African Journal of Empirical Research
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Assessment of Competency and Biosafety in Mortuary Science Practice Among Practicing Morticians in Western Kenya
Get PDFHuman bodies are fundamental specimens used in medical education. They are widely used and indispensable in the training of medical and allied students, practicing morticians, and in biomedical research. However, contradictions abound in the use and exchange of human tissue. Human bodies are generally understood to carry moral worth and command respect, consideration, and care. Still, they are nonetheless transformed into commodities by institutional practices that depend on a steady supply of human tissue. The objective of the study was to assess the Competency and Biosafety in Mortuary Science Practice among practicing morticians in Western Kenya. Specifically: to evaluate the level of bio-safety skills among practicing morticians, determine the competencies required of practicing morticians, and determine factors associated with competency and biosafety skills among practicing morticians in Western Kenya. This study was guided by the Context Input Process Product [CIPP] evaluation model. A cross-sectional design was used where qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The target population was trained practicing morticians in the Western region of Kenya. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, yielding a sample size of 89 out of 348 study subjects. A semi-structured questionnaire was used, with purposive sampling strategy applied to get practicing morticians in Western Kenya. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 28, and the findings have been presented in the form of tables, graphs, and charts. The most undertaken training was the use of Personal Protective Equipment (n=348, 97.80%). Training in handling of sharps and waste at n=23 (1.1% and 2.2%, respectively) were the lowest score outcomes. Most of the respondents reported always (47%) applying their biosafety skills in their practice. Overall, 82% demonstrated a high level of proficiency in biosafety skills. Most were highly proficient at technical skills (58.40%), ethical skills (86.50%), and 82% had a high proficiency in business management. The overall competence level was determined as respondents with a high proficiency level in at least three of the four measured skills. 71.9% of the practicing morticians were found to be competent. County and facility type influenced competence. Practicing morticians in Kakamega County were 69% less likely to be competent compared to those in Vihiga County. Practicing morticians in public facilities were 2.13 times more likely to be competent compared to those in missionary facilities in Western Kenya. Personal demographic factors were not influential in determining competence. In conclusion, there was a high level of proficiency in biosafety skills at 82%, with a high level of competency among practicing morticians in Western Kenya at 71.90%. Facility type had an influence on competency, with practicing morticians in public facilities being 2.13 times more likely to be competent compared to those in missionary facilities in Western Kenya. Therefore, continuous training in biosafety skills in practicing morticians should be encouraged, competency-based training in practicing morticians should be fostered, and mortuary facilities should be equipped with necessary resources
Caregiver disclosure of HIV status and its influence on paediatric ART Adherence at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Get PDFHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern, particularly among children living with the virus. Disclosure of HIV status to infected paediatrics is a critical aspect of care, with potential consequences for treatment adherence, psychological well-being, and long-term health outcomes. Despite worldwide guidelines encouraging age-appropriate disclosure, many caregivers and healthcare providers remain hesitant, resulting in varied disclosure practices. This study aimed to assess the prevailing practices and rates of HIV status disclosure to children and examine how disclosure influences adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among paediatric patients at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. The study employed a descriptive survey design guided by Social Cognitive Theory. The target population included 85 children living with HIV, 50 caregivers, and 70 healthcare providers. A census approach was used due to the manageable sample size. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, and analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), generating descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages. Findings indicated that while some caregivers and providers had embraced disclosure, overall rates of full HIV status disclosure to children remained low. Many caregivers cited fear of psychological harm, stigma, and lack of disclosure training as major barriers. Importantly, children who were aware of their HIV status demonstrated significantly higher adherence to ART compared to those who were not informed. Awareness was also associated with improved understanding of treatment importance and better cooperation with care routines. The study concludes that HIV status disclosure positively influences ART adherence in children. However, persistent barriers hinder widespread implementation of disclosure practices. It is recommended that comprehensive caregiver and provider training programs be implemented, focusing on communication strategies, psychological support, and age-appropriate disclosure techniques. Additionally, post-disclosure support services such as counselling and peer support groups should be established to facilitate better health outcomes in HIV-positive children
Unframing the frame: A content analysis of BBC’s “Blood Parliament” documentary on Kenyan protests
Get PDFThis article critically examines the BBC’s Blood Parliament documentary on the fatal police shootings in Kenya during June 25, 2024, anti-tax protests. The objective of the study is to address the rarely discussed issue of how the international media continues to narrate political crisis in Africa through western lenses rooted in colonial legacies. The study adopted qualitative research design using critical content analysis and visual deconstruction. It evaluated the documentary’s role in shaping narratives of state violence, protests and political legitimacy. Findings reveal that the documentary used emotional appeal at the expense of contextual complexity, and framed culpability narrowly by relying on exposure of junior security officers rather than systematic reform as a remedy. Findings also indicate that the documentary excluded Kenyan government and pro-government local voices. It also excluded the role of the colonial powers and skewed global economic systems in the political crisis in Kenya that resulted in anti-tax protests in June 2024. The study concludes that international media must recognize their ethical responsibility when narrating high-stakes political events in post-colonial Africa. It recommends conflict-sensitive journalism that is grounded on inclusivity, historical context and ethically-informed journalism. Furthermore, it calls on state institutions to develop robust legal, forensic and communicative capacities for self-accountability, and urges the implicated security officers to exercise their right of reply
Affordances of lesson observation in a lesson study cycle: A case of mathematics teachers in Chingola District, Zambia
Get PDFLesson Study approach has been adopted as the learning module in Zambia, however, not all teachers have implemented stable and effective School Based Continuous Professional Development in a Lesson Study. This study investigated the component of lesson observation in a Lesson Study Cycle and its role in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning among teachers of mathematics in Chingola District, Zambia. Two research question guided the study as; how do teachers of mathematics conduct lesson observations in a lesson study cycle? How does lesson observation enhance the quality of teaching and learning? Concurrent triangulation mixed method design was employed throughout the study. The target population was the teachers of Mathematics teaching senior classes and the senior secondary grade learners. The six Government schools in the study were selected using purposive sampling on the basis of the implementation of the lesson study cycle. While the teachers were selected using total population sampling in order to capture each member of the department. On the other hand, the learners selected was based on performance and fluency in English using purposive sampling. A sample of thirty (30) teachers and 12 learners were used for the study. Data were collected via a questionnaire, focus group discussions and interviews. Nvivo and Descriptive statistics were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The findings from the study revealed that lesson observation in the lesson study cycle had significant potential to enhance teaching and learning in mathematics. However, inconsistent implementation, inadequate adherence to guidelines, and limited teacher collaboration undermined its overall effectiveness. Based on this, it was recommended that, Heads of Department (HoDs), teachers and its stake holders should strengthen adherence to lesson study guidelines at all stages of implementation. Besides, Headteachers and Heads of Department should enhance teacher collaboration through regular, structured professional development sessions
Assessment of helmet usage enforcement on safety of commercial motorcyclists in Kenya: A case of Kisumu City
Get PDFRoad traffic injuries are estimated to be the eighth leading cause of death globally. Riders have a greater risk of death than other types of transport. The lack of helmet use is a specific factor leading to head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes which costs heavily both to the country’s economy and family’s financial status. The purpose of this study was to asses helmets usage enforcement on safety of motorcyclists in Kisumu city. This research was guided by Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population of this study was all the commercial motorcyclist and law enforcement enforcement officers in Kisumu City, whereby systemic sampling was used to collect data from 250 motorcyclists along three major roads that lead to Kisumu town. The study used questionnaires, interview schedule and observation checklist as the primary data collection instruments. Data analysis was done using SPSS and findings were presented through charts, tables and graphs. The findings of the study revealed that wearing helmet among Kisumu\u27s commercial motorcyclists is quite low due to inconsistent enforcement of cautionary measures and social norms that prioritize style over care. Factors like inadequate training, limited access to quality helmets and lack of awareness hinder compliance. On safety, enforcement and awareness is critical for improving safety outcomes. The study concluded that improving helmet enforcement and addressing protection for commercial motorcyclists in Kisumu City needs affordable training, immediate public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement. This research recommended establishing regular checkpoints for law enforcement to actively monitor compliance with helmet laws. Effective public awareness campaigns can change perceptions and behaviors regarding helmet use. Training programs focusing on safety regulations and responsible riding practices can improve rider knowledge and skills
Interest rates drivers and financial performance of deposit-taking savings and credit cooperative societies in Kenya: The role of inflation rate
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine interest rates drivers and the financial performance of deposit taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies [SACCOs] in Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of inflation rate on financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOS in Kenya. The study was anchored on Irving Fisher’s “Quantity Theory of Money.” A descriptive research design and correlational research design was employed in this study. Stratified random sampling was applied on a population of 176 deposit taking SACCOs to select 121 Saccos. The study used secondary data which was obtained from audited annual financial reports and Sacco Society’s Regulatory Authority (SASRA) reports. The population was classified into 3 strata representing three tier sizes of DT-SACCOs in Kenya. A total of 121 audited annual financial reports was sampled for a 7 years’ period from 2016 to 2022. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that independent variables used in the research were able to account for about 30.68% (R2=0.3068, P<0.05) of the variations that were noted in the financial performance of Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kenya. A unit increase in inflation rate leads to a 0.889 unit’s reduction in the financial performance (β1=-0.889, t=-92.03, p<0.05). The study concluded that there is significant effect of inflation rate on financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOS in Kenya. The research recommended that Saccos should develop strategies such as real-time inflation monitoring, flexible interest rate structure and risk-based pricing to adjust their loan interest rates more readily in response to inflation changes
Assessing the determinants and challenges of external auditors’ reliance on internal audit work in Ghana
Get PDFThis study investigates the determinants and challenges of external auditors’ reliance on internal audit work in Ghana, using Agency Theory and Resource Dependence Theory as theoretical frameworks. A quantitative research design was adopted, employing a descriptive survey approach to collect data from 127 respondents drawn from the Ghana Audit Service, internal audit units of Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and other public institutions within the Savanna Region. The target population comprised staff directly involved in internal and external audit processes, and the sample size was determined using a formula for finite populations, with simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques employed. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires divided into demographic information and Likert-scale items measuring the degree of external auditors’ reliance, influencing factors, and associated challenges. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages), correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing through regression and t-tests, all performed using SPSS. The findings reveal a strong positive relationship between the performance of internal auditors, particularly in their roles as systems consultants, and the extent to which external auditors rely on their work. Organizational status was found to be less significant as a barrier compared to other challenges faced by external auditors. The study concludes that the collaboration between internal and external auditors can be significantly enhanced by improving the skills and performance of internal auditors, particularly in areas related to modern auditing systems and value-added consulting roles. Challenges such as inadequate resources and limited training opportunities remain barriers to effective reliance. It is recommended that organizations invest in continuous professional development for internal auditors, particularly in contemporary computerized auditing systems, and adopt policies that promote effective collaboration between internal and external audit teams. Future research should explore the role of emerging technologies in reshaping the relationship between internal and external auditors
Psychological effects of COVID 19 on job performance of teachers in secondary schools in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFPsychosocial stress resulting from Covid-19 and psychosocial adjustment to the pandemic had a great impact on the job performance of teachers in secondary schools. The stress caused psychological and social changes in teaching and learning activities in secondary schools. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report (2020), the fast-spreading infectious disease has been causing universal awareness, anxiety, and distress, all of which are natural psychological responses to the randomly changing condition. Among teachers, it was characterized by tension, anxiety, depression, irritation, worries, and fatigue or a state of mental or emotional strain. The objective of the study was to determine the psychological effects of Covid-19 related stress on the job performance of teachers. The study was guided by social cognitive theory. A mixed methods research approach was used, involving three specific designs: descriptive survey, ex-post facto, and correlational research designs. The target population consisted of 429 teachers, 24 principals, and 1 sub-county director of education. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 7 principals and 228 teachers from 24 public secondary schools in Kakamega Central sub-county. Research instruments included a questionnaire and an interview schedule. To cater for face, content, and construct validity, the instruments were examined by the researcher, followed by supervisors in the Department of Educational Psychology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, before piloting. A pilot study was conducted in two sampled secondary schools to ascertain the validity and reliability of the instruments. Reliability coefficient was determined at Cronbach’s alpha of 0.845, which indicates that the reliability test for the questionnaire was good for our scale. Data analysis was done with the help of descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS program. ANOVA was used to analyze effects, while regression was used to analyze relationships. Quantitative data was keyed into SPSS for analysis. The descriptive analysis of the findings indicated that psychological factors affected teachers’ job performance. From the inferential analysis, the results of the study indicated that the psychological effects of Covid-19 had a substantial impact on job performance. From the findings, at a 5% level of significance, psychological effect (p = 0.001 < 0.05) was a significant predictor of job performance of teachers. The study concluded that psychological stress factors of Covid-19 affected the job performance of teachers. The study recommended that schools should take into consideration the psychological factors which affect the job performance of teachers so as to mitigate their effect on adjustment in order to improve job performance during pandemics
The role of golf courses in climate change adaptation through enhancing vegetation and forest cover in arid and semi-arid lands, Kenya
Get PDFThis study focuses on the possibility of using golf as an avenue for climate change adaptation in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) of Kenya. These regions are highly exposed to environmental problems such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and deforestation, among others, due to climate change. This study sought to find out how golf courses as managed green spaces could provide adaptation possibilities, particularly in the strategies of vegetation and tree cover maintenance. The study was guided by the Green Theory which was postulated by Robert E. Goodin. The study used an exploratory research design. The target population included local community members, golf players, caddies, climate change experts, and national and county government officials within sports and the environment. The study used stratified purposive sampling to ensure adequate representation from different sub-groups within the target population. Emphasis was given to what the vegetation of golf courses can contribute to the increase of the forest, which in turn could replace the loss of forest areas and support native species. The quantitative data obtained from the Likert scale questionnaires were analysed through statistical methods with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); the presentation was in descriptive statistics, such as frequency. Qualitative data gathered from in-depth interviews were transcribed and coded, then thematically analysed with the help of NVivo software. This analysis facilitated the identification of key themes and patterns. The findings suggest that golf courses help increase forested cover by planting local trees, reducing desertification and creating microclimates that help various species thrive. The study concludes that integrating golf courses in climate adaptation strategies is a unique and underutilised method for conserving the environment in ASAL counties. Golf courses demonstrate that sports infrastructure can be used for sustainable land use and help with climate resilience. However, maximising their impact requires a multi-sectoral approach involving policymakers, environmental agencies, and local communities. Key recommendations were to involve giving incentives to golf courses that follow sustainable practices, including golf course management in community land use plans and raising public awareness about the environmental advantages of golf. It is important to build stronger partnerships between golf clubs and local governments to promote knowledge transfer and capacity-building for sustainable water and vegetation management
The influence of urban spatial characteristics on food insecurity among the low-income households: The case of Naivasha town, Kenya
Get PDFFood insecurity (FI) exists when people do not have secure access to enough amounts of food that is safe and nutritious to enhance normal growth and development and an active and healthy life. Globally, FI prevalence of 25.5% is experienced in towns. FI is prevalent in Kenyan towns too. For example, food insecurity prevalence of up to 86% has been reported in Thika town. The measurement of FI in urban areas is done using rural-oriented approaches thus overlooking critical urban challenges and systemic drivers. One major challenge of the current food insecurity metrics is to overlook spatial variations within urban areas. The influence of spatial characteristics on FI is therefore poorly understood and is unavailable in Naivasha town. The purpose of this study was to examine how urban spatial characteristics influence food insecurity in Naivasha town, Kenya. The research was anchored in the sector theory of urban growth. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting low-income households from six residential locations in Naivasha town. Using a multistage sampling technique, a total of 390 households were selected from the target population of 117,633. Data was collected through a pretested structured questionnaire and analysed using Kruskal-Wallis H test and multivariable logistic regression with SPSS version 26. Kruskal-Wallis H test results showed that perceived food utilization was significantly (p=0.00) different among the residential areas studied but that was not the case with household food insecurity access score. Regression analysis revealed unavailability of open markets significantly predicted household food insecurity access prevalence (p=0.04), while supermarket unavailability (p=0.039) and time to the food sources (p=0.049) significantly predicted perceived food utilization. These findings indicate that FI in Naivasha is influenced by the spatial characteristics of the town. Recommendations include improving access to open markets which are a significant source of food