http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/37 2026-04-20T09:15:55Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10058 Title: Kenya- Uganda cooperation in management of transnational security threats in the Mt. Elgon borderlands 1970 - 2023 Authors: Sikirio, Irine Chebet Abstract: The study assesses the cooperation between Kenya and Uganda in managing transnational security threats from Uganda in Mt Elgon, Kenya. The existing literature has addressed national and regional institutional policies on trans-border security threats; however, there are significant gaps in knowledge about Kenya-Uganda cooperation initiatives for managing transnational security threats in Mt. Elgon. The research was guided by three specific objectives: to examine how Mt. Elgon’s transnational borderland is discursively constituted as an area of security threats; to analyse the presence of institutional cooperation on transnational security threats; and to analyse the impact of Kenya-Uganda interstate management of trans-border security threats on the grassroots of Mt Elgon. The research was guided by two theories: the institutionalization theory by Meyer and Rowan, which explains the establishment and factors that influence the operation of an institution; and the securitization theory by Barry Buzan, which posits that through an act of speech, an issue is securitized. The study adopted a within-case study of the process tracing variant and was anchored on an interpretivism paradigm, mainly institutionalism (historical and discursive). The target population of the research was the residents of Mt. Elgon Constituency who have been affected by trans-national security threats. The sample frame was: one Deputy County Commissioner, two Assistant County Commissioners, four chiefs, two village administrators, six Nyumba Kumi chairmen, fifteen security officers, and fourteen residents. Sampling for the study was done through purposive sampling, and the sample of the study was 44. The data was collected through an interview guide with semi-structured questions and Focus Group Discussion sessions. Forty-three (43) respondents were interviewed, and one (1) Focus Group Discussion with nine respondents was held in the Cheptais Ward in Mt. Elgon constituency. The unit of observation was the local community members above 40 years and administrative and security government officials. The data collected was analysed thematically. The research findings showed that the Mount Elgon borderland is discursively constructed as a region that experiences trans national security threats facilitated by corruption and porous borders. The security threats include cattle rustling from the early 1970s and stock theft since the 2000s; the threats also include acts of smuggling of illegal small arms and light weapons such as bullets and guns; additionally, there was poaching of elephants, technological theft of primary school laptops and medicines; others reported as smuggled were an assortment of contraband goods such as polythene bags, cigarettes, and alcohol. The findings also showed that Kenya and Uganda cooperate through administrative institutions by conducting security committee meetings annually, and also through police cooperation by INTERPOL. Finally, the findings showed that Kenya-Uganda cooperation has improved the peaceful coexistence of border communities in both countries; this was especially seen in the area of robust communication on security threats. The study concludes that the inter-state cooperation has sought to mitigate the trans-national security threats, although there is room for improvement. The study recommends that the Government should make efforts to curb corruption to reduce the flow of contraband goods at the Chepkube Border. The government should also strengthen security institutions by providing facilities to monitor and control security activities at the Mt. Elgon Borderland; finally, both governments of Kenya and Uganda should open a customs point in Mt Elgon; this would reduce the use of illegal routes by persons from both sides of the border. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10054 Title: Factors influencing women’s access to political leadership among the tugen- arror community in Baringo North Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya Authors: Chelal, Martha Jemuge Abstract: Women’s political participation has been recognized internationally as an important measure of the status of women in any society. Hence, in recent years, women’s participation in politics has received significant attention across the world. However, women remain seriously underrepresented in political leadership positions in Kenya and particularly in Baringo North Sub-County. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing women’s access to political leadership among the Tugen-Arror community in Baringo North sub-county. The specific objectives were to; examine the societal attitudes of the Tugen-Arror community on gender balance in political representation, investigate factors hindering women’s access to leadership in the community and identify ways of empowering women to access full leadership potential in the community. The study was anchored on the developmental theory of gender realignment, in which the transformation of sex roles in society influences the process of value change. The study adopted a survey research design and targeted 41,191 respondents. However, a sample size of 150 respondents who were selected through stratified and simple random sampling was used. The study used questionnaires and interview schedules to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Validity of the research instruments were done through expert judgment while reliability was ascertained through piloting of the instruments in the neighboring Baringo Central Sub-County which shares similar characteristics as the study area. Quantitative data was analysed through the use of frequencies and percentages while qualitative data were thematically classified before they were reported in narrations and quotations as per the research objectives. The finding of the study showed that different casual factors such as; economic, religious, social and cultural factors contributed to women’s poor political participation in the Baringo North Sub-County. It is true that more than half of the world’s population constitute women. But they lack access to political decision making as compared to their male counterparts at all levels of government. Women’s equal participation in politics is not only a demand for simple justice or democracy, but a necessary pre-condition for women’s interests being taken into account. The qualitative data reveals that gender biases and traditional roles significantly hinder women's participation in politics among the Tugen-Arror community. Many respondents expressed doubts about women's competence and capability in political office, with some male participants questioning women's ability to balance political duties with domestic responsibilities and meet the financial demands of political campaigns. The study concluded that women are in dire need of political participation. Their situation has resulted from cultural and societal injustices, the attitudes of the Tugen Arror community on gender balance in political representation hinders their access to political leadership positions. The study recommended that there is a need to sensitize the Tugen Arror community on the need to bridge the gap on women leadership and the government too ought to facilitate women leadership through affirmative action. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10053 Title: Enforcement of energy and petroleum regulatory authority policies in the liquefied petroleum gas sector in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Authors: Odhiambo, Caroline Cherotich Abstract: The petroleum sector in Kenya is critical for energy security and economic growth, yet challenges in policy enforcement continue to hinder its effective regulation. Despite the existence of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) policies, compliance issues persist, particularly in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector, where unlicensed operations, illegal cross-filling, and brand hoarding are common. Notwithstanding the existence of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) policies, there persists proliferation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), many operating without licenses, while cases of illegal cross-filling and hoarding of competitors’ brands are common. This calls into question the enforcement and effectiveness of enforcement regulations by EPRA. This study sought to assess the enforcement of EPRA’s policies that regulate liquid petroleum gas sector in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. The specific objectives were to: analyze the legal, policy and institutional frameworks guiding LPG regulatory practices; evaluate EPRA's enforcement activities; assess the effectiveness of EPRA in ensuring compliance among LPG dealers; and to examine EPRA's institutional capacity and challenges. The study was grounded in Stakeholder Theory and Institutional Theory and guided by explanatory research design while using a mixed-methods approach. The target population of the study comprised 809 LPG dealers and 26 industry stakeholders. Using Yamane's formula, a sample size of 267 LPG dealers was selected to provide primary data through questionnaires where 241 returned the questionnaires. Through purposive sampling, all the 26 stakeholders were slated for interview but 23 were selected as part of the sample and were interviewed as Key Informants. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Data was presented in tables for quantitative data while interview results were presented in a narrative form. The findings indicated that the policy enforcement areas of EPRA include conducting periodic inspections to verify compliance with safety standards, issuing operational guidelines and storage protocols, as evidenced by a mean score of 4.0044. EPRA also provides contractual procedures, with a mean score of 4.9674, enhances business clarity and sustainability. Further, EPRA enforces penalties on non-compliant dealers as reflected by a mean score of 4.9228. The qualitative findings showed that EPRA’s activities include issuing licenses, monitoring compliance, imposing fines and providing mechanisms for consumer feedback. The results indicated that there are various challenges ranging from resources and enforcement capacity in EPRA. The study concluded that EPRA possesses adequate legal, policy, and institutional framework to regulate petroleum industries effectively and efficiently but faces challenges such as limited field enforcement capacity and resource constraints that hinder full implementation of these frameworks. The study recommends enhancing regulatory processes and increasing resources to strengthen EPRA’s enforcement capacity roles. This is particularly informed by the findings that the proliferation of unlicensed dealers is linked to EPRA’s limited resources and operational challenges in law enforcement. The study suggests that future research be done on the role of consumers in industry regulation, and best practices for enforcing LPG regulations. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9999 Title: Effects of safety net programmes on livelihoods of vulnerable groups in Turkana south sub-County, Kenya Authors: Ekaale, Crispus Lokorkor Abstract: Safety Net Programs (SNPs) are crucial for protecting vulnerable populations globally. In Kenya, like other sub-Saharan countries, these programs aim to ensure adequate cash flow in local markets, stable food supplies, reduced hunger, and promote sustainable livelihoods. In Turkana County, where 77.7% of households live in poverty and Turkana South Sub-County records 97.9%, the actual effects of SNPs on the livelihoods of vulnerable groups remain under-researched, creating a significant knowledge gap. Additionally, a methodological gap exists in previous studies, as many have relied heavily on either qualitative or quantitative approaches in isolation, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the programs’ impacts. The study's objectives were to: Examine the nature of cash and food transfer programmes in Turkana South Sub-County; To analyze the effects of cash transfer programs on Livelihoods of Vulnerable groups in Turkana South sub-county; To analyze the effects of Food transfer program on Livelihood of Vulnerable groups in Turkana South sub-county; To assess the sustainability of safety net programs on livelihoods in Turkana south-sub-county. The research was guided by the Standard Economic Theory and the Theory of Change. This study, therefore, employed a convergent mixed-method design by involving 150 beneficiaries (57 cash and 93 food transfer recipients) selected through stratified random sampling and determined using the Kothari Formula and 25 purposively selected key informants from state and non-state actors. Data was collected through oral interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and questionnaires, supplemented by secondary data from government and NGO reports. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, and quantitative data was analyzed descriptively. Findings revealed that cash transfers enhance income stability and food security, while food transfers reduce malnutrition and improve community health. Beneficiary preferences were 41% for cash, 39% for food, and 20% for either option. Recommendations include adopting conditional cash transfers, integrating SNPs with climate-smart agricultural initiatives, promoting economic inclusion, and ensuring sustained government support. The study concludes that well-coordinated and adequately funded safety nets can significantly strengthen household resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods in Turkana South. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z