National Defence College

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.ndu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/40

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 44

Information Security Threats to e-government Services in Kenya
(Global Journal of Human-Social Science, 2023) Otieno Godfred Ohndyl; James J Kimuyu; Zedekia Sidha
This study examined information security threats to e-government services commonly known as e-citizen. Grounded on General Systems Theory examined the nature of complex inter-relationships and interdependence of global society, states, non-state actors and individuals and how they relate in a complex internet –enabled communication network. Mixed method cross sectional survey was used. Targeted population of 12000 respondents from 51 Huduma Centres. Purposive sampling at 10% was chosen where 1200 structured questionnaires issued returned 966 responses at 80%. The data was processed and analysed using SPSS. The hypothesis was tested at 5% significance level. The study found that Kenyan citizens were the majority at 50%, Companies at 35%, Foreign Agencies 10% and Foreign Nationals at 5%. The services sought; Government to (G2C) 43%, Government to Business (G2B) 35%, Government to employees (G2E) 20% and Government to Government (G2G) 2%. The study identified 12 categories of information security threats i.e unauthorized access, illegal devices, unauthorized codes, distributed denial of services (ddos) false publications, computer frauds, cyber espionage, terrorism and squatting, phishing, identity thefts, electronic interceptions, fraudulent electronic data, employee aiding and child pornography.
The Nature of Community Armed Groups in Northern Kenya: a framework of Territoriality and Ethnicity
(Africa Amani Journal (AAJ), 2023) Clifford Collins Omondi Okwany; Evelyne Atieno Owino; Zedekiah Opondo Sidha
In this article, we analyze the fluidity of territoriality—state control or influence of space, looking at how community-based armed groups (CBAGs) from the Pokot, Samburu, and Turkana ethnic communities take advantage of semi-territoriality—spaces with limited state security personnel. We analyze the conflict belt—areas in north and west of Samburu County bordering Baringo north and Turkana east, giving an understanding of how the change of norms and development impact the dynamics of conflict and violence in Samburu. The article benefits from our research experiences and networks from the community policing ICT4COP—EU Horizon 20201 and the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 228 project on Future Rural Africa.2 Our empirical evidence was gathered from 34 interviews with key informants, such as state representatives and civil society officials, and 11 focus group discussions with communities in Samburu and Turkana. The findings show that the fluidity of state-territoriality has an impact on human security, leading to community mistrust of the security forces. We recommend robust community-oriented policing (COP) as a devolved security strategy, strengthening a public-private partnership (PPP)—a hybrid of the private sectors and government in policing work and civil societies and communities in helping to monitor and evaluate the police. Additionally, mapping illegal arms and CBAGs through clan structures is a community-oriented strategy that helps strengthen territoriality and counter semi-territoriality.
Information Technology, the Complexity of Joint Action, and Child Protection Policy Implementation in Kenya
(Springer Nature, 2023-08) Zedekia Sidha; Nixon Amuomo
The role of information technology in public administration has received substantial attention in recent years. Major discussions revolve around how technology can promote efficiency, accountability, democracy, and participation of traditionally excluded populations such as women, the poor, and persons with disabilities. However, little attention has been paid to understanding the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in dealing with the complexity of joint action as a perennial problem of public policy implementation. Today, the challenge of coordinating contributions of various players to the implementation process not only relates to different government departments but also to interactions between the government, private sector, and civil society organisations. The findings here show that child protection policy failure in some African policy contexts might partly be attributable to a lack of coordination among various players. This chapter analyses the attendant Child Protection Information Management System, Kenya, and the orphans and vulnerable children case management process employed as policy instruments to reduce the problem of joint action in Child Policy. It explicitly demonstrates the role of ICTs in promoting policy collaborations among various implementing agencies.
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.
Street-Level Bureaucrats as Policy Entrepreneurs: The Nexus between Timing of Traffic Enforcement Activities and Road Safety Policy Outcomes
(Wiley Online Library, 2020-12) Zedekia Sidha; Patrick Asingo; Justine Magutu
This article examines the influence of street-level bureaucratic discretion over the timing of implementation on road safety policy outcomes. It is premised on freshly collected data from road users and traffic enforcement officers in Nairobi, Kenya. It employed Street-Level Bureaucratic Theory for purposes of conceptualization. It observed that traffic police divisions, like most street-level bureaucracies, are chronically under-resourced. They do not have sufficient officers and equipment to monitor safety police compliance and conduct traffic control activities among other roles. To cope with these challenges, they make discretionary choices over activities to concentrate on at any given time. Given that the police play an important role in fostering road safety policy compliance, the study concludes that their failure to target safety implementation at the time when the violations are prevalent is linked to the incessant road safety policy failures across the globe.
How and Why Women Legislators Miss Out on Legislative Leadership Roles: Gender Equality Policies and Legislative Influence in Kenya
(Springer Nature, 2023-03) Zedekia Sidha; Taji Shivachi; Justine Mokeira Magutu
Since the Beijing platform for action on women’s rights in 1995, many states and regional bodies have enacted laws to help implement the conference’s recommendations. Most of these laws are in the form of gender quotas. Arguably, 130 out of 156 states currently have one form of gender quota or the other. These quotas commonly exist in three central categories: reserved seats, party quotas and legislative quotas. This chapter dissects these categories to understand how they position women legislators—elected and nominated—for legislative leadership roles. It disassociates sex from gender quotas and compares access to legislative leadership positions between women and men and between elected and nominated local government assemblies in Kenya. We rely on Feminist Institutionalism (FI) lenses and rich empirical data to tease out the interstices between institutions, cultural structures and norms underpinning the exclusion of female legislators from legislative leadership positions. Our empirical analysis makes nuanced comparative inferences to other Eastern African states. Overall, we show that the art of nation-building in Africa, as elsewhere, is incomplete without effectively integrating women in key decision-making political institutions like the legislature.
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.
The Role of Military Quick Impact Projects in the Enhancement of Human Security: A Case Study of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in North-Eastern Nigeria
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-12) Rufai Umar Mairiga; Mwasi Mwanyika; Caroline Gatobu
In post-war or conflict-ridden areas, the distinction between a military approach and a humanitarian approach is becoming increasingly ambiguous. This paper examines how Military Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) used in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have helped to improve human security in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, which is devastated by the insurgency of the Boko Haram. Although QIPs are advocated as a winning of hearts and minds approach in counterinsurgency (COIN) doctrine, their effectiveness in providing sustainable human security results is controversial. Based on a mixed-methods approach, with a survey of 422 stakeholders and in-depth interviews, this study evaluates QIPs in a seven-dimensional human security framework. Results show that QIPs have already attained significant short-term returns on rebuilding critical infrastructure, delivering first-line services and building initial trust. Their long-term effectiveness is, however, severely compromised by structural flaws, such as a lack of community ownership, poor interagency coordination, poor monitoring and evaluation and a short-term mismatch with the long-term development planning. Theoretically, the paper uses the Public Goods Theory (PGT) to reveal that although QIPs are expected to deliver public goods such as infrastructure, the lack of inclusivity and interagency rivalry makes it highly vulnerable in the real world due to politicized implementation and sustainability issues. The research concludes that in order to enable the QIPs to go beyond the level of utility within a tactical approach and to make a significant contribution to human security, a paradigm shift to a more collaborative, community-based and strategically patient approach is necessary. Suggestions are provided regarding including QIPs in a more civilian-based framework of stabilization.
Interface Between Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and National Security in Nepal
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-06) Pushpa Raj Bhandari; Bernard Adero
This study investigates the implications of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) on national security in Nepal, with a particular focus on their cascading effects on human security. The central research question guiding this inquiry is: How do GLOFs impact human security, and what are their cascading effects on national security in Nepal? A mixed-methods research approach was employed, utilizing an explanatory sequential design. The quantitative component involved statistical analysis of secondary data and survey responses, focusing on the frequency and intensity of GLOFs and their impacts on infrastructure, livelihoods, and socio economic stability. The qualitative component consisted of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including disaster management officials, climate experts, and community representatives, to contextualize and enrich the quantitative findings. The study was conducted across eight high-risk Himalayan districts. A sample of 450 respondents was determined using Cochran’s formula. In addition, three focus group discussions were conducted to gain deeper qualitative insights. The findings underscore the exacerbating influence of climate change and accelerated glacial melting in the Himalayas, which heighten the risks associated with glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These events have profound consequences for human security, thereby contributing to broader national security vulnerabilities. The study identifies significant gaps in Nepal’s disaster risk management framework and calls for a paradigm shift in preparedness strategies. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive risk assessments, establishing robust early warning systems, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, and implementing community-based adaptation measures to enhance resilience.
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.
Strategic Modelling for High-Technology Sectors: Addressing Economic Security in Emerging Economies amidst US-China Geopolitical Competition
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-06) Iftekhar Alam; Raphael Ziro Mwatela; Paul Mwangi Gachanja
This paper presents a quantified strategic model to support emerging economies in enhancing economic security and technological self-reliance in high-technology sectors, using the semiconductor industry as a primary case study. Situated in the context of intensifying US- China geopolitical competition, the study analyses the readiness of India and Kenya to develop resilient semiconductor ecosystems. A mixed-methods approach, combining literature review, stakeholder surveys, and expert validation, informs the development of a weighted scoring model that captures the influence of geopolitical dynamics, domestic capabilities, and regional collaboration on economic outcomes. Findings reveal that, while India demonstrates moderate readiness through policy initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, significant gaps remain in R&D investment and advanced manufacturing. Kenya, though at an earlier stage, demonstrates potential through digital infrastructure projects like Konza Technopolis but faces foundational challenges in capacity building and policy alignment. The study further generalises the model to other high-tech sectors such as renewable energy, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence, offering a scalable framework for policymakers. By identifying priority areas and proposing a structured implementation roadmap, this study contributes actionable insights for emerging economies seeking to navigate technological transitions and build resilient, globally competitive high-tech industries.
Institutional Settings and Forest Conservation in Kenya: Multiple Gazettement Questions
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-12) Blessington Maghanga; Charles Imbiakha
The study explored the effects of various gazettements on the conservation of forests in Kenya with cases of Shimba Hills Forest in Kwale County, Marsabit Forest in Marsabit County and the Hombe Forest in Nyeri County. Multiple gazettement, which here can be defined as two or more forests with two or more institutions having separate policies and mandates, was studied to determine its implications for governance and conservation. The research examined the laws and regulations, formal (enactments and regulations) as well as informal (customs) that affect the conservation of forests in different gazetted forest areas in Kenya. The study utilised a qualitative approach, based on a case study design that was used to collect information by interviewing key informants (policy implementers) and conducting focus groups with the representatives of community-based organisations. The research establishes that the legal disputes between the Kenya Forest Service, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Water Towers Agency are confusing, hence undermining enforcement and decreasing community confidence. Sacred groves, tree taboos and seasonal use rules are still practised, but are in many instances neglected through a formal planning process. The results signify the necessity to harmonise laws and to work closely with other agencies and to formally acknowledge traditional practices, or additional evaluation is needed to comprehend why some respondents mentioned that it would be better to roll back to single gazettement.
Regional Integration and Economic Security: Evaluating Kenya’s Experience under the EAC Framework
(A Journal of the National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-06) Bennacate Chibole Andanje; Stephen Handa; Nyaburi Nyadera
This study investigates the impact of East African Community (EAC) integration on Kenya’s economic security by evaluating the outcomes of the Customs Union, Common Market, and proposed Monetary Union. Utilising a mixed-methods design that integrates survey data (n = 170), semi-structured interviews (n = 15), and macroeconomic indicators (2010–2024), the study develops a composite Economic Security Index (ESI) encompassing trade efficiency, labour mobility, and fiscal health. Findings show that Kenya’s ESI improved from 52.1 in 2010 to 68.4 in 2023, with the Common Market—especially labour mobility—emerging as the strongest driver (β = 0.402). However, progress remains uneven: the manufacturing and logistics sectors benefited from adherence to the Common External Tariff, while agriculture lagged due to persistent non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and phytosanitary disputes. Monetary integration showed the weakest impact, constrained by inflation divergence and fiscal asymmetries among member states. The study extends Balassa’s (1961) integration model by revealing asymmetric policy spillovers and the critical role of institutional enforcement. Qualitative data expose regulatory fragmentation, informal payments at borders, and licensing delays that hinder professional mobility. Policy recommendations include digitising customs via blockchain, establishing mutual recognition agreements, and capitalising a regional small and medium enterprises credit guarantee fund. These insights offer a nuanced understanding of regional integration’s potential and limitations in advancing economic security in Africa.
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.
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.
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.

Browse

Recent Submissions