Have you completed research on social inequality, governance, economic development, gender, media influence or international relations but are unsure where to publish your findings? The University of Nairobi Faculty of Social Sciences provides academic programmes that explore human behaviour, institutions, culture and the challenges affecting contemporary societies. Its research disciplines include sociology, economics, psychology, journalism, political science, anthropology and development studies. These fields generate evidence that can inform public policy, strengthen communities and contribute to Kenya’s social and economic development. However, completing a dissertation or research project does not automatically make its findings accessible to other researchers. Publishing in an appropriate scholarly journal helps communicate original research to wider academic and professional audiences. IPR Journals and Books (IPRJB) provides journals covering sociology, public policy, communication, development and related disciplines. For students, lecturers and independent researchers, selecting the right publication outlet means considering the journal’s subject scope, editorial standards, peer-review process and verified indexing information.
The university’s published departmental information covers sociology, social work, economics, political science, public administration, journalism, anthropology, gender studies, diplomacy, psychology and several humanities disciplines.
| Research discipline | Examples of publishable research |
|---|---|
| Sociology and Social Work | Social inequality, family welfare, community development and social protection |
| Political Science and Public Administration | Governance, public participation, elections and policy implementation |
| Economics and Development Studies | Poverty reduction, employment, inequality and economic development |
| Journalism and Mass Communication | Media influence, digital communication, misinformation and public relations |
| Anthropology and Gender Studies | Cultural practices, gender equality, identity and social inclusion |
| Diplomacy and International Studies | Regional cooperation, diplomacy, international security and foreign policy |
| Psychology | Mental well-being, human behaviour, counselling and social adjustment |
These areas offer opportunities for original research that addresses practical challenges in Kenya and across Africa.
Which IPRJB Journals Are Suitable for Social Sciences Research?
The best journal depends on the manuscript’s central research question, methodology and contribution. The following five titles provide useful starting points.
| IPRJB journal | Suitable research topics |
|---|---|
| International Journal of Sociology | Social change, inequality, community development, social institutions and cultural identity |
| Journal of Public Policy and Administration | Governance, public policy, decentralization, public service delivery and policy evaluation |
| Journal of Developing Country Studies | Development challenges, socioeconomic inequality, education, institutions and social transformation |
| International Journal of Communication and Public Relation | Journalism, digital media, strategic communication, public relations and media effects |
| Journal of Poverty, Investment and Development | Poverty reduction, livelihoods, social protection, community investment and development programmes |
These journals are listed in the official IPRJB journal directory. Their stated subject coverage makes them potential matches for research from different social sciences departments. Researchers should review the latest aims and scope and published articles before submitting.
Are IPRJB Social Sciences Journals Peer-Reviewed and Scientifically Indexed?
IPR Journals and Books describes its social sciences journals as peer-reviewed publications. The International Journal of Sociology, Journal of Developing Country Studies and Journal of Public Policy and Administration are among the titles for which the publisher reports editorial review processes. However, researchers should examine each journal’s current editorial policies, reviewer arrangements and recent articles before submitting. The publisher also reports visibility through services such as Google Scholar and other scholarly databases. These should not automatically be treated as proof of selective scientific indexing. Google Scholar supports research discovery, while Crossref provides DOI registration and metadata services. Neither function independently establishes inclusion in Scopus or Web of Science. The recommended journals’ eligibility under any specific university indexing requirement has not been independently established here. Authors should verify the journal’s current status directly with the relevant indexing service and their academic department.
What Are the CUE Publication Requirements for Social Sciences Postgraduate Students?
The Commission for University Education (CUE) establishes national standards for university education in Kenya. Its 2014 Universities Standards and Guidelines state that doctoral candidates should normally demonstrate acceptance of at least two papers in refereed journals before being awarded their degrees. The Draft Universities (General) Regulations, 2026 propose further publication requirements, including one accepted paper in a refereed journal for master’s students and two accepted papers in scientifically indexed refereed journals for doctoral candidates. These 2026 proposals are not confirmed operative regulations. CUE published them for public consultation, so students should not assume that they have replaced the existing standards. Before submitting, University of Nairobi researchers should confirm their programme’s current publication requirements, journal eligibility criteria and supervisor recommendations.
Why Should University of Nairobi Social Sciences Researchers Publish Their Findings?
Social sciences research helps explain how societies function, how institutions respond to public needs and how policies influence people’s lives. For students at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Social Sciences, publishing original findings can extend the value of a dissertation beyond graduation by making its evidence accessible to researchers, policymakers and practitioners. Studies on youth unemployment, gender-based violence, political participation, social media, mental health, migration and poverty reduction may contribute to discussions on Kenya’s development priorities. Academic publication can also help researchers demonstrate methodological competence, develop scholarly writing skills and establish a research profile. Lecturers and professionals may benefit from greater research visibility, potential collaboration and opportunities to contribute to policy debates. Through IPR Journals and Books, authors can explore publication opportunities in sociology, communication, public administration and development studies. Nevertheless, journal selection should be based on academic suitability rather than publication speed alone. Researchers must ensure that their manuscripts present original findings, acknowledge existing scholarship, follow appropriate ethical procedures and meet the journal’s editorial requirements.
How Can University of Nairobi Social Sciences Researchers Submit Their Manuscripts?
Researchers interested in publishing through IPR Journals and Books can follow these steps:
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Identify the main research discipline. Determine whether the manuscript contributes primarily to sociology, public policy, communication or development studies.
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Select a suitable journal. Compare the study’s objectives with the journal’s aims and recent articles.
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Verify publication requirements. Check peer-review policies, indexing information, publication charges and university eligibility.
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Prepare the manuscript. Follow the journal’s author guidelines and include appropriate references, ethical declarations and research findings.
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Submit for editorial consideration. Use the official IPRJB manuscript submission page.
The publisher provides an online submission form through which authors can select a journal and upload their manuscript. Confirm the applicable publication charges, editorial policies and payment terms with the publisher before submission.
Where Should University of Nairobi Social Sciences Researchers Begin?
Research on society, governance, communication and development can contribute valuable evidence to academic discussions and practical decision-making. Publishing these findings is an opportunity to share original knowledge beyond the classroom and university. Explore suitable journals through IPR Journals and Books, review their author guidelines and submit your research manuscript for editorial consideration.