African Journal of Empirical Research
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Employee Dedication and Performance of Deposit-Taking SACCOs in Nairobi, Kenya
Get PDFEmployees well-being and satisfaction need to be the precedence of any successful organization that is aimed at achieving its objectives and customer satisfaction. Thus, the paper sought to scrutinize the connections among staff dedication and performance of deposit-taking Sacco’s in Nairobi, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional census survey of forty-six (46) deposit -taking Sacco’s in Nairobi. Research data was gathered through a questionnaire in a descriptive design. The study utilized purposive sampling technique for the sample population. Reliability and validity of the variables was tested in a pilot study of three (3) deposit-taking Saccos in western part of Kenya. The data analysis was done by means of descriptive and inferential statistics as reinforced by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The research hypothesis was tested by means of regression analysis. The findings (R2 - 0.394; p-value=0.000) indicate that employee dedication has a significant impact on the performance of DT-Saccos in Nairobi, Kenya. The research has shown that staff dedication could pose a positive consequence on organizational performance. The study recommends that the senior managers of DT - Saccos should focus more on promoting labour dedication through effective communication, information sharing, employee participation in decision-making, transparent and accountable management and recognition of sterling personal achievement as they have been identified to affect organizational performance
Authoritative Parenting Style and Social-Emotional Development of Pre-Primary Learners: A Case of Lurambi Sub-Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFParenting is crucial to a child\u27s growth and development since so much of what they learn in their formative years hinges on the strength of their relationships with their parents. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of authoritative parenting styles on social emotional development of pre-primary learners. The study adopted Baumrind\u27s theory on parenting styles and used descriptive survey research design. The target population was 6,848 pre-primary learners, 264 ECD teachers, and 6,526 parents in Lurambi Sub-County-Kenya. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques helped to obtain sample size of 400 pre-primary learners, 26 ECD teachers and 20 ECD parents from 19 pre-schools. The interview schedule, questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to generate data for the study. The regression analysis indicated that authoritative parenting style had a statistically significant effect in predicting social emotional development of pre-primary learners as indicated by R2 =.206 (20.6%); F(1,18), = 4.661, B= .541, t=2.159, p<0.045. The study concluded that most children had active conversation with their parents, the study also concluded that most children were given token by their parents before doing task, the study also most parents made demands from their children. The study recommends that parents should use authoritative parenting to enhance children’s social emotional development
Exploring the Academic Self-Efficacy of the First Year Student Teachers of University of Rwanda-College of Education (UR-CE)
Get PDFThe research investigates the academic self-efficacy of first-year students at University of Rwanda-College of Education (UR-CE) in line with both Bandura’s social cognitive theory and self-efficacy theory. Utilizing a sequential explanatory model for quantitative and qualitative data collection, the research took place during academic year 2023 with total of 1,435 first-year students and it also engaged five members of the academic staff. Cochran’s formula was used to calculate sample size and 304 student teachers were randomly selected and 5academic staff member were selected, one from each of the five departments. A multi-stage sampling and simple random sampling were used to select the student teachers who undertook an online survey. After analyzing the quantitative statistical data, two in-depth interviews were conducted: one with 20 student teachers focusing on their academic self-efficacy and average scores, and another with five staff members from UR-CE. The overall mean for the four components of ASE on Likert scale was 3.67 which is equivalent to moderate ASE. The results of both in-depth interviews also confirmed these findings. The overall SD of scores in the four components of ASE is 1.91, indicating heterogeneity in levels of academic self-efficacy among UR-CE first-year teacher students. Self-regulated learning scored 3.89 indicating that first-year teachers excelled in regulating their learning to achieve academic goals, while competency scored 3,50 indicating that these student teachers have gaps in academic skills. In accordance with Bandura (2006)’s classification, 78.29% of student teachers have moderate ASE; 20.72% have high ASE; while 0.99% have low ASE. The study recommends that UR-CE improve programmes that enhance students\u27 academic self-efficacy and other psychosocial skills, and include these skills in its recruitment criteria. Finally, it is recommended that lecturers use specific pedagogical strategies to stimulate students\u27 academic self-efficacy rather than discourage them
Contribution of Employee Compensation on Job Performance in Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA), Tanzania
Get PDFEmployee compensation is very important to support job performance both in Public and private sectors. The aim of study is to investigate the contribution of employee compensation on job performance in Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA), Tanzania. Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA) sampled as one of public sectors in Tanzania. Expectancy theory used in this study. Both quantitative and qualitative research approach used. The case study research design was used. Employees data from TAA obtained by questionnaires, while those with administrative jobs had their data collected through interviews. Descriptive statistics and a structural model were used to examine the qualitative data, and content analysis was also used to assess the data. The study found that employee compensation affects workers\u27 performance in Tanzania\u27s public sectors. As a result, the report suggests that TAA management should monitor employee job performance. The study\u27s concluded that there is relationship between job performance and compensation types, frequency of compensation and compensation policy. It was observed that there was increase in job performance compensation forms. The study recommended that the improvement in work performance for every unit increase in compensation frequency. Similarly, there is rise in job performance with each unit increase in the remuneration scheme
Diagnostic Errors and their Impact on Obstetric Outcomes among Post-Natal Women at Level Five Teaching and Referral Hospitals in Bungoma County, Kenya
Get PDFDiagnostic errors are a global problem. Kenya has a high annual maternal mortality prevalence ratio of 362/100,000 live births. Bungoma County has a higher prevalence of diagnostic errors of 382/100,000 live births annually which exceeds the national average. Maternal and neonatal mortality arises from morbidity caused by diagnostic errors in Bungoma County. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between diagnostic errors and obstetric outcomes among post-natal women at level five hospitals in Bungoma County. Swiss Model guided this study. The study used a cross-sectional research design which was hospital-based (Bungoma and Webuye hospitals). Systematic sampling was used to obtain 327 respondents after proportionate allocation to each hospital, and purposive sampling to select 8 healthcare workers as key informants. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. The pre-test was done with validity established through crosschecking and reliability calculated using the Cronbach method (0.891). Using a statistical package for social sciences version 25, descriptive and inferential statistics were run where chi-square and odds ratio were used to determine the relationship between diagnostic errors and obstetric outcomes. The findings showed that diagnostic errors on average constituted 68.7% at the antenatal care clinics. Individual diagnostic errors were delayed diagnosis (56.9%), missed diagnosis (61.2%), absent diagnosis (72.5%), wrong diagnosis (65.1%), misinterpretation of tests (75.8%) and unnecessary investigation (80.7%). The safe obstetric outcome from the diagnostic errors was 77.4% and the unsafe obstetric outcome was 22.6%. The computed Odds Ratio (OR) indicated that delayed diagnosis (OR=1.661, p < 0.001), missed diagnosis (OR=1.587, p < 0.001), absent diagnosis (OR=1.454, p < 0.001), wrong diagnosis (OR=1.532, p < 0.001), misinterpretation of tests (OR=1.425, p < 0.001) and unnecessary investigation (OR=1.389, p < 0.001) were more likely to result in a safe obstetric outcome especially when matched at the final diagnosis. The matched diagnosis was 5.625 times more likely to result in a safe obstetric outcome as compared to an unmatched diagnosis. In conclusion, diagnostic errors from the matched diagnosis were 5.625 times more likely to prevent adverse obstetric outcomes as compared to diagnostic errors from the unmatched diagnoses. This study recommends that there should be continuous monitoring and evaluation of the antenatal care units to ascertain the diagnosis and history of the pregnant women to cushion against diagnostic errors that may result in adverse obstetric outcomes
Effects of Drug Abuse on Child Protection Outcomes of Vulnerable Teenage Girls in Laikipia West Subcounty, Kenya
Get PDFChildren, particularly girls, in many parts of the world, are vulnerable to abuses in different forms, exploitation, and neglect. Child protection aimed at vulnerable teenage girls has been implemented in many countries. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of drug abuse on child protection outcomes of vulnerable teenage girls in Laikipia West Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objective: to analyze the effects of teenage drug abuse on child protection outcomes of vulnerable teenage girls. The study was guided by the ecological systems theory. The study adopted a convergent parallel research design and was carried out in Laikipia West Sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya, within its six administrative wards. The study targeted 10,439 community leaders and teenage girls involved in child protection outcomes. The study used the stratified and cluster sampling technique to sample community leaders and teenage girls, resulting in a total of 384 participants comprising the entire sample size inclusive of 8 community leaders and 384 teenage girls. The researcher collected responses from the chosen participants through a series of structured questionnaires and an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS, with descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and percentages used to summarize the data. Inferential statistics-regression was also conducted, and thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. From the findings The R-squared in this study was 0.770, which shows that the variable drug abuse can explain 77.0% of child protection outcomes of vulnerable teenage girls in Laikipia West sub county, Kenya. From the findings the researcher concluded that teenage girls drug abuse is a significant issue affecting teenage girls in Laikipia West, with the majority of respondents agreeing that addiction to drugs negatively impacts their well-being and protection, as reflected in high mean scores. From the findings the researcher concluded that teenage girls drug abuse is a significant issue affecting teenage girls in Laikipia West, with the majority of respondents agreeing that addiction to drugs negatively impacts their well-being and protection, as reflected in high mean scores. The study recommends that community-based interventions should prioritize increasing awareness and education about the risks associated with drug abuse, targeting both teenagers and their families
Influence of Community Partnership on Human Security in Nyamyumba Sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to determine the influence of community partnership on human security in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda. Despite efforts to improve human security in Nyamyumba sector, challenges persist, particularly in areas of community involvement and women\u27s participation. The specific impact of community partnership on human security in this context remained insufficiently understood. The study employed mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with descriptive and correlation research designs. A target population of 30,851 people was used, with a sample size of 407 respondents selected using Yamane\u27s formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the percentage scaling to 66.8% corresponding with that mean of 3.72 agreed that a t the peace table, women are contributing in human security. This implies that level of women contribution to the development of human security is still low compared to other measured variables. It was also indicated that there is a statistically significant relationship between community partnership and human security. In terms of citizens’ participation, the study established that the mean of 3.23 and only 46.1% agreed that the level of public participation and citizen’s engagement in human security’ decision making presses tend to be low in Nyamyumba sector. The study concludes that community partnership plays a crucial role in enhancing human security in Nyamyumba sector. Factors such as collaboration between units, associations and cooperatives, stakeholder involvement, and women\u27s participation significantly contribute to improving human security outcomes. The study recommends increased efforts to involve communities in human security initiatives, promote collaboration between different stakeholders, empower women\u27s participation in security processes, and strengthen local associations and cooperatives. Further research should explore additional factors influencing human security in the area
Les Effets de L’utilisation du Kinyarwanda dans L’Enseignement-Apprentissage du Français Langue Etrangère dans les Ecoles Secondaires du District de Gasabo, au Rwanda
Get PDFBien que le gouvernement du Rwanda et l\u27Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) aient fait des efforts pour améliorer l\u27enseignement-apprentissage du français dans les écoles secondaires au Rwanda, l\u27utilisation du kinyarwanda dans cet enseignement-apprentissage révèle un effet important sur l\u27utilisation du français dans les écoles secondaires du district de Gasabo, au Rwanda. Dans cette recherche, la perspective actionnelle occupe une position prépondérante car elle place l\u27apprenant au cœur de l\u27enseignement et de l\u27apprentissage. L\u27objectif de cette étude est d\u27évaluer l\u27effet de l\u27utilisation du kinyarwanda dans l\u27enseignement-apprentissage du français langue étrangère dans les écoles secondaires du district de Gasabo, au Rwanda. L\u27échantillon de 238 participants a été constitué pour représenter de manière significative la population de 588 personnes, en veillant à ce que les caractéristiques clés de la population soient adéquatement représentées dans l\u27échantillon. Pour mesurer la fiabilité de nos outils de recherche, nous avons fait le pré-test sur 50 apprenants dont le résultat global est 0,858 et post-test sur 228 apprenants dont le résultat global est 0,858. Pour recueillir des informations liées à notre sujet, nous avons distribué des questionnaires aux 234 apprenants pour collecter les données quantitatives, des séances d\u27observation et des entretiens avec 4 enseignants de français dans les écoles secondaires FAWE Girls School et Groupe Scolaire Kimironko I afin de collecter les données qualitatives. La méthode mixte a été utilisée pour analyser les données recueillies pour en tirer la conclusion. Nous avons constaté que la pratique de la traduction dans l\u27enseignement-apprentissage du français facilite la compréhension des apprenants, mais elle ne permet pas aux apprenants d\u27acquérir les compétences requises pour communiquer dans un environnement non estudiantin. Dans les écoles secondaires au Rwanda, il a été prouvé que l\u27utilisation du kinyarwanda dans l\u27enseignement et l\u27apprentissage du français est principalement due aux prérequis des apprenants de la langue qui ne sont pas en adéquation avec la matière à étudier. D\u27après les résultats obtenus et discutés, cette étude suggère que les établissements scolaires secondaires doivent prévoir et mettre à disposition les ressources nécessaires pour l\u27enseignement et l\u27apprentissage du français langue étrangère
The Implications of Employee Participation in Decision-Making on Employee Productivity at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy - Karume Campus, Zanzibar
Get PDFThe researchers aimed to examine the implication of employee participation in decision-making on employee productivity at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy- Karume campus in Zanzibar. The population of the study comprised 70 academic and non-academic employees. Both probability and non-probability sampling were used to select a sample of 60 participants. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants who have managerial roles, such as Campus Directors, heads of departments, and heads of faculty while simple random sampling was used for other participants among the employees as they had an equal chance to participate in the study. The study was guided by two research objectives: to determine the extent to which employees are involved in the decision-making process and to assess the impacts of employee participation in decision-making on productivity. The study was guided by the Management by Objectives (MBO) theory which assumes that involving employees in setting goals and creating action plans leads to better participation, commitment, and alignment of objectives throughout the organisation. The study adopted a case study design. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative information and descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data. The findings show that participation in decision-making creates a sense of belongingness, honesty, and commitment among employees in the organisation. Furthermore, employee participation in decision-making allows employees to share their opinions, ideas, and skills, which enhances team cooperation and collaboration, leading to more successful decision implementation. The study concludes that employee participation in decision-making leads to improved productivity levels. The study, therefore, recommends that management should assess the reasons for employees to feel isolated from decision-making processes
Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Psychotic and Mood Disorders among the Population in Bungoma County, Kenya
Get PDFMental, neurological, and substance use disorders (MNS) pose a significant global health challenge, affecting a quarter of the world\u27s population and contributing to a substantial portion of the global disease burden. Access to essential treatment remains challenging, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study focuses on the scarcity of mental health resources in Kenya, particularly in Bungoma County, where community-level perspectives are often overlooked. The research aims to bridge this gap by investigating the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of psychosis and mood disorders in the region, aligning with the World Health Organization\u27s call for holistic mental health services. The study was conducted in Bungoma County, Kenya, and employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study population was 1,670,570 as per the Kenya census 2019. The sampling strategies used were purposive, stratified and simple random sampling with a sample size of 762 respondents. A stratified random sampling method ensured representation from each sub-county, maintaining proportionality based on population size. The study utilized the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for screening, a structured diagnostic psychiatric interview, and conducted structured interviews with trained research assistants. Statistical analyses, including descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine prevalence and sociodemographic correlates. Among 762 respondents, 78.2% met the lifetime criteria for at least one of the four screened mental health conditions. Depression was the most prevalent (73.8%), followed by bipolar mood disorder (13.8%) and psychosis (1.8%). Sociodemographic factors significantly associated with these disorders included marital status, employment status, and income. Male persons were at a higher risk of experiencing psychosis and mood disorder (odds 1.37); the odds of youths having psychosis and mood disorder was higher (odds 1.42); low-income earners of less were 1.685 times likely to experience psychosis and mood disorder and people who lived alone were 1.641 times more likely to suffer psychosis and mood disorder. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in Bungoma County, Kenya. It emphasizes the prevalence of mental health conditions and the sociodemographic factors influencing them. The findings highlight the importance of considering the local context in mental health interventions, aligning with global calls for holistic, community-driven mental health services