Publications

Factors Influencing Educational Wastage Among Girls in Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Case Of Kisii Central District

Benjamin K. Wambua; Motage Justus Mosigisi; Shandrack Saina

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing wastage among girls in secondary schools in Kisii Central district. Generally it looked into the factors that force girls to drop out of school or repeat grades. The objectives that were used to guide this study were to; establish the influence of school related factors on the wastage rate among girls at secondary level in Kisii central district, establish the influence of economic factors on wastage among girls in secondary schools in Kisii Central district, investigate the influence of cultural factors on wastage among girls in secondary schools in Kisii central district , and finally establish the influence of social factors on wastage rate among girls in secondary level in Kisii central district. The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Descriptive survey research design was used in conducting the study. This study was based on the production function theory as expressed by Psacharapoulos and Wood hall (1985). Stratified random sampling was used to select 22 secondary schools which were either public mixed or public girl’s schools. This formed 35% of the total 63 public mixed and public girls’ schools in the study area. The respondents were all head teachers and one form three class master in each selected school. Form three students of the selected schools also participated. All the above respondents were purposively sampled into the study. A total of 399 respondents participated. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Piloting of the study was conducted in two schools in the neighbouring Gucha district. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The inferential statistics used was chi-squire. From the findings it was found out that economic factors like poverty at household level, cultural factors such as pregnancy and marriages were responsible for dropout among girls. Also, school related factors like school examination regulations and social factors such as provision of sanitary towels were found to affect girls’ education negatively. It is therefore hoped that the findings and recommendations of this study will be useful to educational planners and other educational stakeholders in solving the problem of wastage among girls in secondary schools in Kenya.

Towards Optimal Project Management: Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices on Project Outcomes in HIV Service Provision in Kenya

Raphael Nyonje; Mutie Mwikali Jacinta; Lydia Wambugu; Reuben Kikwatha

Objective: Quality healthcare service provision is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 on universal health and well-being. However, a noticeable gap exists in the literature regarding the essential role of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices in planning, data collection, reporting, and results dissemination of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services. The objective was to investigate extent to which the perceptions of healthcare workers influence on M&E practices. Theoretical Framework: The program theory was applied as it provides a framework for planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions by identifying the pathways through which these outcomes are achieved. A retrospective cross-sectional survey design was used as it leverages complementary methodologies. The high consensus levels highlighted the universality of this perspective within the healthcare community. A moderate positive correlation and a significant relationship between the two variables was observed. Theoretically, it showed how the perceived contribution of M&E offers a conceptual framework for analyzing and evaluating interventions toward project effectiveness. Results and Discussion: Variations in healthcare infrastructure, resources, and patient demographics across regions could influence the applicability of the results. The practical, methodological and theoretical implications of this research provide insights into how the results can be applied. Research Implications: This study contributes to the literature through practical contributions by identifying progress and challenges throughout the healthcare system to provide. Originality/Value: The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by guiding stakeholders, project managers and implementers in improving their M&E systems, allowing for better resource mobilization, and planning, by documenting and replicating successful interventions.

Adoption of E-Health Records Management Systems as a Strategy to Improve Service Delivery in Public Hospitals in Kenya

Raphael Nyonje; Lawrence Nduva Munyaka; Ndunge Kyalo; Mulwa Angeline

Purpose: To establish the extent to which the adoption of an electronic records management system influences service delivery in public hospitals in Kenya. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research method, correlational research design, and mixed method of research were employed. The target population was all the 1207 professional staff working in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital as well as 1841 outpatients treated in both hospitals between January and May. To select the 341 respondents of the research, a stratified random sampling technique was used. The researcher used secondary and primary data. Semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to the respondents to allow for the collection of primary data. Qualitative data was analyzed with the help of thematic analysis. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Descriptive statistics that were used include mean, percentages, frequencies, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics that were used are multiple regression analysis, correlation analysis, and univariate regression analysis. Findings: The correlation analysis results showed that there exists a positive correlation between the utilization of electronic records management and service delivery in public hospitals (r=0.733, p-value=0.000). In addition, regression analysis results showed that the utilization of electronic records management had a positive influence on service delivery in public hospitals in Kenya (β=0.715, p-value=0.000). Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that public hospitals in Kenya should fully adopt and utilize electronic record management as a way of improving efficiency in service delivery in terms of waiting time and loss of files.

Enhancing Learning of Geography: A Focus on Video Use

Violet K. Nabwire; Obondo Gaudence; Jaction K. Too

Prevailing poor performance by students in examination and misconception they hold about some topics in Geography have aroused concern in educational field on the cause and need to alleviate the situation. Conventional approach which is widely used need to be integrated with technological innovations in teaching to alleviate the situation of low enrolment and conform to expected national quality and standard in Geography. The Homa Bay district Mean Standard Score of 6 C+ has been recorded for the last four years and low enrolment as students tend to shy away from the subject. The main objective was to investigate if video can enhance learning. Cohun’s and Edgar’s theories on hearing, sight and learning experience arranged in hierarchy informed this study. The study adopted Experimental research design involving pre test-post test control group design. The target population was provincial schools in Homa Bay district. The sample size was 194.Stratified random sampling procedure was used to obtain four schools. The experimental group was exposed to video for three weeks and the control group was exposed to conventional teaching for the same duration. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect data. Post-test was administered to all students and questionnaire to all respondents. Data was analyzed through use of inferential statistics which were t-test and Chi-square. Descriptive statistics that involved means, frequencies, percentages and standard deviation were also used. Hypothesis was rejected at significant level of 0.05. The results of the study show that use of video in teaching enhanced learning achievement. It was established that video motivates, enhance understanding, retention and participation. The findings of this study have created awareness and need for integrating video in teaching and learning for improved performance in Geography. The following recommendations were made. Use of video be supported at policy level, Geography curriculum to embrace ICT, teachers to be equipped with skills and knowledge they need to use video.

Income Generating Initiatives and Sustainability of Projects in Kenya

Raphael O. Nyonje; Humphrey Mwandawiro Mwambeo; Lydiah N. Wambugu; James T. Kariuki

Effectiveness of Emis for Student Information Management on Management of Public Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Wambua, B. K.; Wamutoro, M.; Kessio, D. K.

The government of Kenya implemented a policy advocating for Education Management Information Systems (EMIS). This is because the manual system for managing the students’ record is becoming more cumbersome affecting the management of secondary schools. In this regard the study investigated the influence of EMIS for Student Information Management on Management of Public Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County. The study adopted pragmatic philosophical paradigm and employed mixed methods research design with a target population 1334 respondents which included 183 principals, 189 deputy principals, 955 HODs in public secondary schools, 6 Sub-County Directors and 1 County Director of Education in Uasin Gishu County. Kerjcie and Morgan (1970) table was used for determining the sample size of 302 respondents which was proportionately allocated to each stratum. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from principals, deputy principals and heads of departments (HODs) while semi-structured interview schedules were used to collect qualitative data from sub-county directors and the County Director of Education. Internal validity was attained by increasing the sample size. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analyzed in narratives and themes. Results of data analysis were presented using tables. From the findings, the value of adjusted R squared was is 0.627, an indication that there was a variation of 62.7% on the management of public secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County due to effectiveness and efficiency of EMIS for Student Information Management. There was a significant association between EMIS and management of public secondary schools with F statistics (437.414). Regression coefficient of student information management was .577 with P<0.05. This implied that there is a significant relationship between EMIS for student information management and management of public secondary schools. The effectiveness of EMIS for student information management on management of public secondary schools is also premised on the effective communication of student development records and instructional strategies between the management and other teachers precipitating students’ progress. In this regard, the study recommended that public secondary schools must continuously improve on their implementation of EMIS for student information management.

Effects of Financial Risk Management on Firm’s Profitability: Panel Data Econometrics of Selected Micro-Financial Institutions in Kenya

Charles Yegon; Joseph Cheruiyot; Dr. J. Sang; Dr. P.K. Cheruiyot; Joseph Kirui; Joseph Rotich

Proactive risk management is essential to the long-term sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs), but many microfinance stakeholders are unaware of the various components of a comprehensive risk management regimen. This study was set out to establish the effect of financial risk management on profitability of firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) of Kenya, from year 2006-2012. In the context of globalization, we are witnessing an unprecedented diversification of risk situations and uncertainty in the business world, the whole existence of an organization being related to risk. The notion of risk is inextricably linked to the return. Return includes ensuring remuneration of production factors and invested capital but also resources management in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. A full financial and economic diagnosis cannot be done without regard to the return – risk ratio. Stock profitability analysis should not be dissociated from risk analysis to which the company is subdued. Risk analysis is useful in decision making concerning the use of economic financial potential or investment decisions, in developing business plans, and also to inform partners about the enterprise’s performance level. Risk takes many forms: Operational risk, financial risk and total risk, risk of bankruptcy (other risk categories) each influencing the business activity on a greater or lesser extent. Financial risk analysis, realized with the use of specific indicators such as: financial leverage, financial breakeven and leverage ratio (CLF) accompanying call to debt, presents a major interest to optimize the financial structure and viability of any company operating under a genuine market economy.

E-Banking Technology Characteristics and Performance of Micro and Small Enterprise in Kenya: A Moderated Mediation Model of Adoption and Innovative Behavior

Beatrice Kitigin; Prof Michael Korir; Dr. Kefa Chepkwony

Design/methodology: The study employed an explanatory research design and a multistage sampling technique to collect cross-sectional data using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample size of 455 MSEs was drawn from a target population of 5915 in Vihiga County, Kenya. Findings-The study findings showed a complementary mediation of e-banking technology adoption on the relationship between e- banking technology characteristics and MSE performance. Additionally, innovative behavior moderated the association between e-banking technology adoption and MSE performance but did not moderate the relationship between e-banking technology characteristics and e-banking technology adoption. Further, innovative behavior moderates the indirect relationship between e-banking technology characteristics and MSE performance via e-banking technology adoption. This effect was much more substantial, with a higher level of innovative behavior. Practical Implications- These findings underscored the need for policy reviews for government, county, and private sector on e- banking technology adoption and MSE performance in Kenya. Originality/value- The study's findings bring vital knowledge concerning the indirect effect of e-banking technology adoption and innovative behavior on the study variables.

The Influence of Communication Channels on Management Practices in Kenyan Public Universities

Mamuli,L.C.; Mutsotso,S.N.; Namasaka,D.B.

This study was conducted at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. It was guided by communication model as propounded by Shanon and Weaver (1949). This study was designed to investigate the influence of communication channels on management practices in Kenyan public universities. The study specifically investigated the types of communication channels used in the university and related the channels to the constraints faced in communicating messages in the university. Literature was reviewed in relation to the above stated objective. The study sample was drawn from MMUST and involved both academic and administrative staff. The sample size was one hundred and fifty two (152) which represents 77.6% of the target population. Stratified random sampling techniques based on the respondents’ job descriptions were used. The instruments for data collection involved use of questionnaires and information from secondary data materials for instance the University Act of 2007 and the employee survey findings of 2006. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The major findings revealed that MMUST had few channels of communication and that the communication policy framework was in place. However, the study identified that MMUST relies on Head of Departments, Group representatives, memos, notice boards, face to face and telephone to communicate. The study therefore, recommended that MMUST embraces new channels of communication (i.e. use of email) for efficiency purposes in addition to the already existing ones. Also, the university should adopt strategies of enhancing communication between the staff and administration.

A COVID-19 SEIR model for people living with underlying medical conditions in Kenya

Iyaya CC Wanjala; George M Mocheche; Sitawa Wattanga

In this study we propose a modified SEIR mathematical transmission model with a focus on Kenyans living with underlying medical conditions. The research will rely on reported data from the Kenya Government’s Ministry of Health to fit the model parameters. The next generation matrix approach is employed to ascertain the level of infection or the stability condition of infection based on the basic reproduction number R that the model will determine. Results obtained will give predictions on the impact of the disease on the impact on impact of the disease on this group of people which will inform government in relation to prioritization of vaccination and other mitigating measures on policy formulation.

Reproducing Kernel for the Classical Dirichlet Space of the Upper Half Plane

Irene S.Wattanga; James M.Wanjiru; Job O Bonyob

We determine the reproducing kernel for the classical Dirichlet space of the upper half plane, . Consequently, we establish the norm of the reproducing kernel and growth condition for functions in . Moreover, we extend the existing relationship between the reproducing kernels for the classical Dirichlet space and Bergman space of the unit disk to their counterparts of the upper half plane.

Comparison of Water Use Savings and Crop Yields for Clay Pot and Furrow Irrigation Methods in Lake Bogoria, Kenya

Kefa C. Chepkwony; Emmanuel Chessum Kipkorir; Joshua K. Kwonyike; Hilary K. Ndambiri

As population grows mainly in developing countries resulting in an increase in water scarcity particularly in arid areas, irrigated agriculture is required to produce more food while using less water, and to do so without degrading the environment. The extent of improvement of water management in arid lands involves very high costs and irrigation methods that can help meet this challenge by giving growers greater control over the application of water is desirable. Clay pot is an efficient and cheap irrigation method that does not require water of high quality. Despite the significant efforts at Kapkuikui informal irrigation scheme to increase food production using furrow irrigation method, production has been declining over time due to water scarcity and fields abandoned as a result of salinity raising the need for improvement of the water productivity using an environmentally sound irrigation method. The objective of the present study was to evaluate water use savings under clay pot compared to furrow irrigation methods using field trials of maize and tomato crops and also soil water balance techniques. In addition, analysis of the salinity of irrigation water and soil at the scheme was done. Results indicate that the irrigation water sourced from springs at the scheme is saline with a salinity of 0.85g/l. The clay pot system was found to be more efficient than the furrow irrigation method by saving 97.1% of applied water for the maize crop and 97.8% for the tomato crop respectively. In terms of yield increases, the clay system was more productive per unit of water than the furrow irrigation method. The maize grain yields was 32.2% higher than that under the furrow, while fresh fruit tomato yields was 43.7% higher in the clay pot system than the furrow.