Abstract: Since the terrorist attacks in 1998, the government of Kenya has adopted law enforcement-led counterterrorism with human rights organizations questioning its validity. Scholars have consistently proposed different initiatives. This study explores the effectiveness of community-led approaches to counterterrorism with a special focus on North Eastern Kenya. A qualitative approach was used in this study with the target population being the residents of Garissa County because of previous terrorist attacks that targeted the area. The study found that family or community members can raise alarm at early stages since recruitment begins at the community. The relationship between police and community members is an important factor in the debate on the role of the community in countering terrorism. The implications of the study findings contribute to the growing debate on the role and effectiveness of community-led initiatives in counterterrorism.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cattle rustling on economic sustainability of Samburu Community a case study of El-barta Ward, Samburu County, Kenya. Mixed research design of descriptive-survey and explanatory research design was adopted in the study. The target population comprised of 427 households found in El-barta Ward and two security agencies (private rangers and government security agency) and one social and youth offices. The sample size was 203 respondents. A simple random and stratified sampling technique was used since members of El-barta Ward are sparcely populated. Data was collected using questionnaire and review of secondary sources which collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Data collected was keyed and analysed using the latest version of SPSS. From the analysis, it was established that the main economic activities in El-barta ward include pastoralism and trading. The causes of cattle rustling include illiteracy, unemployment, cultural beliefs, proliferation of firearms, and political influence. The effects of cattle rustling include underdevelopment, loss of manpower, increased deaths, closure of business and markets, destruction of infrastructure among others. The study recommends that there is need for empowerment programs to be put in place, development of infrastructure for the accessibility of markets and open up the area to new business, encouraging diversification of sources of income such as adoption of agri-business and small scale farming and the government to work together with the locals in order to boost security in the ward.

Abstract: A key feature of forest conservation and management is the practice of Participatory Forest Management (PFM). In the PFM there is inclusion and collaboration with the local community members in managing and conserving the forest resources, mostly through Community Forest Association (CFA). However, most of the roles of CFA on achieving management objectives of the forest resources are rarely met. The study evaluated the influence of CFA on local community sustainable forest utilization in North Nandi Forest. The study targeted 7,807 people living along the forest and a sample size of 156 respondents was used. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. Validity was ensured through expert judgement while Cronbach Alpha was calculated to determine reliability. To determine the sustainable utilization of forest resources, data was analyzed using frequency distributions and percentages. The study found out that joint forest management between the government and the community, use of sensitization meetings, the involvement of indigenous people within and outside the forest and the use of county and national government policies to support the conservation and protection of Nandi North Forest were the most significant strategies for management and protection. It was recommended that policies on expansion of land for agriculture and other developmental activities, excision of forest for settlement and illegal cutting of trees for posts, charcoal, fuelwood and timber need to be put in place by both the national and County governments. The findings of this study will help to develop recommendations for forest conservation interventions.

Abstract: Effective child protection framework requires a holistic approach where all actors are involved. This study was conceived to assess the level of collaboration between community–based informal approaches and government formal child protection structures in Mwingi central sub county. The study adopted mixed methods research design where data collection and analysis was done through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Both probability and non-sampling procedures were used to select a total of 433 respondents who included 399 adult members of the households, 24 children aged between 12-17 years and 10 key informants who participated in this study. The study was guided by the systems theory and the collected data was analyzed through thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics which involved the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The study results showed that there was poor close working relationship between structured child protection systems and community-based informal structures and the working relationship between the two approaches was greatly hampered by factors like: low visibility of government officials within the study region, community mistrust of government officials, and corruption by some government officials. The study recommends that there should more collaborative effort in child protection for better results.

Received January 30, 2021; Revised March 14, 2021; Accepted March 15, 2021

Abstract: This study looked at the implementation of Child Friendly School Program as observed by teachers and learners of primary schools in Chesumei Sub-County, Kenya. The sample comprised of two hundred and thirty one teachers and eight hundred and forty five students. Pilot schools were purposively selected while simple random sampling was used to select non-pilot schools. Data was collected using questionnaires, observation, and interviews. Content analysis was used to interpret qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of percentages, means, and standard deviation. Teachers and learners rated highly the implementation of Child Friendly practices such as equity and equality, community linkages and partnerships, and safe and protective school. The ministry of Health and Public Works should also be involved in issues of health, nutrition and infrastructure.