African Journal of Empirical Research
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Work environment as a driver to university academic staff levels of job satisfaction in a selected public and private universities in Kenya
Get PDFThe issue of academic staff levels of job satisfaction has become a major issue of concern globally based on the fact that the academic staff play a significant role in the day-to-day affairs of the university. Both external and internally generated drivers determine the levels of job satisfaction. However, several studies have pointed out remuneration as the most critical driver to the academic staff\u27s levels of job satisfaction falling short of examining the same issue with related issues in the light of a comparative analysis between private and public universities. This study, therefore, is determined to bring out a clear cross-cutting discussion in public and private universities and recommend possible policy action to improve on the academic staff levels of job satisfaction and consequently output. Guided by the pragmatism research paradigm and the Herzberg two-factor theory, the study employed a concurrent mixed research method design. The target population for this study was the members of the academic staff in a selected private and public university. Participants were purposively identified and selected; therefore, the sample size for public university was 115 participants, while that of private university was 60. Data was collected, evaluated, and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, giving an in-depth examination into the subject matter. The study found out that there is a strong relationship between work environment and the academic staff levels of job satisfaction; further, it discovered that there is a strong difference in the levels of job satisfaction between the academic staff in public and private universities in relation to the levels of academic staff job satisfaction. The study therefore proposes policy reforms in both public and private universities to ensure a favorable working environment is created for the members of the academic staff in order to increase staff output. For ethical consideration, the selected public university is referred to as University Alpha, while the private university is University Beta
Unlocking value: How perceived usefulness drives cryptocurrency adoption in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the influence of perceived usefulness on the adoption of cryptocurrency in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The guiding framework is based on the Technology Acceptance Model. The study was designed to examine the perceptions of perceived usefulness among 172 respondents, who were selected from a total population of 300 cryptocurrency practitioners in Dar es Salaam, using the formula adopted by Yamane (1967). Research adopted a descriptive research design whereby data were collected through structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics via SPSS version 27.0. The findings showed that perceived usefulness significantly positively influenced cryptocurrency adoption, with a p-value of 0.001 < 0.05. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived risk collectively explained 73.3% of the variance in cryptocurrency adoption (R² = 0.733, F = 87.11, p < .001). Perceived usefulness was a significant positive predictor (β = 0.526, p = .001), while perceived ease of use and perceived risk were not statistically significant predictors (p = .065 and p = .012, respectively). The findings indicate perceived usefulness as the main driver of cryptocurrency adoption. The study findings could serve as a starting point for further research to investigate other factors influencing cryptocurrency adoption in Tanzania. This study extends the knowledge of cryptocurrency adoption in developing countries, particularly Tanzania. There is a need to raise awareness among the public about the benefits and risks of cryptocurrencies, simplify their usage, and address regulatory and security concerns. This study contributes to the understanding of cryptocurrency adoption in emerging markets, such as Tanzania, providing valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and technology developers to endorse financial inclusion and integrate cryptocurrencies into a comprehensive economic agenda
Emergence of Staphylococcus saprophyticus as the predominant uropathogen in febrile children under five years at Alupe Sub-County Referral Hospital, Busia County, Kenya
Get PDFUrinary tract infections (UTIs) remain among the most common bacterial infections in febrile children under five, yet their etiological patterns are changing across sub-Saharan Africa. In resource-limited settings such as rural Kenya, diagnostic dilemmas compound this burden. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, enrolling about 200 febrile children aged 1 to 5 years. The sample size was calculated using the single population qualitative variable formula. Children presenting with fever are defined as having an axillary temperature ≥37.5°C measured using a calibrated digital thermometer. The clean-catch method was used to collect the urine samples in sterile urine bottles and cultured on standard media. Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient Agar (CLED) was used for primary culture, MacConkey agar for selective isolation, and subcultured on Blood Agar. A culture-confirmed UTI was defined as ≥10⁵ CFU/mL of a single organism from a clean-catch midstream urine sample. Mixed cultures or bacterial counts below this cut-off were considered non-significant, and colony-count criteria (>10⁵ CFU/mL plus pyuria) minimized false positives. Socio-demographic data were obtained through structured caregiver interviews. Associations between infection status and fever were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Urine cultures yielding microbial growth were identified using standard bacteriological techniques. Seventy-seven (38.5%) children had culture-confirmed urinary tract infections. Staphylococcus saprophyticus was the most frequent pathogen (46.3%), followed by Escherichia coli (19.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (12.8%). Other isolates included Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (2.6%), and several other minor species. While the primary focus of this study was on bacterial uropathogens, Candida albicans (3.9%) was also isolated in some specimens. Infection rates were slightly higher in boys (21.5%) than in girls (17.0%), though this difference was not significant (p=0.101). Fever was not associated with infection (p=0.7). Staphylococcus saprophyticus has emerged as a dominant uropathogen among the febrile children in this rural Kenyan setting, indicating a potential shift in local etiology. Continuous local surveillance and health education are essential for the prevention and early management of urinary tract infections
Relationship between Individualized Consideration and Succession Management of Employees in the Public Sector in Kenya
Get PDFSuccession management is a critical function in any business. It helps the leaders identify the potential leaders who can assume managerial positions in case a person holding a leadership position leaves the organization for various reasons. Effective succession management enables the organization to continue its operations during leadership transitions with minimal disruption. At both the national and county government levels, Kenya\u27s public service currently faces recurrent succession management challenges which have been occasioned by an aging workforce, staffing gaps, skills mismatch and high staff turnover which if not resolved will affect the quality of service delivered. This research sought to determine the relationship between individualized consideration and succession management of employees in the public sector in Kenya. The study was conducted in twenty-two (22) ministries in Kenya because they are experiencing recurrent succession management challenges. Theory that guided the research was Transformational Leadership Theory and the Leadership Pipeline Model. A descriptive survey research design was used combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study’s targeted population was 597 heads of state departments (directors) and human resource managers from 22 ministries in Kenya. Using the purposive sampling technique, 240 respondents were selected for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. The correlation analysis results revealed that individualized consideration (r = 0.641, p<0.05) had a strong positive relationship with succession management. Further, ANOVA results revealed that individualized consideration exerts a significant and positive relationship with succession management of employees in the public sector in Kenya (F (1, 201) = 140.535, p<.001). The study concluded that individualized consideration has a notable and positive connection with succession management. However, based on the study findings, the individualized consideration dimension is rarely practiced by the leaders hence they should improve on practicing this transformational leadership dimension. The researcher recommends that leaders should emphasize on treating employees individually, listening to them, coaching them and guiding them to develop their careers
Faith-Based Organizations and Gender-Based Violence: Towards an Understanding of Workable Measures
Get PDFThe study explores the role played by Faith-Based Organizations in curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through their influential basis pegged on faith and community values. Structural functionalism theory guided this research. The paper deployed a qualitative library-based research approach to review and synthesis existing literature on the role of Faith-Based Organizations in curbing Gender-Based Violence. The analysis established that FBOs can help mitigate GBV through offering support services, theological reflections and reforms, collaboration with other agencies of interest and engagement of boys and men in various gender programs. The study thus concludes that FBOs should take an active role in disseminating their duties as they hold a distinctive position of influence in the community which can amply the fight against GBV. The study, thus, recommends that deliberate efforts by the government and other well-wishers should be put in place to help strengthen FBOs in fighting GBVs through a coordinated and collaborated approach. Finally, the leadership of various churches should question the doctrinal background against Gender-based violence and see how to harmonize the two, which seem to be working against each other
Effect of Leave Administration on Employee Performance in Public Universities in Kenya
Get PDFWork-life Balance allows employees greater plasticity in their work therefore enhancing balance between work and the responsibilities outside their work stations. Leave Administration involves how paid absence is managed after a period of service with a particular employer such as annual, sick and compassionate leave .Leave days allow the workers to relieve themselves from work related issues and focus more on family matters. When leave is granted, it stimulates motivation hence ensures performance and productivity among workers. Herzberg\u27s Two-Factor Theory, also known as the motivation-hygiene theory, guided this research. The study adopted descriptive research design because it describes the state of affairs, as it exists at present in the study. The study adopted disproportionate stratified sampling technique since it is a probabilistic sampling technique which is distinguished by its two-steps procedure. The study targeted 17,221 employees in the 7 public universities in Kenya established under the old constitution and chartered under individual Act of parliament. The sample size was 376 respondents which comprised of academic and non-academic staff. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire which was dropped to respondents and collected later. The quantitative analysis technique was used for analyzing data collected from the respondents. Descriptive summary measures specifically frequencies, percentages, means and standard errors were used to describe profiles of the Universities and respondents. Correlation was used to establish the relationship between the research variables. Hypotheses was tested using t-test while the overall significance of the model was tested using F-test at 5% level of significance. The findings were presented by use of tables and figures. Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.7 was used to test the reliability of research instruments. The study findings indicated that leave administration has an effect on employee performance in public Universities in Kenya. The study concluded that leave administration has a statistically significant effect on employee’s performance in that 70.1 % of the variations in employee performance can be explained by the independent variable leave administration while 29.9% of variations in employee performance are explained by random error or other factors. Further the study results indicate that leave administration should be effective so as to enable employees to meet their expectations and ultimately influences university’s performance. Therefore, a lack of leave administration may lead to decreased employee service delivery, efficiency, and effectiveness, which negatively affects the university’s performance. The study recommends that universities should sustain and continually improve on their leave administration by instituting a leave policy to ensure consistent leave administration that is in accordance with the existing laws
Incidence and Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infections: Insights from Kakamega County General Hospital in Kenya
Get PDFSurgical site infections (SSIs) are common complications associated with increased morbidity, hospital stay and mortality amongst patients’ post-surgery. This poses a huge economic burden and reduced quality of life in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Data on incidence and risk factors for SSI following surgeries in Kenya is limited. Guided by the infection chain theory, this cross-sectional study investigated the incidence and risk factors associated with surgical site infections amongst the post-surgery patients in Kakamega County General Hospital (KCGH). Pus swabs were collected from infected surgical sites suspected of SSI from 128 patients attending Kakamega County General Hospital in the year 2023. Demographic data was also collected from patients who underwent a surgical procedure at KCTRH. Risk factors were identified from patient demography while wound swabs were subjected to microbiological techniques according to the Centres for Disease control guidelines for SSI surveillance. Associations between identified risk factors and the occurrence of SSIs were examined using Chi-square (categorical) and t-test (Continuous). A total of 128 patients underwent a surgical procedure during the study period. The incidence of SSI was 66% (n=84). Seven bacterial species were isolated namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%), gram negative rods (15%), Staphylococcus aureus (9%), Klebsiella species (9%), Escherichia coli (7%), Klebsiella oxytoca (2%) and gram-positive cocci (0.8%). Incidence of SSI was 66% (n=84). Diabetes was 32%, obesity 41% and smoking 17%, among the pre-operative factors but showed no association with SSIs (p > 0.05). There was a correlation between longer surgeries and fewer SSIs (mean duration 114 minutes) and pre-operative stays did not significantly contribute to SSI risk. SSIs remain a challenge in LMICs. From this study, it was concluded that there is a continued systemic and procedural element in the onset of SSIs and highlights the role of post-operative practices in the prevention of SSIs. There is need for targeted interventions in the care of surgical wounds to mitigate the burden of SSIs in the region
Examining Sibling Dynamics in Ghanaian Families Affected by Autism: A Qualitative Investigation in Accra, Ghana
Get PDFThe study was a phenomenological study which explored the relationship between siblings without autism and their siblings with autism in Ghana. The family systems theory served as the theory that guided the study. The population of the study entailed siblings and parents of children with autism in Accra. Five siblings and five parents were conveniently sampled from Accra, Ghana, for the study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. The data were coded and analysed using the thematic approach. The results of the study showed that siblings without autism generally had positive attitudes towards their siblings with autism. This was observed in their willingness to support their siblings when there was a need for such support. It was further revealed that siblings without autism were found to mostly play the role of caregivers to their siblings with autism. Again, the study found that the presence of children with autism in families had some challenging impacts on siblings without autism. These challenging impacts include stigmatisation from members of society, psychological stress and fear of acquiring a disability. From the outcome of the study, it was recommended that professional guidance and counselling sessions should be organized for siblings without autism in families with children with autism. This was to make them well-equipped to deal with the challenges of taking care of their siblings with autism. The study also suggested that future research could focus on exploring the coping strategies used by siblings without autism and their families as they cater to their children and siblings with autism. This study concluded that siblings of individuals with autism in Ghana play very crucial caregiver roles in the lives of their siblings with autism with autism, however they go through psychological stress and social stigma because of their siblings with autism, and therefore require professional counselling on coping strategies
Determining the Financial Rewards that Influence Medical Doctor’s Retention in the Public Health Sector: A Case of Ghana
Get PDFRetention of medical doctors within the public healthcare sector has remained a pressing challenge in Ghana. This study is guided by the Equity theory (1965). The study employed the use of a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in three public-based hospitals in Accra, Ghana namely: Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, and University of Ghana Medical Center, Accra. Using a random sampling method, a tagret study population of 370 medical doctors was obtained and a sample size of 192 was obtained using the Yamane formula. The instrument of data collection was a structured questionnaire. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed with 193 returned representing a 96.5% response rate. The study evaluated the collected using descriptive statistics using: tables, mean, frequencies, and percentages and also established the research objectives employing inferential statistics where a linear regression model was employed. The dependent variable was retention (RETM), while the independent variable was salary remuneration (SRM), financial bonuses (FBM), and the prompt payment of financial entitlements (PPM). The result of the regression analysis shows that the R-square is 0.445, the relationship between RETM and SRM was statistically significant at P-value<0.05, while the coefficient is positively related at 0.242. The relationship between RETM and FBM was also positive and statistically significant at a p-value<0.05 and a coefficient of 0.589. There was a p-value>0.05 between RETM and PPM showing a non-significant relationship. The study concludes that salary remuneration and financial bonuses are the most influential financial factors in retaining medical doctors in public hospitals. The study recommends increasing the salaries of medical doctors and introducing performance-based financial bonuses to retain medical doctors
Private Investment Dynamics in Ghana: Sectoral Patterns and Environmental Influences
Get PDFThis study explores the determinants of private investment in Ghana using data from 1980 to 2021, a period marked by economic liberalization policies, structural adjustment programs (SAPs) in the 1980s and 1990s, financial sector reforms, and the discovery of oil in the 2000s, all of which significantly influenced investment patterns, utilizing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression. Data from World Bank and Bank of Ghana databases was used for the analysis. This study is based on the Neoclassical Investment Theory, which posits that private investment is driven by the cost of capital and expected returns. This theory provides a foundation for understanding the determinants of private investment. Employing an explanatory research design and a quantitative approach, the study examines the relationship between key economic factors and private investment in Ghana. The findings reveal that Gross Domestic Product (GDP), external debt, and interest rates positively influence private investment, while inflation and trade openness have negative effects. Specifically, the study concluded that GDP (β = 3.019, p = 0.003), external debt (β = 0.961, p = 0.005), and interest rates (β = 0.595, p = 0.057) positively impact private investment, whereas inflation (β = -0.362, p = 0.004) and trade openness (β = -0.872, p = 0.037) exert negative effects. In terms of sectoral investment, manufacturing (572.30M), and mining (79.66M) and export trade ($13.94M) receive lower amounts. Additionally, agriculture (β = 0.023, p = 0.065), manufacturing (β = 0.004, p = 0.002), mining (β = 0.018, p = 0.055), and tourism (β = 0.010, p = 0.020) sectors positively contribute to private investment. Furthermore, a conducive investment environment—characterized by a strong regulatory framework (β = 0.035, p = 0.008), political stability (β = 0.028, p = 0.018), and access to finance (β = 0.031, p = 0.006)—plays a crucial role in fostering private investment in Ghana. Policy recommendations include maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing targeted incentives for the manufacturing and mining sectors, and improving key investment environment factors