Kenyan Society Research Articles

Credit Risk Management Practices and Asset Quality of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Kenya

Despite the key role DT-SACCOs play towards the growth of Kenyan economy, there is reported increasing occurrence of unsustainable levels of NPLs among these financial institutions. The increasing occurrence of NPLs are significantly obstructing asset quality; highly threatening their survival. This study closed this gap by assessing; risk identification, risk measurement, risk monitoring, and risk governance.as determinants of Kenya DT-SACCOs. The study used descriptive research design with the credit managers of Kenya's 176 licensed DT-SACCOs as the target population. The study employed census because the sample size was modest, easily accessible, and controllable. The data for the study was gathered from primary sources utilizing questionnaire. To create descriptive statistics for the study, the data was analyzed using quantitative analysis. Inferential statistics was then used to obtain a model. The study found that, at 5% significance level, risk identification has positive significant effect on asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya in Kenya (p=0.015; β= 0.337; r= 0.394). risk measurement has a statistically significant and positive effect on asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya (p=0.023; β=0.212; r= 0.358), risk monitoring has positive significant effect on asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya (p= 0.049; β= 0.182; r= 0467) and risk governance positively and significantly affects asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya (p= 0.034; β= 0.236; r= 0.470). The study recommends that the DT-SACCOS in Kenya should; enhance their risk identification policies by ensuring that their procedure authenticity of business proposal and business plan are effective to bale to identify credit risks and net worth of the borrowers, enhance their risk measurement procedure to ensure that there is thorough analysis and appraisal of the borrower before approving loan. enhance their risk monitoring polices and procedures to ensure approval authorities are well specified and empowered, and ensure their risk governance guidelines correctly address credit procedures and policies on review and recommendations and clearly spell out the requirements concerning checks on collateral of the borrower during credit review.

Empowering Narratives: Ideological Constructs through References for Women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazines in Kenya

This article examines various references given to women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazine and emergent ideological constructs. It presents results of a study whose one of its objective was to identify and analyse the ideological constructs brought out by references for women in the discourses of the two magazines and what these references revealed about the Kenyan women. The study investigated the portrayal of women in the two magazines, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative analyses. Utilizing thematic content analysis and critical discourse analysis (CDA), the research explored how these magazines constructed and negotiated identities for millennial mothers and independent women within a rapidly evolving socio-cultural context. By analyzing the references, the study revealed a significant shift in narratives, showcasing women not as passive subjects but as active participants in societal change. Key themes identified include the emergence of the “millennial mom” ideology, which celebrates women's economic participation and challenges traditional gender roles, highlighting their professional achievements and contributions beyond domestic spheres. The findings underscore a transformation in the depiction of women, reflecting broader societal trends prioritizing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Discourses surrounding single motherhood, professional success, and resilience in the face of societal expectations emerged, illustrating how these narratives challenge entrenched patriarchal norms. The study emphasizes the critical role of media in shaping perceptions of gender, calling for advocacy to amplify diverse and empowering narratives. It recommends policy development that supports equitable representation in media, urging further longitudinal studies to track the evolution of these representations. By highlighting the intersection of media, gender, and societal transformation, this research contributes to the understanding of women's roles in contemporary Kenyan society

Reimagining motherhood:Media narratives and gender dynamics in contemporary Kenyan magazines

This study investigates the portrayal of motherhood in contemporary Kenyan media, focusing on how women's conventional roles within the family are depicted. Through critical discourse analysis (CDA), the research examines narratives from The Parents Magazine and True Love East Africa magazines, revealing how motherhood is framed as a natural and preferred life choice for women. The analysis uncovers the emotional and challenging aspects of motherhood, societal expectations, and the reinforcement of traditional gender norms. The study also highlights the evolving concept of millennial motherhood in Kenya, emphasising how modern Kenyan women navigate career and family challenges while defying traditional roles. Additionally, the study explores the construction of the ideal and authentic woman through media representations, challenging patriarchal structures and redefining gender roles, illustrating a shift towards a more liberated and self-sufficient model of motherhood. The findings underscore the complex power dynamics and persistent traditional norms that shape women's identities and social roles in contemporary Kenyan society.

Effect of Credit Risk Management Techniques on Financial Performance of Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kenya

Financial performance is crucial in the realm of finance. The requirement to explain why two organizations operating in the same environment perform differently is a puzzle, and various financial research works have been devoted to solving this puzzle. Co-operative societies in Kenya are recognized as a significant contributor to national development since their presence can be traced in virtually all sectors of the economy. Although significant progress has been made by the deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya, their performance and sustainability has been debatable. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of financial risk management techniques on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The specific objective was to determine the effect of credit risk management techniques on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study was based on Credit Risk Theory. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population of the study was the 175-deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya as of 31st December 2022. Due to relative population nature, sampling was not conducted and therefore the study was a census. The respondent was the risk manager of each deposit-taking SACCO. The study utilized primary data. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as the mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics which included correlation and regression analysis. Reliability tests were conducted on the variables each meeting the 0.7reliability threshold with validity tests being confirmed by the Bartlett’s test that confirmed validity of the variables being measured. The regression analysis revealed significant insights into the relationship between financial risk management techniques and the financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. Credit risk management techniques were found to have a positive impact on financial performance with a regression coefficient of β = 0.238 and a significant value of P <0.005. In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence of the importance of comprehensive risk management frameworks in driving the financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. By implementing effective risk management practices tailored to address credit risk, SACCOs can enhance their stability, profitability, and resilience in a dynamic operating environment. These findings have significant implications for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in the SACCO sector, highlighting the need to prioritize investments in risk management capabilities to promote sustainable financial growth. The study recommended that SACCOs should focus on enhancing their credit risk management frameworks. This can be achieved by implementing robust credit risk assessment mechanisms, such as comprehensive credit scoring models and regular analysis of customer credit histories.

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE THEMATIC CONCERNS ADDRESSED BY THE AUTHORS THAT REVEAL THE GENDER ISSUES IN THE RIVER BETWEEN AND THE RIVER AND THE SOURCE

<p>The study focuses on two novels that were written by a premier first-generation writer and another authored by a third-generation one. The study examines thematic concerns that reveal the images of women in Kenyan literature. The study involves the analysis of the language used by characters and the writers' view on gendered societal paradigms that embody characterization as a backdrop for the analysis of the said texts, more so on the position of women in Kenyan society through the two writers’ eyes. The study objective is to explore the thematic concerns addressed by the authors that reveal the gender issues in <em>The River Between</em> and <em>The River and The Source</em>. The study adopted liberal feminism. The methodology was confined to a contextual approach that was conducted in the library search modalities. As such, no field instruments were used.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0699/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Book Review: The African Church and COVID-19: Human Security, the Church, and Society in Kenya

Book Review: The African Church and COVID-19: Human Security, the Church, and Society in Kenya

Sacco Based Financial Characteristics and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Kenya

In Kenya, Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies have faced significant challenges that have adversely impacted their financial performance. While existing literature has linked financial performance to financial characteristics, there remain conceptual and contextual gaps in empirical research. These gaps prompted the current study to examine SACCO-based financial characteristics as a tool for enhancing the financial performance of DT-SACCOs in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design, targeting a population of 190 DT-SACCOs. Using purposive sampling, 181 SACCOs that had been operational since 2018 were selected for analysis. Secondary data from the period 2018 to 2023 were utilized, and a quantitative approach was applied to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. Panel regression was used to estimate the direct relationship between SACCO-based financial characteristics and financial performance, while also appraising how the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority risk regulations moderated this relationship. The study concluded that capital adequacy had a statistically significant positive effect on financial performance, indicating that stronger capital buffers enhance profitability. In contrast, asset quality and financial investments showed statistically significant negative effects, suggesting that poor loan quality and mismanaged investments negatively impact financial outcomes. Liquidity, however, was positively associated with financial performance, underscoring the importance of maintaining adequate liquidity reserves. Moreover, the relationship between SACCO-based financial characteristics and financial performance was significantly moderated by SASRA risk regulations, highlighting the critical role of regulatory oversight in shaping financial outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends that DT-SACCOs in Kenya should: maintain optimal capital adequacy levels to safeguard financial stability; prioritize careful asset quality management and regular loan monitoring to develop sound lending policies; optimize financial investments to ensure sufficient funding for operational expenses; and maintain adequate liquidity levels to meet financial obligations and improve overall performance.

Models of Valuing Used by Christian Religious Education Teachers to Enable Secondary School Learners Acquire Social, Spiritual and Moral Insights Secondary Schools in Kenya

This investigation was motivated by the extant evidence which indicates that social, economic and political vices are on the rise in Kenya. For example the Kenya police report indicates that nationally crime among the youths stood at 22% between the years 2004 and 2006 from 08% in the period 1998 to 2003. Kisumu East was among the most hit areas with the crime index at 38% in 2006. In addition to this school dropout stood at 31% whereas HIV and AIDS prevalence stood at 12.5% in the same period. This scenario created a need to examine the mechanisms put in place by the Kenyan society to enhance moral growth of the learner more so in Kisumu East district. The study sought to determine the valuing methods used by the Christian Religious Education (C.R.E) teachers in secondary schools with the view of establishing whether or not, the methods equipped the learners with the ability to use valuing models in societal context. The design of the study was descriptive survey and it was conducted in Kisumu East District of Nyanza Province in the Republic of Kenya. The study population consisted of forty seven schools, forty eight teachers and three thousand two hundred and twenty five form two students. Using stratified sampling technique, fifteen mixed secondary schools, five from each of the three administrative units in the district were randomly selected for the study. A population of three hundred and forty three students determined by use of the Fischer formula and then simple randomly sampled formed the sample. Added to the above sixteen C.R.E teachers within the study schools were sampled purposively for the study. Data was collected as follows: the teachers were observed using a rating scale as they taught C.R.E. Secondly, the learners were given a test to ascertain their affective achievements with regards to value identification in societal context and an in-depth interview was conducted with the teachers. Data was also generated through documents analysis in which the teacher's schemes of work, the syllabus and curriculum guides were scrutinized to determine their adequacy in addressing the learners' value needs. To ensure the usefulness of the instruments in collecting data, they were piloted to ascertain their reliability. They were also critiqued and corrected by the experts from the faculty of Education to determine their face validity. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, means and percentages then presented in form of tables. Information from the interviews and documents was analyzed qualitatively by transcription and organization into categories as per the emergent themes then reported and presented in narrative form. The research revealed that the teachers were not acquainted with the valuing models that are supposed to be used in teaching morals to enable learners to acquire social and spiritual insights in societal context. The research concluded that moral decadence experienced in Kisumu East district is due to teachers' inability to use the right valuing models of teaching values using C.R.E. Due to this, there is an urgent need to review the C.R.E. teaching curriculum guide to emphasize on valuing skills. The findings of this study are useful to the designers of curriculum at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the Quality Assurance and Standards Officers in the Ministry of Education as well as the C.R.E teachers in a secondary school classroom since it contributes to the theory and practice of value education.

Capital Adequacy and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya

Capital Adequacy and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya

Leadership Capability and the Competitive Advantage of Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies in Kenya

Leadership Capability and the Competitive Advantage of Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies in Kenya

Asset Quality and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya

Asset Quality and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya

Selected Pearls Indicators for Enhancing Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies in Kenya

Even though DT-SACCOs in Kenya work extremely hard, their financial performance is greatly impacted by deteriorating level of capital sufficiency, liquidity, and asset quality which adversely affects their financial performance significantly. To address these issues, WOCCU has recommended the PEARLS framework to assist DT-SACCOS in mitigating credit risk management problems that are harming financial performance. In spite of an abundance of research on PEALRS and financial performance, conclusive findings about PEARLS's effect on DT-SACCOs' financial performance in Kenya remain to be seen. This is because majority of empirical study have conceptual gaps while some have contextual gaps and methodological gaps in addition to inconsistent result. The current study assessed PEARLS indicators which were observed as affecting the financial performance of Kenyan DT-SACCOs in an effort to close the knowledge gap. The specific objective to guide the study has been to find out the effect of; protection, effective financial structures, asset quality, and liquidity affect financial performance of Kenyan Deposit Taking Savings and credit co-operative societies. The research used a quantitative approach, which led to the adoption of the positivist paradigm and a correlational research design. The 176 DT-SACCOs that operated in Kenya between 2018 and 2022 were the target population. The study concludes that; protection has a statistically significant positive effect, effective financial structure among Kenyan DT-SACCOs has a statistically positive effect, assets quality has a statistically significant positive effect and liquidity has a positive effect on financial performance of Kenyan DT-SACCOs.

Influence of Audit Committee Composition on Dividend Policy of Dt Sacco Societies in Kenya

Purpose: This study sought to examine audit committee composition and dividend payout of DT Saccos in Kenya. Methodology/Approach: The study adopted causal as well as descriptive research designs. The study targeted 403 and sample of 201 stakeholders of DT Saccos in Kenya. The unit of inquiry was chairpersons and Chief executive officer. Using questionnaires as a primary data collection approach, three research assistants were involved. Data was hence processed and presented in form of tables. Findings: A significant relationship between audit committee composition and dividend policy was ascertained P0.000<0.05. Implications: The paper formulates that audit team structure and composition based on skills and abilities results to proper dividend payout decisions.

A Feminist Critique of Women Portrayal in NGUGI WA THIONGO’S Devil on the Cross

African American Literature demonstrates that the Black Women's Feminism Caucus acknowledged that black women faced a dual patriarchal oppression from within their own community and from white society. This paper examines how Devil on the Cross portrays a Kikuyu woman striving for liberation and transformative change in Kenyan society. Employing a feminist perspective, the researcher contends that Ngugi Wa Thiong'o illustrates the plight of women in Kenyan society, interpreting feminism within its cultural framework. Building on this foundation, the study advocates for the designation of essential services such as police protection, justice, shelters, helplines, and community support services, ensuring they receive adequate support and resources to operate during pandemics and other public emergencies affecting women and girls. It emphasizes the necessity of involving women and women's civil society organizations in policy formulation, development, and implementation to integrate their knowledge, experiences, and needs into response strategies. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of prioritizing prevention and protection against gender-based and domestic violence in national responses by collecting detailed data on the prevalence of such violence and identifying which demographics of women and girls are most vulnerable. Keywords: Domestic violence, Feminist critique, Fiction, Women emancipation, Women portrayal

Analyzing the Effect of Liquidity on Financial Stability: Evidence from Kenyan Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies

Non-performing loans have been on the rise among DT SACCOs in Kenya over the past five years as evidenced by the increase in percentage of NPLs to gross loans in SACCO regulatory authority report of 2020. Consequently, if this trend is allowed to continue then this sector’s contribution to financial intermediation through provision of financial services will be negatively affected. In view of the above this study sought to investigate the effect of firm characteristics and financial stability of deposit taking savings and credit cooperative societies in Kenya. In view of the above this study sought to assess the effect of liquidity on financial stability of deposit taking savings and credit and cooperative societies in Kenya. The study was anchored on agency theory. Positivist research philosophy was adopted in this study. The study adopted explanatory research design. The target population for the study comprised 160 DT SACCOs which were fully operational in the period. A census approach was used for the study. This study utilized quantitative secondary data which was obtained from the society’s financial statements and supervision reports from the savings and credit cooperatives regulatory authority. The study utilized annual panel data for the period of 2017 to 2021. Multicollinearity test, normality tests, autocorrelation test, homoscedasticity, stationarity test and model specification test were carried out prior to panel data analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis and panel regression analysis. STATA software was used for the analysis. The findings showed that liquidity had a strong, positive effect on NPLs ratio (β = 0.410056, p=0.003<0.05). In view of the findings, the study recommends that DT SACCOs with high liquidity levels should consider implementing rigorous lending practices to ensure that loans are extended to creditworthy borrowers. Additionally, effective credit risk assessment and continuous monitoring of borrower repayment behavior are essential to minimize NPLs. DT SACCOs should focus on improving management efficiency by implementing cost-effective operational processes. Keywords: Liquidity, Liquidity Ratio, Financial stability, Deposit-taking, Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), Kenya.

The Link between Capital Adequacy and Financial Stability: Evidence from Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies in Kenya

In Kenya, financial stability of Deposit Taking (DT) Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) as evident in non-performing loans of DT SACCOS has been an issue of concern over the past few years due to evidence indication fluctuating trends. Consequently, should this continue then this sector’s contribution to financial intermediation through provision of financial services will be negatively affected. Though DT SACCOs have sought to enhance their capital adequacy, its effect on enhancement of financial stability remains an issue for further empirical investigation. In view this, the study sought to investigate the effect of capital adequacy on financial stability of DT SACCOS in Kenya. The study was anchored on agency theory. Positivist research philosophy was adopted in this study. The study adopted explanatory research design. The target population for the study comprised 160 DT SACCOs which were fully operational in the period. A census approach was used for the study. This study utilized quantitative secondary data which was obtained from the society’s financial statements and supervision reports from the savings and credit cooperatives regulatory authority. The study utilized annual panel data for the period of 2017 to 2021. Multicollinearity test, normality tests, autocorrelation test, homoscedasticity, stationarity test and model specification test were carried out prior to panel data analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis and panel regression analysis. STATA software was used for the analysis. Ethical standards and regulations were adhered to accordingly. The regression results revealed that capital adequacy had a significant negative effect on NPLs (β=-0.3249614, p-value=0.000<0.05). In view of the findings, the study recommends that regulatory authorities in Kenya should take a proactive response in establishing and enforcing robust capital adequacy standards for DT SACCOs. In addition, higher levels of capital adequacy and improved management efficiency are associated with reduced NPLs ratio among DT SACCOs in Kenya, hence improved financial stability. Keywords: Capital Adequacy, Financial Stability, Deposit Taking, Savings and Credit, Co-Operative Societies

Christian Religious Education Teachers’ Perception on the use of Valuing Methods for Learner Value Acquisition in National Secondary Schools in Kenya

There are rising cases of disrespect in Kenyan society amid efforts by Christian Religious Education (CRE) in secondary schools to make the learner appreciate and respect their own, and other people’s cultural beliefs and practices. The morals of the secondary school graduates enrolled in colleges and society do not reflect the acquisition of values learnt through CRE. Despite the exposure of students to the Christian Religious Education curriculum, cases of disrespect, for instance, drug abuse, abortion, arson in schools, hate speech, religious and ethnic hatred continue being witnessed everywhere. The purpose for this study was to examine the Christian Religious Education teachers’ perception on the use of valuing methods for learner value acquisition in National Secondary Schools in Kenya. The objective of the study was to establish the Christian Religious Education teachers’ perception on the use of valuing methods for learner value acquisition and to find out the challenges they face in the process. The study was based on the Theory of Development of values. The study adopted mixed methods under the convergent parallel design. The target population of the study was 95 national secondary schools in Kenya with a total of 224 CRE teachers. However, 30% of schools and teachers were sampled. The study sample size was 67 CRE teachers. The study employed stratified and simple random sampling to select the schools for study and purposive sampling technique to select CRE teachers to participate in the study. Data was collected through the questionnaire, document analysis, and interview and observation schedules. The validity and reliability of data collection instruments was done through use of experts and piloting respectively. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics presented in frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data was analyzed in thematic coding. The study revealed that CRE teachers are conscious of certain values that the CRE content is to facilitate to learners and are aware that particular content may not only transmit a single value depending on how it is facilitated they are however not keen on being specific on relating particular content to particular values. The main reasons perceived by the teachers to this non-use was noted as overcrowded curriculum, insufficient in-service training and the seeming neglect of the affective domain in teaching and examinations. Much as majority of the teachers do not use valuing methods, they however perceive them as having positive characteristics that can enrich content acquisition by learners. Study recommends that the syllabus be explicit in mentioning particular values in relation to particular teaching content. On this note the study recommends that KICD should work very closely with CRE subject specialists to ensure that the affective domain in the teaching of CRE is given adequate guidance.

The battle for Central: ethnicity, urbanization and citizenship in Kenya’s 2022 general elections

ABSTRACT In Kenya’s 2022 general elections, presidential candidate William Ruto did something unusual – he dominated the vote in the heartlands of one of his main political rivals, President Uhuru Kenyatta. In turn, Ruto’s ability to win power by mobilizing support outside of his own Kalenjin community has led to speculation that the political power of ethnicity is waning. Drawing on surveys, economic and demographic analysis and interviews during the campaign in Central Kenya – a predominantly Kikuyu area and Kenyatta’s supposed political homeland – we cast doubt on this argument. Evidence from the campaign trail suggests that while structural changes within Kenyan society, including the emergence of a more urban, educated and critical electorate, played an important role in Ruto’s electoral success, it was also underpinned by historic ethnic allegiances, inter-group prejudice, and the use of ethnically-rooted clientelist strategies to build political networks. In particular, past campaigns saw Odinga depicted as an unsuitable leader based on his history, personality, and Luo ethnicity, generating formidable barriers to winning support. The implications of this argument extend beyond our understanding of Kenya to recent debates about the impact of urbanization and political socialization on political subjectivities and behaviour in Africa.

Kenya's National Security Resilience: Way Forward

This article examines the expanding role of Kenya in addressing emerging security threats in a complex and unpredictable environment, where state response to security threats is being challenged by a wide range of actors and the salience for national security resilience is being awakened. Contemporary security threats to Kenya originate from other states, non-state actors, and disasters. They include; cyber-attacks, misinformation, transnational crimes, terrorism, pandemics, and radicalization. These threats are increasingly pressuring national security institutions and negatively impacting society. National Security Resilience therefore becomes an essential element in ensuring that the state is capable of responding, recovering, and adapting to security tragedies and disasters. The article posits that the whole government approach to security resilience can be further strengthened by expanding the resilience of citizens and communities. It implores that national security resilience not only requires government efforts but also individual and constituent communities' inputs. Contemporary Kenyan society is vastly networked, interdependent, at risk, and more vulnerable to the effects of emerging security threats and events. This makes it vital to have citizens and communities as the cornerstone of national security resilience efforts. It recommends that security efforts should focus on strengthening individual and community resilience.

Retraction Notice: “Queer Sexualities and the Reconstruction of Alternative Modes of Being in Kenyan Society in the Film Rafiki”

We, the Editors and Publishers of Imbizo: International Journal of African Literary and Comparative Studies, have retracted the following article:
 Mokaya, Gloria Kemunto, and Charles Kebaya. 2022. “Queer Sexualities and the Reconstruction of Alternative Modes of Being in Kenyan Society in the Film Rafiki”. Imbizo 13 (2): #11120. https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6565/11120
 Following its publication, it was brought to our attention that this article contains significant overlap with the following thesis:
 Eils, Marc Sebastian. 2020. “Queer Kenyan Cinema: An analysis of the films Stories of Our Lives (2014) by Jim Chuchu and Rafiki (2018) by Wanuri Kahiu.” Master’s thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. https://doi.org/10.18452/22918
 We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The cover page only of the retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked as “Retracted.”