African Journal of Empirical Research
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Transformational leadership in contemporary projects: A review of its impact on success and team performance (2020-2025)
Get PDFThis review explores the role of transformational leadership in influencing project success and team performance, focusing on literature published between 2020 and 2025. Transformational leadership, characterized by idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration, is increasingly recognized as a determinant of project outcomes. The findings indicate that transformational leadership enhances project success by fostering team empowerment and collaborative problem-solving and innovation, while simultaneously strengthening team performance through improved communication, adaptability, and motivation. The review identifies gaps in longitudinal and experimental studies, especially within virtual project environments, and emphasizes the importance of contextual factors such as culture, trust, and team climate. Practical implications for project managers and organizations are also discussed, highlighting the value of adaptive leadership in multicultural and remote project teams. Evidence from 2020 to 2025 highlights its role in enabling project teams to navigate complexity and achieve better outcomes. Contextual factors such as culture, trust, and team climate further shape the effectiveness of transformational leadership. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies adopt longitudinal and experimental designs and explore diverse project settings, including virtual and multicultural teams. Project managers should also apply transformational leadership behaviors that build trust, promote innovation, and strengthen team cohesion, while organizations invest in leadership development programs to ensure adaptive, high-performing, and resilient project teams
Perceived mitigation measures for sanitation challenges in George Compound, Lusaka, Zambia: A stakeholder perspective
Get PDFThe study is significant as it contributes to Sustainable Development Goal number 6, for which countries are expected by 2030 to achieve sanitation services for all citizens. In response to the global vision and in alignment with the National Water and Sanitation Policy, the government has implemented several sanitation interventions across the country and in Lusaka peri-urban areas. The study was guided by an objective that sought to explore stakeholders\u27 perceived mitigation measures for sanitation challenges in the peri-urban areas in Lusaka. The study was based on an interpretive phenomenological paradigm, which was anchored on the relativist ontological stance, which posits that there is no single reality but rather multiple realities in the understanding of sanitation challenges and their associated mitigation measures. The study’s sample size was 29 participants, disaggregated as 10 males, 15 women, and 4 key informants. Data was collected using in-depth interviews targeting community beneficiaries and key informant interviews targeting institutions. The researcher deployed open-ended questions to elicit participants\u27 views on sanitation. The collected raw data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. The thematic analysis adopted Braun and Clarke\u27s six-stage framework for thematic analysis, in which themes were developed through an iterative process and by merging the researchers\u27 experiences with the participants\u27 lived experiences. The study found that despite increasing inspectors’ compliments in regulatory institutions, it falls short of the expected effort to mitigate sanitation challenges. Moreover, LWSC is under a new policy direction slanted towards digital integration as a mechanism to facilitate customers paying for on-site sanitation as well as a platform for lodging complaints. Furthermore, the introduction of scheduled desludging offers a panacea for improved pit emptying services. Under this model, households register their pit latrines and make small routine contributions, which enables the service providers to plan for pit emptying services as and when the pit latrines fill up. The part payment option reduces the financial burden on the most affected low-income communities. This model provides mitigatory measures that help avert pit latrines from overflowing. The researcher used systems theory to highlight the interdependence of institutions, service providers, and communities, demonstrating that weaknesses in any component can compromise the sanitation system. The researcher applied a systemic thinking mirror, a coordinated and integrated approach to resolving sanitation challenges. The identified mitigation measures will inform sanitation practices and mitigatory measures for sanitation challenges imminently affecting the peri-urban areas of Lusaka. The study recommends harnessing resources to bolster scheduled desludging and digitalisation of on-site sanitation. The study explored the stakeholders\u27 perceived mitigation measures for sanitation challenges affecting communities in the peri-urban areas of Lusaka
Assessment of Pre-Primary II Teachers’ Resource Development and Utilization Skills for CBC Implementation in Language Activities in Nambale Sub County, Kenya
Get PDFKenya’s educational landscape has witnessed a transformative shift towards curriculum reform, aiming to enhance the quality of education. A central element of this reform has been the transition from mere knowledge and skill acquisition to fostering the creation and practical application of knowledge and skills. This study specifically focused on evaluating the readiness of teachers to implement the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in language activities for Pre-Primary II students within Nambale Sub County, Kenya. The research objective was to assess Pre-Primary II teachers’ ability to develop and utilize learning resources as an essential component of implementing CBC for language activities. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory served as the theoretical framework underpinning this study. Mixed convergent research design was employed, including a sample size that of 20 Head Teachers, 20 teachers-in-charge, 40 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers, the County Director ECDE, the Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (QASO) and the Sub County Director of Education (MOE) who were purposively selected. Data collection methods incorporated questionnaires, interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in form of regression. The analysis of the study findings revealed a significant relationship between the teachers’ ability to develop and utilize resources and the effective implementation of CBC in language activities. This relationship is underscored by a coefficient value (R) of 0.619 and an R square value of 0.383 at P=0.000, signifying that 38.3% of the variation in the implementation of CBC language activities is explained by the teachers’ capacity to develop and utilize resources. The study found that teachers generally demonstrated a high ability to develop and utilize learning resources for CBC language activities and recommends the enhancement of the successful implementation of CBC in language activities for Pre-Primary II learners, such as early teacher preparation, and capacity-building of teacher’s initiatives
Inter-Church Committee’s Role in Resolving Inter-Clan Conflicts in Rumbek East County, Lake State, South Sudan
Get PDFThis study examines the role of the Inter-Church Committee in addressing inter-clan conflicts in Rumbek East County, South Sudan, where conflicts persist despite significant church-led peace efforts. The specific objectives were to analyze the nature of these conflicts, evaluate the effectiveness of the Church’s peacebuilding strategies, and assess the challenges encountered in resolving these conflicts. The research was grounded in Protracted Social Conflict Theory and Galtung’s “A Mini Theory of Peace.” Employing a descriptive research design, the study focused on church members, clergy, community leaders, elders, and opinion leaders in the crisis-affected areas of Cuei Kok and Malengakok. A sample of 358 respondents was selected through stratified and purposive sampling. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, analyzing quantitative data using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights. Key findings reveal that inter-communal conflicts are driven by historical grievances, socio-economic issues like cattle raiding and resource disputes, and entrenched gender inequalities. The Church’s peacebuilding strategies, including peace meetings, forgiveness preaching, and mediation by local leaders, have been effective but face challenges such as financial constraints, community divisions, and inadequate government support. The study concludes that these conflicts are rooted in deep-seated historical and socio-economic factors, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups. It highlights the potential of religious actors in peacebuilding while acknowledging the challenges they face. Recommendations include enhancing conflict resolution capacities, addressing root causes, securing sustainable funding, fostering inclusive community engagement, and implementing robust monitoring mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of integrating religious teachings with practical interventions to effectively mitigate conflicts and promote enduring peace in Rumbek East County
Participatory Assessment of the Efficacy of Indigenous Chicken Value Chain Practices Among Smallholder Farmers in Kericho County, Kenya
Get PDFIndigenous chickens play a vital role in rural livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. However, their productivity faces challenges such as poor feeding, housing, healthcare, and inadequate husbandry practices. While research has explored these issues using qualitative and quantitative methods, underlying contextual factors are often overlooked. Guided by the Value chain model and Grounded theory, this study evaluated indigenous chicken value chain (VC) through a contextual lens, emphasizing context-specific knowledge. The objective was to assess the efficacy of the indigenous chicken VC practices in Kericho County, Kenya, through a participatory approach. A community-based participatory action research design was employed, with samples drawn using purposive and multistage sampling techniques. Based on Yamane’s sample size formula, a sample of 398 farmers was drawn from among rural-based indigenous chicken farmers. 15 key stakeholders also participated in the study. Data collection focussed mostly on qualitative approaches, using participatory rural appraisal tools like focus group discussions, observation during transect walks and community workshops. Quantitative data were collected using interview schedules. Data were analyzed using Grounded theory methods and descriptive statistics. The study identified five segments in the VC: breeding for eggs, incubation and hatching, chick brooding and rearing, flock management, and marketing. However, the chain lacked processing segment, with most products reaching consumers through intermediaries. There was weak integration of actors within the VC. In conclusion, producers’ practices contributed to efficacies in the indigenous chicken VC through: genetic diversity preservation, resilience-building, rational decision-making, self-sufficiency, bio-economy, complementary healthcare, and market embedded practices. Challenges included economic constraints, epistemic limitations, weak institutional support, weak infrastructure, and risk aversion. To enhance the productivity of the VC, community financing models, capacity-building, formation and strengthening of producer organizations, cooperative marketing, and partnerships with local government for infrastructure development are recommended
Beyond Free: Hidden Costs as Major Contributors to Owning Open Source Software in Open Distance and E-Learning (ODEL) Departments of Universities in Embu and Kiambu Counties, Kenya
Get PDFThe adoption of open-source software is growing, but at a slower rate than expected, despite its availability at no upfront cost. This is due to various direct, indirect, and hidden costs associated with ownership. Hidden costs, in particular, have a significant impact on the total cost of ownership, often outweighing direct and indirect costs. Understanding these cost factors is crucial for stakeholders to fully assess the financial implications. The Gartner’s total cost of ownership theory was adopted for this study as it is a well-grounded theory in matters software cost estimation. The research design that was applied in this study is the explanatory sequential research design which involved the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data to better understand the concept of hidden costs in total cost of ownership of open source software. The population for the study was 316 participants in the open distance and learning departments (ODEL) in universities in Embu and Kiambu counties. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling on the institutions that had customized and were using open source learning management system. The resultant sample size was 62 participants. The instrument used for data collection was a likert scale questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS 24 and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied on the collected data. The results obtained showed a relationship between direct cost factors and indirect cost factors to the total cost of ownership of open source software. Also, the hidden costs were identified as the greatest contributors to the total cost of ownership of open source software. Highlighting these hidden costs is essential for stakeholders to better track and manage them. This study contributes to the field by adapting Gartner’s original model of total cost of ownership to open-source software. The recommendations for this study are that institutions should have a tracking mechanism for the cost factors of open source software so as to be able to cut down on costs. Also, government institutions are encouraged to track the costs of open source before choosing to adopt open source software
Interdisciplinary Care Compliance with Antenatal Physical Activity and Exercises Guidelines for Management of Excessive Gestational Weight Gain for Prevention of Overweight and Obesity, Busia County, Kenya
Get PDFGestational overweight and obesity remains one of the leading causes of adverse health consequences for women and their offspring. Despite recommended antenatal guidelines on gestational weight gain monitoring and management of excessive weight gain as a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes, trends continue to increase. The study determined interdisciplinary compliance to antenatal guidelines by antenatal care providers to stipulated strategies for management of excessive gestational weight gain for prevention of overweight and obesity during pregnancy in primary healthcare settings, in Busia County, Kenya. Socio-Ecological Theory guided the study. A prospective descriptive study design was adopted. The study population were antenatal care workers from level four primary healthcare settings in the antenatal clinics. Stratified sampling was used to select urban and rural health facilities while purposive sampling was used to select key informants. A sample size of 43 was selected. A structured questionnaire was administered face-to face by investigators. The data collected was entered and analysed with SPSS version 20. The study revealed majority (67.4%) antenatal care providers in the interdisciplinary team were females with 32.4% males with a ratio of 1:2. Majority (37.2%) were aged between 26 to 33 years with (46.5%) midwives nurses. Majority (58.1%) qualified with a diploma and 39.5% had worked for more than 2-5 years. Majority (76.7%) revealed screening of gestational weight gain were practiced and implemented in line with National maternal policy for early detection of gestational overweight and obesity in ANC. There was a significant relationship on age and number of years worked with a (P-Value 0.000); one’s qualification level (p-value 0.001); number of years of practice (P-value (P-value 0.003) that influenced weight gain screening that determined frequency of gestational overweight and obesity among pregnant women in antenatal clinics. Majority (46.5%) acknowledged gestational overweight and obesity were highest recorded in the second and third trimesters respectively. Majority (65.2%) recommended light aerobics. While 70% did not recommend high-intensity exercises or daily activities participation. A few (46.5%) recommended strengthening while 69.8% vigorous exercises. Majority (90.7%) were awareness of gestational overweight and obesity trends occurred between 18 to 30 years in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Despite screening of gestational weight gain, more than (75.2%) in the four hospitals had never and less often diagnosed pregnant women with gestational hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obstructed labour, prolonged labour and urinary incontinence. There is need for more proactive implementation of antenatal physical activity and exercises guidelines for management of excessive weight gain for management of overweight and obesity among pregnant women aged between 18-30 years in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. More so, there is need to screen and document pregnancy-related risks to excessive weight gain in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The study recommends further exploration interdisciplinary care compliance to prescription of supervised structured antenatal physical activity and exercises guidelines to maintain recommended weight gain for management of gestational overweight and obesity
Bridging digital gaps in a mobile device age: Evidence from community telecentres in Ghana
Get PDFThis study explores the usefulness of Community Information Centres (CICs) amidst growing ubiquity of mobile phones. It examines how CICs can play a complementary role to personal mobile phones, specifically in facilitating access to information that translates into social and economic progress. This study was guided by an Integrative Model of Digital Engagement and Impact (IMDEI) employing selected constructs from three dominant theories namely the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Through a quantitative research design, 500 respondents from 10 CICs were surveyed with 451 valid responses returned. SPSS and SmartPLS software version 25.0 were used to process and analyse the data collected. The findings indicate that although mobile phones are suitable for simple tasks, complicated tasks are better performed in CICs, suggesting a complementary nature of the two (2). The study recommends that future telecentre initiatives adopt models of co-location, which are so far lacking in the Ghanaian case. Moreover, the paper discusses the implications of increased information availability, which allows CICs to widen the scope of services and involve more citizens in their operations, thereby enhancing involvement in activities. The research also discusses the implications of universal service on a wider scale, challenging the adequacy of current service definitions to cater to the needs of heterogeneous communities. The paper concludes that CICs remain an indispensable facility for equitable information access and a source of empowerment, but their success hinges on user participation, adequate policies, and deliberate technology integration. The paper argues for a balanced approach that utilises both mobile technology and CICs to maximize community development and engagement. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on the role of information access in community development in an increasingly digitalised world
Assessment of adherence to and compliance with occupational health and safety standards in public organizations in Tanzania: A case of regional administration and local government
Get PDFThis study explored adherence to and compliance with occupational health and safety standards in public organizations in Tanzania with reference to regional administration and local government. The social cognitive theory was used as the theoretical framework. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 500 people. A sample of 120 respondents drawn from the regional administration and local government, Tanzania was used., Simple random sampling, and purposive sampling were used to obtain different categories of respondents. The data collection methods were questionnaires and interviews. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used to code and process the data that was gathered through the questionnaire and used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic and content analysis. It was revealed that the factors affecting the adherence and compliance of OHS standards such as individual factor, institutional factor, economical factor and leadership in power are thought to have an impact on employees\u27 decisions to adhere and comply with occupational safety and health rules. The findings show that “experience” makes employees learn more about OSH and the risks associated with enforcing it. Moreover, research findings indicate that employees who have more years of experience at work tend to neglect OSH practices. In addition to that data findings imply that staff training in the workplace reduces accidents and injuries making employees more cautious when performing their duties. It was concluded that OSH practices are not only significant to stakeholders in the organization but also third parties, thus why the law requires every organization to set guidelines rules and effective occupational health and safety practices in their work place. Furthermore, the OHS committee lacked full support to execute their duties concerning employee’s wellbeing as they had limited resources to conduct trainings to employees as well as presence of few OSH equipment in the organization. Lastly, Training and education concerning occupational, health and safety regulations are not provided effectively to employees. Respondents revealed that people who get training concerning OSH practices are head of departments who in contrary do not share the details to the targeted audience who are directly working in the field
Effect of debt-to-GDP ratio on economic stability in Kenya
Get PDFKenya’s rising debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio poses a significant threat to its economic stability. Since surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s 50% sustainability threshold in 2015, the ratio has continued to climb, reaching 70% by mid-2024. This trend, driven by growing borrowing costs, external shocks, and constrained fiscal space, has weakened investor confidence and increased refinancing risks. This study therefore sought to examine the effect of debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio on economic stability in Kenya. The study was anchored on sustainable debt theory. The study adopted a causal research design. Secondary time-series data was used in the present study and was collected by use of a data collection checklist. Data on debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio and economic stability was obtained from the Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and The World Bank. Analysis of the quantitative data was based on descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics focused on computation of mean, percentage, standard deviation and frequencies. Inferential statistics included correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis. Diagnostic tests were performed to test for the regression model assumptions before carrying out regression analysis. The regression analysis indicates that the model explains approximately 72.40% of the variation in Kenya\u27s economic stability, with an F-statistic of 11.7121 (p=0.0408), confirming its overall significance. The results reveal a significant negative relationship between debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio and economic stability, with a coefficient of -1.64891 (p=0.014), suggesting that a one-unit increase in debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio reduces economic stability by about 1.65 units. These findings support the hypothesis that higher debt levels adversely affect economic stability in Kenya. Therefore, the study recommends strengthening fiscal management, enhancing domestic revenue collection, maintaining a sustainable debt threshold, and prioritizing investments in high-return sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing