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Beyond physical impairment and mental impairment: the case for recognizing diabetes as a disability in Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectDiabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of individuals globally, significantly impacting their quality of life. In Kenya, diabetics face numerous challenges, including high medical costs, limited access to healthcare, and social stigma. Despite these barriers, diabetes is not explicitly recognized as a disability under Kenya’s legal framework, leaving affected individuals without necessary legal protections. This study addresses this gap by examining whether diabetes should be classified as a disability under Kenyan law. The core thesis of this study asserts that diabetes meets the criteria for disability when analysed through the Social Model of Disability and the Nagi Model. These theoretical frameworks highlight how systemic barriers and day-to-day functional limitations restrict an individual’s ability to participate fully in society. Comparative case studies from Canada and the United States, along with a review of existing disability laws in Kenya, demonstrate that recognizing diabetes as a disability would provide diabetics with essential legal protections, including workplace accommodations, financial relief, and improved healthcare access. The research ultimately recommends amending Section 2 of the Persons with Disabilities Act to align with the broader definition found in Article 260 of the Constitution, ensuring that diabetics receive necessary legal and social support.
Keywords: Diabetes, Kenya, Disability and Legal Recognitio
Crisis response strategies and organizational resilience of cargo airlines in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisDuring the COVID-19 Pandemic, the airline industry, cargo airlines included, faced major disruptions due to global travel restrictions. As uncertainty grew, these companies had to adopt different strategies to stay afloat. This study looks specifically at how cargo airlines in Kenya responded, focusing on how their crisis strategies influenced organizational resilience. The research set out to achieve three goals: to assess how positioning, cost-cutting, and diversification strategies affected organizational resilience among these airlines. The study was based on the established business framework, such as the dynamic capability view, and the research used a correlational design targeting 25 cargo airlines. From each airline, respondents included top-level, mid-level and lower management, totaling 75 respondents, and the data collection tool was sampled through a pilot study. Data was gathered using online questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations and regression tests. The results indicated that diversification strategies had a positive and statistically significant effect on organizational resilience, underscoring the importance of strategic flexibility and market diversification in enhancing an organization's ability to adapt and thrive during crises. In contrast, both positioning and cost reduction strategies were found to have non-significant relationships with organizational resilience. The study contributes to theory by reinforcing the applicability of dynamic capability theory and Balance Scorecard in resilience research, and to practice by highlighting the importance of market and product diversification. Policy recommendations include the development of supportive frameworks for diversification and innovation in air cargo operations. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts of strategic responses across varied contexts in Africa’s aviation sector
Modelling of municipal solid waste use for steam generation for industrial and hospitality sector
No full textFull - text thesisThe cumulative demand for steam in the hospitality and industrial sectors has led to rising financial and environmental costs due to the prevalent use of biomass for steam generation. This challenge has intensified by issues such as resource depletion, competition for land with food crops, and the bulky nature of biomass, which complicates energy management. Previous attempts to use Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) as an alternative fuel for steam generation have yielded inconclusive results, underscoring the need for further research to establish its feasibility as a replacement for biomass. This study modeled the use of MSW for steam generation in industrial and hospitality sectors. The main objective of this study was to model transport and treatment processes in MSW steam generation. Secondary data was collected from three zones in Nairobi, an industry setup and a hotel, each characterized by different energy & waste profiles stemming from varied commercial and social activities. The data collected was analyzed using a developed model incorporating governing equations for calorific value calculations, transport, treatment, and the Levelized Cost of Steam (LCOS). Under three scenarios, the calorific values of MSW and biomass (Eucalyptus globulus) were analyzed, revealing that MSW possessed a superior energy density at 23.80 MJ/kg compared to biomass at 17.34–17.43 MJ/kg. Proximate analysis of Nairobi’s MSW highlighted organic waste dominates at 65.4% of the total waste and moisture content was reduced from 19.03% to 15% via drying to enhance combustion efficiency. Also, transportation costs were modeled for two collection points, emphasizing distance-driven variations. The techno-economic framework computed the LCOS by integrating capital and operational expenditures, as well as transport and treatment costs. Results demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of MSW, with LCOS values of 1.48–1.49 Ksh/kg and 2.24–2.32 Ksh/kg for the two companies analyzed respectively. This shows 25–26% reduction over biomass. Scenario analyses confirmed MSW’s resilience to cost escalations, as it maintained lower costs than biomass. Although costs varied non-linearly with transportation and drying, the processes added more operational annually, but the overall LCOS remained economically viable, compared to biomass. MSW reduced feedstock demand by 27% and storage requirements, thereby aligning with Kenya’s waste management and renewable energy goals. The proposed model offered a replicable framework for optimizing MSW utilization in steam generation, emphasizing localized waste characterization and policy cost incentives. Recommendations include advancing waste-to-energy conversion studies, spatial transport optimization, and the integration of social economic factors in future models. These findings supported the adoption of MSW to mitigate production costs, reduce deforestation, and foster sustainable urban energy transitions
Organizational factors influencing the adoption of Artificial Intelligence by petroleum companies in Nairobi County
No full textFull - text thesisArtificial Intelligence (AI) in the petroleum sector gained significant attention globally, as it became essential in various innovative operations. However, the pace of AI adoption varied, with specific factors influencing the readiness and willingness of organizations to integrate AI. This study explored the organizational factors influencing the adoption of AI by petroleum companies in Nairobi County. The research focused on different models and factors, and outlined various theories guiding the AI adoption process. Different models were used in this analysis including TAM as well as DOI theory. Data was gathered through a survey system, targeting 179 senior management and technical staff from petroleum companies operating in Nairobi County. Additionally, secondary data was obtained from company reports, industry publications, and regulatory documents. The analysis employed a combination of quantitative techniques, particularly multinomial logistic regression, to assess the factors influencing AI adoption. The findings revealed that leadership support, technological infrastructure, employee skills, organizational culture, and financial resources were all significant factors influencing AI adoption in petroleum companies. Leadership support and organizational culture were found to play particularly significant roles in driving AI adoption, while technological infrastructure and employee skills were also crucial enablers. The study concluded that organizations that invested in leadership support, created a culture open to technological change, and ensured their employees were adequately trained were more likely to achieve successful AI adoption. The study recommended that policymakers in the petroleum sector should create an enabling environment that encourages AI integration through supportive regulations, incentives for technological infrastructure development, and partnerships between public and private sectors. Industry leaders and practitioners were advised to prioritize AI-related employee training and invest in necessary technological infrastructure. It was further recommended that researchers and theorists continue to explore AI adoption in the petroleum sector, with a focus on the interaction between organizational culture, leadership, and technological readiness. These recommendations were expected to guide organizations in enhancing their AI adoption strategies, ultimately improving their competitiveness and sustainability in the industry. The study also contributed to expanding the theoretical and practical understanding of AI adoption in the energy sector
A Legal analysis of sharenting: balancing between parental freedom of expression and minors’ right to digital privacy in Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectSome parents and/or guardians are actively sharing photographs, videos, and even personal details of their children across various social media platforms in Kenya to share their parental experiences. This is the concept has been dubbed sharenting. This research will employ the interest theory of rights to examine the possible contradiction between children’s ever-evolving right to privacy and parents’ and/or guardians’ freedom of expression on social media platforms. The study promotes a reasonable approach that prioritises the child's best interests while still acknowledging parental freedom of self-expression. The developing nature of children’s rights and the possible drawbacks of unrestricted online exposure are emphasised. This work will employ doctrinal legal research to examine statutes, case laws, books, journals, and reports about these rights and their various conceptions. It will shed light on Kenya’s legal framework for safeguarding children’s online privacy rights and investigate the possible violations caused by parental online sharing practices. The purpose of this study is to add to the current legal and social debates in Kenya around children’s rights to privacy online, and it stresses the importance of striking a balance between parental freedom of expression and the protection of children’s right to privacy on digital platforms
Challenges facing manufacturing sector in trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area Framework: a case study of firms registered under Kenya Association of Manufacturers
No full textFull - text thesisThe African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a transformative initiative aimed at fostering intra-African trade by reducing trade barriers and creating a unified market. Despite its potential, Kenya’s manufacturing sector has yet to fully capitalize on this opportunity. This study examines the challenges hindering Kenyan manufacturers’ in trading under the AfCFTA framework, the challenges in compliance with Rules of Origin (RoO), and administrative hurdles faced by customs authorities. Using a qualitative research approach, the study explores the perspectives of key stakeholders, including members of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Custom Officials and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.The study begins by providing an introduction to the AfCFTA framework, outlining its objectives and expected economic benefits. It highlights Kenya’s strategic position within AfCFTA and the existing policy framework supporting trade integration. The theoretical framework examines traditional trade theories; Mercantilism, Absolute Advantage Trade Theory and Comparative Advantage Theory (1817). modern trade theories; The Country Similarity Theory, Porter’s National Competitive Advantage Theory and The New Trade Theory, all providing a conceptual foundation for understanding the challenges of regional trade. It further explores empirical studies on trade facilitation, regulatory barriers, and the role of infrastructure in enabling market access. The research methodology is designed to capture in-depth qualitative insights through interviews and secondary data analysis. The study employs purposive sampling to select key industry players and policymakers, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. The findings reveal that manufacturers face significant challenges in trading under the framework , including high compliance costs, lack of awareness regarding AfCFTA regulations, delays in obtaining RoO certification, and inefficient trade facilitation mechanisms. Customs officials also struggle with inconsistent RoO implementation, inadequate infrastructure at border points, and capacity constraints that affect trade efficiency. To address these challenges, the study proposes policy recommendations, such as strengthening trade facilitation infrastructure, streamlining RoO certification processes, digitalizing customs procedures, and enhancing stakeholder sensitization programs. The research underscores the need for targeted financial support, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to improve their competitiveness in regional markets. By synthesizing key findings, this study contributes to the discourse on regional trade integration and economic policy. The recommendations provide actionable insights for policymakers, trade facilitators, and industry stakeholders to enhance Kenya’s manufacturing sector’s participation in AfCFTA, ultimately fostering economic growth and strengthening the country’s position in intra-African trade
The Influence of social capital on resource mobilization among Community-Based Organizations in Kibera, Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisThis study examined the role of social capital in enhancing resource mobilization among Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Kibera, Nairobi, one of Kenya’s largest informal settlements. Social capital, comprising trust, networks, and civic engagement, was identified as a critical factor in acquiring financial, human, and material resources necessary for organizational sustainability. Despite their significant role in addressing socio-economic challenges, CBOs in Kibera continue to face persistent resource constraints, thus raising the need to deploy effective resource mobilization strategies. The general objective was to investigate the influence of social capital on resource mobilization among community-based organizations in Nairobi, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of trust on resource mobilization, to establish the effect of civic engagement in enhancing resource mobilization, and to examine the influence of social network diversity on resource mobilization strategies. The research was grounded in Social Capital Theory and Resource Mobilization Theory and adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A sample size of 208 was derived from the total population using the Slovin’s formular. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods including correlation to establish the relationships between social capital dimensions and resource mobilization outcomes. The study found that civic engagement had the most significant influence on resource mobilization (r = 0.4136, p < 0.05). While trust and social network diversity also showed positive correlations (r = 0.4355 and r = 0.2843, respectively), only social network diversity was statistically significant (p < 0.05), whereas trust was not (p > 0.05). These results underscore civic engagement as the strongest predictor of resource mobilization among CBOs in Kibera. The study concluded that strengthening social capital significantly improved CBOs’ ability to mobilize resources, sustain operations, and enhance their chances of creating significant impact. However, the key limitation of this study is its cross-sectional design, which restricts the ability to assess causal relationships or changes over time. Additionally, reliance on self-reported data may have introduced bias, limiting the depth and accuracy of the findings. Practical recommendations were provided for CBO leaders, policymakers, and development partners, emphasizing the need to foster trust through transparent financial management, enhance civic engagement through advocacy, and expand networks through strategic partnerships. The study further recommended longitudinal research to assess the long-term influence of social capital on CBO sustainability.
Keywords: Social capital, resource mobilization, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Kibera, Nairobi, trust, civic engagement, social networks, bonding and bridging networks, Resource Mobilization Theory, Social Capital Theory, informal settlements, organizational sustainability
Driving Country Level Change, Kenya: Assessing Global, National, and Sub-National Laws and Workplace Policies Impacting Women’s Leadership Advancement in Kenya’s Health Sector – WIHL Case Study Booklet
No full textA collection of Kenyan health sector case studies from the Women in Health Leadership Project, highlighting barriers and enablers to women’s leadership advancement in healthcare institutions.This study examines the influence of organisational culture, leadership roles, and prevailing challenges on women’s career progression at Esibhedlela Community Hospital. The study expands upon previous research conducted by Strathmore University Business School and the Kenya Healthcare Federation, focusing on the distinct gender dynamics at Esibhedlela Community Hospital. The research employs a qualitative methodology,
incorporating focus group discussions and key informant interviews, to identify substantial obstacles to gender equity, including short-term contracts, insufficient organised training, and inadequate support for work-life balance. Research indicates a necessity for policies and leadership development that primarily target the distinct issues encountered by women. The Competing Values Framework is employed to examine the hospital’s cultural dynamics and to provide measures for cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment. The study aims to inform specific actions that promote gender parity and facilitate women’s advancement to leadership positions in the healthcare sector.Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF); Strathmore University Business School (SBS
Integrated Financial Management Information System and financial accountability among government agencies in Kenya: the moderating role of IPSAS accounting standards
No full textFull - text thesisCorporate accounting scandals and financial scandals in the public sector have become more prevalent in Kenya in recent years, according to reports from governance institutions like the Office of the Auditor General, Controller of Budgets, and Ethics and Anticorruption Commission. IFMIS was expected to reduce such incidences by enhancing financial accountability. The main aim of this research proposal is to assess the effect of IFMIS on financial accountability among government agencies in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to; analyse the effect of IFMIS electronic procurement on financial accountability, to establish the effect of IFMIS budgeting on financial accountability to assess the effect of IFMIS financial reporting on financial accountability, and to assess the moderating effect of IPSAS on financial accountability in the public sector. The research adopted the agency theory, institutional theory, and the technology acceptance model. A descriptive research design was used in this research. The study population was the 401 government agencies in Kenya. The unit of observation was the head of internal audit in each government agency. The study utilized primary data collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the acquired data after it has been converted into a quantitative format. Mean and standard deviation will be included in the descriptive statistics, while the Pearson correlation and regression analysis was included in the inferential statistics. This study examined the relationship between IFMIS procurement, IFMIS budgeting, IFMIS financial reporting, IPSAS accounting standards, and financial accountability in Kenya's public sector. Further, the IPSAS accounting Standards were introduced as a moderating variable in the study. The study findings revealed significant positive correlations between the three independent variables and financial accountability. The regression analysis established a significant positive causal relationship between IFMIS electronic procurement and financial accountability, a significant positive relationship between IFMIS budgeting and financial accountability, and a significant positive relationship between IFMIS financial reporting and financial accountability. Further, IPSAS accounting standards were found to enhance the relationship between the IFMIS elements and financial accountability. This was indicated by an increase in the explanatory power of the model after accounting for the moderation effect, showing that the IPSAS accounting standards enhance this relationship. These results suggest that effective adoption and implementation of these systems significantly improve transparency, accountability, and overall public financial management. The study concluded that IFMIS and IPSAS accounting standards play critical roles in enhancing financial accountability within Kenya's public sector. It recommended capacity-building initiatives to improve user proficiency, regular system audits, and stricter adherence to IPSAS standards. Additionally, harmonizing regulatory frameworks and fostering transparency through open data initiatives were suggested to enhance system effectiveness. For future research, the study recommended investigating other financial management tools, analyzing contextual factors influencing system effectiveness, and employing mixed methods to capture diverse perspectives on financial accountability
Determine the influence of marketing strategies on choice of fast food outlets by students in Strathmore University
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThe research study aims to establish the extent to which fast food promotions (marketing strategies and product promotions) lead to change in buying behavior among Strathmore University Students. Strathmore University is a chartered university based in Nairobi, Kenya. Strathmore College was started in 1961, as the first multi-racial, multi-religious advanced-level sixth form college offering science and mis subjects, by a group of professionals who formed a charitable educational trust. Now Strathmore is a modern university with a global outlook, with a vision of becoming a leading outcome-driven, entrepreneurial research university. This study will ascertain how the marketing strategies used by food businesses inside and around Strathmore relate to the choices among students. Showing which two variables are highly correlated and what steps marketers are doing to market their product or service to consumers and up to what extent they are going because they know that the consumer would get affected by it in terms of making a choice