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Availability and Utilization of the Mechanisms for Monitoring and Evaluating Continuing Professional Development in Kenya: A Case of Middle Level Health Training Institutions
No full textP 89-99In Kenya, middle• level health training institutions (MLHTls) produce the bulk of health workers at continuing professional development (CPD) training level. However, information on whether monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms for CPD training are available and utilized at MLHTIs in Kenya is scarce and may not be relied on to develop appropriate M&E systems. The main objective of this study was to determine the availability and utilization of the mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating CPD training among public, private and faith-based MLHTIs in Kenya. The study was guided by two hypotheses: there are no significant differences in the availability of M&E mechanisms for CPD training among institutions in the three categories (public, faith-based, private); and, there are no significant differences in the utilization of M&E mechanisms for CPD training among institutions in the three categories. The respondents were 375 tutors from public, faith-based and private MLHTIs, selected using a mix of sampling techniques: stratified, purposive, proportionate to size and simple random. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire, key informant interviews, and desk review. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while data from desk review was analysed through a process of data reduction, organization and interpretation. Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine the significant differences (p<O.O 1) in availability and utilization of M&E mechanisms, among institutions in the three categories. The study found out that there were significant differences in the availability of M&E guidelines (x2=13.921, df=2, p=.001); questionnaire (x2=20.326, df=2, p=.00); and end of course evaluation form (x2=24.222, df=2, p=.00). There were also significant differences in the utilization of the end of course evaluation form (x2=24.542, df=2, p=.00). The study concludes that there are significant differences in the availability and utilization of the M&E mechanisms for CPD training at MLHTIs in Kenya. Capacity building for tutors at MLHTIs in the area of monitoring and evaluation of CPD was recommended
Effect of teachers' motivation on Kenya certificate of secondary education performance; a case of Tigania East district, Meru county
No full textIn Tigania East District where this research was based, performance in K.C.S.E has been• low, and reasons for the poor academic performance have not been fully established. The study therefore sought to investigate the effect of teachers' motivation on Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education performance in public secondary schools in Tigania East District of Meru County. Specifically, the study sought to establish the effect of teachers' remuneration, institutional working conditions, head teachers' supervision and, availability of teaching/learning resources on performance in KCSE in the district. This study adopted a survey research design and both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The study target population was 294 teachers and 45 head teachers within the Tigania East District. Stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the sample size. A sample of 88 teachers and 14 head teachers was selected. Primary data was collected using structured and unstructured questionnaire. Secondary data was obtained from district education office and individual school records. Data was collected through delivering the questionnaires to the respondents. Data was cleaned, coded, classified and summarized into categories. The researcher used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 to help in analyzing the data. Descriptive statistics
• (frequencies, percentages,) and inferential statistics (chi square) were mainly used in analysis. Results were presented in form of frequency tables, bar graphs, pie charts and percentages. This study established that there was a significant relationship between teachers' satisfaction with their remuneration and students' performance in KCSE. It further revealed that there was a significant relationship between institutional working conditions and students' performance in KCSE. Regarding head teachers supervision, the study established that there . was a significant relationship between head teachers . supervision and students' performance in KCSE. The study also showed that there was a significant relationship between satisfaction with available learning/teaching resources in the schools and students' academic performance in KCSE ainong public secondary schools in Tigariia East District. The study recommends that• attractive career structures for secondary school teachers need to be urgently introduced with regular promotions based• on clearly specified and transparent performance-related criteria. Teachers who work at hardship rural schools should also be given accelerated promotion and/or preferential access to qualification upgrading opportunities. Hence a more rigorous study can be carried out to cover the whole country and to fully understand the effect that performance-based reward has on student outcomes and consequently on teachers' performance, a wider study is required to consider how increased or decreased rewards affect teacher behaviour
Membership growth within the Methodist church in Muthara Circuit of Miathene synod Meru County.
No full textThe researcher studied membership growth within the Methodist Church in Muthara Circuit, Miathene Synod, Meru County. The researcher selected Muthara Circuit amongst others due to the fact that presumably it has the lowest membership growth within the Methodist Church in Miathene Synod Meru County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to identify factors affecting membership growth within the Methodist Church in Muthara circuit, to evaluate the participation of youth, men and women in mission and evangelism programs of the Methodist Church in Muthara circuit, to identify strategies that will improve the membership growth within the Methodist Church in Muthara circuit, to find out the problem facing membership growth within the Methodist Church in Muthara circuit and to suggest possible solutions to address the problems facing membership growth within Methodist Church in Muthara circuit, Meru County. The research was guided by the following research questions: what factors affect membership growth within the Methodist Church in Muthara Circuit? What role do men, women and youth play in mission and evangelism in Muthara Circuit? What strategies are necessary to improve the membership growth within the Methodist Church in Muthara Circuit? What problems face the membership growth with the Methodist Church in Muthara Circuit and what are possible solutions to the problems? The research design adopted a descriptive case study and the existing literature analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaire, interview guide and observations. Data was collected from the population size of 84 respondents which include leaders / clergy, youth, men and women in Muthara Circuit. Sampling technique used was stratified random sampling for youth, men and purposive sampling for the clergy/ leaders. The sampling size was 69 respondents as determined by Yamanes formula (1992).Data was analyzed by use of statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) and interpreted in percentages, mean and frequencies and illustrated in tables, figures, for deductive and evaluative purpose. The study explored issues such as gender / sex, level of education, marketing strategies, modernity, praise and worship (music) with Public Address System (PAS),Group salvation social reforms, Ethnicity, Evangelism and mission and sacrament and their effect on membership growth in Muthara Circuit. The study realized that there is a direct relationship between Methodist Church, mission and Evangelism and membership growth. It points out that the traditions, beliefs and values of Church have a direct influence on the membership growth. The study concluded that the Methodist Church and its members must be able to rationalize their traditions, culture and beliefs for membership growth to be improved. The recommendations include; the Methodist Church to envisage the modern changes in the youth, men and women in terms of education and technological advancement like use of facilities & equipment to attract membership growth in the Church
Factors affecting academic achievement of hearing impaired pupils in public schools in Nairobi county, Kenya.
No full textThe number of pupils in the schools for the hearing impaired has tremendously increased.
The rise was speculated either to be due to the increasingly high prevalence of diseases
causing deafness or effective campaigns, awareness, establishment of Educational assessment and Resource Services (EARCS) and educational opportunities in the
country (KSDC 2001). Despite the rise in enrollment Hearing Impaired performs so poorly academically leading to Lower educational attainment which leads to Lower economic status world bank {2005).lt is for this reason that the study sought to investigate the factors affecting academic achievement of the hearing impaired pupils in Kenya, narrowing it to Nairobi county. The study population comprised of 208 hearing impaired pupils in public schools, 32 teachers and 8 head teachers were purposively sampled. Data was collected using questionnaires and observation. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used in analyzing. Validity and Reliability of the questionnaires were discussed. The study established that the academic achievement of pupils with impaired hearing in Nairobi County was influenced by factors related to school environment, teachers and pupil characteristics. The factors related to school .environment include: lack of guidance and counseling in public schools, inadequate provision of individualized learner attention among the weak pupils, failure to cater for .. medical needs of the pupils and, also presence of user charges leading to absenteeism, failure of Quality Assurance. and Standards Officers to visit the school and advise on quality improvement, and incompetence and lack of motivation of head teachers. The teachers’ related factors include: lack of experience in educating learners with. hearing impairment, lack of adequate skills in sign language, lack of commitment among the teachers characterized by lateness and absenteeism, and failure to complete the syllabus on time. The pupil related factors include: lateness, absenteeism and inadequate language skills. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education (MoE) should increase the budgetary allocations for special needs. units in order to facilitate improvements on infrastructure and teaching arid learning resources. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should consider posting or hiring more and competent teachers to units for learners with hearing impairment Quality Assurance and Standards Officer should give more 'attention to • the schools in order to support quality management and curriculum. implementation strategies. It recommends that further research in the whole county to be conducted
Factors influencing the implementation of the land adjudication strategy in Igembe North Sub-County
No full textAlthough the implementation of the land adjudication strategy has resulted in the registration of 8.1 million hectares of land in Kenya, large areas of the country remain un-adjudicated. Igembe Sub-county in Meru County is one area where implementation of the land adjudication strategy started in 1966 and since then it has not been completed. This study was conducted to determine the factors influencing the implementation of the land adjudication strategy in Igembe No11h Sub-County of Meru County. The study was guided by four objectives and data was collected to answer questions on what caused the delay in the implementation of the land adjudication strategy in the study area. The independent variables were land disputes, education, technology and politics while the dependant variable was the implementation of the land adjudication strategy. Four null hypotheses were tested to inform on the decision process of accepting or rejecting the influence of each of the four independent variables on the dependent variable. The research design was a descriptive survey. The study selected both registered and unregistered ( ongoing) sections, The registered sections were Ntunene and Antuambui while the ongoing sections were Ndoleli/Athiru/Ruujine, Akiriangondu C, Antubetwe/Kiongo and Akiriangondu A. The study targeted people with land in both the registered and ongoing sections in lgembe North Sub-county whose names appeared in the records held by the District land adjudication and settlement officer and District Land registrar, Maua in the Meru county, Kenya. The accessible population was made up of 400 land-owners. Stratified random sampling was used to identify 6 out of the 16 sections (2 from the registered and 4 from ongoing sections) that were the focus of the study. Simple random sampling was used to identify respondents in the six selected sections whose sample size consisted of 120 land-owners. For tabulation and satisfactory analysis, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques were used in order to test the four Hypotheses. The study established that land disputes and politics were the most important factors that influenced implementation of the land adjudication strategy. Education and technology did not seem to have a great influence on the implementation of land adjudication strategy in Igembe North Sub-County. The study recommends that the government gives priority to the completion of the land adjudication process so that land-owners obtain their title deeds, the National Land Commission should come up with alternative ways of dispute resolution and it (the NLC) should be independent and not entertain political interference in discharging its constitutional mandate
Strategic factors influencing efficiency in cash transfer among vulnerable groups
No full textKenya government provides Cash transfers to orphans and other vulnerable groups. Cash transfers is a form of monetary social assistance, are regular, non-contributory payments of money, provided by the state or non¬governmental organizations to individuals or households, with the objective of decreasing long-term poverty, addressing social risk and reducing economic vulnerability by improving outcomes in health, education, and child labor as they aim to balance the goals of current and future poverty reduction. The mechanism through which these cash transfers are distributed may contain several inefficiencies that diminish the net-value obtained by the recipients. This study examined how operation, technical capacity and socio-politics factors strategically influence the efficiency of cash transfer Program among vulnerable groups by using Orphans and other vulnerable children cash transfer program in Njia and Antuiga locations of lgembe South sub-county as a case study. This study adopted descriptive research design with district children staff, children volunteers and program beneficiaries as the target population. Both drop and pick and administered questionnaires were used to as tools to collect data. The reliability test was conducted for the items designed for the same construct. Cronbach' s Alpha which is a measure of reliability or internal consistency was used and found the data reliable and consistent. The relationships between the efficient OVC cash transfer program and other variables was measured using Pearson coefficient and Chi-square. Other measures used are statistical measures of mean, frequency and standard deviation. Report from the study revealed that there is a positive relationship between relevance capacities of implementers and efficient funds distribution mechanisms. This was evidenced after assessing the operational/administrative capacity in coordination system from the District children office to the location committee and subsequently to the beneficiaries. The study also indications recipients incur high transaction costs each time they collect their benefits from post office. More so, beneficiaries travel for long hours to funds collection centers. It was also revealed that the Socio-political values and interests of stakeholders influence the efficient program delivery. In general it is also evident that the Program is succeeding in providing regular cash transfers to thousands of households, with a payment system that works well and causes few complaints. However, there is a need to strengthen some other elements of operations, including communication, capacity building, case management and the operation of the program to make it more efficient. Such teething problems would be expected as a program starts up, develops systems and expands to cover increasing numbers of households
Influence of tax planning on financial performance of small scale enterprises.A survey of small scale enterprises in Embu Central Business District
No full textIn order to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of activities, reliability and compliance with applicable laws, small scale enterprises need to have adequate tax controls. The study sought to find out the extent to which Tax Planning influences Financial Performance of Small scale rises in Embu town CBD, by filling the following specific objectives :To assess to what expenditure on capital assets in tax planning influence performance of small businesses to determine how tax planning by Capital Structure influence performance of small enterprises, Find out how tax planning through Advertisement expenditure influence performance of small enterprises and to assess how tax planning through Legal Forms of enterprise influence performance of small enterprises in Embu CBD. The study had a total population of one hundred forty nine respondents. The research study was carried out using random stratified sampling technique. According to Mugenda, 2003, stratified sampling is whereby the population embraces a number of distinct categories; the frame can be organized by these categories into separate strata. Each stratum is then sampled as an independent sub-population, out of which individual elements can be randomly selected. Random selection involves giving a number to every subject or member in the accessible population, picking a specific number and members under the certain number will have picked at random for the purpose of the study. A sample of 30 percent was drawn from each stratum. The procedure for carrying out the study involved the use of questionnaires. • The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The data was then presented in form of Percentages and Tables. The study found that the influence of tax planning by capital structure has no significant relationship just as it found that tax planning through advertisement expenditure is regressed by performance of small enterprises in Embu CBD has no significant relationship. The study also found that tax planning in investment in capital asset has no significant relationship and also the study found that the Legal Forms of enterprise tax planning has significant relationship. The study recommends that small scale enterprises should be ready to seek advice on tax planning. Further to this, the study recommends that there is need to have NGOs to sensitize the respondents as to the need to do formal tax planning as it could increase their Business profitability
Effects of teaching and learning resources on the academic achievement of form four students in mathematics; a case of public secondary schools in Mukurwe Ini district.
No full textAbstract
Mathematics is a key subject in the secondary education. In addition it has a practical use in many areas in life. Performance of mathematics and other science subjects in Kenya and in many other countries in Africa has remained generally poor compared to other subjects. What a person learns is not received passively; rather it is assembled or constructed by the learner actively engaging in the learning process. The purpose of this study was to find out whether availability and use of teaching-learning resources in the teaching of mathematics has any impact on the performance. The researcher intended to find out whether teaching resources such as CDs, Computers, models, actual objects such as cartons, projectors and textbooks are available :in secondary schools. In addition, the researcher wanted to find out to what extent the resources are used in the teaching process and their effect if any on the performance of mathematics in internal and external examinations. Literature review in this study was based on three sub-topics namely: teaching and learning of mathematics, importance of teaching learning resources in the teaching _ learning process and the performance of mathematics in examinations. The researcher made use of descriptive survey research design and the study was limited to public secondary schools in Mukurwe-ini district. The research instruments that were used are interview schedules, questionnaires, and document analysis. Data regarding teaching resources was gathered using questionnaires administered to students and from teachers and Principals using interview method. Data on performance of mathematics in internal exams and in the KCSE examination was collected using relevant documents from the schools and the District education office. The qualitative data was analysed by thematic analysis method The main themes or topics were identified and summarized. Quantitative data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). In both cases, data was presented using appropriate diagrams such as tables, bar graphs and piecharts. The study established that teaching learning resources for mathematics are available in secondary schools. It was found that majority of the students have a geometrical set, a calculator and a mathematical table. The study also <established that there are textbooks in the ratio of one book to two students. According to the study, teachers of mathematics make use of the teaching resources fairly adequately. Performance of mathematics is poor as revealed by the study. It was found that mathematics is the poorest performed subject in both internal and external examinations. The study established that proper use of teaching resources in the teaching learning process could improve the performance of mathematics. From the findings of the study various recommendations were put forward These were that the Ministry of education should provide more funds for the purchase of more resources, organize more capacity¬building workshops for teachers and revise the syllabus with a view to making it shorter. All education stakeholders should work towards creating a positive attitude towards mathematics according to the study. Areas suggested for further research based on the findings of the study are that the research should be extended to private schools, the research to be done over a wider area and to also address other factors affecting performance
Effects of strategic management practices on the growth of investment clubs
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strategic management practices on the growth of investments clubs in Meru - Kenya. The objectives of the study included, establishing the effect of strategic analysis, strategic implementation and strategic evaluation control to the growth of investment clubs. To achieve this, the researcher reviewed both theoretical and empirical literature and undertook field based data collection and analysis to address gaps identified in literature as well as answer the stipulated research questions. The study was exploratory by design. There are 2200 investment clubs that are registered in Meru County. Out of these, the researcher randomly sampled 96 investment clubs to which the questionnaires were administered. A cluster sampling methodology was be used. Questiopnaires were administered to collect pertinent information from the respondents who were conversant with the strategic and operational functions of the investment clubs. The questionnaire was divided into two parts with parts requiring the respondents to give the general information and information on strategic management practices. Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was be used to enter and analyze data in line with the objectives of the study. Data was summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics Qualitative data was classified and coded by themes, emerging patterns and integrated into the study report for clarification, explanations and other descriptive purposes. On the basis of results generated from the analysis; cross tabulations, chi- tests and regression, the study concluded that there is a significant relationship between strategic analysis and the growth of investment clubs in Meru, significant relationship between strategic control and evaluation and the growth of investment clubs and no significant relationship between strategic implementation and the growth of investment clubs in Meru county -Kenya. There is need to undertake further research on why strategy implementation showed weak association with growth of investment clubs as compared to strategic planning and evaluation and control. The recommendations should be urgently addressed as the problems required an urgent
Solution
Effectiveness of the school management committees in the management of public primary schools in Mwea division , Embu county, Kenya.
No full textThe School Committee has been given the mandate under the Education Act 1968. School Management Committees manage, develop and ensure that the traditions and standards of the school are maintained and also aim at improving them, as they are also/ directly answerable about the welfare of the school. They ought to source for funds for development and also ensure that the curriculum is properly implemented for the well being of the pupils. This study sought to find out the effectiveness of the School Committee in the management of Primary Schools in Mwea Division of Mbeere.District in Embu County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study population consisted of all public primary schools in Mwea Division of Mbeere South District in Embu County and data collection was guided by objectives which included: to establish the effectiveness of the school management committee in the effective running of primary school; to determine the responsive rate to school emergencies; to identify the challenges faced by the school management committee in performing their duties at the school and to identify the strategies put up by the school management committee to improve their participation and maintenance of the school standards. The study used survey research design. The population under the study included all the head teachers and all school committee chairpersons and all the School Committee members of the twenty¬five schools. Random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty five respondents for the study. Data was collected through questionnaires for the school committee members and the head teacher. An interview schedule was also used for the chairperson of the school management committee. Pilot tests were carried out to test the validity and reliability of the instruments. Data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics. Findings were presented in form of frequencies, tables and graphs. The research found out that the main challenges influencing the school management committees' effectiveness were illiteracy among members and inadequate funding. It was also highlighted that to some extent, uncooperative parents, uncooperative committee members and lack of allowances also posed challenge to school management committee's effectiveness. The government should come up with a schedule whereby the school committees are trained regularly on management skills and even in-servicing is done to the already trained due to the changing treads and policies in the education sector