105064 research outputs found
Sort by
Factors Influencing Performance Of Devolved Government Units In Kenya: A Case Of Department Of Agriculture, Meru County
No full textThe international unresponsive approach by centralized governments to the social, cultural
and economic needs of the citizenry at the grassroots did inform the devolution of both
political and administrative powers to sub-national levels of governments. This was with the
view that bringing government officers closer to the people would improve public services
delivery. This study investigated the factors influencing the performance of devolved
government units in Kenya, a case of the department of agriculture in Meru county. In
particular, it examined the influence of employee motivation, staff training and development,
resources mobilization and staff accountability on the performance of devolved government
units. The study was hinged on three theories; Agency, Stakeholders and Contract theories.
The study made use of a correlational survey research design since it was interested in
unearthing the influence of each of the independent variable factors on the performance of the
devolved units of government in Kenya, a case of the department of agriculture in Meru
county. The target population for the study were all employees of the department of
Agriculture in Meru county, that is 68 employees, a census was therefore conducted.
Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative
primary data in the study locale, while secondary data was gotten from the agriculture
department in the county government of Meru offices. Quantitative data was coded into SPSS
v23 for analysis using correlation and regression techniques, while qualitative data was put
into themes so as to get patterns which were used to beef up the quantitative output. Data was
presented in frequency tables. The study found out that the following; that there is a very
strong positive correlation between employee motivation and performance of devolved units
of government in Kenya, a case of the department of agriculture in Meru county, a positive
and significant correlation was established between staff training and development and
performance of devolved units of government in Kenya, a case of the department of
agriculture in Meru county, as well as a positive and significant correlation between resources
mobilization and performance of devolved units of government in Kenya, a case of the
department of agriculture in Meru county, and lastly, a very strong positive correlation was
established between accountability and performance of devolved units of government in
Kenya, a case of the department of agriculture in Meru county. In conclusion, the performance
of the agriculture department which is a devolved unit of government is positively and
significantly influenced by employees’ motivation, staff accountability, staff training and
development and resource mobilization. Based on the findings, the research recommends that
emphasis should be put on staff accountability and employee motivation, as they are
considered to be the greatest influences of performance of devolved units of government in
Kenya, a case of the department of agriculture in Meru county. Since 79.4% of the variations
in the performance of the devolved government units was explained by the four independent
variables chosen, a study should be carried to find out which other variables influence the
performance of devolved units of government. This study is therefore useful to the national
government and other 47 county governments in their quest to fulfill their mandates within their
jurisdiction
International Institutions As Diplomacy Tools For Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the role that international institutions play
in promoting diplomatic relations. Specifically, the study was set to determine the
extent to which international organisations are tools of diplomacy, to investigate the
ways that international organisations have influenced diplomatic engagements in the
21st century and to establish the role of UNCTAD in Kenya’s diplomatic engagements.
The study was guided by neorealist theory. The study employed quantitative and
qualitative research designs. This study used both primary and secondary data
collection methods. Primary data was collected through interviewing Kenya’s sitting
and retired foreign affairs minister, ambassadors, and people that participated in the
formulation of Kenya’s foreign policies in the past and in the present. Secondary data
was collected from relevant books, foreign policy documents and resolutions and
journal articles. Framework analysis and thematic network evaluation was applied for
analysis. From the study it was established that: the 21st century diplomatic
engagements are an engine that any developing country should employ to drive its
national interests; Kenya is maximizing on its diplomatic ties and engagements to
achieve its foreign policy goals; through economic diplomacy Kenya has positioned
itself in the regional market for trade thus becoming a regional trade hub; the
involvement of other actors in Kenya’s pursuance of diplomacy is an effective strategy
adopted by the government in promoting its economic diplomacy and the ministries of
Foreign Affairs the African Union, private sector and other actors through strong 21st
century diplomatic engagements are enhancing strong economic, political and social
relations in Africa and the world at large. The study recommends that governments
through the African union need to streamline trade procedures and come up with
standard procedures effective 21st century diplomatic engagement’s procedures,
economic strategies and goals that enhance Africa’s economic position in the world and
more specifically EAC trade liberalizations will enhance Kenya’s economical position
Determinants For Effective Conflict Resolution Responses In Kenya
No full textCounty government is vital to the county's conflict management. Legislation has been put in place but rampant conflicts have occurred in Nairobi County despite these. The study sought to identify factors in Nairobi City County for effective conflict resolution responses. This study is essential because Nairobi City County is a strategic area for Kenya's capital city being the national government and therefore peace and security are essential in our quest to initiate and advance socio-economic development projects. They were evaluated and included evaluation of Nairobi City County's conflict resolution response strategy, reviewing resource mobilization for conflict resolution responses in Nairobi County, and assessing leadership culture's contribution to conflict resolution responses in Nairobi County. The study's theoretical basis is anchored on three theories, including the theory of social conflict, management theory, and the theory of conflict transformation. Secondary data were used for the purposes of this research work to collect information from various relevant sources. Secondary data is distributed either by county governments in the form of publications; Different publications of foreign governments or international bodies and their subordinates; scientific and commercial journals; magazines, books, and newspapers; Articles and publications by various industry and business organizations, banks and stock exchange; investigator reports. The study found that political violence, especially in informal settlements, is the most prevalent type of violence. The research also shows that more class influences extremism. However, there are other types of violence that are cumulatively more important than political violence, such as domestic, ethnic, economic and landlord tenants, and policies that should be included in these accounts. The study concludes that Nairobi County is highly prone to conflict due to the political significance of the region, entrenched culture of political violence, and social tensions related to unemployment among young people, inequality and landlessness
Youth Unemployment and Its Implications on Development in Africa: the Case of Kenya
No full textYouth unemployment is on the rise in Africa and it comes with huge economic challenges that lead to slow economic growth of the states. Youth unemployment in Africa and specifically Kenya, affects their development as well as their input to the development of the states. Kenyan government has put initiatives in place such as the Uwezo fund, development of TVET and enhancement of industrialization. However, these initiatives are affected by factors such as institutional polarization and lack of political will to enhance their actualization. There are different types of unemployment, ranging from cyclical, frictional, systemic, political and structural which illustrates causes of unemployment. Unemployment occurs when any of the factors of production are not employed or fully utilized, in creation of goods and services. Despite all the efforts employed by the government, to eradicate the vice, unemployment and especially among the youth continue to persist and this has serious repercussions on self-esteem, poverty eradication efforts, social stability and equity. This study investigated the nature of unemployment among the youth in Africa, examining the effectiveness of the measures put in place to combat youth unemployment in Kenya and evaluating the challenges faced in addressing youth unemployment in Kenya. The study adopted the classical theory in examining youth unemployment and its implications to development in Africa. Mixed method that combines both quantitative and qualitative research design was used to gather, analyse and present information. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews from a sample of 384 respondents, using purposive sampling techniques from selected officials from NGOs working with the youths in Nairobi, community leaders, youths, academicians and religious leaders. The quantitative data collected was analysed using the Scientific Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Office Excel and Content analysis for the qualitative data. It is evident that, development has stagnated because of increasing unemployment rates in the country which affects economic growth. Further, unemployment in Africa is a huge jeopardy to development and it leads to social problems such as crime. Most of the youth with the capacity to work have not been adequately given the opportunity to get productive. However, the high youthful population if adequately empowered can enhance economic growth. From the findings, the measures put in place by GoK to combat youth unemployment are good, but lack the aspect of having proper policies and follow up procedures, to make the work effectively as envisaged. Various recommendations can be made on study findings. There is need to carry out reforms on the education systems for economic growth of the country. Trainings should also be conducted based on the immediate need of the society. There is need for harmonization of policies, so that government initiatives can have a unified theme in addressing youth unemploymen
Determinants Of First Postnatal Check-up Among Newborns In Kenya
No full textMaternal, neonatal and child health remain an important aspect covering the general health and well-being of both the mother and the child. Postnatal care has for the most part received limited and at times no attention more so from the newborns perspective. Healthcare workers for the most part have given the required PNC attention to the mother but have subsequently neglected the newborn. Sub-Sahara Africa and southern Asia have borne the biggest brunt in both morbidity and mortality rates being the highest globally. In Kenya, the picture is no different. Various studies have looked at factors affecting uptake of postnatal care from the mothers’ perspective. Scarce studies have looked at first PNC among newborns in Kenya. Using secondary data from the KDHS 2014, this study sought to analyze the determinants of first PNC among newborns in Kenya.
This study employed a three level analysis; univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. From the results generated, wife’s age, education level, timing of mothers’ first PNC, the provider of care for both, timing of the ANC visits and their frequencies, place of delivery, household wealth, region and residence emerged as being highly significantly associated with the first postnatal care among the newborns. Birth spacing as well as the gender of the household head, did not have a significant association with the first uptake. At the multivariate level, ANC visits, provider of mothers’ PNC check and place of delivery emerged as significant determinants of first postnatal care checkup among newborns.
Evidence based policy recommendations proposed looking at the quality of care given at the health institution. In addition, it was seen to be important to look at postnatal care after discharge from the facility and its impact on newborn health
Umbilical Cord Hygiene And The Risk Of Neonatal Sepsis Among Neonates Presenting At Kahawa Health Centre In Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textIntroduction: Neonatal sepsis could be defined as a bacterial, fungal or viral systemic condition characterized by bio-chemical and clinical symptoms and attended by significant morbidity and mortality. Three-quarters of all annual neonatal deaths in developing countries are attributable to neonatal sepsis. In primary care settings, poor cord hygiene due to unclean handling of the infant‟s cord is a major contributor to the occurrence of neonatal sepsis.
Objectives: To identify umbilical cord care practices among mothers attending the Kahawa Health Centre (KHC) and assess the relationship between umbilical cord hygiene and neonatal sepsis, its population attributable fraction (PAF), as well as the influence of other neonatal and maternal factors.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the KHC to assess the umbilical cord-hygiene-neonatal sepsis relationship among neonates presenting to the facility between August and October 2018. All those who were premature, of low birth weight or with congenital anomalies were excluded. All cases were selected, while controls were systematically random-sampled to achieve the required sample size of 312 neonates.
Analysis: Exposure variables were summarized using descriptive statistics. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the association between umbilical cord hygiene and neonatal sepsis adjusting for the effect of potential confounders. Subsequently, a population attributable fraction (PAF) was estimated.
Results: Chlorhexidine/surgical spirit were the applied agents by 79.2% of controls‟ compared to 35.6% of the cases‟ caregivers. Other recommended cord care practices were reported more among the control than the case respondents. The proportion of mothers with improper hygiene was 35.3%: 72.1% among the cases and 16.3% among the controls‟
xiv
caregivers. The odds of neonatal sepsis were 13 times higher (OR=13.24; 95% CI: [7.5; 23.4]) among infants whose caregivers had improper hygiene compared to those who had proper hygiene. None of the neonatal and maternal covariates confounded the umbilical cord hygiene-neonatal sepsis association. This odds ratio gave a PAF of 66.7% (95% CI: 62.5; 69.03).
Conclusions: Improper cord hygiene is prevalent among the population served by KHC showing a strong positive association of improper cord hygiene with neonatal sepsis. The high PAF estimate implies that up to 67% of newborn infections could be prevented by observing proper cord hygiene methods among the caregivers.
Recommendations: A proper cord hygiene protocol should be included within the antenatal care package.a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
The Influence of Counseling on Adolescents: a study of adolescents in Ngong Ward Schools of Kajiado North Sub-county
No full textCounseling is an essential tool to help adolescents overcome the challenges they face in this significant stage of human growth and development. Young people need to acquire the right knowledge and skills to become productive workers and responsible adults. One way of helping adolescents cope with the various social and developmental challenges is through school counseling programmes which significantly lead to more positive attitudes towards school. School counseling decreases adolescents aggressive and hostile behaviors. The broad objective of this study was to investigate the influence of counseling integration in schools on adolescents. Specific objectives were to: identify the factors affecting provision of adolescence counseling and examine perceptions and attitudes of adolescents on role of counseling; analyze the challenges of adolescence counseling in schools. The study was carried out in three secondary schools in Ngong ward in Kajiado County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A sample of 36 adolescents aged 13- 18 years were interviewed using a questionnaire. In addition the researcher interviewed 6 key informants using a key informant guide. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and it was presented in form of frequencies and percentages, charts and tables. The study found that the provision of counseling to adolescents was affected by level of education of counselors and their experience. It established that students had a more positive attitude towards individual counselling programmes compared to group and peer counselling. Overall the study found out that counseling helped adolescents solve their personal problems, improve their well-being, their academic performance and it increased their self-esteem. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made: that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Teachers Service Commission should employ counselors in each school for effective counselling to adolescents in secondary schools; that there should be continuous training of teachers-counselors in schools; and that school administrators should carry out monitoring and evaluation of counselling programmes to identify effective measures to help achieve effective counselling services in secondary schools
Utility Of Multidetector Computed Tomography (mdct) Scan Findings In Surgically Treated Acute Abdomen At Kenyatta National Hospital - Kenya
No full textBackground: Acute abdomen is the leading cause of exploratory laparotomies in the emergency department. MDCT is the main imaging modality in most cases of acute abdomen and determines those that require surgical management. No studies have been done to show its utility in surgically treated acute abdomen in the region.
Methods: A Prospective cross-sectional analytic study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital involving 253 consecutive patients with surgically treated acute abdomen over a 12-month period. MDCT findings were compared with surgery and/or histological findings.
Results: Pre-surgery MDCT was performed in only 25%. The age range was 18-62 years with median age of 31. The male to female ratio was 3:1.The most common findings at MDCT for trauma were left diaphragmatic rupture with herniation (23.1%), perforated hollow viscera (19.2%) and bladder injury (15.4%); while the most common findings in non-traumatic acute abdomen were acute appendicitis (32.4%), peritonitis (29.7%) and intestinal obstruction (18.9%). MDCT findings showed strong concordance with surgical findings with the overall sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV calculated as 91.7%, 100%, 37.5% and 100% respectively. Surgical findings of patients with acute abdomen were similar in both MDCT and non-MDCT group The total percentage of patients with collections or diagnoses which would have benefited from conservative, limited surgical or interventional radiology managements was 13% and included isolated mild hemoperitoneum, hepatic abscess, negative laparotomy, pancreatitis, pelvic abscess, psoas abscess and sub phrenic abscess.
Conclusion: MDCT showed strong concordance with surgical findings with high accuracy, specificity and sensitivity in all types of surgically treated acute abdomen. MDCT is accurate and reliable and should be done in all patients with acute abdomen before surgical intervention, where indicated, to minimize the incidence of exploratory laparotomies.a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Association Between Major Life Events and Psychiatric Morbidity Among Adults Awaiting Discharge at Mathari Hospital
No full textBackground: Previous studies have shown that an association actually exists between
exposure to major life event and occurrence of a mental disorder. Although major life events
have been associated with a range of mental health problems, there still exists scarcity of
information on the relationship between major life events and psychiatric morbidity more so
from developing countries, Kenya included.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between major life events and
psychiatric morbidities among patients admitted at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.
Method: A total number of 285 respondents awaiting discharge were randomly recruited into
the study. The tools used were: (i) Socio-demographic questionnaire, (ii) Social Readjustment
Rating Scale for assessing the presence of major life events and lastly (iii) M.I.N.I Plus to
confirm diagnosis of psychiatric disorder(s).
Data were analyzed using R, with descriptive analysis done using frequencies, percentages,
and median. Prevalence rates of major life events and psychiatric disorders were presented
using percentages together with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Associations
between psychiatric disorders and major events were modelled using multivariable logistic
regression.a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Analysis of Extent and Impact of Adoption of Soil Carbon Enhancing Practices on Maize Yield Among Small Holder Farmers in Kakamege and Vihiga Counties, Kenya
No full textSmallholder farmers account for nearly 80 percent of food production in sub-saharan african (SSA),signifying their role in the achievement of food security.However,they are faced with low productivity due to poor agricultural management practices...