School of Information, Communication and Media Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.rongovarsity.ac.ke/handle/123456789/581

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 120

Evaluation criteria for the district health management information systems: lessons from the Ministry of Health, Kenya
(2005) Odhiambo-Otieno, George; Odero, Wilson
Background: The District Health Management Information Systems (DHMISs) were established by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kenya more than two decades ago. Since then, no comprehensive evaluation has been undertaken. This can partly be attributed to lack of defined criteria for evaluating them. Objective: To propose evaluation criteria for assessing the design, implementation and impact of DHMIS in the management of the District Health System (DHS) in Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in three DHSs in Kenya: Bungoma, Murang’a and Uasin Gishu districts. Data was collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and documents’ review. The respondents, purposely selected from the Ministry of Health headquarters and the three DHS districts, included designers, managers and end-users of the systems. Results: A set of evaluation criteria for DHMISs was identified for each of the three phases of implementation: pre-implementation evaluation criteria (categorised as policy and objectives, technical feasibility, financial viability, political viability and administrative operability) to be applied at the design stage; concurrent implementation evaluation criteria to be applied during implementation of the new system; and post-implementation evaluation criteria (classified as internal – quality of information; external – resources and managerial support; ultimate – systems impact) to be applied after implementation of the system for at least three years. Conclusions: In designing a DHMIS model there is need to have built-in these three sets of evaluation criteria which should be used in a phased manner. Pre-implementation evaluation criteria should be used to evaluate the system’s viability before more resources are committed to it; concurrent (operational) - implementation evaluation criteria should be used to monitor the process; and post-implementation evaluation criteria should be applied to assess the system’s effectiveness.
Implementing a community-based health management information system in Bungoma district, Kenya
(2005) Odhiambo-Otieno, George
The development of community-based health management information systems in developing countries is not well documented. This paper reports how a Community-based Health Management Information System (CHMIS) in Bungoma, Kenya, was started and used to generate information through sources at the community level. The CHMIS had several constraints and limitations like inadequacy of qualified and dedicated community volunteers to run the CHMIS, lack of skills to handle quantitative information, lack of incentives and supervisors for community health workers and inadequate financing of the information resource centres. Despite these, the article highlights a CHMIS model that embraces key requisites of PHC: equity, empowerment and effectiveness. Two important principles can be drawn from the Bungoma CHMIS. First, although DHS staff may assist communities in conceptualizing, designing, implementing and utilizing the CHMIS, the community must use the system to make its own decisions. Second, communities must see a benefit to themselves in operating a CHMIS. The basic premise to be adopted in the development of any CHMIS model is that it should be designed with a focus on improving the health status of the community.
Managing records at higher education institutions: a case study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus
(South African Journals.of Information management., 2005-03) Chinyemba, A.; Ngulube, P.
Penn, Pennix and Coulson (1994:2) and King (1997:656) pointed out that many business transactions depend on the proper creation and maintenance of recorded information. The medium on which the recording of information could be done may be paper, microfilm, audiotapes, videotapes, photographs, slides, or any computer-readable medium, such as computer tapes or disks, compact disks and optical disks. Gold (1995:1) characterized an organization's management of its records as the 'corporate ... secret weapon' and 'the winning strategy' that give the organization the competitive edge. Yet few organizations, including universities, pay attention to the management of this corporate resource. Despite the fact that universities are continually being called upon to function in a businesses-like manner in order to be self-sustaining and to remain competitive, they overlook the enormous advantages that proper records management practices could contribute to the achievement of their objectives (Mnjama 2002:34; Procter 2002:49). Recently, the Council on Higher Education (2000:20) pointed out that higher education information systems in South Africa were inadequate. Proper records management could help universities to manage their information, efficiently fulfil their mandate, protect them from litigation, preserve their corporate memory, and foster accountability and good governance. The information contained in university records needs to be managed according to a methodical approach in order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the universities in carrying out their mission. As universities carry out their mission they create various records. The core business of universities is learning, teaching, research and community development. The University of KwaZulu-Natal, in articulating its mission, states that it is 'committed to academic excellence, innovation in research and critical engagement with society' (University of KwaZulu-Natal 2005). Carrying out these activities produce records, which provide evidence that the University is carrying out its statutory functions. If such records are not properly managed or misplaced, then valuable evidence would be lost forever. Proper management means establishing systematic controls at every stage of the record's life cycle, in accordance with established principles and accepted models of records management. The University of Melbourne (2001) defines records management as the capturing and maintaining of accurate, complete, reliable and useable documentation of activities of an organization in order to meet legal, evidential, accountability and social/cultural requirements. Records pass through several phases in their life cycle. The primary purpose of a records management programme is to monitor records, regardless of type or format, to ensure that they pass efficiently, and at a minimum cost, through the creation, use, inactive storage and disposal or permanent retention phases (Djorka and Conneen 1984:22). In addition to facilitating the achievement of the University's mandate, the management of records at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is key to fulfilling the requirements of the Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA) (South Africa 2000) and facilitating the smooth running and integration of the merged universities of Natal and Durban-Westville. The merger is likely to bring about a lot of changes in relation to how the new institution would be run. As Ngulube (2004a:23) points out: 'Change brings uncertainty, but records make decision making during uncertainty possible. Changes that are not informed by reliable information are likely to be unsustainable, unjustifiable and lacking transparency.' In this regard, properly managed records may foster accountability, transparency and good governance in the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which resulted from the merged institutions. Furthermore, the passing of PAIA by the South African government makes the management of university records of great importance. The Act gives the public the right of access, upon request, to records held by public or private bodies, to the extent that a requested record is required for the exercise or protection of rights (Currie and Klaaren 2002:1). Compliance with the requirements of the Act means that the University must have in place a comprehensive records management programme that maps all the records of the University (Currie and Klaaren 2002). In this light, the proper management of university records at a South African institution becomes very important. Universities might find themselves in an embarrassing position if requested records are not found as a result of poor records systems where, as Taylor (2000:240) notes, litigation by aggrieved parties cannot be ruled out. Recently, a former University of Durban-Westville student made a court application demanding to see his examination scripts (UKZN rejects marks allegations 2004). Although, the student eventually lost his case at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, the case demonstrates the possibly consequence of not providing information timeously. Organizations that manage their records well reap immediate benefits in terms of being able to utilize all available information resources for competitive advantage. Kemoni and Wamukoya (2000:125) state that effective records management systems provide information required for the proper functioning of organizations, including universities. On the other hand, poor records management can be risky to organizations. Djorka and Conneen (1984:22) summarize the consequences of poor records management as follows: '[I]n an institution where paperwork is poorly managed, the flow of records through the life cycle is retarded, chaotic, or non-existent. Records and the information they contain are difficult to retrieve, and costly duplication of paperwork is a frequent occurrence. The net effect of poor management is a decrease in the efficiency of the institution and an inflation of its operating costs.'
Evaluation of existing District Health Management Information Systems A case study of the District Health Systems in Kenya
(International Journal of Medical Informatics, 2005-05-10) Odhiambo-Otieno, George
Introduction: This paper discusses some of the issues and challenges of implementing appropriate and coordinated District Health Management Information System (DHMIS) in environments dependent on external support especially when insufficient attention has been given to the sustainability of systems. It also discusses fundamental issues which affect the usability of DHMIS to support District Health System (DHS), including meeting user needs and user education in the use of information for management;and the need for integration of data from all health-providing and related organizations in the district. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in three DHSs in Kenya. Data was collected through use of questionnaires, focus group discussions and review ofrelevantliterature, reports and operational manuals ofthe studied DHMISs. Results: Key personnel at the DHS level were not involved in the development and implementation of the established systems. The DHMISs were fragmented to the extent that their information products were bypassing the very levels they were created to serve. None of the DHMISs was computerized. Key resources for DHMIS operation were inadequate. The adequacy of personnel was 47%, working space 40%, storage space 34%, stationery 20%, 73% of DHMIS staff were not trained, management support was 13%. Information produced was 30% accurate, 19% complete, 26% timely, 72% relevant;the level of confidentiality and use of information at the point of collection stood at 32% and 22% respectively and information security at 48%. Basic DHMIS equipment for information processing was not available. This inhibited effective and efficient provision of information services. Conclusions: An effective DHMIS is essential for DHS planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities. Without accurate, timely, relevant and complete information the existing information systems are not capable of facilitating the DHS managers in their day-today operational management. The existing DHMISs were found not supportive of the DHS managers’ strategic and operational managementfunctions. Consequently DHMISs were found to be plagued by numerous designs, operational, resources and managerial problems. There is an urgent need to explore the possibilities of computerizing the existing manual systems to take advantage of the potential uses of microcomputers for DHMIS operations within the DHS. Information system designers must also address issues of cooperative partnership in information activities, systems compatibility and sustainability. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The role of the Kenyan media in the 2007 elections
(2008) Ogenga, Fredrick
Political economy of the Kenyan media - towards a culture of active citizen journalism
(2010-01) Ogenga, Fredrick
Public Libraries in Kenya: Collection Development
(International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2011) Kinya, Henry
The public library should provide equality of access to a range of resources that meets the needs of its users for education, information, leisure and personal development. The library should provide access to the heritage of its society and develop diverse cultural resources and experiences. Constant interaction and consultation with the local community will help to ensure this objective. Collections complement services and should not be seen as an end in them, but their primary purpose is the preservation and conservation of resources for future generations. Large collections are not synonymous with good collections, particularly in the new digital world. The relevance of the collection to the needs of the local community is more important than the size of the collection. In this paper collection development in public libraries in Kenya mainly on acquisition during 2005-2009 and average books per KNLS library has been discussed.
Mugabe must go: Textual Meanings of the Representation of the Zimbabwean Situation by the South African Press
(Indiana University Pres, 2011) Ogenga, Fredrick
This article is a textual analysis of the South African press representation of the political, economic, and social situations in Zimbabwe. The article argues that the South African press presents a stereotypical and sensational view of Zimbabwe, as the international press portrays all of Africa. Further, it argues that the press’s deeper agenda is to get Mugabe to go so that Western norms of democracy and human rights can be realized. Although most international press coverage of Africa is negative, the coverage of the Zimbabwean situation merits some degree of negative coverage. However, this coverage should reflect the extent to which the public discourse among South Africans and Zimbabweans agrees with the “negative” analysis of what is happening in Zimbabwe. The South African press is reflecting the views of South Africans and Zimbabweans that, seemingly, lean towards the fact that Zimbabwe is faced with a problematic situation. The article examines the headlines, photographs, captions, and cartoons used to represent the situation in Zimbabwe. It also analyzes the metaphors, analogies, and intertexts in selected stories to thematically unpack their meanings. The representation of Zimbabwe is achieved through icons and symbols that connote the existence of a problematic situation in the country.
A Glance on Manpower in Public Library System in Kenya
(2011-05-27) Kinya, Henry
Every public library in the community is unique and different in one way or the other by the community needs and services required by those it services, it should be reflected in distribution of manpower, also posting of the staff of the same job description and qualification is duplication of services and resources. Without diversifying and prioritizing services, duplication can deny users fundamental professional library information services like provision of subject analysis, statistical information and users' guidance. In assisting information users to access and use not only online information services but also access other websites services the role of public libraries within the information age context is changing from that of information provider to that of service provider and so is the roles of librarians; changing its old-age manual operations of print to print service to that of library networking to facilitate information sharing services and activities fundamentally requires the new dimension of trained manpower in ICT. In this paper manpower development, distribution and qualification in public libraries in Kenya has been discussed.
A case study of users’ survey in public libraries in Kenya
(International Research Journal of Library, Information and Archival Studies, 2011-10-04) Kinya, Henry
Library users are the fundamental component of any given library as they are the customers for which the library is meant for. Their opinion, views and feelings account most in the fulfillment of the core objectives the library is built for. This paper, discusses the public library services in Kenya from users’ angle, therefore researcher has surveyed users of all 32(100%) public libraries in Kenya. This research paper is further, intended to help public libraries librarians, managers and management to decide how to integrate resources and services in such a way that most users can understand them well enough to make productive choices. It compiles usability test data evaluating users and services offered on library public libraries in Kenya. This research paper describes the progress and application of a fundamental comparison typical which allows librarians to quantitatively measure library users’ apparent quality, satisfaction and constancy with a library as well as the degree to which exact elements of a library’s services, collections and setting donate to those perceptions. The paper reports the outcomes of a survey among users at public libraries in Kenya under Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) with specific attention to the 32 (100%) public libraries in Kenya, on aspects of personal information, use of resources and services and their satisfaction level.
Information Security Policy Trend as a Foundation to Protecting Information Resources
(International Journal of Computer Science and Telecommunications, 2012) Abila, James Onyango; Mutua, Stephen; Wabwoba, Franklin; Anselmo, Peters
Although many institutions have implemented technical solutions to protect information resources from adverse events, internal security breaches continue to occur. An approach that emphasizes on information security policy within the institutions is therefore required to make security part of employees’ daily work routines. In order to develop a successful information security culture within an organization, it is worth understanding both technical and non-technical aspects of information security. The purpose of this paper is to outline the strategies and management processes behind implementing a successful Security Policy. Additionally, the paper gives recommendations for the creation of a Security Awareness Program, whose main objective is to provide staff members with a better, if not much improved understanding of the issues stated in a security policy.
Information Security Policy Trend as a Foundation to Protecting Information Resources
(International Journal of Computer Science and Telecommunications, 2012) Abila, James Onyango; Wabwoba, Franklin; Mutua Stephen
Although many institutions have implemented technical solutions to protect information resources from adverse events, internal security breaches continue to occur. An approach that emphasizes on information security policy within the institutions is therefore required to make security part of employees’ daily work routines. In order to develop a successful information security culture within an organization, it is worth understanding both technical and non-technical aspects of information security. The purpose of this paper is to outline the strategies and management processes behind implementing a successful Security Policy. Additionally, the paper gives recommendations for the creation of a Security Awareness Program, whose main objective is to provide staff members with a better, if not much improved understanding of the issues stated in a security policy.
The Media Coverage of The Hague Trials and the Construction of New Ethnic Subjectivities in Kenya
(Indiana University Pres, 2013) Ogenga, Fredrick
This paper examines the Daily Nation’s coverage of the ongoing Hague trials involving six suspects of the 2007 postelection violence in Kenya. The paper uses qualitative content analysis to investigate how the Hague trials were handled by the newspaper and whether the coverage encouraged peaceful interethnic dialogue necessary for reconstructing the ethnic political culture in Kenya to avoid unnecessary conflicts. The paper concludes that the Daily Nation deliberately constructed peace discourses in its coverage of the trials and was supportive of human rights and democracy by virtue of its reputation as the champion of national interests and therefore citizens’ rights
Strategic Extension and Perceived Usefulness of Emerging Technologies in the North Indian Banks: An Empirical Analysis
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2013) Nyangosi, Richard; Nyaboga, Yobes B.; Nchaga, Asuma M.
Technology advancement has changed the way banking business is done globally, where data Diasporas has become a great concern for management and operations of the financial service industry. This paper is an attempt to investigate the current innovation trends in banks with reference to technology-tailored services. All the services newly introduced in banks have been considered in the discussion. Primary survey has been considered to know the opinions of150 bank employees regarding the implementation of self-services in banks. For data analysis, statistical techniques such as weighted average score, cross tabulation and percentage analysis have been used. The results show that e-channels in the banking industry are gaining acceptance of recent past and growth trends are promising as the world over is heading to paperless, borderless and timeless economies. Key words: Technology, e-channels, Services, e-banking,
Determinants of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among patients attending public and private health facilities in Nairobi, Kenya
(Journal of AIDS and HIV Research Vol. 5(3), pp. 70-74, March, 2013, 2013) Odhiambo-Otieno, George; Orago, A. S. S.; Mwanzo, I. J.; Oyore, J. P.
For maximum suppression of the multiplication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus and subsequent increase in the CD4 cell count, a level of adherence of 95% and above is required among the patients on Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Most patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nairobi are not achieving the optimum adherence level required to maintain treatment efficacy, hence the risk of drug resistance and increased burden in the public health care system. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence adherence to ART among HIV patients attending public and private health facilities in Nairobi, Kenya. A non-interventional cross sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was used. The study was carried out in the Public and Private Health facilities offering ART in Nairobi, Kenya. Four hundred and fifty People living with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) receiving ARVs in selected public and private health facilities in Nairobi, between June, 2007 to June, 2008 were selected for the study. The composite adherence ART level among patients in Nairobi was found to be 85%. The major factors that were found to constrain adherence were costs, lack of social support, side effects, time to reach the health facility, and adequate knowledge of ARVs. This study found out that majority of the patients on ART in Nairobi are not achieving optimum adherence. The major factors that lead to the sub-optimal adherence are lack of social support, lack of disclosure that one is taking ARVs, poor knowledge of ARVs, associated costs such as transport and extra food requirements and the existence of side effects.
Building Strengths in Information Communication and Technology in Kenyan Universities: Way Forward For the 21st Century
(Wyno Academic Journal of Social Sciences, 2014) Oluoch, John; Osida, Jeremiah
Information and Communication Technology is increasingly becoming crucial part of the education system in Kenya and globally. ICT has changed the functioning of the educational system. This paper considers the rapid spread of ICT applications; which has brought technological, social and economic transformations. These changes have caused higher educational institutions, administrators, lecturers to rethink their roles, lecturing and vision for future. The sustainability of a nation in the era of knowledge economy depends on the effective educational system. The proper integration of ICT with teaching/learning increases educational productivity. ICT provides various opportunities to higher educational learners and make lecturers aware of their new roles and responsibilities. ICT has enabled us to monitor and evaluate what is learned, how it is learned, when and where learning takes place. It is enabling the educational management system to dis-charge functions like, administration of examinations, coordination, and alumni network. ICT provides nontraditional students with internet based education anytime and anywhere, these internet technologies enable innovative ways of lecturing. The innovative practices demonstrate approaches, challenging issues, and success factors in integrating ICT into education.
Impact of mass media on the political participation among Kenyans: a case study of Nairobi youth
(Kenya Studies Review, 2014) John Nzina
The past decade has witnessed fundamental changes in the Kenyan mass media environment. Contemporary media technologies and format innovations have created new ways of communicating and reaching audiences. New actors, such as talk show hosts and tabloid reporters, have entered the political communications environment, altering the rules by which journalists, leaders, and citizens negotiate the public sphere. The nature of the political media product has changed, becoming almost inextricably infused with entertainment content. Furthermore, with the convergence of electronic media in the recent past, and with technologies such as the internet have rendered print communication electronic, as traditional news organizations establish online counterparts to their newspapers and magazines. Further, the substance, form, and style of electronic communication have been altered radically. New-style electronic formats, such as internet discussion groups and chat rooms have created new public spaces and provided for unprecedented opportunities for political discourse. It is clear that the transformation of the Kenyan mass media system has important implications for democratic citizenship, especially as audiences' relationships to mass communication have been influenced significantly. Communication plays a central role in stimulating and enabling political participation on a variety of levels for many people. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have enhanced citizen interactions with their governments where the internet and web have fostered greater public deliberation and consensus building (Noam, 2001; Margolis & Resnick, 2000; Davis, 1999) These technologies have been described as possessing the potential to revitalize the public participation by enabling citizens to gain unprecedented access to government information and allowing them to interact with public officials in decisionmaking at the local, state, and international levels (Horrigan, 2004; Regan, 2002), while at the same time endangering diverse public debate by facilitating online interaction limited to groups of likeminded individuals (Galston, 2002; Sunstein, 2001).
Visual semiotics and the national flag: A Kenyan perspective of Anglo-America's globe-cultural domination through mainstream music videos
(2014) Ogenga, Fredrick
Children and television: the looming media effect in Kenya
(Journal of Advances in Humanities, 2014) Agalo, Jerry; Agalo, Joyce
The debate on children‟s behavior as competent television viewers and also cultural viewers today continues unabated in research. In the developed world, much of research has focused on the effects of television exposure on children‟s behavior and attitude formation. Other researches however, focused on effects on cognition. Yet the African child has been left out in such researches that continue to be conducted in developed world. Indeed, media research in Africa may not be meaningful without giving regard to „Africanity‟ among the children. This gives an open window through which one sees the peculiarities of the local culture in which African children grow as they get exposed to the media. While a number of Kenyan narratives celebrate the virtues of television including the discourses on coverage of the infamous terrorist attack in West Gate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, 21st September, 2013, it appears that the role of television in Kenyan society is catapulting into political discourses with attempts in enhancing approaches to quality governance. On the contrary, a country with a population of over 40 million people with nascent capitalist economy, there is need for enhancement of local communities and increased opportunities for education which will not lead to the hegemony of one social group and subordination of others. Of the 40 million people, 43% are children aged between five and sixteen. This paper concentrates its focus on the social milieu of the people living around the Lake Victoria region, majority of whom are mostly fishermen.
Development of public library system in Kenya: perspective of KNLS
(Knowledge Librarian, 2014) Kinya, Henry
The paper discusses the historical background, present status and future perspective of public library system in Kenya, research and application of ICTs. It also analyses the relation between the government and KNLS in modalities of funding. Currently there are over 30 public libraries in Kenya under the umbrella of KNLS of which all are funded and managed by the government through KNLS. Public libraries serve and focuses on users who are basically the public; raging from toddlers to senior citizens through inculcating library culture, accessing and using not only book-based services but also access information on websites, through the practical application of ICTs in information search. KNLS has been positioned by the government to implement planned library education for a firm foundation on national reading culture in the youth in Kenya. Further, the role of public libraries within this information age context is challenging from that of book-based information provider to that of internet service provider and so is the role of the librarian.

Browse

Browsing School of Information, Communication and Media Studies by Issue Date