Kenya National Research Articles

Instructional Leadership Approach Influence on Secondary School Learner’s Academic Performance in Kakamega County, Kenya

Teachers are the leaders in schools; they are responsible for the school management in terms of resources and academic work. Most schools face continuous decision making and management challenges. In Kenya National government has made efforts to ensure quality management systems in schools in each county. Kakamega County is one of the forty-seven counties in Kenyan. Cases of bad leadership are still reported in several learning institutions in the county; as a result, students in such institutions have recorded poor academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which instructional leadership approach influences learner’s academic performance. This study adapted correlation research design with data being collected by interview schedule, content document analysis, questionnaires and students’ focus group discussion. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analysed descriptively, inferentially and thematically. The study established that instructional leadership affects secondary school learners’ academic performance.

The Shortfalls of Mental Health Compartment Models: A Call to Improve Mental Health Investment Cases in Developing Countries

ObjectivesThere are irregularities in investment cases generated by the Mental Health Compartment Model. We discuss these irregularities and highlight the costing techniques that may be introduced to improve mental health investment cases. MethodsThis analysis uses data from the World Bank, the World Health Organisation Mental Health Compartment Model, the United Nations Development Program, the Kenya Ministry of Health, and Statistics from the Kenyan National Commission of Human Rights. ResultsWe demonstrate that the Mental Health Compartment Model produces irrelevant outcomes that are not helpful for clinical settings. The model inflated the productivity gains generated from mental health investment. In some cases, the model underestimated the economic costs of mental health. Such limitation renders the investment cases poor in providing valuable intervention points from the perspectives of both the users and the providers. ConclusionThere is a need for further calibration and validation of the investment case outcomes. The current estimated results cannot be used to guide service provision, research, and mental health programming comprehensively.

Health Professionals’ Identification Levels of Risk Factors: In View of The Management of In-Patients Admitted with Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Swallowing Disorders in a Kenyan National Hospital

Health Professionals’ Identification Levels of Risk Factors: In View of The Management of In-Patients Admitted with Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Swallowing Disorders in a Kenyan National Hospital

Contractor-Related Factors and Performance of Bridge Construction Projects Implemented by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Kenya

Contractor-Related Factors and Performance of Bridge Construction Projects Implemented by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Kenya

An Assessment of the Appropriateness of Kenyan Sign Language Examination for Hearing Students

Kenyan Sign Language is a vital language for the Deaf community in Kenya and plays a pivotal role in their communication and education. This study investigates the appropriateness of including hearing students in the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) examination, originally designed and adapted for deaf students. The research employed a qualitative approach, exploratory design and drawn upon the foundation of Critical Pedagogy. Purposive sampling was used to select seven(7) participants who are teachers of KSL and have experience in teaching both the hearing and deaf learners. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed thematically. The study findings underscore the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the KSL examination, considering the linguistic diversity and cognitive abilities of both deaf and hearing learners. The suggested strategies aim to create a more inclusive and equitable assessment system that respects the unique needs of each group, fostering a fair and accurate evaluation of their proficiency in Kenyan Sign Language. The researcher firmly recommends the exclusion of regular learners from KSL, KCSE examinations administered by the Kenya National Examination Council. Citing the tailored nature of the current 8-4-4 system’s Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) curriculum and exams for deaf students, the proposal emphasizes that regular students desiring to acquire KSL skills could opt for extracurricular KSL club participation.

Hate Speech and the Deaf Ears of the Kenyan Law: An In-Depth Analysis of Regulation and Enforcement

In this paper, I delve into the landscape of hate speech regulation in Kenya, specifically focusing on the potential collaboration between the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. By examining the existing legal frameworks, organisational structures, and the impact of joint oversight on combating hate speech, I aim to provide a thorough analysis of empowering the NCIC in this realm. Through exploring the historical context of the NCIC, evaluating its readiness for expanded responsibilities, and gauging public perceptions of collaboration, I seek to shed light on the feasibility and implications of such a partnership. Drawing insights from South Africa, the United Nations Hate Speech Strategic Plan, and advocating for a human rights approach to countering online ethnic hate speech, this paper endeavours to enhance accountability in the criminalization of hate speech in Kenya.

The Nexus Between Foreign and Portfolio Investments, and Youth Unemployment in Kenya

Youth unemployment is a global problem as countries at different stages of development that is underdeveloped, developing and developed are grappling with the problem of youth unemployment, which has been addressed in different country specific ways. Investments of whatever form are the life wire of the economy. Investments are a remedy for macroeconomic problems of unemployment, income inequality and economic growth. Investments change the economic structure to affect certain economic sectors eyed by private and public sectors. Investments from foreign entities provide a supportive role in an open foreign economic system with accompanying effects on economic development and growth. Foreign direct investments effects are seen unevenly or uniformly around the globe due to variety economic conditions. Investments in whatever form in a certain country is a key ingredient of economic growth or a catalyst of growth and development leading to job creation for the youth and other people in the labor force. Facilitated portfolio investments and capital market ease of penetration are pull factors for investors. The study seeks to determine the investments effects on Kenya’s youth unemployment rate. The study objectives are to determine the foreign direct investments and portfolio investments effects on Kenya’s youth unemployment rate. Investments have not been much prioritized to affect the level of youth unemployment; this informs this research work. The Keynesian theory of unemployment anchors the study. This research would be non-experimental as the time series data would be collected from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, World Bank Development Indicators and Central Bank of Kenya for 1993 to 2022 period. Time series properties of trend and stationarity that is unit roots tests were tested for all the variables if it exists before estimation. Linear regression assumptions of homoscedasticity, linearity and collinearity were tested before estimation. Multiple regression analysis method was used to analyze stationary data. Tables were used to present results. Study findings, on the effect of foreign direct investments had a statistical insignificant effect on youth unemployment ages 15- 24 years in Kenya while portfolio investments had a statistical insignificant effect on youth unemployment rate ages 15-24 years in Kenya. Conclusion of the study, portfolio investments and foreign direct investments t-statistics were insignificant at five per cent (5%) level of significance therefore could not affect the level of youth unemployment rate ages 15-24 years. Recommendations of the study portfolio investments, foreign direct investments and other forms of investments should be directed towards labor absorbing sectors so that different categories of unemployment can be absorbed thus employment creation. Kenya’s macro-economic measures need to be directed towards all categories of unemployment.

Scaling up Surgical Capacity in Kenya: The Kenya Hospital Assessment Tool (K-HAT)

IntroductionAlthough substantial progress has been achieved to bring surgical care to the forefront of global health discussions, a number of low-and middle-income countries are still in the process of developing a National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP). This paper describes the initial step toward the development of the NSOAP through the creation of the Kenya National Hospital Assessment Tool (K-HAT). MethodsA study protocol was developed by a multisectoral collaborative group that represented the pillars of surgical capacity development in Kenya. The K-HAT was adapted from two World Health Organization (WHO) tools: the Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool and the Situational Analysis Tool. The survey tool was deployed on Open Data Kit, an open-source electronic encrypted database. This new locally adapted tool was pilot tested in three hospitals in Kenya and subsequently deployed in Level 4 facilities. ResultsEighty-nine questions representing over 800 data points divided into six WHO Health Systems Strengthening sections comprised the K-HAT which was deployed to over 95% of Level 4 hospitals in Kenya. When compared to the WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool, the K-HAT collected more detailed information. The pilot test team reported that K-HAT was easy to administer, easily understood by the respondents, and that it took approximately 1 hour to collect data from each facility. ConclusionsThe K-HAT collected comprehensive information that can be used to develop Kenya's NSOAP.

Teaching of English Language Expressive Skills and Communicative Competence. A comparative Study of Secondary Schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Language is important for communication to take place. In order for different countries in the world to communicate, there is a need for a common language. One of the internationally accepted languages of communication is English. Thus, the government of Kenya has come up with policies that ensure that at the end of secondary school, students are able to communicate competitively using the English language. However, there has been a worrying concern from both employers and educationists that the employees and graduates, respectively, have poor English language skills. The aim of this study was to establish the existing gaps between stated government policies on the teaching of English in secondary schools in Kenya on one hand and on the other the actual school practices during the implementation of these policies. This study was based on structural functionalism theory by Durkheim. It adopteddescriptive research design which was carried out in public secondary schools in Nairobi County. The study had a target population of 480 from 60 Schools which included: the heads of English department and teachers of English. The study employed purposive sampling where the schools’ Heads of English Department (HODs) and teachers of English were purposively sampled into 62 respondents composed of 8 HODs and 56 teachers. Questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect data. To assess the validity of instruments, the results of the pilot study conducted were analyzed and used to modify and remove ambiguous items on the instruments used in the study. Its reliability was established using the test-retest method. Data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The qualitative data was grouped into different categories depending on the responses given by the respondents. Those categories helped in establishing themes. Through the use of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) program, quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics percentages, frequencies, and tables where appropriate. The Key finding in this study was that all the government policies on teaching of English were not being fully implemented as required. The study recommended: that teachers of English access regular professional development programs to enhance their teaching and acquire skills to enable them overcome some of the challenges they were facing during teaching; The Kenya National Examination council (KNEC) to come up with an oral exam and a listening exam to help students achieve communication competence in English.

Comparing performance of year-round and campaign-mode influenza vaccination strategies among children aged 6–23 months in Kenya: 2019–2021

IntroductionIn 2016, the Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group requested additional programmatic and cost effectiveness data to inform the choice of strategy for a national influenza vaccination program among children aged 6–23 months of age. In response, we conducted an influenza vaccine demonstration project to compare the performance of a year-round versus campaign-mode vaccination strategy. Findings from this demonstration project will help identify essential learning lessons for a national program. MethodsWe compared two vaccine delivery strategies: (i) a year-round vaccination strategy where influenza vaccines were administered throughout the year at health facilities. This strategy was implemented in Njoro sub-county in Nakuru (November 2019 to October 2021) and Jomvu sub-county in Mombasa (December 2019 to October 2021), (ii) a campaign-mode vaccination strategy where vaccines were available at health facilities over four months. This strategy was implemented in Nakuru North sub-county in Nakuru (June to September 2021) and Likoni sub-county in Mombasa (July to October 2021). We assessed differences in coverage, dropout rates, vaccine wastage, and operational needs. ResultsWe observed similar performance between strategies in coverage of the first dose of influenza vaccine (year-round strategy 59.7 %, campaign strategy 63.2 %). The coverage obtained in the year-round sub-counties was similar (Njoro 57.4 %; Jomvu 63.1 %); however, more marked differences between campaign sub-counties were observed (Nakuru North 73.4 %; Likoni 55.2 %). The campaign-mode strategy exceeded the cold chain capacity of participating health facilities, requiring thrice monthly instead of once monthly deliveries, and was associated with a two-fold increase in workload compared to the year-round strategy (168 vaccines administered per day in the campaign strategy versus 83 vaccines administered per day in the year-round strategy). ConclusionAlthough both strategies had similar coverage levels, the campaign-mode strategy was associated with considerable operational needs that could significantly impact the immunization program.

Devolved Governance System and its Economic Development Impact to Rural Counties in Kenya: Case Study Kakamega County, Kenya

This study aims at discussing how devolved governance system has an economic impact to rural counties in Kenya with Kakamega rural county as the case study. The Devolution is one of the most transformative changes to Kenya’s governance system brought about by the Kenya Constitution, 2010. Article 174 of the Constitution provides that one of the key objectives of devolution is to promote social and economic development and provide proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya. Many rural Counties including Kakamega County faced with a myriad of challenges such as poverty, unemployment, disease, low agricultural productivity among others. Kakamega County through its short, medium and long term plans came up with an Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). The CIDP helps the county in identification of the projects and programmes through various consultative forums at the sub-county level vide Focused Ward Groups, community dialogues, County Stakeholders, such as the County Budget and Economic Forum, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, Public Benefit Organizations such as GROOTS Kenya, ADS, and International development partners such as UNICEF, UNDP and USAID. Kakamega county has achieved much in terms of developments in various sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and urbanization. This study contributes in highlighting how devolved governance system has a positive impact to rural areas in kenya. The study provides crucial insights on devolution as a tool to economic development changes in rural Kenya especially in Kakamega County.

The Effects of Financing on Completion of Government Road Projects: A Case of Kenya National Highway Authority

The Effects of Financing on Completion of Government Road Projects: A Case of Kenya National Highway Authority

Human Rights and Equality Commissions in Kenya and Their Role in Tackling Poverty and Economic Inequality

This article explores the significance of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (‘KNCHR’) and the National Gender and Equality Commission (‘NGEC’), as independent ‘fourth branch’ institutions protecting democracy (‘IPDs’) in Kenya, in promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and addressing poverty and economic inequality. It provides a conceptual background for the establishment of the two Commissions and evaluates their functions and effectiveness compared to civil society organisations with similar roles. It then examines the unique role of the Commissions in addressing poverty and economic inequality and their accomplishments in upholding the rule of law, democratic ideals and human rights in Kenya. The article also analyses the challenges faced by the Commissions in achieving their goals and the opportunities arising from their emergence as fourth branch IPDs. Finally, it concludes that the constitutional entrenchment of the KNCHR and NGEC provides them with credibility, legitimacy and freedom to carry out their work effectively. However, resource constraints and dependence on political goodwill may hinder their effectiveness in translating human rights, particularly socio-economic rights, into reality. Despite these challenges, the Commissions’ oversight, investigation and complaint handling roles are critical in preventing and addressing poverty and economic inequality through data-driven transformation and collaborative efforts.

Tales of Turmoil: Unravelling Trends and Legacies of Resource Conflict on Women in Laikipia West Sub-County, Kenya

This article discusses trends of inter-ethnic conflict in Laikipia West Sub-County and the effects of the conflict on women. Inter- ethnic conflict in the study area can be traced back to the period before 1895 when the white settlers began establishing their homes in Laikipia County. Prior to the British colonization, this area was largely dominated by the Maasai and Samburu communities who were pastoralists. With the coming of white settlers most of the lands were seized and the communities displaced from their areas. Many white settlers opted to practice ranching since most of the lands were semi-arid. Later immigrants resulted to irrigation agriculture leading to the horticultural boom in Laikipia in the 1980s. With the coming of the whites and the existence of inadequate pastures for the pastoral communities, the area has continued to witness unceasing conflicts. This article examined the historical trends of the conflict and the effects of conflict on women in Laikipia West Sub-County. This study employed the conflict theory by Karl Marx. In respect to this, data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi and from oral interviews with relevant informants. Secondary data was obtained from relevant books, journal articles, internet, theses, and conference papers. Data obtained was then evaluated and analysed. Data was analysed in three analytical frames namely: theoretical framework, documentary review and content analysis

Effects of Exchange Rate on Performance of Equity Funds in Kenya

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed significant growth in both the quantity and scale of diversified equity mutual funds. Despite this expansion, their performance has not surpassed that of their benchmark, specifically the market return on a risk-adjusted basis. This assessment is based on various performance measures, including the Sharpe ratio. Poor performance of mutual funds in Kenya discourages individual and corporate investors, in addition to hindering the realization of Vision 2030. Investors believe that information on past performance can be used to predict future performance. The extent to which macro-economic variables affect the performance of mutual funds is unclear. Some scholars show a positive correlation, while others show a negative correlation between the variables. Other factors that had an impact on the overall economic climate, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the uncertainty in Kenya's political environment as a result of its general elections, made the situation even more unpredictable. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the exchange rate on the performance of equity mutual funds in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design. The target population was 23 equity funds licensed by the Capital Market Authority, of which eleven were sampled through a census. The study relied on secondary data from the Central Bank of Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority, and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics between 2018 and 2022. Panel data analysis was used. Descriptive statistics, encompassing measures such as mean and standard deviation, were employed in the analysis. Additionally, inferential statistics, specifically panel regression, were conducted. A static linear panel model was constructed to elucidate the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable, which in this context is financial performance. The data was organized and presented in tables. Notably, the results indicated a noteworthy negative relationship between the exchange rate and the financial performance of equity funds. The findings of this research are of great importance to policymakers, managers of equity funds, and the scholarly community at large. It will be of significance to researchers and future scholars who might need to refer to it and build on it for further research. The study recommended that equity fund managers should invest in both domestic and foreign portfolios to diversify the risk associated with exchange rates.

Influence of Teachers’ Preparedness on English Curriculum Implementation in Kenyan Schools

The Government of Kenya (GoK) touts teacher-preparedness as a critical factor that shows the equipping of a professional teacher for quality performance and satisfactory learner performance in national examinations. Despite the efforts by the GoK, there is a worrying trend of students completing school with reading and writing difficulties. The Kenya National Examinations Council (2020) contends students’ poor performance in English for the past 5 years, falling short of the average mean of 50%. Descriptive research design was used. A sample of 44 principals, 88 teachers and 345 form three students across 50 public secondary schools in Kakamega North, were targeted. A questionnaire, interview schedule, classroom practice observation schedule, and focus group discussion guide were used to collect data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically whereas quantitative data was presented through tables, percentages and frequencies. Chi-square test was performed to test hypothesis. Response rate was 79.5%. The findings indicated that majority (97.1%) of the teachers participated in coursebooks and other revision textbook in-service courses as per the changing trends in teaching of English whereas ICT workshops had low percentages, a gap pointing on teacher level of preparedness. The findings from principals indicated, teachers of English sometimes declined to take up ICT in-service trainings for fear of additional responsibilities in school. Findings from FGDs show, teachers were rated average by most students in terms of preparedness in material use in classrooms. On determining the extent to which teacher level of preparedness influence implementation of English curriculum in school, teachers’ opinions had a Mean of 4.0000; Standard deviation of 3.08338; and Skewness of .397, indicating teacher level of preparedness has a high and strong positive influence on implementation of English curriculum in school if well checked and applied. The study established a significant relationship between teacher level of preparedness and implementation of English curriculum (p=0.007<0.05). Findings concur with KNEC (2020), contending students’ poor performance in English as unsatisfying.

Effect of Pre-Contracting Procurement Practices on Supply Chain Performance of Road Authorities in Kakamega County, Kenya

The study focused on the effect of pre-contracting procurement practices on the supply chain performance of road authorities in Kakamega County, Kenya. Implementing and adopting the procurement Contracting practices in public institutions have continuously faced challenges due to their complexity and lack of resources, which directly impact supply chain performance. Institutions are operating in a competitive business environment with many players, and massive changes are taking place daily to improve their performance. The key to optimal performance is understanding the contributions of pre-contracting procurement practices. The study covered three road authorities with regional offices in Kakamega County: Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Road Authority (KURA), and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA). The study adopted system theory. The study employed the causal research method to explain the causes and effects of the variables. The target population was 48 respondents, comprised of supply chain officers, road officers, and account officers on the road authorities. A census method was employed in the study. Structured questionnaires were used as data collection instruments. Pilot testing was conducted in Vihiga County. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data was presented using tables and figures. A Likert scale was used to determine how strongly variables agreed or disagreed with statements on a five-point scale. Regression analysis shows that pre-contracting procurement practice had no significant effect on supply chain performance in the road authorities of Kakamega County, Kenya (t = 0.605, P > 0.05). This means that road authorities in Kakamega County that effectively implement pre-contracting procurement practices are more likely to have high-performance supply chains. The findings of this objective indicated that pre-contracting had P 0.05 and contributed to 0.8% of the changes in supply chain performance. Therefore, according to the study, the institutions need to re-examine their procurement practices so as to capitalize on areas that improve supply chain performance.

Perception of Players on the Coach Competence and Team Performance in the Kenyan National Soccer and Volleyball Leagues

Purpose: The purpose of the study examine whether perception of players on the coach competence predict team performance in the Kenyan national soccer and volleyball leagues.
 Methodology: The study adopted Cross-Sectional survey design. The target population for the study included players and in the Kenyan soccer and volleyball national leagues in the 2020/21season. The population of the study was 878 players from the 53 teams including 288 females in the 16 teams of 18 players, and 168 males in the 12 teams of 14 players and 98 females in the 07 teams of 14 players in volleyball respectively. The study included players who were consistent in the respective leagues for the immediate last five years. The coaches and players were both male and female. The study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 22) for data analysis. Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact test were used.
 Findings: Results above showed that soccer players perception on training and instruction had no significant effect on team ranking (P=0.000). In addition, volleyball players perception on training and instruction had no significant effect on team ranking (P=0.000). In addition, soccer players perception on democratic behaviour had no significant effect on team ranking (P=0.354). Further, volleyball players perception on democratic behaviour had no significant effect on team ranking (P=0.095). Further soccer players perception on autocratic behaviour had a significant effect on team ranking (P=0.000).
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study focused on the Kenyan national leagues which are composed mainly of African race players. There is need to conduct a similar study in other leagues like in North Africa and middle east which consists of players mainly of Arab race, Asian continent which consists of players of Asian descent and the European and American leagues composed of players of mixed descents including the Negroid, Caucasoid and the Mongoloids

Protocol for the PATHOME study: a cohort study on urban societal development and the ecology of enteric disease transmission among infants, domestic animals and the environment

IntroductionGlobal morbidity from enteric infections and diarrhoea remains high in children in low-income and middle-income countries, despite significant investment over recent decades in health systems and water and sanitation infrastructure....

Macroeconomic Factors Affecting Commercial Banks’ Credit to Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kenya.

Bank credit to the SMEs in Kenya remains relatively low by international standards, and by holding other factors constant, there is potential for credit growth. However, several factors come into play with regard to the proportion of credit to the SME sector. From this background, the current study will seek to examine the determinants of bank credit to the SME sector in Kenya. The financial intermediation theory, financial liberalization theory and credit risk theory provided the theoretical justification of the study. This study adopted a causal research design to focus on establishing the causal relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Quantitative secondary data was adopted in this study and collected using a data collection instrument. Monthly time series data for the period 2008 to 2021 retrieved from the Central Bank of Kenya reports, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, and World Bank reports was used. The study used both descriptive and inferential methods to analyze data. The findings from this study support the intuition from empirical evidence and theoretical framework that credit in commercial banks is determined by macroeconomic factors. This means that commercial credit in Kenya are determined by GDP, Inflation, interest rates & Exchange rates when all working simultaneously.