Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research

INFLUENCE OF STATIST TRANSFORMATION OF INTER-ETHNIC POLITICS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INTER-ETHNIC CONFLICTS IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

Chebai Mulati Job — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

ABSTRACT
Politics largely defines both protractible and intractability in inter-ethnic conflicts globally. In Kenya, Bungoma County in particular, inter-ethnic political reasons exacerbated 1963 including 1992 conflicts. The specific
objective was to examine the effect of statist inter-ethnic integration of politics in management of inter-ethnic
conflicts in Bungoma County. A conceptual framework underpinned by Ledarach’s Conflict Transformation
and Gultang’s Conflict Triangle theories guided the study. The study applied a descriptive research. The study
was conducted in Bungoma County. Simple Radom and Purposive sampling procedures determined the participant. The sample size of 400 participants used was derived from 1375065 population using Yamane 1967.
Questionnaires, interviews, FGD and document analysis were instruments used to collect primary and secondary data respectively. Quantitative data was analysed by MS excel while thematization, corroboration and verification was applied to qualitative data. The study findings were: Though the use of inter-ethnic politics as
scapegoat scored 15% responses in fueling inter-ethnic animosity, it worked alongside, hostile inter-ethnic
inter-group politics, the elite tilted inter-ethnic perceptions, inter-ethnic violent political transition from one
party to multiparty, inter-ethnic political contests and intensified leadership struggles which scored 17% responses each in influencing inter-ethnic conflicts in Bungoma County. However, despite the regulation of political parties, affirmative action, consensus and inter-ethnic integration were statist inter-ethnic structures set
for inter-ethnic political integration, the process was lethergic. The study recommends, detachment of interethnic demarcation from political cum administrative boundaries in Bungoma County

ECO-FRIENDLY PLATES: REDUCING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY

Weveti Christine — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

ABSTRACT
Single-use plastic tableware is widely used in the food service industry due to its affordability and convenience. However, its non-biodegradable nature contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, clogged sewer systems, and public health risks. In response, this study developed a biodegradable, eco-friendly plate as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic tableware. The plate was produced using dough formulations of red sorghum flour, wheat flour, and margarine in varying ratios across five
samples (A–E): 2:2:1, 3:2:1, 2:3:1, 1:2:0.5, and 1:1:0, respectively. This variation aimed to evaluate the effect
of ingredient proportions on plate performance and identify the optimal blend. Each sample was assessed for
organoleptic properties (texture, colour, smell, taste, and overall acceptability), water absorption capacity, and
biodegradability. Sample C (2:3:1) emerged as the most preferred in sensory evaluation, with 77% of panelists
favouring its qualities. While Sample E, which lacked margarine, had the lowest water absorption (18.32%)
and the longest structural integrity, Sample C had the highest water absorption (33.27%) yet maintained its
form—attributed to its higher wheat flour content that enhanced binding. Notably, all plate variants biodegraded naturally within six days. The results indicate that Sample C offers the best balance of functionality, consumer acceptability, and environmental sustainability. Its edibility, biodegradability, and performance position
it as a viable alternative to plastic tableware. Adopting such eco-friendly plates in food service settings can
significantly reduce plastic waste and its associated environmental impacts.

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: AN OVERVIEW OF CURRENT CONCERNS AND PROSPECTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Kavulya, Joseph M., Kyengo, Bernadette N. — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

ABSTRACT
This paper uses the concept of “research excellence” to investigate the contribution of research to sustainable
development in Africa and propose strategies for enhancing research practice in the region. Specifically, the
paper the causal relationship between research and sustainable development, the concept of research excellence, the factors that retard the growth of research in Africa, and propose strategies for enhancing research
excellence in the African region. Significantly, the paper proposes that to improve the relevance and impact of
research in sustainable development there is a need to enhance quality in assurance in research processes,
intense investments in research infrastructure, a close collaboration between various stakeholders such as
research agents, the local community, policymakers, and practitioners. More importantly, there need to revisit the scholarly communication ecosystem in the region with the view to make dissemination and access
research information on the continent affordable and visible through more investment in digital libraries, repositories, and adoption of open access publishing of research findings

TRANSFORMING ETHNIC IDENTITY THROUGH STATE INTERVENTIONS: INTERETHNIC CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

Chebai Mulati Job — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

ABSTRACT
Intra and inter-ethnic identities, built over time buttress ethnic conflicts globally. In Kenya, Bungoma in particular, the conflicts experienced in 1963, including unparalleled violence in 1992 were underpinned by sociohistorical, cultural, ethnic and geographical identity factors. Specific objective of the study was to examine the
statist inter-ethnic integration of ethnic identity issues in management of inter-ethnic conflicts in Bungoma
County. The study was guided by a conceptual framework anchored on Galtung’s Conflict Triangle and Lederach’s Conflict Transformation theories. A descriptive research design was used, while the study was conducted
in Bungoma County. Simple Radom and Purposive were applied to determine participants. A sample size of
394, derived from 26581 population using Yamane formula was used. Questionnaires, interviews, FGD and
document analysis were instruments used. Data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The study findings which wobbled from inter-communal stereotyping to misunderstandings to lack of information and politics showed that, first, ethnic differences which emanated from varying inter-ethnic histories scored 50% responses, cultural differences 40% and varied geographical location 10% responses. Second, inter-communal
social differences ranged from in-born hatred 17% responses, value differences 18%, cultural dissimilarity
17%, unfair distribution of education 17%, varying norms 17% and religious rivalry 14% responses. Finally,
negative ethnicity response scores demonstrated that, except for inter-communal politics’ driving negative ethnicity, underscored in politicians using ethnic differences for political expediency which scored 16% responses, the rest, inter-communal perceptions, ethnic majority-minority contests, ethnic fear of survival, intercommunal inequitable access to power, historical injustices and ethnic chauvinism scored 14% responses each
in accounting for identity issues in influencing conflicts in Bungoma County. Statist interventions against inter
-ethnic hatred over ethnic values, culture and religion are underpinned in 2010 constitution. However, in furtherance to curing inter-communal stereotypes, drives of negative ethnicity like politics and enhance understanding and tolerance, the study recommends translation of peacebuilding process in Bungoma into creative
art and documentary. This will increase awareness and integration of identity issues in management of ethnic
conflicts in Bungoma County.

EFFECT OF INFORMATION SHARING PRACTICES ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF FOOD PROCESSING FIRMS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Mayabi Peres Linda, Thogori Miriam Nyambura, Wabwire Joseph Masinde — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract
The information sharing practices account to about fifty percent of the profitability and better performance of
any firm (KAM 2023). The food processing subsector performance has been declining thus its contribution to
the Gross Domestic Product has reduced to 10% thus leading to operation inefficiency. Information sharing
can significantly enhance the contribution of food processing firms to a country's GDP by improving efficiency, innovation, market access, and value addition. The objective of the study was to probe the effect of information sharing practices on performance of food processing firms in Nairobi County. The study was premised
on the grey system theory. Descriptive research design was employed. A population of 172 food processing
firms and a sample size of 120 firms was determined. Stratified and simple random sampling were used to select specific firms while data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics aided in
describing the primary characteristics of the data. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship
between information sharing practices and operational performance of food processing firms with the aid of
SPSS version 28. T-statistics were used to gauge the significance of individual objectives at 5% confidence
level while F-statistic was used to establish the overall significance of the model. The study established that
information sharing practices positively affected operational performance, (regression coefficient 0.247, p =
0.029). The study concludes that enhanced information sharing substantially improves the performance of food
processing firms. It recommends increased investment in platforms such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
to facilitate timely, accurate, and reliable information flow, streamline supply chain coordination, and improve
overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the study contributes to academic literature by offering
theoretical and empirical insights into supply chain management practices, thereby serving as a resource for
future research.

INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT ON STUDENTS SATISFACTION IN PUBLIC BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAARA SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Muchiri Carolyne Kageni — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

ABSTRACT
Boarding schools present unique social and academic experiences, making parental engagement vital for enhancing students’ satisfaction. This study sought to establish the influence of parental engagement on students’
satisfaction in public boarding secondary schools in Maara Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, involving 439 respondents: 357 Form Three students, 38 class
teachers, 38 boarding HODs, and six principals from 38 purposively selected public boarding secondary
schools. Students were selected using simple random sampling, while principals, class teachers, and boarding
HODs were chosen purposively or through census methods. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Content and face validity were confirmed by experts from Chuka University, and reliability
was tested through a pilot study in Meru-South Sub-County. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics with SPSS version 28, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The study revealed a significant influence of parental engagement on students’ satisfaction. Most parents provided adequate pocket money and shopping, attended school meetings, and adequately prepared their children before joining school.
However, parental academic support at home, teacher-parent communication, and welfare follow-ups were
found to be limited. Students whose parents actively monitored academic progress, communicated with teachers, and participated in school activities reported greater satisfaction, motivation, and emotional well-being.
Barriers such as socio-economic constraints, distance, and parents’ work commitments hindered consistent
engagement. The study concludes that parental engagement is a critical determinant of students’ satisfaction in
boarding schools. It recommends strengthening parent–teacher communication, encouraging regular school
visits, and sensitizing parents on the importance of academic and emotional support at home. The Ministry of
Education should institutionalize parental involvement through policies that promote school–community partnerships. Further research should examine socio-economic and cultural factors shaping parental engagement in
diverse educational contexts.