Nairobi Research Articles

Wealth and Sedentary Time Are Associated With Dietary Patterns Among Preadolescents in Nairobi City, Kenya

ObjectiveThe study aimed to compare dietary patterns in preadolescents in urban areas with different physical activity and socioeconomic profiles in Nairobi, Kenya. DesignCross-sectional. ParticipantsPreadolescents aged 9–14 years (n = 149) living in low- or middle-income areas in Nairobi. Variables MeasuredSociodemographic characteristics were collected using a validated questionnaire. Weight and height were measured. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and physical activity by accelerometer. AnalysisDietary patterns (DP) were formed through principal component analysis. Associations of age, sex, parental education, wealth, body mass index, physical activity, and sedentary time with DPs were analyzed with linear regression. ResultsThree DPs explained 36% of the total variance in food consumption: (1) snacks, fast food, and meat; (2) dairy products and plant protein; and (3) vegetables and refined grains. Higher wealth was associated with higher scores of the first DP (P < 0.05). Conclusions and ImplicationsConsumption of foods often deemed unhealthy (eg, snacks and fast food) was more frequent among preadolescents whose families were wealthier. Interventions that seek ways to promote healthy lifestyles among families residing in urban areas of Kenya are warranted.

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.

Effect of Feed Rations on Semen Characteristics of Bulls at Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Center Nairobi Kenya

Effect of Feed Rations on Semen Characteristics of Bulls at Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Center Nairobi Kenya

Predictors of hepatitis C cure among people who inject drugs treated with directly observed therapy supported by peer case managers in Kenya.

Directly observed therapy (DOT) maximizes adherence and minimizes treatment gaps. Peer case managers (PCM) have also shown promise as a component of integrated HCV treatment strategies. DOT and PCM-support have been underexplored, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The objective of this study was to evaluate predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) among people who inject drugs (PWID) attending medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and needle and syringe programs (NSP) sites in Kenya. We recruited PWID accessing MAT and NSP in Nairobi and Coastal Kenya. PWID were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir using DOT supported by PCMs. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to examine the impact of sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors on SVR. Among 92 PWID who initiated HCV treatment, 79 (86%) were male with mean age of 36.3 years (SD=±6.5); 38 (41%) were HIV-positive, and 87 (95%) reported injecting drugs in the last 30 days. Just over half of participants were genotype 1a (55%), followed by genotype 4a (41%) and mixed 1a/4a (3%). Most participants, 85 (92%) completed treatment and 79 (86%) achieved SVR. While sociodemographic and behavioral factors including recent injection drug use were not significantly associated with achieving SVR, being fully adherent (p=0.042), number of doses taken (p=0.008) and treatment completion (p= 0.001) were associated with higher odds of achieving SVR. DOT with PCM-support was an effective model for HCV treatment among PWID in this LMIC setting. Adherence was the most important driver of SVR suggesting DOT and PCM support can overcome other factors that might limit adherence. Further research is necessary to ascertain the effectiveness of other models of HCV care for PWID in LMICs given NSP and MAT access is variable, and DOT may not be sustainable with limited resources.

Breathing Room: Working Principles of Independent Art Spaces in African Cities

Breathing Room: Working Principles of Independent Art Spaces in African Cities

Approaching Urban Food Waste in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Framework and Evidence from Case Studies in Kibera (Nairobi) and Dhaka

Increased urbanization rates pose crucial challenges in terms of food systems’ sustainability, including urban food waste (FW). The global narrative around FW has focused mainly on Western countries, but recent evidence shows that FW is also a major issue in the developing world. The objective of this article is to define the characteristics and drivers of urban FW in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We firstly present a tailor-made three-step approach to identify urban FW hotspots in LMIC, understand the main drivers and design and implement prevention and reduction interventions considering LMIC food system characteristics. We then draw on results from four different urban FW case studies based in Nairobi (Kenya) and Dhaka (Bangladesh) and discuss their characteristics in light of the proposed approach. The case of Nairobi focuses on quantifying and understanding possible drivers of household FW in Kibera and characterizing FW disposal through a household survey (N = 774). The other three studies examine FW at retail, food service and institutional levels for onions, mangoes and beef in Dhaka. The results confirm that FW happens at the urban supply chain level, particularly among mobile vendors but also among households living below the poverty line. The article thus urges LMIC municipalities to consider urban FW strategies as a key action to tackle food security, environmental issues and FW management challenges.

Crime Mitigation Strategies Utilised in Slum Areas of Nairobi, Kenya

The increase in urban population, occasioned by the rural-urban migration of young people has resulted in the expansion of informal settlements to accommodate the large numbers of low-income earners and the unemployed. This trend is replicated all across developing economies and in Kenya, it has resulted in the establishment of informal settlements such as Kangemi, Kawangware, Mathare, Mukuru, Korogocho, and Kibera, which is the largest in the whole continent. One of the negative implications of the growth of the informal settlement is the increase in criminal trends as most residents, particularly the youth resort to criminality as a way of making a living. In response, various strategies have been adopted to mitigate or rather prevent criminal activities in these informal settlements. This study focused on such strategies as used in four slums, which include Kibera, Mukuru, Mathare, and Korogocho. The study adopted the descriptive research design, which involved the collection and analysis of quantitative data using questionnaires. The data was collected from a sample of 659 residents of the four informal settlements who were randomly sampled. The data was input in the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) and then analysed using the descriptive method whereby the data was presented on tables based on percentages. The study concluded that crime was a big problem for informal settlement residents. However, one of the most prevalent crimes included illicit brew, general robbery, muggings, and burglary. The residents claimed that the government was less concerned about resolving crime. The residents, however, acknowledged the significant role that they can play in solving crime in the slums and that community participation was critical in bringing on board all stakeholders. They have, therefore, organised themselves as communities to tackle crime and insecurity in their neighbourhood. Some of the crime prevention programs adopted include community policing, police patrols, vigilante groups, erecting gates and fences, village security committees, and the employment of night guards. The study recommended increased collaboration between state and non-state actors to combat crime in informal settlements and the enhancement of the existing community policing initiatives.

Student peer mentoring: Feasibility and acceptability of mHealth-based tool for alcohol and substance abuse prevention by peer mentors at a university in Kenya.

The use of mobile health (mHealth)-based interventions for the prevention of alcohol and other psychoactive substances use is an emerging practice for which new evidence is required. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a mHealth-based peer mentoring tool for early screening, brief intervention, and referral of students who abuse alcohol and other psychoactive substances. It compared the implementation of a mHealth-delivered intervention to the paper-based practice that is the standard at the University of Nairobi. A quasi-experimental study using purposive sampling was used to select a cohort of n = 100 (51 experimental, 49 control) first-year student peer mentors on two campuses of the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Data were collected on the mentors' sociodemographic characteristics as well as the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions by way of, the magnitude of reach, feedback to investigators, referral of cases, and perceived ease of use. The mHealth-based peer mentoring tool scored high with 100% of users rating it as feasible and acceptable. Among the two study cohorts, there were no differences in the acceptability of the peer mentoring intervention. When comparing the feasibility of the peer mentoring practice, actual use of the interventions, and intervention reach, the mHealth-based cohort mentored four mentees for every one mentored by the standard practice cohort. The mHealth-based peer mentoring tool had high feasibility and acceptability among student peer mentors. The intervention provided evidence for the need to expand the availability of screening services for alcohol and other psychoactive substances use among students in the university and promote the appropriate management practices within and outside the university.

TVET teacher mentoring in Kenya: valued but poorly implemented

PurposeIn line with the expansion of Kenya's vocational education sector, the Government of Kenya has recruited additional technical, vocational education and training (TVET) teachers. It is expected that existing TVET teachers will mentor the new teachers. However, teacher mentorship practices in Kenya's TVET sector are under researched, and it remains unclear what mentorship practices exist and how effective the practices are. This study therefore sought to investigate TVET teacher mentoring practices in Kenya and identify opportunities for ensuring effective and sustainable TVET teacher mentoring.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a concurrent mixed-methods approach, involving a questionnaire survey (170 participants) and semi-structured interviews (16 participants). Participants were drawn from six TVET institutes in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Thematic analysis of interview data was combined with descriptive and inferential analysis of the survey data to arrive at a combined set of findings.FindingsThe analysis of the data revealed that while TVET teachers value mentoring, mentoring practices are limited to basic introductions and incidental supportive dialogue between teachers. Moreover, guidelines to structure and guide mentoring are yet to be developed. New teachers are therefore not adequately mentored. It is recommended that administrators and teachers receive training on the use of effective mentoring practices and a policy framework to guide teacher mentorship be developed.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the understanding of TVET teacher mentoring in Kenya and identifies much needed interventions for ensuring effective mentoring of new TVET teachers.

Relationship Between Availability and Bottom of the Pyramid Market Performance among the Fast Moving Consumers’ Goods Companies in Kenya

In this study, we examine availability as one of the four strategies employed by FMCG firms at the bottom of the pyramid through a cross-sectional survey of FMCGs firms in Nairobi Kenya using mixed methods research. We test the influence of availability on performance measured by market share and profitability of the firms and further test the effect of taxation on this relationship. A significant relationship exists between availability strategies and performance and taxation negatively moderates the relationship between availability and performance of the firms. We conclude that availability strategies are crucial for the success of firms at the BOP and that taxation can discourage investment in this segment. Besides clarifying the relationship between availability attributes and indicators (sales growth and market share), these findings have implication for policy on taxation and management practice regarding prioritization of emphasis on the various availability strategies (measured through product access and use channels) that organizations can choose from.

School Management Practices and their Influence on Implementation of Competence Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools, Lang’ata Sub County, Nairobi Kenya

School Management Practices and their Influence on Implementation of Competence Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools, Lang’ata Sub County, Nairobi Kenya

A Holistic Approach to Address Road Safety Issues; A Case Study of Outer Ring Road in Nairobi Kenya

A Holistic Approach to Address Road Safety Issues; A Case Study of Outer Ring Road in Nairobi Kenya

Assessment of the Implementation of Energy Conservation Opportunities Arising from Energy Audits; A Study of Four-Star and Five-Star Hotels in Nairobi Kenya

Assessment of the Implementation of Energy Conservation Opportunities Arising from Energy Audits; A Study of Four-Star and Five-Star Hotels in Nairobi Kenya

The Effect of Teleworking on Work Stress Among Non-Teaching Employees in Public Universities: A Case of the University of Nairobi and South Eastern Kenya University

Teleworking is an alternative work arrangement, where information and communication technologies enable employees to work outside the traditional working space. Work related stress can therefore spill over to the virtual offices from the traditional offices. This study aimed at finding out if teleworking had any effect on work stress among non-teaching employees in the public universities. University of Nairobi and South Eastern Kenyan University were picked to represent all other public universities. The theories guiding the study were the Organizational adaptation theory and the transactional theory of stress. The researcher used descriptive design and the target population was the senior administrative staff (grade 11 to 15), middle grades (grade A to F) and grade 1 to 4. A sample size of 357 was obtained from the target population of 3289 and questionnaires were administered. Data was presented through charts, graphs and tables. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the teleworking and work stress. The results revealed that Public universities were using teleworking as an alternative way of organization work with Zoom being the most used form although there seemed to be some departments where teleworking was a challenge due to nature of work. Teleworking came with its own challenges among them being internet connectivity issues and power outages. The study concluded that teleworking had an effect on work stress among the non-teaching employees in the public universities in Kenya. Social isolation contributed most to the work stress, followed by the inability to make decisions remotely. Convenience due to Teleworking reduced the level of work stress. The study recommended that public universities should work on their ICT infrastructure to ensure that employees are well connected since network and internet connection were sighted as the most challenging issue in the teleworking. A proper reporting and feedback teleworking mechanism should be employed to ensure that feedback is received on time to facilitate action taking. Investing in training of staff is also important since it will make employees work with a lot of ease hence, less stress. Employees need to interact physically once in a while which in turn reduces stress levels. A well-organized way of working would reduce the pressure that comes with teleworking. Keywords: Teleworking, Work Stress, Non-teaching Employees, Public Universities, University of Nairobi, South Eastern Kenya University, Kenya DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/15-2-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

Efficacy of Social Media for Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Information by Youth in Nairobi, Kenya: Case of AMREF Programme

Social media has recently emerged as an increasingly powerful health promotion platform that could help, but research remains limited on its usefulness and practical applications in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) interventions. This study explored the efficacy of social media for accessing SRH information among youth in Mathare area of Nairobi using a case study of Y-ACT programme being implemented by Africa Medical Research Foundation (AMREF) in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to analyze general patterns of social media usage, assess the sources of SRH information sought and accessed on social media, determine the types of SRH information accessed on social media, and examine barriers faced in accessing SRH information on social media. The study adopted the descriptive survey study design. Stratified sampling was used in the selection of members within the respective groups due to the group arrangements, followed by simple random sampling from the members in the groups to provide all group members with equal chances of participating in the research. To obtain primary data from the respondents, copies of questionnaire were distributed to the youth, and relevant group leaders and Y-ACT programme officials were interviewed by the researcher. Descriptive statistics was applied to analyse quantitative data, where data was scored by calculating percentages using Microsoft Excel software. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data by understanding, organizing, interpreting, and presenting emerging thematic patterns. According to the findings of the study, social media is increasingly popular channel of communication particularly among youth. Top social media in order of popularity were Google, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook, followed by TikTok, Twitter and Instagram. Telegram was least popular. Additionally, findings from both primary and secondary data in this study highlighted the significant use by the respondents and potential of social media for accessing relevant SRH information, mainly on family planning.

Relationship between Positive Living and Social Support among Perpetually Professed Consecrated Women in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya

Positive living and social support are crucial factors that possibly enhance the wellbeing of perpetually professed consecrated women as they endeavor to serve God and humanity. This research attempted to investigate the relationship between positive living and social support among perpetually professed consecrated women in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya. The study addressed four objectives; to examine the levels of positive living, to investigate the levels of social support, to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics and positive living, and to establish the relationship between positive living and social support among perpetually professed consecrated women in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya. The participants were 320 perpetually professed consecrated women. The study used the correlational research design. It used proportionate stratified random sampling technique and simple random sampling technique. Positive Living Scale and Berlin Social Support Scale were used. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Findings revealed that 54.8% (n = 176) of the respondents scored a high level of positive living, 34.6% (n = 110) of the respondents scored a moderate level of positive living, while 10.6% (n = 34) had a low level of positive living. On social support, findings showed 48.4% (n = 151) of the participants had a high level of social support, 44.6% (n = 144) scored a moderate level of social support, while 7% (n = 25) of the participants were at a low level of social support. The study established that there was a weak positive relationship between positive living and social support among perpetually professed consecrated women in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya (r = .104; P = .042). The study recommended that superiors of religious communities may try to be physically available, and also be ready to listen to their members and be able to understand them in order to enhance good emotional wellbeing that may enhance positive living. The study further recommended that the perpetually professed consecrated women in the Archdiocese of Nairobi Kenya, who were at low and moderate levels of positive living and social support, may be helped in counseling and psychological assessments so as to identify issues that could be responsible for low and moderate levels.

Premarital Counseling and Marital Stability among Couples in Kahawa West Ward Nairobi-Kenya

The rising number of marriage breakups has become a universal disastrous phenomenon in recent times. There is an increase of reported cases of domestic violence some resulting to serious injuries and deaths. Domestic violence is like a symptom of marriage instability that can be addressed by Premarital Counseling. There are various factors that destabilize marriage in the recent time, therefore this study purposed to investigate the relationship between premarital counseling and marriage stability among couples in Kahawa West ward Nairobi Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives, to examine forms of premarital counseling given to couples, to determine levels of marriage stability among couples, to examine the perception of Premarital counseling among couples and to establish strategies that enhance marriage stability among couples. Family development theory (FDT) and Gottman theory supported the study. The study used convergent parallel design. The target population was 738 registered marriages from 6 denominational churches and one service provider from each church. A sample size of 259 marriages and 6 purposive sampled service providers totaling to 265 was employed to provide data. Purposive sampling technique was used to select service providers and simple random technique used to select couples. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to analyze Quantitative data through SPSS version 2021.Findings from respondents indicated that Religious PMC was most preferred by couples. It was found that there was high level of marriage stability. Findings showed traces of variables that can cause instability such as rejection, dominance, dissolution, discontent and despair. Findings showed positive perception for PMC by couples. Finding showed strategies that can enhance stability in marriage such as mutual communication, General action, Ongoing Counseling and genetic counseling were established. Finding showed a positive significant relationship between premarital counseling and marriage stability. The study recommended Churches to advocate for PMC programs to sensitize future partners.

Petrographic Characterization of Geological Settings in the Locality of Mabuku in the Territory of Beni, DRC

The geology of the DRC has already been studied on regional plans, on the scale of a province or territory. But these studies are too synthetic and they do not consider the variations of petrographic facies that can occur at the scale of a locality or a village. Thus, to overcome this possibility, the present study aims to make a petrographic characterization of the rocks of the locality of Mabuku in the territory of Beni. To achieve this, we proceeded by a microscopic analysis of 10 field samples (selected on the basis of the variability of the petrographic characteristics of the rocks). Analyzes of these samples at the petrographic laboratory of the University of Nairobi in Kenya at the LPA and LPNA revealed that the lithology of the Mabuku locality consists of orthogneiss, schists, dolerite and diorite intrusions, quartzites , laterite and sandstones. However, there are four dominant formations. These are the orthogneiss found to the north; schist, dominant in the eastern part; doleritic intrusions in the northwest part; and the sandstones which are distributed along a SW-NE diagonal. Nevertheless, important gaps remain to be completed from the geochemical and metallogenic point of view in the locality of Mabuku.

Strengthening Gender Equality in Small Business and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS): Comparative Analysis of Kenya and Nigeria

There is an increasing understanding that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can protect the planet, reduce inequality and tackle poverty. However, many small business owners and entrepreneurs in Africa still see it as a misery. This study aims to determine whether the SDG's goal number five (5) is being used to motivate gender equality among small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa, particularly in Kenya and Nigeria. The study focuses on female entrepreneurs. The target population comprised 110 randomly selected businesses operating in Embakasi East constituency in the Embakasi ward in Nairobi County, Kenya, and Ikeja Local Government in Lagos Mainland of Lagos state Nigeria. The sample size was determined by relying on a prior study on women in business in Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research method, administering open-ended interviews to the respondents, and the response rate was 90.91%. Descriptive statistical analysis was adopted, and the examination of the data demonstrated that a significant number of women working in SMEs are unaware of the SDGs in the two countries despite the United Nations (UN) supporting gender equality. The research concludes that there is still a considerable difference between men and women in SMEs in Africa and the awareness of SDG goals is limited. It is recommended that the management of small businesses, regulators, and policymakers should increase the knowledge of the global goals for more awareness and sustainability adoption in African countries. This can also support sustainable business growth and close the inequality gap in small African businesses

The solar repair trade in Nairobi (Kenya): the blind spots of a “sustainable” electricity policy

In Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa more broadly, decentralised solar electrification solutions hold out the promise of local development that both respects the environment and creates jobs. By examining the maintenance, repair, and recycling of photovoltaic solar equipment, this article compares these hopes to the actual impact of Kenya's solar policy on changes in a sector generally considered to provide local jobs, and with the potential to make a major environmental contribution to a resource-efficient circular economy conducive to recycling and reuse. It starts by showing that Kenya’s strategy of developing a dynamic solar market has had little impact on repair activities. First, because the industry’s dominant companies bypass the fundis (as technicians working in the pre-existing urban repair and recycling economy are called). And second, because repair is marginal to these companies’ business models. It then argues that repair services and know-how are being rendered obsolete by the increasing number of disposable microelectronic components in solar equipment, and looks at the environmental consequences of an industry producing increasing quantities of waste that is unsatisfactorily managed. In the light of these observations, it finally discusses the ambiguities of an electricity policy presented as conducive to a new relocalised green economy.