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Unconditional Cash Transfers and Livelihoods of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Samburu Central SubCounty, Kenya
(Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Book Publishing, 2026-02) Lodungokiok,Joshua Bonden; Nyambura,Aflonia Mbuthia
Despite Kenya's implementation of the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children program since 2004, orphans and vulnerable children in arid and semi-arid regions continue to face significant livelihood challenges, with only 38% of eligible households in Samburu Central Sub-County receiving transfers, and current monthly amounts covering only 44% of basic household needs. This disparity exposes an important knowledge gap: there is little empirical evidence on the individual effects of the specific dimensions of unconditional cash transfer programs, i.e. transfer amount, duration, targeting mechanisms, and programme accessibility, on household livelihood outcomes in this setting. The study examined the impact of the unconditional cash transfers on the livelihoods of orphaned and vulnerable children in Samburu Central Sub-County. The study was based on the Human Capital Theory, the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and the Equity Theory. A non-experimental cross-sectional research design was adopted using secondary data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Kenya Continuous Household Survey (2019-2024) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection's Cash Transfer Management Information System database (2019-2024) that contained 2,614 beneficiary households. The dependent variable was a composite Livelihood Index with dimensions related to food security, education and health. Data analysis was conducted with heteroskedasticity-robust regression with clustered standard errors that was supplemented with domain-specific models by regression and analysis of variance. The results of the study showed that KES 1,000 increase in annual transfers increased livelihood outcomes by 0.0061 units (p < 0.05), while a year of program participation increased outcomes by 0.0347 units. Community-based targeting was better than administrative targeting by 0.0356 units (p=0.012). Of all the unconditional cash transfer characteristics, program accessibility had the strongest effect (b = 0.1923, p < 0.05). However, only 32% of households had high accessibility levels. The model explained 43% variance in livelihood outcomes. The study concludes that larger amounts of transfers, continued enrolment, community-based targeting and increased accessibility are important determinants of livelihood improvement for the orphans and vulnerable children. Policy recommendations include a need to increase annual transfers to KES 48,000 with regional cost-of-living adjustments, an incentive to encourage long-term enrolment, a focus on targeting them to areas that need more attention, and expansion of payment infrastructure to reduce distance and disbursement delays.
Specificity Orientation and Implementation of Intra-national Economic Regionalism Policies in Kenya’s Lake Region Economic Bloc
(International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences, 2025-02) Christopher Ogola; Wilson Muna; David Minja
This study identified that the existing studies have not given much weight to how specificity orientation
influences implementation of intra-national economic regionalisms policies in Kenya. To fill this gap, the study
sought to empirically assess the extent to which specificity orientation influences implementation of intra-national
economic regionalism policies, with a reference to Lake Region Economic Bloc in Kenya. The total population of the
study comprised of 634 individuals, consisting of 13 members of the Council of Governors, 130 County Executive
Committee Members, 440 Members of County Assembly, 27 Economic experts and 24 members of the Lake Basin
Development Authority. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to obtain a sample of 245 individuals. The study
utilized semi-structured physical and online questionnaires and interview schedules to collect quantitative as well as
qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for the quantitative analysis. Qualitative
analysis utilized themes, patterns and trends that emerged from the responses. The correlation result, r(157)=0.659,
ρ=000 indicated that there is a significant positive correlation between specificity orientation and implementation of
the intra-national economic regionalism policies. The regression results β=0.648, ρ<0.05 further indicated that
specificity orientation significantly predicts implementation of the economic regionalism policies. Therefore, the
study concluded that specificity orientation significantly influences implementation of intra-national economic
regionalism policies in the Lake Region Economic Bloc. The findings provided robust empirical evidence on the
emerging importance of specificity on implementation of intra-national economic regionalism policies. The study
recommends a regular, systematic and comprehensive measurement and assessment of standards, targets,
performance indicators and control systems as a crucial aspect of implementation of economic regionalism policies
in the Lake Region Economic Bloc
Structure of Infrastructure Bonds and Operational Performance of Road Projects in Nairobi Metropolitan Region, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Aoko, Roselyn Anyango
Infrastructure projects in Kenya frequently encounter challenges related to adequate funding and timely completion. The present study seeks to evaluate how the configuration of infrastructure bonds affects the operational efficiency of road development initiatives within the Nairobi Metropolitan Region. In particular, the investigation focused on the extent to which bond interest rates, bond returns, and amortization schedules shape the performance outcomes of road projects in Nairobi, Kenya. Furthermore, the research explored the moderating role of inflation in influencing the relationship between infrastructure bonds and project performance in the region. The inquiry was anchored on three theoretical frameworks: the Efficient Market Hypothesis, the Liquidity Preference Theory, and the Theory of Constraints. A longitudinal research design was adopted to adequately address the study objectives. The target population comprised all 18 road construction undertakings implemented in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region between 2014 and 2022, from which the entire set of projects was examined. A detailed survey of these projects was conducted. Secondary data covering the period 2014–2022 were obtained from multiple institutions, including the Central Bank of Kenya, the National Treasury, the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works, and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, using structured data collection templates. The dataset was analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, facilitated by STATA version 14.0. Hypothesized associations were tested using panel regression analysis at a 95% confidence level. The findings revealed that infrastructure bond interest rates, bond returns, and amortization structures exert a significant influence on the performance of road projects within the NMR. The results revealed that higher interest rates and bond yields negatively affect project execution by increasing borrowing costs and constraining available funds, while well-structured amortization schedules positively impact completion by facilitating predictable cash flow and efficient resource allocation. Descriptive analysis showed relative stability in these bond parameters, enhancing investor confidence and reducing financial uncertainty. The findings align with the Liquidity Preference Theory and the Theory of Constraints, highlighting the importance of managing financing costs and systemic bottlenecks to sustain project performance. Based on these results, the study recommends that the National Treasury stabilize bond interest rates and yields through clear issuance schedules and aligned maturities. The Treasury should also enhance amortization management to maintain high, steady repayment rates. The Central Bank of Kenya should continue managing inflation and interest rates to support predictable, affordable financing, while project managers ensure cash flows align with bond repayment schedules to minimize funding gaps and delays
Strategies Used by South Sudanese Diaspora in Kenya for Peacebuilding in South Sudan
(Editon consortium journal of arts, humanities and social studies, 2026-03) Onchomba, Macharius Zephaniah; Wekesa, Peter Wafula
The purpose of this article is to examine the strategies used by the South Sudanese diaspora in Kenya for peacebuilding in South Sudan between 2011 and 2023. Despite the ongoing conflict in South Sudan since its independence, limited scholarly attention has been devoted to the role of diaspora communities in supporting peacebuilding initiatives. This study, therefore, examines the role of the South Sudanese diaspora in Kenya in contributing to peacebuilding in their home country. The study was guided by transnationalism and social capital theories and adopted a case study research design. Qualitative data were collected using interview guides and focus group discussion (FGD) guides. The research was conducted in Nairobi City County, which hosts a large South Sudanese diaspora population, and in Juba, where several peacebuilding initiatives are implemented. A total of 102 participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling from South Sudanese embassy officials in Nairobi, Kenyan peace mediators, returnees, South Sudanese residents in Nairobi, and employees of non-governmental organisations involved in peacebuilding. Data were analysed thematically. The findings reveal that the diaspora employs several strategies for peacebuilding, including diaspora diplomacy, negotiation initiatives, educational support, mobilisation of women, promotion of socio-economic development and good governance, the use of remittances, and the promotion of cultural diversity. The study concludes that diaspora communities can play a significant role in peacebuilding and recommends policy frameworks that integrate diaspora contributions in post-conflict reconstruction, as well as further research on gender and youth diaspora peacebuilding initiatives.
Emergence and Growth of Islam among the Abawanga of Kakamega County, Kenya; 1880–2010
(Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Luchu, Reuben Pasa
The study examined the growth of Islam among the Abawanga in Kakamega County from 1880 to 2010. The research was guided by the following objectives; to examine the origin and development of Islam among the Abawanga up to 1899, to assess the trends in the spread of Islam among the Abawanga during the colonial period from 1900 to 1963, and to assess continuity and change in Islam among the Abawanga in the post-colonial era from 1964 to 2010. This study is based on three fundamental premises that: First, the intermarriages between the Arab-Swahili men and women from among the Abawanga influenced the penetration of Islam in Wangaland; second, Western education and Christianity hindered the spread of Islam among the Abawanga of Mumias, Kakamega County during the colonial period; third, globalization and modernization impacted the spread and practice of Islam among the Abawanga in the post-colonial era. The permeation and persistent existence of Islam in Wangaland, a region that is majorly rural and is predominantly Christian posed an interesting problem for study. The study was guided by Acculturation theory and Social Exchange theory. The theories proved invaluable in identifying areas of convergence and divergence between Abawanga socio-cultural practices, Islam and modernity. The study adopted a historical research design to document the emergence and subsequent growth of Islam among the Abawanga. The historical methods of data collection were used. Oral interviews, archival material and library research were used in identifying, collecting and collation of data for this study. Muslim sages, Muslim religious leaders, Muslim youth and Muslim elders, and Christians, all from the Abawanga community were the respondents of this study. The data collected was analyzed qualitatively using historical techniques of narration, description, inference and logical explanation and distributed to the relevant chapters. The study findings were presented as a critical narrative of the permeation, spread and changes and continuity of Islam among the Abawanga from 1880 to 2010.The research established that the increased trade and contact between the Abawanga and Arab-Swahili traders in the late 19th century played a significant role in spread of Islam among the Abawanga. The study recommended that Muslim leaders engage constructively with other faith traditions to maximize the benefits of their shared coexistence. The study suggested the need for further inquiry into the prevalence of Islamophobia and negative stereotypes about Islam among the Abawanga, and how these have influenced community relations