Nakuru County Research Articles

Self-Reliance Projects

In Kenya today majority of the youth are out of school and not employed in the formal economy and private sector jobs are also scarce. Acknowledging this reality, the Kenyan government and other youth service organizations are learning that proper strategies need to be put in place to help youth penetrate into the formal economy. The strategies should further assist and accelerate this process while improving the short-term well-being of youth and their households. When appropriately engaged and adequately prepared for roles in the worlds of work, family life, and society, youth can be definite assets for sustainable development. However, if governments and communities disregard the huge numbers of youth with mini­mal attachment to the formal sector, youth can also become a profoundly de-stabilizing force. Specifically, the absence of livelihood develop­ment opportunities for youth can impede a nation’s development in the form of increased crime, violence, extrem­ism, and both social and political instability. This paper examines the self-reliance projects as a future core driver of rural youth livelihood development outcomes in Kenya. The paper is based on a study conducted to determine the effects of self-reliance projects on the livelihoods of youth in selected rural areas of Nakuru County. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS where frequencies and percentages were derived. Descriptive statistics was used in providing relevant information. Findings indicate that successful rural self-reliance projects have to integrate important basic services such as entrepreneurial training; infrastructure as well as financing. The study further established that development partners enhancing youth participation in self-reliance projects should ensure substantive dialogue or the involvement of youth from the rural areas. The recommendation is that interventions designed for youth self-reliance projects must engage and support youth. Most of the youth are already economically active and focused on the im­mediate needs of their households, and the rural youth desire is to realize more sustainable and socially construc­tive livelihood means.

ASSESSING COUNTY GOVERNMENT STRATEGIES ON DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT

Disasters, both natural and manmade, have the potential to lead to significant human and economic losses at any time without warning. The rising emergencies such as fires, climate change resulting to floods, pandemic event and terrorist attack that rapid urbanization brings to Nakuru necessitated the current study. The main aim of the study was to assess the extent to which disaster management strategies have been deployed in Nakuru County. The specific objectives were to examine how hazard mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and disaster recovery strategies have been applied to bring about community resilience among Nakuru County residents. The study used the descriptive survey. The target population consisted of those with disaster management roles employed at the county level comprising 456 employees where a sample of 138 employees was selected using stratified random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentages were used to describe the responses while inferential statistics involving correlation analysis, regression analysis and chi-square test were used. Correlation analysis showed positive relationship between improved disaster mitigation, disaster preparedness; disaster response and disaster recovery strategies on community resilience. The study recommended need for training, increased communication and coordination on a continuous basis with all the key stakeholders. Further research is needed to highlight how that coordination can be carried out.

Effects of fear of infection of covid-19 at the marketplace on psychological well-being of micro business enterprise traders in Nakuru city top market, Nakuru county, Kenya

This study assessed the effects of fear of infection of covid-19 in the marketplace on the psychological well-being of the micro business enterprise traders in Nakuru City Top Market between June and December 2020. The study was guided by Rational Emotive Behaviour theory. The study deployed a cross-sectional survey design. Quantitative data collection was done with a structured questionnaire tool. In addition, a structured Schedule interview questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data. Before the tools were adopted for the actual research, a pilot study was conducted in Naivasha Municipal Market for the purpose of testing the tools’ reliability. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data, and qualitative data were analysed thematically. To safeguard the well-being of the respondents, ethical considerations were observed throughout the duration of the study. The study revealed that the effects of COVID-19 on microbusiness trade affected the psychological well-being of the microbusiness traders in Nakuru City Top Market. The study recommended that group counselling interventions should be introduced to help the traders recover from the post effects of the pandemic and equip them with skills to cope with future catastrophes of a similar nature. The study also recommended psychological wellbeing awareness campaigns to disseminate information to microbusiness traders in Nakuru City Top Market.

Individual and Institutional Determinants of Trainees’ Enrolment in Public Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the individual and institutional determinants of trainee enrolment in public, technical vocational, education and training (TVET) institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was informed by the large number of secondary school graduates idling in the community and efforts of government of Kenya to raise enrolment in TVETs for skill training to actualise vision 2030. The study sought to investigate whether trainees’ attitude had influence on enrolment in public TVETs in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Social Learning Theory of Career Decision Making (SLTCDM) by John D. Krumboltz (1976). The theory focuses on developing career readiness through implementation of learning theory in school-to-work programs. This study employed descriptive survey research design. The sample size consisted of 12 TVETs, 30 trainers and 331 trainees drawn from the target population of 24 public TVETs, 150 trainers and 2385 trainees from entire Nakuru County. Data was collected by use of interview schedule for the TVET principals, questionnaires for trainers and trainees and document analysis. Data were processed and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Descriptive statistics which included frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were generated and used in presenting research findings. Statistical tests were done using correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence interval of the difference (ά=0.05) to be sure true mean is used. The findings of the correlation between trainees’ attitudes and enrolment in TVETs showed that, P value was 0.3883 > P=0.05, therefore HO4 was accepted and a conclusion made that there was no significant relationship between trainees’ attitudes and enrolment of trainees. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, trainees’ attitudes do not negatively influence enrolment in TVETs since the trainees willingly chose to enroll in TVETs regardless of the negative publicity towards TVETs. The researcher recommended that, these trainees who have experienced the benefits of enrolling in TVET, to be good ambassadors in their communities so as to change the image of TVETs’ negative publicity so that more prospective trainees enroll which could result to increased enrolment.

Individual and Institutional Determinants of Trainees' Enrolment in Public Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya

Individual and Institutional Determinants of Trainees' Enrolment in Public Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya

A multi-temporal phenology based classification approach for Crop Monitoring in Kenya

The SBAM (Satellite Based Agricultural Monitoring) project, funded by the Italian Space Agency aims at: developing a validated satellite imagery based method for estimating and updating the agricultural areas in the region of Central-Africa; implementing an automated process chain capable of providing periodical agricultural land cover maps of the area of interest and, possibly, an estimate of the crop yield. The project aims at filling the gap existing in the availability of high spatial resolution maps of the agricultural areas of Kenya. A high spatial resolution land cover map of Central-Eastern Africa including Kenya was compiled in the year 2000 in the framework of the Africover project using Landsat images acquired, mostly, in 1995. We investigated the use of phenological information in supporting the use of remotely sensed images for crop classification and monitoring based on Landsat 8 and, in the near future, Sentinel 2 imagery. Phenological information on crop condition was collected using time series of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) based on Landsat 8 images. Kenyan countryside is mainly characterized by a high number of fragmented small and medium size farmlands that dramatically increase the difficulty in classification; 30 m spatial resolution images are not enough for a proper classification of such areas. So, a pan-sharpening FIHS (Fast Intensity Hue Saturation) technique was implemented to increase image resolution from 30 m to 15 m. Ground test sites were selected, searching for agricultural vegetated areas from which phenological information was extracted. Therefore, the classification of agricultural areas is based on crop phenology, vegetation index behaviour retrieved from a time series of satellite images and on AEZ (Agro Ecological Zones) information made available by FAO (FAO, 1996) for the area of interest. This paper presents the results of the proposed classification procedure in comparison with land cover maps produced in the past years by other projects. The results refer to the Nakuru County and they were validated using field campaigns data. It showed a satisfactory overall accuracy of 92.66 % which is a significant improvement with respect to previous land cover maps.

Evaluation of Factors Affecting Road Maintenance in Kenyan Counties Using the Ordinal Priority Approach

Improving Kenya's complete road network has been used to alleviate poverty and achieve the Vision 2030 goals. Roads enhance all areas of social development, including demand for and access to information, health, and education, in addition to poverty alleviation. However, the majority of Kenyan highways are plagued by a variety of maintenance concerns. This study aims to rank counties according to critical severity based on factors affecting road maintenance using an Ordinal Priority Approach (OPA). Five challenges that could have an impact on road maintenance were looked at from the views of three decision-makers. The results of the study show that road materials are the least challenging aspect affecting road maintenance performance, while procurement practices are the most problematic. The studies also revealed that Nairobi County is most affected by these factors, whereas Nakuru County is least affected. In light of the findings, recommendations were made to assist both the government and the road sectors in dealing with these difficulties.

Influence of teacher-counsellors’ professionals development on guidance and counselling programme effectiveness in public secondary schools in Nakuru county, Kenya

This study sought to find out the influence of teachers-counsellors’ professionals development on guidance and counselling programme effectiveness in public secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive and correlational research designs. Data was collected using teacher counsellors’ professional development questionnaire. The findings of this study revealed teacher counsellors have relatively high levels of professional development in guidance and counselling, and teacher counsellors’ professional development in guidance and counselling had a positive statistically significant prediction on school guidance and counselling programme efficacy. It was concluded that the guidance and counselling personnel who are actually full-time teachers with the extra role of counsellor have high levels of professional development in guidance and counselling, and the high levels of professional development positively influenced school guidance and counselling programme efficacy. Teacher counsellors in Kenya are recommended to enhance and manifest professional development in guidance and counselling in an effort to ensure effective school guidance and counselling programme.

Sources, Nature and Characteristics of Agricultural Digital Content Accessed by Smallholder Farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya

This paper examined the sources, nature and characteristics of agricultural digital content accessed by smallholder farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. Descriptive survey design was used in the study. A sample of 130 farmers and 12 Agricultural Extension staff were selected using purposive, proportionate and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaires and focus group discussion guide were used to collect data. The results of the study indicated that 79.2 percent and 67.7 percent of smallholder farmers received agricultural digital content through listening to the local radio and TV stations that aired agricultural programmes respectively. The findings of the study also revealed that 60.8 percent of farmers used mobile phone calls while 46.9 percent used Short Messaging Services (SMS) to access agricultural digital content. e-books, journal, blogs, websites and pictures were the least used in accessing agricultural digital content among the smallholder framers. The findings of the study also indicated that the cost of receiving agricultural digital content was relatively fair for texting, making phone calls, listening to agricultural radio programmes and watching agricultural TV programmes. Agricultural digital content received by farmers through radio, TV and mobile phone calls were indicated to be good in terms of timeliness, reliability and details. The language used in receiving digital content through phone calls radio and TV were also scored highly because local language is used for interaction. Texting, phone calls, radio and TV were also rated highly in terms of relevance of content. The study concluded that there is a high interest for agricultural digital content among the smallholder farmers and that they are already accessing it majorly through radio, TV and mobile phones. There is need however, to ensure that the content is regulated by the government through an established regulatory body in order to ensure quality agricultural information is disseminated to farmers. The content should also be based on farmers’ level of knowledge and skills.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the Kidogo model in empowering women and strengthening their capacities to engage in paid labor opportunities through the provision of quality childcare: a study protocol for an exploratory study in Nakuru County, Kenya

Worldwide, there is a wide gap between what women can contribute to the economy and what they actually contribute. One of the main barriers to women’s engagement in the labor market and productivity at work is the societal expectation that they should take care of their children in addition to meeting the demands of employment. Furthermore, those in informal employment face difficulties due to long working hours and environments that are not appropriate for childcare. To address this, Kidogo runs an innovative “Hub & Spoke” model for low-income communities. Here, we present a study protocol aimed at evaluating whether the provision of quality childcare opportunities for working women through the Kidogo model is feasible and acceptable and whether it contributes to improvements in their incomes and productivity at work. The study reported in this protocol which is currently ongoing, employed a quasi-experimental design with two study arms: primary caregivers who use childcare services were recruited into the intervention (n = 170) and comparison groups (n = 170). Both groups are being followed up for one year. We are using a mixed-methods approach. Appropriate statistical methods including a difference-in-differences (DID) estimator will be used to analyze the effects of the intervention. We expect that the intervention will improve the quality of childcare services which in turn will improve the incomes of the center providers. We expect that providing improved childcare services will enhance women’s economic empowerment.Trial registration: PACTR202107762759962.

EXTRINSIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE JOB MOTIVATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Diverse factors provide indicators of job motivation challenges amongst healthcare workers. These factors include the high level of employee turnover. For example, in 2017, an estimated 700 doctors quit employment in government-run hospitals. Additionally, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) estimated that up to 2,300 doctors had left devolved sector employment between 2014 and 2016 for private sector engagement or further education abroad. Moreover, the various groups of healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, and clinical officers have held numerous industrial strikes against their employers. Consequently, this study seeks to study the factors influencing job motivation in the healthcare public sector. The study is based on Herzberg’s 2-factor theory that splits factors affecting employee job motivation as extrinsic and motivating factors. The study used a descriptive research design and the target population was health workers in Nakuru County Public health facilities including doctors, clinical officers, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and nurses. The study population was 1756 respondents. The sample size of this study, using Taro Yamane’s (1967) formula, was 326 respondents. The correlation between diverse factors and job motivation was examined. The study found a strong positive correlation between extrinsic factors and job motivation (r = 0.633, p value = 0.000). The regression analysis results revealed that a unit increase in extrinsic factors is associated with a 0.318 increase in job motivation levels.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0968/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Demand analysis for selected roots and tubers among urban households of Nakuru County, Kenya

Demand analysis for selected roots and tubers among urban households of Nakuru County, Kenya

Influence of Parent-Adolescent Direct and Indirect Communication About Sexuality on Adolescents’ Early Sexual Activity

Communication between parents and adolescents is important, especially concerning sexuality because it affects adolescent’s identity formation and role taking. When parents give limited information to their adolescents about sex, the adolescents are unable to cope with socio-psychological and physiological changes that come up at puberty. Approximately 50% to 70% of adolescents are sexually active between the ages of 13 to 17 years and almost 90% by the age of 18 years. This early sexual activity puts adolescents at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies as they do not have sufficient information on sexuality. The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of parent-adolescent communication about sexuality on early sexual activity among Form Two students in Rongai Sub - County, Nakuru County, Kenya. The research was guided by the social learning theory and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). The study used descriptive survey research design. The study was conducted in Rongai Sub - County, Nakuru County. Rongai Sub- County has 65 secondary schools in four divisions with a total of 4,414 Form Two students. Proportionate, purposive, stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select participants. From a population of 4,414, a sample of 351 students participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion. Experts from the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Educational Foundations were consulted to assess the face validity of the instruments. The reliability was determined by conducting a pilot study in Secondary schools at Njoro Sub-County. The reliability of the questionnaires was estimated using Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient where any value above 0.70 was accepted. For this study, reliability coefficient test yielded an alpha value of 0.85, which was further triangulated using multiple sources of data on study phenomenon. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Means, Percentages and Frequencies) and inferential (Chi square) statistics with the help of the latest statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. The findings indicated that majority of the adolescents (72%) 234 had received communication from their parents/guardians about early sexual activity while (28%) 76 had not received communication regarding early sexual activity. The findings of the study revealed that there existed a significant relationship between the parent communication and early sexual activity among the adolescent (r = 0.271, p=.000, p<0.05). The positive correlation between communication and sexual activity suggested that that the higher the parental communication and guidance and counseling the lesser the involvement on early sexual activity. This study found out that majority of parents used direct methods when communicating with their adolescents. This study established that most of the parent-adolescent communication on sexuality was based on physical changes, personal hygiene, abstinence, abortion, and saying “no” to forced sex. Majority (72%) 224 of the adolescent occasionally discussed early sexual matter with their parents thus many cases of early sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. From the Focus group discussion, many parents expressed discomfort discussing sexual topics/activity with adolescents. Parents were protective of their girls than the boys when discussing issues on sexuality. These findings are expected to be useful in assisting all stakeholders to come up with intervention programs that may assist adolescents deal with early sexual activity in schools and society. Keywords: Adolescent, Parent, Indirect Communication, Sexuality, Early Sexual Activity DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-20-01 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Academic Self-concept, Self-esteem and Academic Performance in Selected High Schools in Njoro District, Nakuru County, Kenya

Academic Self-concept, Self-esteem and Academic Performance in Selected High Schools in Njoro District, Nakuru County, Kenya

Managing geothermal project implementation conflicts through mediation: A case of Olkaria IV Project, Nakuru county, Kenya

Geothermal energy installations generate conflicts that escalate when improperly managed. Studies from outside Kenya have demonstrated application of mediation in managing conflicts over natural resources. However, its efficacy has not been adequately covered in Kenya. This study used the case of mediation between project affected persons (PAPs) and the developers of Olkaria IV energy project to document the process, to assess its role in resolving conflicts that emanated from the implementation of the project. A PAPs’ household heads survey, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KII) were conducted. Primary data was collected on pre-mediation preparations; mediation attributes, post-mediation buy-in and endorsements and the sequel of mediation. Secondary data was obtained from documents available in the mediation archive. The protagonists, that is, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and PAPs agreed to use mediation to resolve their conflicts. The mediation neutralized conflicts between KenGen and the PAPs, mended relationships between them, improved PAPs’ livelihoods and smoothened project operations. The community representatives, selected by themselves, regularly reported back and held consultation with the larger community. This promoted acceptability of the results and is here presented as a good practice, in addition to having competent mediators with good listening and probing skills. Further, inclusion of women and youth in the mediation exercise combined with freedom of expression during the mediation clinics, ensured that the weaker gender’s voice was heard and its input incorporated in the agreement. In spite of the above, there is a need for greater democratization for the PAPs representation, and a more comprehensive documentation of the process. The last two provide opportunity for copying this case for an improved mediation process. Finally, it is recommended that policies be formulated to provide for use of mediations as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, in future project developmental conflicts in Kenya.

Effect of National Government Administration Officers on Resolution of Land Inheritance Disputes in Nakuru County, Kenya

Effect of National Government Administration Officers on Resolution of Land Inheritance Disputes in Nakuru County, Kenya

Effect of Foreign Exchange Transaction Risk Management on Financial Performance of Firms in Horticulture Industry in Kenya

In Kenya, the horticulture industry is a big revenue earner with the sector earning the country foreign exchange by exporting their products to various countries overseas. However, in the preceding five years to the study, horticultural firms had steadily declined hindering their sustainability and contribution to the economy. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of foreign exchange transaction risk management on financial performance of firms in horticulture industry in Kenya. To accomplish the objectives, the study employed an explanatory research design to analyse several horticultural enterprises at a certain point in time. Primary data were obtained through a questionnaire that included questions that were both closed and open-ended, while secondary data were acquired using schedule tables. The population of interest for this study was 63 horticultural enterprises in Nakuru County. Due to the study population's small size, a census of all 63 enterprises was done. After collecting data, Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to derive descriptive statistics and conduct multiple linear regression analysis. The averages and standard deviation were determined using descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the study's hypotheses. After that, the output was summarized in reports and frequency tables. The findings revealed transaction risk management having a significance value of 0.000 and a coefficient of 0.533. The significance value of 0.000 was less than the standard 0.05 which implied that foreign exchange transaction risk management had a noteworthy influence on ROCE value at 95 percent confidence level. The study concludes that foreign exchange transaction risk management has an influence on profitability of horticulture firms in Kenya. The study thus recommends that the senior management in the horticultural businesses should enter into a variety of forward contracts and options to enable them to manage this risk effectively and have the expected positive effect on their ROCE. Keywords: Foreign Exchange, Transaction Risk Management, Horticulture Industry, Financial Performance.

P16 Strengthening surveillance systems for antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in Kenya

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are amongst the most common conditions leading to outpatient visits and are also one of the most common causes of inappropriate antibiotic usage. Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires strengthening surveillance system in Kenya where UTI is a problem with health systems having limited capacity for accurate laboratory identification of UTI pathogens. Empirical treatment to manage UTIs is the most common problem due to limited microbiology capacity. These include shortages of suitable training, equipment, quality control procedures and professional expertise to make an accurate clinical interpretation of urine cultures. This leads to reporting normal flora as pathogens.ObjectivesTo deliver training on the identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates from urine infections at participating hospitals in the Kenyan AMR surveillance network and measure competency levels in staff participating in the training with the aim of strengthening the Kenyan surveillance system.MethodsA 1 day baseline visit to the five sites was made between October and November 2021 using a standardized checklist to assess laboratory capacity. This was followed by urine processing training conducted between November 2021 and January 2022 in Malindi, Jaramogi, Kitale, Nakuru and Nyeri County Hospitals. Training materials were developed with the input of Aga Khan University Hospital. A 5 day in-person training course was delivered at each of the five hospitals, which targeted an average of 2–3 laboratory staff per hospital. The competencies of the laboratory staff were assessed by written pre-assessment and post-assessment tests. A standardized practical assessment was achieved by use of five different control organisms. The scores were done by doing an average performance score at each hospital laboratory.ResultsOut of 13 trainees, 8 were male and 5 were female. The median number of years since qualification for these staff was 6 (IQR 2–9). The median number of total months of microbiology training time was 2.3 (IQR 1–7). The median pre-training and post-training scores were 46% and 90%, respectively; non-parametric Wilcoxon rank test showed statistical difference (P < 0.0001) between pre-training and post-training. All participants improved from pre-to post- training assessment from the 5 day training with marked improvement amongst from staff with lowest previous level of laboratory training.ConclusionsTraining microbiology staff in the accurate processing of urine sample will be an important activity for a Kenyan AMR surveillance system. These training materials, if delivered by an experienced trainer, can achieve a clear improvement in knowledge levels and practical competence for real-life microbiology identifications.

Factors influencing entrepreneurial orientation levels among agri-input suppliers in Nakuru county, Kenya

Start-ups and small-scale agri-input suppliers (AIS) play critical roles in Kenya’s agricultural development sector. Nakuru county is the leading producer of flowers, potatoes, milk and vegetables in Kenya; creating an enabling environment for AIS start-upsto thrive. However, competition from established, medium and large-scale agri-enterprises put them at risk of closure or inhibition of their potential to survive the environmental turbulence and grow into medium or large-scale enterprises.Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) manifestations, in the form of proactiveness, innovation, and risk-taking, among other internal aspects, are considered necessary for any agri-enterprises’ start-up success, as they positively influence their growth and performance. The objective of this study was to understand factors influencing EO levels among agri-input suppliers in Nakuru County, Kenya.A study involving a sample of 137 agri-input suppliers operating in Nakuru County was carried out using face-to-face semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using Principal Component Analysis, Quartile technique, and the Generalised Ordered Logit (GOL) model. Overall, the variety of traded agri-input products showed the most significant positive influence on EO levels, followed by possession of business plan, partnership, customers’ contracts and gender factors, in that order of magnitude. On the other hand, years ofagri-enterprise operation and the number of agri-input business owners showed negative influence on EO levels. The list of prioritised significant factors is important in informing agripreneurs, policy makers and socio-economic development agencies when designing development programmes and strategies aimed at promoting agripreneurship in Kenya.

Factors Associated with Cybercrime Awareness Among University Students in Egerton University, Njoro Campus, Nakuru County, Kenya

Currently, the level of reliance of ICT among university students across the globe is unpresented. Students are heavy internet users because they perform the majority of their daily communications and school related activities on the internet. As a result the students are highly exposed to cybercrime victimization. Therefore, it’s important to determine issues surrounding their level of awareness of cybercrime. This study sought to examine the factors associated with students’ level of awareness of cybercrime at Egerton University, Njoro Campus, Nakuru County, Kenya. In order to achieve this, three specific research objectives were addressed; to determine the association between gender and cybercrime awareness among university students, to examine the association between age and cybercrime awareness among university students and to find out the relationship between the level of study and cybercrime awareness among university students. The study was based on the theory of technology enabled crime, policing and security. The study adopted cross sectional design and stratified random sampling technique to select respondents from the study population. The unit of analysis for this study was students at Egerton University. Questionnaire was used as a primary data collection instrument and was administered on the web. The collected data was analyzed using inferential and deceptive statistics. The study found no association between gender and the level of cybercrime awareness but it found a significant association between age of students and the level of cybercrime awareness. In addition, there was a significant association between students’ level of study and cybercrime awareness. The study has provided information necessary for the design and implementation of cybercrime awareness activities, thus helping in the implementation of Kenya’s National Cybersecurity strategy.