Informal communication or grapevine, is a channel of communication that stretches through organizations in all directions, irrespective of the levels of authority. Grapevine arises from social interactions among the employees, and serves to describe the structure of an organization. Informal communication tends to become conspicuous when formal communication channels are closed. However, it is not clear whether informal communication contributes to conflict management, and if so, to what extent. This leaves a knowledge gap worth exploring. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the outcomes of using informal communication in managing conflicts among employees at MPESA Foundation Academy. The general objective of this study was to assess the place of informal communication in conflict management. The specific objectives were, (a) to find out the factors that lead to the use of informal communication over formal communication among employees in schools, (b) to explore the main causes of conflicts among employees in schools, (c) to assess the role of informal communication as a conflict management strategy in organizations. The study was informed by Organizational Conflict Theory and Social Network Theory. Descriptive study design was used in conducting the research. A Qualitative approach was adopted, where qualitative data was collected. Data was obtained using Focused Group Discussions, and key informant interviews. The research population included teachers and non- teaching staff. Collected data was analysed and presented thematically using the narrative form. The study found that informal communication is used as a means of communication as well as a means of managing or solving most conflicts in places of work. Furthermore, the researcher established that as a conflict management tool, has both positive and negative outcomes, although the positive outcomes outweigh the negative outcomes. The study recommends that policy makers at various levels of educational management incorporate informal communication training at various curriculums and professional development training so as to equip employees and management personnel with skills necessary in tapping into informal communication in managing and solving workplace place conflicts.

The study aims to critically analyze the type of collaboration between Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) and the Governments of Kenya and Uganda in conflict prevention. The main focus is Gulu region, Northern Uganda especially Adjumani and Amuru areas in Uganda and Nairobi City County in Kenya especially; Kibera, Kariobangi and Mathare. The main objective is to examine the motivating factors leading to this collaboration between the CJPC, Government of Kenya, Uganda and the areas of collaboration and the indicators of collaboration. In the study, the Functionalist Approach has been used where one hypothesis was tested; The CJPC and the Government of Kenya and Uganda are collaborating in preventing conflicts in Nairobi City County and Gulu Region, the CJPC and the Government of Kenya and Uganda have specific areas of collaboration and there are indicators that implies that collaboration is taking place between the CJPC and the Government of Kenya and Uganda. The research design included the use of questionnaires, interview schedules, and focus group discussions to collect data from the participants. The researcher used purposive and simple random sampling methods to sample 36 participants. The data which was collected was critically analyzed in consideration of the objectives of the study. From the research, the study confirmed that, there is positive collaboration between the CJPC and the Governments of Kenya and Uganda. However, the study found out that, there are institutional weaknesses within CJPC and the two Governments which act as an impediment to effectiveness in conflict prevention. Based on the research findings, the study recommends the strengthening of the CJPC as an institution in Catholic Church in term of finances and human resources to handle issues of conflict prevention effectively. For the two Governments, there is need to establish conflict transformation centers. The purpose of this will be to respond to day and day issues before conflict arises and expediting the response of the institutions during conflict.

The threat posed by the prevalence of risks facing insurance firms around the world has been a major challenge experienced in the insurance industry. To a large extent, such risks have accounted for huge insurance claims facing insurance firms and have consequently affected their profitability. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between social risks and financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Social risks arise largely from changes in the social processes, inter-personal behaviors, environmental and political structures surrounding the insurance sector. Descriptive research design was adopted, and all fifty-four (54) insurance firms as at the end of 2018 were targeted for study. The study used both primary and secondary data. The former was collected using a structured questionnaire that was filled by a senior management staff in each company. The latter comprised data on financial performance for each company obtained from IRA publications for the period 2014-2018. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and linear regression. The study found out that insurance fraud and intermediaries were the main social risks that have had a negative and statistically significant effect financial performance of insurance firms in Kenya. Further, whereas terrorism and political unrest were found to have an insignificant effect, the influence of social risks arising from substance abuse, lifestyle changes and moral hazard were perceived to be moderate. Correlation results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between each pair of social risks considered in the study, suggesting that they have the potential to interact with each other, to adversely impact on profitability. The study recommends insurance firms to carefully consider, assess and evaluate their various social risk mitigation measures so as to lessen the adverse effects on profitability.

This study was intended mainly at identifying elements affecting military involvement in multi-agency security operations in Eastern Africa and to ascertain the nature and rationale of the mechanisms and strategies used in Kenya. This study therefore aims to make an impact to the national security organs on policy formulation process by explaining the determinants of military participation in internal security actions in the face of new security threats. The study adopted a case study approach that is best suited to the study of individual cases and included research design, techniques and tools for collecting data, sampling frames and analyzing and presenting data. The results of this study reaffirm that an acceptable and efficient multi-agency security operations strategy in Kenya and East Africa must be multidimensional, involving both non-state and state players in the combat against insecurity and terrorism through a combined effort. The study recommended development of a national multi-agency security operations and a new strategy to combat terrorism in Kenya and Eastern Africa.

The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 brought a new dawn with the change from the centralised system of governance to a devolved system of governance. The Constitution went on to provide for the principle of public participation. At the national and county government levels of government and for both the Executive and the Legislature, the Constitution has made public participation in decision making compulsory. The Constitution does not spell out how this principle should be applied. This study seeks to establish what this principle entails and what various legislations provide in regard to public participation in devolved governments. This principle provides for an open, accountable and a process that is well structured process where citizens exchange opinions, interact and have an influence in decision making by the government. Articles 196 and 201 of the Constitution are some of the provisions that stipulate this principle. This study will also seek to highlight some of the challenges that are encountered by both the citizens and the government as this principle is applied.

It has been reported that self and partner’s HIV status knowledge is low among heterosexual couples around the world. The study’s key objective was establishing the HIV testing on uptake of pretesting among married couples in Nyamira county Bosamaro Chache Ward. This study collected the views of couples and the local leaders and therefore it helped in establishment of determinants of HIV prevention strategies among married couples. In that regard, this would help in policy formulation to enhance the testing. The research incorporated a descriptive survey research design. The targeted population included 39,758 residents of Bosamaro Chache Ward from where a sample size of 400 was selected. Further, the study targeted the community leaders and personnel working in health centers in the ward drawn from each of the sub-locations of Ikobe, Bigege, Enchoro and Kegogi. The research picked a sample through the technique of stratified random sampling. The study used primary data collected using a questionnaire. The researcher conducted a pre-test to ensure reliability and validity of the questionnaire. The researcher administered the questionnaire individually to the selected sample. The research checked the completed questionnaires for completeness and consistency. Analysis of the data was done through the use of inferential and descriptive statistics. Correlation and regression model were employed to study the relationship between the independent variables (pretest counseling, awareness of HIV/AIDS, models of testing and accessibility to testing site) and the dependent variable (uptake of HIV testing among married couples in Bosamaro Chache Ward, Nyamira County). From the study, pre-test counseling, awareness of HIV/AIDS, models of testing, and accessibility to testing site were all established to be determinants of uptake of HIV testing among married couples in Bosamaro Chache Ward, Nyamira County. It was established that pretest counseling enhanced the testing uptake for HIV amongst married couples to a great extent. Awareness of HIV/AIDS was also established to enhance the uptake of HIV testing among married couples in Bosamaro Chache Ward to a great extent. Results revealed that the models of testing determined the testing uptake for HIV amongst married couples in Bosamaro Chache Ward to a great extent. On accessibility of the test sites, the results revealed that married couples who lived near VCT center preferred to go to a VCT center far away from the sight of their neighbors so that they are not suspected to be infected. The study concludes that pre-test counseling, awareness of HIV/AIDS, models of testing, and accessibility to testing were determinants for testing uptake for HIV amongst married couples in Bosamaro Chache Ward. To encourage the testing uptake for HIV amongst married couples counselors should be provided with testing checklist or algorithm to guide them through the counseling process. Further, they should be given effective support and training, to enhance their capacity for consistently conveying to customers the right advice. The county government is supposed to hold awareness campaign to disseminate information on HIV treatment and prevention. Efforts should be put promote public alertness about risk of HIV and HIV testing benefits. The doctors should be trained to be proactive in giving HIV testing. Regular monitoring as well as evaluation of the tests is supposed to be carried out in the clinics as well as other sites of doing the rapid-tests towards ensuring specificity and sensitivity, Bosamaro Chache Ward should be equipped with more VCT centers as the available few plus distance challenges many couples from attending counseling and test sessions.

Despite the undisputed relevance of international Justice in controlling global impunity, the international Justice system faces a number of challenges. It is challenging to work effectively in an international environment where many nations are unable or unwilling to prosecute most of serious human rights crimes. This research critically examine the effect of history and the working of the IJS with an aim to an earthen both perceived and structural challenges. A focus is given to IJS in selected jurisdictions with a case study of Africa and the ICC experience in in Kenya. Appropriate recommendations are given. A mixed research method combining desktop research and descriptive survey were used in this research. Primary data was obtained from questionnaire responses with a purposive sample of 22 respondents drawn from a population of international legal practitioners such as lawyers, judges, international court registrars, legal experts and diplomats. Qualitative analysis data was done through inferential statistics using SPSS version 22 and descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data. Data was presented using text, tabulation and pie charts. Results of the research show that there are major challenges on International Justice System which include the jurisdiction challenges, lack of focus on victims, lack of touch with local realities and non-cooperation by member States. Lesson learnt from the cases of Kenya at ICC was that the court does little to victims of crimes and is vulnerable to activities that happen within and outside the country, especially where prominent people are involved in crime. It was also learnt that ICC approach to reparations in Kenya was unreliable and that without the co-operation and support of the agencies in the states, the ICC cannot tackle impunity. Another lesson was that the ICC cannot stand racist posturing and could not defend itself against accusation of targeting Africa and it was learnt that there were many challenges surrounding ICC witnesses‟ management hence interference with the witness and bribery. The recommendations of this research are rooted in the relooking on the existing structures of IJS to enable them match the global dynamics. Among the recommendations are that the International Organizations, the UN and the AU and International Courts should live to their international Law that promote world equality, international justice and observance of human rights. The Governments of Africa are also called upon to cooperate with IJS in order to ensure deterrence for future crimes against humanity particularly arising out of rampant post-election violence.

Under the current Kenyan constitutional dispensation, ADR mechanisms are taken cognizance of under Article 159 so as to promote access to justice in accordance with Article 48 thereof with regard to intergovernmental disputes, communal land disputes and labour disputes. Nonetheless, the issue of the utilization of ADR mechanisms within the criminal justice system has been contentious. According to section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code, courts can “promote reconciliation and encourage and facilitate the settlement in an amicable way of proceedings for common assault, or for any other offence of a personal or private nature not amounting to felony, and not aggravated degree.” However there has been shocking jurisprudence such as in R v Mohamed Abdow Mohamed (2013) e KLR where felonies have been solved through ADR mechanisms. This study therefore sought to establish the boundaries of the application of ADR mechanisms and conclude by making recommendations on the legal, institutional and policy frameworks that would enable the incorporation of ADR mechanism in the criminal justice system. The study found that the boundaries of the application of ADR mechanism are determined by the type of crime, the parties involved and the timing of the application. Furthermore, it established that all applications to apply ADR mechanisms in criminal proceedings must involve the state through the prosecution since the state is also a complainant. Moreover, applications to apply ADR mechanism in criminal proceedings can only be done before a final judgement has been issued, otherwise the application will not be successful since it acceptance would be tantamount to usurping the powers of the courts. The study also found that ADR mechanisms have been applied in criminal proceedings in other jurisdictions such as Australia and Rwanda with great success. This study recommends that in the short term, the National Council on the Administration of Justice issues directions on the boundaries of application of ADR to criminal matters, specifically vi on where it can or cannot be applied. It should also come up with policy guidelines that delineates the types of criminal matters where ADR mechanisms can be applied and direct such cases there directly with the supervision of the traditional justice system. In the medium term the National Council on the Administration of Justice should confer with various community leaders, especially in marginalized areas so as to make TDRMs non repugnant to justice which will improve their acceptability and application. In the long term the judiciary should apply special ADR mechanisms such as Family Group Conferencing, Victim Offender Mediation and Healing Circles in the juvenile courts so as to ease the backlog and reduce recidivism. Additionally, both the National Council on the Administration of Justice and the Mediation Accreditation Committee of the Judiciary’s pilot programme on Court Annexed Mediation should come up with guidelines that promote the uptake of ADR mechanisms in the Kenyan criminal justice system. This will go a long way in offering restorative justice to the people who need it the most.

Consumer awareness keeps on increasing in the corporate world today, environmental hazard such as global warming and effects of the commodities they produce, firms will determine on how to tackle transportation practices in the manufacturing processes. Multinational manufacturing firms in Kenya need foundation and the ability to recycle and deal with the waste products. There has been an increase in greenhouses‟ emission and environmental pollution from manufacturing companies, which brought about the need of these business organizations to align transport processes within them in regards to the scarce resources. The aim of this research is assessing proportions of the enactment of sustainable transportation activities by multinational manufacturing companies in Nairobi County, Kenya, and assessing how sustainable transportation works impact operational outcomes in multinational manufacturing companies in Nairobi County, Kenya. It was hinged on, stakeholder, strategic group and resource based theories. The target population for this study comprised of 40 Multinational manufacturing firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The target respondents were production, operations and marketing and transportation managers. Analysis was done using inferential statistics. It was found out that sustainable packaging practice and sustainable distribution were adopted to a moderate extent by multinational manufacturing firms. On the other hand, reverse logistics practices and sustainable management system practices were adopted by firms at great extent. The study found out that there is relationship between sustainable transportation practices and operational performance. The model was statistically significant as demonstrated by analysis of variance whose p-value was less than 0.05. The study concludes that sustainable transportation activities are necessary for decreasing environmental mismanagement by decreasing misuse, eliminating employment of dangerous products, reusing products as well as decreasing pollution by cleaner production. Sustainable transportation practices helps to improve brand image as well as company‟s image and increase the profitability. The study recommendation is to create more awareness of sustainable transportation practices not only among industries but also the entire societal fabric to ensure a two way interaction between producers and consumers of sustainable products and services. Similarly the study recommends that the leadership of multinational manufacturing firms should be committed to sustainable transportation practices. Top leadership should allocate and provide more products, both fiscal and labor, to support the activities

The purpose of this study is to explore the legal implications of hosting Somali refugees in Dadaab refugee camp. A large number of Somalia refugees (approximated to be 400,000 in number) have been living in Kenya for more than two decades at the Dadaab Refugee Camp. There exists numerous domestic and international legislature enacted to address the matters of refugees. The question is whether the refugee host countries have been adhering to the existing legislature and what challenges they experience in implementing the same. The study analyses the legal implications of hosting refugees and the challenges of being a host country. The study sought to answer questions; Why is Kenya not complying with the International Conventions? What are the legal implications of Kenya failing to comply with the International Conventions? And What are the challenges Kenya is facing in complying with the International Conventions? The study tested three main hypotheses namely; Firstly, that the Kenya‟s national interests influence violation of the provisions of the international refugee laws at the Dadaab refugee camp. Kenya has been accused of violating the international refugee laws even though it‟s a signatory to the same. Secondly, that Kenya non-committal to International Conventions has legal implications to be faced. Where a State fails to comply with the international obligations, there ought to be legal repercussions to be faced which repercussions are meant to deter States from violating the provisions of the International Conventions. Thirdly that Domestic Laws have influenced Kenya‟s challenges in compliance with the International Conventions. There is an argument that the International Humanitarian laws have contributed to Kenya‟s security dilemma where it has a challenge of balancing its national security and interests of the refugees. Kenya has an obligation to ca re of the interests of its nationals even as it hosts refugees. The study utilized both primary and secondary sources of data. Secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished works, internet sources, UNHCR reports and government of Kenya. Primary data on the other hand was collected through interviews from refugees, UNHCR officials, government officials, judiciary, lawyers, security personnel and teachers within the camp.