Foreword

Abstract

The emergence of a new scholarly journal is a significant achievement, a bold challenge to the boundaries of established discourse, a demonstration of the deep commitment of all the parties involved in establishing it, and a triumph over the constraints of existing paradigms. The birth of The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy, under the noble initiative of the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS), is the result of rigorous efforts, a manifestation of the collective aspirations of researchers, scholars, and thought leaders who have dedicated themselves to expanding the frontiers of human understanding.
It is the unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions of numerous individuals and institutions that have led to the realisation of such a text. Their wisdom, expertise, and relentless pursuit of academic excellence have shaped this
journal, resting on the foundation that is the vision conceived by the founder, GLOCEPS. Truth to tell that success is not a single event; it is a spirit that arises out of persistence.
The driving force behind this scholarly endeavour is the need for a dedicated forum that amplifies the voices of Eastern Africa's researchers, policymakers, and thought leaders, and the desire to provide a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and intellectual discourse which will catalyse the exchange of diverse perspectives, and enrich the understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our region. The conversations are domiciled under GLOCEPS key research foci, namely, security and defence, foreign policy, governance and ethics, development and innovation and transnational organised crimes. Therefore, its scope encompasses the breadth of wide-ranging policy formulation processes, strategic decision-making frameworks, and their manifold implications across various sectors – from governance structures and economic development initiatives to security paradigms and environmental sustainability imperatives. It is hoped that the journal will engender rigorous inquiry, evidence-based policymaking, and pursuit of further knowledge.
The rapidly evolving landscape that defines the realms of policy formulation and strategic decision-making within our region, seen in the abounding intricate socio-economic, political, and environmental dynamics, should provide the immediate challenges for which the journal should offer innovative and  context-specific solutions. Yet, with global interconnectedness, the journal should also capture policy decisions and strategic choices that go beyond borders, reaching various sectors and impacting the lives of millions. It is within both the limited and broad perspectives that The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy should offer rigorous inquiry, critical analysis, and the dissemination of research that informs and shapes policy discourse. Furthermore, the journal should embrace a forward-looking perspective, exploring the connection among technological advancements, policy frameworks, and strategic decision-making processes.
The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy arrives on the scene with the vision to establish itself as a preeminent scholarly platform dedicated to advancing the discourse on policy formulation and strategic decision-making in East Africa and beyond. In this very first volume there is evidence of rigorous inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the dissemination of cutting-edge research that resonates with East Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. The articles should ignite a healthy discussion, revitalising dialogue on sustainable national policy and strategy direction, unraveling further the mysteries of our world, challenging the boundaries of our understanding, and forging new frontiers of discovery. With focus and sustained effort, the journal should easily rise to be a trailblazer in illuminating the intricate nexus between policy, strategy, and their far-reaching implications for sustainable development, regional integration, and the pursuit of a prosperous and secure future for our nations.
Firmly grounded in evidence and substantive analysis, the journal, just like the ever evolving field of policy and strategy research, must not stand still; it must continually re-examine the foundation upon which it stands so that it can best provide an appropriate forum, a vibrant intellectual arena where diverse perspectives can converge, where fresh ideas can germinate, and where the seeds of groundbreaking discoveries can take root. The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy should breathe fresh life into the academic discourse, fostering an environment conducive to the cross-pollination of ideas, the challenging of long-held assumptions, and the emergence of novel perspectives. The arrival of the journal should thus receive a warm welcome.