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- Documents that relate to, published about or published by Bomet University College
- Research outputs of Bomet University College staff and students
Recent Submissions
Experiences of Somali Women Enterpreneurs in South Africa
(frAfrican Feminist Epistemology: Harnessing African Feminist Knowledge Through Women’s Lived Experiences, 2025-09-02) Waiganjo, Anthony Gathambîri
The involvement of Somali women migrants in trade within South Africa has attracted antagonism
and gender-based violence from a section of black South Africans. The phobia, predominantly
directed at Somali women, complicates their social and economic integration and consequently
hinders sustainable entrepreneurship among refugee women. This study seeks to answer two
questions: (1) What Afriphobia-related barriers hinder sustainable entrepreneurship and
economic empowerment of Somali women refugees in South Africa? (2) What strategies could
Somali women adopt to forge sustainable social and economic integration and development to
curb Afriphobia? This qualitative study comprised forty purposively selected subjects and was
anchored on social network theory and feminist intersectionality. Semi-structured, in-depth
interviews were used to gather data. The study area was Gauteng, which harbours the largest
population of Somali women and is sporadically affected by significant Afriphobia. This Chapter
advances the idea that Somali women possess numerous untapped potentials and skills that
could enhance their sustainable development and socioeconomic integration in South Africa.
It postulates that empowering refugee women through creating an enabling environment is a
prerequisite to sustainable economic development for migrant entrepreneurs.
Economic diplomacy as a strategy influencing bilateral relations between Kenya and South Sudan (2011-2023)
(African Quarterly Social Science Review, 2025-09-25) Odhiambo, Elijah Onyango Standslause
International collaboration through different avenues such as economic diplomacy has been made possible through globalization,
boiling down to continental collaborations by the utilisation of organisation’s and treaties. After independence, East African
countries sought cooperation across economic and political as well as social domains. This study focused on economic diplomacy
as a bilateral strategy between Kenya and South Sudan, given their geographical proximity since South Sudan gained its
independence in 2011, and the potential benefits derived from such collaboration. Kenya is an outstanding economic hub in the
East African region and has consistently used economic diplomacy to actualize and pursue its national interests. The objective
examined the nature of bilateral relations between Kenya and South Sudan, identifying key areas that need reforms. The study
aimed to illuminate the interaction between the independent variable of economic diplomacy and the dependent variable of
bilateral relations. The interdependence liberalism theory and the factor endowment theory provided the theoretical framework.
The data was gathered in Nairobi using questionnaires and interviews with 356 respondents, resulting in an 87.1% response rate.
The data were analyzed using a mixed-method design and content analysis. The findings indicate that Kenya’s economic
diplomacy positively influences bilateral relations with South Sudan, with improvements in investment and trade as well as
cultural exchange. Furthermore, the study proved the positive correlation of economic diplomacy aspects of labour movements,
goods and service movement and foreign direct investments in the enhancement of bilateral relations. In conclusion, the study
determined that economic diplomacy has been a vital influence in improving bilateral relations between these neighbouring
countries. Key policy implications recommended prioritizing more permanent solutions to enhance peace and security for a tradeconducive environment, more trade negotiations to increase trade volume and fine-tuning customs policies fostering better goods
and services movement. This study shed light on a better understanding of how economic diplomacy moulds bilateral relations,
giving a broad insight essential for policymakers seeking to strengthen Kenya and South Sudan engagements. The study
recommended that future research explore the broader East African Community regional dynamics and the impact of existing
trade policies on economic growth.
Nabongo Cultural Centre: A Heritage of the Wanga Kingdom in Kakamega County, Kenya
(The Journal of Eastern African Oral Literature, 2025-06-30) Anyonje,Florence Muteheli
The Kenyan Constitution (2010) Article 11(1) recognizes culture as the foundation of the nation
and the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation. In light of this many Kenyans
identify with their tribes or ethnic groups and follow their traditions which include the way of
dress, food, naming, work and rites of passage. Most Kenyans in the rural areas are proud of their
language and cultural heritage (Akama, 2002). Through practice and celebration of our culture
we are able to impart values and behavioral norms to the future generations who will in turn
continue the legacy and Kenyan identity. D’Souza (1980) describes the Kenyan culture as a way
of life that blends tradition and modernity. The question is then how will Kenyans be able to
preserve their diverse cultures in light of technological advancements that have changed the way
we do almost everything? This paper is a case study of Nabongo Cultural Centre, also known as
‘Eshiembekho’in the local language. It highlights the rich cultural heritage found in this cultural
centre in order to create local and international awareness so that researchers, students, tourists
among others can all learn the history of the Wanga Kingdom and experience the way of life of
the Wanga sub-tribe from this resource centre in Kakamega County. This research was done
through participant observation, interviews, document analysis, and archival studies found in
Nabongo Cultural Centre. The findings of this paper indicate that indeed this cultural centre is a
rich heritage of the Wanga culture and a research centre for Oral Literature.
Al-Shabaab’s Financial Fortitude: The Link between Funding Strategies and Organizational Resiliency
(Open Journal of Political Science, 2025-04-24) Odhiambo,Elijah Onyango Standslause; et.al
Al-Shabaab poses a serious threat to regional stability and security. Its financial
resilience is notable, as the group has maintained its operational capabilities
despite increased global counter-terrorism efforts. The ongoing political instability in Somalia, combined with weak governance structures, has created an
environment that allows the group to survive and adapt. Theoretical frameworks such as the Reach Theory, the Terror-Crime Nexus Model, and the Market Model provide important insights into Al-Shabaab’s strategies. A critical
factor in Al-Shabaab’s effectiveness is its ability to diversify funding sources.
The results of this research indicate that the organization’s territorial control
is the major source of its funding. A comprehensive understanding of Al-Shabaab’s financial mechanisms is vital for informing policy decisions aimed at
disrupting its funding networks.
Influence Of Refugees’ Socio-Economic Security On The Livelihoods Of Host Community In Kakuma, Turkana West Sub-County, Turkana County, Kenya
(Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS), 2025-05-30) Odhiambo, Elijah Onyango Standslause; et.al
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of refugees’ socio-economic
security, specifically access to healthcare services and housing conditions, on the livelihoods
of the host community in Kakuma, Turkana West Sub-County, Kenya. The contention of the
article is that amid increasing refugee inflows, host communities face mounting pressure on
limited public services and natural resources, yet the localized impacts remain underexplored.
Anchored in the Refugee Aid and Development Theory and Social Exchange Theory, the
research sought to evaluate how refugee access to healthcare and housing infrastructure
affects service delivery, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic well-being among
host residents. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design and employed
a mixed-methods approach. A representative sample of 418 households from the host
community was selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection combined
structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed
using SPSS for descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were examined through
thematic analysis. Ethical standards were strictly observed throughout the process. Findings
reveal that shared healthcare facilities are congested, with 84% of respondents reporting
overcrowding, 80% citing overstretched staff, and 73% highlighting frequent drug shortages.
Refugee housing expansion was also found to affect land use and environmental stability,
with 73% of respondents noting reduced access to traditional grazing land, and 76% linking
refugee shelters to deforestation. The study concludes that although refugee integration brings
infrastructure improvements, it simultaneously intensifies competition for scarce resources
and creates tensions when host needs are inadequately addressed. It recommends inclusive
planning, equitable resource allocation, improved healthcare staffing, and sustainable land
use policies to enhance coexistence. The findings aim to inform policy and humanitarian
strategies for fostering balanced, community-integrated refugee interventions.