East Sub Research Articles

EFFECT OF POLICY ISSUE SALIENCE ON PUBLIC POLICY FORMULATION IN WAJIR EAST SUB COUNTY, KENYA

EFFECT OF POLICY ISSUE SALIENCE ON PUBLIC POLICY FORMULATION IN WAJIR EAST SUB COUNTY, KENYA

Influence of Ethical Leadership on Corporate Governance in Commercial Banks in Nakuru East Sub County, Kenya

Influence of Ethical Leadership on Corporate Governance in Commercial Banks in Nakuru East Sub County, Kenya

Influence of Periodic Mobility of Nomadic Pastoralist Parents on Retention of Early Years Learners’ Education in Turkana East Sub County, Kenya

Influence of Periodic Mobility of Nomadic Pastoralist Parents on Retention of Early Years Learners’ Education in Turkana East Sub County, Kenya

Strategic Management Practices on Poverty Alleviation Among Farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Improving the standard of living in underdeveloped regions is a pressing issue in the modern era of globalization. More than 80% of Kenyans get their living from farming or other non- urban sources in rural areas. More than half of Kenya's population is impoverished, meaning they cannot afford to meet their most basic demands. There have been various strategic management practices that have been employed to alleviate poverty in Mumias East Sub County, Kakamega County. As a result, this study examined the effects of strategic management methods on the reduction of poverty among small-scale farmers in Mumias East Sub County, Kenya. The study's findings on how to reduce poverty was useful to policymakers at both the county and federal levels. The study was based on, resource mobilization theory, knowledge-based theory, technology acceptance model 3, and random utility theory. This study, which aimed to adopt a descriptive study design, recruited 105 participants from among the 221 upper and middle managers in Mumias East Sub County, Kakamega County Government. In order to combine primary and secondary sources, surveys were deployed. The validity and reliability of the research tools are established by pilot testing. The questionnaire's construct and content validity were ensured through careful design and testing to ensure that it accurately captures the intended data. Using a Cronbach alpha cutoff of 0.7 was ensured reliability. Tables and graphs were used to display the data. In order to comprehend the structures and dynamics of the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Labeling different groups and themes were used in a thematic analysis of qualitative data. The inferential statistics included Pearson's correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The goal of the research was to identify the connections between poverty relief efforts and resource mobilization, technological innovation, and strategic education. The activity was conducted in an ethical manner. The modern technology variable was found to have a positive significant influence on poverty alleviation effort amongst small-scale farmers in Mumias East Sub County, Kakamega County. The study concludes that mobilizing resources for poverty alleviation can lead to increased access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare. This can improve the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living in poverty. The study recommends that the County should invest in education and skills development, individuals can gain the necessary knowledge and tools to secure better job opportunities and increase their earning potential.

Predictors of the resurgence and sustainability of open defecation-free status among adult residents in Kibwezi East Sub County, Makueni County, Kenya

Background: Worldwide, 2.4 billion persons lack improved sanitation and practice open defecation. In Kenya, about 14% of its population defecates in the open and the country loses over $324 million a year due to poor sanitation. The study focused on establishing infrastructural factors influencing the resurgence and sustainability of open-defecation-free status among adult residents in Kibwezi East Sub-County of Makueni County, Kenya. Methods: The study employed purposeful, cluster, proportionate, simple random sampling and descriptive cross-sectional design. Participants included residents aged 18 or older, who lived in the area at least two years. Chi-square tests at p≤0.05 examined relationships between independent and dependent variables. Results: Majority of respondents were Christian (98.8%), with 52.9% completing primary education. Most were female (68.6%), married (89.1%), and averaged 48.40 years. Education at or below primary level increased the likelihood of not sustaining ODF practices (uOR=1.567, 95% CI: 1.061-2.315, p=0.024). Sanitary facilities were often within 10-50 m (59.5%), with a median walk time of 3.0 min. ODF sustainability was less likely without user-friendly facilities (uOR=2.47, p<0.001) and with roofless toilets (uOR=0.355, p<0.001). Longer walking times (>3 min) reduced ODF sustainability (uOR=0.341, p<0.001). Absence of designated open defecation sites increased ODF odds by 1.669 times (UOR=1.669, p<0.001), and odor-free toilets enhanced sustainability (UOR=1.287, p=0.030). Conclusions: The results highlight the significance of socio-demographic factors, including education levels, and infrastructural in maintaining ODF status.

Exploring the Nexus between Family Socioeconomic Status and Deviant Behaviour: A Study of Secondary School Students in Murang’a East Sub-County

Background: There is a complex and multifaceted relationship between family socioeconomic status and deviant behaviour among secondary school students in Murang’a East Sub County. The purpose of the study was to investigate this relationship. The primary aim was to reveal contributing links and suggest best practices for interventions aimed at curbing deviant behaviour among secondary school students. Materials and Methods: A mixed method approach collected data using self-administered questionnaires and conducted interviews from 15 Principals, 15 Guidance and Counselling Coordinators, and 390 students randomly sampled from 15 secondary schools. The study area encompassed 33 Principals, 33 Guidance and Counselling Coordinators, and 9,484 students across 33 schools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS 25. Results were presented in tables, charts, and bar graphs. Results: The study revealed that there is a significant positive correlation between family socioeconomic status and deviant behavior, with students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds exhibiting greater tendencies toward deviant behaviours compared to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, the influence of other factors like peer dynamics, school environment, and individual traits on deviant behaviour was identified. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study underscores the pivotal contribution of family socioeconomic status to deviant behaviour among secondary school students. Recommendation: The study recommends that interventions addressing deviant behaviour should consider addressing socioeconomic status. The study’s distinctiveness lies in its emphasis on Kenyan secondary school students and its quantitative investigation of the link between family socioeconomic status and deviant behaviour. These findings provide valuable insights for shaping interventions targeting deviant behaviour not just in Kenya, but also in other developing nations.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING FOOD CROPS DIVERSIFICATION AMONG SMALLHOLDER SUGARCANE FARMERS IN MUMIAS EAST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Crop diversification is a predominantly important coping mechanism for agriculture's income, production and marketing risks. It is a key strategy for mitigating food insecurity among smallscale farmers in Kenya. It enables them to spread production and income risk, reducing livelihood vulnerability to weather or market shocks. Crop diversification among sugarcane farmers has been on the rise over time due to risks associated with sugarcane production and marketing and declining sugarcane productivity. Consequently, this has led to impaired sugarcane farmer households’ goals of improving food, income and nutrition security. Therefore, the objectives of the study was to determine the socio-economic factors affecting food crop diversification among smallholder sugarcane farmers in Mumias East Sub County. The study was guided by Random Utility Maximization (RUM) theory and descriptive and cross-sectional research designs were adopted. Multistage sampling whereby purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed in the study to select 155 farmers from a target population of 11,885 smallholder sugarcane farmer households. A questionnaire was used to collect data and data was analysed multivariate regression model with the help of STATA version 16 software. The analysed data was presented in the form of tables, bar charts and graphs. Descriptive results revealed that the mean age and farming experience of the farmers was 55.72 and 22.76 years respectively and owned on average 4.33 hectares of land. Multivariate linear regression results indicated that age, household income level, education level, land size and household size were all statistically significant and had an influence on food crop diversification among smallholder sugarcane farmers. Binary logistic regression results indicated that a unit increase in age, level of education, land size, membership to a farmers’ group and market price positively influenced farmer participation in diversified cropping system by 117%, 81.7%, 745.5%, 228.2% and 117.3% respectively. Therefore, from the results of this study, relevant stakeholders, county and national governments should come up with an agricultural policy that supports the shift from non-diversification to crop diversification through the development of guaranteed access and subsidies to farm inputs resources that will help boost farm production among smallholder sugarcane farmer households. This will help to solve the issues of food insecurity and also help farmers to realize high-profit margins from their farm output.

Training Needs by Head Teachers in the Implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum in Kenya’s Primary Schools: A Study of Marakwet East Sub County

The head teachers in primary schools undertake leadership roles in ensuring that the goals of the school and curriculum are attained. Nevertheless, the extent to which head teachers undergo continuous training in light of the implementation of the new competency-based curriculum has not been adequately undertaken. The paper looks at the training needs of head teachers in the implementation of CBC in Kenya’s primary schools with a focus on Marakwet West Sub County, Kenya. The study is anchored on descriptive research design and targeted Quality Assurance and Standard Officers and Headteachers of public primary schools. A sample size of 47 head teachers from all schools and 4 QASOs were selected as the sample for the study. Out of 47 targeted, only 37 responded to the questionnaire. Data was collected through questionnaires for head teachers and interview schedules for QASOs. Data analysis was done using qualitative (thematic content analysis) and quantitative (descriptive analysis using frequencies and percentages). The results of the paper are presented in tables, graphs, and narrations. It was found that the head teachers were not undertaking their responsibilities effectively to ensure CBC was properly implemented in their schools. Training programmes were found to be rare, and those provided by the Ministry of Education did little to enhance the implementation of CBC in public primary schools. The study suggests that there is a need for the Ministry of Education to conduct a needs analysis as the training required by head teachers in a particular region differs from another one. There is also a need for headteachers to work with the board of management in organising seminars and mentorship sessions with other schools as a way of enhancing their capacity towards the implementation of the CBC curriculum. The research can be utilised as a guide in the implementation of training programmes for head teachers in Kenya and other countries implementing competency-based curricula

Single Parenting and Children’s Academic Performance in Primary Schools in Embu East Sub County, Kenya

Most single parents are ostracized by their communities, and this has profound impacts on their children’s academic performance. This study is based on the effect of single parenting on the children’s academic performance in primary schools in Embu East Sub County, Kenya. Specific objectives include: investigating the effect of a single parent’s income on the children’s academic performance; examining the effect of a single parent’s educational level on the children’s academic performance; and determining the effect of a single parent’s social support on the children’s academic performance in primary schools in Embu East Sub-County in Kenya. The study was guided by human development theory. The study applied a descriptive survey research design, and 388 respondents were selected using cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Furthermore, 34 key informants, mainly teachers, government officials, and local leaders, are also integrated into the study using purposive and convenient sampling in order to provide in-depth information. Descriptive data analysis was carried out in the form of frequencies and presented in frequency distribution tables, while inferential analysis was also done in the form of correlation and regression. The correlation analysis findings showed that income had a +0.853, education level had a +0.832, and social support had a +0.737 strong and statistically significant correlation with academic performance. Regression analysis also showed that all the social and economic factors had a positive effect on the academic performance of the children. It is recommended that the stakeholders focus on increasing income levels, encouraging educational prospects and accomplishments, and nurturing robust social support systems.

Learner and Environmental Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry in Public Day Secondary Schools in Nandi East Sub County Kenya

Learner and Environmental Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry in Public Day Secondary Schools in Nandi East Sub County Kenya

A quasi-experimental study of effects of community health workers’ incentivisation on uptake of maternal, newborn and child health services in Lamu County, Kenya

Background: Community health workers (CHWs) are known as the ‘gate keepers’ of good health in the community. Being the first contact with the patients at the community level, they can help improve the maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) indicators if they are well motivated to conduct their day-to-day work. At the same time, MNCH indicators are negatively affected by hard-to-reach health facilities and cultural factors thus the CHWs can help improve the health status in this category. Methods: The study utilized a quasi-experimental study design with an intervention and a control site in both Lamu West and Lamu East Sub Counties. Purposive sampling used to select study population and study site. Study period was (August 2018-March 2022). Mixed methods approach was used with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies of data collection to enable data triangulation. Questionnaires were used to collect data from CHWs, focused group discussions with caregivers and In-depth Interviews conducted with key informants from the Ministry of Health- Lamu County and the implementing partner-PharmAccess. Results: The study established that 78% of the CHWs were selected by the community members. Most of the CHWs in the intervention site had attended other trainings after the initial capacity development program, had at least one supervision in the last month preceding evaluation, were satisfied with the community and county appreciation. The difference between control and intervention site had a statistical significance (p<0.05) for report writing during home visits, cross-referencing of reports before submission, attendance of refresher courses, loss of interest to work as a CHW and referral of patients to link facilities. Conclusions: CHWs need motivation in delivering their services. This can be done in form of incentives (both monitory and non-monitory), refresher trainings and supportive supervision.

Prevalence and predictors to occurrence of adolescent repeat pregnancy among adolescents attending health facilities in Suna East Sub County-Migori Kenya

Background: A repeat pregnancy at adolescence often comes with much stress and complications. It feeds into a cycle of deprivation that compromises the life of the young mother and her child. Majority of girls might be having one child but many more might be pregnant or having more than one child at that age. Method: This was a cross sectional mixed method study with semi-structured questionnaires administered to 381 adolescents. Two FGD and 5 key informant interviews were also conducted. Quantitative data was analysed using t-test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical data. Results: The 30.4% of adolescents had repeat pregnancy. Adolescents from Luo ethnic group were 50% less likely to have repeat pregnancy. Those who knew at least one method of family planning were 40% less likely to have repeat pregnancy while those who had more than two sexual partners had higher odds of repeat pregnancy (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.6; p=0.02). Adolescents who used condoms only sometimes were twice likely to report repeat pregnancy. (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7; p=0.01) while those whose mother had a child while under 18 years had 50% chance of having a repeat pregnancy. Conclusions: The study established a prevalence of repeat pregnancy at 30.4%. There was significant association between ethnicity, level of contraceptive knowledge and having multiple sexual partners to repeat pregnancy. Adolescents with inadequate support and those whose mother had pregnancy when below 18 years were also significantly at risk of repeat pregnancy.

Core value of love and engagement of grade six competency-based curriculum learners at Wajir School for the Deaf, Wajir East Sub- County, Wajir County, Kenya

Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is based on learners developing core competencies to shape their characters. Love is an important value in life. Learners in schools are guided to portray a caring attitude of emotional support and interpersonal relationships towards each other. This study aims to investigate the significance of core value of love in promoting class engagement for deaf learners. The study was anchored on the theory of social cognitive by Albert Bandura and took on a quantitative correlational research design. Census sampling was employed to select all the 10 learners in grade six level at Wajir School for the Deaf. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and Engagement vs. Disaffection with learning student-report to measure love and engagement respectively and analyzed using descriptive analysis. From the findings majority of the participants had high levels of feeling love (M=4.03 and SD=.534). The results also indicated that level of engagement in class for participants was slightly above the middle point (M=3.11 and SD=.455) From the results, the Pearson correlation coefficient value was -.063 which indicated a weak negative relationship between a learner experiencing love and engagement levels in class. The study recommends that it is essential for teachers for deaf learners to increase class engagement using variety of techniques such as interactive activities and visual presentations.

Crustal structure and isostatic compensation beneath the South China Sea using satellite gravity data and its implications for the rifting and magmatic activities

Opening of the South China Sea (SCS) was triggered by the breakup of south-eastern Eurasia and the southward drifting of the Palawan-Reed Bank microcontinent, as various prior studies have suggested. The young, moderately magmatic, rifted northern margin of the SCS is vital for investigating the relationship among magmatism, rheology, and structural evolution. This paper integrates satellite gravity anomaly, elevation/bathymetry, geoid, and seismic velocities to investigate continental breakup, magmatism, and rifting beneath the South China Sea. Source depths of 146, 31.5, and 8 km derived from the spectrum of Bouguer gravity anomalies suggest the average depths of the lithospheric base, continental, and oceanic crustal bases, respectively. Correspondingly, gravity Moho ranges from 8 km beneath the rifting center of SCS to 42 km in the Indo-China block. It is worth mentioning that the isostatic Moho from the Airy and flexural models were highly correlated with gravity Moho with correlation coefficients of ∼1. From the ratio between geoid and topography and our estimate of the vertical tectonic stress, the seamounts and reefs (Shuangfeng Basin: SB, Reed Bank: RB, Macclesfield Bank: MB) have a deep compensation depth. In contrast, the other parts (Manila Trench: MT, Phu Khan Basin: PK, East Sub Basin: ESB) have a smaller depth of compensation. 2D gravity modelling suggests the crustal thinning of the oceanic basin, and the thickening of the continental boundary implies the opening of the SCS, which is connected and happened at the same time as the northern subduction of the proto-SCS. The Gravity modelling also suggests a large rifting event within the lithosphere that favors mantle upwelling.

Effect of Widowhood on Economic and Social Wellbeing of Widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya

The death of a husband is one of the most traumatic experiences that is accompanied by additional social and economic responsibilities. Worldwide, the rate of widowhood is on the rise and it comes with multiple social and economic roles. In Kenya, more specifically, Kisumu County, there is an alarming increase in the number of widows who have to have to contend with the additional social and economic burden due to spousal loss. The current study sought to assess the effect of widowhood on economic and social wellbeing of widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya. The study used purposive sampling to select 50 widows in Kisumu East Sub County. The research design used was quantitative and qualitative in nature. Data was gathered using questionnaires and focus group discussions. The researcher had 5 focus group discussions with the widows to extract in depth information on widows’ economic and social wellbeing. The findings report that widowhood, heightens social and economic challenges thus affecting the wellbeing of widows. The findings also show that widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, have social and economic hardships that impact on their lives. The study recommends that the government and the community should empower widows economically to help them initiate sustainable income generating projects, business and acquisition of new skills which may allow them to seek better medical care for themselves and their families. Additionally, the community and the government, should nurture and inculcate positive guidelines on social inclusivity of widows. Moreover, widows should also be sensitized on healthy ways of socially and economically integrating themselves in the society by establishing productive and sustainable social and financial welfare groups.

Widowhood and Coping Strategies Used by Widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya

Losing a life partner can be an overwhelming and traumatic life event which forces the remaining spouse to cope not only with the painful loss but also with their new widowhood status. This study seeks to establish the coping strategies used by widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya. A mixed method research design was used in the study. The target population consisted of widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya. The sampling technique used was purposive in nature. This technique was used to get a sample of 50 widows in Kisumu East Sub County. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and focus group discussion. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were employed in data analysis, Reliability and validity check of the instruments was done to attest the degree to which items measured the indicators for which they were designed. The findings of the study show that widows in Kisumu East subcounty use both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies to cope with widowhood stress. Adaptive coping strategies used by widows were: counseling, social support networks, engaging in business, church activities, keeping significant memoirs of the deceased while maladaptive coping strategies included denial, sex, withdrawal, and substance use. The study recommends that widows should use adaptive coping strategies to cope with widowhood. Additionally, widows should be given enough platforms, space and support in the society to share their experiences as this enhances their general wellbeing. The study also recommends that widows should be empowered on self-awareness and assertive skills to help in building their self-esteem.

Teacher professional knowledge application and service delivery in public secondary schools in Bungoma East Sub County, Kenya

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of teacher professional knowledge practice on teacher service delivery. The study was guided by Goal Setting Theory by Edwin Locke (1979) and adopted a descriptive research design. The study population of 1050 respondents comprising of three Curriculum Support Officers (CSO), 78 Principals, 80 Deputy principals and 870 teachers from public secondary schools in Bungoma East Sub County. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan formula for determining sample sizes where a sample size of 263 was achieved. The study employed purposive, stratified and random sampling techniques to draw the respondents. All the Curriculum Support Officers were used in the study. The researcher used questionnaires and interview guides to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables. Qualitative data was analyzed as per themes and subthemes and described using quotations. The study established that there was little impact on teacher service delivery by preparation of lesson plans, use of teaching/learning aids in class, marking of learners’ exercise books, lesson observation and ratings by school managers in public secondary schools.

Relationship Between Widowhood and Psychological Health of Widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya

Despite the inevitability of death, the loss of a spouse comes with diverse psychological burden ranging from intense anguish, helplessness, deep pain, mourning and anxiety. Worldwide and even in Kenya, widowhood; the loss of a spouse through death is on the rise. The heightened stress that comes with death may be detrimental to psychological wellbeing of the remaining spouse. The objective of the current study is to assess the relationship between widowhood and psychological health of widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya. The sampling technique used was purposive in nature. This enabled the researcher to sample 50 widows in Kisumu East Sub County. The study used mixed method research design, which includes quantitative and qualitative approaches. Questionnaires and scheduled interviews were used to gather information from the respondents. The researcher conducted a one-on-one session with the widows to be able to get further information on their psychological health. The study findings show that widowhood is correlated to psychological health as it leads to poor psychological health of widows. The study recommends that widows should be sensitized on the need to strive for good psychological health either by seeking counseling or joining widows support programs in the community to help them cope with psychological health challenges that comes with the death of a spouse. It is also recommended that counselors and non-governmental organization should aid in establishing widow support networks in Kisumu East Sub County. Through local campaigns, widows should be encouraged to share their experiences and speak with one voice in regard to their psychological health.

Influence of Supplier Development Practices on Procurement Performance in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru East Sub- County, Kenya

Influence of Supplier Development Practices on Procurement Performance in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru East Sub- County, Kenya

Influence of teachers’ preparedness on implementation of competency-based curriculum (CBC) in public primary schools in Bomet east sub-county, Kenya

The government of Kenya embarked on curriculum reform from the 8.4.4 system of education to Competency Based Curriculum in order to change from knowledge and skills acquisition to knowledge creation and application. The study was undertaken to establish the influence of teachers’ preparedness on the implementation of Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in public primary schools in Bomet East Sub County, examine the influence of teachers’ training, teachers’ mode of assessing learners, teachers’ preparation on utilization of CBC instructional resources and how effectively the lesson can be prepared in the implementation of the CBC. The knowledge development theory was adopted in the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design which involved the use of questionnaires and interview schedules for data collection. Results show that teachers need support in infusing core competencies, infusing critical thinking and problem solving, in creativity and imagination and in infusing communication and collaboration. Head teachers and Curriculum support officers expressed serious concerns on the availability of instructional materials. Results further showed that teachers need support in designing assessment criterion, support in constructing assessment rubrics and support in keeping assessment records for summative reporting. In conclusion teachers need more support to fully implement CBC curriculum. Study recommends further training and capacity building for teachers involved in CBC implementation.