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Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
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Deployed Women in the African Union Mission Mandate in Dhobley, Somalia between 2013 and 2023
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Barasa, Alex Nasieku
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) constitutes a peacekeeping initiative supported by the African Union (AU) and authorized by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It is committed to assisting the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to stabilize the country, counter extremist groups, and promote peace and security. AMISOM's mandate included various activities, such as providing security, supporting the political process, offering humanitarian assistance, and emphasizing gender balance in peace and security efforts. The mission had been actively involved in addressing the complex challenges facing Somalia and helping to create an environment favourable to long-term peace and prosperity in the country. The research study had three primary objectives. Firstly, it assessed the level of participation of women deployed by AMISOM in conflict resolution activities within the AU Mission in Dhobley, Somalia from 2013 to 2023. Secondly, it aimed to evaluate the distinctive role played by AMISOM's deployed women in addressing gender-based violence. Finally, the study conducted a thorough examination of the crucial role played by women in promoting human rights within the African Union Mission in Dhobley, Somalia, during the specified period. Feminist Peace and Conflict Resolution Theory guided the study. The research employed a descriptive survey research design blending qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The study focused on Dhobley, Somalia, with particular emphasis on AMISOM's sector II headquarters. A diverse set of stakeholders, including military personnel, policymakers, and representatives from international organizations affiliated with AMISOM, were engaged through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. A random sampling approach and purposive sampling was adopted to select participants encompassing active military personnel, police personnel, civilians, security experts, and key informants from the Ministry of Defence. The total sample size comprised 356 respondents, drawn from a target population of 1780. The research captured comprehensive insights by collecting and critically analysing qualitative data thematically. Quantitative data was collected, and descriptive statistical analysis methods including percentages, frequencies, and measures of central tendency were employed. The research findings underscored the substantial contribution of women deployed in AMISOM. They have played a pivotal role in addressing gender-based violence, advancing human rights protection, and enhancing conflict resolution endeavours. While there was widespread recognition of women's involvement and leadership in these initiatives, there were also areas for improvement, including enhancing the visibility and effectiveness of women's participation, addressing leadership impediments, and promoting institutional support for gender equality. The study recommends the implementation of specific strategies to promote women's participation and leadership in conflict resolution endeavours. This entails fostering closer partnerships with local stakeholders, providing adequate backing and support for women-led initiatives, and incorporating gender viewpoints into mission policies and practices. These recommendations aimed at maximizing the potential of deployed women in promoting safety, security, and gender equality in the community, ultimately contributing to sustainable peace and security in Somalia.
Organisation Culture and Strategy Implementation Choices in the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development, Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-05) Mugo, Catherine Nyawira
Strategy implementation choices adopted by an organization determines the success of strategy implementation. Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development (2018) reports that it has faced various challenges in implementation of its strategies and as such has managed to implement 40% of its strategy plan. East African Community and Regional Development is characterized by low implementation of strategies and this could be attributed to the existing organization culture. The study sought to investigate effect of organization culture on strategy implementation choices in Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development. The study’s objectives were to investigate the effects of clan culture, adhocracy culture, market culture and hierarchy culture on strategy implementation choices in the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development. The study was guided by Institutional theory, McKinsey 7S model and Schein’s model of organizational culture. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The target population was 78 employees in the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development. Since target population was small, the study used a census approach. Primary data was gathered using structured questionnaires1and1key1informant1interviews. Pilot test was was conducted in the ministry of industrialization on eight employees. Reliability was tested by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.7 and above..Validity of the research instrument was tested by expert opinions. The structured questionnaire yielded quantitative data and the key1informant interviews yielded qualitative data. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Furthermore, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for quantitative analysis of data. Descriptive statistics included means, frequencies, percentages and standard1deviation. The inferential statistics in this study comprised of regression and correlation analysis. The study found that clan culture had positive and significant effect on strategy implementation choices in the Ministry. The study also found that adhocracy culture positively and significantly affects strategy implementation choices in the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development. The study concludes that a clan culture promotes a long-term perspective and a focus on organizational values and traditions. An adhocracy culture promotes collaboration and teamwork, as employees are encouraged to work together to solve problems and achieve common goals. A market culture promotes collaboration and teamwork. By encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing, the ministry can leverage the diverse skills and expertise of its employees. The hierarchical culture within the Ministry promotes a strong sense of authority and direction, which is crucial for successful strategy implementation. The study recommends that one approach to enhancing clan culture in the implementation of strategies within the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development is through the promotion of inclusivity and diversity. To enhance the adhocracy culture, the Ministry should encourage employees to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas. One of the first steps in enhancing the hierarchical culture is to establish clear communication channels within the ministry. This includes ensuring that information flows smoothly from top to bottom and vice versa. Regular meetings, newsletters, and other communication tools can be used to facilitate this process.
Clinical, Inflammatory, and Serological Markers among Individuals with and without Post-COVID-19 Condition in Kenyatta University Community, Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Theuri, Martin Wahogo
Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is defined by persistent clinical manifestations after acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Approximately 10–20% of people across different populations are reported to have the condition. Inflammation is considered a key mechanism that drives the protracted disease. The titers of antibodies produced in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are also reported to remain high in those with persisting COVID-19 symptoms. As an emerging disease, the clinical, inflammatory, and serological markers of PCC remain to be well-defined. In Kenya, patients’ reports of PCC have been captured in the local media, but scientific studies on this health conundrum are lacking. Biomarkers of inflammation, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), are upregulated in many cases of PCC and could be useful as diagnostic markers. This study aimed to determine the clinical, inflammatory, and serological markers among individuals with and without PCC in Kenyatta University community setting. The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design and was undertaken at the Directorate of Kenyatta University Health Services from April to July 2023. Purposive sampling approach was used to recruit the participants. A questionnaire was utilized to gather demographic and clinical data of the participants. Inflammatory and serological data were obtained from the participants’ serum through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (IL-6, Quantikine Human IL-6 Immunoassay; CRP, CRP ELISA kit; and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G [IgG], Human SARS-CoV-2 Spike (Trimer) IgG ELISA). Relevant statistical tests in SPSS Version 18 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) were used to undertake data analysis. The t-test compared continuous variables, such as number of symptoms and levels of IL-6, CRP, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG between the groups exhibiting and not exhibiting PCC symptoms. A p-value less than 0.05 was used as an indicator of statistical significance. Overall, 189 participants (female, 50.8%; mean age, 23.46 years) were enrolled. The prevalence of PCC was 30% (n=12), with six participants (50%) reporting persistent COVID-19 symptoms and seven participants (58.3%) reporting new-onset symptoms. The most reported persisting symptoms were cough (n=3, 33.3%), sore throat (n=2, 22.2%), and runny/stuffy nose (n=2, 22.2%), whereas the most common new symptoms included fatigue (n=3, 16.7%), loss of smell/taste (n=3, 16.7%), and joint pain (n=2, 11.1%). No significant differences in IL-6 (p-value = 0.90), CRP (p-value = 0.28), and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG (p-value = 0.08) were found between the individuals with and without PCC. The number and duration of COVID-19 manifestations were significantly higher in individuals with PCC than in those without the condition (p-values = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Based on these findings, it can be deduced that those who present with more COVID-19 symptoms and prolonged symptoms may be at a higher risk of PCC. It is recommended that public health surveillance for PCC in the general population be done to identify and sensitize those with the condition on how to manage it. Further research using well-designed prospective studies should be conducted to elucidate reliable biomarkers of PCC for better diagnosis and management.
Assessing Citizen Engagement in Enhancing Counter-Terrorism Operations in Lamu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Murerwa, Humphrey
Kenyans have been living in perpetual fear of where and when the next terror attack might strike. But citizen engagement has been lauded as an approach that ensures success of programmes and counter-terrorism operations can be one of them. Therefore, the study undertook to assess citizen engagement in enhancing the counter-terrorism operations in Lamu county, Kenya. The objectives utilised were: to examine the role of local leaders and community groups in fostering citizen collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts, to assess community awareness levels regarding counter-terrorism policies and initiatives, to evaluate the communication channels used between citizens and security agencies for counter-terrorism information sharing. The Social Contract and Community Policing Theories, were used. The study utilized a mixed-methods research design, conducted in Lamu County with a target population of adult residents. A multistage sampling approach was employed, starting by clustering the study area into regions. Purposive sampling was then used to select the specific constituencies and wards, after which the population was divided into three homogeneous clusters: village elders and nyumba kumi elders were purposively sampled, the general public of the local community members were systematically random sampled. Using questionnaires and interview guides, the researcher collected data for this study. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data and the descriptive statistics, including means and averages, were used for the quantitative data, which was also visualized in pie charts, tables and graphs. The findings of the study were: local leaders are crucial for counter-terrorism, providing intelligence and building partnerships, the nyumba kumi initiative, a grassroots neighbourhood watch, is the top counter-terrorism program, bridging the intelligence gap, security barazas are key forums that build trust and cooperation between citizens and police, a lack of training for local leaders compromises security and highlights the need for capacity-building and that multiple communication channels like the chiefs, elders, informal networks and religious leaders form a trust-based security network. The study concluded that, the community-based strategies, led by local leaders, are indispensable for counter-terrorism, building security through trust and collaboration, despite the success of Nyumba Kumi and Security Barazas, a lack of training for community leaders limits their full potential and that Lamu's counter-terrorism success depends on a diverse, trust-based network of communication channels where the community co-produces safety. The study recommended that, to sustain security, formally recognize and strengthen the roles of local leaders and community groups, a structured training program for Village Elders and Nyumba Kumi Leaders is recommended to improve intelligence handling skills and that security agencies should integrate diverse communication channels into a "network of networks" to ensure intelligence flow and reinforce the community's partnership.
Gender Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic Containment Measures among Informal Market Traders in Elwak Market, Mandera County, Keny
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Ali, Adan Abdullahi
This study examined the gendered implications of COVID-19 containment measures among informal market traders at Elwak Market in Mandera County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives: (1) to establish the COVID-19 containment measures adopted among women and men’s informal businesses; (2) to evaluate the effects of these measures on their businesses; (3) to examine the coping strategies employed by traders to address pandemic-related challenges; and (4) to propose gender-responsive programs and policies to support post-pandemic recovery. Guided by Feminist Economic and Structural Inertia theories, the research employed a descriptive design involving 85 randomly selected traders and 12 purposively sampled key informants. Data collection tools included questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group discussion guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS v25, while qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis. Findings reveal significant gender disparities: 77% of female traders lacked formal education compared to 33% of males, and women were more likely to close their businesses during the pandemic. Despite this, women demonstrated stronger saving cultures through chamas. Both genders showed low preparedness for the pandemic, but women faced heightened burdens due to increased care responsibilities at home. The pandemic disrupted both domestic (private) and economic (public) spheres, disproportionately affecting women and underscoring the need for gender-sensitive recovery strategies. Key conclusions suggest that informal women traders were more vulnerable to economic shocks due to their limited access to resources and support systems. The study recommends targeted interventions, including capacity building in financial literacy and business management, provision of interest-free loans, support for savings groups, and gender-responsive policy frameworks to enhance resilience and accelerate recovery.