The right to free and compulsory basic education is enshrined in Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya. This is in line with African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG4 aims to “ensure access to equitable and inclusive quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The international community recognizes that the greatest impediment to universal education and equality are systemic and cultural inequalities, which mostly affect school going girls. SDG 5, targets the elimination of all harmful practices, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. In Kenya, government efforts for 100% Secondary school transition and higher retention are hampered in Counties like Kajiado and Narok due to the prevalence of FGM/C affecting girls. To gain insights into the effects of FGM/C on girls, this study sought to establish the status and nature of FGM/C in Kajiado and Narok Counties. A mixed research approach was utilized targeting learners, victims of FGM/C and key stakeholders. The study found out that average rate of transition to girls in secondary school was estimated to be 40% in Form 1, and gradually reduced to 10% in Form 4. The study also noted that psycho-social identity that the girls assumed after the FGM/C, the girls’ poor attitude towards schooling and poor relations with the teachers negatively affected transition. The enforcement of the law against the practice, which was ranked as the most effective intervention.

Very little has been achieved in terms of poverty reduction, despite the many Self-Help groups that have been formed and operate in Bondo Sub-County due to financial constraints that affect many women.

Since the outbreak of the civil war in South Sudan in 2013, just 2 years after gaining independence from the larger Sudan, agricultural production and normal livelihood was disrupted for the locals in most affected region.

Mandera as one of the towns in the NEP of Kenya was a strategic position between the two regions, however, terror activities have reduced the level of socio-economic development that the region would have benefited from in a peaceful era. However, the emergence and persistent attacks by Al-Shabaab creates an empirical gap concerning the influence of terrorist activities on the socio-economic development of the NEP region, specifically in road transport industry. Thus, the study purpose was to analyze the influence of al-Shabab terrorist activities on the socio-economic development of NEP region of Kenya. The study was guided by a research question; In what ways have Al-Shabaab terrorist activities influenced the road transport industry in Mandera town of Mandera County? The study utilized the descriptive design with a target population of 159,638, being residents of Mandera Town. The study used stratified sampling to select 272 residents for questionnaire filling. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and presented using figures. The study found that road transport industry experienced substantial disruptions and challenges resulting from Al-Shabaab attacks. The road transport industry experienced increased transportation charges, decreased availability of buses, reduced passenger numbers, and heightened scrutiny of travel documents due to the threats and incidents caused by Al-Shabaab. The study concluded that Al-Shabaab terrorist activities have a significant negative impact on the socio-economic development of NEP region. The study recommends the strengthening of the security measures by the Ministry of Interior: Enhance security measures along key transport routes, at roadblocks, and at border crossings to minimize the risk of Al-Shabaab attacks and to ensure the safety of travelers, transport operators, and livestock traders.

The developing nations around the world have increased their efforts and rechanneled resources to gain some degree of development objective, in particular, the reduction of poverty at the same time promoting investment in human capital.

: Cultural relations is the mutual exchange of culture between peoples to develop long-term relationships, trust, and understanding for the purpose of generating genuine goodwill and influence abroad. The study sought to establish the role of cultural diplomacy as a tool for advancing African foreign relations using Kenya as a case study. The broad objective of this study was to assess the performance of the cultural pillar in promoting Kenya’s foreign relations from 2015-2020. The study used the soft power theory and liberal theory. A descriptive research design was used to obtain information concerning the status of the problem. The population was drawn from all 850 employees from the following offices: Diplomatic officers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Sports Culture and Heritage, Ministry of Tourism, Kenya National Theatre and Kenya Cultural Center. The sample size was 255 respondents drawn from this population by applying stratified sampling techniques. The primary data were collected using questionnaires that comprised both open and closed ended questions. The study concludes that that sports and games has a significant effect on the performance of Kenya’s foreign policy from 2015-2020. In addition, the study concludes that that music and dance has a significant effect on the performance of Kenya’s foreign policy from 2015-2020. From the findings, this study recommends that the ministry of foreign affairs should focus on increasing

- Project evaluation in NGOs is mainly conducted within implementation timeframes, which is attributed to availability of allocated resources for the exercise. While NGOs aim at fulfilling donor mandates, there are limited reports describing if the positive influences listed during project exit reports are still in existence. The study used the Caritas Nakuru as a case study to evaluate the influence of projects sponsored and managed by Caritas on the socio-economic wellbeing of project beneficiaries in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study utilized descriptive research design with a sample size of 238 respondents. Data collection entailed questionnaires and interview schedules. The study found that the Caritas education project had a great impact on the social economic wellbeing of street children. The study concludes that achievement of Caritas peace-building projects influences the socio-economic wellbeing of street children, the internally displaced persons and commercial sex workers. The study recommends that the government continues to provide avenues for education for street dwellers who may not want to join the formal education systems. NGO projects stakeholders need to rally for public sensitization on the importance of enabling disadvantaged groups.

Kenya has advanced significantly because of the M&E system that has been in place for some years. To determine whether an intervention or program is successful in achieving its goals, monitoring and evaluation entails gathering and analyzing relevant data over time. The gaps in service delivery were identified, their causes were investigated, and specific measures to close the gaps were developed using an empirical gap method. Thus, the study focused on answering the question; What is the influence of monitoring and evaluation of organizational structure on health service in the County government of Nyandarua? The study used a descriptive survey methodology. The study adopted a stratified random sample technique to choose respondents from each tier of project management officers. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Both inference and descriptive statistics were used to examine the data. The study findings show that various elements of M&E organizational structure affect the effectiveness of service delivery by health care workers. The health care workers are moderately involved setting monitoring and evaluation objectives. Monitoring and evaluation are more effective when they have specific objectives to follow, as these helps keep efforts concentrated where they will have the most impact.

: The global community has intensified its efforts in counter-terrorism, making use of various strategies, including international multi-lateral organizations and diplomacy. One of the most prominent hotspots for terrorist activities in Somalia, following the collapse of the national government three decades ago, and the intensification of Al Qaeda sponsored Al-Shabaab activities. Foreign missions and inter-governmental agencies have great potential in contributing to international efforts in combating terrorism. The study examined the influence of Somalia-based IGAD countries’ diplomatic missions in capacity building and partnerships in countering terrorism. The study was guided by the political theory of anarchism which relates to the realism concept. A descriptive research design involving a mixed research approach of both qualitative and quantitative data was employed. An interview schedule was administered for the head of mission, while questionnaires were used for the rest of the officers. The findings of this study were potentially important sources of policy framework on the role of diplomacy in counterterrorism. The study found that there is a great influence of Somalia-based IGAD countries’ diplomatic missions in capacity building for countering terrorism. The study also revealed that the Somalia-based IGAD countries’ diplomatic missions influence the promotion of partnerships for countering terrorism. The significance of the study is to show the relationship between diplomacy and counterterrorism and how diplomacy can be used effectively to counter terrorism in a transnational relationship.

There exists knowledge gap in analysis of the influence of the general ICT-based M&E systems in county governments with a focus on data analysis and timely presentation to stakeholder, there an empirical gap in physical health infrastructural, road infrastructural development, market infrastructural development and sports infrastructural development ICT-based M&E.

Monitoring & Evaluation, with reference to institutional development, has not been well-investigated. Universities are critical institutions in socio-economic development. This study aimed to examine the influence of Monitoring & Evaluation planning. Based on project performance, indicators are delivered on time and within budget. The study explored Dedan Kimathi University, Kenya, as a case study. The specific objective was to establish the effects of M & E planning on the performance of infrastructural projects at Dedan Kimathi University, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey to determine if the M&E parameter influenced a project's performance. The investigation was predicated on change theory alongside program theory. A simple random sampling technique was used to enable the research to reach the many departments involved in infrastructural development. The major data collection technique and questionnaires were used to gather crucial information. A Sample of 157 applicants represented a population of 265 people. According to the findings, monitoring and evaluation variable had a major impact on project performance as components of M&E activity had a conscious goal to steer the project's success. The research suggested that flexibility be encouraged in the key M&E factor to inform re-planning and review of M&E tools to strengthen data collection, information sharing, and management.

There exists an immediate necessity for a well-organized monitoring and evaluation procedure across the country in the Kenyan county government structure and the increasing monetary decentralization concerning to growth policies, projects, and programmes (Phiri, 2015).

: Operating under the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 was difficult for most firms. Challenges for SMEs were more severe than for other enterprises due to a considerable decline in demand for goods and services. Thus, the study examined the effect of the Covid 19 Pandemic on customer service by small and medium enterprises in Garissa Township Ward, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design with a sample size of 387 locals from Garissa County. Data was collected using questionnaires targeting locals owning SMEs in and key informant interviews from the County Government of Garissa. The findings indicated that customer service was one of the measures of performance affected by the pandemic. From the researchers, because of how contagious the virus was, the Kenyan government and other world governments instituted a social distancing policy that restricted customers from participating in in-person purchases. The study recommends that future researchers to conduct further research on the performance of SMEs years after COVID-19 to show their health as the economy stabilizes.

Government of Somalia collapsed in 1991, and since then, several actors were engaged in providing humanitarian support, re-storing peace and stability and providing platforms for negotiation.After IGADD was transformed to IGAD in 1996, its member states solidly joined their efforts to reduce threats to regional cooperation, peace and stability.Therefore, the study focused on answering two research questions including what effect have IGADs' use of peacekeeping missions had in the resolution of conflict in Somalia? and what are the achievements and challenges associated with provision of negotiation platforms for conflicting community in Somalia?The study was based on functionalism theory, with both quantitative and qualitative research methodology.Using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the target population of the study was 670 individuals where 200 were randomly sampled for the administration of the questions.The study findings showed that peacekeeping process can be expedited effectively while all the donors can unite their efforts in re-structuring and strengthening Somalia National Armed forces.Moreover, political affiliation, member states conflict of interest, financial incapability of IGAD and limited capacity for Somalia's political stakeholders are the main challenges.