School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance

THE NEXUS BETWEEN ELECTORAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA SINCE 1963

2026-07-09T10:46:34Z

THE NEXUS BETWEEN ELECTORAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA SINCE 1963 OCHIENG, CHARLES OTIENO P. An electoral management system is made to make sure that the outcomes reflect the preferences of the majority of voters, to give elected officials credibility, and to prevent any challenges to the election results. However, post-election violence has continued in Kenya despite numerous reforms and adjustments to the country's electoral system. This indicates structural issues with the nation's electoral administration system. In light of this, the goal of this study was to establish a connection between post-election violence since 1963 and the electoral management system. This involved analyzing the core components of Kenya's electoral management system, pinpointing the causes of the post-election carnage, and evaluating the difficulties and opportunities that Kenya's electoral management body (IEBC) will encounter in planning and overseeing elections. This study examined the relationship between Kenya's majoritarian electoral system and post-election violence by reviewing related literature studies thematically in accordance with the research goals. Consociationalism theory, voting theory, and rational choice theory served as the foundation for this work. A historical study design using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used by the researcher. The research was carried out from July 2022 to December 2022. Citizens eligible to vote, lawmakers, IEBC members, political analysts and journalists (both print and electronic media), representatives of humanitarian aid organizations, local and international observers, security personnel, and county administrative staff were the study's target audiences. The researcher employed the stratified random sampling technique. The target population established the strata, and a random sample was taken from each stratum. In the study, primary and secondary data were both used. Data were gathered utilizing a questionnaire, interviewing guidelines, and secondary sources that included question items derived from the research's aims and questions. Voters received questionnaires, and information was gathered via interviews with political experts, electoral experts, IEBC officials, lawmakers, humanitarian aid officials, security agents, local and international observers, and county administration personnel. While qualitative data was classified into themes, subjects, and important issues, quantitative data was calculated and displayed in figures and charts. Regarding the first goal, the study found that Kenya's electoral administration method is based on the First Past the Post concept, a type of plurality/majority system. Regarding the second goal, the study found that the "winner-takes-it-all" election system, disputed election results due to perceived bias of the electoral management body, and voter incitement by politicians are among the major causes of post-election violence in Kenya dating back to 1963. Regarding the third goal, the study revealed that the IEBC has a variety of operational, administrative, and legal difficulties while planning, running, and overseeing elections in Kenya. Based on first objective results, the study came to the conclusion that Kenya's electoral management system is fundamentally based on the First Past the Post principle. On third objective, the study came to the conclusion that the electoral management's ability to supervise fair and credible elections is hampered by the impunity and self-interest of political leaders, ethnicity, mistrust, and fear of exclusion. The study's second objective's findings also support the conclusion that voter provocation by politicians has been one of the main drivers of post-election violence in Kenya since 1963. Among other recommendations, the study suggested that the cure to the current divisive first past the post electoral management system in use in Kenya is to explore other electoral management system options such as proportional representation and mixed member models as they are more inclusive and result in fair representation. In drawing a nexus between electoral management system and post-election violence which is a relatively understudied new field in Kenya and the region, this study made a contribution to peace and conflict studies

INFLUENCE OF DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACHES ON FOOD CROP PRODUCTION UNDER THE CHANGING CLIMATE IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA

2026-07-09T09:40:59Z

INFLUENCE OF DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACHES ON FOOD CROP PRODUCTION UNDER THE CHANGING CLIMATE IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA OGENGA, JAPHETH OMULE Globally, an estimated 29% of people are faced with food insecurity due to the changing climate which negatively impacts food crop production hence reducing the efforts of Sustainable Development Goal Number 2,” End hunger” by 2030. Kenya, with 80% of the land area being arid and Semi-arid, experiences frequent and persistent floods and droughts respectively. In Siaya County an estimated 80% of farmers are involved in rain fed subsistence growing of crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, beans, sweet potatoes and cassava. However, agricultural production has negatively been impacted by the changing climate leading to crop failure or low crop yield. The overall objective of the study was to examine the influence of disaster risk management approaches on food crop production under the changing climate in Siaya County. The specific objectives of the study were; i) to establish the socio-economic characteristics which influence disaster risk management approaches in Siaya County, ii) to determine the disaster risk management approaches related to climate change in Siaya County, iii) to determine the relationship between the climate trends and food crop production in Siaya County, iv) to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster risk management approaches on food crop production in Siaya County. The study used descriptive survey, correlational and evaluation research designs. A sample size of 385 households was determined using creative research system for the study where sampling techniques comprised of Multistage and proportionate sampling for household respondents, purposive sampling for Key informants and quota sampling for the Focus Group Discussions. Secondary data were obtained from the publications, Journals, internet sources and newspapers. Daily rainfall and temperature were sourced from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and subjected to Mann-Kendall test for Temp. and rainfall trends; Standardized Precipitation Index; statistical regression analysis and use of Rainbow Software. River gauge data obtained from WRA was analyzed using river flow duration curve. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to correlate climate trends and crop production; and also, to analyze quantitative data with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) Version 20.0 for percentages, frequencies and level of significance while narrative analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Findings show that all the socio-economic characteristics influenced disaster risk management except education with a correlation coefficient of 0.072, not statistically significant at 0.697, p > 0.05. Corrective disaster risk management approach was highly related to climate change with a stronger positive relationship r = 0.95, significant at 0.001 p < 0.05. There is a strong negative relationship between climate trends (drought) and food crops production with a correlation coefficient of -0.540 significance at 0.05, p value = 0.05 while floods and cumulative food crop production displayed a positive negligible relationship, correlation coefficient of 0.507 though not significant at 0.164, p value > 0.05. Lastly, findings show that the approaches are not effective in food crop production with a statistical significance at 0.087 p > 0.05. The study concludes that the approaches positively influence food crop production, however with low level of significance. There is need for a concerted multi stakeholder approach to improve the DRM Approaches effectiveness towards food crop production in Siaya County. The findings will help both national and county governments in policy formulation in contribution to the SDG number 2.

EVALUATION OF THE RE-EMERGENCE OF LEPTOSPIROSIS AND ITS IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGIES IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

2026-07-09T09:11:51Z

EVALUATION OF THE RE-EMERGENCE OF LEPTOSPIROSIS AND ITS IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGIES IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA David Wanyonyi Nanyende, David Wanyonyi Leptospirosis is an important re-emerging but neglected zoonosis with a worldwide distribution and it has socio-economic and public health implications. Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Humans get infected through direct or indirect contact with the urine of infected animals or the environment. It accounts for more than 300,000 severe cases annually worldwide with case fatality rates of over 30%. Lack of pathognomonic signs of the disease in both livestock and humans coupled with lack of laboratory confirmation makes diagnosis a challenge. The most notable outbreak of Leptospirosis in Kenya occurred in Bungoma County in 2004 and is listed as one of the major public health disasters in Kenya. The study was carried out between January and June 2017 with the overall objective being to evaluate the impact of the re-emergence of Leptospirosis on Public Health strategies in Bungoma County, Kenya. A cross sectional design was employed in the study. The four specific objectives of the study were to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospirosis in cattle, determine the risk factors for re-emergence of Leptospirosis, examine the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) associated with Leptospirosis amongst the local community and to evaluate the impact of Leptospirosis outbreak on public health strategies in Bungoma County. In the study, a total of 400 households were identified using systematic random sampling in Kimilili and Mt Elgon sub-counties, Bungoma County. Two hundred (200) blood serum samples from cattle were collected in the five wards and one slaughterhouse and tested for Leptospirosis using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The risk factors considered were; rainfall patterns, livestock management practices (grazing and watering system), home slaughter of livestock, consumption of un-inspected meat, rodent infestation in homes, and frequency of contact of livestock keepers with veterinary extension staff. In the third specific objective, a validated questionnaire was administered to the head of household to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices in the study area. In the fourth specific objective, the public health strategies for the management of Leptospirosis were evaluated. The study established the Leptospirosis seroprevalence in cattle in Kimilili and Mt Elgon sub-counties, Bungoma County is 16%. The seroprevalence of Leptospirosis in the study area by wards is as follows; 10.7% in Kibingei, 12.5% in Kimilili, 17.6 in Maeni, 16.7% in Kamukuywa and 15.6% in Kaptama. The study demonstrated that there are circulating antibodies of Leptospirosis in cattle in Bungoma County with the highest seroprevalence reported at Kimilili slaughterhouse (21.0%). The study showed that the risk factors for Leptospirosis in Kimilili and Mt Elgon include the close association of the community and their livestock, rodent infestation, slaughter of livestock in non-designated areas, low contact of the population with veterinary staff and poor knowledge about Leptospirosis. This study identified the knowledge gaps, cultural beliefs and practices that exacerbate disease or pose barriers to Leptospirosis control strategies. This information is critical in designing targeted awareness campaigns among the communities and providing baseline information for planning and implementing Leptospirosis control strategies in Bungoma County. The findings of this study are important in informing the implementation of appropriate and timely preparedness strategies for addressing public health emergencies such as Leptospirosis.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN’S PEACE-BUILDING STRATEGIES IN SOUTH SUDAN

2026-07-09T08:49:10Z

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN’S PEACE-BUILDING STRATEGIES IN SOUTH SUDAN Opiyo, Kelly Otieno Peace Support Operations (PSOs) aim to create and maintain conditions for lasting peace by reducing tensions, supporting ceasefires, and establishing buffer zones between antagonistic parties. The UN and AU have conducted PSOs for the past 50 years in conflict zones worldwide since 1948, with their roles and functions adapting to specific mandates and situations. South Sudan, established as a new country in 2011 after almost four decades of civil war, plunged into severe conflict in late 2013. This turmoil arose from a political dispute escalating into violence, exacerbating pre existing ethnic and political tensions. Civilians bore the brunt of this conflict, becoming victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity. One strategy to mitigate these tensions and foster sustainable peace is to support a ceasefire and establish a buffer zone. The substantial cost of PSOs and peace-building efforts underscores the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in peace-building. This includes identifying gaps from past failures and developing strategies to improve political and economic prosperity in the country. The study took eight months, covering the year 2011 to 2022, and generally investigated the effectiveness of UNMISS in building peace in South Sudan. The specific objectives were: to examine the nature of United Nations peace missions, to evaluate United Nations peace-building strategies, and to assess the challenges and opportunities in UNMISS and peace-building efforts in South Sudan. Literature review was done thematically, and the study was further underpinned by two theories, Liberalism theory and conflict transformation theory, bolstered by a conceptual model. The study employed a descriptive survey design with a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. It was conducted in five identified regions in South Sudan and Nairobi, utilizing resource persons and key informants. The study population consisted of 3280 individuals, including military peacekeepers, UN police, state and local administrators, and local community leaders and employed cluster, purposive, stratified, and systematic sampling. Primary data collection involved questionnaires and interviews with 290 respondents, supplemented by a purposively identified focus group discussion. Secondary data was sourced from publications. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 28 and thematic excerpts, respectively. Reliability and validity were ensured through pre-tests and Cronbach Alpha Coefficient (CAC) analysis. The findings were presented using charts, graphs, frequencies, and excerpts. The study findings assessed various key objectives, including reducing violence and conflict, improved security, enhanced social cohesion, increased political stability, and protection of civilians and human rights. Additionally, the study demonstrated the impact of key strategies such as DDR programs, security sector reforms, economic development, social and cultural initiatives, dialogue and negotiation, rule of law and human rights strategies, and community engagement. The research pinpointed critical challenges, such as inadequate funding, the security landscape, political instability, and adherence to international and regional laws and underscored significant opportunities, including gender mainstreaming, conflict prevention and recovery, and international and regional cooperation. The study recommends increased funding from the United Nations and bolstering SSR and DDR programs. The findings offer valuable insights and stand to benefit policymakers in the military, police, and civilian sectors.