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An Evaluation Of The Influence Of Media Activities On Multinational Corporations In Kenya
No full textDespite of the many research conducted on media effects, there has been little efforts with regards to the effects of media on Multinational Corporation (MNCs). This study attempts to understand the effect media has on international businesses specifically MNCs. The research seeks to determine the extent to which media attention influences, contribute to and or shapes the activities of various MNCs in Kenya such as financing, investments, marketing strategy and companies’ Corporate social Responsibility. It also evaluates the role of media in holding MNCs to account and in promoting good business practice among MNCs. This study is anchored on the Media Effects Theory and it draws from framing effects, priming and agenda‐setting theories. The study used the mixed method approach, specifically the Survey Research Design, and was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, which hosts the headquarters of most MNCs. The project gathered data from several multinational companies drawn from various sectors including finance and banking, telecommunications, consumer goods, motor vehicle industry, food and beverage among others. The researched revealed that MNCs use the media as a source of information on the policies that affect them in one way or another, to gauge what the competition is doing as well as the political climate. Thus, media coverage affects decision-making in a corporation. The research also found out that news coverage has more impact on the image of the company compared to adverts as audiences tend to believe news articles more than adverts. However, the study shows that journalists rarely keep corporations and their executives accountable with lack of enough data being cited as one of the reasons. This is mainly because there are very few listed MNCs which makes it hard for journalists as they do not get the information/ data they would need to hold companies and their executives to account. The research concludes that media significantly affects activities of MNCs as the operating environment of MNC is largely informed or reliant on local media content. This study recommends future studies on the subject using a higher sample size to increase credibility and reliability of the data obtained herein. Further to that and noting that this study proves that media coverage influences MNC activities, therefore, there is need to investigate how media coverage impacts these companies. In this era of digital revolution and the rise of audience shift from traditional to social media platforms, there is need to interrogate the effects of social media on MNCs. It also calls upon corporations to have robust policies to guide them when to respond to media scrutiny, who should respond and how they should respond. Additionally, they should proactively map out issues likely to affect them, rank them according to severity and prepare potential responses to help spokespeople and senior management prepare for such cases
Impacts of Deforestation on Climate and Implications on Food Production in South West Mau
No full textIt is increasingly important that forests are very important in sustaining income and rural community livelihoods through food production. It is increasing important for food production assessment in the wake of today’s challenge of climate variability and change. More investigations should be done to assess further on impacts of forest cover change in Mau. Food production cannot be produced in an environmentally degraded environment. Improved Food production and security has been a priority in the countries development agenda. The achievement of national food security in Kenya is a major aim of food production. A food secure country improves community livelihoods, creating employment, reduces food insecurity and increases the country’s GDP. The Study Objectives are to investigate the impacts of deforestation on climate and implications on food production, assess the trend of forest cover change , analyze the trends of observed rainfall and temperature changes, assess forest cover effects on rainfall and temperature changes, determine relationship between Forest cover change, climate and crop production in the area. Data collection was through satellite images which were analyzed using Landsat images for four climate seasons that is 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018 and comparative study of forest cover changes. Data on climate change trends was acquired from climate data in the area. For questionnaires and interview schedules, SPSS was used for frequencies and cross tabulation for perceptions and excel and correlation used for analyzing temperature and rainfall data. The research indicated a drastic reduction in size of forest in the south West Block from1988 to present due to deforestation, affecting climate change and thus having implications on food production in the area. It was shown from the observations that there is continued warming since the 1980s to date which has led to reduced food production, hence poor food yields. It was observed that forest cover change drastically occurred in the years due to illegal settlements logging and population increase. The rates of forest cover change due to deforestation have been on the rise. This has impacted on climate change causing climate variability and change of weather seasons which has in turn affected food production in the area. From this study the distribution of precipitation and temperature shows temporal and spatial variations, the results shows that the rainfall amounts have been decreased gradually over the catchment and the temperatures have been significantly increasing, the extremes of drought and floods have affected the crop yields and will continue in the future. Rising temperatures due to climate variability and reduced amount of rainfall have led to depicted trends of reduced food production. Increased temperature coupled with reduced precipitation trends have resulted to reduced food production. Climate variables are positively related to food production; hence food productio
Assessment Of Staff Perception On Performance Appraisal Process At Probation And Aftercare Service Department
No full textappraisal system has been used by many organizations as a measure of service
delivery. However, the link between the system and the staff perception is wanting and
debatable. Probation and aftercare service department is one of public organization that has
been in the fore front in embracing performance appraisal process for (and) the reason of
improving service delivery. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the link
between performance appraisal process and staff perception. The objectives of this study
were to: establish staffs’ perception on their participation in the setting of targets of the
performance appraisal process in Probation and Aftercare Service department and to
investigate staffs’ perception on the accuracy of performance appraisal process. The study
adapted a survey research design that employed a mixed method approach to collect data
from 100 members of staff from the Probation and Aftercare Service who were available
during the time of the study. Along with this, purposive sampling was used to gather
information from key informants from within the department and the recipients of service
offered by the department. The questionnaire had both closed and open ended questions to
elicit appropriate response. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Packages for
Social Scientist version 22 and Excel 2010, and presented in terms of frequencies,
percentages. The findings indicate that there is a positive perception among the Probation and
Aftercare Service’s staff on performance and appraisal system of relative important index
from 0.59 to 0.9. That performance appraisal process at the department embraces
participatory approach. The study concluded that all staffs be trained on procedures of
performance appraisal, tangible target setting, and be involved in performance appraisal
process in every appraisal period. The study recommended training of staff on procedures of
performance appraisal process
Supplier Partnerships And Customer Satisfaction. A Case Study Of The Sarova Hotels
No full textThe main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of supplier partnerships on customer satisfaction. Effective supplier partnership has become a potentially valuable way of satisfying customers and improving the customer delivery services in organizations today. In the past competition was mainly between organizations but now it is among supply chains. The study looks at the extent of supplier partnerships in Sarova Hotels and the effect of supplier partnerships on customer’s satisfaction. The objective of the study was to establish the extent of supplier partnerships and determine the effect of supplier partnership on Sarova Hotel. The study used field data to derive findings. The research involved a descriptive research study design that was carried out, whose sample was of 28 participants were selected from a target population of 50 in Sarova Hotels.Simple random sampling was used to come up with the sample size since the population was drawn from different departments in the hotel. Questionnaires were used to gather data and also descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data which was used to analyze the data and was presented in terms of frequencies, mean, graphs, pie charts, tables, percentages and standard deviation.. The demographic information results indicated that most of the staff had worked for the firm for a period between 1 – 5 years with a percentage of 75% and 3.6% of staff that worked 16 years and above. This however was not the expectation of the researcher since the firm has been in existence for over 50 years and older staffs were expected to be working in the firm and provide in depth information to the researcher. The results provide evidence of a positive and significant of supplier partnership on customer satisfaction in Sarova Hotels. The study also shows that most of the patrticipants agreed that supplier partnership has led to increased customer trust, improved service delivery and increased number of customers received having a level of agreement of 4.385 with 0.885 having deviated from the mean, on the other
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hand, a mean of 3.923 with 0.755 having deviated from the mean which is the lowest mean compared to other mean indicating that the high number of response of neutrality in the improvement of sales after the hotel entered into partnerships with the supplier’s.
The study also showed the response of the respondents basing on the extent they agreed or disagreed on the effect of supplier partnership on customer satisfaction. The results of the study showed that the highest mean is 4.385 with 0.885 having deviated from the mean which indicated that most of the participants agreed that after partnering with the suppliers Sarova Hotels marked increase on the number of customers it is receiving, whereas, the lowest mean is 3.923 with a standard deviation of 0.755 which indicated that most of the respondents strongly disagreed with the statement of Customers having become loyal toSarova Hotels despite other upcoming competitors due to the partnership
The Effect of Macro-economic Variables on Financial Performance of Commercial Banking Sector in Kenya
No full textIn financial history, banks are known to be necessary for the overall system. Banks, mobilize savings and demand deposits and extend credit, on the other. In this way, they turn illiquid assets into liquid assets. The interrelation between macroeconomic factors, which refer to the banking system environment where it functions, has been debated by scholars, which also includes the operations of firms in the current phenomenon. It is frequently concluded that some core factors, which are macroeconomic, for instance, the impact brought about by inflation, fluctuating interest charges, and currency exchange ratio, are causes of how a company performs. This study thus going to analyse the impression of macro-variables on the fiscal performance of profitmaking banking sector in Kenya. The efficient market hypothesis, modern portfolio theory, and behavioural finance theory were reviewed as strategic fundamental theories guiding the study. This study combines a mixed research design that is designed to use descriptive and correlational research methods. The research employed secondary statistics that has been composed from macroeconomic variable. It is these statistics that are then used in the process of calculating the value of real gross domestic product (GDP), lending interest ratio applied by banking institutions as well as the prevailing exchange ratio. This able to correlate with the used consumer price index for price changes. The statistics that were used were collected from a period of ten years between 2009 and 2018. Data were examined through the procedure of descriptive statistics plus inferential statistics. These combine to develop the correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed the existence of a significant as well as confident affiliation between real GDP and ROA, whereas the association between interest rates and ROA was positive but insignificant, respectively. The results further show the association between price increases and ROA was positive and significant, while the relationship between the exchange rate and ROA was negative and insignificant, respectively. The study concluded that there was a significant and positive relation between Real GDP, inflation, and commercial banks' financial performance but a negligible relationship between the interest rate and exchange rates and bank performance. The study recommended that the government should ensure that they are continuous growth of the economy to enhance the profitability of the banking sector since this sector is an important sector that enhances financial intermediation. The study also endorsed that the management of moneymaking banks has to set favourable interest rates so that they can lend to businesses and individuals, which in turn enhances interest income. Besides, the study recommended that the central bank should undertake measures to combat inflation to ensure that it does not harm the fiscal outcomes of institutions
Market Performance and Risk of Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease Through Cattle Marketing Activities in Western Kenya
No full textThere was a surge in the number of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in western Kenya between the years 2014 and 2016. Cattle markets are believed to play a major role in the maintenance and spread of FMD virus within the region. A qualitative risk assessment was done to investigate the role played by cattle markets in maintenance of these outbreaks. The specific objectives of the study were to describe cattle marketing activities and practices that posed a risk for spread of FMD, conducting risk assessment for the spread of FMD through cattle marketing activities and analysis of structure and performance of selected cattle markets within the region. The risk assessment was done based on the framework adapted by World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) which entails hazard identification, release assessment, exposure assessment and risk estimation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected livestock markets in western Kenya to collect both qualitative and quantitative data using a semi-structured questionnaire. Additional data collection was done through focus group discussions with livestock traders in the markets while secondary data were also obtained through review of published and grey sources of literature.
The quantitative data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical measures including frequency distributions and measures of central tendency: arithmetic mean and median. Gini coefficient were also calculated to estimate the cattle market concentration indices, while Lorenz curve were drawn to estimate the cattle traders market share in the selected livestock markets. Additionally, gross marketing margins were calculated to evaluate marketing performance in the region. For the case of risk assessment, the risk for release of FMD virus was determined by assessment of risk of FMD infected cattle moving through the livestock markets, ability of the virus to survive in environment, volume of cattle traded in the selected livestock markets and
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cattle marketing practices which would increase exposure to infections. The risk of exposure to FMD infections was determined through assessment of the possibility of; infected cattle making susceptible contacts, marketed animals making infectious contacts, cattle from markets not being quarantined and FMD transmissions within and between the connected farms.
The Lorenz curves showed that about 80% of cattle traders in Kamukuywa market controlled only 58% of the market shares, with the remainder of 42% market share being controlled by only 20% of the livestock traders. These livestock markets had an estimated Gini coefficient of 0.65 indicating a higher degree of concentration. Bumala livestock market had fair distribution equality with a Gini coefficient of only 0.32, while Kimilili livestock market had the least distribution equality with an estimated Gini coefficient of 0.71.Therefore these cattle markets had an oligopolistic market structure characterized by only a few livestock traders controlling trading business in cattle.
The study shows that the risk of spreading FMD virus during an outbreak through cattle marketing practices was high. Inadequate facilitation of veterinary department, trade on non-vaccinated cattle, cattle evaluation practices, cattle movement without permits, trekking cattle for long distances, lack of isolation of traded cattle at farms and visiting of many livestock markets within short period, were some of the identified practices which could increase the risk of FMD spread through markets during outbreaks. There was free entry into this trade but challenges of obtaining the required operating capital and lack of adequate advance market information were the main restricting factors for traders.
This study recommends that some risk management measures‟ needs to be put in place to manage the high risk of FMD spread from markets. These may include adequate resource
Allocation to the veterinary department for disease surveillance activities, subsidizing cost of the strategic vaccinations and creation of awareness amongst traders on the roles they should play in cattle disease control and management. The government and other relevant institutions should also assist cattle traders to access affordable loans, ensure that there is adequate dissemination of market information and to develop standards for determining animal value
Functional Outcome In Conservative Management Of Diaphyseal Humerus Fractures - A Comparative Assessment On The Use Of U Slab Vis-À-Vis Functional Brace
No full textBackground
Diaphyseal humerus fractures constitute about 3% of the overall fracture incidence with an increasing incidence locally attributed to a rise in road traffic crashes, more so from boda boda related accidents. Overall a majority are conservatively managed with good outcomes. Several methods exist for conservative management of humerus shaft fractures including hanging casts, coaptation splints or u-slabs, velpeau bandages and functional braces. Several authors consider the use of functional brace as the gold standard due to easy applicability and allowance of greater shoulder and elbow motion.
In our local setup, the humerus fractures are conservatively managed by the use of u-slab. This study made a comparative assessment of functional outcomes in terms of u slab vis a vis functional brace, with the aim of establishing whether there was a significant advantage of one method over the other and transferring the same benefits to the overall patient care.
Study objective
To evaluate and compare the early functional outcome in diaphyseal humerus fractures after treatment with either functional brace or u-slab.
Study design
Comparative prospective analytical study
Study setting
The study was conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Accident and Emergency Department and clinic no 5, and Presbyterian Church of East Africa (P.C.E.A) Kikuyu Hospital, at the Orthopaedic rehabilitation unit.
Materials and Methods
A total of 68 study participants were recruited and followed within a period of 6 months. The participants were divided into two groups, group A for u-slab and group B for functional bracing. All the participants were initially managed as per the hospital protocol with a u-slab upon being seen
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at A & E. Participants in group B were then be converted into a functional brace after one week. All the participants were then followed at 4,8 and 12 weeks. A radiograph was taken after application of u slab or functional brace and during follow-up visits to assess for alignment and bridging callus. At 12 weeks, the u-slab and functional brace were removed and functional assessment done using validated tools.
Data was entered in password protected excel spread sheet tables and then analyzed using SPSS version 21.Descriptive summary statistics included means and standard deviation for continuous data and frequencies and proportions for categorical data. P values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were be calculated. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant, based on two sided t-tests.
Results
A total of 68 patients were followed for a duration of 12 weeks after which the early functional outcome was assessed. The mean age of patients was 35.7 years .The male to female ratio was approximately 2:1. Majority affected the right humerus. The middle 1/3 of the humerus was the commonly involved segment. Most of the fractures were AO classification 12A.There was a statistically significant difference in functional outcomes as assessed by ASES (p<0.001) and MEPI (p<0.014) scores between the patients managed on functional braces and those managed on braces with the functional brace showing superior results.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Majority of humerus shaft fractures are managed conservatively. Functional braces have a superior early functional outcome in conservative management of humerus shaft fractures as demonstrated in this study.
It is recommended that where cost allows, patients should be given the benefit of use of functional braces to allow an early return of good shoulder and elbow range of motion.
Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer duration of follow up are required to assess the long term outcomes in terms of union with the use of the two methods.a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Climate Change And Gender Vulnerability Of Buyangu Forest-Dependent Community In Kakamega County, Kenya
No full textClimate change poses a great challenge to the livelihoods of Buyangu-forest dependent community in Kakamega County. The effects cut across both gender groups thereby exacerbating the vulnerability of men and women in Buyangu. However, despite the challenges, men and women are expected to adapt but various factors hinder their processes. This study was therefore conducted to determine the levels of vulnerability to climate change among men and women dependent on forest resources for their livelihoods in Buyangu village adjacent to Kakamega Forest. The study adopted a transdisplinary approach through engagement of all stakeholders in assessing the complexities of climate change and the solutions to enhance future resilience in the community. Primary data were obtained through household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations. Household survey questionnaire was employed to collect data from 203 households living within six kilometres from the forest edge. Climate data on temperature and rainfall were sourced from the Kakamega Meteorological Station, and were analysed to establish the historical trends. Mann Kendall tests and Sen’s Slope Estimator were used to establish long term rainfall (1923-2015) and temperature (1980-2015) variations. Findings revealed a warming trend on both mean annual maximum temperatures and mean annual minimum temperatures by 0.04 oC/year and 0.02 oC/year, respectively. Moreover, analysis on annual precipitation (1923 – 2015) indicated an increase of 0.068mm/year, however, mean monthly rainfall showed a decreasing trend. As a result, crop production is affected with reduced yields in maize, sugarcane and vegetables. Livestock production is also impacted and respondents reported milk declines, low livestock market values and herd size reduction. While both gender groups are affected by climate change, women bear the most brunt due to their high dependence on natural resources. Nevertheless, both gender groups are struggling to cope with climate change and variability. The study generated useful knowledge that will inform local policy makers in the formulating relevant adaptation strategies that will enhance resilience of forest-dependent community. Specifically, Buyangu community needs to practice agroforestry, intercropping and rain water harvesting that have capacities of improving agricultural yields while maintaining environmental services such as climate change mitigation, watershed protection and biodiversity conservation. The study recommends the integration of all local and national players in formulating adaptation strategies to address the effects of climate change on the community
The Significance Of Secondary School Life Skills Education In Addressing The Students' Sexual And Reproductive Health Information Needs And Knowledge Gaps In Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya
No full textThis project presents the findings of a study on significance of the nature of secondary school life skills education in addressing the students' sexual and reproductive health information needs and knowledge gaps in Ruiru sub-county, Kenya. Kenya’s Vision of introducing life skills education in 2008 as a compulsory component of the basic education was to meet the adolescents’ sexual and reproductive knowledge gap. However, several factors militate against this Ministry of Education plan. The central problem of the study was to investigate the nature of secondary school life skills education in addressing the sexual and reproductive information and knowledge gaps of youths in Ruiru Sub-County. To achieve this purpose, the study was guided by three-fold objectives, namely: to examine life skills curriculum policy on sexual and reproductive health in Kenya secondary schools in terms of content and pedagogy; to establish how students experience sexual and reproductive health programming in life skills education; and to examine the teachers' perception towards life skills and sexual and reproductive health education. Quantitative data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of tables and frequencies. Qualitative data were collected using secondary sources, semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed thematically in line with study objectives and juicy quotes used along the presented of findings to project participant’s voices. Findings show that LSE curriculum is well designed to promote psycho-social competences which, would enable students develop adaptive and positive behavior so as to deal effectively with challenges and demands of everyday life. Findings show that the main focus of the curriculum are: skills for day-to-day living, such as self-appreciation, improving interpersonal relationships, acquiring decision-making skills, respecting other people’s rights and coping with stress and emotions. Pedagogical approach of LSE curriculum was found not to be standard participatory approach as prescribed by the MoEST and as such invited inefficiencies in content delivery. Many young boys and girls who have gone through LSE indicated that is greatly impacted on their lives in terms of decision making over their sexual lives. The study concludes that the conventional methods of teaching sex education cannot exclusively meet the needs of the students. There is need for continuous rethinking on more innovative, proactive and participatory methods that needs the current needs of students within a multi-sectoral approach to the teaching sex education which accounts for the views of students as well. The study recommends that the government should set aside funding that is specifically meant to support life skill education programs by investing in elimination online child sexual exploitation and abuse that gives students alternative conflicting information hence creating vulnerability. The study suggests that an elaborate study on the experiences of teachers towards the teaching of sex education in secondary schools should be carried out. Such a study would shed light on their views of how to tackle youth sexuality issues since they are very instrumental in the actual implementation of the curriculum at the classroom leve
The Effects Of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Leadership Initiatives On Political Stability In Somalia
No full textThis study examined the Effects of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) key leadership initiatives in Somalia. The institutional arrangement support such as Somalia Institutional Support programme (SISP), the Rule of law and security projects as well as the Governance and leadership programmes. The Institutional support projects financed and provided both the technical and financial support to the top leadership of the Somali Executive such as the President and the prime minister. The Programme supported group and individual members of parliament as well as technical expatriate that supported the offices.
The Rule of law and security provided evidences of documentation and improvement in Human rights respect, dignity and safety of all officials working for the institutional arrangements. This study adopted the descriptive design and targeted ten key informants from the international expatriates and UNDP officials running the programmes, in affirmation jointly with five other government top officials, who affirmed the technical and financial support provided by UNDP to enhance the transitional institutions and its leaders. The interviews targeted both the direct and indirect officials of the programme and the beneficiaries. The Direct targets being the head of programme that are the expatriates and international staff and the indirect being government officials. The sample size was achieved through cluster sampling of UNDP staff and top government legislative and the executive members. Purposive sampling and other Non-probability sampling methods such as snow-ball, were also used.
The research methods were preferred since detailed and private project information to be revealed, needed honesty and trustworthiness hence referencing through Snow –ball approach using the Interview guide tool. Analysis of the study was done through emerging patterns, themes, documentation, vivo coding of key concepts provided such as Institutional strengthening, Rule of law& Security, Governance and leadership as well as effective and non-effective leadership qualities. The Results obtained in the finding indicated donor good will and proper information sharing stakeholder consultation and constant communications. Donors wait and see attitudes, leadership capacity building, respect for rule of law and security as well as dignified human rights provisions as well as general political agreements between the leaders and the programmes head improved the general implementation and donor support and funding opportunities.
Findings of the study revealed responsive and timely intervention of donor project support can help institutionalize peace building in Somalia. Also UNDP projects have a bearing on overall leadership, peace building initiatives and positive technology use. Similarly; team building, honesty and relationship building between different stakeholders including the Private sector, the UNDP staff, the Executive government officials has strongly contributed to political stability of the process. Effective leadership of the Somali Government and implementation of lessons learnt also remain major findings for the study. Other aspects such as cultural disintegration, globalization, clan conflict and poor leadership also strongly contributed to overall lack of peace building in Somalia