Browsing by Author "Muoka, Boniface"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Community-Based Approaches to Peace Committee Formation: Lessons from Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya
    (CEDRED, 2025-04) Chepngetich, Rosemary Bor; Muoka, Boniface
    The purpose of the study was to analyze the factors contributing to the establishment of community-based peace committees in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. Literature was reviewed on the theoretical frameworks of community-based conflict resolution, historical context and evolution of peace committees in Kenya and case studies on community engagement in peacebuilding in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to explore their role and effectiveness in managing inter-ethnic conflicts, particularly between the Marakwet and Pokot communities. Primary data was collected through questionnaires distributed to 193 randomly selected participants across Marakwet East and West sub-counties, supplemented by Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with 15 purposively chosen stakeholders, including government officials, elders and NonGovernmental Organizations (NGO) representatives. The findings revealed high community awareness and perceived effectiveness of peace committees, driven by frequent engagement and alignment with local needs, bolstered by the inclusion of respected community figures and NGO support. However, challenges like political interference and funding shortages were noted as barriers to neutrality and sustainability. The study concludes that this hybrid model of traditional mediation and modern support offers a replicable framework for peacebuilding, recommending enhanced funding, protection from political influence and increased training and inclusivity to strengthen these efforts
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Counter-terrorism Strategies in Mombasa County: Analyzing Implementation Approaches to Mitigate Radicalization
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2025-03) Ong’esa, Isaiah Gechuki; Muoka, Boniface
    The purpose of the study was to investigate the role and impact of Counter-Terrorism Strategies (CTS) in preventing radicalization in Mombasa County, Kenya. However, the Kenyan government through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the AntiTerrorism Police Unit (ATPU) has continued to battle with radicalization especially in Mombasa County. Groups like Al-Shabaab remained active in the recruitment and radicalization of individuals for their cause, driven by both socio-economic factors and political exclusion, as well as ideological manipulation. The government after engaging in counterterrorism has encountered a number of difficulties such as human rights abuses, lack of community cooperation and the incorporation of hard and soft measures in combating radicalization. Some of these were conventional military operations accused of involved in extra judicial killings while others were soft power interventions like de radicalization initiatives that faced funding constraints and community skepticism. The study used survey descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative data, involving n=117 participants to assess the effects of CTS on radicalization in Mombasa County. Interviewing respondents from local communities, governmental officers, religious authorities and security forces, the study assessed whether counter-terrorism measures were helping to lessen radicalization or worsened it instead. These insights were important in understanding the balance of hard and soft CTS and the relationship between communities and the reasons underlying radicalization. In conclusion, the study provides actionable intelligence guided counter-terrorism strategies that can effectively and efficiently dismantle extremism, without infringing on any human rights, towards the goal of attaining sustainable security in Mombasa County.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Media Strategies Employed by Kenya in Public Diplomacy Efforts towards Somalia: Analyzing the Role of Strategic Communication in Bilateral Relations
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2025-02) Madowo, Jacqueline; Muoka, Boniface
    The purpose of the study was to investigate how Kenya strategically employs media to shape narratives, influence the public discourse and legitimize its military involvement in Somalia from 2011 to 2022. Using a descriptive survey research approach, the study examined media public diplomacy initiatives in Somalia. The population consisted of journalists, legislators, diplomats and other media professionals who reported on the Kenya-Somalia engagement or influenced public opinion. A random sample was used to select a sample of n=22 participants, selected on the basis of their participation and level of expertise in relevant areas. Data were collected through documentary analysis of reports and media coverage, as well as through in-depth interviews using a survey guide. For qualitative data, a thematic analysis was used, while for quantitative content analysis a statistical analysis was used. In the context of Kenya's engagement in Somalia, findings were presented in a narrative way, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics between media coverage and public diplomacy initiatives. The study focusing on media strategies in shaping narratives revealed that Kenya maintained a strong diplomatic presence, contributing to regional stability and providing significant security and development support. Media coverage was extensive, often positive, but also included criticisms. The study found that public opinion on Kenya's military intervention in Somalia is strongly influenced by the country's media, with narratives having a significant positive or negative impact on the image of Kenya. However, media strategies have had varying degrees of success, mainly due to the poor infrastructure and literacy in Somalia, which has limited the influence and reach of the Kenyan media. To address these problems, the study proposed supporting inclusive development assistance to support media-driven projects and change public perceptions. It also stressed the need to invest in digital infrastructure and improve media engagement tactics to increase access and influence in Somalia.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Salient Features of Kenya’s Counter-Terrorism Strategies between 2011 – 2019
    (CEDRED, 2025-04) Onsinyo, Meroka; Wekesa, Peter; Muoka, Boniface
    The main concern in the field of counterterrorism is not how many terrorists are eliminated,such as by execution or imprisonment, but rather if their numbers have reduced as a result of the policies and actions implemented. In spite of Kenya’s coercive strategies that include both military and non-military approaches, there have been increased cases of terror attacks, although the various measures laid out to neutralize them have not been overly successful.Thus, the study aimed at analysing the key features of Kenya’s counterterrorism strategies between 2011 and 2019. The research was conducted in Nairobi City County targeting both state and non-state actors. The researcher used purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select participants and managed to interview only twenty-six key informants. The study found that Kenya’s counterterrorism strategy from 2011-2019 evolved holistically against alShabaab, blending hard tactics like the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) with soft approaches like community engagement and international cooperation. Despite progress, challenges persist harsh tactics caused human rights abuses and eroded public trust, while porous borders enabled terrorist infiltration. The study urges ongoing strategy refinement, prioritizing human rights, trust-building, and regional collaboration. It recommends a Regional Border Security and Intelligence Framework (RBSIF) with neighboring countries and Community-Led Counterterrorism Forums (CLCFs) in high-risk areas like Nairobi and Garissa to enhance security, cooperation, and community resilience for lasting peace.