Universities In Kenya Research Articles

Is There a Moderated Mediation Model that Explains the Relationship Between Strategic Agility, Organizational Culture, Environmental Turbulence, and Organizational Performance? Evidence from Accredited Universities in Kenya

Accredited universities in Kenya are vital for quality education and research but face significant challenges that impact their performance. Issues such as strategic agility, organizational culture, and environmental turbulence contribute to difficulties in adapting to changes and maintaining effectiveness. Inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and regulatory constraints further exacerbate these challenges, affecting their ability to deliver high-quality education and remain competitive. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design to investigate the moderating influence of environmental turbulence on the indirect link between strategic agility and organizational performance through organizational culture. The cross-sectional dataset was obtained from 78 accredited universities in Kenya using a questionnaire. The ordinary least squares model employed revealed that environmental turbulence moderated the indirect relationship between strategic agility and organizational performance via organizational culture in a synergistic manner, hence affirming moderated mediation. These findings highlight the moderating and mediating role of environmental turbulence and organizational culture in the link between strategic agility and organizational performance, providing managerial and policy implications. In the future, researchers should do longitudinal studies to look at how dynamics change over time, comparative sector analyses to get a bigger picture, and more mediators and moderators to fully understand the proposed links.

Attitude and Practice towards Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention among Female Sex Workers in Kicukiro District, Rwanda

This study aimed to assess the attitude, and Practice of female sex workers towards Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV prevention in the Kicukiro district, Rwanda. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, using a probability sampling method, and the Yamane formula was used to calculate the sample size of 300 female sex workers including a 10% non-response rate. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire, at 10 health centers. Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS software, with chi-square tests and logistic regression for inferential analysis. The ethical clearance was acquired from the Mount Kenya University ethics committee and the Young Women Christian Association Rwanda. The study findings showed that (60%) of female sex workers have a positive attitude towards PrEP, and 60.4% of respondents were using PrEP. Demographic factors like age group, marital status, and Ubudehe category were significantly associated with practices. Female sex workers aged between 25 and 29 had 4 times more chance to have good practices. This study provides insights into improving PrEP education and interventions targeting female sex workers and other key populations. These findings highlighted the concerns about stigma and privacy, and the need for public health interventions that target it in the community.

Effect of Physical Work Conditions on the Work Performance of Academic Staff in Private Universities in Kenya

The working conditions (physical and psychological) in an organization have key linkage with and work performance including academic institutions. The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of physical working conditions and performance of academic staff in private universities in Kenya. The study is informed by Fredrick Herzberg’s two factor theory on motivation of employees and work performance. The study research design is descriptive that incorporates quantitative and qualitative methods. The target population for this study involved academic staff of selected private universities in Kenya. Considering the target population was high, a sample size was chosen who were selected using stratified and purposive sampling technique. The data has been collected using questionnaire. Data analysis has been undertaken using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The study has found out that physical working conditions are a key determinant of employee performance in private universities in the country. Those universities with poor physical working conditions reported poor work performance amongst their academic staff compared to those that had conducive physical working conditions. The paper recommends that for private universities to remain competitive in the tertiary education sector, they have to ensure that the physical working conditions of school facilities are conducive for use by their members of staff. There is also need for the Commission for University Education in Kenya to regularly inspect universities physical infrastructure to ensure they are fit for use by both academic staff, non-academic staff and students. When all these recommendations are addressed, the academic staff productivity would significantly improve

The Relationship between Knowledge Sharing Capability and Competitiveness of Chartered Public Universities in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between knowledge sharing capability and competitiveness of chartered public universities in Kenya. Universities are knowledge intensive environments, and play a central role in the creation and dissemination of knowledge that they generate. Accordingly, it would be expected that such institutions would adopt proactive approaches to the incubation of knowledge management capability and strategies, and that they would have better insight on how to achieve and optimize the value of their knowledge assets. However, research has shown that this is not the case, and that the approaches adopted by universities are passive and inconsistent. In addition, although there is a strong body of research in the area of knowledge management in commercial environments, and growing interest in knowledge management in public sector organizations, there has been little research on knowledge management capability in universities. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive design. The population of the research consisted of 31 chartered public universities authorized to operate in Kenya as at December 2020. The study adopted a census methodology while purposeful and convenient sampling was adopted to select respondents amongst the middle level management staff. The study used both secondary and primary data. A self-administered questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument. Out of 155 questionnaires that were sent out, 123 were filled and returned. Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) was used for data analysis. The study used regression model to estimate the level of significance which yielded a positive and significant influence of knowledge sharing capability on competitiveness of chartered public universities in Kenya. Findings: The findings pointed out that knowledge sharing capability significantly influenced competitiveness of chartered public universities in Kenya. The public universities should therefore entrench knowledge management practices in their day to day operations in order to remain competitive. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that public universities should embrace knowledge sharing practices in their operations as it enhances competitiveness. One of very important factor in knowledge sharing is that university stakeholders should be accorded with formal, informal and virtual space to interact with each other for knowledge exchange.

Knowledge Organization Capability and Competitiveness of Chartered Public Universities in Kenya

Purpose: Knowledge has increasingly become one of the most critical determining factors for organizational competitiveness. In order to acquire and sustain a competitive advantage, it is vital for an organization to develop effective strategies that foster knowledge creation, transfer and integration in the performance of the organization. Knowledge organization refers to activities such as document description, indexing, and classification that provide systems of representation and order for information and knowledge materials. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between knowledge organization capability and competitiveness of chartered public universities in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive design. The population of the research consisted of 31 chartered public universities authorized to operate in Kenya as at December 2020. The study adopted a census methodology while purposeful and convenient sampling was adopted to select respondents amongst the middle level management staff. The study used both secondary and primary data. A self-administered questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument. Out of 155 questionnaires that were sent out, 123 were filled and returned. Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) was used for data analysis. The study used regression model to estimate the level of significance which yielded a positive and significant influence of knowledge organization capability on competitiveness of chartered public universities in Kenya. Findings: The findings indicate that organizational initiatives such as effective knowledge collaboration and utilization, deployment of information technology systems that support knowledge organisation and easy access to information and data contribute to a healthy environment conducive for knowledge management. Owing to the foregoing, the study concluded that knowledge organization capability had a significant positive impact on competitiveness of chartered public universities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that public universities needed to embrace knowledge organization capability in order to obtain sustainable competitive advantage.

A Study on the Relationship between Confucius Institutes and Kenya’s Agricultural Economy in the Belt and Road Perspective: A Case Study of Confucius Institute at Egerton University

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has attracted attention from all sides since it was proposed. As one of the bridges connecting China and the countries along the Belt and Road, Confucius Institutes have also received attention for their declining popularity and role in recent years. To explore whether Confucius Institutes can seize the new development opportunities brought by the Belt and Road, to realize innovative development and achieve better economic cooperation between China and the countries along the route. This paper takes Kenya’s economic structure as an entry point and focuses on the relationship between Kenya’s economic and agricultural development and the development of Confucius Institutes. Using the case study method, it analyzes the agricultural cooperation mechanism of the Confucius Institute Egerton University in Kenya--”Chinese + Agriculture” schooling characteristics. The paper concludes that under this mechanism, the Confucius Institute does have the possibility of further development. Based on this, this paper puts forward the following suggestions. The future development of Confucius Institutes should not be purely as a platform for cultural export but should pay more attention to the development mechanism that combines with the actual economic needs of the local community to have a more long-term development.

Employee Perceptions and Intention to Leave Among Academic Staff in Public Universities in Kenya

Purpose: The specific objectives of the study included perceived organizational support, commitment, performance and perceived organizational support as predictors of intention to leave. Methodology: The descriptive survey research designs was adopted. The population consisted of all cadres of academic staff in the chosen three public universities in Western Kenya. Yamane’s (1967) formula was utilised in determining a sample size of 121 respondents. Purposive sampling technique was utilised in coming up with the sample. Questionnaires were used to obtain primary data for analysis. A pilot study was done on 5% of the sample and Cronbach’s alpha helped in testing reliability. Both face and content validity of the research instrument were checked. Descriptive and inferential statistics of frequencies, means and standard deviation and inferential technique were utilised to analyse quantitative data using SPSS. Findings: The results revealed that perceived organizational support had a negative significant relationship with intention to leave. Perceived commitment, performance and manager support were all positively related with intention to leave. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that universities should assess and improve employee perceptions if they want to influence them to stay longer with the firms.

The Role of Stakeholder Engagement in Enhancing CSR in Private Universities in Kenya

This study explored the role of stakeholder engagement in enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within private universities in Kenya, focusing on Instagram as a strategic communication tool. This research investigated how stakeholder engagement through Instagram can enhance CSR efforts in Kenyan private universities, providing insights into effective strategies for leveraging Instagram to drive positive social impact and promote responsible practices. A qualitative research design was employed by stakeholder theory, focusing on five prominent private universities in Kenya: Management University of Africa, KCA University, Kabarak University, and St. Paul's University. Semi-structured interviews with corporate communication experts provided in-depth insights into their CSR strategies. Additionally, a qualitative content analysis of Instagram posts identified patterns and trends in stakeholder engagement. The findings highlight that Instagram plays a key role in building a sense of community among stakeholders, including students, staff, alumni, and the community. Through transparent communication and interactive content, universities can foster trust and collaboration, essential for successful CSR initiatives. The study emphasizes understanding stakeholders' motivations and expectations to create effective engagement strategies. By utilizing Instagram's interactive features, private universities can enhance their CSR efforts, promoting social responsibility and sustainable development.

Empowering lifelong learning

Postgraduate students have lot of workload, which makes them to search for information in electronic resource databases. However, they require digital literacy skills to ensure they can access educational resources online effectively, supporting lifelong learning and research. Existing literature indicates that many users in Kenyan university libraries do not fully utilize electronic resources due to an inadequacy of digital literacy skills. Although electronic resources in libraries are globally acknowledged for aiding research, challenges persist due to technological advancements, necessitating digital literacy skills for effective searching, retrieval and utilization. The objective of the study was to investigate the level and application of digital literacy skills of postgraduate students in facilitating adequate usage of electronic resources. A mixed-method approach was adopted taking on survey design and utilizing concurrent parallel design when interpreting and deriving conclusions. Quantitative data was collected from postgraduate students and qualitative data from library staff. The sample consisted of 118 postgraduate students randomly sampled from 150 postgraduate students and 5 librarians out of 7 were purposively sampled. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis while quantitative data was analysed using frequency distribution and cross tabulation methods. Tables, charts, graphs and thematic discussions were used to present the data. The key findings of the study revealed that postgraduate students possess different levels of digital literacy skills, majority of postgraduates and librarian’s digital literacy skills were inadequate; majority of the respondents stated that ICT facilities were inadequate. The study concludes that the digital literacy skills of postgraduate students and librarians are inadequate and this limits the utilization of electronic resources. The study recommends librarians to offer regular digital literacy and electronic resources training to improve the level of digital literacy skills of postgraduate students, increase and improve on ICT facilities at Moi University Library.

Evaluation of Geriatric Content and Practicum in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum at Selected Universities in Kenya

Evaluation of Geriatric Content and Practicum in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum at Selected Universities in Kenya

A Framework for Enhancing Maintainability of CMS in Kenyan Universities' LMS

The maintainability of Content Management Systems (CMS) within Learning Management Systems (LMS) is critical in educational institutions to ensure efficient content management, system scalability, and security. This paper presents a framework aimed at enhancing the maintainability of CMS within LMS in Kenyan universities. The research utilizes Cognitive Load Theory and Software Evaluation Theory to address CMS challenges, focusing on perfective, corrective, adaptive, and preventive maintenance. This paper also discusses key factors influencing CMS maintainability, including system documentation, modularity, and error handling. Findings from this study contribute to the development of a framework and advancing CMS design in LMS, providing a robust, scalable, and secure platform for educators and administrators.

Influence of Adaptive Leadership on Crisis Preparedness by Public Universities in Kenya

Influence of Adaptive Leadership on Crisis Preparedness by Public Universities in Kenya

The contribution of leader–member exchange (LMX) to organisational sustainable development: Results and implications from Kenyan public universities study

We aimed to establish the contribution of leader–member exchange (LMX) to sustainable development of public universities in the emerging country of Kenya. The participants were 320 employees from public universities in Kenya (female = 43.1%; middle level managers = 47.8%, top leadership team = 26.6%; mean year of service = 13 years, SD = 3.6 years). They completed measures on LMX, innovative work behaviour, organisational engagement and sustainable development. Following structural equation modelling, findings showed that high quality LMX characteristics exhibited between leaders and followers significantly contributed to organisational sustainable development. High quality LMX also significantly contributed to employee organisation engagement. The results further revealed that innovative work behaviour was positively associated with sustainable development in that high LMX relationships between leaders and their followers inspired workers to be more innovative in their jobs. Our findings suggest a need for emerging countries’ public universities to incorporate LMX in their policies and procedures for their sustainability. The results indicate that high LMX is a key factor for driving successful public universities in developing country settings.

Work-Life Balance Practices and Employee Performance in Public Universities in Kenya

Purpose: The study examines the influence of work-life balance practices on the employee performance of public universities in Kenya. The specific objective is to find out how work-life balance constructs (work-family conflict, flexible work arrangements, stress, burnout, psychosocial support) influence employee performance at public universities. Methodology: Descriptive survey design was used guided by Spill over theory, and a positivism philosophy. The target population of the study comprised all employees in 30 accredited public universities in Kenya with a total population of 35,502 employees. A sample size of 385 employees was obtained using the statistical formula of Fisher for calculating sample size and respondents were chosen using a stratified random sampling technique. Results: The study found that there was a significant positive correlation between work-life balance and employee performance with a regression coefficient of (β = .844, p ˂ .000). Work-life balance constructs accounted for 71.1% variation in employee performance. This means that when work-life balance practices are well managed, employee performance is likely to increase. Conclusion: The study recommends that public universities in Kenya should focus on improving their work life balance practices to improve their employee performance.

Revising academic cultures to improve integrity in Kenyan universities

ABSTRACT This paper reviews issues of academic integrity, focusing on unethical practices in Kenyan universities. The rapid expansion of university education in Kenya, followed by a significant decline in the number of qualified students seeking to join private universities since 2017 have created financial pressures on universities. Some universities have resorted to unethical practices to enrol students and offer programmes that have not been accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). At the same time, there is a growing concern among governments, educators, students, and other stakeholders that unethical practices in higher education are spreading, compromising the integrity of academic programmes. This review suggests strategies that can be put in place to improve academic integrity. The analysis considers what motivates individuals to act unethically, even though doing so contributes to damaging the credibility of the sector. The idea of the prisoner’s dilemma is introduced to explain why it remains in individuals’ interest to act in this way. Based on this, we suggest that changes could be made that shift the balance of risk and reward. These changes can include efforts to detect unethical behaviour; discourage it through more consistent penalties; and to encourage and reward positive alternatives. We propose that everyone in higher education could contribute to these changes, suggesting interventions that could be made by teachers in classrooms; by trainers within universities; and by policy makers nationally.

Abstract C174: Examining cervical cancer screening rates among women living with HIV in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract Background: Kenyan women are disproportionately affected by HIV than their male counterparts, with a prevalence 5.5% compared to men whose prevalence is 2.9%. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are more susceptible to cancer, in particular HPV-related cancers due to their immune-compromised status. In response, Kenyan Health Ministry recommends that women living with HIV (WLWH) be screened for cervical cancer annually by either visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) or visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine (VILI), cytology and testing for HPV once every two years. Objective: Examining the rate of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Kajiado County in 2022. Methodology: The electronic health information system was used to abstract data for WLWH in Kajiado county with 57 antiretroviral (ART) facilities. However, our analysis accessed data from 38 facilities whose data is captured in the health information system. Authorized health care workers from the County were requested to abstract redacted data from the health information system. No personal identifiers were collected from the system as away of protecting the privacy of individuals and abiding with the Kenya’s data protection law. Authorization to access the county was obtained from the county’s department of health while ethical approval was obtained from Mount Kenya University’s Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee. Results: In 2022, a total of 16,827 people living with HIV were enrolled for care at the 38 ART selected sites. 11,785 (70%) were women with an age range of 15 to 49 years. A total of 3342 WLWH, representing 28.36% of the target population, were screened by using VIA. Of those screened, 3240 (97%) tested negative, 78 (2.3%) had positive results while 24 (0.7%) had suspicious lesions. Conclusion: Our analysis shows low reach of cervical cancer screening with only 28.36% of the targeted women being screened in 2022. The only available testing method (VIA) is less robust as compared to cytology and HPV testing. Thus, cervical cancer screening is underutilized, and importantly the available screening suffers fromWe also found a gap in reporting of HPV testing in the county. We thus recommend implementation science with community engagement examining the barriers to cervical cancer screening and HPV testing as well as timely reporting from multistakeholder e.g., system, provider, patient, family and advocate perspectives. This multisectoral health system-services approach will better inform research, practice and policy for effective HPV-related cancer prevention and control to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality among WLWH,. Citation Format: Caren Kamau, MS, Alice Njoroge,MS, Francis Makokha,PhD, Kimlin Ashing,PhD. Examining cervical cancer screening rates among women living with HIV in Kajiado County, Kenya [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C174.

Procurement Process and Financial Performance in Public Universities, Kenya

The poor financial performance of Kenya's public institutions has resulted in campus closures and an ever-increasing backlog of unpaid debts for a number of years. The academic institutions have encountered difficulties in recruiting sufficient faculty members to meet the demands of the curricula. The study aimed to establish the relationship between the procurement process and the financial performance of Public Universities in Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design, and the target population was the public universities in Kenya with a purposive sample of 155 managers selected from three categories of universities according to their age and when they were chartered. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, and secondary data was collected using an Excel schedule and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation findings indicated that the procurement process had a positive and significant relationship with financial performance (r = .674, p = .000<.05). The R-square value of 0.454 indicates that the procurement process explains 45.4% of variations in the financial performance of public universities. Regression results revealed that the procurement process had a positive and significant influence on financial performance (β = 0.589, p=.000<.05), and this implies that the procurement process significantly enhances the financial performance of public universities in Kenya. The study concluded that the procurement process contributes significantly to the enhanced financial performance of public universities. The study recommended that the management of public universities should strengthen aspects relating to the procurement process. There is a need to ensure that the quality of goods and services purchased is up to standard. There should be inspection and verification of goods and services. There is also a need to involve experts in the evaluation and awards of tenders.

Project Appraisal and Financial Performance in Public Universities, Kenya

Kenya's public institutions have had poor financial performance for a number of years, which has resulted in campus closures and an ever-increasing backlog of unpaid debts. Universities have had difficulty recruiting enough faculty members to meet the demand for their programs. The study aimed to determine the relationship between project appraisal and financial performance of the Public Universities in Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design, and the target population was the public universities in Kenya with a purposive sample of 155 managers selected from three categories of universities according to their age and when they were chartered. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, and secondary data was collected using an Excel schedule and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation findings indicated that project appraisal had a positive and significant relationship with financial performance (r = .626, p = .000<.05). The R-square value of 0.392 indicated that project appraisal explains 39.2% of variations in the financial performance of public universities. Further, regression results showed that project appraisal had a positive and significant influence on financial performance (β = 0.585, p=.000<.05), implying that project appraisal significantly enhances the financial performance of public universities in Kenya. The study concluded that project appraisal contributes significantly to the enhanced financial performance of public universities. The study recommended that the management of public universities should strengthen aspects relating to project appraisal. There is a need to ensure that projects are implemented as per the contract schedule. Projects should be diligently monitored to ensure quality. Further, projects should be appraised using scientific methods to ensure that there is a constant flow of cash to finance projects according to budget.

Athlete Identity and Satisfaction of Student-Athletes in Selected Universities in Kenya

Strong athlete identity and satisfaction with being an athlete are linked to better performance. This is because student-athletes are more motivated and feel a sense of belonging. However, research on how these factors connect with details like gender or competition level in student-athletes, especially in Kenya, is lacking. Using an analytical cross-sectional design and the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale-Plus (AIMS-Plus) and Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASQ), this study examined the relationship between athlete identity and satisfaction among university student-athletes in relation to gender, year of study, and level of competition. A total of 309 (52.4% males and 47.6% females) Kenyan university student-athletes participated in the study. Results revealed females had a slightly stronger athlete identity (4.00 ± 0.478) than male student-athletes (3.93 ± 0.503), but there was no significant correlation between gender and athlete identity. Similarly, females had higher athlete satisfaction (4.24 ± 0.443) than male student-athletes (4.09 ± 0.576), and the relationship between gender and athlete satisfaction was statistically significant (p =.017). Investigated demographic characteristics only explained (3.5%) variance in student-athlete identity (R2 adjusted =.035, F (4, 263) = 3.391, p =.010) and (3.2%) in athlete satisfaction (R2 adjusted =.032, F(4,263) = 3.210, p =.013). The study concluded that universities should provide enhanced training facilities, regular competition opportunities, and a supportive environment for athletes in low-level competitions. Future research could address athlete identity beyond demographics such as coach leadership, education goals, team task contribution, and variables that provide a more comprehensive understanding of athletic identity and satisfaction.

Institutional Facilities and Quality of Students’ Educational Experience, The Case of Universities in Kenya

The role of education in enhancing individual and societal well-being has been well established. Social and economic systems place education at the center of efforts to improve the knowledge and skills of those in productive sectors of the economy. It is resources that oil the gears and propel education production systems. Resource allocations must therefore target components of the systems that have the greatest impact on social wellness. Higher education institutions (HEI) are perceived as organizations that seek to optimally allocate resources to maximize quality educational outputs, which drive socio-economic development. Evidence indicates that facilities as a resource rank second among expenditure costs after personnel emoluments. The extent to which facilities contribute to an institution’s operations and value is a matter that interests this study. The question to answer was: is there a nexus between facilities, their use and the quality of students’ educational experience to justify such cost outlay? This study sought to investigate stakeholder perception of the role of facilities in enhancing education quality in universities. A descriptive survey research design was used. A sample of 524 respondents from both public and private universities was selected using both purposive and proportionate random sampling techniques. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using questionnaires, observation guides and interview guides. Qualitative data was transcribed, and presented in themes. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentages, means, and chi-square (χ2) was used to determine stakeholder perceptions of the role of facilities in enhancing the quality of university education experience, and to determine the existence of a relationship between perceptions in public and private universities. All statistical inferences were made at α = 0.05. This study is likely to benefit university management decisions on levels of enrolment vis-à-vis facilities and resources for university education. It provides evidence on the relationship between facilities and the quality of education experience and the value institutions derive from facilities use and management. Sponsors of public education may make informed choices in favor of institutional inputs that impact student experience, and encourage universities to prioritize social value in what they offer