https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/issue/feed African Quarterly Social Science Review 2025-01-15T01:45:24+00:00 Mutisya Nzioka editor@quarterlyreview.net Open Journal Systems <p>The African Quarterly Social Science Review (AQSSR) stands tall as a distinguished peer-reviewed journal, seamlessly blending intellectual exploration with an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a beacon guiding scholars, students, and educators, AQSSR offers a vibrant platform for peer-reviewed research articles and empirically driven works in the realm of social sciences. Embracing diversity in thought and methodological rigor, AQSSR fosters an environment where scholarly inquiry thrives. With a dedication to advancing knowledge and understanding, articles are welcomed on a rolling basis, ensuring a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights. By upholding the highest standards of scholarship, AQSSR continues to be a trusted resource for academics and practitioners alike, shaping discourse and driving progress in the field of social sciences across Africa and beyond.<br /><br /><strong>Aims and Scope</strong><br />Our aim is to cultivate a dynamic environment that not only provides access to the latest literature and innovations in the social sciences but also fosters the exchange of ideas and expertise in Africa and beyond.<br /><br />You can view this journal's own website <a href="https://quarterlyreview.net/ojs/index.php/aqssr/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286576 The Church and Violence During Multiparty Elections in Kenya from 1992 to 2017 2025-01-15T00:48:49+00:00 Jared Makori makorijared69@gmail.com Ahaya L. Ochieng’ lahaya@mmust.ac.ke John Ekwenye jekwenye@mmust.ac.ke Ignatius Wafula ignatiussikuku@gmail.com <p><em>Violence fastened with the passion of religion predominantly continues cloaking the world at an alarming rate because violence does not only belong to everyone but it is also at the heart of the consecrated. It is no surprise therefore that violence in Kenya recurs virtually during every election resulting into polarization and tensions along religious and ethnic affiliations or both. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between the Church and violence during multiparty politics in Kenya. This paper analyzed the role the church played in specific violent events during multiparty politics since 1992 up to 2017 in Kenya. In this regard the study responded to the question; what was the role of the church in the violent events during elections in multiparty politics since 1992 in Kenya?&nbsp; To answer this question the study investigated the role of the church in the specific violence which occurred during elections in 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2013 and 2017 election years in Kenya inferring that their roles influenced the occurrence of violence from time to time. The study was conducted through qualitative research method using historical research designs. The study established that</em><em>&nbsp;the churches in Kenya played various roles in the violence; some of the churches kept quiet as violence flourished in their areas of jurisdiction because they conceived it as punitive and ungodly and in that way, they were in coordinated efforts; while some other churches condoned and extenuated circumstances that led to violent acts because they had a passive attitude towards the government authority having been part and parcel of it in calling for social changes; whereas some churches were not only complicit but endorsed and exhorted violence particularly by blessing youth warriors before going to fight in ethnic violence, believing that it was their&nbsp;</em><em>religious duty to extirpate injustices and subdue evil in the sinful world using strategic acts of violence as necessary means of deterring large acts of violence and that&nbsp;</em><em>they had the divine authority to legitimize violence so as to uproot the political evils bedeviling Kenya. In view of all these, the study concluded that the churches were metaphysically, morally, politically and criminally culpable for the violence during multiparty politics in Kenya.</em>&nbsp;<em>Consequently the study maintains that the church in Kenya, like it is with religion in general, is intrinsically violent in the version of a raging cosmic battle between “order” and “disorder” akin to the cosmic war theory as advanced by Mark Juergensmeyer. Often it is the boundary between ‘this world’ and the ‘other world’ that is blurred by church during electioneering period so that the supposedly cosmic battle becomes a real war when people shed real blood and die.</em><em>&nbsp;The study recommends that it is important to understand the dynamics of the roles played in violence by other religious organization in multi religious nations like Kenya. The degree to which other faiths influence political views in Kenya with regard to election violence is critical. The issue of how the church can mitigate against the cyclic political violence in Kenya kept on evocating in the study. It is important to understand the remedies that the church can put in place to alleviate violence during elections in Kenya.</em></p> 2024-11-11T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Jared Makori, Ahaya L. Ochieng’, John Ekwenye, Ignatius Wafula https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286574 Nexus between Foreign Remittance and Secondary Level Private School Enrollment in Nepal: A Comprehensive Analysis 2025-01-15T00:35:15+00:00 Bishnu Bahadur Khatri bishnu.khatri@cdrd.tu.edu.np Omkar Poudel omkar60475@gmail.com Pradeep Acharya pradeep.acharya197@gmail.com <p><em>This study investigates the relationship between secondary level private school enrollment and key economic indicators in Nepal, namely per capita GDP and remittances. The research uses quantitative techniques and secondary data analysis, applying a vector error correction model (VECM) to investigate dynamics over both long-term and short-term periods.</em><em>&nbsp;This study used analytical and descriptive methodologies in a quantitative fashion. The variables were measured, and the effect of independent factors on the dependent variable was quantified, using secondary data. In order to investigate the main goal of the study, the time series method analyses were conducted. The EViews statistical tool, version 10, was then used to analyze and interpret the collected data</em><em>. The findings reveal significant correlations between economic prosperity and private school enrollment, emphasizing the pivotal role of economic factors in shaping educational choices. While rising per capita GDP suggests improvements in living standards, remittances positively contribute to household income, potentially boosting school enrollment rates. On the one hand, increasing per capita GDP indicates higher standards of living and remittances represent an additional source of household income, which might help increase school enrollment rates. Still, there were also lessons in these data that are relevant today — and the game serves as a reminder of how much work we still have to do to eradicate inequities and make opportunities equal for all children. The findings point to the necessity of targeted policies in favor of the private education sector and towards broader economic growth, focusing on educational equity and access in Nepal. It also highlights the need for more academically rigorous outcome evaluations that investigate underlying mechanisms linking these relationships and for longer-term monitoring of uptake trajectories to better inform educational and economic development interventions.</em></p> 2024-10-28T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Bishnu Bahadur Khatri, Omkar Poudel, Pradeep Acharya https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/283878 Internet service provision in Tanzania: An examination of user satisfaction, package pricing, and service challenges 2024-12-04T13:45:41+00:00 Mercy M. Komba mmkomba@gmail.com Gabriel V. Komba gabriel.komba@mu.ac.tz <p>This study examines the dynamics connected to the provision of internet service in Tanzania. Specifically, the study seeks to systematically analyse user perceptions service quality across different ISPs and identify the factors influencing their preferences and choice of ISPs. Two theoretical models, the Service Quality Theory (SERVQUAL) and the Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory (EDT) were applied to guide the study. A qualitative single case study design was used, with more than 800 user-generated comments extracted from a celebrity’s Instagram post. Data were analysed using sentiment analysis, qualitative and quantitative techniques. Our results show that while users acknowledge improvements in reliability of network, still inconsistencies remain, particularly in specific zones of Dar es Salaam and rural areas. T-CONNECT is perceived as having the most reliable network compared to other ISPs. Speed consistency remains a critical issue for all ISPs, with T-CONNECT seen as the most stable, whereas SKT-TZ and TZ-NET struggle, especially during peak hours. SKY-TZ, TZ-NET and TZ-LINK face coverage challenges, especially in rural areas due to infrastructure constraints. Moreover, the study highlights a high demand for reliable service, a push for fiber-optic infrastructure, and a cautious but optimistic outlook on 5G. Generally, the findings reveal that customers’ perceptions of internet service quality are influenced by network quality, and customer service and technical support. Challenges such as connectivity and network issues, pricing transparency and service plans, and customer support significantly affect user satisfaction and ISPs competitiveness. The contribution of this paper stems from its use of advanced NLP methods to examine user sentiments toward Tanzania’s ISPs from Instagram data, to provide insights and comprehensive understanding to industry practitioners and policymakers in promoting a more sustainable future for the industry.</p> 2024-10-07T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Mercy M. Komba, Gabriel V. Komba https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286585 Effect of Project Risk Management on Success of Community-Based Projects: A Case of Peer Driven Change Project in Burera District, Rwanda 2025-01-15T01:45:24+00:00 David Niragire davidniragire@gmail.com Ronald Kwena rkwena@uok.ac.rw <p><em>This study assessed how project risk management influences the success of community-based projects in Burera District, Rwanda, focusing on the Peer-Driven Change Project. It aimed to evaluate the impact of four practices: risk identification, risk analysis, risk control, and contingency planning. Grounded in the theories of Risk, Constraints, and Community Coalition Action, the research utilized descriptive and correlational research designs to examine relationships between variables. Data was collected from a sample of 177 respondents, using universal sampling across 29 NGOs. Primary data was gathered through five-point Likert scale questionnaires, while secondary data was sourced through document reviews and interviews. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression were conducted using SPSS software. However, the statistical tools employed for inferential statistics were Pearson’s Correlation, ANOVA, coefficients test and Multiple Linear Repression. Key metrics such as means, standard deviations, and correlation coefficients helped measure relationships between risk management practices and project success. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between project success and risk control (0.715), risk identification (0.689), and contingency planning (0.642). Risk analysis showed a weaker positive correlation (0.430). Regression analysis indicated a robust model fit, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.815 and a coefficient of determination (R²) of 66.4%. This suggests that 66.4% of project success variability can be attributed to the four predictors. The model's adjusted R² of 0.656 confirms its adequacy, and the ANOVA results (F-statistic: 88.67, p-value: 0.000) validate its statistical significance. Regression coefficients highlighted the individual impact of the predictors. Risk identification contributed 0.421 units to project success per unit increase, risk analysis 0.087 units, risk control 0.281 units, and contingency planning 0.252 units. These results emphasize the critical role of robust risk management practices in achieving project success. The study concluded that organizations effectively identify and analyse risks, performing well in risk control and contingency planning is also perceived positively, but noted scope for improvement in risk prioritization. Recommendations include adopting frameworks like ISO 31000 or PMBOK for standardized risk management, enhancing staff skills through targeted training programs, and employing tools like Microsoft Project for real-time risk monitoring and improved communication.</em></p> 2024-12-28T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 David Niragire, Ronald Kwena https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286583 Do Internal and External Control Systems Foster Accountability Practices in Public Institutions in Ghana? 2025-01-15T01:32:48+00:00 Samuel Ataribanam ataribanam@gmail.com <p><em>Improving governance results in Ghana requires a culture of candour among public institutions. This paper tried to determine what extent do internal and external control systems foster accountability practices in public institutions in Ghana. The research also sought to assess the strengths and shortcomings of current control mechanisms, offering practical recommendations for improving institutional accountability and reinstating public trust in governmental operations. A comprehensive understanding of internal and external control mechanisms in Ghana's public sector is urgently required owing to the nation's particular challenges, including widespread accountability issues, corruption, and misappropriation of financial resources. The study adopted agency theory to underscore the propensity of public officials to pursue self-interest in the absence of sufficient control, complimented by stewardship theory, which posits that alignment with organisational objectives may improve ethical conduct around officials. Internal and external controls are essential for sustaining public confidence and averting corruption. Internal controls include management audits and performance evaluations, while external controls entail regulatory supervision by independent organisations, guaranteeing the effective and ethical utilisation of public resources. The study adopted a descriptive research design, utilising both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A non-probability sampling with purposive and convenience sampling technique was used. This was to ensure that knowledgeable people were selected by the judgment of the researcher. The population of the study was 5000 comprising senior management and non-managerial employees of public institutions. A sample of 300 respondents received the questionnaires with 259 (86.33%) returning same. The research used SPSS with Multiple Linear Regression via a stepwise model. The qualitative data using semi-structured interviews was transcribed with quotation marks into a text box. This study emphasised the significance of internal and external control mechanisms in enhancing accountability inside public institutions. Issues such as insufficient funding and political interference underscore the need of improving these systems. With overall R<sup>2&nbsp;</sup>of 15.2% the Null hypothesis was rejected. The study concludes that both internal and external control mechanisms assist in regulating behaviour; nevertheless, political factors, insufficient training, and limited resources may render them almost ineffective. The apparent autonomy of external controls enhanced their efficacy in promoting accountability. The paper therefore, recommends enhancing Internal Control Mechanisms by allocating additional resources for training and innovative audit technology. Enhance External Oversight by augmenting the capabilities and independence of external auditing institutions to mitigate political meddling. And finally, the public's trust in accountability systems may be bolstered by the encouragement of transparency and integrity in reporting</em>.</p> 2024-12-02T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Samuel Ataribanam https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286581 Influence of Risk Acceptance on Implementation of KeRRA Road Construction Projects in Migori County, Kenya 2025-01-15T01:21:21+00:00 Lennard William Bundeh bundeh@rongovarsity.ac.ke Janet Auma Wagude jwagude@rongovarsity.ac.ke <p><em>Implementation of Government of Kenya (KeRRA) road construction projects face high levels of risks, but often these risks are not dealt with adequately, which is reflected in low quality of work as well as cost and time overruns. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of risk acceptance on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects in Migori County. Implementation was measured as a function of project completion within the set time frame and being within budget. This study was anchored on Risk Management theory which offer a foundation for interrogating the influence of the variables under study. The research philosophy was based on pragmatism. Concurrent triangulation research design was used as it factors in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of research study. The target population for the study consisted of 92 contractors, 459 constituency roads committee members (CRCs) and 2 Consultant Engineers. Through a sampling size formula, a total of 39 contractors and 193 CRC members were selected using simple random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained through self-administered questionnaires to contractors and CRC members. Validity of research instruments was obtained through piloting and expert evaluation while reliability was tested using test retest method. Inferential statistics of Multiple Linear Regression was applied to determine the influence of risk management strategies on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects by testing the hypotheses for the study. Statistical significance was assessed at p&lt;0.05. Qualitative data obtained from the interview schedules was analysed using content analysis. The study found out that risk acceptance accounted for 70.0% of change in implementation of KeRRA road construction projects. The study concluded that risk acceptance influenced implementation of KeRRA road construction projects significantly (p&lt;0.05). The study recommends that there is need for effective&nbsp; system for risk based identification, analysis and management needs to be activated and KeRRA should ensure that all manpower and machinery used in road constructions are insured and properly certified in accordance with occupational health and safety standards policies.</em></p> 2024-11-28T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Lennard William Bundeh, Janet Auma Wagude https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286579 The Home-Work Interface as a Predictor of Work Stress and General Wellbeing Among Higher Education Administrators in Ghana 2025-01-15T01:07:50+00:00 Lebbaeus Asamani lebbaeus.asamani@ucc.edu.gh Eugene Yaw Milledzi emilledzi@ucc.edu.gh Miriam Danso-Mensah miriam.dansomensah@ucc.edu.gh Georgina Nyantakyiwaa Boampong georgina.thompson@ucc.edu.gh Kweku Arhin kweku.arhin@ucc.edu.gh Daniel Yeboah Mensah daniel.mensah@ucc.edu.gh <p><em>The well-being of employees is a vital resource for the survival and success of any organisation. However, empirical research regarding work stress and general wellbeing of employees in the context of higher education in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa is missing. Drawing on the Job-Demand Resource Model and the Social Role theory, this study investigated the extent to which home-work interface predicted work stress and general well-being of administrative staff of public universities in Ghana. A sample of 334 administrative staff was involved in a cross-sectional survey to assess the levels of home-work interface, stress at work, and general well-being and the nature of interaction among these variables. Data were obtained using adapted standardised measures and analysed with Hayes PROCESS in the SmartPLS 4.0 software. The administrative staff reported moderate levels on all three variables. Home-work interface significantly predicted work stress and wellbeing, but stress did not predict wellbeing. In addition, work stress did not mediate the relationship between home-work interface and general wellbeing. We conclude that home-work interface is a significant element that can adversely affect the stress levels and of wellbeing of workers. Moderate level of stress at work, however, is less likely to adversely impair the wellbeing of the worker. The findings have been discussed in the light of the Job-Demand Resource model and the Social Role theory, and implications for policy and practice offered. We recommend that management of public universities in Ghana should implement policies and programmes to help administrative staff manage&nbsp;&nbsp; the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities.</em></p> 2024-11-24T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Lebbaeus Asamani, Eugene Yaw Milledzi, Miriam Danso-Mensah, Georgina Nyantakyiwaa Boampong, Kweku Arhin, Daniel Yeboah Mensah https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286577 Impact of Risk Management on Success of Livestock Production Project: A Case Study of the Kageno Rwanda Project 2025-01-15T00:56:00+00:00 Gaspard Ntakirutimana ntakigasi@gmail.com Celestin Musekura ntakigasi@gmail.com <p><em>The purpose of the study was to assess impact of risk management on the success of livestock production project with a case study of Kageno Rwanda Project. The specific objective of the study was Assessing the Risk Management Process for Livestock Production in the KAGENO Rwanda Project. Risk Management Theory guided this research. This study employed descriptive research design The data was collected by using questionnaires, interview and documentation techniques with a sample size of 500 which stratifies into 15 Staffs of Kageno Rwanda Project, 480 Farmers and 5 Veterinaries Doctors for interview. The findings showed that identifying risk is the first stage in risk management (Mean=4.13 and std.=0.96). The second process of risk management within Kageno Rwanda Project is risk assessment which confirmed by (mean=3.94 and std=1.09), the third process of risk management is risk mitigation which presented by (mean=2.26 and SD=1.58). The study concluded that the bulk of the low-income farmers in the Kageno Rwanda Project reside in a region where crop diseases, floods, sickness among family members, and crime are common. The researchers recommend that the government has to be aware that risk management techniques are a flexible project tool, particularly for livestock and agricultural projects. The farmers should improve the living condition of livestock employees in order to overcome labour shortage and the farmers should try to eliminate all risk by insuring their livestock.</em></p> 2024-11-14T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Gaspard Ntakirutimana, Celestin Musekura https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286575 Effect of Stakeholders’ Management on Programme Performance: A Case of Crop Intensification Programme in Ngoma District, Rwanda (2018-2023) 2025-01-15T00:42:32+00:00 Louis Ruhumuriza ruhumurizalouis@gmail.com Jean de Dieu Dushimimana jeandedieudushimimana516@gmail.com <p><em>The study sought to assess effect of stakeholders’ management on programme performance. The unit of analysis was the crop intensification programme in Ngoma district, Rwanda from 2018 to 2023. The study guided by Stakeholder theory, Goal setting theory and Theory of Change. The study adopted a descriptive survey and correlational research design. The population size was 2123 comprising of smallholder farmers (688), farmers in cooperatives (850), agro-dealers (450), agricultural extension service providers (120), agronomists (14) and Director of Agriculture and Natural Resource in Ngoma district (1). The total sample size was 336 respondents. The sampling procedure was purposive and stratified random sampling. A five-point Likert type scale questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The statistical analysis used for quantitative data were frequencies, percentages, arithmetic means and standard deviations, while the statistical tools employed for inferential statistics were Pearson’s Correlation, ANOVA, coefficients test and Multiple Linear Repression. Fisher (F) and P-values were used to test the null hypotheses. The study findings revealed the R value of 0.846 indicating a strong positive relationship between the predictors and the outcome variables, and the R Square value of 0.768 indicates that approximately 76.8% of the variability in the outcome variable can be explained by the predictors in the model. The coefficients of the predictors indicate their individual effects on the CIP performance. Specifically, stakeholders’ identification (β<sub>1</sub>=0.716, p=0.002), stakeholders’ negotiation (β<sub>2</sub>= 0.539, p= 0.011), stakeholders’ participation (β<sub>3</sub>= 0.627, p= 0.006) and stakeholders’ M&amp;E (β<sub>4</sub>= 0.685, p= 0.014). This indicates that all the coefficients of the predictors are statistically significant, as indicated by their associated Sig. values below 0.05.&nbsp;</em><em>In short, the four null hypotheses were tested and rejected to accept the alternative hypotheses. The study concluded that all the independent (predictors) variables of the model specification had the greatest effect on the CIP performance in Ngoma district, Rwanda. The study recommends in the form of policy-making and practices that stakeholders’ negotiation and stakeholders’ M&amp;E should be outlined in a pure and concise blueprint to promote stakeholders’ inclusivity in all stages of CIP activities that aims at ensuring food security countrywide and food supply globally.</em></p> 2024-11-07T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Louis Ruhumuriza , Jean de Dieu Dushimimana https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286573 Bride Price Payment and Domestic Violence-Perspectives of Husbands in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana 2025-01-15T00:29:20+00:00 Monica Ofosu-Koranteng mofosu-koranteng@ucc.edu.gh Kwesi Addei Mensah kwesi.addei@wiuc-ghana.edu.gh <p><em>This study investigated the relationship between bride price payment and domestic violence from the perspective of husbands. The study focused on auto mechanics operating in the Siwdu light industrial area in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. &nbsp;The study was grounded in the patriarchy theory and adopted a descriptive research design. Using the Yamane formula for sample size determination, 69 respondents were sampled as study participants from a target population of 173. Data collection procedures involved the use of a questionnaire, after which data gathered was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Some of the major findings are as follows: the majority of respondents believed that the payment of the bride price first gives men a certain degree of power, which places them in a domineering and controlling capacity over their spouses; most respondents believed that the power allotted to men as a result of the payment of bride price and patriarchy is often applied negatively by men and this leads to domestic violence. The study concluded by emphasising the critical necessity for interventions focused on dismantling ingrained gender norms and fostering fair relationships within the household. These could be done through educational campaigns and the provision of counselling and other support services for both the abused and the&nbsp;abuser.</em></p> 2024-10-20T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Monica Ofosu-Koranteng, Kwesi Addei Mensah https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286584 Influence of Citizens’ Participation on Human Security in Nyamyumba Sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda 2025-01-15T01:37:26+00:00 Eric Ahimbazwe ericahimba@yahoo.com Solomon Muhindi smuhindi@mku.ac.ke Ruth Thinguri rthinguri@mku.ac.ke <p><em>The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of citizens' participation on human security in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda. Despite efforts to improve human security in Nyamyumba sector, challenges persist, particularly in areas of citizen involvement and women's participation. The specific impact of citizens' participation on human security in this context remained insufficiently understood. Democratization theory was used to guide the study. The study employed mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with descriptive and correlation research designs. A target population of 30,851 people was used; with a sample size of 407 respondents selected using Yamane's (1967) formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 83.7% of respondents agreed that there is a requirement to empower women in various activities in Nyamyumba sector. This implies that setting out the requirements to empower women helps the local leaders to be objective while empowering women. The study also found that the variables like framework, accountability and participation in neighbourhood security influence 53.9% of human security. It was also found that local citizens in Nyamyumba sector participate in Irondo as a social service to maintain security in the area, organized at the household level. The study concludes that there is a statistically significant relationship between citizens' participation and human security. However, the level of public participation and citizen's engagement in human security decision making processes tends to be low in Nyamyumba sector. The study recommends that there should be strategies to enhance the wealth of youths, which could lead to sustainable future families and improved human security.</em><em>The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of citizens' participation on human security in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda. Despite efforts to improve human security in Nyamyumba sector, challenges persist, particularly in areas of citizen involvement and women's participation. The specific impact of citizens' participation on human security in this context remained insufficiently understood. Democratization theory was used to guide the study. The study employed mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with descriptive and correlation research designs. A target population of 30,851 people was used; with a sample size of 407 respondents selected using Yamane's (1967) formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 83.7% of respondents agreed that there is a requirement to empower women in various activities in Nyamyumba sector. This implies that setting out the requirements to empower women helps the local leaders to be objective while empowering women. The study also found that the variables like framework, accountability and participation in neighbourhood security influence 53.9% of human security. It was also found that local citizens in Nyamyumba sector participate in Irondo as a social service to maintain security in the area, organized at the household level. The study concludes that there is a statistically significant relationship between citizens' participation and human security. However, the level of public participation and citizen's engagement in human security decision making processes tends to be low in Nyamyumba sector. The study recommends that there should be strategies to enhance the wealth of youths, which could lead to sustainable future families and improved human security.</em><em>The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of citizens' participation on human security in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda. Despite efforts to improve human security in Nyamyumba sector, challenges persist, particularly in areas of citizen involvement and women's participation. The specific impact of citizens' participation on human security in this context remained insufficiently understood. Democratization theory was used to guide the study. The study employed mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with descriptive and correlation research designs. A target population of 30,851 people was used; with a sample size of 407 respondents selected using Yamane's (1967) formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 83.7% of respondents agreed that there is a requirement to empower women in various activities in Nyamyumba sector. This implies that setting out the requirements to empower women helps the local leaders to be objective while empowering women. The study also found that the variables like framework, accountability and participation in neighbourhood security influence 53.9% of human security. It was also found that local citizens in Nyamyumba sector participate in Irondo as a social service to maintain security in the area, organized at the household level. The study concludes that there is a statistically significant relationship between citizens' participation and human security. However, the level of public participation and citizen's engagement in human security decision making processes tends to be low in Nyamyumba sector. The study recommends that there should be strategies to enhance the wealth of youths, which could lead to sustainable future families and improved human security.</em></p> 2025-01-15T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Eric Ahimbazwe , Solomon Muhindi, Ruth Thinguri https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286582 Evaluating Objectives of TVET in Kenya in Light of Pragmatic Theory towards Lifelong Learning: A Holistic Approach to Competency Training 2025-01-15T01:26:21+00:00 Alfred Simiyu khisaalfred@gmail.com Stanley Omuterema somuterema@mmust.ac.ke Juma Injendi ijuma@mmust.ac.ke Philip Mukonyi pmukonyi@mmust.ac.ke <p><em>The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Bank and different countries including Kenya have placed education and training as a central tool towards youth employability and realization of the industrialization agenda. Despite the dying industries and increase in demand for employability skill in training, TVET graduates lack employability skills. The study was tasked to evaluating objectives of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya in light of pragmatic theory towards lifelong learning: A holistic approach to Competency Training. The study sought to answer the following research question; what are the objectives of TVET in Kenya in light of pragmatic theory towards lifelong learning. The study was a literature review and both Primary and secondary sources were used, this overruled the adoption of quantitative tools and methods towards data collection and analysis. Since the study was a qualitative review, constructivism paradigm and a philosophical design were adopted. The methods were philosophical analysis and synthesis. Philosophical analysis method was used in reviewing commissions, presidential taskforce reports, acts of parliament and policies. Synthesis method was adopted in developing arguments and searching for the findings of the study. The study found out that education and training in Kenya has been polished by Policy documents and Taskforce reports towards realizing the country’s development agenda. The study also found out that the objectives of TVET have not been explicitly stated in the past documents it is after the TVET Act 2013 that clearly reorients TVET as an engine of attaining The Kenya Vision 2030.The objectives of TVET are; committed in training for skill development, social efficiency and democratic participation however skill development has been overemphasized. Implications of the study identify TVET as an engine of national development that has been all along given a low profile, lowly funded and a level of training that accommodates majority of the secondary graduates. The study recommends promotion of holistic competency training that promotes lifelong learning whereby emphasis is on the competencies for the world of work and not only for employability and economic development.</em></p> 2024-11-28T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Alfred Simiyu, Stanley Omuterema, Juma Injendi, Philip Mukonyi https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286580 The Effect of Procurement Contract Monitoring on Performance of Gicumbi District, Rwanda 2025-01-15T01:15:57+00:00 Gatsinzi Gisa Jean de Dieu Dieu gisagatsinzi@gmail.com Madichie Nnamdi gisagatsinzi@gmail.com <p><em>The study evaluated the effect of procurement contract monitoring on performance of Gicumbi District in Rwanda. Gicumbi District, forming part of the Northern Province, is composed of 21 sectors. These sectors further divide into 109 cells and 630 villages. Positioned in the eastern region of the Northern Province, its geographical boundaries are adjacent to Burera district in the North, Nyagatare, Rwamagana, and Gatsibo in the East, Rwamagana and Gasabo in the South, and Gasabo Burera and Rulindo in the West. This study used Stakeholder Theory. The researcher conducted both descriptive and correlational studies.&nbsp;</em><em>The population of this study was 127 people including Executive committee, Finance unity, administrative unit and Human Resources, Procurement Unit, Planning Unit, Agriculture and Natural resources Unit, Bureau of District Engineers (BDE) Unit, Good governance unit, social unity, One stop Center Unit, Health unit, Executive Secretary and Corporate services and Contractors of Gicumbi District. The study used a census inquiry method instead of sampling. This decision is based on the small size of the target population. Therefore, data were collected from every single individual or unit within the entire target population of 127. The researcher relied on document analysis and questionnaires to collect data. The statistical analysis of the collected data was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) which is a widely used tool for statistical computation in research. The researcher employed descriptive and correlational analysis in this approach. Descriptive and correlational research designs were used. Model Summary indicates a robust positive relationship, where effective contract monitoring is likely to enhance overall performance outcomes. The R Square value of 0.687 means that approximately 68.7% of the variance in performance explained by procurement contract monitoring activities. More crucially, the coefficient for procurement contract monitoring is&nbsp;</em><em>0.849, indicating a strong effect every one-unit increase in contract monitoring is associated with an increase of&nbsp;</em><em>0.849 units in performance. The t-value of&nbsp;</em><em>15.804 with a p-value of&nbsp;</em><em>.000 further establishes the significance of this predictor, indicating clear evidence that enhanced contract monitoring is essential for improving performance of Gicumbi District. The significance level (Sig.) of 0.000 confirms that the procurement contract monitoring on performance of Gicumbi District in Rwanda is statistically significant. It is recommended that Gicumbi District conduct regular evaluation meetings with all stakeholders involved in contract execution, promoting accountability and enabling timely identification and resolution of any issues that arise.</em></p> 2024-11-26T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Gatsinzi Gisa Jean de Dieu Dieu, Madichie Nnamdi https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aqssr/article/view/286578 The Influence of Private Security Companies’ Infrastructure on the Provision of Services for the NGOs in Juba city, South Sudan 2025-01-15T01:01:47+00:00 James John Madrama madramajames@gmail.com Judy W. Mwangi w.j.mwangi09@gmail.com <p><em>The protection of the public and their property is a significant global concern. Security issues are an inherent aspect of human habitation, and the safety of individuals and their belongings has consistently been of paramount importance across cultures, regardless of their level of development. This holds true whether the culture in question is relatively simple or complex. In South Sudan, numerous private security firms are operating; however, attacks and looting of NGO facilities in Juba City have continued unabated. The rationale of this research is to assess the factors that disrupt the performance of private security companies in providing security services to NGOs in Juba City. The objective of the study was to establish the influence of private security firms' infrastructure on their performance concerning NGOs The research was supported through the two theories namely resources-based theory and expectancy theory.</em><em>&nbsp;</em><em>The target population was 500 employees and sample size included 222 respondents, and the study employed a descriptive research design. The research was guided using&nbsp;&nbsp; interviews and questionnaires for&nbsp;&nbsp; data collect ion or gathering.&nbsp; Respondents were selected using systematic random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23 statistical software, with results presented in tabular form for clarity. The findings from this study aim to inform NGO decision-making in implementing security measures that mitigate risks while protecting operations within limited resources. It also seeks to foster cooperation and improve security arrangements among humanitarian sectors. Ultimately, the findings will guide policy development and establish guidelines to enhance effectiveness and accountability in conflict zones. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between private security infrastructures and the provision of security services within Juba City. This is evidenced by small p-values, less than 0.05, indicating statistical significance. The study recommends that private security companies in Juba prioritize investment in advanced security infrastructure—such as CCTV cameras, mobile patrol vehicles, security dogs, and forensic systems—to enhance the security of NGO offices and facilities. Additionally, involving staff in decision-making processes and providing leadership and management training is essential to ensure operational integrity and reliability.</em></p> 2024-11-20T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 James John Madrama, Judy W. Mwangi