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Health facility factors affecting the provision of post-abortion care services in Trans- Nzoia County, Western Kenya
No full textJournal ArticleIntroduction: globally, millions of women suffer from abortion and its complications, and they require post-abortion care (PAC) services. The existence of suboptimal PAC services aggravates the situation. The study investigated health facility factors affecting the provision of post-abortion care by primary healthcare facilities in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. Methods: a cross-sectional study that adopted a mixed methods design where one hundred and sixty primary healthcare facilities were sampled across the five sub-counties. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVIVO, while quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were used for continuous variables. The association between categorical independent variables and the dependent variable, with a p-value of 0.05 considered significant. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and organized into themes. Results: one hundred and sixty primary healthcare facilities were sampled across the five sub-counties. Public facilities were 64 (49.2%), private 51 (39.2%), and faith-based organizations 15 (11.5%). The majority of the facilities, 72 (55.4%), were operational five days a week. Community Health Promoters (CHPs) highlighted a lack of 24-hour services in PHC facilities. The cost of PAC services was statistically high, with a p-value of < 0.001, patient waiting time p-value of < 0.001. The main reason for the prolonged waiting time is the inability to pay for PAC services in 82 (63.1%) facilities. The distribution of nurses in PHC facilities was significant with a p-value of 0.03.
Conclusion: the findings show that health facility factors affecting PAC services in PHC facilities in Trans Nzoia County were facility operating hours, staffing levels for nurses, and availability of a budget specific to PAC services. Consequently, the study recommends the use of the health facility factors to inform PAC interventions
Exploring the Role of Knowledge Management and Communication in Driving Innovation in Multi-Stakeholder Networks in Eastern Africa: A Systematic Review of Trends, Enablers, and Barriers
No full textConference PaperClimate change is one of the major defining issues facing the world today. The effects of climate change, extreme weather events like drought and floods, political instability in some regions and the unexpected effects of the COVID 19 pandemic have intensified the effects of food insecurity among local and global populations (FAO, 2021a; FAO et al., 2023; Mumuni et al., 2023). Agriculture Innovation networks have been acclaimed in the recent as platforms that comprise of diverse stakeholders whose partnership and integration has the potential to solve a myriad of developmental challenges which cut across multiple sectors (FAO, 2018; United Nations, 2015). The 2030 Sustainability agenda call for policies and programs that are integrated and transformational by considering intersectoral linkages, support cross-sectoral communication and support the collaboration between different sectors. Therefore, the integration and cross communication between sectors is vital for the productivity of the food and agriculture sector. Effective communication and knowledge management are critical enabling factors required for a healthy and productive agri-food innovation network. However, agricultural innovation networks are complex ecosystems comprising of multiple stakeholders, systems and frameworks. (Gardeazabal et al., 2023; Oluwole et al., 2016) Knowledge management and subsequently the communication frameworks within these networks must therefore recognize this complexity and support the integration of knowledge from different sources and lay the foundation for collaborative communication among the different stakeholders. The purpose of this systematic review of literature is to understand the role of communication and knowledge management in multi stakeholder innovation networks in the agricultural sector within the African context. It will further interrogate the enablers and barriers of effective communication and knowledge management in promoting innovation that promotes food security.Daystar Universit
Impact of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms Among Urban Refugees in Nairobi, Kenya
No full textPHD ThesisRefugees fleeing their countries after conflict often experience traumatic experiences that may leave them suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There has been an established need for clinical research to add to the knowledge base of effective trauma-focused treatments for refugee populations. Studies have shown the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing PTSD symptoms in refugee populations globally. This study sought to assess the impact of EMDR in reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression in urban refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of PTSD and depression, to determine risk factors associated with PTSD and depression symptoms, and to establish the impact of EMDR treatment on PTSD and depression symptoms among the selected population. To explain how PTSD develops and how trauma memories are adaptively processed, the study used three theories: emotional processing theory, the information processing theory, and the adaptive information processing theory. The study followed a positivist paradigm and used a time series quasi-experimental design. A control group for this research received counselling at the end of the study. Respondents for this study were drawn from refugees seeking services at the Nairobi center of the Jesuit Refugee Service, an international non-governmental organization that offers psychosocial support for refugees. Sixty-nine participants who met the clinical thresholds for PTSD and depression, as determined by the PCL-5 and the Beck Depression Inventory-II, were assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. Following 8 90-minute EMDR sessions with the experimental group, PCL-5 and BDI-II scores were recorded at midline and endline for both the experimental and control group, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to analyse scores on the PCL-5 and BDI-II at the various treatment intervals. Participants in the experimental group showed a substantial reduction in PCL-5 scores over time. At endline, PTSD scores showed a highly significant difference F(1, 63) = 46.21, p < .001, η² = .423 in the experimental group (M = 20.11, SD = 17.87) while scores in the control group had mean scores of 51.00, (SD = 18.18). Depression scores remained significantly lower in the experimental group, (F(1, 62) = 19.22, p < .001, η² = .237, M = 12.19, SD = 13.93), while the control group had depression scores of 28.63 (SD = 15.25). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large, with the strongest effects observed for PTSD symptoms at endline (η² = .423). These findings support the efficacy of the treatment and underscore the importance of targeted psychosocial interventions. This study recommends an integrated approach that includes targeted treatment for PTSD and depression and also addresses the psychosocial needs of refugees.Daystar Universit
Strategic Innovative Processes and Safety Management Performance at The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementIn an effort to mitigate accidents and incidents in the aviation industry, various institutional measures have been implemented over time for safety management. The aviation industry regulator often lags in providing technical guidance, performance standards and operational regulations to guide the activities of industry operators within a robust and resilient safety management system. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of strategic innovative processes and safety management performance at the KCAA. The objectives of the study were to: establish the effect of standardization, oversight, and digitization on safety management performance at the KCAA, and determine the moderating effect of safety policy on the relationship between strategic innovative processes and safety management performance at the KCAA. This study was underpinned by the Schumpeter’s Innovation Theory. This study applied both descriptive and explanatory research designs. The population of this study included the staff of KCAA nationwide, totaling 805 employees. The target population of this study was 288 senior staff in the Aviation Safety Security and Regulation (ASSR) Directorate of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The sample size of this study was 167 respondents selected using Yamane Taro (1967) formula. The study collected data using a structured questionnaire. Pretesting of the data collection instrument was conducted at the Air Navigation Services Directorate of the KCAA with senior air traffic controllers and engineers. The study determined reliability using Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.7 indicative of strong consistency. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 27.0. The descriptive statistics used were means and standard deviations, while the inferential statistics analysis was used to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Results were presented in Tables. The study found that all the variables under study had positive and statistically significant relationship with safety management performance of KCAA. The study established that the moderating effect of safety policy on the relationship between strategic innovative processes and safety management performance was found to be significant, with respondents scoring an average mean of 4.32 (SD = 0.49). The regression analysis revealed that safety policy acts as a significant moderating variable, with a coefficient of ß = 0.283 (p < 0.01). This indicates that safety policies enhance the effectiveness of standardization and oversight in promoting safety management performance. The study concluded that safety policies significantly and statistically moderate the relationship between the strategic innovative processes and safety management performance of aviation sector, specifically at KCAA. Furthermore, the study recommends a concerted effort in capacity development in the area of personnel training and technological integration of operational processes. Additionally, continuous stakeholder engagement will provide KCAA with timely awareness of the dynamic changes and stakeholder requirements towards optimal service delivery.Daystar Universit
Deployment of Artificial for Climate Change Mitigations
No full textConference PaperClimate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. This change is largely driven by increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which increases the greenhouse effect and in turn has adversely disrupted temperatures, rain patterns and emissions. Imagine a world where the challenges of this climate change are not only understood but are being actively countered by one of humanity's most advanced creations: Artificial Intelligence (AI). This isn't a scene from a science fiction novel - it's the unfolding reality of today. This paper aims to discuss how AI has been deployed in Kenya to mitigate (reduce emissions) and ways communities have adapted or generally adjusting to the impacts of climate change. AI models can now predict extreme weather events and incidents such as floods and locust swarms, which serves as early warning systems for communities. For example, "Kuzi" is an AI solution that uses satellite and sensor data to predict desert locust swarms, providing early SMS alerts to farmers. Similarly, initiatives are using AI to predict riverine floods up to seven days in advance, with detailed inundation maps to help communities prepare. In terms of crop disease diagnosis, applications like "PlantVillage Nuru" enable farmers to diagnose crop diseases in real-time, even without an internet connection, reducing losses and improving yields. These innovations are not only groundbreaking and game-changing but may also offer some reassurance to the citizenry that reliable early warnings can save lives and property.Daystar Universit
Assessment of Depression and Anxiety Disorder Severity among Persons with Disability in Formal Employment: Case of Safaricom PLC, Kenya
No full textPersons with Disabilities (PWDs) are disproportionately vulnerable to mental health disorders, yet limited research exists on the severity of depression and anxiety among those in formal employment. This study investigated the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, relationship between their sociodemographic, as well as the coping mechanisms employed by PWDs working in Safaricom PLC’s four call centers in Kenya. Harry Stack Sullivan’s Interpersonal Theory, Michael Oliver’s Social Model of Disability, and the Capability Theory by Sen and Nussbaum guided the research. Using descriptive cross-sectional design and census sampling, the study targeted 90 PWDs who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic items, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). Findings revealed a significant mental health burden: 50% of respondents exhibited clinical anxiety, with 31.6% experiencing severe symptoms. Additionally, 35.5% reported moderate to severe depression. A strong correlation between depression and anxiety (r = .674, p < .001) indicated high comorbidity. Socio-demographic factors showed minimal association with mental health outcomes, suggesting workplace stressors as universal contributors. Coping strategies, adaptive, workplace-focused, and maladaptive, were all employed to a statistically significant extent. An “intervention gap” was identified, where individuals with mild-to-moderate symptoms disengaged from formal support systems until symptoms became severe. The study concludes that PWDs at Safaricom PLC face a pronounced mental health crisis marked by high anxiety prevalence and comorbid depression. Recommendations include implementing routine mental health screenings, enhancing stigma-free access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and developing targeted interventions for high-risk groups.Daystar Universit
Checked vs. Unchecked Resourcefulness: Comparing Sustainability in the Wilderness with The Human World
No full textConference PaperThe global impact of climate change on planetary health is usually quantified in terms of an increase in CO2 levels since our widespread use of fossil fuels. The corresponding temperature rise “of less than 2C” is understood as a planetary tipping point value. However, by comparing a pre-industrial- with a post-industrial human world, we confine our point of view to a very narrow band of geological time. This study aims to explore a more comprehensive correlation and provide a more relatable perspective. In its first part, the research investigates ecosystem energy flows and biomass transfers in a human-free world. It categorizes all species into one of three broad groups: producers, decomposers, and consumers. By analyzing the traits of a multitude of species of all groups in several example ecosystems, it shows how a human-free world is inherently interdependent. It shows how each species’ checked resourcefulness bounds ecosystems free of human interference to slow change. By regarding life without us, we can see clearly how humans are different. Part two of the study introduces us humans. It examines how we were able to free ourselves from the bounds of species’ interdependence and how we were able to finally construct our own food webs—unchecked resourcefulness. This big-picture analysis unites all humans in their predicament. It hopes to show in a relatable fashion how fundamentally we undermine our own resilience—far beyond temperature rise. It presents a generalized, globally valid outlook as to how we can reinstall our sustainability and planetary health.Daystar Universit
Innovation Strategies and Financial Performance of Insurance Firms in Kenya: A Case of Sanlam Kenya PLC
No full textJournal ArticlePurpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of innovation strategies on the financial performance of Sanlam Kenya PLC and to assess the moderating effect of organizational culture on this relationship. The study specifically focused on three types of innovation strategies: product innovation, process innovation, and market innovation. Methodology: The research adopted a mixed-methods design anchored on the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, open innovation, and institutional theory. The target population was 650 employees from the finance, marketing, innovation, and ICT departments at Sanlam Kenya PLC. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table, a sample of 242 respondents was selected through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS Version 28, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (t-tests, ANOVA, and correlations) to test hypotheses. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to identify emerging patterns and insights that complemented the quantitative results. Findings: The study revealed that all three innovation strategies product, process, and market innovation had a significant positive effect on financial performance, measured by return on investment, return on assets, and revenue growth. Market innovation showed the strongest influence (R² = 0.367), followed by product innovation (R² = 0.137) and process innovation (R² = 0.123). Moreover, organizational culture was found to significantly moderate the relationship between innovation strategies and financial performance, with a higher explanatory power (R² = 0.846), indicating that culture enhances the effectiveness of innovation in driving performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that insurance firms, particularly Sanlam Kenya PLC, should prioritize market-driven innovation while strengthening their organizational culture to maximize the financial benefits of innovation strategies. Product and process innovations should be aligned with cultural values that encourage adaptability, creativity, and openness to change. Furthermore, the study suggests that future research be extended to other financial services sectors in Kenya, including banking and investment institutions, to validate and generalize the findings across the broader financial industry
Psychological Effects of Teenage Pregnancy among Young Mothers in Rescue Centers: A Case Study of Wings of Compassion Home in Kiambu, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Counselling PsychologyThis study examined the psychological effects of teenage pregnancy on young mothers residing at Wings of Compassion Home in Kiambu, Kenya, with a focus on depression, anxiety and stress, coping strategies, and psychosocial support services. Guided by Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, and Social Support Theory, the research sought to establish the extent of psychological distress among adolescent mothers, identify coping strategies employed, and evaluate the effectiveness of institutional support in mitigating adverse mental health outcomes. A mixed-method design was employed, involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 90 young mothers living in the rescue centre, with data collected through structured questionnaires, standardized psychological assessment tools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while qualitative insights were thematically analyzed to enrich interpretation of findings. The results revealed high levels of depression, anxiety and stress among the participants, with approximately 40% experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Coping strategies were diverse, ranging from adaptive mechanisms such as peer support and vocational training to maladaptive responses including social withdrawal. The study further established that structured psychosocial support services particularly counseling, peer group therapy, and vocational training significantly reduced psychological distress and enhanced resilience among the young mothers. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated psychosocial interventions that combine emotional, social, and economic support to address the complex psychological realities of adolescent mothers in rescue centers. The study concludes that strengthening institutional support structures, embedding culturally sensitive counseling programs, and expanding community reintegration services are essential to promoting the psychological well-being of young mothers.Daystar Universit
Evaluating the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Healthcare Workers on Opioid Analgesics Usage: Case of Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, Laikipia County
No full textMASTERS in Clinical PsychologyEffective pain management using opioid analgesics remains critical for quality healthcare, yet concerns about misuse, underutilization, and regulatory barriers persist globally and in Kenya. This study evaluated healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and challenges regarding opioid analgesic usage at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, Laikipia County. Four specific objectives guided the research: (1) to assess healthcare workers' level of knowledge about opioid analgesics, (2) to determine their attitudes toward prescribing and administering opioids, (3) to analyse their clinical practices in opioid pain management, and (4) to establish the challenges they face in accessing opioid analgesics. Grounded in the Health Belief Model and Social Learning Theory, the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design targeting medical officers, clinical officers, nurses, and pharmacists. Using stratified proportional sampling, 86 healthcare professionals were selected from a target population of 452. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires with closed-ended and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, while qualitative responses underwent thematic content analysis. Findings revealed foundational knowledge of opioid indications and addiction risks, yet significant gaps existed in safe dosing and storage practices. Overconfidence in self-rated knowledge negatively correlated with guideline consultation frequency, indicating potential patient safety risks. While 86.1% acknowledged opioid efficacy, 41.9% expressed addiction fears and 47.7% supported opioid use only as last resort patterns explained by Health Belief Model constructs of perceived severity and susceptibility. Clinical practices showed strong protocol adherence but frequent neglect of patient-centered care elements like pain reassessment and side-effect education, reflecting social learning influences within clinical teams. Major challenges included frequent opioid stock-outs, absence of Naloxone, inadequate training, and regulatory fears. The study recommends mandatory practical training programs, institutionalizing guideline consultation, addressing fear-based attitudes through education, ensuring consistent drug availability, and conducting further research on cultural and social influences. These interventions could significantly improve pain management outcomes at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital and similar healthcare settings.Daystar Universit