Welcome to our Research and Publications hub. This page highlights the scholarly work and thought leadership of our team through submitted articles, ongoing research, and collaborative academic efforts. Each entry reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge, informing practice, and contributing meaningfully to our field of focus. We invite you to explore our growing repository of research contributions.
2024
Kimotho, Stephen Gichuhi
Extreme Weather Events Call for Urgent and Bold Climate Action from Global Leaders Journal Article
In: 2024.
@article{nokey,
title = {Extreme Weather Events Call for Urgent and Bold Climate Action from Global Leaders},
author = {Stephen Gichuhi Kimotho},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381852956_Extreme_Weather_Events_Call_for_Urgent_and_Bold_Climate_Action_from_Global_Leaders},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-06-01},
urldate = {2024-06-01},
abstract = {As the world gears up for the COP29 climate summit, the urgency of the climate crisis is acutely felt in vulnerable countries like Kenya. The recent devastating floods in Kenya helps us to understand the need for robust and equitable climate action. The ACT2025 consortium's Call to Action highlights four key priorities for climate action: setting ambitious climate finance goals, advancing just and equitable ambition in national climate plans, driving people-centered adaptation efforts, and addressing loss and damage with sufficient action and support. Kenya's experience with floods, loss of lives, displacement of people, and damage to infrastructure is a clear indication of the inadequacy of current support to climate action. The article calls for increased financial commitments, technology transfer, and capacity building to support climate resilience in developing countries. COP29 is seen as a crucial opportunity to secure a sustainable and resilient future for all, and emphasizes the need for urgent and bold climate action to address the escalating human and economic costs of climate change.},
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As the world gears up for the COP29 climate summit, the urgency of the climate crisis is acutely felt in vulnerable countries like Kenya. The recent devastating floods in Kenya helps us to understand the need for robust and equitable climate action. The ACT2025 consortium's Call to Action highlights four key priorities for climate action: setting ambitious climate finance goals, advancing just and equitable ambition in national climate plans, driving people-centered adaptation efforts, and addressing loss and damage with sufficient action and support. Kenya's experience with floods, loss of lives, displacement of people, and damage to infrastructure is a clear indication of the inadequacy of current support to climate action. The article calls for increased financial commitments, technology transfer, and capacity building to support climate resilience in developing countries. COP29 is seen as a crucial opportunity to secure a sustainable and resilient future for all, and emphasizes the need for urgent and bold climate action to address the escalating human and economic costs of climate change.
Kimotho, Stephen Gichuhi
Transformational communication for sustainable change Journal Article
In: 2024.
@article{nokey,
title = {Transformational communication for sustainable change},
author = {Stephen Gichuhi Kimotho},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379118500_Transformational_communication_for_sustainable_change},
doi = {10.13140/RG.2.2.31171.41765},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-03-30},
urldate = {2024-03-30},
abstract = {ENTERPRISE In today's digital age, dominated by social media platforms, many communication professionals, including those in the development sector, have become fixated on online metrics such as likes and shares. However, this emphasis on popularity often obscures the true potential of communication as a catalyst for social change-a tool capable of effecting transformational influence within society. Transformational influence stands as the ultimate goal of effective communication within the development sphere. It represents the lasting, positive change that communication professionals strive to enact. This influence manifests in the transformation of individuals, communities, and entire systems, leading to the adoption of new practices, shifts in social norms, and advocacy for policy reform. Superficial Communication Today's digital landscape is inundated with content engineered for instant gratification-posts designed to garner likes, shares, and comments. This superficial communication fails to benefit projects meaningfully. In fact, such engagement metrics merely serve to momentarily boost online presence. The prevailing culture of chasing online popularity neglects the essence of communication, which should be rooted in driving positive change and societal transformation Transformative communication and transformational influence The solution lies in shifting focus from temporary online buzz to strategic, transformative communication. Unlike superficial trends, transformative communication facilitates lasting change by altering values, beliefs, and attitudes within individuals, communities, and systems. It empowers people to make decisions about development projects, fosters a shared vision for the future, and motivates collective action-a phenomenon referred to as transformational influence. Transformational influence represents the desired outcome of strategic communication. Its impact results in positive changes, such as adopting new practices, challenging harmful social norms, or influencing policy reforms. In essence, transformative communication serves as the strategic "how" that enables communicators to achieve transformational influence. Role of development professionals As individuals who communicate for causes aimed at improving lives, development professionals play a crucial role in shaping stories that drive positive change. This responsibility extends beyond sharing facts; it entails crafting messages that foster understanding, collaboration, and empowerment among project stakeholders, particularly beneficiaries. To do so effectively, communicators must adopt a more intentional, strategic approach. Media Influencers as Agents of Change Influencers within the development sphere wield extensive reach and influence, making them powerful agents of change. They can leverage their platforms to advocate for social causes, amplify marginalised voices, and challenge societal norms. However, this influence must be wielded responsibly to contribute positively to transformative influence within communities. Moving Beyond Vanity Metrics Vanity metrics like likes and shares offer a limited view of communication success. While important for visibility, they fail to capture the true impact of transformational initiatives. Shifting focus to measuring policy changes, community well-being, and shifts in attitudes and behaviors allows development communication professionals to gauge the lasting impact of their strategies. Let us measure success not by online buzz but by the tangible, lasting impact of our communication efforts. Only then can we address deep-rooted issues and build a more just and equitable world.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
ENTERPRISE In today's digital age, dominated by social media platforms, many communication professionals, including those in the development sector, have become fixated on online metrics such as likes and shares. However, this emphasis on popularity often obscures the true potential of communication as a catalyst for social change-a tool capable of effecting transformational influence within society. Transformational influence stands as the ultimate goal of effective communication within the development sphere. It represents the lasting, positive change that communication professionals strive to enact. This influence manifests in the transformation of individuals, communities, and entire systems, leading to the adoption of new practices, shifts in social norms, and advocacy for policy reform. Superficial Communication Today's digital landscape is inundated with content engineered for instant gratification-posts designed to garner likes, shares, and comments. This superficial communication fails to benefit projects meaningfully. In fact, such engagement metrics merely serve to momentarily boost online presence. The prevailing culture of chasing online popularity neglects the essence of communication, which should be rooted in driving positive change and societal transformation Transformative communication and transformational influence The solution lies in shifting focus from temporary online buzz to strategic, transformative communication. Unlike superficial trends, transformative communication facilitates lasting change by altering values, beliefs, and attitudes within individuals, communities, and systems. It empowers people to make decisions about development projects, fosters a shared vision for the future, and motivates collective action-a phenomenon referred to as transformational influence. Transformational influence represents the desired outcome of strategic communication. Its impact results in positive changes, such as adopting new practices, challenging harmful social norms, or influencing policy reforms. In essence, transformative communication serves as the strategic "how" that enables communicators to achieve transformational influence. Role of development professionals As individuals who communicate for causes aimed at improving lives, development professionals play a crucial role in shaping stories that drive positive change. This responsibility extends beyond sharing facts; it entails crafting messages that foster understanding, collaboration, and empowerment among project stakeholders, particularly beneficiaries. To do so effectively, communicators must adopt a more intentional, strategic approach. Media Influencers as Agents of Change Influencers within the development sphere wield extensive reach and influence, making them powerful agents of change. They can leverage their platforms to advocate for social causes, amplify marginalised voices, and challenge societal norms. However, this influence must be wielded responsibly to contribute positively to transformative influence within communities. Moving Beyond Vanity Metrics Vanity metrics like likes and shares offer a limited view of communication success. While important for visibility, they fail to capture the true impact of transformational initiatives. Shifting focus to measuring policy changes, community well-being, and shifts in attitudes and behaviors allows development communication professionals to gauge the lasting impact of their strategies. Let us measure success not by online buzz but by the tangible, lasting impact of our communication efforts. Only then can we address deep-rooted issues and build a more just and equitable world.
Kimotho, Stephen Gichuhi
Building Africa Food Systems through Youth-Led Solutions Journal Article
In: 2024.
@article{nokey,
title = {Building Africa Food Systems through Youth-Led Solutions},
author = {Stephen Gichuhi Kimotho},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378769428_Building_Africa_Food_Systems_through_Youth-Led_Solutions},
doi = {10.13140/RG.2.2.34117.22240},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-03-01},
urldate = {2024-03-01},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Kimotho, Stephen Gichuhi
A culture-centered approach to engaging youth in feed sector. Journal Article
In: 2024.
@article{nokey,
title = {A culture-centered approach to engaging youth in feed sector.},
author = {Stephen Gichuhi Kimotho},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378739398_A_CULTURE-CENTERED_APPROACH_TO_ENGAGING_YOUTH_IN_FEED_SECTOR},
doi = {10.13140/RG.2.2.31154.99527},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
abstract = {A CULTURE-CENTERED APPROACH TO ENGAGING YOUTH IN FEED SECTOR. Until feed and fodder sector and its processes - production, processing and marketing - are made part and parcel of the culture of the people, then such activities will always remain superficial opportunities of livelihood – and that will hardly encourage creativity and innovation among the youth. Merely attaching feed and fodder processes to the periphery of a culture of the people won‘t unleash their full potential. I suggest that true growth requires something far deeper – an organic integration, a cultural blossoming, where feed and fodder activities become interwoven into the very fabric of the society. A culture-centered approach to youth engagement may help to unlock the potential of our youth in this sector},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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A CULTURE-CENTERED APPROACH TO ENGAGING YOUTH IN FEED SECTOR. Until feed and fodder sector and its processes - production, processing and marketing - are made part and parcel of the culture of the people, then such activities will always remain superficial opportunities of livelihood – and that will hardly encourage creativity and innovation among the youth. Merely attaching feed and fodder processes to the periphery of a culture of the people won‘t unleash their full potential. I suggest that true growth requires something far deeper – an organic integration, a cultural blossoming, where feed and fodder activities become interwoven into the very fabric of the society. A culture-centered approach to youth engagement may help to unlock the potential of our youth in this sector
2020
Kimotho, Stephen Gichuhi; Macharia, Fiona Nduta
Social stigma and cultural beliefs associated with cleft lip and/or palate: parental perceptions of their experience in Kenya Journal Article
In: 2020.
@article{nokey,
title = {Social stigma and cultural beliefs associated with cleft lip and/or palate: parental perceptions of their experience in Kenya},
author = {Stephen Gichuhi Kimotho and Fiona Nduta Macharia},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-020-00677-7},
doi = {s41599-020-00677-7},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-06-01},
urldate = {2020-06-01},
abstract = {Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P)—a condition associated with speech, hearing,
feeding, and dental problems, as well as anomalies of the bone and soft tissue around the
mouth—is a common birth defect around the globe. The prevalence of this condition varies
widely across different countries and regions, and is apparently highest among Asians and
lowest among Africans. A review of literature reveals that there exists a dearth of information
on experiences of parents of children with CL/P and stigma communication, as well as
cultural beliefs associated with CL/P in Africa. To fill this gap, we conducted a descriptive
qualitative study examining the experiences of parents of children with CL/P, stigma com-
munication, and cultural beliefs associated with CL/P in Kenya. Twenty four in-depth inter-
views were done involving purposefully sampled parents of children born with CL/P at AIC
CURE International Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Five overarching themes emerged under the
lived experiences of parents of children with CL/P: Emotional experiences; relational
experiences; burden of care and concerns; reaction by the public and friends; and source of
social support. The stigma messages and beliefs associated with CL/P further exacerbated
the stigma. The study revealed that stigma communication associated with CL/P remains a
significant source of social and psychological anguish to parents and guardians of children
with CL/P. These findings have critical implications for the management of stigma com-
munication associated with CL/P. They point to the need for public awareness campaigns on
CL/P to demystify the condition, its causes and treatment. The study shows that raising
public awareness of CL/P would go a long way towards addressing the stigma associated
with the condition. It underscores the need for open communication and engagement with all
stakeholders to manage stigma communication associated with CL/P through culturally
appropriate anti-stigma campaigns.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P)—a condition associated with speech, hearing,
feeding, and dental problems, as well as anomalies of the bone and soft tissue around the
mouth—is a common birth defect around the globe. The prevalence of this condition varies
widely across different countries and regions, and is apparently highest among Asians and
lowest among Africans. A review of literature reveals that there exists a dearth of information
on experiences of parents of children with CL/P and stigma communication, as well as
cultural beliefs associated with CL/P in Africa. To fill this gap, we conducted a descriptive
qualitative study examining the experiences of parents of children with CL/P, stigma com-
munication, and cultural beliefs associated with CL/P in Kenya. Twenty four in-depth inter-
views were done involving purposefully sampled parents of children born with CL/P at AIC
CURE International Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Five overarching themes emerged under the
lived experiences of parents of children with CL/P: Emotional experiences; relational
experiences; burden of care and concerns; reaction by the public and friends; and source of
social support. The stigma messages and beliefs associated with CL/P further exacerbated
the stigma. The study revealed that stigma communication associated with CL/P remains a
significant source of social and psychological anguish to parents and guardians of children
with CL/P. These findings have critical implications for the management of stigma com-
munication associated with CL/P. They point to the need for public awareness campaigns on
CL/P to demystify the condition, its causes and treatment. The study shows that raising
public awareness of CL/P would go a long way towards addressing the stigma associated
with the condition. It underscores the need for open communication and engagement with all
stakeholders to manage stigma communication associated with CL/P through culturally
appropriate anti-stigma campaigns.
feeding, and dental problems, as well as anomalies of the bone and soft tissue around the
mouth—is a common birth defect around the globe. The prevalence of this condition varies
widely across different countries and regions, and is apparently highest among Asians and
lowest among Africans. A review of literature reveals that there exists a dearth of information
on experiences of parents of children with CL/P and stigma communication, as well as
cultural beliefs associated with CL/P in Africa. To fill this gap, we conducted a descriptive
qualitative study examining the experiences of parents of children with CL/P, stigma com-
munication, and cultural beliefs associated with CL/P in Kenya. Twenty four in-depth inter-
views were done involving purposefully sampled parents of children born with CL/P at AIC
CURE International Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Five overarching themes emerged under the
lived experiences of parents of children with CL/P: Emotional experiences; relational
experiences; burden of care and concerns; reaction by the public and friends; and source of
social support. The stigma messages and beliefs associated with CL/P further exacerbated
the stigma. The study revealed that stigma communication associated with CL/P remains a
significant source of social and psychological anguish to parents and guardians of children
with CL/P. These findings have critical implications for the management of stigma com-
munication associated with CL/P. They point to the need for public awareness campaigns on
CL/P to demystify the condition, its causes and treatment. The study shows that raising
public awareness of CL/P would go a long way towards addressing the stigma associated
with the condition. It underscores the need for open communication and engagement with all
stakeholders to manage stigma communication associated with CL/P through culturally
appropriate anti-stigma campaigns.
2016
Kimotho, Stephen Gichuhi
Role of Media and Women Environmental Activists in Advancing Environmental Justice among the Marginalised Communities Journal Article
In: 2016.
@article{nokey,
title = {Role of Media and Women Environmental Activists in Advancing Environmental Justice among the Marginalised Communities},
author = {Stephen Gichuhi Kimotho},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305387327_Role_of_Media_and_Women_Environmental_Activists_in_Advancing_Environmental_Justice_among_the_Marginalised_Communities},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
urldate = {2016-01-01},
abstract = {Disproportionate dumping of toxic waste or exposure to different environmental hazards, particularly in areas predominantly inhabited by poor or marginalized communities, including populations in the informal settlements (slums), has become the commonest form of environmental injustices in many developing countries. Low-income communities in Kenya bear the brunt of environmental injustice, particularly from corporate bodies. Despite the fact that the poor bear little responsibility, they suffer disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards, with serious implications on lives and livelihoods. Most often, media and activism have been conceived theoretically as having an intrinsic and somewhat symbiotic relationship. Each relies on the other for stories and publicity. In many developed countries, the media plays a significant role in exposing rogue industries perpetrating corporate environmental crime. This is, however, uncommon in Kenya and many other African countries. Often, Kenyan media is preoccupied with violent crime and politics, and the role of exposing environmental injustices has been left to a few environmental activists. The case of Phyllis Omido, an environmental activist from Kenya, who highlighted the plight of Owino Uhuru slum dwellers in Mombasa, after years of lead poisoning and numerous adverse health effects on the residents, serves as a good example. While Omido’s efforts in fighting environmental injustices, got international recognition, review of literature, reveals a dearth of scholarly work on roles women activists’ and media in fighting ever increasing cases of environmental injustices in Kenya. This paper, therefore, explores the case of Owino Uhuru lead poisoning, highlighting the implications of corporate environmental crimes on the society, roles of women in environmental activism, as well as the place of media and the Internet in environmental activism in Kenya.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Disproportionate dumping of toxic waste or exposure to different environmental hazards, particularly in areas predominantly inhabited by poor or marginalized communities, including populations in the informal settlements (slums), has become the commonest form of environmental injustices in many developing countries. Low-income communities in Kenya bear the brunt of environmental injustice, particularly from corporate bodies. Despite the fact that the poor bear little responsibility, they suffer disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards, with serious implications on lives and livelihoods. Most often, media and activism have been conceived theoretically as having an intrinsic and somewhat symbiotic relationship. Each relies on the other for stories and publicity. In many developed countries, the media plays a significant role in exposing rogue industries perpetrating corporate environmental crime. This is, however, uncommon in Kenya and many other African countries. Often, Kenyan media is preoccupied with violent crime and politics, and the role of exposing environmental injustices has been left to a few environmental activists. The case of Phyllis Omido, an environmental activist from Kenya, who highlighted the plight of Owino Uhuru slum dwellers in Mombasa, after years of lead poisoning and numerous adverse health effects on the residents, serves as a good example. While Omido’s efforts in fighting environmental injustices, got international recognition, review of literature, reveals a dearth of scholarly work on roles women activists’ and media in fighting ever increasing cases of environmental injustices in Kenya. This paper, therefore, explores the case of Owino Uhuru lead poisoning, highlighting the implications of corporate environmental crimes on the society, roles of women in environmental activism, as well as the place of media and the Internet in environmental activism in Kenya.