Nyamira County Research Articles

Remedial Levies & Academic Achievements

In its initial research, this article investigated the effect of remedial levies on academic achievement in public day primary schools in Nyamira County, Kenya. The theory that guided the research was Education Production Function. The study used an ex – post facto research design with questionnaire and documentary analysis guide as the tools for research. Target population of this study comprised 392 public day primary school. Slovin’s sample size formula was used to calculate the sample size of the public day primary schools in Nyamira County. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure all Sub- Counties are proportionately represented and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample respondents. Copies of questionnaire were used to collect data from the public day primary schools. Documentary analysis guide was therefore, administered to a sample size of 198 public day primary schools. Research tools were validated through a pilot study. Test re–test method was used to test reliability and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.70 was obtained. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression were used for data analysis. The findings of multiple linear regression showed that B coefficient for evening remedial levies (b=0.0006, t=293, p=0.004) and morning remedial levies (b=0.0007, t=3.37, p=0.001) were statistically significant.

Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya

Kenya has faced a wide scale threat of cattle rustling. The menace has been occurring mainly in counties populated by pastoralist groups including the Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Pokot as well as Kipsigis and Kisii among others. People have been killed, their property lost; some mutilated, injured, and displaced. Security organizations such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) among others were mobilized to help curb the danger of cattle rustling yet it has continued to occur in Kenya including Sotik and Borabu Sub counties. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate how effective security agencies were in curbing cattle rustling in the counties of Bomet and Nyamira, Kenya. This study therefore investigated the effectiveness of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling in the Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Bomet and Nyamira Counties in Kenya. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was used. The target population was all the residents of Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties (18 years and above) who had information regarding the topic under discourse. They were 284,379 in number. A total of 156 respondents participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to gather quantitative information while key informant interview guides were used to gather qualitative information from the respondents. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from the two sub-counties determined that the deployment of specialized security agencies had a statistically significant effect on curbing cattle rustling. This means that before the deployment of security agencies, the frequency of cattle rustling was relatively high as compared to the periods after their deployment. The reduction was therefore attributed to the constant pursuit and deployment of specialized units such as the ASTU, GSU and Administration Police in the region. The study recommends that the national government should expand the presence and activities of specialized security agencies in regions with a history of high cattle rustling rates, focusing on areas with the highest correlation between agency presence and rustling reduction. The government should also implement targeted training programs for specialized security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for addressing the unique challenges associated with cattle rustling.

Influence of Boards of Management Practices on Teachers Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Case of Manga Sub-County Nyamira County, Kenya

The purpose of the Basic Education Act No. 14 of 2013 is to increase professionalism in the administration of public elementary schools by establishing Boards of Management. The purpose of this research is to analyse the effect that Boards of Management policies have on student achievement in public primary schools in the Manga sub-county of Kisii County, Kenya. The study set out to answer several questions about the impact of various factors on students' academic success, including the availability of instructional resources, the quality of the school's physical environment, the quality of the teaching staff, and the effectiveness of the school's management's efforts to motivate its employees. The research was based on the open systems theory and the Path Goal Leadership Theory. The study used a variety of research strategies. Concurrent triangulation, a research strategy that blends quantitative and qualitative data, was used for this investigation. Principals, BOM members, and the Sub County Director of Education made up the study population. Sampling was performed using a stratified random sampling technique. Strata were designated as learning environments. Questionnaires and interview scripts were used to compile the data. The researcher piloted the surveys with two elementary schools in Manga Sub County that have certain demographic and social characteristics with the study area. Pearson's Product Coefficient was used to verify reliability. Co-efficient. If the dependability co-efficient was lower than 0.7, then the instruments would need to be improved. The instruments' validity and reliability were established by having them crafted under the watchful eyes of the supervisors and by consulting with subject-matter experts. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the quantitative approaches. Descriptive statistics included measurements of central tendency and dispersion, such as means and standard deviations. Chi-square tests and spearman rank order correlations were used for inferential statistics. Analysing qualitative data required making sense of the responses and contrasting them with prior research. Frequency tables, percentages, and other numerical were used. Ethical considerations were taken into account during the investigation. The vast majority of respondents agreed that their schools' ability to provide necessary teaching and learning resources was facilitated by adhering to a schedule of events. The majority of respondents said that BOM members are capable of accurately forecasting and budgeting for physical infrastructure on their own. All respondents said that those working in BOM were trustworthy because of their moral rectitude and upright character. The research concluded that the Ministry of Education should institute safeguards to guarantee that only qualified individuals serve on public elementary school governing boards. It is imperative that steps be taken to guarantee the exchequer allocates sufficient funds for the purchase of physical infrastructure for public elementary schools

Community Radio Programmes in Solving Defilement Cases: A Case of Nyamira County, Kenya

Defilement is a pervasive problem with devastating consequences for survivors, families, and communities worldwide. Despite efforts by various stakeholders to address the issue, rates of defilement remain high, leading to stigma, fear, and limited access to justice. Community radio has been used in the fight against defilement cases. The study aimed at establishing the effectiveness of community radio programmes in addressing defilement cases in Nyamira County. The specific objectives were to: examine the role of community radio programmes in handling defilement cases among community members in Nyamira County; and identify best practices for enhancing the effectiveness of community radio programmes in addressing defilement cases in Nyamira County. The cultivation theory anchored the study. The descriptive research design and the mixed-methods approach were utilized. The study aimed to encompass 226 participants as the target population; they were comprised of community members (109), local administration (8), victims of defilement (32), family members (52), and radio presenters (25). The sample consisted of 144 respondents, calculated using the Taro and Yamane formula (1967). A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was employed to select participants for the study. Data were generated using questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGD), and interview schedules. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using statistical tools. Results revealed that 72.7% of the total variations in the dependent variable (Addressing Defilement Cases in Nyamira County) are explained by the independent variables in the model. The F-value (172.960) with a significance level (p- value) of 0.000 suggests that the predictors collectively contribute to the prediction of addressing defilement cases. Further, the findings revealed that any unit change in the impact of community radio programmes influences the addressing of defilement cases in Nyamira County by 0.549 units. Also, any unit increase in best practices increases the chances of addressing defilement cases by 0.233 units. Thus, the result indicated that all the variables are well employed and have a significant influence in addressing the defilement cases within Nyamira County. The research recommended that community radio stations must be built up in terms of capability for them to be effective.

Effect of Innovative Technology on Revenue Collection in South Nyanza County Governments, Kenya

After the enactment of Kenya's new constitution in the year 2010, a lot of public services were delegated to the County governments. Ideally, the county governments should finance their operations. However, almost all Counties suffer from inadequate financial resources to carry out their functions. This has been attributed to poor revenue collections. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to establish the effects of innovative technology on revenue collection in the South Nyanza region counties of Kisii, Migori, Homabay, and Nyamira County Governments. Specifically, the study aimed at answering; what is the effect of mobile money, electronic billing, online banking, and electronic receipting on revenue collections in County Governments of the South Nyanza region? Anchoring on the technology acceptance model, the study used a descriptive research design with a sample of 352 from a target population of 720 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires. The study used random sampling to select revenue collection officers, and tax and revenue managers at the selected county governments as respondents. Before data collection, the study did a pilot study in Narok County to test the reliability of the questionnaires using the Cronbach Alpha test. The data collected was analyzed descriptively followed by multiple regression analysis. The study found that there was a positive and significant (β = .415, p-value = .0001<.05) relationship between mobile money and revenue collection. Secondly, the study found a positive and significant (β = .172, p-value = .0001<.05) relationship between e-billing and revenue collection. Further the study established a positive and significant (β = .092, p-value = .0044<.05) relationship between online banking and revenue collection. Lastly, the study reported a positive and significant (β = .360, p-value = .0001<.05) relationship between e-receipting and revenue collection. The study concluded that innovative technology (mobile banking, e-billing, online banking and e-receipting) positively influence collection of revenue collection in South Nyanza Counties. The study recommended that from the findings and conclusions, the study recommends that the revenue management or administration of South Nyanza Counties of Kisii, Nyamira, Homabay and Migori should formulate policies to help ensure costs of revenue collections remains low. They should do cost benefit analysis of innovative technologies in revenue collection like mobile money in revenue collections to ensure that they don’t cost too much and eat into their revenue collections. The counties should also make policies aimed at using innovative technologies like e-billing to aid in revenue planning. Thirdly, the revenue administration team should ensure that there are adequate policies that guides use of innovative technologies like online banking, mobile money, e-billing and e-receipting can aid them in better audit of their revenues.

Teachers’ Attitude towards the Use of Computer Technology in Teaching English Vocabulary among Primary Schools in Nyamira County, Kenya

This paper investigated teachers’ perception towards use of computer technology for teaching and learning English vocabulary in primary schools in Nyamira County, Kenya. The researchers adopted the descriptive design and employed stratified simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select 62 teachers and 23 Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) who participated in the study through questionnaire and interview. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study revealed that teachers hold positive perception towards the use of computer technology in English vocabulary lessons. They perceived computer technology as important in improving the quality of vocabulary teaching and learning, increasing learners’ engagement and promoting innovation in English vocabulary. The study thus recommends a need to support the positive perception of teachers through provision of regular professional development opportunities on technology use for successful use of the computer technology in teaching and learning.

ATTITUDES OF TEACHERS TOWARDS LEARNERS WHO ARE MENTALLY CHALLENGED IN NYAMAIYA DIVISION NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA; A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: This study aims to find out the attitudes of teachers toward learners who are mentally challenged in Nyamaiya division of Nyamira County, Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The study was conducted in Nyamira Township, Nyamira County Kenya. The target population needed all countries in the continent as they served less than 1% of the population with special needs consisting of head teachers and teachers of public primary schools. The total number of teachers was 260. The study adopted proportionate random sampling to select (30%) of public primary schools from the township. The data was generated using questionnaires and observation schedules. Results: The gender distribution of the respondents shows that 48 (61.5%) are males, while 30 (38.5%) are females. data reveals that teachers in Nyamaiya Division generally have mixed attitudes towards learners who are mentally challenged. Only 12.8% strongly agree, 19.2% agree, 2.6% are neutral, 51.3% disagree, and 14.1% strongly disagree. The majority of teachers either have negative attitudes or are unsure about their stance. There was a pessimistic view among teachers regarding the academic potential of mentally challenged learners. Only 7.7% strongly agree, 7.7% agree, while a significant 33.3% strongly disagree. Conclusion: The identified gaps in attitudes underscore the urgency of a multifaceted approach involving targeted interventions, resource allocation, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. The study emphasizes the need for strategic investments in training, infrastructure, and awareness programs to create an inclusive educational environment conducive to the holistic development of all learners. Recommendation: Awareness Campaigns: Launch awareness campaigns targeting both teachers and regular students to foster a positive and inclusive mindset, reducing negative attitudes towards mentally challenged learners.

Improving mothers' understanding of the mother and child health handbook in Nyamira County, Kenya

Background/Aims Mothers' knowledge of the mother and child health handbook positively affects their practice in child healthcare. However, there is evidence that their understanding of the handbook's contents and its purpose is limited. This study's aim was to assess the impact of a health education intervention designed to improve mothers' knowledge of the handbook's use and contents. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, participants were recruited from four selected health facilities. Participants in the experimental arm were given health training on the mother and child health handbook while those in the control arm received usual care. Data on participants' understanding of the handbook's purpose and contents were collected via questionnaire at baseline and, for intervention participants, after 9 months. Interviews were conducted with four healthcare providers, to explore their perception of women's understanding of the handbook. Data were analysed using the Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test and odds ratios. Results Participants who received health education showed significant improvement in knowledge of the handbook's contents, with the exception of the HIV prophylaxis schedule. This included being more likely to know that weight-for-height monitoring (odds ratio=2.222; P<0.001), height-for-age monitoring (odds ratio=2.308; P<0.001) and a recommended vaccine schedule (odds ratio=3.000; P<0.001) were found in the handbook. The proportion of mothers who recognised the growth monitoring curve also improved greatly (16.7% pre-intervention, 100.0% post-intervention). Conclusions Mothers' knowledge of the mother and child health handbook improved significantly after health education. Mothers should be given education to ensure that they can make full use of the handbook.

The Nexus between Institutional Environment and Academic Performance of Public Secondary Schools in Nyamira County, Kenya

The institutional environment, including staff competence, resource use, and school culture, significantly contributes to student failure, as these factors are major macro-environmental factors. The institutional environment can therefore play a positive role in students' academic performance and improvement. This study examined the complex relationship between core competencies, institutional culture, resource utilization, and academic performance in the field of education. The independent variables consisted of core competencies such as teacher experience, in-service training, and teaching methods; institutional culture, which included rules and regulations, mission and vision, and school routines; and resource utilization, which encompassed instructional materials, infrastructure, and compensation. The dependent variable was academic performance, assessed through student academic scores, transition rates, and completion rates. A qualitative approach was utilized, employing desktop analysis of secondary data. The results revealed significant correlations between core competencies, institutional culture, resource utilization, and academic performance. Educators with extensive experience and relevant training, operating within a supportive institutional culture characterized by clear rules and regulations and a compelling mission and vision, were associated with improved student academic scores, higher transition rates, and increased completion rates. Furthermore, proper allocation of resources, including high-quality instructional materials, robust infrastructure, and competitive compensation for educators, positively influenced academic performance outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of investing in teacher development, cultivating a positive institutional culture, and optimizing resource allocation to enhance academic performance and promote student success. The study recommends targeted interventions to improve core competencies among educators, foster a supportive institutional environment, and prioritize resource allocation to support effective teaching and learning practices. By implementing these recommendations, educational institutions can create an environment conducive to academic excellence and enhance positive student outcomes.

Health Workers' Perspectives on Antenatal Care and the Efficacy of a Community-Based Strategy in Augmenting ANC Follow-Up Contacts in Nyamira County, Kenya

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Devolved Governance Approach and Improved Service Delivery in Nyamira County, Kenya

The difficulty with service delivery remains a hard task to determine amongst devolved governments and as such there are mixed reactions in the implementation of devolution. This paper aimed at analyzing the effect of devolution system of governance on service delivery in Nyamira County, Kenya. Various theories were explored including the Soufflé theory, the social capital theory, The Principal Agent theory and the Accountability theory. The soufflé theory was selected since it gives the best explanation on linkages between various variables of devolved system of governance and how they are related to service delivery. The study took a quantitative approach and adopted a descriptive and correlation research designs to facilitate determination and explanation of variable relationships and used a simple random sample of 154 respondents obtained from a target population of 3,125 employees of Nyamira County. Regression analysis, multiple regression and correlation were run to determine the relationship between resource distribution, citizen participation, accountability and transparency and service delivery. It was found out that devolved system of governance predicts service delivery. The study concludes that devolution devolved system of governance (R-square of 0.482; p value <0.05) has effect on service delivery and can be a crucial model of improving public service delivery in Kenya. The paper recommended that devolved system of governance can be effective model for improving service delivery

Parental Involvement in School Leadership and Influence on Pupils’ Performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Public Schools, Nyamira County

Parental involvement plays a significant role in the educational sector, as the involvement works to influence pupils’ academic success. Despite the role of parental involvement in School Leadership to ensure learners’ academic success, the existence of harmonious relationships between parents and teachers remains a challenge both internationally and locally. The purpose of this study was to find parental involvement in school leadership and its influence on performance in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in public schools in Nyamira County, Kenya. The study was guided by the objective Parental Involvement in School Leadership and Influence on Pupils’ Performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Nyamira County, Kenya. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design and employed the Epstein theory of family, school, and community partnerships. The target population for the study consisted of 2364 respondents from 394 targeted schools. These consisted of 394 head teachers, 394 class eight teachers, 394 parents, and 1182 pupils. These were drawn from 394 public primary schools in Nyamira County. Stratified random sampling was used to stratify schools in their respective sub counties, and purposive sampling was used to select single-streamed schools. Then head teachers were sampled on the basis of schools. Parents were not only sampled on the basis of schools; but they were also sampled purposefully to select chairpersons for parents’ associations. Teachers were sampled purposefully, and pupils were sampled using simple random sampling, purposeful sampling techniques and stratified sampling. The sample size for the study consisted of 354 respondents. Interview schedules were used to collect data from head teachers and parents, while questionnaires were used for teachers and pupils. Qualitative data were captured, organised, and analysed into themes, thereby reporting the views of respondents thematically. Quantitative data were analysed statistically using frequency, means, percentages, and standard deviation. The Pearson product moment was used to relate independent variables to dependent variables. The study found that parents’ involvement in school leadership influences performance at a significant level (p = 0.0001). However, the study found that parental involvement in school leadership in Nyamira County was weak. The study concluded that parental involvement in pupils’ learning influences academic performance, but parents and schools have not embraced parents’ involvement in pupils’ learning. Therefore, parental involvement in pupils’ learning in Nyamira County was weak.

The Impact of Education on Women Property Inheritance and Peaceful Coexistence among Families: A Case of Women in Nyamira North Sub-County in Nyamira County, Kenya

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between women property inheritance and peaceful coexistence among families in Nyamira North Sub-County. A descriptive research design was used for this study. The study’s target population was 40,446 households in Nyamira North Sub-County. A sample size of 396 respondents was used. To select the respondents, this study employed simple random sampling for households and purposive sampling to select key informants. Questionnaires were distributed to households while Interviews were conducted with chiefs and village elders. The results showed a significant positive relationship (Pearson’s r = 0.929, p =0.000< 0.01) between education level and property inheritance. Education was a vital element in influencing peaceful coexistence and there was need to strengthen mechansms to enhance education levels of women that can help them gain a deeper understanding of legal frameworks governing property rights.also increasing legal education, and strengthening community dialogue on gender equality to enhance fair inheritance practices and peaceful coexistence among families.

Assessment of Groundwater Stability Using Corrosion and Scaling Tendency Indices on Selected Springs in the Manga Region in Nyamira County, Kenya

Assessment of Groundwater Stability Using Corrosion and Scaling Tendency Indices on Selected Springs in the Manga Region in Nyamira County, Kenya

Prevalence and predictors of arthritis among adults in a rural set-up in Kenya: a cross-sectional study.

arthritis is a significant public health problem affecting many people globally. Exposure to various risk factors puts individuals at risk of developing arthritis. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of arthritis among residents of a rural set-up in Nyamira County, Kenya. a community-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Simple random sampling was utilized to select households from a household list. All the residents of the sampled household above 40 years were included. Descriptive analysis was done to describe the study population. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was also done to identify statistically significant arthritis-related variables. the prevalence of arthritis was 44.6%. Previous joint injury/infection [AOR=2.74; 95%CI=1.59-4.77; p<0.001], being unemployed [AOR=2.77; 95%CI=1.50-5.21; p=0.001], age above 51 years, and hypertension [AOR=1.90; 95%CI=1.03-3.53, p=0.040] were associated with an increased risk of arthritis. Conversely, being male [AOR=0.42; 95% CI=0.22-0.75; p=0.005], standing for > 2 hours [AOR=0.48; 95%CI=0.29-0.81; p=0.006], and constant shifting from sit to stand positions [AOR=0.45; 95% CI=0.26-0.76; p=0.003] were associated with a lower risk of arthritis. Most participants (75%) had an arthritis knowledge score of more than 66%. the study found a high prevalence of arthritis in the community. Arthritis was strongly associated with various risk factors under study. Therefore, there is a need to take preventive measures for modifiable factors to enhance a reduced prevalence of arthritis.

Orientation Training and Performance of Employees in Select County Governments in Nyanza Region in Kenya as Moderated by Knowledge Sharing

County governments in Kenya were constitutionalized in 2010 to ensure resources and services were devolved. However, employee performance in the Nyanza region has been declining despite high investment in orientation and training programs. The purpose of this study was to establish the moderating effect of knowledge sharing on the relationship between orientation training and the performance of employees in Kisii, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Nyamira County Governments. The study was grounded in human capital theory. A correlation research design was utilized, targeting 389 employees from selected county governments in the Nyanza region. A sample of 199 respondents was selected using a stratified sampling method. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis, while hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to test the moderating effect of knowledge sharing on the relationship between orientation and mentorship training and employee performance in county governments. The results showed that orientation training through induction, benchmarking practices, job rotation, and role and duties awareness played crucial roles in improving employees’ performance in the county governments. Hence, orientation had a positive, significant relationship with employee performance. Additionally, there was a moderating effect of knowledge sharing on the relationship between orientation and employee performance (P=0.000&lt;0.05). Knowledge management contributed to a 3.2% improvement in the relationship between orientation and employee performance (R Square Change =0.032). The study concludes that knowledge-sharing orientation training had a moderating effect on the relationship between orientation and employee performance. The study recommends that county governments enhance orientation training programs for employee development, optimize professional development, develop comprehensive employee orientation programs, and strengthen personal development by investing in knowledge-sharing resources.

The Response of The Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Management of Youth Drop-Out Rate in Nyamira County, Kenya

This study examines the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church's response to the management of youth dropout rates in Nyamira County, Kenya. Youth disengagement from the educational system has profound implications for their social and academic outcomes. Recognizing the significance of addressing this issue, the SDA Church, as a central institution in the community, plays a vital role in providing effective solutions. Using a critical youth development lens, the study investigates how an understanding of systemic injustices and the larger societal context affects the church's strategies. To identify evidence-based practices that have been successful in reducing dropout rates and promoting positive outcomes for young people, the study employs various qualitative research methods. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with families, community organizations, and educational institutions to develop a comprehensive approach. To further validate its findings, the study incorporates critical youth development theory. The main topics addressed in this study include youth calendar events and scheduled activities, youth engagement outside the SDA church on Sundays, spiritual parental responsibilities, the impact of technology, the influence of church leaders, the youth's sense of belonging, the effectiveness of youth ministry, and the connection of young people to small groups. The study also discusses involving young people in volunteer work, promoting individual spiritual practices, and providing guidance to their parents.

Role of Public Procurement Preference Scheme on the Growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Nyamira County, Kenya

The focus of the study is to investigate the role of public procurement preference schemes in enhancing the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The general objective of the study was: To investigate the role of public procurement preference schemes in enhancing the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in Nyamira County, Kenya. The specific objectives included; establishing the role of 30% preference on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, to investigate the role of waiver of bid bond on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, to establish the role of local firm preference on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and to assess the role of easy access to procurement opportunities registration on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The study was guided by agency theory. A descriptive research design was applied to the study. The study population included 35700 registered and licensed SMEs, from where a sample of 391 was arrived at by Yamane’s formula. Data collection involved the use of self-administered questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to perform data analysis. The results of the model summary indicate that R2 equals 0.498 at a 0.05 significance level, thus revealing that 49.8 % of the SME growth can be accounted for by the public procurement preference scheme. The study concluded that there was a positive influence of public procurement preference schemes on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The study recommended that SMEs may team up with one another under joint bidding in order to get higher chances of preference and also compete with large-sized firms for public procurement opportunities

Influence of Instructional Resources on Pupil Academic Achievement in Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Manga Sub-County Nyamira County, Kenya

The consistent decline in pupils’ academic achievement in public Secondary schools has raised more questions to be answered by education stakeholders. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess the influence of school resources on pupil academic achievement in Secondary schools: a case of Manga Sub-County Nyamira County, Kenya. It adopted a descriptive survey research design with a target population of 469 comprised of 434 teachers and 33 head teachers. The sample size was 214 comprised of the teachers and head teachers. The researcher collected data using questionnaires. The study also established that instructional resources, physical facilities, and human resources have an influence on a pupil’s academic achievement in Secondary schools. The study recommended that; for effective learning and improved academic performance, the government should ensure that it has provided adequate instruction materials in all schools; the government and school management should ensure that there are enough physical facilities in schools including laboratories, classrooms, dormitories, library, playing fields and dining halls for effective learning and improved academic performance of the learners and that; the school management should ensure that there is effective and efficient management of human resources for the improved academic performance of the learner

Ethnobiological Investigation of Plant Utilization for the Purpose of Arthritis Management in Nyamira North Sub-County of Nyamira County, Kenya

Traditional medical practices are common among many Kenyan communities, with herbal remedies consistently employed for arthritis treatment, despite the increased availability of conventional medicines. Therefore, it is of paramount significance to document these plants as a means of preserving the cultural knowledge of traditional medicines. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to identify and document medicinal plants utilized by traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) in Nyamira North Sub- County, Nyamira County. Materials and Methods: A field study was conducted in Nyamira North Sub- County. Thirty-six TMPs were selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Information regarding the plants used was collected and documented. Frequency tables and data triangulation were employed to present the collected data. Results: A total of 48 species of medicinal plants belonging to 30 families and covering 38 genera were identified for use in managing arthritis. Thirty plant species were found to have reports of similar use in the literature, while 18 species were being reported for the first time regarding their use in arthritis. The most encountered families were Asteraceae (16.67%), Solanaceae (8.33%), and Fabaceae (6.25%). Most of the growth forms used were shrubs (46%), followed by herbs (31%), trees (15%), and climbers (8%). The most frequently used plant parts were the root/root backs (56%), followed by the leaves (20%), stem bark (14%), and the whole plant (8%). Conclusion: The present study identified and documented, for the first time, medicinal plants used to treat arthritis in the study area. It also revealed that eighteen (37.5%) of the traditional herbal remedies used to treat arthritis in the study area have not been reported in the literature. However, thirty (62.5%) are reported in the literature for similar use in other communities.