Policy Briefs

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A Case for Providing Electricity Subsidies In Urban Informal Settlements
(University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Ambole, Amollo; Njoroge, Peris; Anditi, Christer; Outa, George
This policy brief highlights research findings from a two-year project using Nairobi’s Mathare settlement as a case study. The research established that close to 93 per cent of the residents have access to electricity. However, 50 per cent of the connections are informal or illegal, meaning that they are not provided directly by the mandated electric power supply agency: the Kenya Power and Lighting Company, and are thus not metered.
Cactus invasion: A Threat to Biodiversity and Food Security
(University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Githae, Eunice
This policy brief: The prickly pear cactus has a negative impact on food security, biodiversity and human well-being. The cactus invades mostly arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), which form more than 80% of Kenya's landmass. Livestock keeping is the main socio-economic activity in these areas. The plant is hardly appreciated due to the presence of spines and glochids (small spines on fruits) that cause injuries to people and livestock. In Narok County, the cactus invasion has increased rapidly over the last five years and has displaced people and pastures. The plant has been present in Laikipia County for more than ten years and has invaded grazing land, contributing to the death of livestock and wildlife.
COVID-19 and Domestic Violence against Men in Kenya: Issues and Policy Directions
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Ondicho, Tom; Mwanyuli, Sharon
Since the outbreak of COVID- 19 in Wuhan, China in December 2019, multiple media outlets around the world have reported an increase in the rates of domestic violence (DV). In part, this is the result of the stringent measures imposed by governments to reduce the spread of this deadly disease. Factors associated with DV have been exacerbated by the effects of restricted movements, increased time spent at home, financial hardships, increased parental stress, and rising unemployment linked to COVID-19. DV is defined in Kenya’s Protection Against Domestic Violence (PADV) Act 2015, as ‘any form of violence against a person, or threat of violence or of imminent danger to that person, by any other person with whom that person is, or has been, in a domestic relationship’. DV can manifest socially, psychologically, physically, sexually, emotionally, and financially (Obegi et al, 2017; Mangare et al, 2018). While DV affects both genders, more is known about male-perpetrated than female-perpetrated DV, and it is not clear whether what is known about male violence also holds true for female violence. Preliminary and anecdotal evidence suggests that domestic violence against men (DVAM) in Kenya has been on the increase in recent times (MAWE, 2017). While the true levels remain unknown, recent media reports show a significant increase in DVAM since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Impacts on Water Burden among Households in Turkana
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Ong'ech, Denis; Olago, Daniel; Dulo, Simeon; Opondo, Maggie; Ouma, Gilbert; Mumma, Albert; Hope, Robert; Charles, Katrina
Following confirmation of the first case of the novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Kenya in March 2020, the Government issued an advisory in ensuring high standards of hygiene through regular handwashing using soap and water. A national protocol on COVID- 19 was launched, which among others, underscored handwashing and high levels of hygiene maintenance. These required an increased household water demand that caused elevated household water bills, leaving poor households vulnerable to water insecurity. The pandemic has severely modified the patterns and behaviour of the economy of water (Vammen and Guillen, 2020). Water service providers (WSPs) have also been adversely affected. The Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company (LOWASCO), for instance, finds it hard to effectively supply clean water due to decreased revenues from non-payment (LOWASCO official, pers. comm.). With the government's directive that WSPs should not disconnect water supply for 3 months (March-May 2020) including households in default, WSPs faced challenges in meeting some of their operational costs such as power bills and staff wages (Senkwe and Gakubia, 2020). The directive is far from adequate, largely temporary, and unsustainable (Senkwe and Gakubia, 2020).
Cowpea Leaves: Feasible Solutions to Overcome Seasonal Availability
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Owade, Joshua; Abong', George; Okoth, Michael; Mwangombe, Agnes
Cowpea leaves (Figure 1) is the most produced ALV in the country and has been promoted as a food security crop due to its rich micronutrient content (Owade et al., 2020). However, seasonal availability of the crop constrains its extensive utilization. Moreover, during the long and short rains in ASALs, the vegetables is in abundance but this is followed by scarcity in the off-season. The leafy vegetable has been promoted over the grains of the crop as a cheap alternative source of micronutrients (Mamiro et al., 2011). Value addition of fresh produce is deployed for product diversification and postharvest management of produce. Without postharvest management, Gogo et al. (2017), reports economic losses of 12.6–34.4%, further limiting vegetable availability for household utilization and commercialization. Policy gaps with regards to cowpea leaves in the country are evident due to limited policy focus of this value chain as there is limited documentation of the postharvest losses of any vegetable in the African Postharvest Losses Information System.
Dairy Goat Sector Enhancement Strategies for Sustainable Livestock Farming Communities
(University of Nairobi, 2020-05) Kikwatha, Reuben; Kyalo, Ndunge
Livestock production remains a critical sector in the agricultural economy of developing countries. Among the livestock production systems, dairy goat production has increasingly gained popularity as a significant contributor to this important sector. Innovation and adoption of new technologies, such as the promotion of dairy goat production and the improvement of indigenous goats for better production, are poised to make an even bigger contribution. This is in particular to the Kenya Big Four Agenda focused on eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality, ensuring universal health care for citizens and habitable housing as well and tackling climate change by 2030.
Digital Innovation for Building Liquidity for Agricultural Payments
(University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Mburu, John; Mujuka, Esther; de Hoogh, Sijmen; Mingate, Vyonne; Reitberg, Ad
Agri- innovation wallet, a promising solution to the problem, is a novel value chain financing option that links farmers, input suppliers, markets and the financial provider. It is an e-wallet platform that facilitates timely and efficient transactions. It targets the unbanked smallholder farmers in contract farming. The off-taker pays the farmer through the wallet, and the farmer saves money restricted for the purchase of agricultural innovations. Input suppliers are also paid through the system, and if need be, farmers access overdrafts for the purchase of agricultural inputs. Digital financial services lower transaction costs, making credit more available. A study was carried out to assess farmers’ willingness to save and borrow funds through the agri-innovation wallet for the purchase of agricultural inputs. Specifically, the study sought to test and monitor the proportion of farmers who would purchase innovations with funds in their agri-innovation wallet and the effect of the innovation on agricultural productivity and the farmers’ income.
Domestication of the Ramsar Convention in Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Shah, Parita
Domestication of the convention was evaluated on the extent to which its obligations are integrated into Kenya’s policy frameworks, specifically the Wetlands Conservation and Management Policy (GoK, 2015), Environment Policy (GoK, 2013), Wildlife Policy (GoK, 2012), National Constitution of Kenya (GoK, 2010), and the Sessional Paper No. 6 on Environment and Development (GoK, 1999).
Drastic Massive Loss of Women’s Diets Diversity Due to Changes in Season
(University of Nairobi, 2020-05) Ngala, Sophie; Kaindi, Dasel
A study was done in Mbooni Division, Makueni District, during two seasons, pre- harvest (n=73) and post-harvest (n=203). Non-lactating and non- pregnant women who had children aged between 2-5 years were the respondents concerning household dietary diversity in the two seasons. The diversity of women’s diets tends to decrease from 5 to 4 food groups during seasonal change. Even though the energy intake increased slightly after harvesting from an average of 2,039 Kilo Calories (kCal) to 2,097 kCal, the nutrient adequacy of the diet was unacceptable.
Drought Risks Livelihoods in Laikipia County
(University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Karanja, Amon
In the last 30 years, droughts have occurred in Kenya, resulting in food insecurity, scarce pastures, and loss of livelihoods and human lives. Drought sets a vicious cycle of socioeconomic impacts beginning with crop failure, unemployment, erosion of assets, decrease in income and poor nutrition (UNISDR, 2012). In Kenya, drought adversely affects rain-fed agriculture, water resources, hydropower generation, and ecosystems. The average drought cycle in Laikipia County has reduced from 5 to 3 years, affecting both crop and livestock production. In the county between 1984 to 2014, 53 per cent of the period received below-normal rainfall, while 40 per cent of the period received above-normal rainfall. More years, therefore, recorded below-normal rainfall, increasing the frequency of drought. For example, the 2009 drought impacted over 75 per cent of the crops, while 77.7 per cent of the households lost their livestock. Pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods are more vulnerable to the effects of drought in arid and semi-arid parts of the county due to over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture and natural pasture. Occurrences of drought leave households devastated and unable to cope without external support.
Effect of Covid-19 on Mental Health of Adolescents in Malawi (Policy Brief)
(2024) Kainja, Jimmy; M'manga, Chilungamo; Maliwichi, Limbika; Kondowe, Fiskani; Nyamali, Simunye; Mchenga, Martina; Ndasauka, Yamikani
COVID-19 has profoundly affected life as COVID-19 measures requiring social isolation, movement restrictions, and economic shutdowns change the psychosocial environment worldwide. These measures can significantly threaten the mental health of children and adolescents, especially as the closure of schools meant minimal social contact and out-of-home leisure activities for adolescents. School routines are essential coping mechanisms for young people with mental health issues. When schools are closed, they lose an anchor in life, and their symptoms could relapse. Although others turned to home school with the support of their parents, the challenge was that parents were also required to work from home. The COVID-19 mitigating measures mean the absence of external support by other family members, and social support systems have fallen away. Besides worry and anxiety related to COVID-19, the economic situation has worsened with high and rising levels of unemployment worldwide. These factors have put much pressure on children, adolescents and their families, resulting in distress, mental health problems and violence. For some children with depression, there will be considerable difficulties adjusting to everyday life when school resumes. (Lancet, 2020). The Covid-19 and Mental Health in Malawi project conducted a study to assess the effects of Covid-19 on adolescents' mental health in the country. Specifically, the study looked at Covid-19-related depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study used quantitative and qualitative methods. It collected quantitative data through a survey (n=320) and qualitative data through focus group discussions (n-4), and key informant interviews (n=12) with guardians and caregivers of adolescents in Malawi. The data were collected from four districts: Blantyre, Mangochi, Lilongwe and Karonga.
Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Health Workers in Malawi (Policy Brief)
(2024) Kainja, Jimmy; Maliwichi, Limbika; Kondowe, Fiskani; M'manga, Chilungamo; Nyamali, Simunye; Mchenga, Martina; Ndasauka, Yamikani
Mental health or psychological well-being is integral to an individual's capacity to lead a fulfilling life, including forming and maintaining relationships, studying, working, or pursuing leisure interests and making day-to-day decisions about these issues. Disturbances to a person's mental well-being can adversely compromise their capacity to make the right choices, leading to diminished functioning at the individual level and broader welfare losses for one's household and society. A recent analysis by the World Economic Forum estimated that the cumulative global impact of mental disorders in terms of lost economic output would amount to US$ 16 trillion over the next 20 years. The estimate marks mental health as a significant concern for public health, economic development, and societal welfare. The current study by Covid-19 and Mental Health in Malawi project has also highlighted the importance of mental health and the effects of neglecting it.
Enhancing Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among the Youth
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Maina, Angela; Mwangi, Naomi
Mbagathi District Hospital in Nairobi has approximately 300 youth (15- 24yrs) on ART. Viral load suppression for this group was 63 percent for the year 2016. Between 2016 and 2017, 40 percent of the youth initiated on care were lost to follow-up. The youth do not feel free to share their issues with clinicians and counsellors who are much older than them for fear of being condemned. Similarly, the counselling approach used is ‘old school’ and fails to attract the youth who would prefer interactive modern sessions that are more appealing to them (MacCarthy et al., 2018). The youth also lack peer mentors/counsellors and exposure to peer advocacy campaigns to encourage them in their journey towards viral suppression. Ignorance and poor attitude to ART also contribute to non-adherence as well as a lack of disclosure of their HIV status to their families and friends.
Enhancing Our Care for the Urban Air We Breathe
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Muthama, Nzoika
Living in a city or a metropolitan area is a great promotion for human well-being, given its convenient mode of life and efficient way of working. This is so for Kenyan cities, Nairobi included. However, concerns are emerging from residents and scientists that the unprecedented development of cities has caused a range of environmental problems and exerts huge pressure on natural ecosystems that we rely on (UNEP, 2016; Asian Coalition for Housing Rights 2004; Muthama, 2019a). Several parts of Kenyan cities continue to experience overwhelming solid waste challenges and air pollution impacts among other environmental concerns. The 2017 Kenya Economic Survey estimated that 19.9 million Kenyans, representing 38.3% of the population, suffered from respiratory ailments that are exacerbated by poor air quality. The 2019 Kenya Economic Survey estimated that 21.8 million Kenyan, representing 39.3% of Kenyans, suffered from the respiratory ailment, indicating a 1% increase of the ailments at the national level. This is a pointer that the air pollution problem may be increasing.
Enhancing South Africa’s Emerging Digital Technologies’ Innovation Ecosystem
(2023-09) Hanlin, Rebecca; Mlilo, Wandile
South Africa is ranked the top innovating mainland country on the African continent in the 2022 Global Innovation Index (GII) (WIPO, 2023). It has the second highest level of funding towards research and development on the continent (currently at 62% behind Kenya at 69% of GDP) (World Bank, 2022), with over 50% of the R&D funds coming from the government as opposed to foreign actors as in many other African countries. The private sector contributes around 23% of R&D spend (DSI, 2023). The country has a vibrant start-up culture and a strong history of support for new market entrants through venture capital. One of the reasons the country ranks so highly in the GII is because it has three of the top ten highest valued venture capital (VC) deals on the continent in 2021. A significant number of VC deals in South Africa in recent years have taken place in the FinTech space. For example, JUMO, a South African-based FinTech firm, raised US$ 120 million in 2021 following a successful round of funding that raised US$ 55 million the year before (Kene-Okafor, 2021). JUMO uses artificial intelligence (AI) to power its ‘banking-as-a-service’ platform. AI is one of a suite of emerging digital technologies (EDTs) that are starting to transform the innovation space on the African continent. Other EDTs include blockchain, geographic information systems (GIS), internet-of-things (IoT), and new-generation data analytics. We term these new data analytics tools collectively as X-data. This encompasses big data, open data, user-generated data, and real-time data. As more and more companies start to embrace these EDTs, the innovation ecosystem or facilitatory environment needs to be ready to support them. This is important if South Africa is to achieve its national development goals and remain a leading economic light on the African continent. This policy brief outlines the results of a study into the status of the EDT innovation ecosystem in South Africa. It is part of a comparative study reviewing the status of the EDT innovation ecosystems in South Africa and Kenya. The policy brief findings are of value to those working in the EDT innovation ecosystem, especially those providing policy support in the areas of education, regulation and finance.
Enhancing Sustainability in African Catfish Seed Supply for Improved Production in Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Barasa, James
Identification and isolation of high-quality catfish brood stock for use at hatcheries in artificial propagation in combination with improved husbandry for resultant fry could be a suitable strategy to increase the availability of farm-raised catfish seeds to support expanded aquaculture in Kenya. To maintain the quality of such brood stock, nuclei hatcheries should be developed, to manage this stock. Such hatcheries will be charged with artificial propagation of catfish larvae for sale to farmers, who should consistently maintain best management practices on their farms.
Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism in Kenya: Strategies for Recovery
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Ondicho, Tom
Many tourists have cancelled their trips to Kenya in response to global travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Plummeting demand has triggered a crisis that is being felt throughout the entire tourism ecosystem. Most tourist activities and businesses have been closed, and others are operating at a lower level, resulting in massive revenue and job losses. Whilst tourism has proven to be resilient to shocks, including terrorism, violence, natural disasters, economic recession, and pandemics, none of the disruptive events has ever had such a phenomenal impact on the world’s economy, especially the tourism economy as COVID-19 (UNWTO, 2020). The impact of COVID-19 will most likely last longer, rendering the future bleak, and the road to recovery is uncertain, but much will depend on appropriate policy stimulus to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and kickstart a rebirth of Kenya's tourism industry.
Implications of the Minamata Convention on Mercury on Oral Health in Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2020-01) Osiro, Olivia; Kisumbi, Bernina; Kariuki, David; Gathece, Loice
Despite the high prevalence of tooth decay, oral health is poorly funded and receives only 0.0016 per cent of the national budget for health, limited to 8 per cent of the total Government expenditure (Kaimenyi, 2004). This provision is grossly inadequate. Therefore, access to restorative dental care remains limited for the majority and often, removal of offending teeth is a cheaper alternative. Tooth loss affects mastication and speech and is associated with reduced quality of life (Petersen, 2004; Petersen, 2007). For those who can access treatment in the form of fillings, dental amalgam remains the most readily available and preferred filling material in low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya, as it is inexpensive, easy to use, and strong enough to withstand chewing forces (Petersen et al., 2009). Therefore, the phase-down of dental amalgam will have implications on oral health status in Kenya through the unavailability of affordable dental treatment.
Improved Sorghum Variety A Forgotten Gold in the Kenya Drylands
(University of Nairobi, 2020-05) Chimoita, Evans
Agricultural extension and technology transfer services play a vital role in disseminating research knowledge, skills and income-generating strategies among the farming communities in Kenya. However, there exists a disconnect between the amount of information and technologies developed in research centres and what is implemented by farmers. Further, improved technologies are not reaching farmers for utilization as a result of weak linkages between the government's extension providers, who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the technologies transfer to the farmers for utilization. Moreover, the effectiveness of the Government of Kenya's extension sector service provision has greatly declined during the last decade due to structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) and liberalization policies. The sector further faces constraints such as reduced and aged extension staff and low funding for operations and maintenance services, leading to weak information dissemination networks.
Improvement of Coconut Production in Kenyan Coast for Income Generation
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Oyoo, Maurice
The potential value of the coconut sub-sector is estimated at US$180.6 million. But the actual value is only 25 percent of that (US$44.5 million) annually and consists of nuts (mature and immature-madafu) accounting for about 24 percent, coconut wine (60 percent), Makuti roofing materials (12 percent), brooms (3.3 percent) and coconut wood (1 percent). The low level of productivity is due to old and unproductive orchards – the East African Talls (EAT) with no designed improvement programme since they were introduced in Kenya, inadequate quality planting material, lack of fast means of generating clean planting materials, unavailability of improved varieties and a general lack of value addition (Muhammed et al., 2013). Slow growth and long pre-breeding period of palm is also a factor (Rajesh et al., 2008).

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