International Court of Justice Dispute Resolution (Non) Compliance: A Case of Kenya- Somalia Maritime Border Dispute 2014- 2021

Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Development, and Security studies.This research investigates Compliance to international dispute resolution by international court of justice: a case of Kenya- Somalia maritime border dispute. The dispute over the maritime border between Kenya and Somalia, focusing on a region abundant in resources in the Indian Ocean, has significant impacts on local stability, economic progress, and global legal matters. Even though the ICJ favoured Somalia in 2021, both nations have faced challenges in completely adhering to the verdict because of conflicting national interests, economic interests, and political pressures. The research utilizes a qualitative method, involving interviews with legal professionals, diplomats, and security experts, along with document examination, to investigate the complex aspects of the conflict. The study is based on three main goals: (1) to analyse the Kenya-Somalia maritime border conflict, (2) to recognize the obstacles faced by both countries in following the ICJ decision, and (3) to investigate different methods for settling the dispute. Discoveries show that the conflict is mainly fuelled by past grievances, economic stakes related to offshore oil and gas resources, and varying perspectives on international law. Difficulties in adhering to the ICJ decision stem mainly from worries about national autonomy, internal political influences, and the lack of strong global enforcement measures. Both Kenya and Somalia have shown unwillingness to give up control of the disputed area, making it challenging to enforce the decision. The research indicates that alternative methods for resolving disputes, like one-on-one talks, regional mediation using the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the creation of shared resource management areas, may provide longer-lasting answers. These methods would enable both nations to gain economically while easing tensions related to territorial disputes. This study adds to the wider conversation on global dispute mediation, pointing out the constraints of legal decisions in addressing disagreements involving national concerns. It highlights the importance of seeking flexible, diplomatic resolutions that prioritize cooperation rather than confrontation in disputes over maritime boundaries.Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Science

Exploring The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on The Preservation of Oral Culture and Traditional Knowledge in Kenya

Master of Arts in Development CommunicationsThe 4th Industrial Revolution, marked by the ascendancy of artificial intelligence (AI), posed significant challenges and opportunities for Africa. Historically, Africa had been sidelined during the previous industrial revolutions, with its traditional knowledge and practices being passed orally and scarcely documented. As AI flourished in a data-driven environment, concerns arose that Africa's lack of sufficient data representation might lead to exclusion from this revolution. This proposal aimed to explore the potential impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on African traditional culture, beliefs, traditions, and practices, and to propose strategies to ensure inclusivity and preservation of African heritage in the face of AI-driven advancements. The study utilized a development communications framework, focusing on the interplay between technology, society, and culture. Qualitative research methods, specifically interviews and observation, were employed to collect data. Additionally, an in-depth literature review examined the existing literature on AI, traditional knowledge, and development communications. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings of this research shed light on the current challenges faced by Africa in terms of data representation, knowledge and culture preservation, and participation in the 4th Industrial Revolution. It identified potential risks to African traditional culture and the ways in which AI-driven systems might have unintentionally undermined traditional knowledge and centuries-old practices and beliefs. The study found that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies hold great potential for preserving Kenya’s cultural heritage, particularly through digitizing oral traditions, indigenous knowledge, and endangered languages. That effective preservation of cultural heritage through AI requires community-led initiatives where traditional knowledge holders play an active role in the design and implementation of AI projects. Current initiatives have begun using AI for tasks such as transcription and translation, but there remains significant untapped potential, especially for documenting non-verbal cultural elements like rituals and music. However, several barriers hinder the equitable integration of Kenya’s cultural resources into AI applications, including the digital divide, inadequate legal protections for indigenous knowledge, and cultural bias in AI algorithms. The study emphasized the need for community-driven AI projects, legal reforms, and investment in technological infrastructure to address these issues. Based on the findings, the study recommended that AI projects involving cultural preservation should be led by the communities themselves, with stronger legal frameworks to protect indigenous knowledge and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms. The government should invest in digital literacy programs and technological infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, AI developers should undergo cultural sensitivity training to avoid misrepresentation and adhere to ethical guidelines. The study also suggested further research on how AI can preserve non-verbal aspects of cultural heritage, minimize cultural biases in AI algorithms, and support traditional knowledge transmission across generations.Daystar University, School of Communicatio

Assess Factors Affecting Trainees’ Enrolment in Vocational Training Centres in Kenya: A Case of Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, Turkana County.

Master of Arts in Community DevelopmentThis study sought to assess the factors affecting trainees’ enrolment in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Kenya: A case of Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, Turkana County. The following objectives guided the study: establish individual factors that affect trainees' enrollment, investigate community-based factors that affect trainees' enrollment, explore institutional factors that affect trainees’ enrollment, and interrogate policy-related factors that affect trainees' enrolment in Lodwar VTC respectively. A review of the related literature was done informed by the study objectives. The study was guided by enrollment management theory and the economic theory of demand and supply. A descriptive research design was used. The population study included 292 people, which consisted of 259 trainees, 30 trainers, and 3 subordinate staff. The target population was 259 trainees and 30 trainers. The sample size for the study was 78 trainees obtained through simple random sampling. In addition, 9 trainers were added to the student sample size through purposive sampling as they were dimmed knowledgeable about the topic under study. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to obtain data from the respondents. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were applied in the collection and analysis of data with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Ethical considerations were upheld to ensure no harm was done during the process of research. The results obtained from the study guided the drawing of conclusions and recommendations of the study. The analysis of individual-based factors revealed complex motivations influencing enrollment at Vocational Training Centres (VTCs). The highest mean score (M = 4.19, SD = 0.939) indicated that parental influence was the most significant factor driving trainees to enroll in the VTC, followed by family education background (M = 4.05, SD = 0.845) and peer influence (M = 3.88, SD = 1.025). The community-based factors indicated that cultural practices like early marriage affected enrolment, poverty, and negative community perceptions. Institutional-based factors, learning environment (M=4.15) courses offered (M=3.88) were listed as key factors affecting enrolment. Admission and exam policies were cited as the policies that affect enrolment. The study concludes that enrollment in VTCs in Turkana County is influenced by individual factors like individual attitudes, parental influence, and financial constraints, community perceptions, quality of institutional infrastructure & trainers, and policy awareness. Cultural practices, especially early marriages, and economic conditions, also play key roles. Addressing these barriers through improved community outreach, better infrastructure, and flexible policies is essential to boosting enrollment. It is recommended that the county government of Turkana in conjunction with the VTCs establish a robust career guidance and counseling office to support the parents and trainees in the VTCs. The VTCs should carry out continuous marketing and awareness to the community to help with the negative perception and to encourage enrolment. The institution should also review its policies that hinder enrolment. Additionally, the national government should review the education funding model to include the VTCs which are under the county governments.Daystar University, School of Applied Human Science

MCP 664X: Forensic Psychology

MCP 664X: Forensic PsychologyDaystar Universit

Assessing The Socio-Economic Effects of Water Infrastructure on The Livelihoods of River-Dependent Households: Mwache Multi-Purpose Dam Case Study in Kinango, Kwale County

Master of Arts in Monitoring and EvaluationThis study aimed to examine the socio-economic effects of water infrastructure on the livelihoods of river-dependent households located downstream of the Mwache Multipurpose Dam in Kinango, Kwale County, Kenya. The research focused on the following objectives, assessing the effects of water acess on household income, how the dam influenced agricultural productivity income, and relationship between the dam and overall livelihoods. The study was anchored in three key theories: the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Theory, the Social Impact Theory: Social Forces Model of Influence, and Rational Choice Theory. These theoretical frameworks guided the investigation into how the Mwache Dam influenced the social and economic well-being of the affected communities. The research employed a descriptive study design. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 358 households downstream of the dam. Stratified random sampling ensured a representative sample of river-dependent communities. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to interpret the responses. The findings revealed that the construction of the Mwache Dam significantly disrupted local livelihoods. Specifically, 79% of respondents reported reduced water supply, 33% noted limited access to road infrastructure, 40% observed increased population density, and 48% indicated a decline in living standards. Key economic activities such as fishing, crop, and livestock production were negatively impacted by 58%, while the local tourism industry and land values both declined by 60%. The study further highlighted the reduction in river flow, which caused severe water shortages, especially for agricultural production, leading farmers to struggle with crop irrigation and threatening food security. In conclusion, the construction of the Mwache Dam altered the river ecosystem, resulting in biodiversity loss and the disruption of natural fish habitats. The displacement of local communities worsened the situation by undermining agricultural productivity and intensifying food insecurity. The study recommended adoption of a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic factors to mitigate the negative effects of large-scale infrastructure projects. Additionally, it emphasized on the need for fair and transparent resettlement and compensation policies for affected communities, ensuring that development initiatives do not disproportionately harm vulnerable population.Daystar University, School of Applied Human Science

Effects of Innovative Monitoring and Evaluation Strategies on Project Performance: A Case of Solid Waste Management Project, Juba City Council, South Sudan

Master of Arts in Monitoring and EvaluationProject monitoring and evaluation plays a crucial role in project performance. Innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies have become increasingly important in recent years, with many organizations considering their uptake. Solid waste management refers to source separation, storage, collection, transportation, and disposal of waste in an environmentally sustainable manner. This study sought to evaluate the effects of innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies on project performance of the solid waste management project in Juba City Council, South Sudan. The study objectives were to establish the innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies employed in solid waste management projects; assess the performance of solid waste management projects; and evaluate the effects of innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies on project performance. This study was anchored on results-based management theory and theory of change. Results-based management approach theory is a widely used monitoring and evaluation strategy that focuses on achieving measurable results while the theory of change is a planning and evaluation framework that is used to map out the causal pathways that lead from inputs to desired outcomes. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of the research study comprised 2,000 staff working in Juba City Council. This research employed a census approach, entailing the collection of data from every member of the study population. The study’s target population comprised 66 staff of the Juba City Council solid waste management project. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that included both open-ended and closed-ended questions. A pretest was conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21, was used to analyze the data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were presented in tables. The results showed a significant relationship between innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies and project performance (F-statistic = 27.965, Sig. .002). Stakeholder engagement improved decision-making, enhanced accountability, and increased transparency as key benefits. The study underscored the critical role of innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies in achieving successful solid waste management by facilitating better decision-making, promoting accountability and transparency, and enabling adaptive management practices based on real-time data. The study concluded that innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies significantly enhance the performance of the Juba City Council's solid waste management project. Furthermore, the recommendations presented align with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and well-being), as well as South Sudan's development agenda and Vision 2040. Future research and initiatives could build upon this study’s foundation by exploring impactful and cost-effective innovative monitoring and evaluation approaches for diverse contexts. Investigating the integration of new technologies and data analytics into monitoring and evaluation practices holds significant promise for further optimization. Developing clear guidelines for implementing innovative monitoring and evaluation in solid waste management can also contribute to broader adoption and success. This demonstrates the potential of innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies to contribute to broader societal goals of environmental sustainability, public health, and economic development.Daystar University, School of Applied Human Science

LLB 303: Copyright and Neighbouring Rights

LLB 303: Copyright and Neighbouring RightsDaystar Universit

COM 430X: Business & Economic Journalism

COM 430X: Business & Economic JournalismDaystar Universit

Insights of Healthcare Workers and Community Members on Mental Health Perception and Practices in Meru County, Kenya

Journal ArticleMental health is a neglected field in many low and middle-income countries, such as Kenya, where information on the prevalence of mental health conditions is scarce. This problem is aggravated by an uneven distribution of mental health service providers and widespread ignorance and stigma around mental illness in the general population. The study in Meru County, Kenya, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers and community members regarding mental health. The study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey, involved 535 community members and 109 healthcare workers, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions and analysed using univariate frequencies, descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis. The study revealed that 39% of community members had a family member with a mental health condition, while 68% of HCWs had been diagnosed with such conditions. Mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes, genetics, substance abuse, and socio-economic pressures. A significant gap was found in the availability of counselling services in health facilities, with only 29.4% of HCWs reporting their presence. The perception of the affordability and accessibility of mental health services varied greatly between HCWs and community members. Additionally, while HCWs reported the availability of free medication, community members experienced shortages. The study also noted differing attitudes towards patients with mental illness in terms of respect and dignity and highlighted the use of traditional healers and religious leaders for mental health issues. This study contributes valuable insights into the state of mental health in Kenya, highlighting the high burden of mental illness, limited availability of services, and prevalent myths and misconceptions. It underscores the need for improved healthcare worker training, public awareness, and stronger health systems to address mental health issues effectively in Kenya and similar rural environment

LLB 411: Intellectual Property Rights In Sport And Entertainment

LLB 411: Intellectual Property Rights In Sport And EntertainmentDaystar Universit