African Journal of Empirical Research
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Women’s Political Participation Opportunities in the Nakuru and Narok Counties of Kenya
Get PDFThis paper focused on the political opportunity to empower women in Nakuru and Narok counties of Kenya by conducting comparative evaluative research. Feminist Theory informed this study, which focuses on gender disparities and how political, economic, and social factors dictate women\u27s roles and engagements. This research aimed to assess the KB clown sketches and their impact on women\u27s political chances. A purposive sampling procedure was adopted in which 335 participants with critical informants, ordinary citizens, and young women interested in leadership positions were sampled. Quantitative and qualitative research was used, and questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data among women to understand the current political situation. Data analysis was done in two ways, which include descriptive and thematic analysis. The quantitative data from the administered questionnaires were analyzed descriptively to produce frequencies and percentages for the findings on women’s political participation opportunities. The information collected from interviews and focus group discussions was analyzed through thematic analysis to develop trends and findings on socio-cultural perspective, policy understanding, and institutional support for women in politics. Research outcomes revealed that despite the improvement in electoral democracy and female representation in the political process, barriers including but not limited to inadequate resource mobilization, conflict of cultures and practices, and unequal/ irregular championing of gender mainstreaming policies and frameworks still inhibit inclusion. These policies were deemed critical because they informed women as to how they could extend effective democracy in political systems while also ensuring that people in a community understood the gains that could be derived from having women\u27s leadership. Research concluded that this can be achieved through efforts to strengthen mentorship programs, increase public appreciation for the importance of women\u27s participation in leadership and governance, and improve the application of supportive policies and laws. Some recommendations focus on political capacity-building and gender sensitization training to empower women for political positions and call on the political parties to encourage gender parity on their list of candidates. Using media and technology in leadership and management to promote role-modeling to women leaders is also essential in establishing relationships and collaboration with other regional and global organizations on lobbying for women\u27s political rights. Research into these matters should be conducted with backup data for a substantive approach to the progress of Nakuru, Narok, and other counties. Individually, these measures present a trajectory toward improving the environment of women\u27s political participation in Kenya
Socio-Economic and Environmental Interactions in the Maasai Mau Forest Kenya: A Comprehensive Household Survey Analysis
Get PDFMaasai Mau Forest contains a diversity of flora and fauna, which are a source of livelihood for the local communities and provide various valuable ecosystem services. However, it is under threat from illegal subsistence farming in the Mau catchment and its surrounding areas due to anthropogenic activities leading to deforestation. The main objective of the study was to look at socioeconomic and environmental contexts of the households to inform sustainable land management (SLM) and conservation efforts. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed with a study area located in the Maasai Mau Forest region, Narok County, Kenya, which comprises of communities living within and around the Maasai Mau Forest. The study participants included Maasai communities, with a study population being mainly household-headed in the Maasai Mau Forest, which mainly depended on agriculture and animal farming for their livelihoods. A multi-stage sampling approach was also used in selecting the sampling units, such as villages, which were then further stratified into different areas or locations depending on the boundaries. The final sample size comprised of 385 households. Data were collected using semi-structured household questionnaires. Data was analyzed by the software SPSS using frequencies and percentages for nominal data and means for numeric data. About 59.5% of the respondents were women, a higher proportion compared to male-headed households of 76.1%. The major source of education of respondents was primary education (49.9%) followed by secondary education (29.6%) while only 14% had no formal education. Sources of income included crop farming (37.4%); livestock production (28.2%) followed by casual employment (15.8%). About 77.9% of the households had monthly incomes of below KES 15,000. Land ownership was freehold with 97.7% of the land in the freehold status and an average of a freehold land size at 1.4 acres. Most households kept various livestock including cattle (71.7%), poultry (12.5%) followed by other livestock kept. Crop production declined from the past years; with maize (96.4%) and beans (90.9%) being the main crops grown followed by potatoes (30.6%) and wheat (29.8%). Food security was a main concern with 54% of households indicating a downward trend in crop production over time. The survey objectives were met, showing that there are challenges with socio-economic issues, resource base, agricultural productivity and food security impacting the Maasai Mau Forest. However, there are opportunities for investing in sustainable agriculture and enhancing community involvement in conservation. The study recommended an integrated conservation approach that addressed the economic related issues, improved sustainable farming practices and enhanced community involvement, by: Improving land use planning and its management; Improving agricultural productivity and increasing market access; and Increasing food and water security to support improved sustainability of the Maasai Mau Forest Ecosystem
Factors Driving Solid Waste Management Payments in African Markets: Understanding Determinants and Overcoming Challenges
Get PDFWaste management has become an issue of interest across global today due to its impact on the public health and efforts to achieve the global sustainable development goals. Despite the influence and necessity of the waste management practices yet there is little understanding in the factors influencing households’ willingness to comply and hence pay for such services mostly in developing countries including Tanzania. Therefore, the current study explores determinants of solid waste management in Arusha region by studying behaviors of the vendors in three markets places of Kilomebro, Tengeru, and Samunge using cross-sectional research design of which as sample of 150 vendors were included in the study. The results of the study reveal that socioeconomic factors such as age (p<0.01), working experience (p<0.01), and income (p<0.01) are significant determinants enhancing vendors’ decision to pay for the waste management. On the other hand, amount of waste generated by vendors, and their awareness on the waste management practices also influence vendors willingness and decision to pay for the waste management across all three markets in Arusha region at 0.013 (p<0.01) and 1.894 (p<0.01) . Additionally, quality of waste management services offered are also important component affecting vendors decision to be willing to pay for the waste management practices. The study recommends that in order to cultivate the waste management practices across communities it is important to prioritize in establishing educational programs that aimed at enhancing vendors\u27 awareness and understanding of the importance of solid waste management, as well as developing income diversification strategies which will help to explore and address the significant role income plays in determining vendors\u27 willingness to pay for solid waste management
Gender and Social Exclusion in Lake Victoria Basin: A Case of Mara and Simiyu Regions, Tanzania
Get PDFTanzania has undertaken several deliberate measures to address the social exclusion of traditionally marginalised groups. Yet, it is still felt by some people that good measures, strategies, and plans implemented in health and education are not handled at the household level. The study was conducted in Bunda TC, Bunda DC, and Busega DC to assess gender and social exclusion in the Lake Victoria basin. Specifically, examining disparities in household children’s education expectations by gender and investigating gendered differentials in health status and care. This study employed a multistage sampling method, combining random and purposive techniques, to select 447 households. Key informants were purposefully chosen for interviews, and 30 households per village were systematically surveyed. Data were collected through various methods, including documentary review and computer-aided personnel interviews, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Findings revealed that the sex of a child influenced the household expectation of the highest education level of children. Financial expectation determines who should be educated. The girls were on the disadvantageous side. The sex of the household head did not distinguish health status, and the exclusion of health care lies not in differential treatment between males and females but in differing affordability and the availability of health facilities. It is recommended that: the right to education of a girl child should be addressed at the household level; measures to improve health care affordability and availability of health facilities should be ensured; the provision of health insurance for all and free health services for complicated health problems of women should be emphasised
Techniques Used by Primary Teachers when Using English as Medium of Instruction in Rubavu District, Rwanda
Get PDFRwanda is an endoglossic country where Kinyarwanda is the first language and mother tongue of Rwandans. Since English was implemented as Medium of instruction (MoI), most teachers with Kinyarwanda and French background get challenges due to teaching in a new language. They had a lower level of proficiency in English and shortage of teaching resources. This study aimed at investigating techniques used by Primary teachers when teaching in English as MoI and its impacts on learners’ academic performance of many other subjects which are taught through English. The study was conducted in Rubavu District, Rwanda. The entire target population was 300 people comprised of teachers and head teachers. The researchers sampled 62 persons. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 10 primary schools according to their geographical location and 10 head teachers respectively. The selection of teachers used stratified sampling technique for 52 teachers, where two strata were considered namely new teachers and more experienced teachers. In data collection, the researchers used questionnaire for teachers and interview guide for head teachers. Both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used when analyzing the findings. The key findings of 100% (52) showed that they used teaching aids and oral activities. 13.4% (7) of the respondents strongly disagreed that use of code switching for teachers facilitate them as speakers to change linguistic code that maintain or destroy interpersonal relationships when teachers teach in English. Amongst techniques used by primary teachers were, stories in English, English songs, games, code switching, role play and use of charts, pictures and books as teaching aids. However, the teachers did not use poem recitation, impromptu speech, classroom presentations and group discussions when teaching their subjects in English. The study concluded that teaching techniques are still paramount to facilitate both teacher and learner’s betterment of the academic performance in all subjects that are taught in English as MoI. The researchers drew some recommendations to different educational stakeholders such as policy makers including government, ministry of education and many other Educational stakeholders to intensify the in service-trainings on English proficiency to the teachers as their second language with aim of empowering them to be familiar with English and interact with pupils in English through role plays and dialogues. The policy makers have to offer teachers different facilities including teaching aids and other resources to support them when teaching in English as a MoI
The Status of Implementation of Non-Formal Curricular (NFC) in Secondary Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya
No full textThe study sought to find out about the status of the implementation of the non-formal curriculum in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya. It employed a descriptive survey design. A total of 2550 respondents were involved, segregated as 1935 learners, 430 teachers, 43 Non-Formal Curriculum Activities (NFCAs) departmental heads, 43 principals, 86 parents, and 13 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs). Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while structured interviews, document analysis, and observations were employed to collect qualitative data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate analyses for the quantitative data using frequencies, means, modes, and standard deviations tables that displayed the distribution of observations against the options provided on different variables, including the display of their deviations from the mean value. Narratives were used to describe the qualitative data. From the analysis, it was discovered that finances for NFCAs were insufficient and disbursement of the same to schools was delayed. NFCAs offered in schools could not fully support the large learner populations, and schools lacked sufficient orientation programmes for new learners. The existing policies on the implementation of the NFC did not give schools clear directions for engagement in NFCAs. The study therefore recommends that, to improve learner involvement in NFCAs, the government should increase the allocation of funds and improve the timing of disbursement. Schools should consider introducing a wide range of NFCAs and also advocate for the development of a clearer and more comprehensive policy for the implementation of the NFC
Effect of Procurement Planning on Public Institutions Performance: A Case of Rwanda Development Board
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to assess the effect of procurement planning on public institutions performance. The Rwandan Development Board (RDB) has included state agencies in the creation of procurement strategies, but their efforts have been fruitless so far. An everyday scenario would be an organization\u27s signed contracts with its contractors seeing a rise in the amounts due to the unexpectedly high pricing on global marketplaces. In conducting this research, three objectives were laid out to assess the effects of procurement needs identification and specifications on performance of Rwanda Development Board, to find out the effect of procurement budgeting on performance of Rwanda Development Board and to examine the effect of procurement risk management on the performance of Rwanda Development Board. To accomplish these goals, we first conducted a literature study that centered on the resource-based perspective, stakeholder theory, and relationship management theory; then, we used a census sample approach to choose 156 RDB workers from whom we gathered data. Methods for gathering information included an interview guide, documentation, and a questionnaire. We used quantitative and qualitative data to examine the data. The results show that, with all procurement planning set to zero, the performance of RDB will be 147.4 percent; there will be a 36.8 percent boost in RDB performance with an increase of one unit in the use of procurement needs identification and specifications; a 63.2% boost in RDB performance with an increase of one percent in the use of procurement budgeting; and a 68.4 percent boost in RDB performance with an increase of one percentage point in the use of procurement risk management planning. From a high level of analysis, it was found that procurement risk management planning, procurement budgeting, and procurement requirements identification and specifications were the three factors that had the most impact on the performance of public institutions at RDB. Procurement requirements identification and specifications, procurement budgeting, and procurement risk management planning all had 0.011, 0.018, and 0.31 levels of significance, respectively, at a 5% level of significance and a 95% level of confidence. With p<0.05, all of the factors were considerably different. Also, the Rwanda Development Board\u27s procurement plans and the performance of public institutions are significantly different (p=.000), according to the ANOVA test. Public sector organizations\u27 efficiency and effectiveness are both improved by procurement planning, according to the research. Procurement planning allows the government agency to save money by consolidating comparable needs under a single contract and by dividing more complicated needs into smaller, more manageable packages. The researcher concluded that RDB could benefit from identifying possible product issues before purchase through procurement needs identification and specifications; as a result, the researcher advised that RDB and suppliers typically enter into a transactional relationship. It is recommended to collaborate with suppliers when acquiring commodities that have a greater supply risk
Influence of Supply Chain Technological Integration on the Performance of Formal Manufacturing Firms in Mombasa County, Kenya
Get PDFTechnological integration within the supply chain has emerged as a pivotal determinant for the growth and competitiveness of manufacturing companies amidst the rapidly evolving business landscape. However, in Kenya, numerous firms encounter challenges in embracing and assimilating the latest technological advancements into their supply chain operations. This study aimed to assess the impact of supply chain technological integration on the performance of formal manufacturing firms in Mombasa County. Grounded on the Innovation Diffusion Theory, the research targeted 50 general procurement managers, 100 warehouse managers, and 100 general operation managers across 50 manufacturing enterprises. Utilizing the Yamane formula, a sample size of 152 respondents was determined, and data was collected through questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. The findings show that by enhancing operational efficacy and efficiency, the integration of supply chain technology significantly enhances overall business performance. Consequently, the study concludes that supply chain technological integration plays a positive role in influencing firm performance among formal manufacturing enterprises in Mombasa County. To optimize performance, it is recommended that firms invest in robust and reliable technologies. Furthermore, there is a need for additional research to explore the impact of supply chain technological integration on firm performance across diverse industries and regions within Kenya
Effect of School Leadership Practices on the Commitment of Secondary School Teachers in Musanze District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis study examined the effect of school leadership practices on the commitment of secondary school teachers in public schools within Musanze district, Rwanda. The specific objectives were to assess the influence of teachers\u27 motivation, supervision, evaluation, and training and development practices on teachers\u27 commitment to work. This research was guided by two theories: Herzberg two factor theory and Max Weber bureaucracy theory. By using a correlational research design, the study employed a quantitative research approach in collecting and analyzing data. The closed-ended questionnaire was filled out by 167 teachers and 44 school leaders, who were randomly selected from a target population of 305. Reliability was confirmed by a pilot study using Cronbach\u27s alpha coefficient. Data for the first, second, third and fourth research questions on school leadership practices and teachers’ commitment to work was analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation) and regression analysis, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed significant effects of all four leadership practices on teachers\u27 commitment in Musanze district. Notably, motivation practices (β=0.469, P value <0.05), supervision practices (β=0.368, P-value < 0.05), evaluation practices (β=0.495, P value < 0.05), and training and development practices (β=0.081, P value < 0.05) all exhibited positive linear relationships with teachers\u27 commitment. This study recommends that the leadership in schools under examination should foster teachers\u27 commitment to their work in order to improve student outcomes, which is essential for overall school success
Nexus between Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Adaptation to Climate Change Strategies by Farmers in Kajiado County, Kenya
Get PDFIndigenous knowledge (IK) has played an important role in adaptation to climate change in traditional agricultural communities. These approaches have been shown to be more effective when integrated with scientifically developed strategies. In this study, a perception survey questionnaire was used to find out whether there is a nexus between IK systems and the uptake of modern Climate Change Adaptation Strategies (CCAS) among farmers in Kajiado County, Kenya. A mixed research approach that involved the use of household questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and observations was used to obtain data. The two theories, namely the Situated Learning Theory (SLT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), formed the basis for illustrating the relationship between variables, while the Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to Climate Change (MPPACC) was the key theoretical model employed. A total of 382 small-scale rural household representatives randomly selected from 3 Kajiado sub-counties were the principal respondents. The key informants included officers in the departments of agriculture, environment, meteorology, trade, and industry, as well as local administration and village elders. Statistical tools such as chi-square, correlation, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine associations. Thematic analysis of data collected from key informants and focus group discussions (FGD) was conducted to triangulate the survey results. Farmers\u27 awareness of climate change, risk perceptions of impacts, existing locally developed approaches to climate change adaptation, and perceptions of CCAS were the main areas of investigation. The majority of farmers (85%) indicated that prolonged drought was the main extreme event that affected their farming activities. Of the indicators observed, drought (X2 = 13.861, p =.000) was perceived as the greatest risk associated with climate change to their agricultural productivity. Their IK adaptation strategies resulted from their interactions with the effects of drought on their livelihoods over the years. Farmers who were nomadic (IK practitioners) were not willing to apply for CCAS. For example, they were 72% less likely to increase their irrigated cropped area and 79% less likely to increase the number of better livestock breeds. Among the CCAS approaches, water resource management was the only preferred strategy. This particular finding shows that climate change policies can be easily adopted by indigenous farming communities if they are developed around an issue that matches their socio-ecological priorities. Without taking into account the prevailing social, cultural, and geo-environmental context of specific communities, the adoption of CCAS by farmers would be significantly affected. The study recommends that integrating indigenous agricultural knowledge into climate change adaptation policies enhances community resilience. Aligning adaptation strategies with local responses enriches farmer knowledge and boosts resilience against climate change impacts. Effective climate change adaptation plans should incorporate local weather prediction, environmental conservation, and proven community-based strategies, especially in water resource management for arid and semi-arid pastoralist communities