KeMU Digital Repository
Not a member yet
446 research outputs found
Sort by
Saphenous Varicose Veins in the Kenyan Population
No full textp. 418 - 421Lower extremity venous insufficiency is a common condition and increases with age. In addition to classical symptoms, it may result in skin changes and venous ulcers ... I his disease has a great impact on the patients' quality of life and is associated with considerable health care cost. We assessed the age distribution, mode of presentation and management of saphenous varicose veins in a Christian Mission Hospital in Kenya. Forty adult patients (26 females and 14 males) with a diagnosis saphenous varicose vein at PCEA Kikuyu Hospital were evaluated. The patients' bio data, presenting complains, investigations, management and outcome were noted. The data collected was analyzed for means and variances using the SPSS version 17 for Windows and represented using charts and graphs. Most varicosities were bilateral and affected both the thighs and legs. Six patients were pregnant while 15% of the patients presented with venous ulcers. Most (90%) ulcers were found in the elderly patients. Saphenous varicose veins are common in the Kenyan population. Lack of adequate public education predisposes the elderly in the community to are presentation of saphenous varicose veins with ulcer
Factors influencing motivation of secondary school teachers towards improved performance in their teaching in Imenti south district, Kenya.
Get PDFMotivation is a key aspect to any employee's productivity and performance. Teacher motivation is a key factor towards improved students' examination results. This study aimed at identifying the factors influencing motivation of secondary school teachers towards improved performance in their teaching. The study was conducted in Imenti South District. The target population of the study was 65 school principals and 731 classroom teachers in Imenti South District. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Simple stratified sampling was used to select the study sample. The sample was composed of 17 principals and 187 teachers. Piloting was done to test for validity and reliability of the instruments. The study adopted Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory of motivation. The study used questionnaires to collect data from teachers, interview schedules from principals and observation schedule to observe situations within the school that may suggest that the teachers are motivated. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (S.P.S.S). Data was grouped into percentages on a likert scale of 1-5. Figures and tables were used to present the results. The results showed that inadequate remuneration, unfavorable study leave and transfer policies were the T.S.C. factors influencing motivation of teachers. School factors that motivated teachers were the location of the school, availability of adequate learning facilities, and provision of material gains to the teachers. However teachers were less motivated by the authoritarian style of leadership used by school principals, as well as being sponsored to courses that did not give them promotional skills. The study recommends that teachers remuneration and terms of employment needs to be reviewed, especially those related to study leave and transfer of teachers from one school to another
Factors influencing drug and substance abuse among secondary school students in Meru municipality in Imenti North District, Kenya.
No full textDrug and substance abuse is a major challenge to societies and authorities from all over the world. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence drug and substance abuse among secondary school students in Meru municipality in Imenti North District. The study adopted descriptive research design. The sample was drawn from students in nine public secondary schools in Meru municipality with a total 3273 students. The accessible population was from forms two, three and four. Stratified simple random sampling was used to obtain 360 students. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Piloting was done in Kiereni mixed secondary School in Chuka Municipality in Meru South District which is both boarding school. Split half technique was used during the pre-testing. The coefficient was 0.71, suggesting that the instruments were reliable. With the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square). Findings were presented in tables, percentages and pie-charts. The main reason for drug and substance was peer influence. Substances most commonly abused were social drugs like alcohol, Miraa, tobacco as well as indigenous alcoholic drinks. Drug abuse was strongly dependent on age of respondents, easy availability of drugs and having a family member who abuses drugs. Sources of drugs are mostly the low economic areas around the schools. The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders should institute a greater public awareness campaign especially for the most venerable groups to educate them on the side effects of drug and substance abuse
Challenges faced in educational provision of learners with mental retardation: A case of Akachiu Division in Igembe South district, Kenya.
No full textThe challenges faced in Educational Provisions of Learners with mental retardation in Akachiu Division in Igembe South District have not been fully understood and this as affected them in great deal. The purpose of the study was to investigate challenges faced in educational provision of learners with mental retardation in Akachiu Division in Igembe South District. By looking at educational challenges such as curriculum, negative attitudes towards these learners, political and economic problems, traditional beliefs, the researchers could propose possible solutions to these which will finally reduce stigmatization. The study used a descriptive research design. The study targeted parents, teachers, primary school pupils and church leaders from public primary school in the Division. The sample for the study was determined and selected randomly to obtain 50 teachers 200 pupils, 30 parents, 30 schools and 30 church leaders. The collection of the primary data relied on questionnaires administered to the study sample. The validity of the instruments was discussed between the researcher and the supervisors. The alpha coefficient was 0.73, suggesting that the items had relatively high internal consistency and the researcher therefore, considered the instruments reliable and accepted the research instruments. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), descriptive statistics was used for data analysis and findings presented in tables and charts. At least 25.5% of the pupils indicated that inadequate facilities in the schools was a contributing factor to poor academic performance among learners with mental retardation. Pupils also indicated that the schools lacked trained teachers (19.0%) to handle children with mental retardation. According to pupils, learners with mental retardation encounter challenges to do with lack of funds (8.0%), low esteem (22.5%), basic care challenges (55.0%), stigma (23.5%), learning challenges (29.0%) and parental conflict (3%). Such challenges could negatively impact the provision of education to mentally challenged learners. The two major causes of mental retardation as given parents were biological/hereditary causes and birth complications. Majority (70%) of the teachers indicated that mentally retarded learners should not be taught using the same curriculum as normal pupils. According to church leaders, the syllabus should be improved (26.7%) and classes integrated (53.3%), teachers trained (53.3%), improved facilities and building more facilities (23.3%) suited for teaching pupils with mental retardation. The government of Kenya in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders should work together to ensuring education for all children, including those with disabilities, through the provision of inclusive and quality education that can be accessed by all and is relevant to all Kenyans. This study looked at challenges facing provision of education to children with mental retardation. The study suggests that further research is required with other forms of disabilities or impairment since this study dealt with only mental retardation
Factors influencing reliance on debt in coffee co-operative societies. A survey of societies in Kirinyaga County Kenya
No full textHG 4028.W3 2011Achievement of the desired profitability of a business is the prime goal of each organization. To achieve this adequate finances are a prerequisite. The title of the thesis is factors influencing reliance on debt in the coffee co-operative societies. The coffee society receives heavy capital out lay from coffee sales but end up borrowing from financial institutions to finance its operation. The objectives of the study are to establish how fluctuations in world prices, production levels, price differentials among societies, role of management and government policies influence use of debt. The study will provide solutions to the problems resulting to use of high debt. The research adopted a descriptive research design since the research was modeled on a descriptive nature. The population of the study was 154 comprising of 126 committee members, 14 managers and 14 book keepers. Stratified random sampling method was used to arrive at a sample size of 54. Questionnaires both structured and unstructured were used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed by the use of statistical package for social studies and presented using tables, bar graphs for easier interpretation. The study found that production levels, comparative prices among societies, government regulations influences e of debt in societies while foreign exchange fluctuations and the number of committee members do not have a direct influence on debt reliance. The study recommends the management to strive towards production improvement to enable the societies sustain their operational costs. There is also need for the government to seek alternative ways to market Kenyan coffee rather than the conservative auction system
An analysis of factors that influence accessibility of devolved funds by micro and small enterprises in Kenya
No full textConcentration of power and resources at the center has led to a skewed development pattern in many countries. Awiti (2008) defines devolution as the delegation of authority to formally constituted government bodies to discharge specified/residual functions. As a principle of organizational theory devolution is premised on the fact that by nature, society is structured in concentric circles; the individual - the family - neighbors - voluntary organizations and associations - local authorities - constituencies and superior state bodies. The respective inner circle has the priority for securing and improving the welfare of the individual than the larger and more complex outer circles by encouraging self-responsibility. In the Kenyan context devolution has been understood as an agenda to redesign government where power and resources are shared equitably. It involves delegation of political and legislative power to semi-autonomous regional or sub national entities. Legal political and fiscal powers are also devolved to the subordinate entity yet at the same time the center maintains control over how these powers are used. The specific objectives of the study are to determine how accessibility to information about devolved funds affects their utilization by MSEs, assess the impact of entrepreneurial training and affordability on accessibility to funds as well as assessing how the management structures and legal frame work influence the level to which they are accessible. The purpose of the study is to make an analysis of the factors influencing the accessibility of devolved funds by the owners of Micro and Small Enterprises in order to meet the financial needs of their businesses. The target population was 151 hardware operators in Nyeri Municipality. Data- was collected from selected hardware outlets selected through simple random sampling. The main data collection instruments were questionnaires administered to the hardware owners as well as secondary data obtained from policy documents from program managers and bank credit managers. The data collected was analyzed and interpreted quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while presentation of data was in descriptive statistics such as tables, percentage bar graphs and measures of central tendency. The study revealed that affordability of funds played the greatest role in influencing accessibility of devolved funds by MSEs. The legal framework, access to information and level of entrepreneurial training influenced accessibility of funds in that order while approval procedures had the least impact. The key recommendations of the study were that the government should reduce the barriers to finance so as to increase access to funds by MSEs. Use of ICT for accessing information should be enhanced while individualized rather than group-based approaches of extending funds should be enhanced. The findings of the study were aimed at guiding the policy makers, MSE owners and scholars in this area, on establishing the determining forces in accessibility of devolved funds
Factors influencing the uptake of mortgage loan by customers in Barclays Banks of Kenya
No full textHG 2040.M9 2011Most of Kenyans today dream of owning house be it either residential or commercial to fulfill the quest of a comfortable shelter for the family or in terms of business endeavors. Many opt to take mortgage loans from financial institutions such as banks which guarantee them enough resources to put up a building. Consequently, the research is aimed at finding the possible factors that may not attract as many potential customers as desired to this region. Such factors considered in this research are; personal characteristics, terms of the loan, procedures& policies and marketing tools. The research design was a case study on 11 branches of BBK in Mt. Kenya region and the target population was both staff and customers sourced from BBK HR department. A stratified random sampling technique was used to stratify the target population into 3 strata. Data collection was done thro interviewing the members of staff and the management by the aid of questionnaires. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and correlation test. The response rate from questionnaires given to customers was 90% and 100% for staff. The study has shown that the uptake of mortgage loan in Mt. Kenya region is directly affected by personal characteristics of customers, terms of the loan, procedures & policies and marketing of this product. The correlation analysis established that there exists a direct relationship between the various 'variables; personal characteristics, terms of the loan, procedures & policies and marketing tools and uptake of mortgage loan in Mt. Kenya region. The study recommends that the organization needs to evaluate the challenge of selling mortgage loan in this region closely and come up with viable solutions. The researcher recommends consultation far and wide with all stakeholders in this region and come up with ways and means of attracting more customers. Customers are of high importance in consultation process as they the target for this product
The Caves of Mount Elgon and Their Sandfly Fauna David K
No full textP 98-103A survey of the Kenyan side of Mount Elgon revealed numerous caves which were found harbouring phlebotomine sandflies. Among the morphologically identifiable males of rwo species of the genus Phlebotomus, sub-genus Larroussius were indistinguishable females, a proportion of which were infected with promastigotes of Leishmania. The suspected vector of this parasite, Phlebotomus pedifer was found predominant in a relatively low altitude escarpment belt at l 750- l 900m, and represented over half of the identified male sandflies detected from the slopes of Mount Elgon. These male sandflies were associated with females infected with Leishmania and those which bit man. At intermediate and higher altitudes, the caves harboured mainly P.elgonensis and were associated with river valleys and major promontories. The escarpment which is a proven focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis was approximately 257 sq km and 10% of the study area, and took the form of a narrow, elongate cliff along the entire southern slopes of the mountain. Details of the distribution of caves on the slopes of Mount Elgon and their sandfly fauna are presented
Performance contract as a tool for evaluation of strategic planning process
No full textThe study investigated performance contract as a tool for evaluation of strategic planning process in local authorities in Laikipia County. Performance contracting is a tool used to evaluate and control strategic planning process. There are various factors that influenced implementation of performance contracting in local authorities in Laikipia County, hence the study to come up with findings and recommendations. The purpose of the study was identify the gaps that existed in the performance contracting process in local authorities as they tried to enhance performance in line with set objectives and government guidelines. The objective of the study was to determine how resource allocation affected implementation of performance contracting, to find out the role of leadership in the implementation of performance contract. The study was based on theoretical orientation theories related to the area of study such as result-based rnanagement contingency leadership, core competences and the Seven S. model. The dependent variables of the study were financial resources, employee's skills, corporate objectives, and leadership and organization structure. The dependent variable was evaluation of performance contract. The research designed employed was descriptive survey. The scope of the study was the local authorities in Laikipia County namely; Nyahururu municipal Council, Rumuruti Town Council, Laikipia County Council and Nanyuki municipal Council. The target populations were officers involved in performance contract process. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using software computer Statistical Package for Social Science and presented through use of bar graphs and pie-charts. Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between performance contract and financial resources, employee's skills, corporate objectives, leadership and organization structure. Further studies should be done on why Council are rated poorly as compared to other Government departments and implement the findings of the study
Factors influencing teachers' job satisfaction in primary schools. A case of Igembe North district, Kenya.
No full textPrimary school teachers -desire security, recognition, new experience and independence otherwise they do not perform accordingly. To achieve the above, there is need to understand factors associated with teachers' job satisfaction since it is a multifaceted phenomenon which is primarily a dependent variable involving personal, organizational and social aspects. The study aimed at identifying factors influencing primary teachers' job satisfaction and suggests feasible strategies so as to increase and maintain high levels of job satisfaction. To what extent is job satisfaction influenced by the kind of work being done (intrinsic), the conditions of the work (extrinsic) and more so demographic factors such as gender, age, level of education, marital status and job experience. Attempts were made to find the relationships between the variables and job satisfaction and to identify those which account for maximum variance in job satisfaction of teachers m both public and private schools. The research findings would be of great importance to all education stake holders in their pursuit of improving of primary teachers levels of job satisfaction, who will in turn benefit positively from satisfied teachers. The study applied descriptive statistics where discrete data was used. Survey design was used as it measures variables by asking teachers questions and then examining relationships among variables. The target population was 1106 primary school teachers in 95 schools in Igembe North District. Stratified sampling method was used to get a sample size of 30 schools targeting 300 teachers. Purposive sampling method was carried out to ensure inclusion of primary schools in urban and rural areas equitably covering the whole district. Data was collected through visits to schools and respondents were personally detailed about the purpose of 1he -study and all other queries of the respondents before administering the questionnaire which had five main questions. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using frequency tables and figures. The analyzed data was interpreted, conclusions made and recommendations availed. From the research findings, it was evident that teachers were significantly dissatisfied both :in public and private primary schools. Seemingly, teachers are satisfied with co-workers behavior, physical environment and management behaviour. Social cultural practices, poor parental support, pupils, behaviour and pay and reward were identified as the key factors that account for dissatisfaction among teachers. High pupil enrolment rate, understaffing and _parents high illiteracy levels were _pinpointed as the major hindrances to enhancement of primary schools teachers' job satisfaction. Teachers Service commission and management of private primary schools should employ more teachers, improve teachers' salaries and other benefits and sensitize parents to be more involved in education matters. Ministry of Education should legislate appropriate policies that enhance teachers' job satisfaction in primary schools especially those relating to pupils discipline