African Journal of Empirical Research
Not a member yet
975 research outputs found
Sort by
Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and the Performance of Kenya National Highways Authority Road Maintenance Projects in Central Region, Kenya
Get PDFRoad maintenance projects frequently encounter issues such as delays in completion, inadequate user satisfaction, and inconsistent quality of work. This study examined how Kenyan road maintenance projects performed in relation to Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) procedures. This research purposed to determine the impact of M&E budget allocation on the Central region\u27s Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) road repair projects\u27 performance. In this investigation, the guidance was drawn from the theory of constraints. This research employed descriptive survey research and targeted 24 roads under KenHA maintenance in Central region. The intended participants comprised 72 road engineers and 50 KeNHA staff from various counties in the central region. A census sample approach was employed in the study. Both closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires were used in the study. A small sample of ten road engineers working on KeNHA projects participated in a pilot study. The data was statistically analysed using SPSS version 27. The study on budget allocation in road maintenance projects found positive evaluations of budget management, with a composite mean of 4.19. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive link between budget allocation and project performance (r = 0.670, p < 0.001), while regression analysis indicated budget allocation accounts for 57.3% of performance variance (R² = 0.573). Overall, effective budget allocation for M&E activities, including training and logistics, significantly boosts project success. The study recommended that KenHA should ensure adequate allocation of M&E funds to enable training of monitoring team and for logistical support
Factors Influencing Electronic Textbooks’ Reading Skills among Students in Secondary Schools of Muhanga District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis paper seeks to investigate the effect and availability of English electronic textbooks on students\u27 performance in reading skills, focusing on both students and teachers. Specifically, the research aims to: (1) assess the role of English electronic textbooks in enhancing students\u27 reading fluency, (2) compare the reading skills performance of students using electronic textbooks with those using traditional printed textbooks, and (3) identify the challenges and benefits perceived by students and teachers. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), developed by Davis, was used as the interpretive framework. The research adopted a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative designs to achieve the general and specific research objectives. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect primary data, while a documentary review was used to gather secondary data. The study population consisted of 1,231 respondents, with a sample size of 92 respondents. The data was presented in tables and analyzed using a T-test. The results indicate that students\u27 English reading skills have significantly improved in a school equipped with a smart classroom compared to a school without smart classrooms after the introduction of e-textbooks. The benefits of e-textbooks in the teaching and learning process were evident. Therefore, the Ministry of Education, Rwanda (MINEDUC), school leaders, and teachers should address the challenges to further enhance the effectiveness of e-textbooks in teaching English reading skills
The Effects of Training on Employee Performance: A Case of Tanzania Police Headquarters
Get PDFHuman resources are considered valuable in any organization as they ensure every task is done smoothly. However, if these human resources are not well equipped with the right equipment, techniques and knowledge on how to perform their duties, they cannot be productive, and this is where training comes in as a solution to solving these problems. This study aims to show how training contributes to improved employee performance at Tanzania Police Headquarters. The study was guided by open innovation theory and organizational development theory. The study adopted a case design because it took a short time and was constructed as a single case study of the Tanzania Police Headquarters (TPF). Both probability and non-probability sampling methods were beneficial in helping the purpose underlying this study. The target population was the Tanzania Police Force (TPF) headquarters employees in Dar es Salaam city. The 125 sampled TPF employees were drawn from three nominated departments to offer information in the study using questionnaires, interviews, and literature reviews as instruments of data collection. Data was analyzed using social science statistical package. The findings revealed that in the study area, different types of training were provided to employees such as on job training, promotional training, refresher training, technological training and orientation training. Employees at TPF revealed that training has increased the morale of employees, reduced employee turnover, improved staff retention and improved job satisfaction as well as improved skills which have improved performance. Data findings indicated that the absence of training needs assessment, outdated curriculum, limited facilities; incompetent trainers and insufficient funds were barriers to conducting training. The study concluded that training has increased the morale of employees, reduced employee turnover, improved staff retention and improved job satisfaction as well as improved skills which has improved performance. It was recommended that TPF should establish strong strategic plans to support training and development to employees as well as reduce hindrances facing the proper utilization of training and all these can be considered when there is a strong policy for training and evaluation of training needs assessment
Assessment of Physical Status of The Irrigation Structures in Nyarubogo Irrigation Scheme, Rwanda
Get PDFThe physical status of irrigation structures holds immense importance in ensuring the efficient and sustainable management of water resources for agricultural purposes. This study aimed to assess the physical status of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme structures, which has implications for the level of performance of this irrigation scheme. Specifically, the study assessed the effectiveness of the irrigation infrastructures in terms of intake efficiency, canal physical condition, and command area development. Cross sectional study design was employed, and units for the study were randomly selected to be included in this study. Observation method were used to characterize the physical condition of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme while questionnaire survey were used to collect data on the implication of socioeconomic characteristics on the performance, and effectiveness of irrigation system. The collected data were fitted to the irrigation structures assessment approaches suggested by Bos, Zende and Nagarajan. Analysis of farmer’s responses was through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 27). This study evaluated the physical status of about 130 irrigation structures in Nyarubogo irrigation scheme. The structures included 7 division boxes, 73 water drops, 2 aqueducts, 42 turnouts, 4 bridges, and 2 Culverts. Overall, the scheme had an effectiveness of 63.8%, with culverts, bridges, and water drops presenting more than the average functional condition of 64.38%, 75.00%, and 100.00%, respectively. The intake efficiency during this study was found to be 67% accumulated from efficiencies of sediment level (20%), embankment (35%), and sluice gate (12%) based on their weightage percentage and rank scores. The overall canal condition was good and was quantified to 70%. The command area development was exhibiting subpar performance, registering a mere 32% effectiveness. Moreover, the study evaluated how farmers\u27 socio-economic status influenced the inadequate maintenance of the Nyarubogo irrigation systems. It uncovered numerous elements contributing to this dilemma: there was limited engagement of women and youth in agricultural pursuits, low educational attainment, challenges surrounding land ownership (specifically, land tenure), the small size of land holdings per household and a notable absence of government incentives for maintenance efforts. These factors, however, when coupled with inadequate funds derived from water fees, significantly obstruct the proper care of these irrigation infrastructures. On the other hand, high runoff due to heavy rainfall was mentioned by the majority of farmers (20.7%) among the primary causes of poor maintenance of irrigation structures. Generally, the evaluation of the Nyarubogo irrigation system structures emphasizes the uneven levels of efficacy and challenges, highlighting the necessity of focused maintenance efforts and enhanced water management techniques
Assessment of Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Effluent Quality Discharged from the Shirere Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Isiukhu River, Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFFor waste removal, advanced infrastructural technologies can be adopted in the drainage channels of effluents into water bodies though they are limited and scarce. The aim of the study was to asses community knowledge, attitude and perception towards effluent quality discharged from Shirere wastewater treatment plant up to river Isiukhu. Correlation and descriptive survey were the main research approaches adopted. The measurement of the knowledge, perception and attitude was limited to only the community members, as well as Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) staff members. The study was anchored by the risk management theory to demonstrate the vulnerability of community hazards like water pollution. The social-economic sampling approaches applied were stratified for the community members and random for the KACWASCO workers. The population targeted was eighty community members and four KACWASCO staff members. The questionnaires were pretested through a pilot study to ascertain their reliability. This pre-test was conducted at a different Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) at Nabongo. The Pearson coefficient (r) was used to compute the correlation coefficient between the two test scores. Data was analyzed using regression and correlation methods. For socio-economic, reliability test was administered by use test- retest method. A code book was prepared and scores of the first test correlated with scores of the second test, and Pearson product moment of correlation was computed using SPSS software version 21.0. By applying the analysis of variance (ANOVA), researcher was able to determine whether differences observed between groups are likely due to actual variations in their perceptions or simply due to chance. From the reliability test, all of the variables obtained had Cronbach\u27s Alpha greater than 0.7, indicating that they met the necessary 0.7 for data internal consistency. The Bartlett\u27s test for validity was examined using the chi-square test, which revealed that all of the variables were significant at the 5% (0.000) level of significance. Only 82 of the 84 questionnaires provided to the sampled respondents (KACWASCO staffs and community members) were filled out and returned in this study. From the study findings the value of R-square was 0.429. The ANOVA test indicated that in this model the independent variable namely; knowledge of the residents is important in predicting of waste water treatment as indicated by significance value=0.002 which is less than 0.05 level of significance (p=0.002 < 0.05). Additionally, the response under attitude and perception, the value of R-Square was 0.045 which implied that, 4.5% of variation of Wastewater Treatment Plant in Shirere was explained by attitude and perception of the residents within the area. The study also revealed that attitude and perception of the residents in Shirere had a significant influence on wastewater treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County (t-statistic = 25.674, p-value = ). Therefore, it was concluded that, at 5% level of significance, indicating that community knowledge, perception and attitude had a positive influence on waste water treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County. Likewise, for every unit increase in attitude of the residents there was a corresponding increase in wastewater treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County by 0.628. The study recommended that, the community members need more sensitization on matters pollution as revealed by this study
Assessing Learning in Mathematical Sensemaking Electromagnetism Instructions among Rwanda Polytechnic Students at Huye College
Get PDFIn the realm of electromagnetic (EM) courses in engineering, many studies have reported students’ learning difficulties related to mathematical frameworks representing physical phenomena. Students’ learning engagement and learning gains are not satisfying. The present study assessed first-year engineering students’ behavioural engagement and perceived learning gains in mathematical sensemaking electromagnetism instructions at RP-Huye College. Within a single-case research design, a six-weeks intervention incorporating mathematical sensemaking instructions, supported by physical experimentation and computer simulations, was implemented to 61 first-year engineering students who were enrolled in the department of electrical and electronics engineering. All enrolled students were purposively recruited to participate because this target population was less than 100. Data were collected through classroom observations, which used the behavioural engagement related to instruction (BERI) and a post-topic evaluation, which used a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved the use of graphs, descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed that students were mostly engaged during mathematical sensemaking by hands-on and simulation-based activities, particularly in topics related to electromagnets, where engagement levels peaked at 7.5 in average. Conversely, lecture-based tasks, especially on magnetic forces and electromagnetic induction, recorded the lowest engagement at 6.2 in average. The post-topic assessment on perceived learning gains showed that students had highly positive perceptions on their learning experiences (M=4.82, SD=0.48) and recognized the significance of EM in engineering (M=4.85, SD=0.38). These numerical results were complemented by students’ narrations, which indicated that they gained particular attention about specific EM formulas and how they can apply them in engineering. However, the present study also noted that further refinement in instructional design, particularly by incorporating specific dimensions of mathematical sensemaking, could optimize learning outcomes for EM courses in engineering. Additionally, formal assessments of students’ mastery and experimental studies can benefit future work
Physical Facility Availability and Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Trans Nzoia East Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFEducation is essential for individual growth and national progress, but its success largely depends on the institutions that sustain it. Identifying how these institutional factors contribute to or hinder academic success is vital for overcoming challenges in the education sector and promoting academic achievement. This study seeks to examine how physical facility availability influences academic performance of learners in public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia East Sub-county, Kenya. The study set out to ascertain the following effects: the influence of science laboratories and computer laboratories in the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya\u27s Trans Nzoia East Sub-County; assess the influence of library resources on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya\u27s Trans Nzoia East Sub-County; to evaluate the effects of dormitories on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya\u27s Trans Nzoia East Sub-County; and the impact of sanitation facilities and open fields on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya\u27s Trans Nzoia East Sub-County. Based on the principle of the Education Production Function, the study was conducted utilized a mixed-methods, descriptive approach. The research targeted a population of 4574 persons consisting of 73 principals, 1,280 serving instructors and 3221 senior students in government secondary institutions. Participants were selected using random sampling to appoint the sample of principals, teachers and students. A sample of 354 individuals were identified using the Krejcie & Morgan table (1970) of choosing the appropriate number of sample. The sample consisted of 6 principals, 99 serving teachers and 249 form four students. To collect data, the study used interviews, questionnaires, document analysis and observation. The instruments were piloted in three public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia West region. Validity testing was done by the researcher being assisted by professionals who expertise in various aspects of validy. In reliability, test-retest method was administered and determined by the Cronbach alpha coefficient of a 0.7 threshold. . The analysis of quantitative data employed descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, with the aid of SPSS version 26 while qualitative data were categorized into themes corresponding to the study’s key objectives. The key findings indicated a statistically significant association between physical facilities and the academic performance of students. A Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship(0.968)between the availability of physical facilities and students’ academic performance indicating that students in schools with better facilities achieved higher scores academically. These results confirm that the presence of adequate physical facilities support better learning condition and hence improve students outcomes. It is recommended that educational policymakers invest in enhancing physical facilities to improve academic outcomes for students in public secondary schools
The Influence of Recognition and Appreciation of Employees on Effective Delivery of Judicial Services in the Judiciary of Tanzania
Get PDFThis study was undertaken with the objective to examine recognition and appreciation of employees in service delivery at the Judiciary of Tanzania. The study used Herzberg\u27s two-factor motivation theory while on the other hand explanatory research design was employed to determine the causal relationship between non-monetary incentives and effective judiciary service delivery. Data were collected from a sample of eighty-eight (88) participants obtained through the Yamane (1967) formula from the target population of 750 staff. The data collection process entailed in-depth interviews and structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using narrative analysis and descriptive analysis. Findings indicate that recognition and appreciation of employees in service delivery at the Judiciary of Tanzania is very low. The most common forms of recognition and appreciation are certificates of appreciation/recognition, verbal praise, employees’ recognition wall and team trophy. The study concludes the existence of biases and favouritism in recognition and training attendance, and the existing infrastructure is very unconducive for Judiciary employees to work at their full potentials while serving judicial clients. The study recommends robust systems of recognition, and employee selection for participating in trainings, as well as good work environment and office equipment to smoothen the work for the Judiciary employees in providing effective judicial services
Le Manuel Scolaire et l’exploitation de la Compétence Interculturelle à Partir des Documents Authentiques Dans les TTC de la Province de l’est du Rwanda
Get PDFCette recherche est essentiellement basée sur l’analyse de la place des documents authentiques dans les manuels des TTC et leur rôle dans l’exploitation de la compétence interculturelle. Dans cette recherche, la théorie de la communication interculturelle et le modèle KVP (Knowledge, Values & Practice), nous ont permis d’interpréter les résultats obtenus par la grille d’analyse des manuels du français langue étrangère. Les résultats obtenus nous ont montré que les manuels de français utilisent les dessins, les extraits des textes littéraires et des bandes dessinées comme documents déclencheurs. Ces manuels ne sont pas interactifs car ils ne recourent pas aux documents audio-visuels et ne donnent pas accès aux ressources numériques. Bien que les documents existants dans ces manuels soient puisés de différents contextes culturels, la compétence interculturelle n’y est pas exploitée. Grâce au modèle KVP, nous avons proposé les fiches analytiques qui permettraient d’exploiter la compétence interculturelle à partir des documents déclencheurs existants dans les manuels de français des TTC. Ayant constaté que les manuels existants pour l’enseignement de français dans les TTC du Rwanda peuvent être adaptés et exploités pour intégrer la compétence interculturelle, cette recherche recommande de les réécrire en y intégrant les documents et les activités qui intègrent la compétence interculturelle. Nous recommandons également d’adapter ces manuels au Cadre Européen Commun de référence pour les Langues (CECRL), de les rendre interactifs en y associant des ressources numériques
Influence of Corporate Culture on the Implementation of Change Initiatives in Kirinyaga County Government, Kenya
Get PDFThis research aimed to examine influence of corporate culture on the implementation of change initiatives in Kirinyaga County Government, Kenya. The investigation used the Kanter Theory of Change Management and Resource-Based Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey methodology and specifically targeted a cohort of 213 individuals who were engaged in the administrative sector of Kirinyaga County. The sample size was obtained by the use of stratified random sampling, and the appropriate sample size was computed using the Yamane formula. Therefore, the study sample size was 139 respondents The investigating methods used questionnaire. The data were collected by use of questionnaires and examined using version 26.0 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The descriptive statistical analysis included the computation of percentages, frequencies, measures of central tendency, and measures of dispersion. The research used inferential statistical analysis, namely correlation and multiple regressions, to ascertain the magnitude and orientation of the relationship between the variables under investigation. The analysis was performed with a 95% confidence level. The findings demonstrated a robust and statistically significant correlation between the corporate culture and the implementation of change initiatives in the Kirinyaga County Government, Kenya. R-Squared is a statistical metric that estimates the proportion of variability in the dependent variable that can be explained by the independent variables. The study revealed that the R-squared value was 0.572, suggesting that the corporate culture, can explain 57.2% of the variability in the implementation of change initiatives in the Kirinyaga County Government, Kenya. The study highlights the need of fostering a more inclusive decision-making process by increasing engagement at lower levels of hierarchy within the firm. The research recommends that county officials should prioritize and improve communication by consistently and transparently explaining the reasons for change initiatives to all employees. The paper proposes conducting a comparative research to examine the effects of different leadership styles and change management tactics used in the county administration