Abstract: Climate change poses a major threat to agriculture, livelihoods, and socio-economic development in East Africa, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. To address this, IGAD has implemented climate adaptability projects in Kenya; however, challenges such as weak political support, limited institutional capacity, inadequate stakeholder engagement, and poor resource mobilization have constrained performance. This study examined the influence of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) drivers—political support, institutional capacity, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilization—on the performance of IGAD’s climate adaptability projects in Kenya, grounded in Stakeholder and Institutional Theories. A convergent parallel mixed-method design was employed, targeting 757 respondents across nine projects. The sample comprised 263 staff and 12 key informants from partner organizations, with data collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. Analysis was conducted through SPSS v30.0 for quantitative data and thematic methods for qualitative data. Results revealed that the four M&E drivers collectively explained 78.3% of the variance in project performance (R² = 0.783), with institutional capacity as the strongest predictor. Introducing organizational coordination improved the model to R² = 0.796. The study concludes that all four drivers significantly influence performance and recommends strengthening political support, institutional capacity, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation to enhance climate adaptability project outcomes.

Abstract: Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern globally, with family environments playing a critical role in shaping youth behavior. This study explored how family structure influences juvenile delinquency in Loitoktok Sub-County, Kajiado County, Kenya. Guided by Social Learning Theory and Strain Theory, it examined the effects of parental neglect, family conflict, household structure, and substance abuse on delinquent behavior. A mixed-methods design was adopted, involving 160 participants: 150 juveniles in conflict with the law and 16 parents or guardians. Juveniles were selected through simple random sampling, while purposive and snowball techniques identified guardians. Data were collected through questionnaires and document reviews from children’s offices and probation records. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v26, while qualitative insights were examined thematically with NVivo. Findings revealed high exposure to dysfunctional family environments, with 78.3% reporting parental neglect, 72.8% citing absence of one or both parents, and 65.1% attributing delinquency to unstable family structures. Family conflict (69.4%) and household substance abuse (74.6%) also emerged as strong predictors of deviant behavior. The study concludes that fragile family systems are significant drivers of youth crime and recommends family-centered interventions to strengthen relationships, enhance parenting, and promote child protection.

Abstract: The National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), established under the 2015 Act, aims to enhance equitable resource distribution and grassroots development, particularly in education. However, project implementation has faced persistent challenges, including delays, cost overruns, and weak management practices. This study examined the influence of project management practices on the implementation of NG-CDF-funded education projects in Ugunja Constituency, Siaya County. The analysis focused on resource availability, contractor competence, stakeholder involvement, and government oversight, drawing on Stakeholder Theory and the Theory of Constraints. A descriptive research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted. From a target population of 162 stakeholders, a stratified random sample of 81 respondents was surveyed using structured questionnaires and interviews. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that resource availability, contractor competence, and stakeholder involvement significantly enhanced project implementation, whereas government oversight showed no statistically significant effect. The study concludes that successful education projects rely on sound resource allocation, competent contractors, and active stakeholder participation. It recommends adopting a standardised project management framework, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and enhancing stakeholder engagement to improve accountability, transparency, and educational outcomes.

Abstract: The study assessed how psychosocial support influences the emotional and economic well-being of caregivers of cancer patients at KUTRRH in Nairobi, Kenya. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model and Family Systems Theory, it explored four key areas: emotional support, financial assistance, social support networks, and informational support. A cross-sectional design was used, involving 200 caregivers and 35 healthcare workers. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings revealed that most caregivers received moderate levels of emotional and financial support. Emotional support, particularly from family and friends, was rated highly (mean = 4.0), while counseling services and support groups were moderately available. Financial support was perceived as accessible and helpful (mean = 3.9). Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation among all four psychosocial support variables and family quality of life (r = 0.51 to 0.64, p < .01). Regression analysis indicated that psychosocial support accounted for 5.7% of the variability in family quality of life (R² = .057, p = .015). The study concludes that psychosocial support, especially emotional and financial assistance, plays a crucial role in reducing caregiver stress and improving family well-being. It recommends strengthening mental health services, increasing awareness, improving financial support systems, and establishing structured peer support networks for caregivers.