http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/60 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:17:55 GMT 2026-09-01T09:17:55Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10472 Identities and moralities areview in the context of Africa's development Agenda Abuya, Willice O. There is renewed sociological and psychological interest in identity theorising and in its relationship with morality in the quest for sustainable development. The question that often arises is whether our condition of morality is connected to or influenced by the identity that we as individuals construct for ourselves. This discourse is critical for the contemporary debate on Africa’s development, as articulated through Agenda 2063 and SDG 1. It is argued that as mental states, the mind and the brain (two aspects that are heavily involved in identity construction) can influence and even control one another, thus mutually influencing and controlling behaviour. Others, however, deny this assertion and argue instead that identity, in itself, does not actually influence behaviour. Through an examination of the various theories of identity and drawing on examples that demonstrate the interface between behaviour and “self,” this chapter assesses whether identity construction can influence behaviour in the search for solutions to the challenge of poverty as expressed in SDG 1 and Agenda 2063. The chapter concludes that as individuals go through the process of identity construction, so do they make moral decisions about self as well – which in turn shapes/moulds behaviour. As such, morality and identity are in reality two sides of the same coin, with each shaping and influencing the other. This has direct implications for contemporary Africa’s development and promotes social justice, the chapter maintains. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10472 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10471 The urgent need to strengthen national protection for environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) in Kenya Abuya, Willice O.; Onsarigo, Thomas Gisemba This article is based on the research project "Violence Against Environmental Defenders in Mining (VIA)," funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF IZSTZ0_202601). Kenya stands at a defining moment in its environmental governance journey with Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) playing an essential role in upholding the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment (Mwanza, 2020). These defenders—ranging from community activists to public interest litigators—serve as the frontline against environmentally destructive activities. In the face of rapid development drive to achieve Vision 20301 and Africa Agenda 20632, EHRDs have become indispensable actors in ensuring accountability, transparency, and sustainable resource management of environmental resources (Khanna and Le Billon, 2021). To fast-track development, several laws have been enacted to attract investment, finance and to offer business-friendly environment3. This push carries with it the potential of adversely affecting the environment. EHRDs advocacy has halted several such destructive ventures in Kenya—from illegal activities in the Mau Forest to proposed projects like the Lamu Coal Plant—and helped enforce laws such as the Community Land Act, the Land Act, and the Environmental Management and Coordination Act. Their vigilance gives practical meaning to Article 42 of the Constitution and safeguards communities whose livelihoods depend on sustainable ecosystems. In many rural regions, where state oversight is limited, defenders remain the only effective watchdogs capable of challenging powerful government and corporate interests. The need to protect their activities is therefore obvious. However, despite Kenya’s progressive legal framework, EHRDs increasingly face intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrests, digital surveillance, and physical violence. For instance, Joel Ogada4, was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment on fabricated charges for his opposition against salt mining on the coast of Kenya. Phyllis Omido5 (winner of the Goldman environmental prize for her activism against lead smelting plant near Mombasa) went into hiding following multiple assaults and death threats from those opposed to her advocacy work. This contradiction between strong constitutional protections and weak on-the-ground safeguards highlights a critical gap in national protection mechanisms. There is also the argument as to whether there is need for enactment of a standalone law to protect EHRDs—or possible, have a combination of the two Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10471 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10466 Congolese Music and the Kenyan Nation, 1963–1993 Mboya, Tom Michael This paper is an intervention in the discussion on the making of theKenyan nation. The interest is in the role of popular music, and thefocus is on Congolese music. The notion, comprehensivelyexplained and illustrated by Moorman (2008), that music can (help)forge a nation is used as the theoretical illuminating torch in theexploration of information mainly mined from back copies of oneof Kenya’s two main national newspapers, the Nation (founded1958). Congolese music has been popularly embraced by Kenyansregardless of their ethnicity since the early 1960s. It was, for allintents and purposes, made a sound of the nation by both itscountry-wide success and its insertion into discourses of the nationin the country – and this despite the fact that the language it ismostly sung in, Lingala, is not spoken in Kenya, and the music’smakers are not Kenyan citizens. The appropriation of Congolesemusic in Kenya is read to point to a cosmopolitan understandingof the nation. Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10466 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10364 Farmer managed natural regeneration and community development: an analysis of impact in selected countries Chesire, Michael Aiyabei; Kigen, Charles; Munyao, Carol Munini; Korir, Janet; Too, Prisca Tanui Purpose: This paper explores the relationship between community development and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as a strategy for resource conservation and community empowerment. It highlights how FMNR contributes to ecological sustainability and rural household livelihoods in selected countries in West and East Africa, including Niger, Ghana, Mali, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Methodology: A content review of FMNR practices was conducted, focusing on their adoption, spread, and impact on community development. The analysis emphasized economic empowerment, ecological sustainability, best practices, challenges, and mitigation strategies. Findings: The study found that FMNR enhances community livelihoods by promoting sustainable natural resource use and reducing environmental degradation. It strengthens community capacity for resource management and supports rural economic development. However, challenges such as land fragmentation, technological gaps, and limited adoption were noted. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To scale up FMNR, stakeholders should prioritize community training, strengthen institutional frameworks, and provide policy support for sustainable resource management. Addressing technological and socio-economic barriers is essential to maximize FMNR's potential in improving livelihoods and achieving ecological sustainability. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10364 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z