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Print Media Coverage of Geothermal Energy in Kenya- a Case of the Nation and the Standard Newspapers
No full textThis study sought to examine the print media coverage of geothermal energy with reference to the Nation and Standard newspapers for the period July 2017-June 2018. The objectives of the study included: to determine the frequency of geothermal coverage by the Nation and Standard newspapers within the specific period, to analyse priming of geothermal energy stories by the Nation and Standard newspapers and to identify the specific issues regarding geothermal energy that is frequently covered by the Nation and Standard newspapers. The study was grounded on three theories; Agenda setting theory, Agenda priming theory and Agenda building theory. This study adopted a content analysis with the mixed methods approach. All geothermal energy stories in both newspapers formed the sample size for this study and purposive sampling method was used to get the stories; code sheet was used to get the quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to get the qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed and presented through tables whilst qualitative data analysed through reading and coding of themes and presented through the narration style. The study established that both newspapers covered geothermal energy inadequately confirming reports by some authors. The findings of the study included less coverage by both newspapers with limited prominence given to geothermal energy stories and the issues that stood out during reporting of geothermal included; cost, time, partnerships, land and economic social development. Based on the above findings, this study recommended the following: the print media through their editors should allow more geothermal energy stories to feature in their publications and since geothermal energy is a vital technology in the growth of the energy sector then more prominence be given to geothermal stories. The research also recommends that the media entity should involve more partners and get them to write and simplify what and how exactly geothermal and other renewable energy would benefit the development of the country. This research suggests similar study deriving samples from all the local newspapers and a longer study period. This would help confirm the consistency of this study’s findings
Reconceptualising Investor-state Dispute Settlement in Africa: Challenges, Developments and Solutions
No full textVolunteers’ Perceptions And Experiences Of Clinical Research Participation In Kenya
No full textBackground: The conduct of clinical research in low resource settings faces unique chal-lenges that compromise optimal recruitment and participation of volunteers into studies. In Kenya, at KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), where a number of clinical re-search studies are being conducted, data from the recruitment sites reveal that eligible volun-teers fail to turn up for actual enrolment even after providing consent to participate. Ques-tions regarding volunteers’ knowledge, understanding, and attitudes towards clinical research and how their experiences of participation affect their decision making have been raised. Aim: To examine volunteers’ perceptions and experiences of clinical research participation and the potential impact on decision in order to improve the overall processes of clinical re-search implementation. Specifically the study sought to: describe the characteristics of indi-viduals who participate in clinical research; examine individuals’ perceptions towards clinical research participation; document volunteers’ experiences at various stages of trial participa-tion and their potential impact on decision making to participate. It further sought to identify factors that enhance and /or constrain clinical research participation experience and explore similarities and differences of participation experiences among volunteers in the various KAVI-ICR studies. Methods: A Mixed methods study applied a phenomenological approach to collect qualitative data. Data was collected from KAVI-ICR volunteers drawn from four vaccine studies, one observation study and one drug study. A survey tool was administered to 164 volunteers drawn from the six studies. Additionally 44 in- depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with participants purposively selected from the 164 participants. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and coded for analysis. For data management and analysis, SPSS Version 13.0 was used for the quantitative data while Atlas ti was used for the qualita-tive. Results: A majority of the participants were of low social- economic status. Their ages ranged from 20 and 40+ years (mean=29.5; median=29) and most falling between 20029 years. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the participants were males reflecting gender differences in participation. Occupations included - student/unemployment (19%), causal work (35%) small business (22%) while those on permanent employment (24%). Volunteers perceptions and experiences were shaped by a number of factors that varied with type of study and its re-quirements, trust relations resulting from interpersonal relations with clinical staff and signif-icant others. Other important factors identified included information leading autonomous de-cision making, trials benefits such as health screening and continuous medical care while par-ticipating and transport reimbursement which for some was a boost to household incomes. However, volunteers raised concerns with trial demands such as collection of mucosal sam-ples which were seen to be invasive and contravening cultural and religious beliefs. Other concerns were around randomization, false positive, risks suggesting incomplete understand-ing. Conclusion: Addressing factors that impact on volunteers’ perceptions and experiences of participation is important in ensuring optimal enrolment and retention of future trials. Health inequalities resulting social and economic exclusion may impact on individuals’ per-ceptions and decision making into clinical research participation. Future studies should there-fore, consider incorporating mechanisms that will continuously engender volunteers and community members’ trust and enhance individual decision making. Informed consent and assessment of understanding should be a continuous process through the life course of trial participation
Attributable Factors To Learning Outcomes
No full textKenya education system has experienced many challenges which have compelled the
Ministry of Education to formulate and implement policies to address these challenges. For
instance, after new policies governing administration and marking of national examination
was implemented, massive failures of candidates was reported.
The study uses nal examination(KCSE score) to analyse how student attributes(age and
gender), KCPE marks(entry behaviour), gender and category of school in uences students
ability to score C+ and above in KCSE. Also termly score of the students was followed to
ascertain at what stage does these predictor variables a ects learners most.
Datawere from Limuru subcounty, Kiambu county, in Kenya. A sample data of 2015 cohorts
were collected for the four years up to form four. Two sample t-test,logistic regression and
multilevel linear model were used to examine data. Analysis of the data was done using
SPSS, R and gretl softwares.
Some of the major ndings were; rst, factors a ecting learning outcomes in Limuru subcounty
were:KCPE marks(entry behavior), age and gender of the learners. Secondly, it is
during the seventh term (term 1 form 3), tenth term and eleventh terms (corresponding to
rst and second terms in form four respectively) that performance of students declined
most. Students are at the greatest risk to perform poorly during rst term in form one and
rst term of form three. Lastly, form two and three averages have great relationship with
the KCSE score of a learner.
Recommendation of this study include the following;since KCPE marks (entry behavior)
was a major factor identi ed that determine the learning outcome, there is need to carry
out similar study in primary level to address the challenge of poor academic achievement
at an early stage. Also, learners performance should be followed closely monitored right
from form one since they contribute to the nal score of the learner in KCSE
Factors Influencing Adoption of Climate-smart Agriculture as a Climate Change Adaptation in Tigania West-meru County Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing adoption of climate-smart
agriculture as a climate change adaptation in Tigania West-Meru County Kenya. The study was
guided by four specific objectives, which were: To assess how land ownership system influences
adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Tigania west Sub County; To determine how
information access influences adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Tigania west Sub
County; To determine how agricultural financial services access influences adoption of Climate-
Smart Agriculture in Tigania west Sub County and lastly, to determine how agricultural inputs
market access influences adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Tigania West Sub County.
The study was guided by the Sustainable development theory. The research design used a
descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a sample size of 382 farmers that was sampled
from a target population of 60,040 farmers using the Fisher’s model sample size determination.
Stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents from the five wards. The
data collection tool was a structured questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant
interviews. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistical analysis
(correlation and multiple regression) were done, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
Qualitative data that was obtained from the focus group discussions and the key informants was
used to complement the quantitative data and be presented in narrative format. The research was
relevant to Agricultural extension officers and other like-minded agencies in environmental
conservation that got relevant insights that informed them to review their strategies and
approaches in their quest to combat climate change. The study found that the farmer’s main
sources of CSA information were through other farmers. The study found that most of the
farmers did not own their land and had between 1 - 5 acres of farming land. The study also found
that all the farmers had access to credit to finance their farming business and accessed the credit
through table banking/group savings & loaning. The study found that the farmers mostly got
information of the inputs to buy from other farmers. The study concluded that land ownership
system had the greatest influence on adoption of climate-smart agriculture in Tigania West in
Kenya followed by agricultural inputs market access, then information access while agricultural
financial services access had the least influence on the adoption of climate-smart agriculture in
Tigania West in Kenya. The study recommended that that National and County governments to
revamp extension initiatives bearing in mind the current technologies, make CSA implements
accessible and provide a conducive environment for inputs and outputs market to operate
efficiently. Further, there is a need for farmers to embrace collective action to mobilize resources
through table banking, cost-sharing, collective input purchasing and collective output marketing
Ocular Manifestations In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Attending The Rheumatology Clinic At The Kenyatta National Hospital
No full textBackground: RA is the most common systemic autoimmune disease and affects middle aged women three times more often than men in a percentage of 0.5 - 2% of the general population. Approximately 25% of patients with RA will have ocular manifestations. Dry eye is the most common ophthalmic manifestation, with a reported prevalence of 15-25%. In our setting there was no recent study on ocular manifestations in patients with RA and this study was to address this gap.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of ocular manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis at the rheumatology clinic of Kenyatta National Hospital.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in Kenyatta National Hospital rheumatology clinic between April 2017 to May 2018. The study population included patients who are 18 years above diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for the diagnosis of RA by rheumatologists at KNH. The patients were consecutively enrolled in the study during their clinic visits. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS program version 23.0. Ocular manifestations were presented as percentages and chi square test used to test associations.
Results: Fifty-nine (59) patients were studied. The mean age was 51.4 years and 89.8% were females. More than a third had more than 5 years’ duration of the RA disease. Ocular manifestation was diagnosed in 96.6% of the patients and some patients had more than one manifestation. Dry eye syndrome was the most common manifestation at 93.2% while others had cataract (22%) and episcleritis (10.2%). DES and cataracts were associated with older age and those on steroids had a lower prevalence of blepharitis (p=0.040). Duration of RA disease was not associated with ocular manifestations. Visual acuity was normal for 93.2% of the patients.
Conclusion: The prevalence of ocular manifestations is very high in RA patients mainly due to DES which occurs in 9 out of 10 patients
Recommendation: All patients diagnosed with RA should be referred to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of ocular co-morbidities.a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Microfinance Credit Access, Utilization And Effects Among Male Entrepreneurs
No full textIn Kenya, men who are above the age of 35 years may be a disadvantaged sub-group with
regard to access to low interest government funds. This is because there lacks a
government fund set aside for them, leaving them to only access credit facilities from
financial institutions at high interest rates. The study therefore focused on the access,
utilization and effects of micro finance credit on the male micro entrepreneurs’
livelihoods. Specifically, the research aimed at establishing how male micro
entrepreneurs’ access and utilize credit, what determines the access and nature of
utilization of the credit and its social and economic effects on their livelihoods. The study
was conducted at Kikuyu Township in Kiambu County. A sample of seventy-six (76)
male micro entrepreneurs, selected through a combination of purposive and convenient
sampling methods, within the township participated in the study. In addition, four key
informants constituting loan officers from the MFIs were purposively sampled.
Questionnaires with open and closed ended questions were administered. The data were
analyzed through descriptive statistics with the aid of statistical package for social
scientists (SPSS). The findings indicated that 95% of the male micro entrepreneurs
accessed the microfinance credit for use in their businesses. Factors that determined the
access of the credit included the business age, the credit history of the applicant,
availability of guarantor and the collateral cover to secure the credit sought. The access
was hindered by inadequate collateral cover to qualify for the full amount of credit
sought, the application took a long period and the charges involved were relatively high
besides the interest charges being very high. Among the male micro entrepreneurs who
participated in this study 90% had positively improved their lives and that of their
businesses due to the loans and other services granted to them and micro finance had also
positively improved the knowledge and management skills of the business owners due to
the training programs. Results further indicated that the businesses improved positively in
terms of expansion, high sales and increased profits. This was revealed by the increase in
number of employees and improved family living standards as well as improved housing
and ability to cater for good health care and education. The study concludes that
microfinance is one way of improving of livelihoods to the beneficiary only if accessed
and utilized well
Conceptualizing Graffiti as a Tool for Social Change in Nairobi
No full textGraffiti is an art form that is steadily growing yet still widely misunderstood in Nairobi. There are, however, positive messages that graffiti artists intend to communicate in their work. These messages may not reach the intended audience due to the misconceptions that they hold.
The purpose of the study was to contest the misconceptions that exist about graffiti and highlight it as a serious creative art form which can be used to inspire social change. The specific objectives were to analyze the use of graffiti to communicate social issues in informal settlements within Nairobi, to establish clear categories of graffiti within Nairobi and to demonstrate the potential of using graffiti as a tool for instigating social change in informal settlements within Nairobi. This study will provide vital information to authorities, scholars and anyone else interested in graffiti as an art form.
A snowball sampling technique was used to select artists for interviewing while a purposive sampling method (Heterogeneous sampling) was used to sample locals from the selected areas for interviewing. Primary data was collected through interviews, field studies, review of documents and archived records.
A case study method was used and this allowed for an in-depth study of graffiti within Nairobi. This revealed that clear categories of types of graffiti within Nairobi didn’t exist, several misconceptions about graffiti still existed among residents due to lack of information on the art form and these misconceptions hindered communication between graffiti artists and Nairobi residents.
To tackle these challenges, the study shed light on graffiti as an art form in Nairobi. Several photographs of graffiti were collected within Nairobi, analyzed and relevant categories of graffiti were then established. Interviews were conducted with graffiti artists and Nairobi residents to demonstrate the potential of using graffiti as a tool for instigating social change
Implementation Of Human Resource Management Practices At Kisii Teaching And Referral Hospital
No full textHuman resource management functions involve the management and development of
people in organizations, formulation and implementation of human resource practices and
policies. The aim of this study was to establish challenges facing the human resource
management practises at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. The methodology
employed in this research was a case study design. The tool used was an interview guide.
Respondents were drawn from the human resource department and two line managers
were interviewed. The interviews were well versed with the human resource management
function and had knowledge and understanding of Kisii Referral Hospital's operations.
Results from the study established that human resource managers at Kisii Referral
Hospital experience challenges of policies and procedures that curtail recruitment such as
delayed information from line managers on staffing requirements for departments.
Influential people canvass for positions leading to a compromised selection process.
Demand for specialized health care has increased at Kisii referral Hospital and also
inadequate financial resources to meet these demands, resulting in cutting costs and
hence understaffing. Human resource managers at Kisii Referral Hospital experience
challenges related to training and development due to differing training needs,
preferences and learning potential of various cadres of staff. Lack of employee
satisfaction, poor working conditions are also challenges which cause staff grievances.
Managing diversity at Kisii Referral Hospital is a challenge especially due to the large
number of employees from different backgrounds, ethnicities and diverse social and
economic situations of employees. Powerful subcultures based on occupation and
specialization cause differences, managing these differences and orientations are a
challenge to the human resource managers. Other challenges at Kisii Teaching Referral
Hospital facing human resource managers include low staff morale and poor working
environment, restricted financial allocations from the government and staff persistently
engaging in industrial action. There is limited capacity and authority of the human
resource department to mitigate challenges. Lack of a proper system for performance
evaluation reportedly limited the human resource managers' ability to evaluate
competencies and performance of staff. In conclusion the study is of importance to the
management of Kisii Teaching and Referral, and the government. It will help the
hospital's management in managing its human resources and also aid in addressing the
myriad challenges facing the human resource managers. The study will also be of
importance to other public health institutions, as it will provide insight on some of the
challenges being faced by the human resource managers and aid the management in
improving their human resource management policie
Total Factor Productivity And Kenya’s Economic Growth
No full textThis study examined empirically the role of total factor productivity over the years in shaping Kenya’s GDP growth using data from 1985 to 2018. The impact of factors of production- labour, capital and human capital on economic growth was also examined. The study used the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model to carry out the analysis. According to the ARDL model, there was no cointegration between GDP and the independent variables. The study results showed that all the factors of production used in this study (labour, capital and human capital) were positively correlated to GDP and statistically significant. TFP, which was estimated as the constant in the model, was found to be statistically significant and the most important source of economic growth in Kenya. Arising from the analysis, we concluded that Kenya should put more emphasis on the policies that increase TFP growth or technological advancement in the country in order to increase economic growth