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Examining the Correlation Between Physical Fitness Levels and Academic Performance in Secondary School Students
No full textIn contemporary educational management, the relationship between physical fitness and academic performance in secondary school students has become increasingly significant. This literature review examines the interplay between key physical fitness components and academic achievement outcomes. Drawing on a wide range of scholarly sources that address cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, cognitive function, and educational performance indicators, the study highlights how fitness levels correlate with learning outcomes among secondary school populations. The review adopts a literature-based methodology, synthesizing insights from academic articles, books, and reports to provide a comprehensive understanding of the link between physical fitness and academic success. The findings underscore the role of cardiovascular endurance, enhanced neuroplasticity, and efficient cognitive processing in supporting student achievement. In addition, the development of executive functions, attention regulation, and adaptability to evolving educational and developmental conditions are shown to be critical in aligning fitness with academic objectives. These aspects demonstrate how physical fitness supports not only health but also the broader cognitive and behavioural foundations necessary for learning. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the multifaceted value of physical fitness in advancing educational goals. By implementing comprehensive fitness programs, promoting holistic student development, and aligning physical activity initiatives with academic objectives, secondary schools can enhance resilience and sustain excellence in today’s dynamic educational environment.
Keywords: Physical Fitness, Academic Performance, Secondary School Students, Cognitive Function, Educational Achievemen
Uptake of Breast Self-Examination Strategy as Preventive Control Measures of Breast Cancer Among Adult Reproductive Females in Kayonza District, Rwanda
Full text linkBreast cancer (BC) remains one of the leading causes of death globally, affecting women in both developed and developing countries. One of the most accessible and cost-effective prevention methods is Breast Self-Examination (BSE), which empowers women to detect abnormalities early. This study aimed to assess the uptake of BSE as a preventive control measure for breast cancer among adult reproductive females in Kayonza District, Rwanda. The findings aim to inform the development of national policies and strategies to enhance early detection, and to guide the Ministry of Health (MoH) in promoting regular BSE practice among women. A cross-sectional descriptive design with both quantitative and qualitative components was used. The quantitative survey involved 375 women aged 30–60 years selected from five health centers in the district, employing a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews, then coded, categorized, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Results revealed a statistically significant relationship between BSE practice and breast cancer prevention, with a moderate positive correlation coefficient of 0.343* and a p-value of 0.001 (p < 0.01), indicating that BSE significantly contributes to early detection. Despite this, the study found that many women in Kayonza lack proper knowledge or skills to perform BSE correctly. The study concludes that BSE plays a significant role in breast cancer prevention and recommends that the Ministry of Health, the Kayonza District Health Unit, and the broader community intensify awareness campaigns and provide practical training on BSE to improve uptake and effectiveness.
Keywords: Breast Self-Examination, Breast Cancer Prevention, Reproductive Females, Kayonza Distric
The Impact of Renewable Energy Use on Socio-Economic Growth of Local Community in Rwanda: A Case of Rusizi District (2020-2024)
Full text linkDespite efforts in sustainable development and energy access, 40% of Rusizi’s remote residents lack electricity, limiting education, healthcare, and businesses, while non-renewable energy harms health, environment, and growth. The research thesis entitled “Impact of renewable energy use on socio-economic growth of local community in Rwanda with the case of Rusizi district. This research aimed at identifying the types of renewable energy used in Rusizi district, assessing the socio-economic status of the local community in Rusizi district, examining the impact of renewable Energy use on socio-economic growth of communities in Rusizi district and analyzing the challenges of associated with the use of using renewable energy in Rusizi district. The targeted population in this research were 76,514 people from two sectors: Kamembe and Gihundwe, from which a sample of 398 people were selected using the simple random sampling method. In addition, 16 local leaders were selected using the purposive sampling method. The data were collected from sampled local community members by using a questionnaire while a face-to-face interview was administered to the local leaders. The data was completed by data from observation as well as documentation review. The data obtained were analyzed and processed through the use of tables graphs and charts. After using renewable energy, the results have shown that 97% of respondents are insured and these with difficulties of having health insurance are equivalent to 3.0%. The local community members got school fees for their children and themselves after using renewable energy. The result showed that there were changes after getting credits from 3.8% to 8.4% who can afford tertiary education and from19.2% to 25.5% who can pay school fees in secondary schools. The research recommends Rusizi District to enhance access to renewable energy equipment, support investors with easier loan processes, and address poverty, which remains a major challenge hindering the local community from benefiting fully from sustainable energy and development initiatives.
Keywords: Renewable Energy, Socio-economic Growth, Local Community, Rusizi District, Rwanda
Assessing the Appropriateness of Waste Disposal Locations and the Environmental Effects in the Expanding Satellite City of Muhanga in Muhanga District, Rwanda
Full text linkRapid urbanization in developing countries has intensified the issues of solid waste management, raising serious environmental and public health concerns. This study was proposed to assess the suitability of waste disposal site locations and the environmental effects in the expanding satellite city of Muhanga, Rwanda. The main objective was to assess waste disposal site location that is environmentally friendly, economically feasible and socially acceptable in the satellite city of Muhanga. To achieve the objective, the research has employed a mixed-methods approach, combining Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodologies. GIS was used to examine spatial data on environmental, socioeconomic, and infrastructure issues to determine the feasibility of current and potential garbage disposal locations. AHP was applied to prioritize and rank site selection criteria, ensuring a systematic and data-driven evaluation process. The findings show that Muhanga's present waste disposal sites are improperly situated, with some in environmentally sensitive locations such as wetlands and near water sources, causing soil, water, and air pollution issues. The GIS-AHP study revealed ideal sites that fulfill environmental, social, and economic objectives while minimizing negative consequences. The final suitability analysis found that no place in the research matched all the requirements for a highly acceptable solid waste disposal site, highlighting the importance of rigorous environmental and social protections. The analysis determined that 1.7% (175 ha) of the study area was appropriate, with 31.1% (3,217 ha) being moderately suitable. The bulk, 66.9% (6,922 hectares), was deemed least acceptable, with just 0.3% considered entirely unsuitable. Site selection was heavily influenced by proximity to built-up areas, roads networks, rivers, wetlands, and topographical limits such as slope. The suitable areas were found in the West-South, North-West, and South-East parts of Muhanga's satellite city, especially in grassland regions away from heavily inhabited areas and water bodies. The study concluded that the poor waste disposal practices in Muhanga satellite city leads to environmental deterioration and public health risks. It recommends a comprehensive waste management approach that includes better site selection, improved waste collection, and enhanced recycling and treatment initiatives. It also emphasizes the need for improved district planning and regulatory enforcement to promote sustainable waste management throughout the satellite city's urban expansion.
Keyword: Rapid Urbanization, Solid Waste Disposal, Waste Management, Suitability Analysis, GIS, Analytical Hierarchy Proces
Digital Transformation of Kenya's Procurement Systems: Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of the E-Procurement Platform IFMIS
Full text linkThis article evaluated the digital transformation of Kenya’s public procurement systems through the implementation of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). The study was conducted through a descriptive desktop review, relying on government reports, academic literature, and policy documents to assess the system’s rollout, effectiveness, and challenges. Findings showed that IFMIS contributed to improved transparency, reduced procurement cycle times, and enhanced auditability in several government agencies. However, issues such as limited user training, inconsistent system usage across counties, and technical failures hindered its full potential. The analysis further revealed that while the platform improved access to procurement information and planning tools, it fell short in achieving uniform efficiency and user satisfaction. Comparatively, Kenya’s IFMIS adoption was ahead of many African peers but still lagged behind best practices observed in countries like Rwanda and South Korea. The study concluded that IFMIS had partially succeeded in transforming Kenya’s procurement landscape and recommended greater investment in ICT infrastructure, continuous user training, and stronger policy enforcement. The findings underscored the need for future research focusing on real-time system monitoring and comparative performance assessments across different counties and sectors.
Keywords: Digital Transformation, Procurement Systems & IFMI
The Impact of Kenya's Devolved Governance Structure on Local Public Procurement Processes and Outcomes since The 2010 Constitution
Full text linkThe 2010 Constitution of Kenya introduced a devolved system of governance intended to enhance public service delivery, accountability, and equitable resource distribution. One of the key areas impacted by devolution is public procurement, which was decentralized to county governments to improve responsiveness to local development needs. This article critically examines the impact of Kenya’s devolved governance structure on public procurement processes and outcomes at the county level. Using a thematic review of legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, and empirical findings, the article explores how devolution has influenced transparency, efficiency, inclusivity, and the overall effectiveness of procurement. While some counties have demonstrated progress in adopting digital procurement tools, enhancing citizen oversight, and promoting local economic development through targeted procurement, significant challenges persist. These include political interference, corruption, capacity gaps, and weak documentation systems. The article concludes by recommending targeted reforms such as strengthening audit mechanisms, building procurement capacity, enhancing transparency through e-platforms, and insulating procurement from elite capture to ensure that devolved procurement contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s development agenda.
Keywords: Devolved Governance Structure & Local Public Procurement Processe
The Effect of Dividend Policy on the Relationship between Liquidity and Firm Value of Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Full text linkThis study examined the mediating role of dividend policy in the relationship between firm liquidity and firm value among firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Although liquidity is widely recognized as a key driver of firm value, it remains unclear whether dividend policy intervenes in this relationship, particularly in emerging markets. Guided by the Dividend Signaling Theory, the study tested whether dividend payments, dividend yield, or a composite dividend measure mediated the effect of liquidity on firm value. A descriptive longitudinal research design was employed, analyzing panel data from 63 NSE-listed firms over a 15-year period (2007–2022). Liquidity was measured using a composite index of short-term liquidity, debt capacity, and asset convertibility, while firm value was assessed using Tobin’s Q. Dividend policy was operationalized through dividend payout ratio, dividend yield, and their composite average. The Baron and Kenny four-step regression approach, supported by the Sobel test, was used for mediation analysis. The findings confirmed a strong, positive, and significant direct relationship between firm liquidity and firm value. However, none of the dividend policy measures significantly mediated this relationship. These results challenge the applicability of the Dividend Signaling Theory in the Kenyan capital market, suggesting that investors may rely more on other financial indicators than dividend signals. The study recommends that firms focus on sound liquidity management rather than dividend signaling to drive value. Further research is needed to explore sector-specific dynamics and alternative intervening variables.
Keywords: Firm Liquidity, Dividend Policy, Firm Value, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Dividend Signaling Theory, Mediation Analysis
Alternative Dispute Resolution Diplomacy and its Impact on National Security, A Case Study on Banditry Attacks in Kenya
Full text linkCommunal conflict has been a global challenge that has hampered state of national security in many countries across the globe and SubSaharan has been mostly affected. In Kenya, communal conflicts has been a great threat to peace and stability, the Kenyan government has therefore invested a lot of resources to mitigate the problem. The wave of banditry attacks have spread recently to other neighbouring counties, Meru County and in particular the Igembe region being the most recent county to suffer from this wave. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of alternative dispute resolution, as a diplomatic avenue of enhancing national security. The study specifically investigate the influence of mediation, negotiation, conciliation and traditional dispute resolution mechanism in resolving banditry in the Igembe north subcounty of Meru County. The study was underpinned by theory of conflict, process of pluralism theory and the general theory on conflict and dispute. The study adopted mixed research methods where qualitative and quantitative results were triangulated. The study engaged national administration officers, religious leaders and village elders at the location level in the subcounty, thus census was appropriate as members from each location was represented by selected leaders. The study collected primary data using open ended questionnaire. The study undertook pilot from a selected location in the subcounty to test reliability and validity of research instuments. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and generated in form of descriptive and inferential statistics. Negotiations findings significantly affected national security enhancement. Conciliatory mechanisms has positive and significant effect on enhancing national security, focus on banditry attacks in Igembe North subcounty. Traditional dispute resolution has a positive and significant effect on enhancing national security, focus on banditry attacks in Igembe North Subcounty. The study concluded that mediation process and principles are fundamental in realizing cohesive society. The traditional dispute resolution provide homegrown solutions that is paramount in resolving conflict attributed to banditry attacks. The study recommended strengthening policy and legislation framework to harmonize the existing formal regulation to collaborate with this mechanism.
Keywords: Alternative Dispute Resolution Diplomacy, National Security, Banditry Attacks, Keny
Adoption Factors of Artificial Intelligence and the Performance of Infrastructure Projects in Kenya
No full textThis study explored the adoption factors of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the performance of infrastructure projects in Kenya, with a focus on Nairobi County Constituency. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, and data were collected from 60 respondents out of a targeted 65, representing a high response rate of 92%. The findings revealed that organisational factors strongly affect AI adoption: 72.2% of respondents confirmed that top management supports AI initiatives, yet 61.1% reported that employees' capacity is low, 66.7% indicated that budget allocations for digital innovation are inadequate, and 55.6% pointed to an organisational culture resistant to change. Awareness levels showed a similar pattern, with 61.1% of participants indicating they understood how AI could be applied in construction workflows, but only 38.9% had received any form of AI-related training or exposure. Despite this gap, optimism about AI's value was high, with 77.8% agreeing that AI improves decision-making and project efficiency. Technological readiness was identified as the most critical barrier, as only 38.9% reported system compatibility with AI tools, 72.2% cited the unavailability of relevant software as a major limitation, and 66.7% agreed that technological complexity hinders adoption. Qualitative insights echoed these challenges but also revealed cautious optimism, with respondents highlighting AI's potential to enhance project scheduling, cost control, risk management, and workplace safety. The study concludes that for AI adoption to progress meaningfully in Kenya's construction industry, firms must strengthen organisational capacity, invest in awareness and training programmes, and upgrade technological infrastructure. Addressing these barriers will enable firms to unlock AI's transformative potential, enhance efficiency and safety, and accelerate digital transformation toward global competitiveness. The study recommends targeted AI training, improved technological infrastructure, dedicated innovation funding, effective change management, and supportive government policies to enhance AI adoption in the construction sector.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, performance, infrastructure projects, Keny
Exploring the Impact of Authentic Leadership on Socioeconomic Outcomes among Early-Career Media Professionals: An Empirical Study
No full textThe study sought to determine the effect of authentic leadership on socioeconomic outcomes among young media professionals in Nairobi County, Kenya. Anchored on Social Influence Theory, the study adopted descriptive and explanatory research designs. Study population was 45 TV stations from which 244 respondents were selected. Data was obtained using a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Response rate was 57.5% for quantitative data and 92% for qualitative data, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential techniques, and thematically, respectively. The study found that all the dimensions of authentic leadership were from moderate to high extent practiced and emphasized, with internalized moral perspective recording the highest mean score (M=3.952, SD=0.824). Correlation results revealed significant positive correlations between all authentic leadership dimensions and socioeconomic outcomes, with internalized moral perspective being the highest (r=0. 635, p<.05). Regression results showed that self-awareness had the strongest relative effect on socioeconomic outcomes (B=0.635, p<.05). A strong positive relationship was established, suggesting that authentic leadership explained 58.1% of the variance in socioeconomic outcomes. Qualitative insights from key industry experts confirmed that these dimensions are actively practiced within the industry. The study concluded that authentic leadership, especially through self-awareness and moral conviction, has significant influence on socioeconomic outcomes among young media professionals in Nairobi County, Kenya. By combining statistical analysis with personal testimonies, it shows that authentic leaders can foster ethical behaviour, trust, and organizational norms through social influence channels.
Key words: Authentic Leadership, Balanced Processing, Internalized Moral Perspective, Relational Transparency, Self-Awareness, Socioeconomic Outcomes