Reviewed International Journal of Political Science and Public Administration

RELATIONS BETWEEN BORDER ZONE KAMBA AND SOMALI COMMUNITIES OF KITUI-TANA RIVER COUNTIES IN KENYA

MALUKI KYAVOA, EDWIN GIMODE, PhD, LYDIA KANINI, PhD — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:30:56 -0500

This study examines the relations between the Kamba and Somali communities in Kenya from around 1850 to 1963. An analysis of these relations in the pre-colonial period was taken in an attempt to lay a foundation for assessing the relations in the colonial period. Colonial policies and their impact on the Kamba-Somali relations up to 1938 were investigated. Effects of the Second World War and decolonization process on the relations between Kamba and Somali up to 1963 were assessed too. The study argues that the initial settlement of both the Kamba and Somali communities in the area of study was majorly determined by environmental factors which in turn shaped the demand and supply of products and therefore relation between the two communities. With the onset of colonialism, relations between the two communities were heavily influenced by the policy of pacification which endeavored to create a rigid boundary between the two communities and so affected free interactions and trade. Later, during the Second World War and the period after the war, the relations between these two communities were characterized by tension, division, and suspicion. The trends of interaction were interpreted using constructivism and social inter-dependence theories. The study was justified in that it examined two communities instead of one and demonstrated trends that come from such dynamic interactions as contrasted with relations within one group. Literature on inter-ethnic relations was reviewed for sharper conceptualization of the study. Two research designs were used. These two included descriptive and historical research designs. Methodologically, a purposive sampling technique was employed. Snow-ball sampling technique was also used where knowledgeable informants referred the researcher to others who also had information about the study. Data for the study was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was verified against secondary information. Secondary data was obtained from books, journals, archives and newspapers.

IMPACT OF THE BERLIN CONFERENCE (1884 – 1885) ON EAC DEVELOPMENT

RWIGEMA PIERRE CELESTIN — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, which led to the partitioning of Africa among European powers, left a profound and lasting impact on the East African Community (EAC) region, consisting of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. This paper examines the legacy of the Berlin Conference and its influence on the EAC, focusing on the challenges and problems arising from the artificial borders, colonial governance structures, and economic exploitation. Prior to the conference, Africa was home to rich indigenous cultures, powerful kingdoms, and intricate political systems, which were disregarded by European powers in their quest for territorial dominance and resource control. The division of Africa, often along arbitrary lines, disrupted longstanding social, cultural, and political networks, leaving behind a fragmented continent. The key provisions of the Berlin Conference, such as the "effective occupation" clause, formalized the domination of African territories by European nations, with no regard for African sovereignty. These decisions exacerbated ethnic and political tensions, often forcing disparate groups to coexist within newly drawn borders, leading to conflicts and instability that persist to this day. The interests of the colonial powers, particularly Britain, Belgium, Germany, and France, were primarily driven by economic exploitation and the desire for strategic advantages in the race for global power. This led to the extraction of Africa's natural resources and the establishment of exploitative economic systems that have shaped the region’s underdevelopment. The lasting effects of these colonial policies are still felt today in the EAC, where regional integration remains difficult due to the historical baggage of arbitrary borders, ethnic tensions, and economic disparities. Despite efforts to foster cooperation and regional integration through the EAC, challenges such as cross-border conflicts, power struggles, and the legacy of colonial rule continue to impede progress. This paper explores how these historical divisions have influenced political governance, economic policies, and social relations within the EAC region. It also examines current efforts to address these issues, including region\al integration initiatives, conflict resolution mechanisms, and socio-economic development programs. The conclusion offers recommendations for overcoming the challenges posed by the Berlin Conference’s legacy, focusing on the importance of promoting unity, good governance, and sustainable development within the EAC. These efforts are crucial for the region’s stability and prosperity as it works to heal the wounds of its colonial past and build a more integrated and equitable future.

INFLUENCE OF EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ON WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN BAIDOA, SOMALIA

ABDIMAJID ALI MOHAMED, FESTUS KINYUA RIUNGU, PhD, FREDRICK OCHIENG, PhD — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 01:09:30 -0500

This study examined the influence of educational attainment on women's political participation in Baidoa, Somalia, where women face significant barriers to political engagement despite national and international calls for greater inclusion. In Somalia's patriarchal society, with its complex clan-based politics, women's representation in governance remains below 25%, with even lower rates in rural and conflict-affected regions like Baidoa. Educational disparities compound these challenges, with women disproportionately underrepresented in both primary and secondary education. Using a descriptive research design that integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study collected data from 86 respondents including voters, political leaders, community leaders, and local authority representatives. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with regression analysis revealing a strong positive relationship between educational attainment and women's political participation (β = 0.421, p = 0.000). The findings indicated that education serves as a catalyst for breaking down barriers to women's political participation (mean = 4.2674) and empowers women to engage confidently in political activities (mean = 4.419). Educational attainment explains approximately 69.5% of variation in women's political participation (R² = 0.695), suggesting its critical role in equipping women with the necessary skills, confidence, and awareness to effectively engage in politics. The study recommended increasing women's access to quality education in Baidoa, particularly in rural areas, implementing policies to remove barriers to education for women, and conducting community awareness campaigns to challenge socio-cultural norms that hinder women's political participation.

EXAMINING MINING CONFLICTS ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN EASTERN EQUATORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN

BONFAS MURIMI MATIKO, FRANCIS MULLU, PhD — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:06:12 -0500

This study explored mining conflicts on community development in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan. The specific objectives of this study were to investigate the nature of mining conflicts in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, to examine their consequences on community development in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, and to identify potential strategies to mitigate these conflicts and promote sustainable development in mining-affected communities in Eastern Equatoria State. The study was guided by Resource Abundance Theory and Human Ecology Theory (HET). A descriptive research design based on the quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted. Computer programs like the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) were used to develop tables and figures, using frequency and percentage statistics. Both primary and secondary methods of data collection were employed. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select respondents. Conflicts were prevalent, including resource exploitation (31.82%), violence (24.55%), and land disputes (10%), which severely hindered community development. Mining conflicts disrupted education (96.36%) and healthcare (96.36%), worsened unemployment (80%), and harmed social cohesion (85.5%). Environmental impacts, such as water pollution and deforestation, were reported by 87.3% of respondents. Key strategies to mitigate conflicts included increased government oversight (30%) and better compensation mechanisms (24.5%), with high community interest in participation (86.4%). The study concluded that mining conflicts in Eastern Equatoria negatively impact community development and social stability, with severe consequences for education, healthcare, and the environment. There is a significant gap in government intervention, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a pressing need for improved regulation. Community-based and collaborative approaches with mining companies were viewed as essential to sustainable conflict resolution. The study recommended that government oversight should be strengthened to enforce mining regulations effectively. Mining companies should establish fair compensation mechanisms for affected communities to foster equitable resource sharing. Collaboration with local communities should be prioritized, including joint decision-making initiatives to align operations with community needs. Finally, building local capacity in mining oversight and sustainable development practices is essential to empower communities and reduce long-term conflicts.