges and leveraging collaborative opportunities, policymakers and practitioners can develop more effective strategies to improve security outcomes and protect public safety.
Establishing African genomics and bioinformatics programs through annual regional workshops
(2024) Anne WT Muigai; Abdoallah Sharaf; Lucky Tendani Nesengani; Ichrak Hayah; Josiah Ochieng Kuja; Sinebongo Mdyogolo; Taiwo Crossby Omotoriogun; Blessing Adanta Odogwu; Girish Beedessee; Rae Marvin Smith; Abdelhamid Barakat; Acclaim M. Moila; Adil El Hamouchi; Alia Benkahla; Amal Boukteb; Amine Elmouhtadi; Antoine Lusala Mafwila; et al
The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics aims to overcome barriers to capacity building through its distributed African regional workshops and prioritizes the exchange of grassroots knowledge and innovation in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics. In 2023, we implemented 28 workshops on biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics, covering 11 African countries across the 5 African geographical regions. These regional workshops trained 408 African scientists in hands-on molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics techniques as well as the ethical, legal and social issues associated with acquiring genetic resources. Here, we discuss the implementation of transformative strategies, such as expanding the regional workshop model of AfricaBP to involve multiple countries, institutions and partners, including the proposed creation of an African digital database with sequence information relating to both biodiversity and agriculture. This will ultimately help create a critical mass of skilled genomics and bioinformatics scientists across Africa.
Ethnicity as a Tool to Pacify Religious Extremism: A Case Study of Intrastate Conflict in Somalia
(2023) John R, Kisilu
The clan system and religion in Somalia are the two most salient identities that define the fundamental social structure of the Somali nation. This structure has been the main unifying factor of the Somali people. Unfortunately, the same system is perceived to be a stumbling block to the resolution of the Somali intrastate conflict. Observably, the clan stands out as the central pillar of social structure in Somalia. It is the entry point into the livelihood of the Somali people. This paper explores the possibility of transforming the dominance of clan kinship into an opportunity for neutralizing the negative effect of religious extremism. The paper adopts the conflict transformation theory propounded by John Paul Lederach. The philosophical outlook of the article is positive peace as advanced by Galtung. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and semi-structured interview schedules involving 223 respondents with knowledge about conflict issues in Somalia. Secondary data were collected through a literature review of books and journals. The study identified the clan as the potent outfit in Somalia which can engage the religious extremist group, Al Shabaab, in negotiation for peace. It is impossible to conquer the Al Shabaab as it operates within the population and has high adaptability by employing asymmetrical warfare tactics. Additionally, the government of Somalia is perceived by Al Shabaab as man-made and, therefore, an illegitimate, unworthy partner to negotiate with. Furthermore, engaging the group in negotiation is a dilemma; democracies do not negotiate with terror groups lest they legitimize them as the voice of the population. Therefore, the clan becomes the legible unit to handle the responsibility of negotiation between the government and the religious extremist group, Al Shabaab. The clan can also play a key role in reaching out to the youths who are targets of radicalization campaigns from extremist groups. The study recommends that the clan system in Somalia, as an important institution in the country, should be partnered with to provide a middle ground in the conflict and serve as a bridge between the state and the religious extremist group, Al Shabaab. The clan system is likely to bring homegrown solutions to the conflict.

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