Call for Papers

 Abstract and full paper submissions are accepted under the following sub-themes: 

      a.      Policy, Governance & Human Rights: 
               i.      Critique of Kenya's Mental Health Policy (2015-2030) and Action Plans. 
              ii.      Bridging gaps between mental health laws, CRPD, and practice. 
              iii.     Resource allocation and stigma reduction in national security budgets. 
      b.      Trauma, Conflict & Post-Conflict Reconstruction: 
               i.        Impact of terrorism, inter-communal conflict, and displacement on community mental health. 
               ii.       Role of mental health in peacebuilding and social cohesion. 
       c.      Mental Health in Security Agencies: 
                i.        Intersection of psychological health and national security  
                ii.       Effectiveness of current mental health support for security personnel. 
        d.     Community Resilience & Mental Health First Aid: 
                i.        Building community-led mental health support networks. 
                ii.        Role of community health workers and NGOs in early intervention. 
         e.     Mental Health & Radicalization/Extremism: 
                i.         Vulnerability of individuals with mental health conditions to radicalization. 
                ii.        Mental health interventions for preventing extremist recruitment. 
         f.       Media, Technology & Public Perception: 
                 i.       Responsible media portrayal of mental illness and security issues. 
                 ii.      Using technology for mental health awareness and support in vulnerable areas.  
4.        Papers to be published in the NDU-K Journal must be the original work of the author/s that have not been published previously in any manner. Authors retain the copyright of the published papers.  
5.         Accepted Papers should be between 5,000 and 6,000 Words in length including text and references (excluding tables and figures). Upon publication the papers will be available on the journal website https://journal.ndu.ac.ke/index.php/nsj.  
6.         Guidelines for submission: Full paper submission: 6th February, 2026 
            a.       Manuscript Submission Format. All text must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1.5 line spacing. Margins should be at least 1 inch on all four sides. You may cite your own work by using the appropriate formal writing voice/avoid the use of first-person pronouns. The paper should have the following sections/headings: 

                      i.         Introduction. The introduction is a critical component of the article writing process. An introduction not only presents your topic and your         position on it, but it also (places/contextualizes) your argument within the larger academic area. Take note of any pertinent controversies or disagreements 
in the field. Finish with a brief summary of the overarching goal of the work and a comment on whether or not that goal was met. 
                      ii.       Theoretical basis. Provide the theoretical lenses through which your work can be understood. Salient debates within the area of study should be evident. 
                       iii. Methodology. Provide the research design, target population, sampling procedures adopted and method of analysis. 
                       iv. Discussion/Analysis of Findings. Provide information to give context to the topic. 

                              Present this clearly and feel free to use subheadings in this section. 
                              The article must demonstrate a wide readership and be intellectually persuasive. 
                              All statements made in the article, including in this section of the article, should be supported. Over-citation in an article is discouraged. 
                              The paper should, as much as possible, use the language of the subject matter. 
                               Avoid value-laden words, phraseology, and/or statements. They communicate bias and affect the reader’s perception of the   author’s objectivity. 
                               Fact-check all content that involves numbers, places, volume, years, degrees of severity, and income among others. 
                    v.        Conclusion. Summarizes the article’s key points. 
                    vi.        Recommendations. Are based on analysis and should be bulleted. 
                    vii.       References (Sources). The APA Style Version 7 (2020) referencing style is to be used. Include links to online sources. 
        b.         Abstract. Papers will be preceded by an abstract of between 200 - 300 words describing the purpose, methods, general findings and recommendations of the study and should contain a minimum of five (5) key words listed in alphabetical order. 
        c.           Title Page. The complete manuscript title, name(s) and addresses of author(s), institutional affiliations and status should be clearly stated on this page. 
        d.           Page Numbering. Pages should be numbered consecutively. 
       e.           Biography Page. Please provide a short biography (fewer than 100 words) for 
yourself and each author, if the paper is the work of more than one author. 
        f.           Authors. The author(s) are responsible for securing permission to reproduce all copyrighted figures or materials before they are published by this Journal. A copy of the written permission must be included with the manuscript submission. Where applicable, author(s) must submit a copy of research permit and documents of authorisation.