Theses & Dissertation

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An adoption framework for telemedicine care: a study of Nandi county, Kenya
(2020) Amdany, Sammy Sumukwo
Telemedicine is one of the technologies that use the knowledge of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to curb geographical barriers while increasing access to healthcare services. This study aimed at design an adoption framework for telemedicine care in Kenya. This study was done in health facilities in Nandi County. The specific objectives of the study were: To examine healthcare needs for telemedicine care in Nandi County -Kenya; to analyze the readiness use status for telemedicine care adoption and to design a suitable telemedicine care adoption framework. Though telemedicine care is in existence, the researcher felt that an adoption framework should be considered to guide in its implementation. This study was conducted using cross- sectional survey design in which study sample of 4 doctors, 59 nurses, 12 clinical officers, 1 pharmacist and 4 pharmaceutical technologists, making it a sample size of 80 from target population of 100 healthcare workers working at the County hospital, two sub county hospitals and 2 health centers. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Pretesting for the instruments was done to ascertain face and content validities. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Analyzed results were presented using table, pie-chart and bar graphs. From the findings it was evident that the most critical health care need in Nandi County is direct patient services (82.5 %) followed by special referral services and Tele-pharmacy which were rated at 77.5 % and 54.5 % respectively. While, the least critical healthcare need areas were medical education and mentoring (53.8%), Tele-nursing (51.3%), remote patient monitoring (45%), Tele-radiology 20%.In view of readiness for Tele-medicine, most of the respondents (46.3%) cited that other technologies started recently in Nandi County in solving healthcare problems. It was further noted that, 50% of the respondents observed that it takes up-to 10 minutes to attend to patients using telemedicine in the County Referral hospital as compared to 18.8% of the respondents who observe that it takes up-to 10 minutes to attend to patients without using telemedicine. These findings were used to design a Telemedicine framework to enhance improved service delivery. The framework designed has illustrated that direct patient services is popular with health workers interviewed at 82.5% and the least Teleradiology at 20%.The health workers can comfortably use telemedicine service. From the research findings; it was noted that stakeholder involvement, human resources capacity building and increased funding can play an important role during adoption. Lastly, the findings has clearly demonstrated that; direct patient services, specialist referral services, and Tele Pharmacy need to be considered for acceleration of telemedicine care.
An adoption model for WhatsApp messaging in enhancing public participation in budgeting process: a study of Migori county government
(2024-10) Omondi, Juma George;
Globally the use of WhatsApp messaging has gained momentum. Governments and other institutions have embraced WhatsApp messaging to enhance access to information on development processes. However little is known about possible usage of WhatsApp messaging in public participation in the budgeting process. Migori County has been grappling with challenges in its journey to involve the citizen in its budgeting process as required under the Kenyan constitution 2010.Ineffective communication is among the challenges undermining the budgeting process. The purpose of the study was therefore to design an effective Adoption Model for WhatsApp messaging which can enhance the county’s public participation in the budgeting process. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the use of WhatsApp messaging as communication tool in public participation in the budgeting making process, investigate the factors influencing the adoption of WhatsApp messaging as means of communication in public participation budgeting process and finally design an adoption model of WhatsApp messaging for public participation in the budget making process for Migori County. The study relied on participatory development theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) .This study was carried out in three sub counties in Migori County which are Rongo, Awendo and Suna East with a study population of 143,468 and a sample size of 399 identified using Yamane’s formula. This study used a survey design because it involved exploring people’s opinion and attitudes. Seven county staff key in public participation budgeting process were sampled purposively while the 392 member of the public from Rongo, Awendo and Suna East sub counties were sampled using stratified and systematic sampling technique. Data from 7 county government officials key in public participation process were collected using semi-structured Key Informant interviews while questionnaires were administered to 392 members of the public involved in budgeting process. Quantitative data were studied using descriptive analysis, and qualitative data were narratively presented and thematically assessed. The majority of survey participants learned about public participation in the budgeting process via WhatsApp, according to the study. Majority of the respondents in the study proposed the use of WhatsApp messaging for public participation because of the conclusiveness in WhatsApp discussions, convenience, timeliness, ease of use among others. The respondents however indicated that high cost of data bundles, non-inclusivity, poor coordination and identification of people to participate in public participation should be addressed. The study has also proposed a five staged model for WhatsApp messaging. Finally, social, political, technological; individual and organizational influence the proposed model. Based on the findings the study has recommended that the county government of Migori can consider using WhatsApp messaging as one of the communication tools for public participation while considering existing political, social, political technological, organizational and individual factors. The county government of Migori can also consider using the proposed 5 staged WhatsApp messaging model.
An automated interface design for student-parent interaction in secondary boarding schools: a study of schools in rachuonyo south sub-county, Kenya.
(2019) Juma, Mary Akeyo
Ministry of Education banned the use of mobile phones by students in boarding schools without replacing it with a suitable interaction interface. This situation infringes on children’s right to information, as delineated in the Convention on the Right of the Child which include the right to be heard and to be taken seriously, to free speech and information, and to maintain privacy. The situation has thus led to sneaking and illegal use of phones making students to incline towards accessing destructive pieces of information. There is need to find a suitable replacement to letter writing, and mobile phones in secondary boarding schools. The study aims at assessing student-parent interaction needs to come up with requirements interaction that would enable the development of a suitable interaction platform. The study objectives were: to examine existing students-parents interaction platform used in secondary boarding schools, to establish requirement for an automated interface design for student-parent interaction while in secondary boarding school, to design an automated interface for student-parent interaction while in secondary boarding school. The study was confined to public boarding secondary schools in Rachuonyo South Sub-County, in Kenya. A survey methodology and stratified sampling technique with sample size of 330 students, 178 parents and 8 teaching staff were used to come up with appropriate data for research. Cochran equation formula was used to determine the sample size. The data collected were descriptively and inferentially analyzed using SPSS and ms-excel applications. The findings from the data analysis and interpretation showed that bigger percentage of students use mobile phones to interact with their parents despite the ministry’s ban. The administrators preferred an interaction interface that would filter destructive information while the students preferred a speedy and reliable interaction interface. Guided by research findings and studies on other successful student–parent interaction interfaces in other parts of the world, the researcher designed an interface in which each student had an account and logged in using log in credentials. Students’ problems were categorized into three as per the research findings. The categories were social, academic and financial problems. Each category had a list of problems designed as a dropdown menu. The students select their problems from the menu which is sent to their parents’ phone numbers as short messages. The interface administrator has to login to be able to register new students and deregister absent students by updating the students’ and parents’ Database. The administrators also update the problem menus to suite the student’s need especially in addressing emerging issues. Based on these findings, the ministry of education and the school head teachers should allocate funds for provision of a special room in schools equipped with adequate computers. Each computer to be installed with interaction interface and the number should be enough to enable each student get an opportunity to interact with their parents. A teacher on duty should be charged with additional responsibility of guarding the room and supervising studentparent interaction process.
Bantu and Nilotic Children’s Singing Games: a Comparative Study of their Value Communication
(2009) Weche, Michael
This study is based on the premise that Luo and Luhya children’s singing games are creative works that subtly reflect the aesthetics of the two communities. The aim is to critically examine how the performance of the singing games and their texts reflect the aspirations, norms and values of the macro cultures of the two Nilotic and Bantu communities respectively. The sampled singing games include those done in the traditional setting, sung in vernacular and those that are taken from the urban or cosmopolitan settings. Our findings reveal that Luo and Luhya children’s singing games are a significant resource in communicating the values of the two communities. Luo and Luhya children imitate their physical and social environments and dramatize about the aesthetics of the communities. This dramatization reflects both traditional values and the new emerging values that have been necessitated by the introduction of western values, formal education, Christianity and others. In these singing games Luo and Luhya children are able to socialize, learn and also uphold the values of unity and respect for one another. The singing games are significant in the learning process and character development of the children involved in the performance. University of Cape Town vi Luo and Luhya children’s singing games play a significant role in socializing the children in their different societies. The socialization makes the child to be rooted in the aesthetics and aspirations of his/her society. Urban children’s singing games that are sung by Luhya and Luo children reflect the child’s creativity, improvisation and the ability to borrow from various sources. The singing games utilize various sources, including the electronic media, print media and also rhymes from other cultures. Children’s singing games are repertoires of a people’s aesthetics. Apart from directly teaching the participants cultural issues and requirements, the singing games are crucial to the articipants’ social and moral development. Luo and Luhya children’s singing games reflect the macro culture of the Luo and Luhya communities respectively and to a great extent the changing values in the Kenyan society. The study also gives some insights arising from the findings that can be of benefit to future researchers. There is need for researchers to focus on children’s singing games as creative works and discover their role in the social and moral development of the child and also find out how these creative works can be used in an educational set up.
Barriers in the implementation of Kenyan sign language as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf in Homabay county: a case of Nyangweso special school for the deaf.
(2023) Ngala, Masline Achieng
Kenyan Sign Language is the visual-gestural language used by deaf people in Kenya. It can also be learned and used by people who have hearing abilities. Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) is the utilization tool in the education of learners. The purpose of the study was to explore the barriers in the implementation of KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for deaf learners in Homa Bay County. The objectives of the study were to: Identify hindrances that teachers face as they use KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf, determine how classroom facilities hinder the implementation KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf and Identify the learners’ views in the implementation of KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf. The study was based on the Inmates Theory of Language Acquisition by Noam Chomsky (2002) who argued that children are born with the innate ability to acquire language and the language learnt should be nurtured by exposing learners to rich learning environment. The study employed a case study design to give detailed information. Data collection tools used were questionnaires, interview schedule and observation checklist, the data collected were both qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Stratified random sampling was used to sample learners while teachers and the head teachers were purposively sampled to get a sample size of 1 head teacher, 16 teachers and 59 learners totaling to a sample size of 76 participants. Piloting was done in Lambwe Christian School for the deaf while the actual study was done in Nyangweso special school for the deaf. Reliability of the instruments was done through the test-retest method while validity of the research instruments was done by the researcher’s supervisors who checked and deleted the invalid ones. The Study findings revealed that: teachers lacked competence in using KSL as a medium of instruction due to lack of basic training in KSL, Inadequate number of teachers who are deaf to act as role models in the use of KSL, inadequate KSL teaching and learning resources, and need of early exposure of deaf learners to use of KSL. Based on the study findings, the study recommended Ministry of Education to liaise with KISE to introduce frequent induction courses for teachers in basic KSL, M.O.E.to equip schools for the deaf with adequate KSL teaching and learning resources and need for early intervention and placement programs for Deaf learners. Teachers Service commission should also employ more teachers who are deaf in schools for the deaf to act as role models in the use of KSL. Further research was suggested on KSL competence among the deaf learners in Homa Bay County, availability and accessibility of KSL teaching and learning resources and a similar study to be done other counties.
Communication approaches for promotion of tourism in Homabay county, Kenya
(2022-12) Bwanah, Jacinta Nonkwe
This study was conducted with the aim of finding out the communication approaches used for promotion of tourism in Homabay county. This is based on the fact that Homabay county is rich in tourists‟ attractions but continue to receive very few tourists; Kenya also aims to meet the requirements of its vision 2030 as far as the tourism sector is concerned. Promotion of tourism is necessary to enable the sector generate revenue to the county and improve the livelihood of the people around the area. The study aimed to investigate the communication approaches used in the promotion of tourism in Homabay county. The specific objectives of the study were to examine communication channels used in the promotion of tourism in Homabay county, to assess communication messages for promotion of tourism in Homabay county and to determine the communication frequency for promotion of tourists‟ sites in Homabay county. The study was guided by Media Framing theory and adopted mixed research approach. Data was collected from stakeholders of tourism in Homabay County by use of questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The target population was 1,433 with a sample size of 100. Purposive and convenient sampling was employed. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using manual open coding and NVivo 11 software while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Four themes emerged: channels of tourism promotion, attraction points for tourists in Homabay county, promotion of tourism and the level of frequency of tourism promotion. 35 of the 80 tourists were referred by a previous tourist to visit Ruma national park, while 10 of them got the message from the internet; 39 of them stated that the tourism promotional information is convincing while 41 of them said it is not. 50 tourists stated that there is need to increase the frequency of promotion of tourism, 12 said no, while 18 did not know. The study found that the channels through which tourism promotion is done include electronic and print media as well as events such as Miss tourism Homabay. It was also established that the promotional messages contained cultural and historical information while highlighting the uniqueness of the sites. The promotion of these sites is however not done frequently and the channels used mainly reach the local tourists leaving out the potential tourists in the international arena. The ministry of tourism Homabay county attributes inadequate promotion of the sites to lack of adequate funds from the county government. The study recommends that the Homabay county government, KWS intensify promotion of the sector by using channels that target both local and international tourists. The promotional messages should be easily accessible, adequate, persuasive and convincing. The frequency of the promotional activities should also be increased and done periodically.
Communication function of student governing council in the administration of public secondary schools: a case of Awendo sub-county - Kenya
(2018) Oliech, Anne Akinyi
The role of communication function of Student Governing Councils (SGCs) in the administration of Public Secondary Schools is increasingly becoming important. Currently, the government in partnership with other stakeholders has made it mandatory for schools in Kenya to have active SGCs who should play active roles including communication between the students and the school administration. However, it is not empirically established what exact communication functions these SGCs exercise in Awendo Sub- County. It was in light with this that the researcher sought to investigation the communication functions of SGCs in the administration of public secondary school in Awendo Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya. This study examined the understanding, implementation and the success of the communication functions of SGCs in the administration of public secondary school in Awendo Sub County. The study employed qualitative research design. The target population for the study was 24 principals, 24 deputy principals and 118 student leaders making a total population of 166. The students leaders was selected from 3 schools out of the 24 public secondary schools based on the category of the school i.e. girls, boys or boarding. Simple random procedure was used to randomly choose the student leaders from the 3 public secondary schools. The research instruments were a structured questionnaire distributed to each participant. The study revealed that the students as well as the school administrators understand the communication functions of SGCs. Majority of the schools have fully implemented the communication functions and have acknowledge its success in the administration of public secondary schools. The student councils have acted as a channel of communication between the students and the school; a role that this research have discovered to be significant for school administrative purposes. However, when undertaking this communication function, the SGCs have faced various challenges such as being termed as a sell out by other students, lack of motivation as well as the inability to handle issues such as drug abuse, homosexuality and indiscipline cases in schools. The study concludes that the communication function of SGCs is not yet exhausted in various school and further investigations should be done to ascertain how it can be strengthened. The study recommends that the student councils should be trained in order to acquire skills that will enable them overcome the challenges. In addition, benchmarking programs should be encouraged for the student councils to learn how their colleagues do it elsewhere.
Communication strategies in life skills education for underage pregnancy prevention : a case of rongo sub-county secondary schools
(2022) Ochola, Millicent
This study investigated communication strategies in Life Skills Education for underage pregnancy prevention among secondary school students in Rongo Sub-County. The rationale behind this study was that, underage pregnancy is on the rise despite the implementation of Life Skills Education in both primary and secondary schools in Kenya. Life Skills are psychosocial competencies which should enable an individual to effectively deal with demands and challenges in life for an active, healthy and productive life. The escalating numbers of underage pregnancies disclose that minimal attention is directed towards adolescence transfer of Life Skills to their daily lives. The study attempted to find out if the missing link was communication. This study was guided by three research objectives; to establish communication strategies used in Life Skills Education; to determine whether the communication strategies used in Life Skills education leads to underage pregnancy prevention and to examine the challenges in the use of communication strategies in Life Skills education to students in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools. This study was guided by Health Belief Model theory and adopted a qualitative descriptive design and collected data from students and teachers in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools using focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observation. A sample of fifty (50) students participated in the focus group discussion while six teachers participated in individual interviews. The sample was obtained through purposive, quota and chain sampling. Data was analysed thematically using manual open coding and NVivo 11 software. Results were presented in a narrative form, illustrated by direct quotes, mind maps and tables. The study revealed that, in the dissemination of Life Skills, teachers utilised non participatory, one directional and top bottom communication strategies which limited students‟ involvement in the learning process. As a result, there was limited Life Skills acquisition, and consequently no retention and application attested by the escalating poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes including underage pregnancy. The study also revealed that the utilisation of participatory communication strategies in Life Skills classrooms was hampered by a myriad of challenges ranging from administrative to lack of stakeholders‟ involvement. The study recommended urgent in-service training of teachers of Life Skills on participatory strategies, stakeholders‟ participation in inculcation of morals to children, provision of resources such as audio-visual aids and infrastructural developments in schools to facilitate participation.
Communication strategies in life skills education for underage pregnancy prevention: a case of Rongo sub-county secondary schools
(2022-11) Ochola, Millicent
This study investigated communication strategies in life skills education for underage pregnancy prevention among secondary school students in Rongo Sub-County. The rationale behind this study was that underage pregnancy is on the rise despite the implementation of Life Skills Education in both primary and secondary schools in Kenya. Life Skills are psychosocial competencies which should enable an individual to effectively deal with demands and challenges in life for an active, healthy and productive life. The escalating numbers of underage pregnancies disclose that minimal attention is directed towards adolescence transfer of Life Skills to their daily lives. The study attempted to find out if the missing link was communication. This study was guided by three research objectives; to establish communication strategies used in Life Skills Education; to determine whether the communication strategies used in Life Skills education leads to underage pregnancy prevention and to examine the challenges in the use of communication strategies in Life Skills education to students in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools. This study was guided by Health Belief Model theory and adopted a qualitative descriptive design and collected data from students and teachers in Rongo Sub-County secondary schools using focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observation. A sample of fifty (50) students participated in the focus group discussion while six teachers participated in individual interviews. The sample was obtained through purposive, quota and chain sampling. Data was analysed thematically using manual open coding and NVivo 11 software. Results were presented in a narrative form, illustrated by direct quotes, mind maps and tables. The study revealed that, in the dissemination of Life Skills, teachers utilised non participatory, one directional and top bottom communication strategies which limited students‟ involvement in the learning process. As a result, there was limited Life Skills acquisition, and consequently no retention and application attested by the escalating poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes including underage pregnancy. The study also revealed that the utilisation of participatory communication strategies in Life Skills classrooms was hampered by a myriad of challenges ranging from administrative to lack of stakeholders‟ involvement. The study recommended urgent in-service training of teachers of Life Skills on participatory strategies, stakeholders‟ participation in inculcation of morals to children, provision of resources such as audio-visual aids and infrastructural developments in schools to facilitate participation.
Communication strategies utilized by women principals in managing workplace conflict in the Kenyan school context
(2019) Kokeyo, Carolyne Adhiambo
Despite several conflicts experienced in secondary schools in Kenya, very minimal research has been conducted to investigate potential causes of unrests in schools related to inappropriate communication by school principals. Furthermore, it is normally assumed that women have better communication strategies and that their schools experience less conflict. However, a review of relevant literature shows that the manner in which women principals utilise communication to manage workplace conflicts has not been established through research, especially, in the Kenyan school context. Therefore, this study sought to explore how women principals utilised communication strategies to manage workplace conflicts at secondary school level. The specific research questions were: First, what is the nature of workplace conflicts in secondary schools headed by women principals? Second, what is the nature of communication strategies utilized in schools headed by women principals? Third, how do the women principals utilize communication strategies to manage workplace conflict at secondary school level? Fourth, what challenges do women principals face? This study was informed by relativist-interpretivist paradigm which is consistent with the qualitative approach. The study adopted a case study method in which semi- structured interviews, focused group discussions and document analysis were used to generate data which were then analysed thematically. Forty research participants who were sampled purposively to take part in the study included women principals, the deputy principals, HoDs, Guidance and counselling leaders, the senior teachers as well as prefects from the student council of each study school. All relevant ethical issues were addressed. Findings indicate that first, the nature of workplace conflicts such as need-based, interest-based, data-based and social-based conflicts were unpredictable. Secondly, the nature of communication strategies utilised in schools headed by women principals such as counselling, monologue, dialogue, aggression as well as grapevine-based communication were convoluted and fluid. Thirdly, the women principals‟ utilised unique communication strategies in managing workplace conflicts such as: Nurturing counselling, Mongrel and Machiavellian communication. Lastly, the major challenges faced by women principals included inadequate skills as well as insufficient and undocumented policy guidelines. The contribution this study makes is that communication strategies as utilized by the women principals in real life context has not featured anywhere in communication literature. Therefore, this study recommends that there is need for social science scholars to explore what interpretivist perspective has to offer in order to better understand people‟s unique experiences, their actual practices and needs. The study being multidisciplinary makes contribution to the body of knowledge in communication studies while offering a relevant analysis on the role of communication in managing workplace conflict within school leadership using a gendered approach.This is applicable in the twenty-first century in which effective communication is placed at the center of organizational learning. Hence, there is need for organizational leaders to desist from dichotomy thinking in managing workplace conflicts as the nature of conflicts is convoluted and unpredictable. Therefore, this study proposes a mixed-breed approach referred to as mongrel communication.
The communicative adequacy of headlines from two online newspapers in Tanzania
(2021) Nasibu, Musa
The advent of internet has made it possible for people to read online newspapers rather than their print versions. It is expected that a newspaper headline should be optimised to meet the communicative expectations of its online readers. However, some newspaper headlines do not communicate adequately in the digital environment. This study sought to examine the communicative adequacy of headlines in twoonline newspapersin Tanzania. The objectives of this study were to: determine the communicative functions of newspaper headlines in the digital setting; examine the communicative principles ofnewspaper headline design in the digital setting; explain the clickbait features which online newspaper editorial teams use to design headlines for their digital publications and determine the online newspaper headline clickbait features with the significant impact on news selection and readership. This study was guided by the relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson (1986/1995) that defined a newspaper headline as the relevance optimiser of its story. The research employed the mixed research method and analytical crossectional research design. The study involved the population of 10 online newspapers in Tanzania and 31,000 online newspaper readers. From the population, the study used the sample of 2 online newspapers and 100 online newspaper readers. The current enquiry usedthe computerized systematic random sampling to obtain a sample of 259 front page headlinesfrom 730 headlines that had been published by The Citizen and Mwananchionline newspapers from July 2017 to June 2018. The researcher used a guided questionnaire and a checklist in the course ofdata collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the quantitative data whereas thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. In this study there were four major findings. First, the study revealed that 69.9% of the twoonline newspaperheadlines examined performed the primary communicative function by summarising the articles they represented. Secondly, it was revealed that the editors of the two newspapers under this study largely observed the principles of designing the appropriate newspaper headlines. Thirdly, it was revealed that the editorial teamsexploited the standard words length per headline with short headlines but they rarely exploited the clickbaits of question, negative sentimental words, and self-referencing. Lastly, it was revealed that headlines with negative and positive sentimental words, concepts and names of high news-value, and headlines without signal words had the significant impact on newspaper readership in the digital environment. However, readability, literal and non-literal constructions, and characters of headlines had no significant impact on newspaper readership. This study was significant to linguists,online journalists, bloggers, website designers and marketers as these fields deal with communication. The quantitative approach and analysis made it the first study to explicate the communicative adequacy of headlines from two online newspapers in Tanzania.The study recommended the online editorial teams of the two Tanzania newspapers to design their headlines by putting into consideration of the environment of their digital publications.From this study, it was concluded that The Citizen and Mwananchi newspaper headlines could not adequately communicate with their headlines because they were still observing the traditional functions and principles of printed newspapers in the digital environment.
Conflict management techniques and teacher job satisfaction in selected secondary schools in Uriri and nyatike sub counties, Kenya
(2021) Farhya, Alabu Pamela
The purpose of this study was to investigate conflict management techniques and teacher job satisfaction in selected secondary schools in Uriri and Nyatike Sub-Counties, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: establish types of conflicts that commonly arise in secondary schools, find out the sources of conflicts that commonly arise in secondary schools in Uriri and Nyatike Sub Counties, determine the conflict management techniques used by principals to deal with conflicts and determine the relationship between conflict management techniques and teacher job satisfaction. The 2 sub counties had 87 public secondary schools. The study was conducted using descriptive survey design which can be used to describe aspects of population which include opinions, attitudes and beliefs. Proportionate and stratified sampling were used to decide on the sample sizes based on percentages and to improve representativeness. Purposive sampling was also used to capture the 3 schools that were adversely affected by conflicts. Saturated sampling was also used with principals and senior teachers. In spite of there being many aspects of school management, the study only focused on conflict management. The sample consisted of: 392 teachers which was 20%, 29 principals which was 30% and 29 senior teachers which also was 30%. The main data collection instruments were questionnaires and focus group discussions. Content and face validity were determined by expert judgment. The instruments were prepared and forwarded to experts in Educational Management at Rongo University for careful scrutiny, their comments and corrections were used to improve the final draft. Pearson‟s r for reliability of piloted data was +0.81 for principals and +0.83 for teachers. The results showed that the questionnaires were reliable for research. From the research instruments, the researcher sought to elicit information about types and sources of conflicts that commonly arise in public secondary schools, the conflict management techniques used by principals to deal with conflicts and to investigate the relationship between conflict management techniques in and teacher job satisfaction. The research yielded both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in form of frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data from open ended questions was analyzed using inferential statistics according to themes in the research questions. The findings showed that there were more relationship-related conflicts than task-related conflicts in schools. Major sources of conflicts included: distribution of scarce resources, poor communication skills on the part of principals, administrative issues, incompetence of principals or teachers and indiscipline of students. It was also revealed that principals use eclectic approach to conflict management. Integrating and obliging techniques had a strong positive relationship with teacher job satisfaction, while dominating and avoiding techniques had no significant relationship with teacher job satisfaction. The study concluded that conflict management techniques contributed to 52.5% of teacher job satisfaction, the remaining 47.5% was accounted for by other variables which were not part of this study. It was recommended that principals be trained in conflict management before they are allowed to take over management of schools. The study proved to be significant for the following reasons: it adds to the existing knowledge in the area of conflict management, it may be useful in developing guidelines for principals and other stakeholders to enable them manage schools effectively, it may help the Ministry of Education to formulate training materials for school managers to enable them manage conflicts effectively and it may enable teachers and educators to improve and to manage conflicts in schools more effectively and efficiently.
Contemporary vernacular broadcast media intervention in communities prone to intra-ethnic conflict: a case of the Abakuria in Kenya
(2018) Oluoch, John Osicho
The rapid growth in the vernacular broadcast media sector in Kenya has been lauded as key in the social and economic transformation of the rural communities. However, how they can be used in conflict management still remains datable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contemporary vernacular media intervention in the Abakuria community which has been prone to internecine intra-ethnic conflicts for a long time. The study analysed sources of information from broadcast media and their role in conflict resolution; evaluated the existing media reportage of intra-ethnic conflict; identified shortfalls in the usage of existing broadcast media platforms for resolving ethnic conflict and assessed the suitability of vernacular broadcast media in resolution of intra-ethnic conflict among the Abakuria community. The study used libertarian and social responsibility theories to advance understanding of the media in enhancing conflict management. It used a mixture of survey and qualitative methods of research design. Data was obtained from 162 victims of previous conflict and 162 local community members as well as 12 media practitioners and 12 key informants from the four divisions of Mabera, Ntimaru, Kegonga and Kehancha. Analysis of previous media reports was also done. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and Participatory Vulnerability Analysis (PVA). The data were coded and entered in the computer for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study established several findings. The main sources of information among the respondents were radio with 80% listenership, television (TV) with 40% viewership and newspapers at 20-25% readership. The most frequently used media for obtaining information was radio, followed by TV while newspaper was low and internet least preferred. Radio Citizen, Citizen TV and NTV were the most preferred channels from where information on intra-ethnic conflict is obtained. There were also up to 20% of the respondents who sought information from the Ekegusi language radio channel known as Egesa FM and another 3-5% of the respondents obtained information from one or the other of several Luo language FM stations. The national and vernacular broadcast media provided very little information about conflict resolution for the community. This study therefore recommends that a vernacular broadcast media channel distinctly dedicated to the Kuria language be established. It also recommends that a mass media advisory committee on conflict management should be set up at the local, county and national levels to advise media practitioners and coordinate activities of the mass media to set standards of enhancing management of intra-ethnic conflict among the communities in Kenya
Contribution of teacher preparedness in the provision of student safety in emergency incidents in public secondary schools in kisumu county, kenya
(2018) Kute, Berther
Parents expect a safe learning environment for their children while in teachers’ custody, yet threats to student safety are increasing globally, and Kenya is no exception. In Kisumu County, media and official reports on incidents from floods, criminal activity, community conflicts, fires and strikes continue to be noted. Due to legal responsibility, preparation and their position as first responders in school emergency, teachers have a crucial role in ensuring student safety, yet little has been done to explore teacher preparedness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine contribution of teacher preparedness in the provision of student safety in emergency incidents in public secondary schools in Kisumu County. Objectives of the study were to; examine contribution of teacher knowledge; establish the contribution of teacher attitude; determine contribution of teacher practices; and establish the contribution of teacher demographic factors on teacher preparedness in the provision of student safety in emergency incidents in public secondary schools in Kisumu County. The study adopted survey research design. The study population was 42 principals, 324 teachers, and 6 Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SCQASOs). Purposive sampling was used to select principals, while SCQASOs teachers were selected by saturated sampling. Study sample consisted of 37 principals, 299 teachers and 4 SCQASOs. Questionnaire for teachers and principals, and interview schedule for SCQASOs, were used to collect data. Piloting was done to establish reliability of instruments; where 5 principals, 25 teachers and 2 SCQASOs were included in piloting. Test-retest was used to determine reliability of the questionnaires. Reliability coefficient of 0.86 and 0.81 were attained for teachers’ and principals’ questionnaires, respectively. Validity was determined by experts in Educational Administration and Policy studies. Quantitative data was analyzed using mean, t-test, correlation and multiple regression while qualitative data was coded, transcribed and organized thematically. Ethics was observed during both data collection and reporting of findings. It was established that; teacher knowledge and practices moderately contributed to student safety with overall mean ratings of 3.21 and 2.93 respectively, while teacher attitude highly contributed with overall mean rating of 3.54. Teacher demographic factors moderately contributed to teacher preparedness with overall mean rating of 3.35, and all aspects considered. In all, teacher demographic factors moderately influenced teacher preparedness, and had a positive and significant relationship (r=0.438, p<.05). Findings of this study are important to educational administrators, policy makers and planners in understanding how teacher preparedness contributes to, and how demographic factors contribute to teacher preparedness as well as contribute to the body of knowledge on teacher preparedness in the provision of student safety in emergency in schools, and to researchers interested in pursuing student safety in future.
Cost of extension services and its effect on profitability of sugar millers: a case of south nyanza sugar company, Kenya.
(2017) Odhiambo, Elly Omondi
The performance of most companies in the sugar industry in Kenya over the years has been an issue of great concern to the management, stakeholders and the Government. The main objective of this case study was to examine the cost of extension services and its effect on profitability of Sonysugar Co. Ltd, and the Kenya sugar sub-sector as a whole. The specific objectives was to investigate how land preparation costs, seed cane supply costs, cane maintenance costs, cane harvesting and transport costs affects the profitability of Sonysugar Co. Ltd. These extension services include land preparation, seed cane supply, cane maintenance, cane harvesting and transport. The study was occasioned by the persistent decline in profitability of most millers and their constrained cash flows despite concerted efforts to reverse the situation. The study area for this research was Sonysugar Co. Ltd, the target population was 491 employees from Finance and Agriculture departments, the population was stratified according to the departments and a purposive sampling technique was used to pick the respondents from each strata, sample size of 150 employees was used for this study. The study used both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules while secondary data was collected through document analysis. The collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics .The study findings revealed that land preparation costs, seed cane supply costs, harvesting and transport costs affects negatively the profitability of Sonysugar Co. Ltd, on the contrary the study also revealed that cane maintenance costs positively affects profitability of the company, the results of this research can be used to give more insights into the perceived cost implications on the profitability of millers. Emphasis should be made to review extension services so that while farmers continue to get the best out of these services, the company is also able to operate profitably. The study recommends that emphasis should be made to review land preparation activities, seed cane supply services, harvesting and transport activities as the study found that they indeed reduces profitability of Sonysugar Co. ltd, this could possibly be achieved through outsourcing, focus of the company should not be much on extension services but rather on the company’s core function of improving the milling capacity, the company’s working capital should not be constrained by subsidiary activities such as extension services, besides, there is need for the company to identify new ways that can be used to claim money owed to it by cane farmers so as to eliminate the issue of bad debts. The financial performance of the millers is likely to improve and thus be more attractive to prospective investors if these recommendations are considered for implementation.
Determinants of cloud computing adoption for health service delivery by public health facilities in Kisumu county, Kenya
(2020) Ogwel, Billy
Cloud computing has emerged as a technological paradigm to reduce Information Technology (IT) costs, foster collaboration while increasing productivity. Cloud computing if adopted would offer economic benefits (less capital expenditure, lower maintenance costs, reduced IT labor costs and energy savings), operational advantages (enhanced collaboration, improved security, unlimited computing resources and 24- hour platform) and functional benefits (easy integration because it uses standard protocols) and these would improve health service delivery. The healthcare sector has been slower to adopt cloud computing compared to other industries. Furthermore, it has been established that cloud computing adoption is sector specific due to the different features and security levels they need and as such, cloud adoption studies should be sector specific. Locally, there is limited literature concerning the adoption and benefits of cloud computing in Kenyan healthcare sector. The study was done in Kisumu County and it focused on 57 public health facilities in the county. This study was based on a conceptual framework integrated from the Technological Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour and Technology-Organization-Environment model. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent of cloud computing adoption, determine the influence of technological factors, establish the influence of organisational factors and evaluate the influence of behavioural factors in cloud computing adoption for health service delivery. The target population was 114 healthcare personnel (facility in-charges and health records officers). The sample size was 88 healthcare personnel and it was computed using Yamane formula (1967) and sample was drawn using stratified random sampling. The study employed a cross- sectional study using questionnaires to collect data from respondents. Data analysis was done using Stata 14.0 software; logistic regression was used to establish the association of health service delivery and determinants of cloud computing adoption. The findings showed that cloud computing prevalence was at 53% and these cloud implementations were deployed as hybrid clouds with Software-as-a-Service (100%) being the most common implementation. Cloud computing adoption influenced health service delivery (Odds Ratio [OR]=7.14, p=0.016).The study found out the following factors to be predictors of cloud computing adoption for health service delivery: Technological factors (technological infrastructure OR=10.29, p<0.0001; technical competency OR=12.27, p<0.0001; security OR=7.40, p=0.0010; privacy OR=11.70, p<0.0001; expert scarcity OR=4.83, p=0.001), organisational factors (Budgetary allocation for IT OR=2.96, p=0.048; firm size OR=21.79 p<0.0001) and behavioural factors (Perceived usefulness OR=10.29, p<0.0001, perceived ease of use OR=8.48 , p=0.002; social influence OR=3.44 p=0.016). From the study findings, I recommend increased adoption of cloud computing to improve health service delivery: bottom-up systems that are unique to facility needs. On technological factors, I recommend, improvement of technological infrastructure in all facilities. On organisational factors, I recommend increased budgetary allocation for IT in health facilities. On behavioural factors, I recommend building the capacity of healthcare personnel in cloud paradigm, related skills and its benefits. I also suggest that future studies can improve on this work by diversifying the target population to include other healthcare workers to better understand use and acceptance of cloud computing for health service delivery.
Determinants of contraceptives preference and use among people living with hiv and aids in rural areas: a study of Nyamarambe division, Kisii county, Kenya
(2021) Omollo, Chrispine
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that a majority of persons living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are within the reproductive age of 25-49 years. This implies that their sexual and reproductive rights which have to be protected as enshrined in international and national legal instruments. One avenue through which persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) can enjoy these rights is through the use of contraceptives. In recognition of this, governments, including that of Kenya, have made contraceptives available and accessible in most parts of the country. However, despite the obvious benefits, availability and accessibility, the uptake of contraceptives is still at only 69% in Kenya. This study therefore sought to investigate the determinants of contraceptives preference and use among PLWHAs in Nyamarambe Division, Kisii County Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the level of contraceptive knowledge and use; establish the most preferred contraceptive methods and explore the factors that influence the preference and use of contraceptives. The study was guided by the social cognitive and the protection motivation theories. It applied the mixed method approach through which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed using the descriptive survey design. The target population for this study group were 1,206 PLWHAs attending government health facilities for anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Out of these, a sample of 107 was selected through cluster, quota and systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews, strictly observing all ethical considerations. The findings of this study indicate that 93% of the respondents were knowledgeable about contraceptive use as 77% knew the use and its importance. The study also found that the implant was the most commonly used contraceptive, with more than 29% preferring its use, as opposed to 19.3% who chose to use IUCD method and 18.2% who were inclined to condom method. The study further revealed that the prevalence in the use of the implant was largely influenced by healthcare workers whose percentage was at 48.9%, who tend to recommend the method over other methods. The study also established that some of the factors that influence contraceptive preference and use include adequate information pertaining its presence and its availability of a contraceptive in a health center or in a region. Interestingly, the study revealed that despite assurances by government about availability of contraceptives at health facilities, clients were limited in terms of choice, and that only implants, male condoms and IUCD were available at the facilities in the study area. This study recommends that the government through the ministry of education should incorporate family planning education in secondary schools as this would help them have knowledge and understanding of the use of various contraceptives while the ministry of health is also encouraged to provide numerous contraceptive methods and also train health workers on their importance in enhancing contraceptive use among PLWHA.
Determinants of government consumption expenditure in Kenya
(2018) Majoge, Peter Odira
Government expenditure is a very instrumental demand tool in achieving economic stability and policy makers frequently use it to influence certain economic outcomes. Government expenditure majorly consists of two components: investment and consumption components. Many researchers concede that higher level of government consumption expenditure is growth retarding and therefore undesirable. The aim of the study was establish the economic, structural and political and institutional determinants of government consumption expenditure in Kenya. Government consumption expenditure in Kenya has grown relatively faster from Ksh 31.2732 billion in 1963 to Ksh 2107.2 billion in 2018. There is still scanty literature on this topic and yet consumption expenditure accounts for more than 55% of Kenya’s total public spending every year. Because Shonchoy (2010) panel analysis suffers from cross-sectional heterogeneity and fails to be informative about Kenya’s consumption spending, it became a motivation to examine the causes for the rise in Kenya’s government consumption expenditure. Studies done by Kanano (2006) explained the reasons behind growth in gross expenditure, while Maingi (2010) and Abwoga (2013) focused on the effects of public consumption expenditure on economic growth in Kenya. However, their studies did not attempt to explain the causes of its growth. Oketch, T. O. and Linge, T. (2018) examined the determinants of recurrent public expenditure in Kenya but, however, reduced their scope and narrowed on salaries/wages, social contribution and non-wage related variables such as rent & utilities, travelling expenses, hospitality and other consumables and that focus makes this study deviate from their study. In light of this arguement, this study followed quantitative and correlational studies design to establish the reasons for rise in consumption expenditure in Kenya and drawing from the public choice approach, three models were used:(i) Economic model; consisted of gross domestic product, foreign aid, inflation rate, foreign direct investment, interest rate, trade openness and external debt stock (ii) Structural model; consisted of urbanization rate, young population (below 15 years) and old population (above 64 years) (iii) Politico-institutional model; comprised of market liberalization, political liberty, political cohesion, corruption and elections. Published data obtained from World Bank, Country Data Portal (2018) were used. Following cointegration test results on the time series data for the period 1963-2017, VECM, VAR and OLS estimations techniques were adopted. The results were that in the long-run, while 1USD increase in GDP causes USD1.3 increase in government consumption expenditure, a unit increase in inflation rate would cause USD1.8 increase in consumption expenditure. However, 1USD increase in foreign direct investment and external debt stock causes, respectively, USD 0.07 and USD 2.6 drop in government consumption expenditure. Corruption, democracy and political instability have positive effects on government consumption expenditure in Kenya. Urbanization and population dynamics jointly affect the variable in the short-run. This study recommends that the government should strengthen its institutions that are mandated to deal with graft cases, create peaceful political setting at all times and ensure a friendly environment to foreign investors
Determinants of m-pesa paybill adoption a mong safaricom m-pesa customers in migori town
(2018-12) Odhiambo, George Odhiambo; Odada, John Ernest
The study sought to investigate the effect of literacy, customer awareness, and perceived security on M-Pesa pay bill adoption in Migori Town. The study assumes that there are challenges and constraints that limit the adoption of M-Pesa pay bill adoption. The study is significant as it seeks to generate knowledge and provide insight to firms and consumers as they may seek to enter into the mobile money services like M-Pesa pay bill. The study was guided by three specific objectives which include, establishing the relationship between the literacy level and M-Pesa pay bill adoption in Migori Town; to investigate the relationship between customers’ awareness and M-Pesa pay bill adoption in Migori Town and to determine the relationship between perceived security to information and M-Pesa pay bill adoption in Migori Town. The study adopted descriptive research design. The design was perceived to be the most appropriate as it allows the researcher to collect data from respondents and make inferences from the data. The researcher used questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to make sense of the data which was presented in tables. Data was analyzed using Mult-Regression tests generated from SPSS version 23. The study found that literacy level had a positive effect on M-Pesa pay bill adoption while consumer awareness was found to have a negative effect. Perceived security was found not to significantly affect M-Pesa pay bill adoption. The study recommends that customers should be trained on M-Pesa pay bill technology and perceived risk issues addressed by stakeholders. Literacy levels on technology should be enhanced to ensure successful M-Pesa pay bill adoption.
Dialogue as a management tool for conflict resolution at Rongo University
(2018) Okuthe, Awuor Pelesiah
Other approaches have been used for decades to solving issues in Kenyan public universities, but the methods have been found to be less humane and costly. The need to embrace dialogue is a better approach in conflict resolution and should be encouraged towards a transformed society. This study investigates dialogue as a management tool for conflict resolution at Rongo University. It raises the need for knowledge of what dialogue is, competence in how to employ dialogue and its use for it to be a tool in conflict resolution. Employees move beyond any one individual’s understanding to gain new insights and create new ideas in ways that cannot be achieved individually. It describes the dialogue process and explores how it shifts both individuals and a group to a collective, shared understanding. In dialogue all parties involved are givers and takers, dialogue can be carried out at different levels at which participants are influenced or influence others. The study was guided by the following objectives; to identify the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution at Rongo University, investigate the requirements for dialogue in conflict resolution at Rongo University and examine if dialogue can be used as a sustainable management tool in conflict resolution at Rongo University. Data was collected from employees of Rongo University. Descriptive study was applied, and purposive sample used. The target population was a total of 500 employees and a sample size of 217 using Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. It was anchored by dialogue theory. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were adapted using questionnaires and observation. Tables, graphs and pie charts were used in data presentation. Results indicated that some of the approaches used in conflict resolution were due to delays, fear of dialogue, and insensitivity of management. The conclusion from the study was that dialogue had not been fully embraced and lack of dialogue was due to the attitude that has developed over time. Employees have not been adequately informed on the importance of embracing dialogue as a better approach to conflict resolution.

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