African Journal of Empirical Research
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Patriarchy as a Form of Gender-Based Violence within the Religious Circle: A Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church Reflection
Get PDFGender-based violence continues to be an issue that has attracted interest and debates in all societies, regardless of the cultural, social, or religious affiliation of an individual, with patriarchal structures taking center stage. The purpose of this study was to explore patriarchy as a form of gender-based violence in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God church, Vihiga County. The study\u27s theoretical background is anchored on a liberal feminism approach, which emanates from the works of Mary Wollstonecraft around 1772 and was advanced by various philosophers, including Simone de Beauvoir. The study deployed a qualitative research approach, collecting data from interviews and relevant literature reviewed. The study targeted women who are GBV survivors within 10 PAG churches in Vihiga County. The 30 GBV survivors in the PAG church were sampled using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was analyzed thematically and presented as text. The findings of the study reveal that women have suffered GBV incidences that are supported by biblical patriarchal notations, which are intertwined with misinterpretation of scriptures, adoption of Jewish culture blended with African culture, and limited access to theological education and spaces. The study concluded that embracing male-centric language for God promotes, to a great extent, hierarchical structures, women\u27s inferiority, and female subordination. As a result, GBV perpetrators get a leeway to get away with mischievous acts of violence against women in the name of the “the bible says.” In reflection on this study\u27s findings, the researcher recommends that the church\u27s leadership prioritize GBV and declare it a current problem that needs to be addressed concertedly. Additionally, the study recommends that women who have conceptualized GBV and have religious platforms should shun fear and stand up to challenge patriarchal structures, advocating for equality and equity in matters of religious practices and spaces
Analysis of the Ghanaian housing deficit between 1991 and 2017: The potential household approach
Get PDFThis paper sought to offer alternative estimates of the Ghanaian housing deficit using the potential household approach (PHA) and to compare the PHA results with existing empirical studies. The PHA is a demographic trend-based analysis that compares expected households with actual households formed to arrive at the housing deficit. The paper employed secondary data extracted from the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS) and census reports of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). It covered five survey reports comprising GLSS 3 to 7. GLSS 1 and 2 reports were not available to the researchers. The survey data covered the period from September 1991 to October 2017. These surveys were based on a sample of 15,000 households proportionally selected nationwide. In addition, the Ghana Housing Profile (GHP) (2011) report provided additional data for comparative analysis. The PHA results suggest that the Ghanaian housing deficit never reached two million within the period under consideration. Contrary to popular estimates and projections, the PHA further suggests a declining housing backlog since 2014, after the highest backlog of 1,346,674 was recorded. The declining deficit is partly explained by substantial net additions to the total housing stock from 1960 to 2021. This paper makes a methodological contribution to the estimation of housing deficits in Ghana and offers alternative housing deficit estimates. The study recommends a rigorous statistical analysis of the GSS data to confirm the PHA results, and further examination of the different forms and levels of the Ghanaian housing deficit for a better appreciation and policy response
Effect of communication techniques on learners’ academic performance in selected nine years basic education schools, Rubavu District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis study examined how communication techniques affect students’ academic performance in nine-Year Basic Education (9YBE) in Rubavu District, Rwanda. It aimed to achieve four main objectives: to examine the effect of verbal communication used by teachers on learners’ academic performance, to evaluate the effect of non-verbal communication applied by teachers on learners’ academic performance, to assess the effect of written communication utilized by teachers on learners’ performance, and to analyze the effect of multimedia visual aids practiced by teachers on learners’ academic performance in 9 YBE schools in Rubavu District. The research used Social Constructivism and the Transactional Model of Communication as the guiding theoretical frameworks. A correlational research design was chosen, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study involved five selected 9YBE schools in Rubavu District, with a total of 2,097 participants and a sample of 336, including 276 students, 50 teachers, 5 study directors, and 5 school leaders. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used, following Yamane’s formula to determine the sample size. Data collection included structured questionnaires with Likert-scale options, one-on-one interviews, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods, with descriptive statistics summarizing the numerical data and inferential statistics drawing population-wide conclusions. Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 2022 for numerical data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The results showed important connections between different communication techniques and students’ academic performance. Verbal communication explained 72.7% of the differences in performance (R² = 0.727, p = 0.002), indicating a strong positive effect. Non-verbal communication accounted for 72% of the differences (R² = 0.720, p = 0.003), also showing a significant impact. Written communication had an even stronger relationship, explaining 82% of the differences (R² = 0.820, p = 0.004), highlighting its important role in helping students succeed. In contrast, multimedia visual aids only explained 32.6% of the differences (R² = 0.326, p = 0.0005), suggesting a modest effect and indicating that some students might have limited access to different types of multimedia aids. The study concluded that verbal, non-verbal, and written communication techniques significantly influence learners’ academic performance in 9YBE schools in Rubavu District, with written communication showing the strongest impact. In contrast, multimedia visual aids had limited effectiveness due to infrastructural and training challenges. It recommends the Ministry of Education to focus on teacher training in verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, improve access to teaching resources, and promote structured teacher-student-parent interactions, while cautiously integrating multimedia tools through targeted pilot programs
Risk perception and risk coping strategies for typical and entrepreneurial dairy farms in Narok-Bomet and Nyandarua counties, Kenya
Get PDFDairy farming in Kenya faces multiple risks that impact production performance. Risk perception is likely to differ between typical and entrepreneurial farms, and the difference likely manifests in their choice of risk coping strategies. This study examined how typical and entrepreneurial farms perceive and cope with risks in Nyandarua County - representing a more developed dairy sector, and Narok-Bomet Counties, representing a less developed dairy sector. It is assumed that typical and entrepreneurial farms perceive and cope with risks differently with entrepreneurial farms adopting sophisticated and resource intensive strategies. Using stratified sampling method, cooperatives were identified and a list of farmers selling to the cooperatives were categorized as typical if they sold up to 50 litres of milk with no increase over the last 5 years. Otherwise were entrepreneurial farmers if they consistently sold over 50 litres of milk with growth over the same period. A cross sectional survey was done across 120 farmers out of whom 56 were typical and 64 entrepreneurial where each farmer was asked to list top three severe risks and the coping strategies per risk. Data analysis used Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. Risk perception indices revealed that both typical and entrepreneurial farmers considered market price volatility (0.375, 0.346) the most significant risk, followed by production-related threats such as disease (0.116, 0.143), feed scarcity due to limited land (0.158, 0.078) and due to extreme weather (0.0833, 0.1016), poor genetics and reproduction (0.027, 0.094) and difficulties in accessing inputs and services (0.131, 0.125). Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), key coping strategies to these risks were identified in typical farms to reflect reliance on modest innovations, local network and practical responses aligned with available assets. In contrast, coping strategies in entrepreneurial farms were proactive investment in technologies, innovations and partnerships
Gender diversity in organizational development among private health providers in Kenya: A case of The Nairobi Hospital
Get PDFThe study specifically examined the effects of gender diversity, personality diversity, generational diversity, and ethnicity diversity on organizational development goals at The Nairobi Hospital [TNH]. Two theories were employed: Social Identity Theory and Critical Race Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design that utilized both qualitative and quantitative data. The study\u27s target population was employees of TNH, comprising 50 in top management, 80 medical doctors, 137 nurses, and 250 support staff. Stratified sampling was employed to select a sample of the population for participation in the research. Subsequently, simple random sampling was used to obtain a sample from each stratum, consisting of 5 top management, 12 doctors, 36 nurses, and 120 support staff. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used to collect information from the selected respondents, with questionnaires providing quantitative data and interviews collecting qualitative data. Upon data collection, quantitative data was cleaned and entered into SPSS Software Version 28.0, where it was coded and prepared for analysis. The data was analyzed using statistical software for social science, generating descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics entailed frequencies and percentages. A pilot study was conducted at Nairobi Women\u27s Hospital, and face-to-face and content validity were used to ensure the validity and reliability of the study. The study found that diversity management is crucial in organizational development, as the data showed that employees believed that diversity in gender, ethnicity, generations, and personality plays a significant role in organizational development in terms of client satisfaction, financial growth, and employee satisfaction and retention. From the results, the study established that there exists a strong positive and significant relationship (r = .641, P=0.000) between gender diversity on organizational development at TNH, Kenya. The study concluded that a significant majority of respondents believe that age diversity is considered during recruitment and hiring and that retention strategies are effective across age groups. The study recommends that TNH should continue to enhance its focus on age diversity in recruitment and hiring while addressing the concerns of those who are undecided or disagree
Health information use for improving health behaviour among secondary school students in East Africa: A Systematic review
Get PDFThis systematic review assesses the use of health information to improve health behaviour among secondary school students in five East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Using the PRISMA methodology, 50 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analysed from a total of 1,873 articles. Most studies (67.34%) were published between 2020 and 2024, with the majority coming from Tanzania (38.77%). Health information sources, such as parents, teachers, and online platforms, are considered credible, with parents and teachers being the most credible. However, inconsistencies, cultural stigmas, and inadequate resources hinder access to these services. The perceived usefulness of information influenced students\u27 health-seeking behaviours, with some studies noting improved practices like safe sex and reduced risky behaviour. Educational strategies, in most cases, do not prioritise boys\u27 specific health needs. The review highlights the importance of designing interventions that consider demographic disparities and recommends further research into these influencing factors
Effect of property tax administration on local government revenue: A case of Rwanda revenue authority in Nyarugenge district, Kigali
Get PDFProperty taxes are a common source of revenue for local governments around the world, playing a crucial role in funding essential services and infrastructure. However, the management and implementation of these taxes often face significant challenges, raising questions about their effectiveness. The general objective of this study was to examine the effect of property tax administration on local government revenue in the RRA. The specific objectives of the study were as follows: to examine the effect of the character of property tax on local government revenue at the RRA in Nyarugenge District; to examine the effect of property tax registration on local government revenue at the RRA in Nyarugenge District; to examine the effect of property tax payment on local government revenue at the RRA in Nyarugenge District; and to examine the effect of property tax enforcement on local government revenue at the RRA in Nyarugenge District. The study was guided by Property Theory and Tax Theory and employed a descriptive research design. The study population consisted of 103,985 households and plots of land, and the sample size was 398 individuals. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. findings showed that the character of property tax (M = 3.70, SD = 1.268), property tax registration (M = 3.49, SD = 1.338), property tax payments (M = 3.73, SD = 1.330), and property tax enforcement (M = 3.66, SD = 1.249) each had an effect on local government revenue at the RRA. Moreover, the results indicated a positive relationship and significant effect of the character of property tax (B = 0.145, p = 0.000 < 0.05), property tax registration (B = 0.166, p = 0.000 < 0.05), property tax payments (B = 0.410, p = 0.000 < 0.05), and property tax enforcement (B = 0.228, p = 0.000 < 0.05) on local government revenue at the RRA. In summary, the study concludes that there is a strong and significant relationship between the character of property tax, property tax registration, property tax payments, and property tax enforcement and local government revenue at the RRA in Nyarugenge District. The study suggests that the RRA should optimize property tax registration, compliance, administration, collection processes, enforcement strategies, and fiscal capacity to boost revenue generation. This will lead to increased financial resources for local authorities, improved public services, and enhanced infrastructure development
Effects of capacity building initiatives on performance of health workers in Rubanda District, Uganda
Get PDFThis study specific objective was to examine the effects of capacity building initiatives on performance of health workers in Rubanda District. This study was guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The study followed a descriptive design. Data from 120 respondents was collected and analyzed quantitatively complemented with qualitative analysis. Self-administered questionnaires were applied.. Since descriptive analysis entailed description of a single variable and its attributes, frequency tables were used to present the data. At the bivariate level, a Pearson correlation matrix was conducted to ascertain the relationships between the predictor variables and the dependent variable. A linear regression model was used to fit the data. Respondents strongly agreed that capacity building initiatives improve health workers\u27 performance. Regression analysis showed a strong, significant positive correlation (r = 0.762, p < 0.05) between capacity building initiatives and health worker performance, explaining 82.5% of performance variance (R² = 0.825). The regression coefficient was 0.921 (p < 0.001), indicating that increased capacity building significantly improves performance. The main conclusion drawn from this research is that capacity building initiatives affects performance significantly and positively. The study recommends that Rubanda district should continue to invest in structured and relevant capacity building initiatives
The influence of extramarital sexual relations on marital stability: A case study of the Anglican diocese of Butere, Kenya
Get PDFExtramarital sex [EMS] is a persistent dialogue and an intriguing phenomenon among nouvelle Christians across the globe. The Anglican church remains perplexed and antagonized by the blooming of unstable marriages as a result of EMS practices and is left in a quandary on how to combat them. Christianity emphasizes fidelity in marriage, and biblically EMS is considered sinful. This study sought to establish the influence of EMS on marriage stability among Christians in the Anglican Diocese of Butere, Kakamega, Kenya, and as a way to devise appropriate measures to mitigate the problem. The study specifically examined the biblical and theological teachings on extramarital sex and proposed effective mitigating measures to curb extramarital sex relations in the Anglican Diocese of Butere, Kakamega, Kenya. The utilitarianism theory guides the study. A descriptive research survey design was adopted, and qualitative and quantitative slants were employed in the methodology. Stratified sampling was used to group the 7175 targeted members into the married, clergy, and church leaders. Purposive random sampling was utilized to select the married, while stratified purposive sampling was employed in clergy selection, giving a representative sample of 348 respondents. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and interviews, while relevant literature was explored to derive secondary data. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Explanatory variables were discriminated by the categorical principal of component analysis facilitated by SPSS version 20 software. Qualitative data was analyzed and thematically organized. The study was premised on Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarianism theory. The study found that the biblical teachings on extramarital sex relations were well agreed on, indicating they positively contributed to marital stability, as supported by a coefficient of variation on biblical and theological teachings (r = .334, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05). This study concluded that there existed a moderate positive relationship between the dependent variable (marital stability) and the independent variables (extramarital sexual relationships). From the conclusion, the study derived both policy and practical recommendations based on the specific objectives. The study recommended that biblical and theological teachings should be harmonized with pastoral guidance and counseling to married couples so as to make them well informed of extramarital sexual relationships and why they are discouraged. On providing solutions to extramarital engagements, discipline and self-control were paramount; hence, teachings, guiding, and counseling among victims; preaching of moral behavior; change in natural behavior; and avoiding lust as well as myths regarding extramarital benefits would be ideal. Church leaders should concentrate on building morals
A systematic review of data analytics adoption in faith-based universities in Kenya
Get PDFThis study presents a systematic literature review examining the adoption of data analytics in Faith-Based Universities (FBUs) in Kenya, with emphasis on the role of human capital development (HCD) and institutional readiness. Anchored on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Institutional Theory, the review synthesized evidence from sixty peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. Guided by PRISMA protocols and quality-appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), the analysis applied thematic synthesis to capture enablers, barriers, and institutional impacts. Findings reveal that FBUs remain at an early stage of adoption compared to public and private secular universities, constrained by infrastructural deficits, limited digital literacy, financial challenges, and theological caution. Leadership commitment, investment in ICT infrastructure, and cross-institutional collaborations emerged as key enablers, while human capital development was identified as a cornerstone for sustainable adoption. Evidence shows that where analytics were successfully integrated, FBUs experienced gains in student monitoring, institutional planning, regulatory compliance, and governance transparency, especially when aligned with faith-based missions and values. The review concludes that advancing analytics adoption in FBUs requires embedding data use into strategic plans, scaling continuous staff training, and fostering evidence-based cultures that harmonize technological innovation with institutional identity