Browsing by Author "Wangui, Esther"

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    Early Exit Implications on Bilateral Relations between Troop-Contributing Country and Host Nation: A Case of Kenya Military Contingents in Congo 2022-2023
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-04) Wangui, Esther
    This study explored the Kenya Defense Forces’ exit and its implications on bilateral relations between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study set out to analyze the rationale for deploying Kenya Military Contingents (KENCON) troops in DRC and their implications for bilateral relations between Kenya and DRC; evaluate the events that led to the early exit of the KENCON Troops from the DRC and the effects on bilateral relations; assess the implications of the KENCON Troops' exit on bilateral relations between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo; and explore strategies for restoring the mediatory role of the KENCON Troops in the DRC and their impact on bilateral relations. This study provided policy makers in the diplomatic space a comprehensive understanding of the situation of KDF’s exit for better policy development. The study was confined to the two countries of Kenya and the DRC between the years 2022 and 2023. In this regard, the study locale was the two countries of DRC, where the peace-keeping was happening and Kenya, which contributed its soldiers to EACRF. The study adopted an explanatory research design and utilized a sample population of 28 respondents, including staff at Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MoFDA), Embassy staff in Kenya, KDF soldiers, Kenyans living in DRC, Political Analysts and academicians. The study was guided by the Expected Utility Theory of International Conflict and adopted an explorative research design, with the main data collection tools being interview guides and document analysis. This data was thematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the reasons for deploying the KENCON Troops to the DRC include regional stability, the rise of several extremist groups such as M- 23, the need for regional cooperation on matters of peace and security, and the UN mission requiring other East Africa Community Regional Forces (EACRF) to support the United Nations (UN) humanitarian personnel in affected areas. Regarding the factors behind the exit, findings indicate they include the expiry of the KENCON mandate in the DRC and diplomatic considerations. On the effects of the exit on bilateral relations between the two countries, the study identified effects such as strengthened economic ties, improved relations, an indicator of non-interference in DRC matters, enhanced political and diplomatic relations, future regional and international partnerships, and public perception and domestic politics. Finally, concerning strategies for strengthening KENCON's mediatory role, the study identified leveraging regional and international partnerships, strengthening diplomatic channels and trust, building capacity for peace and security, and offering humanitarian support. It also recommended that similar studies be conducted to include larger samples of respondents from the affected areas where KENCON Troops were conducting operations.
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    Strategies for Restoring the Mediatory Role of the Kenya Military Contingents in the Democratic Republic of Congo
    (American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Science (ARJHSS), 2025-02) Wangui, Esther; Manana, Collins Powell; Ichani, Xavier Francis
    Climate change and variability has hampered global agricultural growth and is anticipated to have a notable impact on crop production owing to the high reliance of agricultural activities on weather. The study examined impact of climate variability on production of major food crops (maize, beans and Irish potatoes) in Kieni West subCounty, Kenya. Mixed methods research design was used. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation (r) was used to assess the relationship between climate variables and the major food crops. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was employed to assess the effect of rainfall and temperature variability on major food crops. Analysis of quantitative data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics while analysis of qualitative data was done thematically. Data presentation was by use of figures, tables and verbatim quotes. Correlation results revealed a positive relationship between rainfall and bean (r = 0.46) and maize production (r = 0.33) and a negative relationship between rainfall and Irish potatoes production (r = -0.056). A negative relationship between maximum temperatures and production of bean (r = -0.89) and maize (r = -0.56) was observed while a positive relationship between maximum temperatures and production of Irish potatoes (r = 0.02) was reported. Also, correlation results revealed a negative relationship between minimum temperatures and production of maize (r = -0.35), beans (r = -0.43) and Irish potatoes (r = -0.38). Coefficient of Determination (R2) value of 0.11, 0.18, 0.003 for maize, beans and Irish potatoes respectively against rainfall was reported. R2 values of 0.32, 0.80 and 0.00 was reported for maize, beans and Irish potatoes respectively against maximum temperatures while R2 values of 0.12, 0.18 and 0.14 was reported for maize, beans and Irish potatoes respectively against minimum temperatures. The study concludes that climate variability had differential impacts on production of maize, beans and Irish potatoes in the study area.