Kenyan Government Research Articles

Influence of access to extension services on milk productivity among smallholder dairy farmers in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya

Inaccessibility to extension services by smallholder farmers remains one of the impediments to achieving high agricultural productivity and food security. Extension services play a critical role in information dissemination that can avert food insecurity and increase smallholder dairy farmers' incomes. However, access to extension services remains a significant challenge in developing countries. This study investigated the influence of access to extension services on milk productivity among smallholder dairy farmers in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study's target and accessible population was 17,000 smallholder dairy farmers. The study used simple random and proportionate sampling techniques to select study farmers. Nassiuma's formula generated a sample of 120 smallholder dairy farmers. The hypothesis underwent testing using simple linear regression. The regression results found a statistically significant influence between access to extension services and milk productivity at a 5% significance level (p < 0.05). Findings show that most smallholder dairy farmers accessed extension services through television, radio, neighbours, and friends. In contrast, the top animal husbandry practices that most farmers were interested in were parasite and disease control, breed selection, and feed preparation. The Government of Kenya mainly provided vaccination services, while the other veterinary services, including deworming, pregnancy and disease diagnosis, breed selection, and treatment, were dominated by private entities. The Government of Kenya should improve smallholder dairy farmers' access to extension services. The study recommends channeling agricultural information in all possible vernacular languages and Kiswahili, the national language, via television and radio platforms to reach all smallholder dairy cow farmers. Additionally, more emphasis should be on the importance of appropriate milking techniques and record-keeping among smallholder dairy farmers to help monitor their animals' health, feeding, breeding, and milk productivity.

No Option but to Settle! The Community Land Act, Devolution and Pastoralism in Samburu County, Kenya

Abstract This article examines the process of securing land rights for pastoralists in Kenya, applying the concept of sedentism to understand the impact of two recent changes in Kenyan land governance. In 2010, the Government of Kenya passed a new constitution, which devolved government power to the local level. A declared aim was to give communities greater influence over governance of their lands. Then, in 2016, the Government passed the Community Land Act, which aims at formalising community ownership of land through group registration. Drawing on fieldwork among pastoralists living in Samburu County in Northern Kenya, we show that despite ostensibly aiming to empower local pastoralist communities and provide better recognition of their land rights, these two changes interact to promote the sedentarisation of pastoralists. The Community Land Act has treated communal grasslands as clusters of discrete parcels rather than as integrated rangeland ecosystems. In combination with devolution, this runs counter to the flexible and negotiated forms of land governance upon which pastoralists' livelihoods rely, thereby making them susceptible to sedentarism and dispossession.

Operative Human Resource Management Functions and Employee Work Performance in the County Governments of Kenya

Operative Human Resource Management Functions and Employee Work Performance in the County Governments of Kenya

Outsourcing in Africa: How do the interactions between providers, multinationals, and the state lead to the evolution of the BPO industry?

AbstractWe explore the evolution of Africa’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. In so doing, we seek to derive policy and managerial implications on how African suppliers can grow and become more attractive to foreign multinational corporations (MNCs). We discuss insights from the literature on (BPO) clusters and how these evolve. Our conceptual arguments are supported by a case study of the evolution of the Kenyan BPO cluster through three broad stages: embryonic, early, and developmental. We argue that this evolution has been hampered by factors including the small and sometimes informal nature of local suppliers, the reluctance of foreign multinationals to make long-term commitments, and the intermittent devotion by the Kenyan government to supporting BPO clusters. Accordingly, we suggest direct and indirect policy initiatives to grow the industry toward a more mature stage, increase knowledge spillovers and formalization levels, and improve working conditions.

Challenges and Opportunities Resulting from Mau Forest Evictions of Ogiek Community, Kenya

This paper presents the results and discussions of the objective of the study, which assessed the challenges and opportunities resulting from the evictions of the Ogiek people from the Mau Forest Complex. The study looked at the challenges faced by the Ogiek and the government following the evictions. Secondly, it examined the opportunities that the Ogiek community and the government experienced after the evictions. Public interest and human needs theories underpinned the study. The study used a descriptive research design. The study sampled 465 respondents, who included 384 household heads, 1 county commissioner, 2 deputy county commissioners, 7 chiefs, 14 village elders, 1 county police commander, 2 sub-county police commanders, 5 conservationist organizations, 5 environmentalist groups, 1 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) officer, 1 UN Habitat officer, 1 officer from the ministry of environment, 10 officers from Kenya Forest Service (KFS), 10 officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), 5 officers from NGOs, 1 officer from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and 15 heads of NGOs and CBOs. The study applied simple random, purposive, and census sampling techniques. Interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGD), and observation made up the data collection instruments. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data and was presented in tables, graphs, and charts. The study examined the challenges and opportunities of Mau forest evictions, where poaching, animal attacks, hunger, malnutrition, mental illnesses, and poor health plagued the Ogiek community. The study recommends clear and transparent guidelines regarding the eviction process and any form of compensation set and discussed with the affected households so as to avoid unnecessary impoverishment and protect livelihoods. This information is useful as it will better inform forest managers, policymakers, and other actors in their efforts to fairly and responsibly manage and balance ecological and social development. The study suggests that the government of Kenya adopts a more humane and sustainable relocation policy and involves the Ogiek community in decision-making and investment in alternative livelihoods.

Employees Learning And Performance Of Metropolitan Governments In Kenya

Employees Learning And Performance Of Metropolitan Governments In Kenya

Can Learners Taught through Problem-Based Learning Strategy Demonstrate an Obligation to Conveying Positive Motivation towards Physics Enhanced Enrolment?

The government of Kenya has invested enormous resources such infrastructure development, learning materials and professional development of teachers. Despite the efforts put in place to support access and quality education, enrolment and performance in physics in most Sub-County girls’ secondary schools in Bungoma County at Form 3 remain relatively low and poor. The study aimed at investigating whether learners taught through Problem Based Learning Strategy demonstrate an obligation to conveying positive motivation towards Physics enrolment. The objective of the study was to establish the effect of problem-based learning strategy on girls’ motivation towards “Fluid Flow” as compared to conventional teaching methods. The study adopted constructivist theories of learning. Quasi-Experimental design was used with 4 girls’ schools targeted in Bungoma County. The study sampled Form two students because the topic of fluid flow is taught at form two. Simple random sampling was used to assign schools to experimental and control groups. The study used motivation questionnaire, physics Achievement Test (PAT) and Observation schedule. Two groups of each n=40 were either control or experimental were exposed to pretest and post-test. The reliability coefficient was calculated using KR-Fomulla-20 at 0.75. With the aid of SPSS 26.0, data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in form of tables. Results show statistically significant difference in the ability of Girls to derive the to perform better in the topic of Bernoulli’s effects using PBLS and its effect on girls’ motivation was relatively higher than use of conventional methods (ANOVA (F(4,155) = (Q2 = 459.886; Q16 = 462.375; Q24 = 831.272; Q26 =614.907 and Q28 = 406.743), p = .000). The study recommends the method should be strongly advocated by policy makers, the Government, Principals and teachers while teaching science subjects for effective skill development among the learners. The study is significant in bringing total reforms to CBC that call for the use of learner-centered instructional strategies to develop key competencies.

How Social Intelligence Competency and Organizational Commitment affect Employee Performance

This paper presents a research model that elucidates the mechanism through which social intelligence competency influences employee performance in the county government in Kenya. There are mixed outputs on this influence and this study therefore seeks to fill the void by investigating the moderating effect of organizational commitment on the relationship between social intelligence competency and employee commitment. The explanatory research design was adopted for the study targeting 6,400 employees, out of which 198 respondents formed the sample size based on the Cochran formula. The findings revealed that that social intelligence competency had a positive significant effect on employee performance. The moderator (Organizational commitment) was found to have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. The interaction effect indicated that organizational commitment negatively moderates the relationship between social intelligence competency and employee performance. The paper contributes to knowledge and provides insights into theory and practice.

Effect of Credit Financing on Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (Smes) in Thika Town, Kiambu County

Purpose: To determine effect that credit financing has on the financial performance of SMEs in Thika Town, Kiambu County.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design and the targeted population was 468 registered SMEs in Thika town. A structured questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data collected was analyzed for both inferential and descriptive statistics and the qualitative data from the open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis.&#x0D; Results: The study found that trade credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.804; p=0.026) and that bank credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.956; p=0.000). The study also revealed that micro-finance credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.783; p=0.000) and that informal associations credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.892; p=0.002).&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study concluded that bank credit had the greatest effect followed by informal associations credit, then trade credit while micro-finance credit had the least effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town. The study recommends that the Kenyan government should devise strategies of regulating and reducing interest rates in order to protect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from unfair shylocks who lend money at unsustainable high interest rates coupled with undisclosed fees.

Application and Relevance of the Orton Gillingham Structured Literacy Teaching Approach to Pupils with Specific Learning Disabilities in Kenyan Public Primary Schools

The Kenyan Government through the Ministry of Education has since independence been committed to improving education and inclusion of children with audio, visual, physical and mental disabilities. Despite the fact that considerable change and growth have been realized since the ratification of treaties such as United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the implementation of inclusive free and appropriate education for learners living with Specific Learning disabilities still remains a challenge. This limits the potential of students with specific learning disabilities especially in mainstream classrooms, to acquire basic literacy skills including spoken language, reading, writing, spelling and comprehension. Literacy skills are key in determining performance in other subjects taught in the school curriculum. The overall objective of this study is the exploration of the application and relevance of the Orton Gillingham structured literacy teaching approach to pupils living with dyslexia in Kenyan public primary schools. This qualitative study used content analysis to explore appropriate teaching methodology to pupils with such challenges. The study analyzed various studies that have been done on the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Orton Gillingham method and its application and relevance to the Kenyan school context.

Effect of Budgeting Practices on Financial Performances of County Governments in Kenya

Effect of Budgeting Practices on Financial Performances of County Governments in Kenya

Mediating Effect of Public Participation on the Relationship between Budgeting Practices and Financial Performance of County Governments in Kenya

Mediating Effect of Public Participation on the Relationship between Budgeting Practices and Financial Performance of County Governments in Kenya

Application of GIS to monitor infrastructural development in Mombasa County, Kenya

The Government of Kenya, under its Vision 2030 Agenda, highlighted the need for decent and high-quality livelihoods for its citizens, by ensuring that sustainable provision be made for the necessary infrastructure required to meet their socio-economic needs. Thus, the government invested in an Electronic Development Application Management System (e-DAMS). It allows the Built Environment professionals to register and apply for planning certificates, construction permits, building inspection permits, and occupation permits. However, this system can only regulate and monitor the existing infrastructure projects in the database and has to exclude unauthorised developments. This GIS approach, which was built upon the recording and tracking of several types of electricity applications made by customers, could also be used to monitor new and existing infrastructure developments. Data were sourced from multiple government agencies in Mombasa County. A comparative analysis approach was subsequently employed to investigate the relationship between the trends in electricity supply applications, the respective types of urban land-use development, and the permits issued in approving the respective types of construction in Mombasa County. A direct relationship was found between the permits used to approve the respective types of construction and the Urban Development Master Plan. Also, a direct relationship was found between the applications for the respective types of electricity that were being made and the issuing of construction approval permits. The conclusion was reached that the applications for the prevailing types of electricity supply could be used as a proxy for identifying and assessing infrastructural development in Mombasa County. This GIS approach could provide the authorities with insights into unauthorised construction initiatives.

Influence of Stakeholders’ Management on Public Project Success: Evidence from Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of stakeholders' management on public projects success in Kenya:&#x0D; Methodology: This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population was 500 staff working for the Kenya government. The study population included public work engineers, works clerks, public project managers, contractors, supervisors and community elder respondents. The research study embraced stratified random sampling method and a sample size of 150 respondents was obtained using the Yamane (1967) formula. The study further used structured questionnaires which consisted of both open-ended and closed-ended questions to collect data from the sampled population. The collected data was cleaned for clarity clearness. Coding was done on the basis of the place of the participants. The data was analyzed using excel. Data was presented using frequency tables&#x0D; Finding: The findings revealed that stakeholders’ analysis has a positive influence on public project success. Majority of the respondents agreed that stakeholders and their roles have been successfully identified. The study concludes that stakeholders’ participation had a positive impact on project success. In addition, the study suggests that proper stakeholder expectation management enhances project success. &#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study affirmed applications of stakeholder’s theory since internal and external stakeholders power determines the success of public projects. For Practice, Public Project implementors should enhance stakeholder involvement in project decision-making. There is need for improvement in participatory planning and budgeting to enhance decision-making processes. In addition, the government should refine stakeholder management process by designing policy for stakeholder engagement. The policy, should emphasize the need to address concerns related to service timeliness, quality, and budget adherence, as well as enhancing feedback mechanisms and communication channels. Proper timeliness and quality of service delivery need to be enhanced. The government should establish mechanisms for participatory planning and budgeting, providing stakeholders with resources for active participation, addressing service timeliness and quality concerns.

Developing a suicide prevention action plan in Kisumu County, Kenya

AbstractSuicide prevention is a complex and context‐dependent challenge. About 75% of deaths by suicide occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries; yet, most current suicide prevention strategies build upon data from high‐income countries (HIC). The Kisumu County Government (KCG) in Kenya recognized the need for a suicide prevention action plan. In the absence of a Kenyan national suicide strategy, it also did not solely depend on recommendations from HIC. The KCG therefore convened a multidisciplinary workgroup with stakeholders from various sectors that led the development of the Kisumu County Suicide Prevention Action Plan (KCSPAP). The team utilized a mixed‐method approach (literature review, a desk review of mental health indicators and death certificates, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews) identifying the following: (a) magnitude and variations of suicide cases (higher number of suicide completions compared to attempts; the leading method was organophosphate poisoning though the suicide method often was not specified); (b) protective and risk factors (male gender, being between 19 and 45 years of age, and being married); (c) community perceptions of suicide (taboo topic; associated with negative spirits; community members were divided on suicide decriminalization); (d) potential solutions (need for data collection, awareness creation; scale‐up of traditional and nontraditional mental health approaches). Given the importance of a public health perspective on suicide prevention, the data in the KCSPAP are organized in a public health prevention framework that builds on a data collection framework. The KCSPAP was handed over to the KCG in mid‐2020; different recommendations have been implemented since. The KCSPAP is an example of policymaking based on local knowledge. This homegrown policymaking approach has multiple benefits and can be used by stakeholders locally and in other countries.

Household-Related Factors Leading to Students’ Dropout from Mixed-Day Secondary Schools in Bomet East Sub-County, Kenya

Education is a basic need to every citizen. However, dropout has been at the top barring all countries the world over in ensuring a hundred percent literacy rates. The Kenyan government has since independence come up with various policies in a bid to increase access and retention rate: Free primary Education (2003), Free Day Secondary Education (2008) and a 100% transition rate policy (2018) from primary school to secondary. This study sought to investigate Household – related factors leading to Students’ Dropout from Mixed-Day Secondary Schools in Bomet East Sub-County, Kenya for the period between the year 2020 and 2023. This study tried to determine the reasons as to why students drop out of school and suggested recommendations on what can be done about it. The study was based on The Classical Theory of Equal Opportunities and Social Darwinism that is predicated on a philosophy that everyone has fair and equal access to a good quality education regardless of social background, race, gender, or religion, and where people achieve success in education according to their efforts and ability, free from any form of discrimination. Descriptive Research Design was used. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data from the sampled respondents in sampled Mixed Day Secondary schools. Piloting was carried out. Percentages and Frequencies were used to analyze the data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It was found out that the following household-related factors lead to student’s dropout; female genital mutilation, early marriages, child labour and cultural beliefs. The study suggests five recommendations to curb school dropouts. The findings are hoped to add new knowledge and benefit the teachers, school principals and other school stakeholders to put necessary measures in place to curb the dropout problem.

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.

Using I-Hubs for Bridging The Gap of Digital Divide in Rural Kenya

The world is moving towards digital economy where almost everything being done today is digitally controlled because necessity is the mother of innovation. Everybody is striving to attain digital stability as a lot of revenue is generated in the digital world. Digital divide therefore becomes so disadvantageous to people left without access to computers and the internet. In this paper, researchers discuss the role of Kenyan innovation hubs in closing the gap between those who have access to the internet and computers and those who do not. The paper discuss the World Bank projection of the GDP emanating from the use of ICTs and the challenges facing innovation. Government support plays a key role in ensuring that the people secluded from ICTs are able to access these services especially those in rural areas. This research found that in Kenya, innovation hubs have helped the citizens staying in rural areas to gain access to internet and develop their ideas and innovations as well as undergo mentorship. Nonetheless, a lot of support is needed from the Kenyan government through the launching of more innovation hubs especially in rural areas that can help improve the online business, innovation and thus increase the GDP from ICTs.

Medical debt during epidemics: A case for resolving the situation in low- and middle-income countries such as Kenya.

This paper evaluates the problem of medical debt in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic. The medical debt problem is compounded during pandemics such as COVID-19 when patients seek treatment and end up in insurmountable debt because illnesses related to the pandemic are not covered by the Kenyan National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the public health coverage body under government control. As a result, discharged patients may be detained in hospitals and dead bodies are locked away in mortuaries, until relatives and friends fundraise and clear the bills. Apart from causing vulnerability, fear, and emotional stress among the poor, this practice leads to a growing lack of trust in the healthcare system, with patients deliberately avoiding hospitals whenever they suspect they have COVID-19. The resulting vicious cycle makes healthcare more inaccessible by limiting the choices that people may have. User fees, which were introduced in all public health facilities by the Kenyan government as part of a World Bank prescription for cost-sharing, normally affect more women than men. Although Kenya has implemented a general waiver system in public hospitals for those who cannot pay their medical bills, the process of obtaining this waiver can be burdensome, demeaning, and dangerous for the health of the patients. This undermines the government's commitment to the provision of equitable and affordable health care for the citizens. In this article, the problem of medical debt in Kenya is addressed as a multi-faceted problem drawing on issues of justice and fairness, human dignity, good governance, the interplay between global and local policies, as well as politics and law. It argues that it is in the best interest of Kenya and other African countries to ensure that public health coverage covers pandemics so that the majority poor can afford and access healthcare.

Effect of Integrated Financial Management Information Reporting System on Financial Management in County Governments, Kenya

The purpose of the research was to determine whether or not the implementation of the Integrated Financial Management Information (IFMIS) financial reporting system improved the financial management of county governments in Kenya. The descriptive survey design and the causal research methodology were used for this study. The target population consisted of 302 workers working in the Treasury Department in the county governments of Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, and Bungoma. This included 44 procurement officers, 46 internal auditors, 89 accountants, 87 finance officers, and 42 revenue officers. The selection of the 172 respondents was accomplished via the use of a method known as stratified random sampling. The questionnaire method was used to acquire the primary data. Pilot research was done to assess the content and construct validity, and Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the dependability of the information. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, an analysis of the quantitative data was carried out. The threshold of significance used in the testing of hypotheses was 0.05. The information was laid up in tables, and several models were developed. The investigation's findings indicated that the IFMIS financial reporting system substantially accounted for 42.2% of the difference in financial management across the County Governments in Western Kenya (R2 = 0.422, P = 0.000). The IFMIS financial reporting system had a significance level of P=0.05, and the unstandardized regression coefficient value was 0.836. This suggested that a change of one unit in the IFMIS financial reporting system would result in a change of 0.836 units in the financial management of county governments in Western Kenya. The study came to the conclusion that the IFMIS financial reporting system had a major impact on the financial management of Kenya's county governments, which led the researchers to conclude that the null hypothesis should not be accepted. The research suggests that county governments in Kenya should strictly adhere to the requirements of financial reporting policies, fulfill their legal duties for financial reporting, and use technology to improve their financial reporting.