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Determinants of Land Use Conflicts among Farming and Pastoral Communities in Tana Delta, Tana River County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-08) Mohamud, Abdullahi Ahmed
Patterns of violent conflict in pastoralist communities have been progressively generated in the last two decades by highly politicized land demands promoted by political elites who frequently use historical "injustices" and current violations to gain symbolic capital with their electorate. Administrative borders, exclusive property access, and initiatives to maintain an ethnically homogeneous electorate have consequently become contentious topics. Decentralization and recent developments in democratic development, which have opened up new avenues for resolving territorial disputes, are inextricably tied to these dynamics. This difficulty has been compounded in northern Kenya, where many pastoralist groups are undergoing fast changes in their land-use relationships. Land conflicts have erupted in the Tana River delta as people seek land for farming and greener pastures. As such, this research was done to find out what causes the persistent land disputes between farmers and herders in the Tana Delta. Three research objectives were devised to guide the study. The research objectives were as follows: first, to explore the political, social, and economic variables fuelling disputes over natural resources in Tana Delta; second, to evaluate the impacts of the legal as well as customary regulatory systems put into effect in Tana Delta on land-use conflict; and third, to investigate Tana Delta community members' perceptions of addressing natural resource conflicts. The research was based on the understanding that despite repeated attempts by the government to put an end to the hostilities between farmers and herders, they have escalated and are now unsustainable from an economic and social standpoint. To obtain data, standard questionnaires and fundamental interview procedures were followed. Tana Delta families were chosen as the study's target demographic. Statistical social science software SPSS version 24 was used to clean and analyse the gathered data. Pie charts, graphs, and tables were used to show the results. The inquiry produced three important conclusions. These are: first, land ownership, a rush for pasture access, and second, water and political provocation, which leads to confrontation between pastoralists and farmers. Third, the study reported that some of the legal measures that have been adopted to manage disputes in the area include demarcating contested sections of the basin, forming a Tana peace committee, and deploying conflict management institutions. First, people in Tana Delta and other dry areas where conflicts between pastoralists and crop growers are widespread should be educated on the value of peace as well as how they ought to refrain from clashes that result in increased losses and harm. Second, the research proposes that the government and other stakeholders, especially county governments, develop policies to hold any individual found to be instigating or fuelling tensions within communities accountable and to ensure that such individuals face the law. Third, the study advocates for community members to be involved in the creation of peace initiatives in order to lessen resistance. Policy makers also ought to schedule meetings with local residents to solicit their feedback on the policies that will be used to reduce land conflicts.
Efficacy of Public-Private Partnership Framework in the Implementation of Energy Infrastructure Projects in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Barasa, Fernandes Odinga
The study sought to examine the efficacy of public-private partnership framework in the implementation of energy infrastructure projects in Kenya. Specifically, it focused on evaluating the effect of the legal, procurement, financing, and investment frameworks on the implementation of energy infrastructure projects. The study was motivated by the fact that while PPPs have gained popularity currently, there has been limited empirical research on their performance, particularly in terms of their effect on project implementation in terms of time, cost, and project outcomes. The study sought to fill in this gap. To achieve the objective, the study employed a comprehensive research design, combining both descriptive and causal-explanatory approaches. The study’s target population included key entities within the electricity projects implementing sphere under the Ministry of Energy being Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Energy, the National Treasury, 7 tier 1 commercial banks and 6 development partners. A census approach was adopted, given the manageable size and heterogeneity of the target population. Data was primarily collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, preceded by a pilot study of the Ministry of Roads to determine the validity and reliability of the data collection tools. Data was analyzed using SPSS with descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis being relied on. Regarding the inferential statistics analysis, parametric and non - parametric analysis was used. For the parametric analysis, a multivariate Ordinary Least Squares regression model was the focus while for non - parametric analysis, Structural Equation Modelling was applied. The findings of this research offer significant insights into the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks in the implementation of energy infrastructure projects in Kenya. A well-defined legal framework positively influences project implementation time, cost, and outcome. Government policies further enhance this effect, emphasizing the importance of supportive policies to bolster the efficacy of the legal framework. Conversely, the procurement framework was found to have a detrimental effect on project implementation time. This suggests that the procurement process for PPP projects in Kenya may be lengthy and may require streamlining to expedite project execution. While government policy exhibited a positive moderating effect on this relationship, the influence remained statistically insignificant, suggesting room for policy improvements in this domain. The financing framework was found to accelerate project implementation time, indicating its potential to expedite project execution. However, it had a negative effect on project implementation cost, potentially due to the increased costs associated with private sector participation. Moreover, the financing framework negatively influenced project outcomes, underlining the importance of careful consideration of financial aspects in PPP projects. On a positive note, the investment framework was identified as a significant driver of project implementation time and project outcome. A conducive investment environment was found to positively influence project execution and enhance project success. Government policy was found to play a substantial role in augmenting the effectiveness of the investment framework, underscoring the need for supportive policies in this context. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in energy infrastructure projects and PPP initiatives in Kenya. They emphasize the importance of optimizing the legal, procurement, financing, and investment frameworks to ensure the efficient and successful implementation of energy infrastructure projects, aligning with broader developmental and economic objectives.
Access to Public Open Spaces for Children in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Okubo,Everlyne Amile
The inclusion of access to public spaces in the Sustainable Development Goals has placed
responsibility on governments particularly in rapidly urbanizing countries like Kenya, to
ensure its citizens have access to secure public spaces. Access to public spaces has been
cited as one factor that influences levels of physical activity especially among children.
Neighbourhood walkability and pedestrianism has been encouraged to improve public
health. Thus, this study examined access to public open spaces for children in Nairobi City
County. The objectives of this study were to assess the planning, design, and development
of these spaces; investigate the functionality of walkways and playgrounds; and evaluate
the effectiveness of governance and management arrangements in facilitating children's
access to these open spaces. The research is grounded in the theories of political ecology,
ecological models of physical activity, neighbourhood concepts, and urban design. A
survey research design was used, incorporating questionnaires, key informant interviews
(KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), observational guides, and Geographic Information
System (GIS) technology. Six neighbourhoods in Nairobi were sampled: high-income
(Lavington and Loresho), middle-income (Buruburu and Nairobi West), and low-income
(Huruma and Kibera). A sample of 406 children, parents, and other open space users
participated in the study.
Findings reveal disparities in the availability and quality of public open spaces across
different socio-economic areas. In low-income neighbourhoods like Huruma and Kibera,
public space provision is inadequate, leading to environmental degradation and safety
concerns. Middle-income areas such as Buruburu face overcrowding, vendor
encroachments, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. In contrast, high-income areas
like Lavington and Loresho offer better resources but still experience challenges, including
incomplete pedestrian infrastructure and safety risks. Pedestrian infrastructure was a key
issue. In low-income areas, walkways were poorly maintained or absent, with few traffic calming measures. In middle- and high-income areas, pedestrian infrastructure was better
but still incomplete. Functionality assessments of open spaces revealed vendor
encroachments and limited amenities like benches and signage, further reducing usability,
especially in low-income areas. Governance and management structures were also a
significant factor. Privately managed spaces, like Jaffrey’s Sports Club, demonstrated more
efficient decision-making and better maintenance, while city-managed spaces suffered
from bureaucratic delays and underfunding.
In conclusion, this study highlights the urgent need for more inclusive urban planning,
improved pedestrian infrastructure, and more efficient governance models to ensure
children have safe, accessible spaces for recreation and physical activity. Addressing these
disparities is essential for achieving the targets of SDG 11.7 and creating a more inclusive,
equitable urban environment in Nairobi City.
County Governments’ Interventions in Enhancing Food Security in Kajiado County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Macharia,Eunice Wamuyu
Despite the many attempts to enhance food security in Kenya, insufficiency of food and food items remain a challenge in many parts of the country. Many interventions have been instituted in the past with limited results despite heavy investments and government spending both at policy and implementation levels. The main research objective of the study was to establish the effectiveness of county governments’ interventions in enhancing food security in Kajiado County, Kenya. The particular objectives was to Determine how technology application interventions has enhanced food security in Kajiado County, to assess the agricultural extensions interventions extent to enhance food security in Kajiado County, to examine how credit availability interventions has enhanced food security in Kajiado County, to determine how the research interventions has enhanced food security in Kajiado County and to establish the moderating effect of government policies on the County government interventions in enhancing food security in Kajiado County. Three theories informed the study namely theory of access, Diffusion of innovation theory and stakeholders theory. Pragmatic research philosophy was used to establish the effectiveness of county governments’ interventions in achieving food security in Kajiado County, Kenya. This study used a mixed research design with descriptive and explanatory being employed. The target population comprised of the registered farmers, the agricultural extension officers, and County government officers. A total population of this study was 29,572 respondents which comprised of 29,514 registered farmers, 47 agricultural extension officers and 11county government officials. The study used a sample size of 411 respondents, employing Nassiuma (2000) formula to get 356 registered farmers and a census of all 47 agricultural officers and 11 County government officers. The study utilized semi structured questionnaires for registered farmers and agricultural extension officers and face to face interview for the County government officials to collect quantitative and qualitative facts. The questionnaire was administered physically with a help of research assistant who was able to understand the local dialect of the community around the county and helped fill the information in google forms. In addition to these, the study used 10 interview schedule questions to collect qualitative data from County government officials. The internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha, where an alpha value of 0.7 ≤ α < 0.9. Data was analyzed descriptively and was subjected to an inferential statistics at 0.05 significance levels and was facilitated by SPSS statistical software, version 21. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data involving outlining the useful responses and presenting them in themes in prose form. Diagrams like bar graphs and pie charts together with tables were used to present the findings to easily understand and interpret. The regression model measured the relationship between variables. The diagnostic tests were conducted to ascertain that all the assumptions regarding the multiple linear regression analysis were not violated. The study recommended facilitation of extension officers creating awareness, promotion of policies that incentivize adoption of drought-resistant crops, water harvesting, and sustainable grazing practices to build resilience against climate variability. The study also recommends there should be policy frameworks for flexible loan products aligned with agricultural cycles and non-traditional collateral. It also recommends development of solar-powered irrigation and water storage technologies.
Effects of Risk Behaviour Change Training Intervention in Improving Motorcycle Safety among Riders in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Maru, Michael
Road traffic injuries involving motorcycles are increasing particularly in rural Kenya resulting in both human and economic loss. The numbers of accident victims of motorbikes continue to swell in hospitals resulting to resource strain for hospitals and households. This study was evaluated on training behavioral interventions, fatality risk and motorcycle transportation safety among rural motorists in Kiambu County. The study sought to establish knowledge on risk behaviors associated with motorcycle safety, the main risk traits associated with motorcycle accidents and impact of training behavioral interventions on the prevalence of motorcycle accidents. The theoretical framework was informed by the Looked but Failed to See Theory and epidemiological model for noninfectious diseases. A quasi-experimental research design was used. The study was conducted at Thika District Hospital Level 5 hospital, Gatundu South, Kiambaa and Kikuyu level-4 hospitals and Gatundu North, Juja, Kiambaa and Limuru level-three hospitals. The participants of the study were the riders. The training behavioral interventions was assessed using a field study experiment that entailed an experimental (trained) with a control group. The Motorcycle Riders Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) tool was used. A Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) and NTSA authorized motorcycle-training agency was part of the formal training on road motorcycle safety to offer expertise assistance. The statistics on motorcycle incidents, minor accidents and major accidents was compared with those of the control group to assess the effect of the training behavioral interventions. The study used questionnaires and interview guides for data collection. The instruments captured quantitative data. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Correlation and T-test for independence and paired t-test were conducted to test level of significance. The T-tests results indicated that wearing a helmet (F=-2.911, P=0.019), Wearing goggles, (F= -3.259, P=0.006), impaired riding (F=3.138, P=0.026) and over speeding (F=3.281, P=0.047) were significantly related with occurrence of an accident. The findings indicated that 31% had valid riding licenses whereas 69% did not have riding licenses. The correlation results showed that duration of riding (r=-.281**, p= 0.001) and possession of a valid license (r= -.316**, p<0.001) are statistically significant in relation to motorcycle accident involvement. The results indicated that majority of the accidents occurred in bends and roundabouts/junctions. The results also indicate that the causes of loss of control related accidents were rider misjudgment and inattention. The results show that during the post- training, the accident prevalence rate was 23% compared to 48% before the behavioral training intervention. The null hypothesis that behavioral training intervention does not have a statistical significance on motorcycle safety among motorist of Kiambu County was rejected. The emerging conclusion for this study is that rider formal training is important in reducing motorcycle related accidents. Lack of awareness/ignorance, lack of funds to pay for formal rider training, weak enforcement of traffic regulations, and stand out as the key issues that should be addressed to realize motorcycle safety. The study recommends on introduction of behavioral training as part of curriculum in rider specific schools where training can be offered at subsidized fee to encourage attendance and improve motorcycle safety.