Nandi North Research Articles

Influence of Quality Appraisal Techniques on Deputy School Principals’ Performance in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya

Deputy principals play a crucial role in the management of secondary schools. Yet, their performance is often a product of diverse factors, among them being the pressure exerted from frequent performance appraisals. The study investigated the influence of techniques adopted for performance appraisal on the work output of deputy principals in public secondary schools in Nandi-North Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by Scientific Management Theory and used ex-post facto design. The target population included 55 principals, 67 deputy principals, and 1197 students of Form Three. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to sample schools and the respondents. The sample size was 328, comprising 16 principals, 21 deputy principals, and 291 students. Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested using an independent t-test. The study found a significant relationship between techniques of performance appraisal and the performance of deputy principals. Effective implementation of the techniques of performance appraisal could lead to the improved job performance of the deputy principals. Nevertheless, the performance of the deputy principals had a lower rating, particularly on the evaluation of classroom presentation, development of performance improvement plan and effective provision of feedback after evaluation after performance appraisal. It is recommended that performance appraisal techniques should be tailored to meet the unique environment in which deputy principals operate. The study findings are beneficial to the Teachers Service Commission, as the policy maker at the national level, in providing insights on the role of the performance appraisal system and how to effectively monitor and assess the performance of the deputy principals

Attitude Factors Affecting Students’ Use of Short Stories in the Learning of Kiswahili Grammar in Secondary Schools in Nandi NorthSub-County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to establish learners' attitude towards the use of short stories in Kiswahiligrammar learning in Secondary Schools in the Nandi North Sub County. A descriptive survey design wasadopted for this study. The target study population was 2326 form four students. Simple and stratified random sampling was done to arrive at 10% of the target population. 240 (n=240) secondary school students participated as respondents from public secondary schools in Nandi North Sub-County. Data was collected using questionnaires. Descriptive statistical methods like frequencies, means and percentages were used to analyse the data. The research found out that students' attitude towards the use of short stories in learning Kiswahili grammar was positive though they argued that time allocated for Kiswahili lessons was short thus hampering
 the use of the integrative method in the teaching and learning of Kiswahili grammar. Based on the findings, the study provides an insight into the use of short stories for effective Kiswahili grammar skill learning by Kiswahili grammar learners embracing the use of the integrated approach in daily classroom interaction as pointed out in the annual Kenya National Examination Reports over the past years.

Implementation of Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development in Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya

The teacher performance appraisal and development tool was introduced by the Teachers Service Commission to promote teacher accountability, enhance instructional quality, identify areas where teachers need additional development and promote the overall academic outcomes of schools in Kenya. The response of teachers and school administrators to TPAD has been mixed, with some schools embracing it wholly while others rejected the idea. The purpose of the study was to investigate the state of implementation of teacher performance appraisal and development in public secondary schools in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya. The study used ex-post facto research design. The target population was 417 teachers and 55 principals of the 55 public secondary schools in the Sub-County. Stratified random sampling was used to select 11 schools to take part in the study. Further, stratified random sampling was then deployed to select 125 teachers and 11 principals to take part in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire for teachers and interview guide for school principals. Quantitative data was coded into SPSS version 20 and analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. It was then presented using frequency distribution tables with explanations. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study showed that teachers were subjected to the filling of the TPAD and that appraisal has improved their instructional performance. It was concluded that teacher evaluation is a critical and regular routine in most school calendars. It is a very valuable period for administrators to improve instruction and learning. Therefore, it was recommended that before setting foot in the classroom for a lesson observation, principals need to sit with the teacher to discuss the upcoming lesson that is to be observed and the expectations of the appraisal process.

SUBSIDIZED FREE DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM AND ITS INFLUENCE ON GIRLS’ SCHOOL PARTICIPATION IN NANDI NORTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

<p>Despite the introduction of free primary education by the Government of Kenya in 2003 and subsequent subsidized secondary education in 2008, there are still challenges in access, retention and completion of girls in Nandi County. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of subsidized day secondary education program on girls’ school participation in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted mixed method approach and descriptive survey research design. This study was guided by Education Production Function theory. The data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data from respective respondents. The target population comprised 20 head teachers, 60 class teachers and 1320 girls drawn from 20 public day secondary schools in the Nandi North Sub-County. From these populations, a sample of 20 head teachers, 60 class teachers and 396 girls were drawn using census method on head teachers and class teachers, and random sampling technique was used to select 30 percent of girls from one to form three. The study used questionnaires to collect data from the girls and class teachers and interviewed head teachers. The instruments were validated and a piloted questionnaire that obtained a reliable 0.78 Cronbach alpha test score used. Quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires have been analyzed to obtain frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data obtained from the interviewees have been analyzed thematically in accordance to the research questions. The study found out that inadequate funds allocated to girls and school infrastructural facilities affected girls’ participation in secondary school education to a great extent. However, in general, teaching and learning materials were adequate and enhanced instruction and students’ performance. The study therefore recommends that parents should complement government effort and that government should increase allocation of subsidy funds to students especially girls and disburse the funds in time to schools.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0809/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Assessment of Climate Change Awareness in the Kakamega-Nandi Forest Complex in the Western Region

Aims: This study assessed the level of climate change awareness among the forest-adjacent communities in the Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem complex. Four locations were chosen for the study, Buyangu and Isecheno in the Kakamega forest, Kaptumo in Nandi South and Kipsamoite in Nandi North forest ecosystems.
 Study Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from primary sources. Structured questionnaires were administered to the residents aged 25years and older within the study area.
 Place and Duration of Study: The Kakamega, north and south Nandi forest ecosystems in western Kenya between June -December 2019.
 Methodology: A total of 280 questionnaires were randomly administered to the forest-adjacent respondents with, Kakamega forest 163 respondents, South Nandi forest 60, while North Nandi had 57respondents. A total of 217 questionnaires were filled and returned and the information wherein used in data analysis. Focused Group Discussion and key informants were used to supplement data collects by the questionnaires.
 Results: Majority of the residents (54%) were less concerned about climate change. In addition, 85% of the respondents had very little knowledge on coping and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change. Some 40 % and 45% of the respondents got information about climate through televisions and radios, respectively. Further analysis of the results revealed that climate change was responsible for fourteen key impacts. These included an increase in rainfall, prolonged drought, decrease in the quality and quantity of fresh water, decrease in food security, an increase in temperature, a decrease in agricultural resources, an increase in sickness and disease, a decrease in quality of life, flooding, decrease in forest cover, loss of homes, reduction in biodiversity, and rise in storm surge. A Chi test revealed a significant relationship between forest cover decline and changes in rainfall patterns (X2 = 111.86, df =12, p<0.001), increasing temperature (X2 = 80.492, df =12, p<0.001);, drought( (X2 = 204.84, df =16, p<0.001) and storm surges (X2 = 74.34, df =8, p<0.001)]. The respondents' level of education was significantly different from their level of climate change awareness (X2=44.88, df=4, p<0.001).
 Conclusion: Forest-adjacent communities in the Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem complex are vulnerable to climate change as a result of insufficient knowledge about climate change and its impacts. The Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem is already experiencing climate change effects such as erratic rainfall and increasing food insecurity.

Relationship between Instructional Supervision and Teacher’s Performance among Public Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya

This study was tailored to investigate the implementation of instructional supervision and its relationship with teachers’ performance in public secondary schools in Nandi North Sub County. Descriptive-correlational research design was adopted and the Instructional Supervision and teachers’ Performance Questionnaire was used to obtain relevant data from 187 teachers in 15 selected Public Secondary schools using the simple random sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient at 0.05 level of significance were used to determine the data generated and answer the research questions. The study reveals that the extent of implementation of instructional supervision in lesson preparation, preparation of assessment materials, lesson implementation and innovation and creativity was good. There is no significant relationship between instructional supervision in lesson preparation (rho=.679), preparation of assessment materials (rho=.072), innovation and creativity in teaching (rho=.627) and teachers’ performance based on TPAD scores. There is a significant inverse and weak relationship between teachers’ performance based on TPAD scores and instructional supervision in lesson implementation (rho = -0.152, p = .038 < .05). It is therefore recommended that the Principals should continue executing the instructional supervision in order to ensure that teachers maintain their good performance.

Attitude Factors Affecting Students’ Use of Short Stories in the Learning of Kiswahili Grammar in Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to establish learners' attitude towards the use of short stories in Kiswahili grammar learning in Secondary Schools in the Nandi North Sub County. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target study population was 2326 form four students. Simple and stratified random sampling was done to arrive at 10% of the target population. 240 (n=240) secondary school students participated as respondents from public secondary schools in Nandi North Sub-County. Data was collected using questionnaires. Descriptive statistical methods like frequencies, means and percentages were used to analyse the data. The research found out that students' attitude towards the use of short stories in learning Kiswahili grammar was positive though they argued that time allocated for Kiswahili lessons was short thus hampering the use of the integrative method in the teaching and learning of Kiswahili grammar. Based on the findings, the study provides an insight into the use of short stories for effective Kiswahili grammar skill learning by Kiswahili grammar learners embracing the use of the integrated approach in daily classroom interaction as pointed out in the annual Kenya National Examination Reports over the past years.

Influence of Administering Tests on Students’ Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub County

Influence of Administering Tests on Students’ Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub County

Attitude Factors Affecting Teachers’ Use of Short Stories in the Teaching of Kiswahili Grammar in Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya

This study investigated attitude factors affecting teachers’ use of short stories in the teaching of Kiswahili grammar in Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub County, Kenya. The design for this study was descriptive survey. The total target study population was 50 Kiswahili language teachers in Secondary Schools in Nandi North Sub-County, in Kenya. Sampling was done through stratified and simple random sampling techniques to arrive at 50% of the target population. A total of 15 Kiswahili language teachers (n=15) respondents participated in the study. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires for teachers. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods such as frequencies, and percentages. The study found out that very few teachers used short stories in teaching Kiswahili grammar. The research found out that teachers’ attitude towards use of short stories in teaching and learning Kiswahili grammar was positive. Based on the findings, the study recommends that teachers should use short for effective Kiswahili grammar teaching.

Gender Disparities in Self-concept, Attitude and Perception in Physics and Chemistry

This study sought to determine disparities and associated factors in students’ performance in Physics and Chemistry at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) ex- amination in Nandi North District. The research objectives included determining differences in students’ performance at KCSE in Physics and Chemistry, self-concept (perception) of, attitude toward, and perception of the usefulness of Physics and Chemistry as subjects. Students were classified accord- ing to gender, using a causal-comparative design. Majority of the students aged between 15 and 19 years. Three ques- tionnaires were administered to the form four students, and KCSE results for the years 2000 – 2004 were obtained from the District Education Office. These were analyzed using de- scriptive and inferential statistics. We concluded that boys reflected better academic achievement as compared to the girls in both physics and chemistry. The boys and girls had comparable self-concept in physics. The girls had a higher self-concept in chemistry than the boys. This may suggest that self-concept does not influence performance in chemistry since boys still out-performed the girls in spite of the girls’ higher self-concept. With regard to attitude towards chemistry and physics, the boys and girls had the same attitude, mixed and single-sex school students had comparable attitude to- wards physics and chemistry. An intervention regarding the level of preparedness of primary school pupils in dealing with the challenges of learning Physics and Chemistry at sec- ondary is recommended.

Impacts of low enrolment in Secondary Schools physics to attainment of Kenyan Vision 2030: A case study of Nandi North Sub County

The objectives of Kenyan secondary school physics curriculum is to build a firm foundation for further education and training as well as technological and industrial development. Physics curriculum emphasizes the experimental approach which should prepare the learner to teaching and learning scientific concepts and ideas in the modern technology. Hence by the end of the course, the learners should be able to use scientific knowledge to enhance development of industries and propel country to achieve vision 2030. Despite the importance of physics, the performance and enrolment of students in Physics has not been impressive. The study seeks to establish factors that contribute to low enrolment of physics in Kenyan secondary schools. This study will specifically looked into students’ attitudes towards physics subject, the difficult that physics teachers have in handling physics topics and the relationship between KCPE performance in science and physics performance. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study was conducted in Nandi North sub County and the target population was teachers and students in 35 secondary schools in the area of study. The study employed the use of stratified and simple random sampling to select the respondents. Questionnaire and document analysis was used in data collection. It was established that students have a formed opinion on the nature of the subject, majorly on difficulty level and having mathematical manipulations which scares them off. Teachers find most of the topics in physics easy to handle, however, some topics like electromagnetic induction, Electronics and Waves tend to be challenging. Document analysis of KCPE results revealed that learner’s background in primary science was weak. There are far fewer high school students enrolled in physics and realizing the required grades, thus the Kenyan vision 2030 remains just a mirage. It was recommended among others that teachers teaching Physics and Mathematics should work in consultation with each other so as to help the students in appreciating the role of Mathematics in Physics .The findings have implications for designing interventions and identifying pedagogical techniques that link primary science and secondary school physics.

The Utilization of Instructional Resources in Teaching Kiswahili Poetry in Secondary Schools in Kenya

This study investigated the utilization of instructional resources by Kiswahili teachers in the teaching of poetry in secondary schools in Nandi North Sub - County. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the training of Kiswahili teachers and their ability to use instructional resources, to establish the types of instructional resources commonly used by Kiswahili teachers and to identify the challenges Kiswahili teachers encounter while using instructional resources in teaching. The study was guided by the operant conditioning theory which explains how language teaching and learning takes place in a classroom. Systematic sampling was used to select 20 secondary schools in Nandi North Sub - County of the Rift Valley region from which form three Kiswahili teachers were chosen to participate in the research. The research instruments that were used to collect data were questionnaire, observation and interview schedule. All these were administered by the researcher in person. The research instruments were pre tested to establish their validity and reliability. For the purpose of validation, experts were sought from the department of Curriculum Instruction and Educational Media and test re test method was used for reliability. Piloting was done in two secondary schools in Vihiga District. Data from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistics, involving percentages, frequencies, mean and mode. In view of these findings it was recommended that there is need for teachers to utilize instructional resources in teaching Kiswahili poetry to enhance the amount of information a student can learn and retain. The researcher therefore recommends that whenever the matter at hand involves learning, schools should strive to have enough Kiswahili poetry text books for both the teacher and the student and also use other instructional resources in teaching Kiswahili poetry. These findings will help curriculum planners, teachers and students of Kiswahili. Curriculum planners will find the findings beneficial in organizing Kiswahili syllabus. Kiswahili teachers will use these findings to improve performance in Kiswahili poetry.

Availability and Use of Instructional Materials in the Teaching of Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Primary Schools in Nandi North District, Kenya

This paper examines the availability and use of instructional resources necessary for teaching Conflict and Conflict Resolution as a topic in Social Studies subject in primary schools in Nandi North District in Kenya. The study was carried out through descriptive survey. The study population included Social Studies teachers in Kosirai Division of Nandi North District. From this population, a sample of 45 standard seven Social Studies teachers was drawn using purposive sampling. The instruments used for data collection were: a questionnaire, document analysis and classroom observation checklist. Descriptive statistics namely: frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study showed that many of the primary school Social Studies teachers had not attended any in-service courses to induct them on how to teach emerging issues like Conflict and Conflict Resolution in the current primary curriculum. The teachers also lacked sufficient instructional materials for effective teaching of the topic. The conclusion drawn from the study was that the current preparation of teachers to teach Conflict and Conflict Resolution is inadequate with regards to their ability to design relevant teaching and learning resources and effectively use them in the teaching and learning process. In addition the available instructional materials in the sampled schools were insufficient. The study recommended the need for Social Studies teachers to be retrained and sensitized on the appropriate instructional materials for teaching Conflict and Conflict Resolution.

English

  This study investigates the patterns of land use change, the reasons for those changes and the vulnerability of forests in Nandi North forest zone in Kenya between the years 1986 to 1995 and 1995 to 2006. Landsat TM images of 1986, 1995 and ETM+ of 2006 were used to create single image depicting the sequence of land use change for the period between 1986 and 2006. The spatial relationship between forest cover change and the causes was determined based on the ground truthing and additional literature from the zonal forest officer and the zone management plan where a total of seven classes including dense natural forest, sparse forest, grassland, agricultural land, plantation forest, tea plantation and built up area was used for classification. Both unsupervised and supervised classifications were carried out using a false colour composite image for interpretation. Out of the seven classes, the results indicate an increase in agriculture over the study period while natural forests were reducing. Extreme poverty, planned deforestation for development needs, and unsustainable forest practices such as illegal logging, charcoal burning and encroachment were seen as key drivers of land use change as indicated by the information from the officer. Accessibility to the forest was a key threat to the existence of the forest. This is seen in the result where forest zones with gentle slopes and flat areas, lower elevation, close to roads and settlement had higher probability for conversion to other land uses due to easier access to them compared to steep slopes, with high elevation and which are from roads and settlement. The resulting vulnerability map categorized the forest into four degrees of varying vulnerability namely: highly vulnerable, moderately vulnerable, vulnerable and least vulnerable starting from the easily accessible to least accessible. The resultant map is important in forest conservation by the forest department as areas highly vulnerable can be put into high consideration at the same time involving the community adjacent to be involved in the management process.   Key words: Forest cover, LULC, change detection, vulnerability, GIS.

Integrated environmental education for sustainable forest management: the case of Nandi Hills Forests, Kenya

Environmental education (EE) is a vital dimension of modern day acumen that portends a great promise in solving the myriad environmental resource management challenges at global, regional and local levels. A study was carried out in 18 locations in the Nandi North, Nandi South and Nandi Hills districts of Kenya, which cover the Nandi Hills and Nandi Forests in Nandi County, major water catchments for Lake Victoria. A mixed methodological approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household survey and observations was embraced in data collection and analysis. The study reveals that there are several strategies that have been adopted by the local population and institutions involved in the management of the Nandi Hills Forests (NHFs) and that these strategies have contributed to an improvement in the perceptions of the local population in terms of the importance of environmental management of the forests. This paper highlights EE as a vehicle for ensuring a sustainable management of the Nandi Hills Forests. As such, it illuminates the great potential that lies in sustainably managing the NHFs by integrating formal and informal EE approaches. It further points out the functional gaps in the management of NHFs and proposes best-practices that could be adopted and/or domesticated in NHFs management regimes.

Gender Disparities in Self-concept, Attitude and Perception in Physics and Chemistry

This study sought to determine disparities and associated factors in students’ performance in Physics and Chemistry at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) ex- amination in Nandi North District. The research objectives included determining differences in students’ performance at KCSE in Physics and Chemistry, self-concept (perception) of, attitude toward, and perception of the usefulness of Physics and Chemistry as subjects. Students were classified accord- ing to gender, using a causal-comparative design. Majority of the students aged between 15 and 19 years. Three ques- tionnaires were administered to the form four students, and KCSE results for the years 2000 – 2004 were obtained from the District Education Office. These were analyzed using de- scriptive and inferential statistics. We concluded that boys reflected better academic achievement as compared to the girls in both physics and chemistry. The boys and girls had comparable self-concept in physics. The girls had a higher self-concept in chemistry than the boys. This may suggest that self-concept does not influence performance in chemistry since boys still out-performed the girls in spite of the girls’ higher self-concept. With regard to attitude towards chemistry and physics, the boys and girls had the same attitude, mixed and single-sex school students had comparable attitude to- wards physics and chemistry. An intervention regarding the level of preparedness of primary school pupils in dealing with the challenges of learning Physics and Chemistry at sec- ondary is recommended.

10.15406/bbij.2015.02.00048

This journal presents the findings of the study which have been analyzed, interpreted and discussed. The Purpose of the study was determining the prevalence levels of cryptosporidiosis amongst HIV/AIDS patients in Nandi Central and Nandi North Districts. The chapter therefore presents the results, beginning with response return rate, and finally the objectives of the study. These objectives include, to determine the level of knowledge on cryptosporidiosis amongst HIV/AIDS patients attending AMPATH facilities at Kapsabet district hospital and Mosoriot health centre in Nandi Central and Nandi North Districts respectively, to determine prevalence levels of cryptosporidiosis in different age groups amongst HIV/AIDS patients attending AMPATH facilities at Kapsabet district hospital and Mosoriot health centre in Nandi Central and Nandi North Districts respectively, to determine prevalence levels of cryptosporidiosis between the sexes amongst HIV/AIDS patients attending AMPATH facilities at Kapsabet district hospital and Mosoriot health centre in Nandi Central and Nandi North Districts respectively and to determine the role of hygiene on the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis amongst HIV/AIDS patients attending AMPATH facilities at Kapsabet district hospital and Mosoriot health centre in Nandi Central and Nandi North Districts respectively.