Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2323 research outputs found
Sort by
The Influence of Workload on Psychological Well-Being of Teachers in Special Schools and Units in Nyandarua County, Kenya
No full textTeachers’ Psychological well-being can influence learners' motivation, engagement, and academic achievement, impacting their overall performance and well-being. The Teachers’ Service Commission recently noticed an increase in cases of mental health issues among teachers, this scenario called for immediate attention as well as actions to support teachers' mental health. The study goal therefore was to assess workload's influence on teachers' psychological well-being in special schools and units in Nyandarua County, Kenya. The job Demand-Control Model and Six Factor model of psychological well-being informed the study. The study employed a mixed-method approach adopting a convergent parallel design to assess the influence of teachers’ workload on the psychological well-being of special needs teachers in special schools and units in Nyandarua County, Kenya. The target population of the study was 52 teachers teaching in both the Special Schools and Special Units in Nyandarua County. The study took a census of all the 52 teachers. Tools for data collection were questionnaires and standardized 18 PWB Ryff tools. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics utilizing a correlation method using SPSS Version 29 while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The researcher ensured that all necessary approval of documents was obtained before data collection. The findings revealed a weak positive relationship with no statistical significance between teacher's workload and psychological well-being (r=.066, p<.640). However, difficulties were identified, including inadequate lesson planning time and a heavy workload in managing students’ diverse needs. These results highlighted the need for improved workload management and supportive measures to enhance teacher well-being, which is essential for effective teaching and learning outcomes.
Keywords: Teachers' workload, psychological well-being, special school, special unit, diverse needs, Nyandarua County, Teachers’ Service Commission(TSC
Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe study aimed to evaluate the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Nairobi City County, Kenya, and examined the moderating effect of environmental dynamism on this relationship. Employing a positivist philosophy and a cross-sectional research design, the study targeted 425 SMEs registered by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents, and data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were applied, with qualitative data undergoing content analysis. The findings showed that entrepreneurial orientation significantly influences SME performance, explaining 40.3% of the variance, as indicated by an R² of 0.403 and a significant F-statistic of 79.75 (p < 0.001). The beta coefficient of 0.235 confirmed a positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance. This study contributes to theory by empirically validating the moderating role of environmental dynamism and offers practical and policy insights for enhancing SME performance through entrepreneurial strategies.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial orientation, Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise, performanc
Impact of Neopatrimonialism on the Church and Politics in Kenya between 2017 and 2022 Elections
No full textThis paper discusses concept of neopatrimonialism, based on Max Weber’s concept of legal-rational bureaucracy. Neopatrimonialism is regarded as a dominant feature of the developing countries of Africa, being seen as a core feature of local politics in Sub-Saharan Africa. The discussion of neopatrimonialism in Kenya was derived from the experiences of post-colonial oppression and autocracy from the dominant political regime. The author sought to study the impact of neopatrimonialism on the church and politics in Kenya between 2017 and 2022 elections. The researcher sought to answer four questions: How has neopatrimonialism influenced political parties (by) elections in Kenya? How has neopatrimonialism influenced the church and its leaders? In what ways does election of clan leaders influence on neopatrimonialism? Lastly, the researcher sought to find out how accessing funds for development is influenced by neopatrimonialism. Related influences included defective political economic systems, popularly referred to as ‘vampire states of Africa, signing pacts with huge donors in the name of foundations, award of favours for positions of political influence. On church influence, the researcher looked at three mainstream churches: The Anglican Church, Presbyterian Church and the Catholic Church. The researcher discussed the politics of land acquisition and ownership. Findings revealed that donor relations and donor priorities influenced how development organizations accessed funds for development. It was found that the judicial system’s lack of autonomy exposed it to manipulation by the state hence making flawed rulings that affect equitable allocation of funds for development. This study adopted Cooperative game theory, premordialism theory, constructivist theory and instrumentalism theory. The researcher employed exploratory research design to help her probe further the study area. As a mitigation towards overcoming neopatrimonial regimes, the researcher suggested serious advocacy campaigns by prioritizing education, legislation and empowerment of state organs that deal with corruption.
Keywords: Neopatrimonialism, Ethnicity, Elections patrimonial and legal-rational bureaucratic domination, regimes, rent seeking, integration
 
Neural Networks & Government Spending - Algorithmic Decision- Making in Public Procurement
No full textThis review critically examines Neural Networks & Government Spending: Algorithmic Decision-Making in Public Procurement, a timely exploration of the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on public sector procurement processes. The book investigates how neural networks are increasingly shaping decisions in government spending, displacing traditional bureaucratic discretion with data-driven algorithms. Drawing from real-world case studies, the author explores the potential of AI to enhance efficiency, detect procurement fraud, and mitigate corruption, while simultaneously highlighting the legal, ethical, and operational risks posed by opaque and biased algorithms. Central to the discussion is the tension between algorithmic efficiency and the democratic need for transparency and accountability. The book interrogates the use of private technology firms in designing procurement systems, raising concerns about vendor lock-in, explainability, and public sector dependency on proprietary AI models. The book underscores the importance of governance structures, advocating for open-source models, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory safeguards to prevent algorithmic injustice and ensure public trust. Through comparative analyses and forward-looking perspectives, the book extends its implications beyond procurement to broader areas of public finance, calling for adaptive legislation and ethical oversight in the digital age. Ultimately, the work presents a compelling argument for integrating AI into public procurement not as a replacement for human judgment, but as an assistive tool governed by robust accountability mechanisms
Cash Management Practices and Financial Sustainability of Public Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textOver Ksh 400 billion were given to the education sector in the 2017–2018 fiscal year, but an audit report released in 2018 found that almost a quarter of this money cannot be adequately accounted for. Another study by the Auditor General found that the government had spent 210.34 billion by the 2018/2019 fiscal year. Falsified enrollment numbers may be costing the government millions of shillings in capitation fees for public schools, according to financial data from the Ministry of Education. Thus, the study aimed to explore how various cash management techniques influence the ability of public secondary schools in Nakuru Town Sub-County to maintain a positive cash flow. The study was grounded in the Pecking Order Theory, Transaction Cost Theory, and a Monetary Theoretic Approach to cash management. An explanatory research design was employed for the investigation. The study focused on 33 public secondary schools in Nakuru Town Sub-County, with the analysis units being the principals, school bursars, and Board of Management (BOM) chairs. Given the relatively small target population, a census technique was used to include all the targeted respondents, resulting in a sample size of 99 individuals from the 33 schools. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection method, and the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was applied to assess internal consistency. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, producing both descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in tables. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, ensuring voluntary participation and respecting participants' privacy. The findings indicated that cash budgeting, cash policies, cash disbursement, and cash flow forecasting all significantly impacted the long-term financial viability of the public schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study concludes that cash management practices play a crucial role in ensuring the financial sustainability of public secondary schools in the region. Based on these conclusions, the study recommends that school management teams, including principals and their deputies, should adopt a participatory approach to budgeting by involving all relevant stakeholders throughout the process. Additionally, schools should implement more aggressive credit policies to improve their working capital and achieve financial sustainability. School management should also embrace prudence in managing surplus funds, ensuring their maximum utilization through investments in viable projects. Finally, the Ministry of Education should organize regular training sessions for secondary school principals on cash flow forecasting, especially concerning operating, financing, and investing activities, to enhance their financial decision-making capabilities.
Keywords: Cash management practices, financial sustainability, public secondary schools, Nakuru County, Keny
The Role of Electronic Governance and its Impact on Accounting Systems
No full textElectronic governance refers to the use of information and communication technologies by government agencies to provide services, exchange information, and engage with citizens. The adoption of e-governance initiatives has transformed traditional paper-based accounting systems in the public sector. This study examined the impact of implementing e-governance on governmental accounting practices. It focused on how automatizing routine tasks and integrating financial operations electronically enhances efficiency, transparency and accountability. The research methodology involved a comparative analysis of accounting procedures and financial reporting before and after e-governance adoption across various government departments. Findings revealed improved accuracy in revenue collection, expenditure monitoring, and fiscal reporting. However, challenges remain in terms of data security, integration complexities, and resistance to change. Overall, e-governance emerges as a potent catalyst for reforming public financial management. It paves the way for real-time, standardized, and tamper-proof accounting systems that strengthen fiscal discipline. In conclusion, automation and integration of accounting operations through e-governance emerges as a potent catalyst for public financial management reform. Financial digitization is key for 21st century governance. Policymakers should continue assimilating emerging technologies to optimize accounting and exceed citizen expectations while upholding public interest.
Keywords: E-governance, accounting systems, governmental accounting, financial reportin
Strategic Management Practices and Employee Performance of Fresh Produce Exporting Companies in Murang’a County Kenya
No full textThe research project analyzed the impact of strategic management practices on employee performance within fresh produce exporting companies in Murang'a County, Kenya. The study was motivated by persistent performance gaps and a disconnect between existing HR policies and operational demands in Kenya's €1.2B fresh produce sector. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of four key strategic practices—performance-based incentives, leadership development, Work-Life Balance (WLB) & wellness programs, and talent retention strategies—on employee performance. The study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV) and High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) theories. A stratified proportionate random sample was drawn from a target population of 230 employees. Primary data was collected from 70 valid respondents using structured questionnaires, achieving a 92.1% response rate. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Findings indicated that the strategic management practices collectively explained 68% of the variance in employee performance (Adjusted R² = 0.65, F = 32.5, p = 0.001), with all four independent variables having statistically significant positive effects on employee performance. The most impactful practices were performance-based incentives (β = 0.30, p = 0.001) and leadership development (β = 0.25, p = 0.001), followed by talent retention strategies (β = 0.20, p = 0.003) and WLB & wellness programs (β = 0.15, p = 0.030). Descriptively, WLB & wellness programs received the lowest mean satisfaction score from employees (Mean = 3.20). The study concludes that strategic management practices are substantial predictors of employee performance in fresh produce exporting firms, with performance-based incentives and leadership development serving as the most impactful levers for enhancing productivity and retention. The study recommends that companies should design fair and transparent incentive schemes directly linked to measurable productivity metrics and invest in comprehensive leadership development programs that include soft skills such as supervision, conflict resolution, and coaching. Additionally, organizations should prioritize improving work-life balance programs through flexible shift scheduling and adequate rest periods, particularly during peak export seasons, while policymakers should establish supportive frameworks that incentivize responsible HR practices and enforce standards on working hours and employee welfare in the horticultural export sector.
Keywords: Strategic management practices, employee performance, fresh produce exporting companies, Murang’a County, Keny
Geospatial Analysis of Effects of Flooding in Gasabo District; A Case of Bumbogo Sector
Get PDFThis study conducted a geospatial analysis of flooding effects in Bumbogo Sector, Gasabo District, using data from a sample of 99 respondents selected from a population of 7,066 individuals aged 21 and above through both probability and non-probability sampling. Data were gathered through GIS, remote sensing, and surveys and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. In mapping flood-prone areas, findings revealed that key contributors to flooding include rainfall (mean = 3.33), topography/elevation (3.24), land/soil cover (3.36), proximity to water bodies (3.33), and human activities (3.12). The study highlighted that intense rainfall, steep slopes, and unregulated urbanization significantly heighten flood risks, emphasizing the critical role of geospatial tools in continuous flood risk assessment. When evaluating environmental effects, respondents strongly agreed that flooding leads to pollution (mean = 3.06), soil erosion (3.07), habitat destruction (3.09), landslides (3.11), and biodiversity loss (3.07). Economically, property damage (3.98), infrastructure destruction (3.96), crop losses (3.11), and livestock losses (3.94) were major concerns. Human and social impacts included loss of life (3.54), health risks (3.44), disruption of education (3.53), and displacement or homelessness (3.44). Statistical analysis revealed a strong and significant relationship between causes and flood effects. The Pearson correlation coefficient between causes and environmental effects was 0.715 (p < 0.01), suggesting a significant positive relationship. For economic effects, the coefficient was 0.883 (p < 0.01), indicating a very strong correlation. The relationship between causes and human/social effects also showed a strong positive correlation at 0.704 (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that increases in the underlying flood causes result in proportional increases in environmental, economic, and social impacts. Spatial elements such as topography and land use further mediate these effects. The study confirms existing literature and calls for targeted, location-specific flood mitigation strategies. It recommends the use of geospatial analysis in planning and proactive risk management in flood-prone zones like Bumbogo Sector.
Keywords: Geospatial Analysis, Flooding, Flood Prone Are
Quality of Life in Adolescents Living with Epilepsy and The Implications for Clinical Psychology
Get PDFEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions among children and adolescents. In addition to seizures, adolescents living with epilepsy face significant psychosocial challenges that negatively impact their quality of life (QOL). Research indicates that adolescents with epilepsy generally experience a lower QOL compared to their peers without epilepsy. This part of the study measured the QOL of adolescents living with epilepsy in Nairobi County. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy for Adolescents (QOLIE-AD-48) was used to assess the participants' QOL. An additional tool included a questionnaire to collect demographic and clinical information. The respondents consisted of 103 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years who were diagnosed with epilepsy and attended the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People Living with Epilepsy (KAWE) clinics in Nairobi County. The overall mean for QOL was 59.23, SD=14.69, reflecting a moderate level of QOL among the participants. Challenges such as cognitive difficulties, social stigma, and negative public attitudes significantly impacted school performance and self-esteem, while protective factors included social support, education, urban residency, and monotherapy treatment. The findings indicate the need for comprehensive, individualized care that accounts for demographic and clinical differences. Clinically, the results call for tailored interventions to reduce stigma, strengthen support systems, improve treatment adherence, and enhance cognitive and physical functioning. Targeted psychological support, especially for females and younger adolescents, may help improve coping, resilience, and self-image, ultimately enhancing QOL outcomes.
Key words: Epilepsy, Adolescents, Quality of life, Clinical psychology, Keny
High Blood Pressure among Young Adults Aged 18 - 45 Years Presenting for Care to a Health Center in Karongi District in Rwanda
No full textHypertension is a major global health challenge, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among young adults aged 18 – 45 years in Karongi District, Rwanda, to inform effective prevention and management strategies. Hypertension prevalence serves as a critical measure of community health, with further epidemiological data needed to address treatment gaps, elevated prevalence rates, and suboptimal blood pressure control. The study also aims to promote routine blood pressure monitoring and highlight the efficacy of lifestyle interventions, including reduced salt intake, regular physical activity, weight loss, alcohol moderation, and smoking cessation, in managing hypertension. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, utilizing patient questionnaires and observation checklists at Rubengera Health Center. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 15, with logistic regression identifying factors influencing hypertension. The study found an overall hypertension prevalence of 30.3%, with 9.09% representing newly diagnosed cases, consistent with trends in African populations. Significant sociodemographic factors included older age, lower education levels, urban residence, and marital status, with higher prevalence among married and widowed individuals. Key lifestyle contributors were high saturated fat intake, low physical activity, and excessive salt consumption, while regular exercise and a balanced diet were protective factors. The study concludes that hypertension is a prevalent health issue among young adults in Karongi District, driven by both sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. It underscores the need for data-driven strategies for hypertension management and control, providing essential insights for health planners in estimating disease burden and designing targeted interventions. Recommendations include public awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and policy measures addressing unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity. Further research is encouraged to examine the impact of occupation, gender, marital transitions, and intervention efficacy in reducing hypertension prevalence. These efforts aim to mitigate the burden of hypertension in Rwanda, contributing to improved health outcomes and population well-being.
Keywords: Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk factors, Lifestyle interventions, Sociodemographic factors, Management strategie