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ONGOING PROJECTS
  • Contributor, V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) – Democracy, Elections and Political Parties in Zanzibar(2000-2020).
  • Researcher, Providing for Peacekeeping Project – International Peace Institute (IPI) (2015-Ongoing).
  • Research in Popular Music and Culture (2019-Ongoing).
  • Research in Politics and Elections in Tanzania (Ongoing).
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Students’ Tribune

The Students’ Tribune features stories and analyses from students I have taught and mentored over the years. This platform is inspired by my interactions with students at different universities. It is a platform that publishes conversations and stories about students’ personal life experiences as well as academic experiences. The goal is to inspire, educate and raise awareness on various issues that students face. As a university lecturer, I have always believed that teaching alone is not enough; students need to be inspired and mentored. This platform provides an opportunity for students to tell stories and make meaningful conversations that will be impactful. I hope this platform will inspire and up make students’ voices heard.
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To be a woman in my country

By Jael Ikinya   To be a woman in my country Kenya means always keeping an eye on who's behind you as you weave through the busy streets. The cities and neighborhoods might be alive with colors, but they also carry the weight of femicide and violence against women. It's like wearing an invisible shield, navigating crowded places with your heart pounding, wondering if every footstep could be a threat.   In my country, being a woman often feels like walking a tightrope. You've got to follow unspoken rules, where the choice of your...

The forgotten child of war

By Jael Ikinya   I had a name once, and I cherished it. Ayala, which means deer. In the embrace of my parents' love, it was a name that danced on their lips like a prayer, a name that connected me to the innocence of childhood and the sacredness of our faith and moral commitment.   I grew up in a loving home, surrounded by the warmth of both parents who shared not just a roof but a love that I believed to be strong enough for the whole world. Our days were filled...

Draped Dreams and Reality in a Vial: My sojourn encounter with Intra-Uterine Donor Sperm Insemination

By Effie Achieng (Mama Bear)   Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has brought hope and new beginnings to countless individuals and families struggling with choices of having kids when not in the dating cycle, when in a relationship or in cases of infertility. One such remarkable story revolves around me. After undergoing an IUI procedure in November 2019 at a renowned fertility clinic, I was blessed with twin girls. My journey serves as a powerful testimony to the wonders of modern science and medicine and the unwavering spirit of hope.   Intrauterine insemination, also known as...

Knowledge and Skill sets; great aides in today’s marketplace

By Umu Jalo          I recently graduated from my undergraduate studies after a 13-year break between my first and second year, and my third and fourth year. It was a beautiful Saturday morning this past October and I was grinning like a Cheshire cat all through the graduation ceremony. Finally, I was given the powers to actually read, without having to skirt around whenever I was asked about the status of my degree by some HR officer somewhere behind a desk in the course of the thirteen years I was away....

Knowledge and Skill sets; great aides in today’s marketplace

By Umu Jalo          I recently graduated from my undergraduate studies after a 13-year break between my first and second year, and my third and fourth year. It was a beautiful Saturday morning this past October and I was grinning like a Cheshire cat all through the graduation ceremony. Finally, I was given the powers to actually read, without having to skirt around whenever I was asked about the status of my degree by some HR officer somewhere behind a desk in the course of the thirteen years I was away....

Navigating the Maze of master’s Education: My Journey in International Relations

By Lynace Mwashighadi   In the bustling world of journalism, my journey into the realm of academia was not a casual one; it was born out of a confluence of experiences and a deep-seated desire to expand my horizons. It began with a profound realization during my tenure with the State House Press Corp at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). It was a period marked by international exploits, a time when I delved into the intricacies of Kenya’s fourth President Uhuru Kenyatta's bilateral engagements, corporate liaisons, and global business deals. These experiences exposed...

Maureen Cherongis: Reflections of my masters research journey

By Maureen Cherongis   The moment I stepped at the United States International University - Africa (USIU-A) to pursue Masters in International Relations, I had a clear and resolute vision of the specific trajectory my research would follow.   My research journey has been shaped by a deep desire to challenge dominant narratives that perpetuate colonial legacies and to ensure that the diverse heritage of Africa is authentically represented. From the onset, my research topic was ignited by a powerful idea: 'who owns the story.' research. This study was conceptualized by Jess Crombie and...

Writing your Master’s Thesis is like finishing your first marathon, not a sprint

By Florence van Riet   During my Spring and Summer Semester 2023 at United States International University – Africa (USIU), I started my Master’s thesis journey. And I kid you not, when I say that this has been the most hard and frustrating, but also the most rewarding and fulfilling experience so far in my academic career.   Choosing a topic, putting data together and writing your thesis is an exciting but also a somewhat worrying process. Let’s start with how I chose my topic. Actually, I did not choose my topic,...

Sheena Aine

Sheena Aine: My experiences studying for a Masters Degree in International Relations

By Sheena Aine   Hello everyone, my name is Sheena and I have just recently completed a Master of Arts degree in International Relations with a concentration in Development Studies at USIU-Africa. My masters experience was truthfully a mixture of emotions and a roller coaster. I was grateful for the many experiences throughout my academic journey and I was especially grateful and happy with this chosen degree. I was also grateful for the classes and knowledge that was being shared, grateful for the professors that were always open to going the extra...