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Media Coverage and Conflict Management: the Case of Kenya-uganda Conflict Over Migingo Island
No full textThe study general objective was to examine the role of media coverage in dispute management a case study of Kenya-Uganda disagreement over Migingo Island. The objectives were to establish the role of media in informing the public during disagreement over Migingo Island, to examine the role of media diplomacy in management of Migingo Island dispute as well as to establish the challenges media faces in covering disagreement over Migingo Island conflict. The study was based on libertarian. Mixed research designs were used that is the Ex-post facto research and Phenomenology research designs. The target populace for the study was 1000 residents in Migingo Island and 60 news editors. Simple random sampling was employed to sample 100 residents and 18 news editors. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedule. Research instrument reliability was tested through Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient method. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings established that: there is significant relationship between media coverage and dispute management of Migingo Island (r=840, p=0.000), there is significant relationship between media diplomacy and dispute management of Migingo Island (r=761, p=0.000) and there is significant relationship between media challenges and dispute management of Migingo Island (r=506, p=0.004).The study recommends that; a media and conflict/dispute policy should be established to comprise of procedures for authenticating data before live airing, scrutinizing of live broadcasts and cross checking of paid-for adverts to refrain from airing provocative messages, the government should establish media laws that are not very restrictive in order for the media to play a more significant role in dispute resolution and peace building in conjunction with other stakeholders and the media firms should introduce trainings to their reporters on ethics of media professionalism to curb the media in causing chaos rather be peace makers
Innovations In Student Accommodation In Kenya
No full textThere are currently very few studies on residential life of college and university students in Kenya, whether on or off campus. Most studies have focused mostly on classroom and classroom-related activities, with a number on safety and security of students in off campus accommodation. Student residences in Kenya are not only scarce, but have limited sleeping, eating, study and entertainment. This study was to establish key innovations to be included in new student residences that cater to the needs and preferences relevant to the Kenyan student today. The research objective was to establish: the students‟ preferred accommodation; analyse the spatial distribution of college student accommodation; and identify the key innovations in student accommodation in Kenya. The study, based on the concept of innovation, attempted to approach innovation in student accommodation from four perspectives: product innovation (design and amenities); process innovation (management and administrative process); social innovation (community and residence life programs); and business model innovation (collaborative development models). The study adopted exploratory and descriptive survey. A sample of 392 students from five private and public universities and colleges in Nairobi was selected using stratified sampling. 392 questionnaires were administered and the 325 responses formed the basis for data analysis. The self-administered questionnaire was designed around eight key factors: location, safety and security, architectural appeal, facilities and amenities, privacy, community life, connectivity and rental cost, and comprised of both open-ended and close-ended questions. The research instrument was piloted for validity and reliability before it was fully administered to the respondents. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and was presented in the form of tables. Descriptive statistical method was then used to explain the data. Factor analysis was also performed to determine the influence the factors under investigation on students accommodation preferences. The study established that, compared to established student accommodation markets like the United Kingdom where the concept of purpose built student accommodation is established, tertiary institutions and private student housing developers in Kenya have not adequately factored in the needs and preferences of the student today, so as to build accommodation units that cater to their needs. From the findings, ranking highest in the 8-factor analysis as the most important is location (proximity to campus) and attributes of neighborhood, followed by safety and security. The study also found out that: various amenities previously seen as luxuries have become part and parcel of the student life in Kenya today, e.g. the internet, washer-dryer facilities, and convenience shops among others; rental cost is just as important; connectivity is crucial to the students desire to reach out to the world; students prefer to have few roommates and where possible stay alone; the Kenyan student prefers buildings with the latest architectural design that is appealing, trendy and homey. The study also found that student today has high regards for privacy and are willing to pay more just to have their privacy maintained. Lastly, the study also found that community experience is very important to modern student as witnessed by high number of students involved in community activities. The study recommends that while filling the current gaps in the accommodation provision, learning institutions and private accommodation providers must work independently or collaborate in putting up student housing that cater to the needs and preferences of students. The study also recommends that the Government of Kenya works with student accommodation stakeholders in creating policies to improve and standardize student accommodation in Kenya
An Evaluation of Kenya National Prep Communication Campaign ‘jipende Jiprep’ on the Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Among Young Women in Embakasi, Nairobi – Kenya
No full textThis study sought to evaluate the Kenya national Human Immunodeficiency virus prevention communication campaign on the use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis as an prevention from human immunodeficiency virus intervention by young women in Nairobi. The general objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the Kenya National prevention public awareness campaign on the usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women aged 18-24 years in Embakasi, Nairobi. The specific objectives were to: assess the awareness levels of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women aged 18-24; investigate the usage patterns of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women aged 18-24; and examine the role of public awareness campaign in promoting uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis by young women aged 18-24. The study used the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Health Belief Model as the underpinning theoretical constructs. Both qualitative and quantitative research designs were used. The study population was women aged 18-24 years. The study employed simple random sampling technique to select 50 respondents to fill out close-ended questionnaires. Focus Group Discussions were conducted with 27 young women aged 18-24 years selected using purposive sampling technique. Surveys, in-depth key informant interviews, and Focus Group Discussions were the main data collection methods. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of tables, charts and graphs. Thematic data analysis method was used to analyse the ensuing qualitative data which were presented in descriptive narratives. The study found that majority of young women in Nairobi were aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis. However, they were not using it to prevent infection from human immunodeficiency virus which shows a knowledge behaviour disparity. The study also found that structural and communication barriers exist that negatively affect access and utilisation of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women. This study recommends reframing of pre-exposure prophylaxis messages towards presenting it more as a lifestyle choice and less as a biomedical tool. The study also recommends that young women aged 18 – 24 be involved in designing public awareness campaigns on pre-exposure prophylaxis for women
Social Media Influence on Body Image Among Female University Students: a Case Study of Instagram
No full textThis study aimed at examining how social media and precisely instagram influences body
image among female university students. The specific objectives were to find out and
investigate: the consequences of instagram use on body image among female university
students, the effects of instagram on body image through social body comparison among
female university students, the adoption rate of Instagram among female university
students and the effect Instagram influencers have on body image of female university
students. The study hence targeted 347 female students in School of Journalism and Mass
Communication at the University of Nairobi where a sample size of 183 was reached.
Primary data was sourced using questionnaires and interview guides. Coding of
quantitative data was accomplished. The obtained data was entered into the computer
system for descriptive statistics. There was utilisation of Statistical Package (SPSS V 20.0)
and MS Excel to compute descriptive statistics such as percentages, standard deviation,
mean and frequency. This was meant for presentation of quantitative data in form of graphs
and tables. It was established that majority of the young women in universities believe that
there is a particular body frame that is promoted within the Instagram application as well
as by Instagram influencers within the Kenyan society which is contrary to the idealised
standards of beauty propagated in the Western nations. Respondents also indicated that
they sometimes look to instagram for the modern fashion trends and beauty aspects to boost
their image. It also came out that the use of instagram leads to greater feelings of anxiety
and depression due to body surveillance. In rare cases, unlike the Western countries where
this is viewed as major concern, use of instagram was seen to have minimal effects on
eating disorders and unhealthy dieting behaviours and sleeping challenges so as to attain
the body image that is ideal. The study therefore recommends that for purposes of
preserving young women’s health and confidence, it is important for the industry to
acknowledge how pressuring young women to fit into a particular frame leads to an
increase in body image concerns which in turn can result to management of appearance
behaviours on women. It also recommends that marketers should recognize that majority
of the young adult females adopt social media especially instagram and they can therefore
use this avenue to reach them for free in large numbers to sell products in which they are
the targeted marke
Speciation and antifungal susceptibility of candida isolates from diabetic foot ulcer patients in kenyatta national hospital
Get PDFBackground
Diabetic foot ulcer is the leading cause of diabetic related hospital admissions, amputations and mortality among diabetic patients. Chronic wounds are a concern to public health worldwide, and the effects are a warning to the economy. Diabetic foot ulcer wounds are prone to infection with candida species presenting as the principal fungal agent among other microorganisms. Identification of candida isolates to species level is essential and might reduce antifungal drug resistance, cost of treatment, morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients.
Objective
To determine the prevalence, species and antifungal susceptibility of candida species from diabetic foot ulcer patients receiving clinical services at kenyatta national hospital between june and august 2019
Methodology
This was a cross-sectional study carried out at kenyatta national hospital among diabetic adult patients presenting with active foot ulcers. A total of 152 swabs were consecutively collected from 152 diabetic foot ulcer patients over a three month period, from june to august 2019. We collected clinical and socio-demographic data using a structured questionnaire. Growth on sabouraud dextrose agar was evaluated for colonial morphology, gram stain and germ tube. Species identification and antifungal susceptibility was determined using vitek - 2 system according to clsi m60 guideline. Data were retrieved and imported to whonet through baclink and analysis done using whonet version 5.6 and ibm spss statistics version 21.
Results
Sixty one percent of the participants were male. The mean age was 50.7 (sd=12.9) years. Out of 152 samples, a total of 36 candida species were isolated. Among these 46% were drug resistant, 11% multidrug resistant, 3% pandrug resistant and 40% susceptible to all the antifungal agents tested. Candida albicans was the most common species isolated with low incidence of resistance to echinocandins (26%) and triazoles (26%) but demonstrated high susceptibility to flucytosine (96%) and amphotericin b (81%). Candida lusitaniae and c. Dubliniensis were the predominant non albicans candida species and showed moderate resistance to voriconazole (50%) and amphotericin b (33%) respectively. Both showed 100% susceptibility to echinocandins, fluconazole and flucytosine. Eighty percent of the wounds demonstrated polymicrobial infections.
Conclusion
Candida species was isolated in a fifth of the participants and showed low resistance rates to the commonly administered antifungal agents such amphotericin b and fluconazole. However, we also noted a high number of the wounds to have mixed infection. There is need for inclusion of fungal diagnosis in diabetic foot ulcer infection, continuous antifungal resistance surveillance especially in candida species and strengthening of antifungal stewardship programmes to enhance patient care and management.a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Psychosocial Correlates of Conversion Disorder Among Adolescents Seen at the Oupatient Youth Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital
Get PDFIntroduction: There is paucity of epidemiological data on Conversion Disorder (CD)
among adolescents. However, this disorder is common among adolescents attending any
medical health care clinics. It is mostly associated with psychosocial stressors and there
are limited studies focusing on the psychosocial environment of adolescents presenting
with CD.
Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze psychosocial factors associated with CD
among adolescents attending youth clinic in KNH.
Methodology: This was a retrospective study where data for the period March 2014 to
March 2019 was collected using a researcher designed social demographic form and data
abstraction form at KNH outpatient youth clinic. Data was analyzed using SPSS for
windows version 23. We used frequency proportions, Chi square and Pearson correlation
analysis.
Findings: The study established that the prevalence rate of Conversion Disorder ranged
from 1.39% - 6.94% in the study period 2014 to 2019. CD was predominant among
females (64.6%), and in the age group16-19 years (52.4%). Psychosocial factors of
concern were parental death (25.9%), communication problems in the family (23.8%),
failure in exams/fear of failure (48.3%) and physical abuse (19%). Commonest
presentation was pseudo-seizures (31.9%).
Conclusion: Psychosocial factors were prevalent and correlated among adolescents
presenting with Conversion Disorder particularly family, school and parental problems.
Recommendations: Screening and interventions for conversion disorder should be done
for adolescents with psychosocial concerns but presenting with physical symptoms.
Identification and management of conversion disorders should be well taught to other
mental health workers to improve management. Psycho education for these disorders
should be done for the patients which helps in their management and understanding of
stress managementa
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice And Ex-Ante Adoption Of Intergrated Pest And Pollination Management (Ippm) Innovation Among Avocado Growers In Kenya
Get PDFDespite avocado being the fourth most important fruit crop in Kenya after mango, pineapple and the banana, its economic potential is yet to be fully explored. The crop is pollinator dependent crop and its production is hampered by pests such as Fruit fly, False Codling Moth (FCM) and Thrips. To curb these pests, ICIPE and partners have promoted the dissemination of various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies for several crop pests. However, these IPM technologies have been promoted separately without integration of pollinator services. Thus, ICIPE and partners proposed the introduction of Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) innovation which guarantees more quality yield and income for avocado growers. Since avocado growers’ knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) and willingness to pay for IPPM innovation is not known, this study sought to conduct an ex-ante intervention introduction that would help gain background information on avocado growers’ knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards management of avocado pests, IPM components and the pollination process. Secondly, the study sought to predict avocado growers’ adoption options and to determine their willingness to pay value for the IPPM innovation. Empirical models were applied to a database of 417 sample avocado growing households in Murang’a County, Kenya. The results demonstrate a positive relationship between KAP, the level of education of the household head, and attendance of pest and disease management training. Credit constraint proved to be a hinderance to the likelihood of acquiring KAP for avocado growers. The probability of avocado growers to adopt IPPM innovation was influenced by increase in age and education level of the household head. Finally, avocado growers were willing to pay KES. 21,437 for IPPM technology, KES. 7,674 for the beehive package and KES. 6,106 for IPM package, and this was influenced by a number of factors including the increase in farm size. Derived recommendations from this study were that policies that encourage best practices in agricultural extension education and social capital should be strengthened to ensure that avocado growers maximize on benefits from IPPM innovation
A Study On Manufacturing Consent In The Coverage Of The 2017 Presidential Elections In Kenya: The Case Of Select Fm Stations
Get PDFThis study aimed at establishing the extent to which manufacturing consent influenced the coverage of the 2017 presidential elections by the three selected FM radio stations in Nairobi: Radio Citizen, Radio Maisha and KBC Radio Taifa. To achieve this, the study formulated four specific objectives derived from the five filters of manufacturing consent first presented by Herman and Chomsky (2012). Therefore study employed qualitative method of inquiry using interview guide for key informants. It relied majorly on manufacturing consent theory. The findings established that media ownership (which manifest vested interests, eliminates independent decision-making by editors, and creates professional dilemma), advertising (which is critical media business), news sourcing (which affects impartiality and objectivity), and flak machines (threats and intimidation to the media), all influenced media coverage during the 2017 presidential election. The findings show media stations are compromised largely due to undue pressure from advertisers and owners, and that it is important for actors and decision-makers in the political communication spaces to allow the media greater freedom and capacity for editorial independence and professionalism. Based on the findings, the study recommends that media owners, the government, and the Media Council of Kenya rethink strategies for future media coverage of elections in Keny
Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes To Youth: The Case Of Kenya Commercial Bank’s 2jiajiri Youth Empowerment Programme
Get PDFThe study investigated the communication of corporate social responsibility programmes focusing on Kenya Commercial Bank’s 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme. The objectives for the study were: to assess the communication strategies used to engage the youth about Kenya Commercial Bank’s 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme, to determine the youth’s level of awareness about Kenya Commercial Bank’s 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme and to establish the perceptions of the youth on the communication of Kenya Commercial Bank’s 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme. The study was grounded on situational theory of publics. Descriptive survey design was used and utilised both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Questionnaires, interviews and content analysis were used as data collection methods. The study population comprised 1,640 youth in youth groups and 11 key informants. The study sample size comprised 246 youth and 7 key informants. Simple random, purposive and census sampling techniques were used to obtain the sample size. Further, quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in form figures and frequency tables. Qualitative data was manually analysed from interview notes and organised into themes and presented in narrative form. The study established use of workshops, mentorship forums, publications, events, website, documentaries, branded merchandises and exhibitions as communication strategies to engage youth about the programme by Kenya Commercial Bank were appropriate, there was low level of awareness about the 2jiajiri programme among the youth due to insufficient information and lastly, the study established that there was inadequate communication about 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme to youth in the community. Based on the findings, the study recommended that: the bank should utilise alternative communication strategies appropriately to engage youth, the bank should increase awareness level of 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme among the youth by providing more information about the programme and the bank’s communication about 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme to you should be adequate and constant thus positive perceptions. The study recommends that a similar study should be conducted focusing on other counties using different methodology and the methodology employed by the researcher in this study as well in order to compare its consistency and accuracy. Further, there is need for a study on 2jiajiri youth empowerment programme involving employees in the communication department in order to provide an insight into different perspectives in regard to the communication of its programme
Atmospheric Corrosion Analysis Of Metallic Coated And Prepainted Steel Roofing Products In Selected Sites In Kenya
Get PDFAtmospheric corrosion of metallic materials is of concern due to structural failures and massive losses in infrastructure associated with corrosion. A study was conducted to assess the accelerated and outdoor corrosion rate of metallic coated and pre-painted roofing sheets. The metallic coated and pre-painted steel roofing sheets were obtained from the Mabati Rolling Mills (Manufacturer 1) and other selected manufacturers. The atmospheric corrosion study sites were based at Mariakani (industrial marine environment) and Mlolongo (industrial urban environment). The accelerated tests which were performed in the laboratory showed that metallic coated sheets of Aluminium-Zinc (AZ) from manufacturer 1 had the lowest corrosion rate (0.345
0.004 mmpy) while Galvanized Iron (GI) sheets from manufacturer 5 had the highest corrosion rate (2.065
0.006 mmpy) at lower salt spray concentrations. The accelerated tests for the sheets pre-painted red and blue from manufacturer 2 gave the highest fade (4.98
0.02 and 4.41
0.03 Hunters units) respectively while gloss was-9.8
0.4 and–14.4
0.3 % respectively at lower concentrations. When the concentrations were increased to a mixture of 1.000% NaCl and 4.000% (NH4)2SO4, the corrosion rate for AZ coated sheet from manufacturer 1 was still the lowest with a value of 0.408
0.003 mmpy while GI sheets from manufacturer 4 had the highest corrosion rate of 2.318
0.004 mmpy. The red, green and blue sheets from manufacturer 1 showed the lowest fade of 2.42
0.02, 2.14
0.01 and 0.95
0.01 Hunter units respectively while gloss was -4.7
0.1, -4.4
0.2 and -1.9
0.1 % respectively. The highest fade was given by pre-painted sheets from manufacturer 2 for red and blue and manufacturer 3 for green with values of 5.60
0.02, 6.24
0.02 and 5.31
0.01 Hunter units respectively while gloss was -22.0
0.4, -15.0
0.4 and -8.4
0.2 % respectively. The outdoor exposure tests at Mariakani for the metallic coated sheets showed that the AZ samples from manufacturer 1 had the lowest corrosion rate of, 0.019
0.001 mmpy while GI sheets from manufacturer 4 had the highest corrosion rate of 0.128
0.001 mmpy. For the prepainted sheets red, green and blue from manufacturer 1 showed the lowest fade of 0.92
0.02, 0.45
0.01 and 0.89
0.02 Hunter units while gloss was -0.8
0.1,-2.3
0.2 and-2.1
0.2 % respectively. The pre-painted sheets from manufacturer 4 showed highest fade values in Hunter units of: red (2.75
0.02) and blue (1.53
0.02) while fade for green sheets from manufacturer 2 was 11.21
0.03 and gloss values
iv
were -15.6
0.1, -5.0
0.1 and 1.8
0.1 % respectively. The outdoor exposure tests at Mlolongo showed that AZ sheets from manufacturer 1, had the lowest corrosion rate of, 0.029
0.001 mmpy while GI sheets from manufacturer 4 had the highest corrosion rate of, 0.178
0.001 mmpy. The pre-painted sheets from manufacturer 1 showed that red, green and blue had the lowest fade in Hunter units of 1.03
0.02 for red, 0.79
0.02 for green and 0.51
0.02 for blue while gloss values in % were; -0.8
0.2, -3.5
0.2 and -3.5
0.2 respectively. The red and blue sheets from manufacturer 2 and green from manufacturer 3 showed the highest fade values of 2.94
0.02, 2.44
0.03 and 3.91
0.02. The corresponding gloss values were:-7.3
0.2, -9.2
0.3 and -4.7
0.2 % respectively. The study showed that aluminium-zinc metallic coated and pre-painted roofing sheets from Manufacturer 1 had lower corrosion rates in both accelerated and outdoor tests indicating that the roofing sheets from manufacture 1 were of good quality. The findings of this study are of significance in improving the quality of the roofing sheets