Activities In Kenya Research Articles

Effects of Stone Mining on Household Livelihoods in Londiani Sub-County

Globally, rural areas are dominated by households earning less than a dollar per day and engaging in subsistence agriculture to meet their basic needs. In Kenya, governments and non-governmental organizations have taken measures to promote agricultural activities and non-agricultural activities to alleviate poverty in rural areas. One of such none agricultural activity in Kenya is stone mining. Stone mining is an alternative source of livelihood for most rural households. The objective of the study was to establishment the effects of stone mining on household livelihoods in the Londiani, Sub-County. Primary data was collected by use of structured household questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews. Descriptive statistics was used during data analysis where percentages were computed and tabulated. The study revealed that: stone quarry activities have adverse effects on residents of Londiani sub-County, notably: respiratory diseases, chest and skin infections, eye problems, rashes, and body injuries. Stone mining has numerous benefits to the miners' livelihoods. The money generated from stone mining is used to pay school fees, purchase food for the family, clothing, and health services and even build shelter for the family. The study recommends for an audit of the number of households directly involved in quarrying activities with a view to extending credit facilities to boost mining sector. The findings are significant to policymakers in the county government of Kericho, and national governments in formulating policies aimed at streamlining informal sectors into mainstream economic activities

Critical Analysis of Status of Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Manda, Lamu County, Kenya: A Multifaceted Examination of HUMINT and SIGINT

This paper presents a critical analysis of counter-terrorism strategies in Kenya, with a specific focus on the multifaceted examination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a thorough understanding of Kenya's efforts to combat terrorism. The target population of this study encompassed participants involved in counter-terrorism activities in Kenya. This included officers in security agencies such as the National Intelligence Service and the Kenya Defense Forces which formed our target population. A total of 93 officers participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. By addressing multiple levels of involvement, the paper provides a holistic view of counter-terrorism strategies and their impact. Quantitative data was collected through surveys administered to a representative sample of security personnel in the NIS and KDF. Qualitative data on the other hand was collected through interviews. Semi-structured interviews were done with key informants, such as heads of the National Intelligence Service and Kenya Defense Forces helped capture the nuanced perspectives on HUMINT and SIGINT. STATA and Statistical Package for Social Scences (SPSS) Software were used to analyze quantitative data from the survey. The statistical significance between the average expectations and average perceptions in both security agencies was analyzed using two-sample t-tests. Additionally, the significance of the gaps between the agencies was assessed with Hotelling’s T-squared test at a 5% significance level. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were also used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between the independent variable (s) and the dependent variable. The study generally found that the indicators of the HUMINT strategy were effective in countering terrorism except for source penetration. Further, the study determined that all indicators of SIGINT strategy were ineffective in countering terrorism except for interception of communication and timely warnings.

Stylistic/Textual Analysis of Narrative Techniques in Ngugi Wa Thiong’o’s a Grain of Wheat

In A Grain of Wheat, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o demonstrates his mastery of language for both narration and description. In the plot, while telling the story, he provides a vivid description of the social and natural settings in which the action is taking place. He adopts the use of omniscient narrator technique as an objective technique that makes it possible to probe the innermost depths of the characters and determine their psychological and emotional states, especially in the protest against the whiteman’s domination of the land. Occasionally, he attempts to illustrate the ongoing action with a corresponding visual symbolism or external imagery starting from the title of the novel – A Grain of Wheat and the character – Kihika respectively. This paper examines stylistic/textual analysis of narrative techniques of Ngugi’s style of narrative in A Grain of Wheat. The purpose of this study is to analyse the colonial influences on the Kenyan environment using the post-colonial theory and employing the qualitative method to gather data as regards the use of narrative techniques in the novel. The findings are that the source of environmental degradation and marginalisation of the natives in the novel warranted the use of narrative techniques, especially symbolism and visual imagery as indicated and perfected by the author in A Grain of Wheat. His use of flashback techniques is to give the reader insight into the life and activities in Kenya. Therefore, this paper recommends the use of narrative techniques by authors as part of the thematic expressions of their works.

Influence of Capital Risk on Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Kenya

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) services and activities in Kenya have helped the country reduce its poverty rate, but the country is still among the poorest in the world. Microfinance institutions in Kenya have also reported capital risk in terms of pricing since they have less flexibility to adjust prices due to their financial structure. The main objective of the study is to establish the influence of capital risk on the financial performance of microfinance institutions in Kenya. The study used a descriptive survey research design with a target population of 12 MFIs listed under the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The study used a census approach to sample the entire population. The study used secondary data from published CBK reports over a 7-year period from 2015 to 2021. Descriptive statistics are comprised of skewness, kurtosis, and jarque bera. Inferential statistics used were Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression. A study on financial risk factors and financial performance may be of value to the government in policy formation. The microfinance act policy formulators can use the study to ascertain contagious issues that need to be addressed, especially how to handle capital risk challenges. The study may assist the management of microfinance institutions in establishing the problems facing financial risk factors in their sector. Capital risk had a significant positive effect on the financial performance of the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya (t =0.0346763, p<0.05). This model produced an R square of 0.378, implying that 3.78% of the variation in the risks of microfinance institutions is significantly affected by capital risk. Regarding microfinance size, the incorporation of IV*MV, thus interaction terms, moved R squared from 0.337 to 0.378, hence an increase of 0.041. The P value of 0.024 and an R squared increase of 0.041 shows that microfinance size has a moderatingly significant effect on the relationship between capital risk and the financial performance of microfinance institutions. The study rejected the null hypothesis. The findings guided the following recommendations: It was found that capital risk has a significant impact on financial performance; hence, microfinance firms should improve their assets so as to minimize the risks associated with their capital base.

Gender Mainstreaming in Miraa Farming in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya

Miraa (Catha edulis forsk) farming is a major income earner in Kenya, but until recently, it was not scheduled as a priority crop in the country. Consequently, no gender research to identify men and women issues with the purpose of designing gender-responsive solutions for increased productivity has ever been conducted on the crop value chain. The main objective of the study was to examine gender issues in miraa production and marketing activities in Kenya. Data were collected using multiple methods. These included a formal survey that covered 962 households, key informants’ interviews, focused group discussions and a literature review. The household data were analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS Version 20 software. The Harvard theoretical framework was used to structure the analysis. The main findings indicate that women have less access to production resources such as land and extension services than men. Moreover, men performed almost all crop activities. Men also dominated all crop decisions. The study recommends that research scientists need to design gender-responsive technologies, innovations and management practices that are tailor made to meet men’s needs and concerns. This is because the crop appears to belong to men with less women’s operational and financial control.

The Role Visual Resources and Improvised Techniques Play in the Actualization of Bukusu Circumcision Songs

The study is an analysis of visual resources and improvised techniques in actualization of the Bukusu circumcision songs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role visual resources and improvised techniques play in the actualization of Bukusu circumcision songs. The study employed Performance Theory because it was performance-centered approach and more adequate to analyze visual resources and improvised techniques employed in Bukusu circumcision songs in a more effective way. The study relied on fieldwork methods like note taking, video recording, interviews, and questionnaire and participant observation. It also employed purposive sampling procedures that used to obtain a maximum number possible of informants from whom data was collected, analyzed and documented. Both primary and secondary sources were utilized in data collection. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in which, the rating scale was as follows: Strongly Disagree (SD) = 1; Disagree (D) = 2; Agree (A) = 3; Strongly Agree (SA) = 4. While the qualititative data was analysed thematically then subjected to the rating scale. The researcher concluded that, visual resources and improvised techniques play a role in the actualization of Bukusu circumcision songs in regard to; composition, aesthetics and performance. The findings in table 2 showed that, majority of respondents 106 (56.7%) strongly agreed that composition of visual resources and improvised techniques played a role in the actualization of Bukusu circumcision songs. Elements like gestures, costumes and dramatic elements like body movements, facial expressions and tonal variations. VR and IT turned a boring song into an interesting and memorable song. Facial expression showed feelings of the performer and audiences, the costumes of the performers, all combined reveled the beauty and the semantic content of the song and the performance. The findings on aesthetics in table 3 established that, women’s personal interest in aesthetics in BSC had a role on use of visual resources and improvised techniques, ululation brought in a happy mood of the mother and aunties of a circumcision candidate at 15 (76.9%). Youth at 20 (66.3%) believed that aesthetics had a role on VR and IT like costumes was associated with seriousness of the initiation process. Men liked aesthetics of visual resources and improvised techniques at 35 (70.7%). These implied that, men just like women and youth had an interest in aesthetics exhibited in BCS through VR and IT made the song exciting. VR and IT in BCSs had its messages as well as its aesthetics which were learned through the language of drum, the clapping of hands, the characterization and body movements of the performers; the participation of audience and their imitation of the other audience-performers and the ululations by aunties and mothers made the songs enjoyable. Concerning the performance of VT and IT, the study in table 4 established that, 113 (60.6%) strongly agreed that, during performance of BSC, visual resources and improvised techniques were employed by the both the performer and audience-performer that made a song lively. The study recommends that, the roles of visual resources and improvised techniques in Bukusu circumcision songs cannot be ignored; there is need for the government of Kenya and other cultural stakeholders to appreciate these components and initiate programs that promotes traditional circumcision songs as a sources of tourist attraction activities in Kenya.

Engaging public primary schools with practical science: Developing a curriculum resource kit for primary school practical science activities in Kenya

Engaging public primary schools with practical science: Developing a curriculum resource kit for primary school practical science activities in Kenya

Engaging public primary schools with practical science: Developing a curriculum resource kit for primary school practical science activities in Kenya

Engaging public primary schools with practical science: Developing a curriculum resource kit for primary school practical science activities in Kenya

Psychological and Physical Lived Experiences of Journalists Covering Terrorism in Kenya

This research is based on 28 in-depth interviews with Kenya-based journalists who report terrorism. The objective of the research was to recount their lived experiences. The theme of safety of journalists comprised psychological and physical safety of the newspeople, and there were various ways in which the psychological and individual safety of the journalists covering terrorism and related events was at risk. The psychological safety included traumatic events leading to sleeplessness and nightmares, loss of memory, and some journalists resorting to alcohol abuse in a bid to cope with the traumatic experiences. These physical safety concerns for some journalists included threats of death by fanatical religious groups, while other participants said that they were threatened with death because of their coverage of terrorism and related activities in Kenya.

Domestic Burdens Amid Covid-19 and Women’s Mental Health in Middle-Income Africa

This article analyzes two longitudinal datasets (October – December 2020; April 2021) of 1,000 and 900 women in Kenya and Nigeria, respectively, alongside in-depth qualitative interviews with women at risk of changes to time use, to study two pandemic issues: women’s substitution of paid for unpaid work and how these shifts compromise their mental health. Women devote more time to domestic care (30–38 percent), less time to employment (29–46 percent), and become unemployed (12–17 percent). A rise in domestic work is correlated with depressive (Nigeria) and anxiety symptoms (Kenya and Nigeria). Women with greater agency (Kenya) and fewer children (Nigeria) are less likely to report a domestic burden or loss in paid activities. Social protection programs may fill the void of assistance traditionally provided by informal networks in the short term, while campaigns shifting norms around household work may preserve women’s economic participation in the long term. HIGHLIGHTS Women in Kenya and Nigeria reported increases in domestic labor amid the pandemic. Women’s agency is negatively associated with the domestic burden and a reduction in paid activities in Kenya. Women in households with two or more children face greater domestic burdens and losses in paid activities in Nigeria. Increases in domestic work render women more likely to be anxious (Kenya and Nigeria) and depressed (Nigeria).

National Government and Academia: A Collaborative Approach in Advancing National Security in Kenya

Academia plays a critical role in the development of Kenya and its people. Academic research makes significant contributions to knowledge, innovations, and solutions that can drive national security and improve livelihoods. It is a vital contributor to the knowledge production of national security theories, principles, approaches, technologies, and techniques. In advanced nations, educational enterprise invests immense resources and deliberate efforts in the continuity of research and production of data and revolutionary technologies impacting national and international security. However, the contribution of academia to developing countries in security development remains limited and generally unknown. This paper explores secondary research findings of the current education landscape and the contribution of academia to security development in Kenya. The goal of the study was to investigate and deepen understanding of the security development processes through an exploration of the most notable security developments, achievements, programs, research works, and technologies generated by the Kenyan academic body. The study revealed that few studies in Kenya have focused on this area and as such, it was useful to establish a foundation of knowledge regarding the contributions and collaboration between academia and national security. The analysis of national security academic programs, several public national security research institutions, national security public forums, higher education institutional and national budgets for security programs, scholarships, scientific presentations, and security-specific technological exhibitions, posits a weak influence, wanton contribution, and involvement of the Kenyan academia and the government in matters of national security development. It shows challenges, needs, and opportunities associated with national security in Kenya that can be leveraged by exploring the attitudes, perceptions, views, and attitudes of key stakeholders espousing policies on national security in the country. To stimulate national security research activities in Kenya, this study recommends a collaborative approach in the integration and funding of national security development programs for academia and industry in the country and other advancing nation-states.

Effect of COVID-19 Stay at Home Requirement on Household Incomes in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Pandemics are not a new phenomenon since they have happened numerous times throughout human history. Due to the globalization and interconnectedness of the business world today, the steps taken by governments around the world to stop the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from spreading resulted to minimal movement of people and products, impacting business activities in Kenya. Although COVID-19 containment measures including stay at home requirement contributed to the reduction of coronavirus infection globally, household incomes were at risk due to the pandemic’s effects on business operations and economic activities. The study sought to analyze effect of COVID-19 stay at home requirement on household incomes in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the relative income theory which guided the specification framework. An explanatory research design was adopted based on 304, 943 households with a sample of 399. The data was collected using structured questionnaires issued to household heads using simple random sampling. Correlation results indicated a strong negative significant correlation between stay-at-home requirement and household income . OLS results indicated that stay-at-home requirement coefficient had a negative significant effect (β=-0.343,p=0.00<0.05)on household income. The study concluded that COVID-19 stay at home requirement affected household incomes for Uasin Gishu County, Kenya households suggesting that the restrictions imposed to curb the menace extensively led to job loss and reduction in income.

Refugees and National Security in Kenya: A Case Study of Eastleigh, Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi County

Purpose: This study is about refugees and national security in Kenya: Case Study of Eastleigh, Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi County. The research examined whether refugees are a threat to national security, evaluated the relationship between refugees and terror activities and examined whether the Kenya’s open-door policy on refugees is a threat to national security. This research was guided by conceptual framework on what national security is and threats to national security, as well as refugees and the security threats they pose to Kenya. Push and Pull Theory and Securitization Theory further guided the research.
 Methodology: The study was conducted using Mixed Methods research design that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection, data analysis and interpretation of the findings. The research instruments for data collection were questionnaire and one on one interviews with refugees and relevant key stakeholders such as UNHCR, Danish Refugee Council, and Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. Secondary data was obtained from books, published scholarly materials, internet publications, field research report, theses, journals, government reports, newsletters, and newspapers.
 Findings: The respondents indicated that there was a relationship between refugees and terror activities in Kenya. Majority of the respondents indicated that policies and laws were the best approaches in dealing with refugees related insecurity, thus effective policies, laws, and best approaches are required to stem the high levels of insecurity. Encampment policy did not provide sustainable solution, majority of the respondents indicated that non-refoulement refugee policies and laws, refugee settlements, local integration, voluntary repatriation was a strategy and durable solutions in dealing with refugees and insecurity, while other respondents proposed expulsion of refugees involved in criminal activities and screening of refugees for security threats, as the best approaches in dealing with refugees related insecurity. Measures against errant refugees and regulation of border entries to prevent illegal and criminal immigrants was also proposed.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This research recommends that United Nations, World Bank, and IMF should facilitate peace keeping missions and strengthen the government institutions in countering displacements, with emphasis on resettlement and integration of refugees especially those who cannot return to their country of nationality. Approaches that foster peace and security, such as Nyumba Kumi initiatives led by the security agencies like Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, should continue to bring refugees, host community, development partners in both NGO and public sector and other stakeholders on board.

E-agriculture Framework for Improving Agricultural Productivity among the Smallholder Farmers in Rural Kenya


 The economy of Kenya depends mainly on agriculture where smallholder farming has a significant role as it employs 65 percent of the work force and contributes 32 percent of Kenya’s GDP. However, the agricultural industry in Kenya is currently facing difficulties in low productivity. The rural areas have the largest concentration of poverty and food insecurity. Majority of the farming activities in Kenya are on small scale and the problems of these farmers are multifaceted including sub-divisions and small farm sizes, leading to diseconomies of scale and low productivity. The goal of this research was to develop and validate an E-agriculture Framework for Improving Agricultural Productivity among the Smallholder Farmers. Descriptive research design was used. The study was carried out in South Eastern Kenya. The target population comprised 224 meteorological staff, 421 agricultural extension officers, 208 ICT personnel and 3,833 farmers. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, observation and interviews and analyzed using SPSS. The study found that challenges faced farmers were cost, illiteracy and ICT skills among others. Further, the study established that farmers required specific information such as soil management, pest management etc., for mainly improving their productivity. The researcher proposed an e-agriculture framework for improving agricultural productivity through promoting innovative use of ICT tools to bridge the distance between the farmers and the research communities. The proposed e-framework could be used by government policy makers and stakeholders on ICT on agricultural services in other developing countries to implement policies that speeded up the use of ICT on agricultural information.

About The Author

About The Author

Human rights activism after the movement ends: Global lessons from Kenya’s unfinished “revolution”

Some 30 years after their dangerous human rights activism in Kenya that challenged an authoritarian regime and won multiparty democracy, more than half the leading survivors were still politically active. Three were governors, one was the Supreme Court Chief Justice, five were human rights activists; others were attorneys or otherwise politically engaged. This study provides fresh insights on the theory of cycles of social movements and offers global implications for movements in other countries. The decline of social movements “remains relatively understudied from an empirical standpoint.” The study builds on the cycle theories of Tarrow, considered the “leading theoretician of protest cycles.” It finds that (1) long after a protest movement has ended, some activists may continue individual activism in line with the goals of the movement or a subset of goals; (2) partial victories or regime concessions tend to weaken cohesiveness of a movement and make subsequent victories harder; (3) regime change, although more dangerous, in some ways is easier than regime reform. The findings are based on interviews conducted by the author, mostly in Nairobi, with the leading veteran activists and others between 2019 and 2021, plus archival reviews.

Interest group representation on government committees in Kenya

Business associations engage in dialogue with policy makers—and sometimes succeed in influencing policy outcomes. One strategy—largely overlooked by researchers—involves seeking appointment to government boards and committees. This is an important omission since many committees review, draft and implement policies and regulations. Securing representation on government committees could thus lead to considerable influence but little is known about the extent to which interest groups seek such appointments. And very little is known about dialogue in developing countries, especially those that seek a consensual rather than an adversarial approach to policy formulation. This research, based on desk research of government committee membership and interviews with business associations, thus addresses two gaps. It has been undertaken in a developing country, Kenya, since there is a relatively small number of interest groups compared to other countries of a similar population. This research focuses on the efforts of interest groups, and business groups in particular, to place nominees on government committees. This article highlights the level of regulatory activity in Kenya effectively delegated to government boards and committees and demonstrates the apparent success of business associations in securing participation in a majority of the committees with a regulatory function. It argues, however, that interest groups could be more professional and more strategic when they are represented on government committees.

A Markov regime-switching (MS) approach to modeling the effects of fiscal policies and COVID-19 pandemic on tourism destination competitiveness in Kenya

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the tourist activity in Kenya. Global lockdown has limited travel resulting to losses in the tourism sector. This paper discusses the specific role that fiscal policy plays to improve tourism competitiveness in Kenya. Specifically, the study examines how Kenyan government can revive the tourism economy to improve its competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachA tourism demand model to explore relationship between fiscal policies and inbound tourism in Kenya is developed. This study uses a Markov regime-switching (MS) regression model to establish the relationships that exist between COVID-19 pandemic, fiscal policies and tourism revenue in Kenya.FindingsThe estimation results of the Markov-switching dynamic regression showed that the coefficients of international tourists arrivals, domestic bed occupancy and international bed occupancy are positive and significant with p-values of 0.000 during the pandemic period. The findings show that the transitioning periods during the fiscal policy shifts had an effect on the international arrivals. Therefore, fiscal incentives were key in influencing tourism arrivals and bednights occupancies.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical implications show that to promote the state of high international and domestic tourist arrivals, the government should encourage more fiscal spending initiatives that encourage the increase in tourist arrivals and occupancies such as vaccinations against COVID-19 and promoting safe spaces for visitors within the destination is key towards reviving the sector. In order to curb the hysteresis effects of COVID-19 related depression and resultant impacts on GDP, there is a need to review the national fiscal policies and target fiscal policies on the cyclical effects of the COVID-19 impacts on international tourism market.Originality/valueThis research develops an economic model that builds accurate relationships between fiscal policies, pandemics and tourism destination competitiveness as a means of informing competitive tourism management strategies and governance.

Perceptions of peer contraceptive use and its influence on contraceptive method use and choice among young women and men in Kenya: a quantitative cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrior research has established that an individual’s social environment may influence his or her reproductive behaviors, yet less is known about peer influence on contraceptive use among young people (ages 15–24). In Kenya, the site of this study, 15% of adolescents ages 15–19 have begun childbearing and 45% of sexually active young women report current use of a modern contraceptive method. This highlights the need to better understand what factors influence young people to use contraception. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and contraceptive use and method choice among young men and women in Kenya.MethodsThis study utilizes a nationally representative sample of women and men aged 15–24 years from the 2018 and 2019 cross sectional Shujaaz State of the Kenyan Youth annual surveys. Among the sample of sexually experienced young people (59%), multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and the respondent’s contraceptive method choice: non-user, condom use or use of any other modern method. Results are presented separately for young men and young women.ResultsOur results show that sexually experienced young men and women who perceive that their peers are using contraceptives are more likely to report current use of condoms compared to being a nonuser (RRR = 2.12, p < 0.001, RRR = 2.59, p < 0.001, respectively); they are also more likely to use condoms than another modern method of contraception (RRR = 2.13, p = 0.034, RRR = 1.71, p = 0.014, respectively). Young women are more likely to use another modern method (not including condoms) than be a nonuser when they perceive that their peers’ use contraceptives (RRR = 1.51, p = 0.020).ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the important role of peer influence on young people’s contraceptive choices. These findings can be used to develop programs that encourage behavior change communication activities in Kenya that focus on normalizing use of a full range of contraceptive methods among peer groups of sexually experienced young people.

Bioethics in Kenya: Who is Interested in Certificate Courses

Inadequate training in matters of ethics renders health care providers unprepared for dilemmas faced in public health, research, and clinical practice. Certificate course training offer opportunities to gain more knowledge and skills on all matter ethics. Over the past decade, the increase in research activities in Kenya has not been proportionate to training in ethics. The centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Bioethics training Initiative (CK-BTI) is a Forgaty funded program for building capacity in research ethics for Kenya and Pakistan. This paper evaluates the characteristics of participants that attended the CK-BTI certificate level courses in Kenya between 2017 to 2021. This data was analysed for this paper and utilized information from the training application process. Between November 2017 and July 2021, a total of 1,359 applications were received and 457 (33.6%) trained. The target countries were Kenya and Pakistan but interest was drawn from Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and Zambia. The continued interest in the certificate level ethics courses may imply a need to increase the number of ethics training offered within the East African region.