Nairobi Metropolitan Research Articles

Examining Instructional Approaches to Foster Soft Skills among Information Technology Undergraduates in Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Kenya

Abstract: This study examines the pedagogical methods meant to improve soft skill acquisition and development in information technology undergraduates in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Utilizing a sequential mixed-methods design, the research adopted a two-stage cluster sampling where 10 universities were selected from a total of 31 within the region, representing 5 private and 5 public institutions. Thereafter, 1,143 undergraduate IT students were randomly sampled from an overall population of 3,814 enrolled students, while professors and IT technicians were purposively selected for qualitative interviews. Quantitative data in this respect were collected by using semi-structured questionnaires, capturing the points of view of stakeholders on perceived improvement in soft skills. Although the modern-day job markets require graduates with soft and non-cognitive skills, employers have nonetheless complained about the lack of such competencies among university graduates concerning aspects such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. This study was based on Vygotsky's social constructivism theory and investigated the development of soft skills among students taking a Bachelor of Information Technology at selected universities within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. The results have indicated that modern learning methods support the development and acquisition of soft skills aptly. The programs for soft-skill are adequate and frequent training which impacts performance in other disciplines. Signs were proving that there was significant enhancement regarding interpersonal and cognitive competencies of the students as a result of collaborative projects, problem-solving in real life, and reflective practices. It also stresses that educational institutions need to orient themselves more toward interactive and practical teaching methods to better prepare IT graduates for the challenges of a modern workforce.

Content and effectiveness of TVET teacher CPD in Kenya

AbstractContinuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers can improve teaching and wider school practices. However, within developing country contexts, research on the CPD practices of vocational teachers remains limited. This study therefore investigated the CPD practices of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers in Kenya, focusing on the content, outcomes and effectiveness of their CPD practices. Adopting a questionnaire survey approach, data was collected from 170 TVET teachers drawn from six TVET institutes in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area.TVET teachers in Kenya were found to more frequently focus their CPD on subject content knowledge and less frequently on pedagogical knowledge. Their CPD activities are not always effective as the CPD activities often do not involve active learning and collaboration, and are not always of sufficient duration. Cluster analysis showed that for some teachers, CPD activities are rarely effective and result in limited impact on practice. However, Initial Teacher Education was found to encourage teachers to focus on broader content and to adopt more effective CPD practices.To improve the effectiveness of TVET teacher CPD practices in Kenya, it is recommended that TVET teachers in Kenya are supported to adopt active and collaborative learning activities that are spread over extended time durations.

Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Development and Acquisition of Soft Skills among Information Technology Undergraduate Students in Nairobi, Kenya

This study investigated stakeholders' perceptions of the development and acquisition of soft skills among IT undergraduate students among universities within the Nairobi Metropolitan area, using the mixed-methods approach. The study employed the two-stage cluster sampling procedure to select 10 out of 31 universities (five private and five public) in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region. The study selected 1,143 Information Technology undergraduate students from 3,814 enrolled students. A semi-structured questionnaire collected quantitative data, specifically capturing stakeholders' thoughts on soft skills. Data analysis encompassed quantitative techniques such as descriptive statistics and linear regression. The findings reveal a notable disparity between perceptions of stakeholders and actual development of soft skills among the IT undergraduates. Therefore, there is a need to enhance teaching methods, closely align curricula with stakeholders' expectations, and incorporate specialized modules to cultivate soft skills.

Project Staff Scheduling and Performance of Road Construction Projects in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya

Project Staff Scheduling and Performance of Road Construction Projects in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya

Financial resource scheduling and road construction projects performance in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya

Kenya has seen a boom in road building during the last couple of years as a result of the government's significant investments in the construction industry to upgrade infrastructure, such as road networks. Road network construction is one of the key pillar of the country long term vision 2030. However, the performance of the road projects has experienced various challenges leaving some roads uncompleted, others poorly done after huge investment of public resources. This study sought to evaluate the influence of financial resources scheduling on the performance of road construction projects in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya. The research was based on resource dependence theory. A descriptive design as well as the cross-sectional survey was used. The population of interest for this study consisted of 39 road construction projects being implemented by Kenya Urban Roads Authority and Kenya National Highway Authority within the Nairobi metropolitan area. A semi structured questionnaire was utilized to collect primary data. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study results revealed projects resource scheduling had a positive and significant effect on project performance of road construction projects in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya. The study concludes that effective financial resource scheduling enables that organization to manage risk that may occur from changes in the project’s outcome. Financial resource scheduling starts from developing the project budget which is a process for allocating administered and departmental funds necessary to build a financial foundation for producing stated project deliverables.

Technological Factors and Performance of Roads Construction Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya

The successful construction of roads plays a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s economic development, aligning with the objectives outlined in Kenya’s Vision 2030. However, the suboptimal performance of road construction projects in Nairobi County can be attributed to the continually evolving environmental factors. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the relationship between technological factors and performance of roads construction projects in Nairobi County. The theoretical foundations guiding this study encompassed open system theory. Utilizing a positive research philosophy, the study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design. This research focused on a target population comprising 176 concluded roads construction projects within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, executed by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA). The unit of analysis focused on the completed roads construction projects in Nairobi County. The unit of observation included road engineers, project planners, and directors associated with KERRA, along with road supervisors, inspectors, surveyors, contractors, and members of project implementation teams. Proportional stratified sampling was employed to determine a sample size of 253 respondents. Data collection involved the use of a structured questionnaire. The study embraced descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented through tables, and inferential statistics were carried out using linear regression. The study unveiled a positive and significant relationship between technological factors (t=2.270, p<0.05) with project performance. In conclusion, the study establishes a discernible relationship between technological and project performance. The research recommends that managers are urged to embrace digitization and automation, leveraging on technology to address complex technicalities before and during construction

Effect of Community Building on Church Spiritual Growth

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between community building and spiritual growth within Pentecostal Churches in the Nairobi metropolitan counties of Kenya, focusing on the Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa (PEFA), Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG), and Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK) under the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). Grounded in servant leadership, empowerment, and spiritual leadership theories, the research combines quantitative and qualitative methods to explore how servant leaders facilitate community building and its impact on church growth. Methodology: The study was guided by servant leadership, empowerment and spiritual leadership theories. The study was conducted across multiple Pentecostal denominations within the Nairobi Metropolitan counties, including Nairobi, Kajiado, Muranga, Kiambu, and Machakos in Kenya. Data collection involved 333 church leaders and members, with 173 from PEFA, 80 from KAG, and 80 from FGCK, resulting in a response rate of 91%. Additionally, two discussion groups comprising pastors and elders from PEFA and KAG churches in Kajiado County were interviewed using an interview guide, totaling 17 members. The total response rate of church leaders and members was 304 (91%). The descriptive cross-sectional survey research design and exploratory designs were adopted for data collection and analysis where respondents provided relevant data. The research was anchored on the pragmatism philosophy. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, where Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 was used. Thematic analysis was employed in analyzing qualitative type of data. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were employed to select the sample, ensuring representation of subgroups within the population. This approach facilitated efficient and cost-effective data collection while maintaining the integrity of the study's findings Findings: Data collected from 304 respondents, including pastors, elders, and members, reveals a significant positive association between community building and spiritual growth, with volunteer services rating relatively low. The results showed a positive significance of community building in affecting church spiritual growth. The study findings in all the three models: Model summary, ANOVA and Coefficient confirm the significance of community building in church spiritual growth. The correlation coefficient results yielded a positive relationship of 0.580. However, descriptive statistics on mean scores of how respondents views the practice of community building in their churches, the sub variable of voluntary community services was ranked the lowest (3.7) amongst the other constructs. Nevertheless, there is a need for enhancement of voluntary services by the Pentecostal churches in areas such as health, free cleaning and training services to give back to the community. When church leadership participate in welfare activities such as helping the vulnerable in society, this positively affects church growth both spiritually and numerically. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing volunteer engagement to foster both spiritual and numerical church growth. This study contributes to theoretical understanding and practical implications for Pentecostal church settings, addressing research gaps and advocating for servant leadership practices that empower church members and promote community building for holistic church growth.Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study supported servant leadership, empowerment and spiritual leadership theories. Servant leaders play a crucial role in empowering of church members through community building causing effect on church growth. The study revealed and filled a number of conceptual, theoretical, contextual and empirical glaring research gaps in area of servant leadership attribute of community building and church spiritual growth. The most noticeable gap is the contextual gap where many studies on church growth only delved on numerical growth and leaving out spiritual growth of which this study addressed. The study also revealed a gap in volunteer services with a mean of 4.1. Pentecostal churches therefore need to put more efforts to improve volunteer services as well as promotion of spiritual formation so as to enhance church spiritual growth.

Moderating Effect of Empowerment on Servant Leadership and Church Spiritual Growth

Purpose: This study entailed assessing moderating effect of empowerment on servant leadership and church spiritual growth. The general objective of the study was to establish how empowerment moderates the relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth in Pentecostal Churches in Kenya within the Nairobi metropolitan counties. The study delved on Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa (PEFA); Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG), and Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK), all under the umbrella of National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). The study was guided by servant leadership, empowerment and spiritual leadership theories which all indicate that servant leaders play a crucial role in empowerment of church members and consequently causing effect on church growth. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for the study and pragmatism was employed as a philosophical framework for the research. The study employed a mixed method approach with both quantitative and qualitative research methods in use and data collection undertaken through, questionnaires and interview guides. The target population constituted 2000 church pastors, elders as well as members from which a sample of 333 was obtained through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques in selected Pentecostal churches within Nairobi, Machakos, Muranga, Kiambu and Kajiado counties. The total response rate was 304 (91%). Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, where Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 was used. On qualitative data, thematic analysis was carried out on two focus discussions groups to determine views of participants. Findings: Church members’ empowerment has no significant moderating effect in the relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth of Pentecostal Churches within Nairobi metropolitan counties of Kenya. The linearity test results for the relationship between spiritual growth and empowerment suggest a significant linear association, as indicated by the low p-values (all p-values are less than 0.05). The high F-value (197.904) and low p-value (0.000) suggest a highly significant linear relationship between Spiritual Growth and Empowerment. The Pearson's correlation coefficient (R) of 0.609 signifies a moderately strong positive relationship between spiritual growth and empowerment, indicating that as one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well. There is therefore a significant moderating effect of empowerment on servant leadership and church spiritual growth. On the research question that stated: “To what extent does Church members’ empowerment moderate the relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth of Pentecostal Churches within Nairobi metropolitan counties in Kenya?” Majority of participants agreed that church members’ empowerment moderated relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth pointing that training, involvement and sharing of responsibilities with church members by their leaders positively affected church growth both spiritually and numerically. Implications to theory, practice and Policy: The study supported servant leadership, empowerment and spiritual leadership theories. In addition, the study bridged a number of research gaps in area of servant leadership, empowerment and church spiritual growth indicated in the statement of the problem. The most noticeable gap is the contextual gap where many studies on church growth only delved on numerical growth and leaving out spiritual growth of which this study addressed. The study recommended that the church should put more emphasis on active participation of church members in decision making processes especially on provision of suggestion boxes within the church premises for this triggers church spiritual growth. The church was recommended to adopt servant leadership style and endeavor to empower the membership so as to realize church spiritual growth.

Continuing professional development of vocational teachers in Kenya: Challenges and coping strategies

Vocational teachers participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to develop their professional competencies. In developing country contexts however, it is not always clear what challenges vocational teachers face in their CPD or how they attempt to resolve those challenges. This study therefore investigated the challenges vocational teachers in Kenya face in their CPD and the coping strategies they adopt. Viewing teachers as adult learners, the study adopted a concurrent mixed methods approach whereby interview and questionnaire survey data were collected from vocational teachers in six vocational institutions in Kenya’s Nairobi Metropolitan Area and analysed using thematic and statistical analysis. Vocational teachers in Kenya were found to face multiple challenges concurrently, which were categorized as lack of opportunity and access (e.g. failing to find relevant CPD), systemic restrictions (e.g. hindrances due to costs and lack of time), and personal difficulties (e.g. negative self-evaluation of ability). The strength of these challenges was found to vary with the characteristics of teachers. Coping strategies included cutting down on spending, taking loans, moonlighting, and ‘juggling time’. Findings show the need for a clear policy on vocational teacher CPD, provision of financial and non-financial support, and reworking the school calendar to create time for CPD.

Training community health volunteers to use mobile platform during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Kenya experience.

This study describes an alternative to face-to-face training method for community health volunteers (CHVs) as used by a collaborative group from the University of Nairobi, University of Washington and the Nairobi Metropolitan Mental Health Team during the COVID-19 lockdown in Kenya. This qualitative study describes the experiences of 17 CHVs enrolled in a training study, required to utilize different digital platforms (Google Meet or Jitsi) as a training forum for the first time. Verbatim extracts of the participants' daily experiences are extracted from a series of write-ups in the group WhatsApp just before the training. Daily failures and success experiences in joining a Google meet or Jitsi are recorded. Then, 17 participants, 10 women and 7 men, aged between 21 and 51years (mean=33), owning a smartphone, were enrolled in the study. None had used Jitsi or Google meet before. Different challenges were reported in login to either and a final decision to use Jitsi, which became the training platform. Training CHVs to deliver a psychosocial intervention using smartphones is possible. However, the trainer must establish appropriate and affordable methods when resources are constrained.

Procurement Methods and Procurement Performance of Public Universities in Nairobi Metropolitan Region, Kenya.

Procurement Methods and Procurement Performance of Public Universities in Nairobi Metropolitan Region, Kenya.

Social-Cultural Factors and Performance of Roads Construction Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The Kenyan Government is on the spot over stalled and poorly done roads construction projects especially in the Nairobi City County. Successful road construction is an impetus to economic development for Kenya as enumerated in the Kenya Vision 2030. However, there has been need for these road construction projects to update their systems due to the ever changing environment factors. Thisstudy therefore sought to determine the relationship between social-cultural factors and the performance of roads construction projectsin Nairobi City County, Kenya. The underpinning theory was the open system theory. Thisstudy used a positivist research philosophy. This study used the descriptive and explanatory research design. In this study, Nairobi City County refers to the five counties in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area namely, Nairobi County, Kiambu County, Kajiado County, Machakos County and Murang'a County. The target population of this research was the 176 completed roads construction projects in Nairobi City County by Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA). The unit of observation was the road engineers, project planners and directors (KERRA), road supervisors, road inspectors, road surveyors, contractors, and project implementation teams’ members (KERRA). The unit of analysis wasthe completed roads construction projectsinNairobi City County. Proportional stratified sampling was used to derive a sample size of 253 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Data that was collected from the field was filtered, sorted and cleaned in line with research objectives. This study adopted both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statisticsincluding frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation was produced for all the quantitative data. The results were presented using tables. Inferential statistics were done using the multiple linear regression. The study established a positive significant relationship between socio-cultural factors (t=2.417, p < 0.05) and project performance. The study concludes that human relationship influences project performance since projects operate within the society. Project culture is developed by communicating priority, status, and the alignment of official and operational rules. The study recommends that project leaders should be sensitive and aware of multicultural preferences guided by individual identity and role within the project versus family of origin and community, verbal and emotional expressiveness, relationship expectations, style of communication, language, personal priorities, values, and beliefs and time orientation.

Special Economic Zones and Competitiveness of Foreign Direct Investment Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Special Economic Zones are designated areas within a nation's borders with the objectives of improving trade balance, attracting more investment, creating jobs, and enabling efficient administration. In Kenya, SEZs benefit from business-enabling policies and sector-appropriate on-site and off-site infrastructure and utilities. For the last 20 years, the Government of Kenya has been investing on Special Economic Zones as one among the innovative strategies geared towards enhancing competitiveness of Foreign Direct Investment firms in the manufacturing sector. While it is noteworthy that SEZs have somehow contributed to the increase in the inflow of FDIs in the manufacturing sector in Kenya, it is equally important to point out that such improvement is not commensurate with the size of Kenya’s economy as well as the level of investment put in by the Government. In fact, in a more worrying trend, a good number of FDIs have ceased their manufacturing operations in the country to retain only the marketing and distribution functions of their businesses, a decision that has cut thousands of jobs. These FDIs have shifted focus to offshore manufacturing. Therefore, this paper is the product of the study carried out to establish the influence of SEZs on the competitiveness of FDI manufacturing firms in Kenya. Specifically, the study focused on the influence of; technology spillovers, labour availability, market accessibility and level of export, on competitiveness of FDI manufacturing firms in Kenya. A cross-sectional research design was used in the study. The unit of analysis was the management staff of 66 manufacturing FDIs who were members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in the Nairobi Metropolitan while the unit of observation comprised; human resource manager 1, finance manager 1, marketing manager 1, production manager 1 and CEO/GM/owner 1. Multistage sampling method was used in the study. Multistage Sampling is the probability sampling technique wherein the sampling is carried out in several stages such that the sample size gets reduced at each stage. At the initial stage, the study applied Yamane formula to determine the number of firms in each of the 9 categories for the study. From the selected firms, 5 members of management (1CEO and 4 Managers) were selected using purposive sampling technique. Lastly, Yamane formula was used to arrive at the final sample size. This resulted to a total population of 325 and a sample size of 283. Primary data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire while secondary data involved analysis of statistical abstracts from published materials and reports. Data analysis was carried using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 25 as well as descriptive and inferential statistics. Primary data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire while secondary data involved analysis of statistical abstracts from published materials and reports. Data analysis was carried using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 25 as well as descriptive and inferential statistics. In the overall the study found that special economic zones had influence on competitiveness of FDI manufacturing firms in Kenya, however the findings on some of the sub-variables calls for their review and relevant actions taken by the Government to ensure enhancement of competitiveness of FDI manufacturing firms. This is because about 37% of the respondents either moderately or never at all agreed that there was conducive business environment in their zones. Further, the study found that over 51.4 % either moderately or never at all agreed that other firms had acquired technology and skills from the FDI firms in the Zones. Consequently, the study recommends an evaluation of the policies and infrastructure that support SEZs in the Manufacturing sector in Kenya.

Fiscal decentralisation and public service delivery: evidence and lessons from sub-national governments in Kenya

This paper provides empirical evidence on the effects of fiscal decentralisation on public service delivery in devolved systems of government in Kenya. A qualitative study interviewed 126 respondents and held two focus group discussions with key stakeholders from within two of Kenya’s 47 counties: Kiambu and Nairobi City. The paper focuses on key elements of fiscal decentralisation, namely: expenditure responsibilities, revenue autonomy and borrowing powers. Public service delivery was examined using affordability as a key measure of the quality of services. Results show that fiscal decentralisation did not necessarily lead to more affordable public services as there were significant contextual factors such as corruption, legal structures, cultural values, belief systems, pressure to conform and change agents that moderated this relationship. Corruption made public services less affordable in both counties, while Nairobi Metropolitan Services emerged as a change agent that improved the affordability of specific public services within Nairobi City county. The paper outlines a conceptual framework for further research into implementation of fiscal decentralisation in Kenya and elsewhere, especially in Africa, and calls for more qualitative studies, especially longitudinal studies, case studies and ethnographic approaches to enrich knowledge in this field.

A tale of two rivers: development, destruction, and despair in Ongata Rongai, Kenya.

Ongata Rongai is a rapidly growing peri-urban space in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya. The last 10 years have seen exponential population growth and building development leading to overcrowding and pressure on water and environmental resources. This original research sheds light on interactions among humans, animals, and this rapidly changing urban environment. It is therefore a quintessentially One Health study. Qualitative and ethnographically informed methods are employed to better understand the impact of rapid growth on the riparian environment and the effect of this on those who depend on it. The reflexive use of archival material and a historical ethnographic approach enabled in-depth narratives to address these issues within a longitudinal context, and the use of deliberate walking alongside visual methodologies and more traditional anthropological methods make this study novel both in terms of methodological approach and findings. This study finds that people cite high levels of pollution from solid waste and sewage have made the rivers almost unusable and a hazardous place for both humans and animals. Yet, in the past, these rivers played key roles in daily life. There is frustration with structural-level actors' moribund attitude to the environment. The poor health of the rivers and riparian environment leads to human and animal health challenges, increased pressure on water resources, and economic pressure due to a loss of livelihoods. The study contributes to what is currently a fairly small literature on urban riparian spaces globally, but one which is of growing and vital importance given the rapidly increasing percentage of humans who now reside in urban spaces. It contributes to WASH and urban clean water knowledge as well as One Health, public health, and urban growth narratives, and directly addresses challenges faced by SDG 6.

Common occupational machinery hazards in mechanical engineering workshops in TVET institutions in Nairobi metropolitan, Kenya

The metal fabrication sector involves a variety of processes, activities, products, and by-products. This involves various interventions such as milling, turning, welding, drilling, and grinding. Firms in this sector use one or a combination of these interventions where machinery is used, which can expose workers to machinery hazards if proper safety procedures are not observed. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is vital in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, especially in mechanical engineering programmes where metal fabrication is practised. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of occupational machinery hazards in mechanical engineering workshops in TVET Institutions. The study adopted a descriptive research design and employed a structured questionnaire for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to identify institutions participating in the study. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data and present it in tables and graphs. Noise (90.4%) and vibration (71.9%) were reported as the most common occupational hazards, respectively, in mechanical engineering workshops. Regarding workstations, the grinding section (39.4%) and milling section (15.8%) were reported as experiencing high levels of noise. The study recommends that adequate control measures be put in place to mitigate against these hazards.

Ascendant recentralisation: the politics of urban governance and institutional configurations in Nairobi

ABSTRACT This paper draws from two experiences with decentralisation in Kenya to illustrate the different ways through which the central government has sought to bolster its power at the expense of the local government in the country’s capital, Nairobi during periods of vertically-unified authority. In the first instance, it examines the years between 1983 and 1992 during which the central government appointed a Commission to replace the elected Nairobi City Council. The second period that is examined is between 2017 and 2022 when certain devolved functions were transferred from the elected Nairobi City County Government to a newly established institution appointed by the President, the Nairobi Metropolitan Service. During both periods authority was vertically unified with the ruling parties also being in control of the city. Drawing on a series of interviews with various stakeholders and inhabitants of informal settlements, the paper argues that contrary to what much literature suggests, recentralisation of urban governance not only occurs in situations of vertically-divided authority but can also occur where authority is unified. Some of the conditions that enabled these power consolidation moves together with the outcomes that these generated are also examined.

Patterns of orthopedic and trauma admissions to a tertiary teaching and referral health facility in Kenya: Chart review.

Tertiary hospitals in resource-limited countries should treat referred patients but in reality, are the first level of care for the vast majority of patients. As a result, the tertiary facility effectively functions as a primary health care facility. The urban phenomenon of widespread self-referral is associated with low rates of formal referral from peripheral health facilities. The study objective was to determine the patterns of orthopaedic and trauma admissions to Kenyatta National Hospital. This was descriptive study design. 905 patient charts were reviewed in 2021. The mean age was 33.8 years (SD 16.5) with range of 1-93 years. Majority 66.3% were between 25-64 years with those above 65 years being 40 (4.4%). Children 0-14 years comprised 10.9% of the admissions. Of the 905 admissions, 80.7% were accident and trauma-related admissions while 17.1% were non-trauma related admissions. About 50.1% were facility referrals while 49.9% were walk-ins. Majority of admissions were through Accident and Emergency Department 78.1%, Corporate Outpatient Care 14.9% and orthopedic Clinic 7.0%. About 78.7% were emergency admissions while 20.8% were elective admissions. Approximately 48.5% were due to Road Traffic Accidents and 20.9% due to falls. Close to 44.8% were casual workers and 20.2% unemployed. About 34.0% attained primary education and 35.0% secondary education. About 33.2% of female admissions were due to non-trauma conditions as compared to male admissions (12.8%) (p<0.001). Admissions for those aged 25-64 years were 3.5 more likely to have emergency admission as compared to those aged 0-14 years. Male were 65.1% less likely to have elective admissions compared to female (p<0.001). Whereas lower limb injuries and non-trauma related conditions were the most commonly admitted conditions, Lower limb injury and spine cases were mostly facility referred while non-trauma conditions were walk-in patients. Vast majority (89.2%) of admissions were from Nairobi Metropolitan region.

How do Vocational Teachers Learn? Formal and Informal Learning by Vocational Teachers in Kenya

Context: Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) supports the development of vocational teacher competencies. However, it is often not clear what learning methods vocational teachers use in their CPD. This study therefore investigated the CPD practices of vocational teachers in Kenya, with a specific focus on the formal and informal learning methods used. Approach: The study used a questionnaire survey to collect data from TVET teachers randomly drawn from six Technical and Vocational Colleges in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was used to determine how frequently different learning methods are used and to identify associations between CPD practices and teacher characteristics.Findings: TVET teachers in Kenya were found to use different learning methods depending on the availability of the learning methods and the learning goals teachers have. Formal academic learning and discussions with colleagues are frequently used while collaborative learning methods and practice-based learning activities are less frequently used. Rarely used are written reflections about practice and its outcomes. Despite viewing Lecturer Industrial Attachment (LIA) as important and therefore wishing to attend LIA, more than a third of the participants indicated that they had never attended LIA. The use of professional literature is restricted to text books with limited use of primary and secondary literature. CPD activities such as mentoring, supervising other teachers, and school visits were found to form a unique category of CPD activities that is more frequently used by teachers with administrative responsibilities. Conclusion: The limited use of active learning methods that involve critical evaluation of practices and their outcomes risks limiting the ability of vocational teachers in Kenya to transform and adopt better practices. It is recommended that vocational teachers in Kenya are encouraged to adopt a broad conception of teacher CPD that embraces collaborative, reflective, and practice-based learning.

Exploring barriers and perceptions to walking and cycling in Nairobi metropolitan area

IntroductionWalking and cycling as a form of active travel offer an opportunity for individuals to engage in physical exercises while performing a functional journey. Notwithstanding, the large proportion of the population relying on non-motorized transport (NMT), namely walking and cycling, has not been prioritized. At a time when lifestyle health challenges such as obesity and other non-communicable diseases are on the rise, walking and cycling would provide a window of opportunity and potentially provide exercise and thus improve the general health and wellbeing of the population. More than 75% of total daily trips made by Africa's low-income population are made by walking, compared with 45% by the more affluent people. Walking and cycling, considered low-carbon emission modes of transport, not only enhance urban quality but also boost social cohesion. Despite these potential gains, poor NMT infrastructure systems, low integration with the other modes of transport, and non-committal by law enforcement to protect pedestrians and cyclists still define the NMT ecosystem.MethodsThis study used descriptive methods to explore the barriers to and citizen perceptions of walking and cycling in Kenya's capital, the Nairobi Metropolitan area.Results and discussionPoor or absence of proper NMT infrastructure systems, safety concerns due to poor planning, lack of targeted policies as well as low or no capacity to ride a bicycle are among the predominant factors that undermine the use of NMT in Nairobi. However, a majority of citizens find no positive link between walking and/or cycling and poverty, a significant deviation from some prior studies and report.RecommendationsOther than scaling up walking and cycling facilities, this study strongly recommends the use of participatory city frameworks to support NMT research, transport policy, and the needs of those already using walking and cycling as active modes of transport.