The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy
The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy (ISSN: 3008-0800) is a publication of the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS). It aims to create a scholarly forum for exploring policy formulation and strategic decision-making in Eastern Africa and beyond. This journal addresses the need for a specialized platform to discuss the complex socio-economic, political, and cultural challenges in the region, promoting innovative and context-based solutions.
Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS)
The East African Journal of Policy and Strategy is a publication of the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS). Our content is disseminated on Open Access Terms.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Detecting Money Laundering in Kenyan Commercial Banks
Money laundering is a serious threat to financial stability and national security, made worse by systemic weaknesses. Traditional, rule-based anti-money laundering (AML) systems face challenges that often lead to data-collection issues and a high number of false positives. This study aimed to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in AML operations within Kenya's commercial banking sector. It intended to address a significant gap in existing research by exploring how much AI is being used, the specific technologies involved, their perceived effectiveness, and the main challenges and opportunities for their application. Based on affordance actualization theory, this research used a practical mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through questionnaires from 76 respondents and detailed interviews with 15 participants. These included bank employees, officials from the Financial Reporting Centre, security agencies, and independent AML professionals. The findings show that AI applications in AML processes are diverse, with larger banks leading adoption. The study found a strong positive correlation between AI adoption and perceived effectiveness in combating money laundering. Based on these findings, the research recommends that leading banks share their success stories to motivate other institutions to adopt these technologies. It also suggests the need for clear guidelines and standards across the sector to ensure that AI is integrated consistently and effectively in the financial industry.
Financial Security and Regulatory Frameworks
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Judicial Intelligence Oversight in Kenya : Prospects and Challenges
Kenya, like other democratic states, has embraced various forms of intelligence oversight, including judicial mechanisms as a means to enhancing accountability in the intelligence agency. The structure and function of intelligence oversight is tied to the specific context of a nation, influenced by its unique culture, history, constitutionalism and the prevailing political landscape. This context is continually evolving and adapting to the ever-changing security landscape. These factors, along with the inherent secrecy surrounding intelligence operations, necessitate an examination of prospects and challenges for judicial intelligence oversight. This study sought to establish how judicial intelligence oversight has been operationalised in Kenya; the nature of interactions between the judiciary and intelligence, and the influence of judicial oversight on the execution of the intelligence mandate. The research employed purposive sampling and utilised primary data gathered through key informants interviews and in-depth interviews. Secondary data was derived from a comprehensive literature review, thematically analysed and presented in narrative form. The study established limited public understanding of judicial oversight processes despite Kenya’s robust legal frameworks underpinning such processes. Besides the secrecy of intelligence operations, judicial oversight is restricted by the fact that inquiries are case-specific, making such mechanisms reactive and limited to litigation before the court. Further, it was found that the judiciary has been scrutinising intelligence procedures to determine compliance with legal demands as well as safeguarding intelligence secrets. However, the extent of this scrutiny depends on the prevailing political regime. The research recommends enhanced awareness of judicial oversight mechanisms as well as greater transparency in judicial oversight of intelligence efforts to make them more visible to the public.
Governance, Policy, and International Implications
Stakeholder Participation Mechanisms in Foreign Policy Decision-Making : Lessons from Kenya’s EACRF Deployment
This article examined the role of stakeholder participation mechanisms in foreign policy decision-making, focusing on the deployment of Kenya’s contingent (KENCON) under the East African Community Regional Force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The general purpose was to investigate how diverse stakeholders influence foreign policy processes within the framework of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It specifically sought to (i) identify the constitutional frameworks guiding foreign policy decision-making, (ii) analyse the role of key stakeholders in influencing the KENCON deployment decision, (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of public engagement platforms in facilitating stakeholder participation, and (iv) propose strategies to strengthen inclusive foreign policy decision-making. Anchored in public choice theory and constructivism, the study applied a qualitative approach using case study design. Data were collected from 188 respondents who included government officials, military personnel, policy analysts, civil society representatives and members of the public. The data collection instruments used were questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used. The study identified barriers to effective participation which included institutional capacity constraints, information asymmetries and political culture factors. The findings also indicated that despite the existence of stakeholder mechanisms in theory, in practice they are weak, symbolic and dominated by executive actors. The study proposed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement framework that incorporates multi-tiered consultation processes, enhanced information sharing mechanisms and strengthened institutional capacity for public participation. This framework would address the need for balancing security imperatives with democratic accountability while ensuring meaningful stakeholder engagement in foreign policy formulation.
Unmasking the Dark Art : An Analysis of Daesh’s Communication Approaches
Cyberspace has emerged as a secure operational domain for Daesh, allowing for seamless communication, validation of their so-called Caliphate, radicalization efforts, recruitment, and the planning and execution of attacks. Despite the development of various counter-strategies aimed at disrupting these activities, Daesh has managed to consistently navigate around them, maintaining its covert influence over global audiences. This study delves into how Daesh has constructed its communication strategies by analyzing its communication infrastructure, propaganda techniques, visual manipulation, and distribution methods. It draws upon Manuel Castells' trilogy on network society, which underscores the significance of networks, identity, and information in today’s world. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, data was gathered through the content analysis of Daesh's print and video media, alongside insights from expert practitioners. The findings show that Daesh utilizes complex language and visual manipulation, often twisting historical and religious narratives to sway its audience. Additionally, it employs a multifaceted dissemination strategy that harnesses advanced technologies and supportive networks to amplify its message and extend its global reach via secure, encrypted online platforms. In conclusion, the study asserts that the pillars of Daesh's communication strategy are ideological dominance, compelling narrative crafting, and the strategic use of technology. To effectively counter this influence, a comprehensive approach is warranted, including inundating online platforms with credible counter-narratives that challenge Daesh's ideology; revising legal frameworks to keep up with the fast-paced technological landscape that transcends borders; and promoting collaboration between security agencies and tech companies to dismantle Daesh's online presence.
Navigating Fragile Peace : A Critical Analysis of the Challenges Local Peace Committees Face in Combating Cattle Rustling in Tiaty East, Kenya
This study explored the challenges Local Peace Committees (LPCs) face in combating cattle rustling in Tiaty East Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya. While previous research has focused on police challenges, this study addresses the understudied role and constraints of LPCs as primary actors in conflict resolution. Conflict transformation theory was adopted to guide the study’s examination of the dynamic nature of cattle rustling and how LPCs could help bring peace by focusing on multiple peace approaches in conjunction with addressing the root cultural causes of cattle rustling. The research adopted a case study design, utilizing a qualitative approach within an interpretivist paradigm. Data was collected from LPC members, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations (NGOs/FBOs), security agencies, opinion leaders, and local administration in Tiaty East. Using purposive sampling, the researcher selected 30 respondents for key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The findings identified numerous challenges LPCs face. These include political interference and patronage; a lack of adequate facilitation; high levels of illiteracy among LPCs and the wider community; hostilities and threats from cattle rustlers and the community; regressive cultural practices that romanticize cattle rustling; boundary disputes and corruption within LPCs and the security agencies responsible for combating cattle rustling. The study concluded that despite their presence, the capacity of LPCs in Tiaty East and the North Rift zone to navigate the fragile peace and effectively combat cattle rustling is substantially hindered by these challenges. It recommends enhanced capacity building for LPCs, formal legal recognition of LPCs within security frameworks, and the implementation of community-level integrity vetting processes.
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 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.
We are pleased to present Volume 1, Issue 2 of The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy. Building on our inaugural issue's foundation, this edition advances our mission to foster evidence-based policymaking and strategic discourse across Eastern Africa and beyond. Through rigorous inquiry and multidisciplinary collaboration, we bridge the gap between research, practice, and governance in the region's complex policy landscape. Eastern Africa's policy environment is shaped by interconnected financial, security, and governance dynamics that demand innovative and context-specific solutions. The contributions in this issue exemplify our core focus areas, examining the interplay between financial systems and national security, contemporary threats to peace, and governance mechanisms in an interconnected world. These studies not only diagnose pressing challenges but also propose evidence-based, actionable solutions.
Beneficial Ownership Transparency and Economic Security in Kenya : Bridging Regulatory Gaps to Counter Financial Crimes
Transparency in beneficial ownership (BO) information has significant implications for economic security. In Kenya, BO opacity facilitates financial crimes such as corruption, tax evasion, illicit financial flows, and terrorism financing, undermining both national and economic stability. While previous studies have explored illicit financial flows in specific sectors, the broader link between BO transparency and economic security remains underexplored. With BO transparency as the independent variable and economic security as the dependent variable, this study, grounded in principal-agent and institutional theories, examines Kenya’s BO disclosure systems, the economic impacts of BO transparency, and the challenges to effective implementation. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was adopted, using purposive sampling to gather insights from practitioners. Data were collected through interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, and document analysis involving 38 participants. The study reveals that enforcement gaps in BO laws expose Kenya to financial crimes and weaken economic resilience. Key sectors with underdeveloped BO disclosure include the real estate, extractives, and energy. Lack of accurate and current BO registers, limited inter-agency collaboration, and weak enforcement mechanisms exacerbate illicit financial flows. Yet enhanced BO transparency presents economic benefits such as improved tax compliance, greater investor confidence, and reduced corruption. Challenges include high compliance costs and resistance from private sector actors. The study recommends strengthening legal frameworks, improving enforcement, leveraging technology, and promoting inter-agency cooperation. Ultimately, BO transparency is vital to Kenya’s economic security, and addressing current gaps is essential to combating financial crimes and promoting sustainable economic growth.
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Religious Sectarian Extremism in Kenya : A Background Assessment of the Kilifi County
Kenya’s battle against violent extremism, primarily focused on Islamist terrorism since the 1998 Nairobi bombing, has seen significant counterterrorism progress over the past two decades. However, extremism remains a pervasive social and security issue, necessitating systematic, research-based policy action. This became starkly evident after the 2023 Shakahola cult tragedy, where over 400 lives were lost. This study examines religious sectarian extremism in Kenya, with a focus on Kilifi County from 2010 to 2024, a region marked by heightened extremism, including terrorism, mob killings of the elderly, and the Shakahola tragedy. It evaluates the impact of regulatory frameworks on the relationship between religious sectarian extremism and community security and analyzes strategies to mitigate the threats posed by religious sectarian extremism. The study applies the theory of violent extremist religious sects (VERSs) to contextualize the issue. A descriptive research design was used, collecting data from 384 respondents through structured questionnaires for quantitative analysis (using means and standard deviations) and semi-structured interviews with sixteen key informants for thematic qualitative analysis. Findings reveal that religious sectarian extremism in Kilifi County and Kenya manifests through religious divisions, conflicts driven by differing theological worldviews among leaders, destruction of worship sites, and discrimination based on religious differences. It also appears as emerging cults and extreme acts like mass suicides, killings, verbal and physical attacks, and hatred. To address this, the study recommends a government-led religious literacy campaign and a robust legal framework to regulate religious institutions.
Analysis of stakeholder perception of the Government of Kenya's messaging on the Kenya-Somalia maritime border dispute
This paper explores the stakeholder perception of the Government of Kenya's messaging on the Kenya-Somalia maritime border dispute (KSMBD). The territorial dispute between Kenya and Somalia has highlighted the significance of the government's clear, transparent, and timely communication. Effective communication and messaging are crucial for ensuring that governments clearly articulate their policies, especially on critical issues of national concern, such as the KSMBD. The dispute touches on Kenya's territorial integrity and sovereignty, making it a core national interest in line with the Kenyan Constitution 2010. The goals of the study were to examine stakeholder perception of the core Government of Kenya (GoK) messages on the KSMBD. The study relied on framing theory, while an exploratory study design guided the methodology. Key findings drawn from key informants and in-depth interviews indicated that government communication lacked a clear strategy. This resulted in incoherent and uncoordinated communication that ultimately affected the GoK response to the maritime border dispute. This paper recommends the need to enhance clear and well-defined strategic communication structures and processes in government, especially when communicating on issues of national importance.
An Assessment of the inter-agency framework in Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts, 2018-2022
In 2015 blatant corruption in Kenya, estimated at a third of the country’s annual budget, occasioned the declaration of the vice as a national threat. Consequently, a Multi-Agency Team (MAT) comprising the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was constituted in 2015. The operationalisation of the MAT was heralded by the appointment of career intelligence and security officers to head some of these key agencies, creating a strategic and operational MAT framework. Despite the adoption of the MAT, more grand corruption cases such as the Ksh 2.3 Billion KEMSA scandal of 2020 came to the limelight. Using a case study approach, this study assessed the effectiveness of MAT, its challenges and areas of potential improvement. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted. Using stratified sampling method, a sample size of 163 respondets was selected across the five agencies. For purposes of this study, the agencies have been pseudo-named A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5. The study established that 74.7% respondents had been involved in the MAT with 88.52% of the respondents indicating that the MAT was effective due to synergy, clarity and effective resource pooling. However, a lack of MAT framework, and corruption were established as some of the challenges. The study concluded that the MAT framework needs to be recalibrated to ensure the realisation of its intended outcome. The study recommends that there is need to anchor the MAT framework in law; resource all agencies adequately; and build capacities of the agencies before establishing any MAT.
Cyber espionage vulnerabilities in Kenya's e-government ecosystem
The rapid advancement of information technology in Kenya has ushered in the digital era, revolutionising the government's service delivery through e-Government. However, the transformation has inadvertently exposed government systems, databases, and infrastructures to the threat of cyber espionage, leading to unauthorised access to sensitive data. The aim of the study is to assess cyber espionage vulnerabilities within Kenya's e-Government ecosystem with a specific case study of a public institution (PI)*. By addressing this critical issue, the article seeks to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of sensitive information, protect national security interests, and sustain the progression of e-Government initiatives. The study was grounded in game theory. To ensure comprehensive data collection and bolster the validity and reliability of the study, a mixed-methods approach was employed, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data. The study focused on system end-users, ICT officers, system auditors, and ICT manager to offer an encompassing perspective as conveyed by the participants. The study established that though the government deploys information technology to boost service delivery, such deployment has not been matched by measures to address automation weaknesses that could provide opportunities for cyber espionage attacks. The researcher recommends that PI should update and implement its information security policy to encompass current and emerging cybersecurity issues, enhance employee training and awareness through robust training programs, and use technology such as Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to enhance their detection and prevention capabilities.
Dynamics hindering efﬁciency of social media intelligence in countering criminality in Kenya
Social media sites provide a haven for criminals. This threatens national security, hence the need for effective counter strategies. Despite the criminals' shifting to social media platforms, government security agencies remain slow in adopting emerging technologies and rely more on traditional intelligence collection methods, which fall short of capturing what occurs in the virtual world. The foregoing informed this research study on the dynamics hindering the efficiency of social media intelligence in countering criminality in Kenya. The objective was to determine the challenges that affect the efficiency of social media intelligence in countering online crimes in Kenya. The research applied technology acceptance theory to expound on the utilisation of social media platforms by criminals and subsequent challenges of counter-measures by government security agencies. The study applied a descriptive research design targeting government security agencies dealing with online countering of organised crimes and terrorism. The study established that existing challenges include criminal use of fake identities, secure applications, inadequate technical support and skills, weak legal frameworks, existing social media corporation bureaucracies, identification problems in virtual realms and technological adoption challenges. In conclusion, social media threats are cross-cutting and the emergence of many social media applications requires government security agencies to utilise all sources of information to mitigate strategic surprises. As a result, the research recommends enhancing the capabilities and capacity building of online investigation officers; investing more in research and innovation; enhancing information sharing and collaboration among key stakeholders; and formulating stringent measures.
Effectiveness of police training in cybercrime incident response within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya
In recent years, addressing cybercrime has become a top priority for police organisations. Ensuring that police officers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to cybercrime is a primary concern. Conducted at DCI headquarters, this study, grounded in structural contingency theory, aimed to assess the adequacy of police training in responding to cybercrime incidents. The research employed a mixed methodology, with 133 respondents chosen through stratified random and purposive sampling. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and interview schedules and analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings revealed that many respondents emphasised the importance of personal cybersecurity in investigating cybercrime incidents in Kenya. Victims often lacked knowledge of comprehensive cybersecurity measures and behavior monitoring was identified as essential in responding to cybercrimes. The analysis highlighted a lack of emphasis on digital crime training within the DCI. This indicates insufficient training in responding to cybercrime incidents. In light of these findings, this study recommends several actions to enhance police training on cybercrime. These include assessing officers' qualifications, employing cybersecurity specialists, collaborating with local and international partners for training and information sharing, continuous training on the latest cybercrime techniques, promoting citizen cybersecurity awareness, and allocating adequate budget for cybercrime incident response training programs.
Policy challenges affecting public infrastructure projects beyond regime change in Kenya
Governments initiate, fund, and put-up public infrastructure projects (PIPs) to provide public goods and services to their people. However, policies related to PIPs have not always guaranteed continuity of projects beyond regime change. The trend of abandonment of PIPs continues to be witnessed in Kenya, especially during political transitions. Concerns arise over the loss of value for revenue owing to perpetual abandonment of PIPs after regime change. This stimulates the need to examine policies that govern them. This study therefore sought to identify policy challenges that affect continuity of PIPs beyond regime change. The objectives were to identify policy challenges to continuous financing of PIPs beyond regime change as well as monitoring and evaluation of PIPs post-political transition. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study research design. The targeted population comprised county government officials and members of the public. Quota-purposive sampling technique was used to select key participants. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, analysed using NVIVO. It has been presented in tables and narratives. The study found that political factors are the predominant challenge to implementation of fiscal as well as monitoring and evaluation policies beyond regime change. The study recommends enforcement of existing policies through sensitisation of politicians, provision civic education to the public, enacting of laws that compel stakeholders to abide by existing policies, and constant policy review.
Challenges affecting strategic intelligence in addressing food insecurity in Kenya
Food insecurity has far-reaching global, regional, and national consequences: it fuels conflicts, affects livelihoods, and endangers public health. It is a multidimensional threat amplified by widespread uncertainty arising from climate change, pandemics, and a ballooning population. This has implications for strategic intelligence and national security. Strategic intelligence is the foreknowledge that forearms its consumers, informs decisions, addresses uncertainties, and necessitates early action. It includes early warnings and forecasts. Despite the numerous interventions, the number of food-insecure people has increased globally since 2014. Studies have indicated a disconnect between availability of strategic intelligence and its translation to early action in relation to ensuring food security. This study sought to bridge the gap by examining the challenges facing strategic intelligence in Kenya as far as ensuring a food secure country is concerned. Complexity theory underpinned the research. The study used a mixed-method, descriptive research design and a multi-staged stratified-purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected through interviews and semi-structured questionnaires augmented with secondary data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that strategic intelligence producers were challenged by inadequate data, uncertain indicators and low uptake of these products. In addition, the consumers of the same face resource constraints, political indifference, bureaucracies, and biases in analysing accessed information. The paper concludes that unique challenges constrain strategic intelligence at production and consumption. It recommends leveraging technology to synchronise relevant data and co-production to bridge the gap.
Contribution of Tom Mboya Airlift Africa to Kenya’s post-independence national security strategy
The 1959-1963 East African Students Airlifts, initiated by the politician Thomas Joseph Mboya, was a significant independence strategy. Tom Mboya Airlift Africa (TMAA) targeted the human capital development of Kenya's leadership cadre at the dawn of independence. The strategic environment in Kenya, then, comprised uncertainties and complexities characterised by the Cold War era and the lack of adequate critical human capital to replace the outgoing British colonial expatriates amidst an intense desire for Africanisation. The impending depature of the imperialists, who had principally administered the colony, presented a major security threat to the nation’s political and socio-economic stability. Consequently, TMAA provided the Kenyan nation with scholarship opportunities that enabled its students to pursue advanced education in the United States of America (USA). While evaluating TMAA in the context of safeguarding Kenya's economic security interests, this paper construes national security within the 1994 Human Development Report which broadens its definition from state-centred to people-centred, hence human security. The study, therefore, aimed at evaluating the benefits that accrued from TMAA in relation to mitigating the economic and political threats to Kenya's national security on the eve of independence. The research integrated historical analysis with a case study of TMAA. Primary data was collected through interviews with TMAA beneficiaries, historians and national security experts and complemented with a review of literature. The paper argues that TMAA transcended its educational mission to become an integral element of Kenya's national security strategy, highlighting the strategic role of human capital investment in safeguarding national security interests through the development of a new generation of leaders. The findings, therefore, illuminate TMAA's role in national security strategy development, and emphasise its vital contribution to establishing a robust government infrastructure and enriching the discourse on statecraft during Kenya’s transition to independence.
It is with profound gratitude and joy that we unveil the inaugural edition of The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy. This groundbreaking academic endeavour seeks to establish a scholarly forum dedicated to the demanding exploration of policy formulation and strategic decision-making in Eastern Africa and beyond. The inception of this scholarly journal is a significant step in meeting the need for a specialised platform that can illuminate the diverse challenges and nuances inherent in policymaking and strategic deliberations in the region, whose environment, made up of a rich blend of socio-economic, political, and cultural threads, presents an array of complex challenges that need innovative and contextbased explanations and solutions. It is the objective of this journal to generate an interdisciplinary discourse that fosters evidence-based policymaking and stimulates critical analyses of strategic choices that inform decisions and action.
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.
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