Nakuru East Research Articles

Perceptions on Influence of Membership in Young Farmers Clubs on Career Interest and Participation in Agricultural Activities Among Secondary School Students in Nakuru North Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya

Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) activities globally have played a vital role in the mastery and attainment of knowledge in agriculture subject since it is best learned by use of practical activities. Increased youth participation in agricultural production is necessary and vital in facilitating food and nutritional security. In Kenya, Young Farmers Club of Kenya (YFCK) was established to help boys and girls to develop ideas for better farming, provide social and recreational activities, help give the necessary dignity to agriculture as an occupation and develop good and competent agricultural leadership. The objectives of YFCK included promoting interest in farming, sound training in advanced methods of crop and animal husbandly, leadership skills, self-reliance, self-confidence and responsibility. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception on influence of membership in young farmers clubs on career interest and participation in agricultural activities among day secondary schools students in Nakuru North sub-county. A descriptive survey design was adopted with a target population of 2,660 agriculture students and 32 agriculture teachers. Proportionate random sampling was used to select a sample of 120 respondents from the 19 day public schools. Data was collected from the sampled heads of agriculture subject using a questionnaire. Content validity of the instrument was ascertained by two panels of experts from Department of Agricultural Education and Extension and the supervisors. Reliability of the instruments was ensured through a pilot-test using 40 agriculture students and four agriculture teachers from Nakuru East Sub-county. The reliability of the instrument was tested using Cronbach Alpha coefficient. A reliability coefficient was 0.76 and 0.73 for YFCK members and Agriculture teachers respectively, at a significance level of α= 0.05. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive with the aid of SPSS 20.0 for Windows. Data was analysed using various tables and graphs. The researcher recommends that Agriculture teachers in collaboration with school administration should enhance YFCK activities. This is for proper and effective practical activities in teaching of Agriculture subject according to the syllabus. The findings of the study will be of importance to secondary school teachers, students and other scholars of higher institutions of learning by emphasizing in formation of young farmers clubs in day secondary schools in Nakuru North Sub- County, Nakuru County Kenya.

Influence of Ethical Leadership on Corporate Governance in Commercial Banks in Nakuru East Sub County, Kenya

Influence of Ethical Leadership on Corporate Governance in Commercial Banks in Nakuru East Sub County, Kenya

Nature and Types of Motorcycle-Related Crimes in Nakuru East Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya

Motorcycle is one of the most convenient modes of transport in Kenya. However, the motorcycle transport industry is faced with social, economic, and cultural challenges that have significantly increased crime levels in urban areas. The study sought to examine the nature and types of motorcycle-related crimes in Nakuru East Sub-county, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was based on Routine Activities Theory and Crime Pattern Theory. The survey research design was used in the study. Primary data was collected using interview schedules and key informant interviews. Stratified sampling was used to select 310 motorcycle riders from four strata, which include Bondeni, Flamingo, Mwariki B, and Kivumbini. Then, simple random sampling was used to select respondents from these strata. The data collected were tallied and analyzed to produce frequency distribution, percentages, and mean. The study found the use of violence and weapon as a nature of motorcycle-related crime. The study established Robbery with violence, robbery, assault and general theft as a major type of motorcycle-related crime. The study recommends increased police patrols and the enactment of stringent motorcycle transport laws to help address motorcycle-related crimes.

An Assessment of the Influence of Special Needs Education Resources on Management of Inclusive Education in Public Primary Schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya

Inclusive education has become a worldwide practice because it boosts child rights, especially the right to basic education. Management of inclusive education in primary schools is critical if the education sector is to realize set objectives. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of special needs education (SNE) resources on the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives included establishing the influence of available teaching and learning resources for SNE and SNE teachers' competence in the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County. The study was supported by two theories, namely Classical Liberal Theory of Equal Opportunity and Social Darwinism and Systems Theory. The research used a mixed-methods approach. This study used a descriptive, explanatory research design. The target population was 520 respondents, including 437 pupils with disabilities, one quality assurance officer, 4 guidance and counselling teachers, and 4 head teachers. A sample of 170 respondents was selected. Questionnaires for Headteachers, Guidance and counselling Teachers, and Pupils with disabilities and interview schedules for Quality assurance officers were adopted to collect primary data. After cleaning this data by looking for errors in the entries, different descriptive statistics like the variation of coefficient, frequencies, standard deviation, mean score and percentages were assessed for all the quantitative information and variables presented using tables. Inferential statistics such as regression analysis were computed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. On the other hand, qualitative information was analyzed through the use of content analysis. Regarding the availability of teaching and learning resources for SNE, the study found that the schools had adequately adapted textbooks and hearing aids for SNE. Further, regarding the SNE teachers' competence, the study established that it was uncertain whether many of the teachers at their schools had received special education training. The study concluded that SNE teachers' competence (β=0.737, p-value=0.006<0.05) had the greatest influence on the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, while available teaching and learning resources for SNE (β=0.541, p-value=0.003<0.05) had the least influence on the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County. The study recommended that head teachers and teachers should be taken for some SNE management training by the government through seminars organized by the Ministry of Education in order to be able to cater to the learners with special needs in regular schools. The findings might be used by the Ministry of Education and education stakeholders to enhance the quality of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya.

Prolonged School Closure Due to COVID-19 Pandemic and Adolescents’ Behaviour in Co-Education Public Day Secondary Schools Nakuru East, Kenya

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many governments to implement measures to curb the spread of the virus, some of which left an indelible negative impact on over 91% of the student population worldwide. Among these measures was the prolonged closure of schools, a decision by the Kenyan Government that posed substantial repercussions on the mental health of the adolescents, with some students showing an increase in drug substance use, change in sleeping and eating patterns, decrease in physical activities, and engagement in unprotected sex, an increase in screen time resulting from increasing in sedentary and risky behaviour. This study examined the relationship between prolonged school closure and adolescent students’ behaviours. A correlation research design was adopted to address the study objective, determining the strength and the direction of the relationship between the closure of schools and students' behaviours. The study was conducted in Nakuru East sub-county, Kenya, premised on the Cognitive Behavioural Theory. The target population constituted 2546 four and three students from four co-educational public secondary schools in the region. A sample size of 335 students was determined by calculation using Taro Yamane formulae 1973, which can be used when the target population is in the thousands. Using Stratified Random Sampling, data was collected using survey questionnaires. The data was further analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Correlation coefficient and regression analysis to establish the relationship between the study variables. The study established a significant relationship between prolonged closure of schools and adolescents’ behaviour, with sedentary activities and risky behaviours. This study was, however, limited to a specific set of four co-educational public day secondary schools located within Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya. Still, the findings can be applied to show a change in behaviour to a broader population with similar characteristics. The study recommends further research within non-co-educational institutions.

Disparities in Income Levels and Violence against Women among Intimate Partners in Informal Settlements in Nakuru County, Kenya: A Case of Jimmia Rescue Centre

Purpose: Intimate Partner Violence is on the rise in developing countries and is alarming in Kenya specifically, therefore this study will establish the relationship between disparities in income levels and violence against women among intimate partners in Nakuru County, Kenya; A case of Jimmia Rescue Centre. Resource Theory founded by Goode in 1971 and Gendered Resource Theory founded by Atkinson and Greenstein in 2005 anchored this study.
 Methodology: Embedded mixed method was employed which consisted of descriptive survey and phenomenological designs for quantitative and qualitative enquiries respectively. The study was conducted in Nakuru County, specifically in Jimmia Rescue center located in Nakuru East. A total sample of 112 respondents from Jimmia Rescue center were sampled through proportionate and purposive techniques. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Qualitative data was grouped, coded, and placed in different categories by selecting similar issues, then assembled analyzed and interpreted. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 for windows was used for coding and keying in data. The results were presented using tables, themes, quotes, and narrative descriptions.
 Findings: The study established that the majority of the Intimate Partner Violence victims were married as reported by 54 out of 90 (60%) respondents and 66 out of 90 (73% ) of the respondents were from monogamous marriages. The study also established 53% of the women victims were unemployed, income levels and unemployment status influenced violence against women. Violence was experienced in households where 80% respondents reported that earnings was controlled by husbands. This study concluded that Intimate Partner Violence is a concern among married women especially those in monogamous marriages and unemployed.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends couples to work towards equal contribution in gender roles and contributing household income to reduce power imbalances that contribute to Intimate Partner Violence

Influence of Customer Orientation on the Growth of Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru East and West SubCounties Kenya

Influence of Customer Orientation on the Growth of Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru East and West SubCounties Kenya

Influence of Product Familiarity on Consumer Preference of Soft Drinks in Coca Cola Beverages Africa in Nakuru East Sub-County Kenya

Influence of Product Familiarity on Consumer Preference of Soft Drinks in Coca Cola Beverages Africa in Nakuru East Sub-County Kenya

Influence of Supplier Development Practices on Procurement Performance in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru East Sub- County, Kenya

Influence of Supplier Development Practices on Procurement Performance in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru East Sub- County, Kenya

ADEQUACY OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAKURU EAST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

The study assessed the adequacy of Computer Technology resources for teaching Mathematics in secondary schools in Nakuru Town sub-counties, Kenya. Research done in developed countries found that Computer Technology resources for teaching were very few in teaching Mathematics. Its use help students learn by giving abstract ideas a more perceptible form and is therefore significant for Mathematics subject which is poorly performed. Existing literature shows that Computer technology resources can enhance instruction if basic conditions, including the provision of computer resources, are met. The study aimed to assess the adequacy of computer technology resources for teaching mathematics. The study's objective was to assess the adequacy of Computer Technology resources for teaching mathematics. The design of the study included both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population was 60 Mathematics teachers, 25 principals, and 1 County Quality Assurance and Standard Officer (CQASO).The sample size for the study comprised 10 Mathematics teachers, 10 Principals, and one CQASO. Questionnaires, Computer Technology Lesson Observational Tool (CTLOT), and Interview schedules were the main research instruments. The reliability of the questionnaire was established through the test-retest method and then accepted at Pearson value of 0.7 and above at alpha of 0.05 and was determined by piloting them in 2 schools forming part of the population. The reliability coefficient for (CTLOT) is 0.83. The findings showed that computer technology resources for teaching mathematics are inadequate. The study recommends the adequate provision of computer technology resources for teaching mathematics.

Financial Management Practices on Financial Performance of Government Funded Youth Group Businesses in Nakuru East Sub - County, Kenya

Financial Management Practices on Financial Performance of Government Funded Youth Group Businesses in Nakuru East Sub - County, Kenya

Effects of Teachers’ Delocalization on Form Four Students on Academic Performance in Nakuru East and Nakuru West Sub-counties, Kenya

In 2018, the TSC started the delocalization process, which has caused the teachers and principals of secondary schools to move from their Home Counties or regions to other counties and regions. Despite the good intentions, there have been complaints that mandatory transfers significantly affect the management and academic performance of both transferring and receiving schools. In addition, some teachers extensively involved in implementing the strategic plans in schools are delocalized before completing them. All these factors will affect the performance of such teachers in their new schools while creating issues for the management of the previous school. Therefore, the study sought to assess the effects of teachers' delocalization on form four academic performances in Nakuru east and west sub-counties. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of motivation and the teachers-students relationship resulting from teachers' delocalization on form four academic performances in Nakuru East and West Sub-Counties. The study was based on the Expectancy theory and adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 27 principals, 27 deputy principals, and 54 form four class secretaries from 27 public secondary schools in Nakuru East and West Sub-Counties. Since the target population was small, the study adopted the census technique to include all the 108 targeted respondents. The researcher collected primary data using questionnaires. The researcher sought clearance in advance from the principals of the sampled schools to be allowed to administer research instruments in their schools. From the findings, the study concluded that delocalization results in the separation of a teacher from his/her family members, which affects their productivity and students' performance. In addition, the study concluded that delocalization interferes with the social life of a teacher, which in turn affects their productivity. Regarding the teacher-student relationship resulting from teachers' delocalization, the researcher concluded that the time a teacher takes to adapt to a new school environment affects their productivity and management. In conclusion, the researcher recommended that TSC should consult teachers before relocating them to a different school. This will reduce teacher resistance, which results in poor performance of students and schools' unrest through burning the dormitories, which has been experienced in the recent past.

Marketing Innovation Strategy and Entrepreneurial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nakuru East Town Sub-County

The economic development of a country is determined by various key roles played by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). They contribute approximately 40 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create 80 percent of jobs. However, SMEs have been facing performance challenges which threaten their sustainability based on entrepreneurial abilities. Therefore, it is in the interest of the Kenyan government, organizational philosophers, managers and equally entrepreneurs who have long shown more interest in innovation in SMEs, predominantly due to the vital role innovation plays in safeguarding sustained competitive gain. In consequence of the increase in competition levels, it is therefore necessary to identify appropriate innovation strategies that would make their product and services competitive in the market in which they operate in. Thus, this study’s objective was to define and determine the effect of marketing innovation strategy and entrepreneurial performance of SMEs in Nakuru East Town Sub-County, Kenya. This study’s specific objective was the effect of Marketing Innovation Strategy on entrepreneurial performance of selected SMEs in Nakuru East Town Sub-County, Kenya. It is in this context that Nakuru East Town Sub-County was targeted because of the high rate of SMEs decline in the area and the variability in the entrepreneurial nature of 1,259 SMEs that have single business permits operating in the area including: wholesalers and retailers, fishmongers, salons and barbershops, cybercafés, hotels and cafes, construction, and hardware stores. The study engaged a descriptive and explanatory research design that targeted 126 respondents who are 10 percent of the selected registered 1,259 SMEs in Nakuru East Town Sub-County. A questionnaire which had open and close ended questions was adopted in this study. The questionnaire was administered using drop-and-pick later methods for some, and for others the researcher herself used an interview schedule. The respondents of the study were the owner or the in-charge/manager of the SME. The questionnaire was piloted to determine validity and to establish whether the questions will measure the expected theorized variables. According to the findings, all of the items' Cronbach's Alpha values were greater than 0.7. this indicated that that the questionnaires used to collect the data were reliable. The data collected was quantitative and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. According to the findings, there is a strong positive and significant relationship between marketing innovation strategy and entrepreneurial performance of SMEs in Nakuru East Town Sub-County. Based on these conclusions, the study suggests and recommends that SMEs business owners should consider improving product design, introduce new distribution channels, find new markets for their products and change their advertising methods. These will lead to growth in the market share, customer satisfaction, profitability and efficiency. 

Financial Management Skills and Affordability of Housing in Nakuru County

This study sought to determine the relationship between financial management skills and house affordability. The study adopted positivist, cross sectional design to collect, analyze and make conclusions on the relationship between the two variables. Heads of households were identified as the respondents in this study, where us each household was considered as unit of analysis. Research data was collected through structured questionnaires and interview guides. Data was collected from 384 households in London, Kaptembwa, Kapkures, Rhonda, Shaabab, Biashara, Kivumbini, Flamingo, Menengai and Nakuru East wards within Nakuru East and Nakuru west sub-counties. Results from the study revealed that financial management skills are a significant determinant of house affordability. In fact, it was evident that financial planning, budgeting, expenditure and financial control among other skills are very critical in the journey towards house ownership. The study recommends that individuals should enhance financial management skills through trainings and seminars. Financial institutions, as well as the government can support the households by organizing training opportunities, especially for low income households. The study recommends that further study should focus on financial management areas that are key to low income households and how such skills can be used towards house ownership Keywords: Financial Management Skills, Housing Affordability, Nakuru County DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/12-20-05 Publication date: October 31 st 2021

The Influence of Authoritative Parenting Style on Adolescents’ Psychosocial Adjustment in Kivumbini Ward of Nakuru County, Kenya

Parents employ different styles in their efforts to ensure health and safety of their children; they prepare them for adults’ life and transmit appropriate cultural values. Parenting styles are broadly classified as authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and neglectful. This study examined the influence of authoritative parenting style on the psychosocial adjustments of adolescents in public primary schools in Kivumbini Ward of Nakuru East Sub County, Kenya. The study was informed by Family Systems and Attachment theories. This was a correlational study, which engaged 161 respondents selected through systematic random sampling. Collection of primary data was done through structured questionnaires. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. The results of the study were presented in Tables and Figures for ease of comprehension. Data analysis was aided by SPSS (Version 25). This study found that open communication as feature of authoritative parenting style was effective in promoting responsible use of drugs, embracing tolerance and cultivation of high self-esteem. Moreover, placement of reasonable demands as a core characteristic authoritative parenting style was most effective in the prevention of aggressive behaviour in adolescents, nurturing high self-esteem and self-control skills. Furthermore, parental affection was most influential in nurturing appropriate sexual behaviour, tolerance and self-control in adolescents. The study also found that adolescents from families that had participatory decision-making structures exhibited high levels of tolerance and self-control Adolescents from families that had participatory decision-making structures exhibited high levels of tolerance and self-control. The existence of standard behaviour in the families undermined the promotion of appropriate values in drugs and substance abuse, sexual behaviour and tolerance in adolescents. This study recommends that parents should lay structures in the family that encourage frank and open parent-children communication and participatory decision making.

Gender-Based Violence and Access to Education

Gender based violence (GBV) consequences on women economic empowerment within Kenya are immensely widespread. Nakuru East Sub County, in particular has reported many cases of GBV. The aim of this study was to examine effects of gender-based violence on the women access to education. This investigation was guided by Ecological theory and a descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. Using a questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews, the results are based on achieved response of a group of 40 women, 2 chiefs and 2 officers in charge of children protection unit and 3 CSOs Staff. Study findings indicate that there was notable impact of GBV on women access to education in Nakuru East. Cases of school dropout as a result of teenage pregnancies, Early marriage, child labour, and giving preference to boys in education were top on the findings. Empowerment of women reduces the unequal power relationship between women and men which has been identified as the root cause of GBV.

EFFECTS OF YOUTH ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND ON THE PROMOTION OF YOUTH OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN NAKURU EAST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of the YEDF on the promotion of youth owned business enterprises in Kenya focusing on youth groups in Nakuru East sub-county, Nakuru County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study included an analysis of the effect of financial services offered by YEDF on the promotion of youth owned business enterprises in Nakuru East County, an assessment of the effect of f capacity building offered by YEDF on the promotion of youth owned business enterprises in Nakuru East County, and an assessment of the effect of the marketing and linkages services provided by the YEDF on the promotion of youth owned business enterprises in Nakuru East County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with a target population of 240 registered youth groups hence a sample size of 71 youth groups generated from the Nassiuma’s Sample Size Formula for larger population. The study adopted the mixed sampling methods (stratified random sampling (for the youth group’s respondents) and purposive sampling technique was used for the interview guide. The study results revealed that the independent variables (Marketing and linkages, capacity building, and financial support) had a huge influence on the variation of the growth of the youth owned enterprises. The study concluded that marketing and linkages services of YEDF had a statistically significant influence on the growth of the youth owned enterprises. The study concluded that the capacity building of YEDF had a statistically significant influence on the growth of the youth owned enterprises. The study concluded that the financial support given by YEDF had a statistically significant influence on the growth of the youth owned enterprises. That in respect to the marketing and linkages services, the YEDF should place greater emphasis on the YEDF created trade fairs impact on the marketing of the products for youth enterprises and YEDF created trade fairs impact on the networking with suppliers. 
 
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Influence and Challenges of Teaching and Learning Resources on Children Creative Development Facing ECDE Programs in Nakuru East, Nakuru County, Kenya

Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) which is the education for young children up to age of eight requires the effort of all stakeholders to provide kids from childhood through primary school age with embedded growth. This study thus, aimed at identifying how learners’ creativity is hindered by the availability of learning resources and the challenges facing the ECDE programs towards creativity development in children in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive research survey design. The population of the study consisted of teachers of public ECDE centers in Nakuru East Sub-County. Data was analyzed for descriptive statistics and cross tabulation of data. The results were then presented in the form of tables. Majority of the respondents indicated that they lacked musical instruments (92.2 percent), display charts (74.4percent), play materials (79.5 percent), while 69.2 percent accepted that they had drawing materials, and also 74.4 percent had reading materials. It was also clear that, creative learners were too fast for the other normal learners which posed a challenge to the teachers on which speed to use in their teaching. These findings implied that most schools (over 75 percent) in the East Sub-County lacked musical instruments, displayed charts, reading materials and play materials which were key teaching resources which would enable the teachers enhance creativity in their learners.

Cost of Financing on Affordability of Housing in Nakuru East and Nakuru West Sub-counties, Nakuru County, Kenya

Access to affordable and decent housing remains a dream to many households, especially in developing nations. In Kenya, the housing need has been identified as one of the most agent area that needs attention. In fact, the government has put affordable housing as one of the big four agenda for the Nation. This study examined the relationship between cost of financing and affordability of housing in Nakuru East and Nakuru West Sub-Counties. Data was collected from 384 households sampled from the 11 wards in the two sub-counties. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure adequate representation of every ward in the sample. Data was collected through self-administered structured questionnaires and interviews. A pilot test was conducted prior to the actual study, incorporating reliability and validly tests. The study achieved a response rate of more than 87%. Findings from analysis revealed that cost of finance is significant determinant of affordability of housing. The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders in the housing sector should consider subsidizing cost of building materials, land, and cost of professional services, mortgage facilities as well as water and electricity. The government can partner with financial institutions as well as private investment organizations to offer more affordable housing solutions to the general public.

Sexuality Communication between the Clergy and Adolescents in Nakuru County, Kenya.

The study examines the sexuality communication between the clergy and adolescents in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study uses Systems theory anchored by Ludwing Von Bertalanffy (1969). Eighty students were sampled from ten secondary schools in Nakuru East and Njoro sub-counties representing both urban and rural teacher population. The schools included six same-sex secondary (three only boys and three only girls) schools and four mixed-sex secondary schools. The categories of the schools included two national schools, three extra-county schools, three county schools and two sub-county schools. The study used a self-administered questionnaire as a method of data collection, which was appropriate for collecting sensitive information such as sexual communication yet provide quantifiable data that can be used for statistical analysis. The schools were categorized from letter A to J. The results of this study showed that although the clergy engage the adolescents in some sexuality communication, the sexuality information communicated by the clergy was insufficient to help them manage the sexuality challenges they encounter. This is partly because adolescents did not consider their interests as fully taken into account since the clergy used strategies that were convenient for them, but failed to address the adolescents’ needs. The study suggested that clergy should be more accommodative of the views of the adolescents by considering the feedback regarding their interests and concerns. A good system will seek balance through interchanging with its environment and this comes through those feedback loops that enlighten the system on how or what to modify in order to maintain the system balance.