DPS 124- PUBLIC POLICY IN PEACE, SECURITY AND CONFLICT

COURSE PROFILE

Course Title:

DPS 0124: Public Policy in Peace, Security and Conflict

Audience:

Diploma students pursuing Diploma in Peace, Security and Conflict Management
This course is foundational and designed to equip Diploma learners with policy knowledge and skills relevant to peacebuilding, security governance, and conflict management in Kenya and beyond.

Duration:

14 Weeks
(13 Teaching Weeks + 1 Examination Week)

Delivery Mode:

Blended learning:
• Face-to-face lectures
• Online learning via LMS
• Group discussions and case studies
• Video-supported modules

Credit Hours:

3 Credit Hours

Prerequisites:

None.

Instructor:

Rashid Said Omar
(Facilitator, Institute of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies – IPSHS)

Developer:

Institute of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies (IPSHS), Garissa University
(Developed under the ODEL content enhancement initiative)

Last Update:

January 2026

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Welcome to DPS 0124. All course materials will be accessible through the LMS each week.
• Participation in group discussions and activities is compulsory for continuous assessment.
• Kindly keep track of deadlines to avoid penalties.
• Additional readings will be shared throughout the semester to support deeper understanding.
• Please reach out to the facilitator for clarification or academic support when needed.

FACILITATOR BIO – RASHID SAID OMAR

Rashid Said Omar is a facilitator at the Institute of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies (IPSHS), Garissa University. He specializes in peacebuilding, public policy analysis, conflict transformation, and security governance. Rashid has been actively involved in community-based conflict resolution initiatives, institutional capacity building, and policy support programs across Northern Kenya. His teaching approach integrates practical experiences with theoretical foundations to equip students with problem solving, analytical, and leadership skills relevant to the peace and security sector. He is passionate about empowering young people to understand the role of policy in shaping peaceful societies.

FORUM DISCUSSION

Students will engage in weekly guided discussions. Sample questions include:

  1. Identify one public issue in your county that requires policy intervention and explain why.

  2. How does ineffective policy implementation contribute to conflict?

  3. Should security policies be citizen-driven or government-driven? Support your argument.

COURSE OUTLINE (13 Weeks)

Week 1: Introduction to Public Policy
Week 2: Public Policy Theories and Models
Week 3: Public Problems and Policy Issues in Peace and Security
Week 4–5: Role of Public Administration in Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution
Week 6: The Public Policy Development Process
Week 7–8: National Security Policy and Strategy Development
Week 9: Implementation of National Security Policy in Kenya
Week 10: Legal Frameworks and Institutional Reforms in Peacebuilding
Week 11: Policy Analysis Tools and Techniques
Week 12: Contemporary Policy Issues in Peace and Security
Week 13: Applied Case Studies in Public Policy, Peace and Security
Week 14: Examination Week

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces Diploma learners to the foundational principles of public policy and their application in peacebuilding, security management, and conflict resolution. Students explore how governments identify public problems, formulate policies, implement strategies, and evaluate outcomes. The course examines Kenya’s public administration landscape, national security policy processes, and institutional reforms that support peace and security. Learners also analyse contemporary policy challenges influencing conflict dynamics and governance in the region.

COURSE EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  1. Define key concepts in public policy, peace, security, and conflict governance.

  2. Explain major theories and models of public policy.

  3. Identify and analyse public problems affecting peace and security.

  4. Describe the role of public administration in peacebuilding and conflict management.

  5. Explain the process of national security policy and strategy development.

  6. Evaluate legal frameworks and institutional reforms that support peacebuilding in Kenya.

  7. Apply basic policy analysis tools to assess policy options and outcomes.

  8. Discuss emerging policy issues and their implications for security and stability.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The course is structured into 13 modules delivered over the semester. It integrates theory, practical case studies, video resources, and collaborative learning through group discussions. Learners will develop analytical capacity, policy reasoning, and practical skills relevant to peace and security governance.

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

Formative Assessment – 50%

Includes:
• Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
• Online and in-class quizzes
• Discussion forums
• Scenario-based case study tasks
• Group work submissions

Summative Assessment – 50%

• Final Examination (Week 14)

TOTAL: 100%