Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2323 research outputs found
Sort by
Influence of Family Housing Conditions on Academic Completion Rates of Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Western Province of Rwanda
No full textEducation is the main agent of change in both developed and developing countries. Family housing conditions have a role to play in the learning process of the siblings. The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of family housing conditions on academic completion rate of pupils in public primary schools in Western province of Rwanda. The paper tested the hypothesis that there is no statistically significant influence of family housing conditions on academic completion rate of pupils in public primary schools in Western Province of Rwanda. Mixed method research design was employed. The study targeted 96 primary schools making the population of 9127 people including primary six pupils, teachers, headteachers and District directors of education. The Solvin’s sampling formula, Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample size of 384 pupils, 115 teachers, 28 headteachers and 2 DDE. The questionnaires, interview guide and document analysis schedules were used to collect the data. The findings revealed that the distance used to get clean water; the size of family house and the source of power (light & heat) used show the highest influence on pupils ‘completion rates. The majority of teachers’ responses at 82.9% agreed that family housing conditions influence grade scores and completion rate of pupils in Western province of Rwanda. However, the computed linear regression shows that there is no statistically significant influence of family housing conditions on the completion rate of pupils in public schools as indicated by the critical values of 0.170; 0.552; 0.532; 0.711; 0.282 >p (0.05). It was also revealed that family housing conditions can only explain 3.90% of the pupils’ completion rate in primary schools in Western Province of Rwanda. The study recommends that learning should not solely left to pupils-teachers relationship but it should be extended to include the clear role and active participation of parents. Government should improve social service such as clean water and electricity should be provided to its people and make it available to every household, parents ought to understand and implant family planning programs.
Key words: Family Housing Condition; Academic Completion; Public Primary School
Students’ Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Learners’ Absenteeism in Primary Schools of Oldonyiro Division, Isiolo County
No full textEducation is viewed as a prime mover of the financial improvement of nations and societies to the extent of 20% of the Domestic Gross Product. This is particularly so, when the learners consistently attend classes, as well as, families give them the necessary push. However, learners’ absenteeism adversely influences their scholarly accomplishments. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of students’ socio-economic factors on learners’ absenteeism in primary schools of Oldonyiro Division, Isiolo County. The study utilized descriptive survey research design. Questionnaires were used to draw information from teachers. The findings revealed that poor performance in school and indiscipline cases among the learners were the main causes of absenteeism and therefore, raise a serious alarm on absenteeism in the division. The study concluded that students’ factors have a great influence on pupils’ absenteeism. The study recommended that the pupils should be encouraged to avoid absenteeism by creating awareness on importance of education, using role models from the society to enlighten the rest and finding or solving school challenges. This can be done through motivational talks organized by the school leadership in consultation with the parents and other stakeholders. In addition, pupils should be made aware of the need to be in school and the benefits and other skills they will acquire from learning. On the other hand, educational trips and bench marking can assist in motivating the pupils to make education be part of them and hence, treasure it.
Keywords: Students, Socio-Economic Factors, Absenteeism, Primary School
Relationship between students’ discipline and academic performance in secondary schools in Rwanda
No full textThe students’ discipline plays a significant role in the improvement of academic performance. However, any lack of students’ discipline, significantly affect negatively the level of students’ discipline. The purpose of this study therefore was to establish the relationship between students’ discipline and academic performance in secondary schools in Rwanda for advanced level studying-French-English Kinyarwanda in Rusizi district. The study adopted correlation research design while structured questionnaires, interview guide and desk review were used as data collection instruments. The target population was 283 respondents. The sample size was 166 obtained by the use of Yamane formula. The sample was obtained by the use of simple random and stratified sampling techniques. Questionnaire, interview guide and desk review were used to collect the data. The findings revealed that there is a statistical significant high degree of positive relationship between students’ discipline and academic performance. It was revealed that regular class attendance, respect of school rules and regulation and being given punishment among students create a positive change in students’ academic performance. The study recommended that the government should design effective policies and discipline guidelines. The head teachers should ensure the suitability of a set of rules and regulations in the least performing schools and there is a need to ensure students punishment management and adequate administration of school rules and regulations. Students should respect and comply with school rules and regulations through punctuality, demand of permission, constant attendance, doing homework at time, respect to teaching staff and school management personnel.
Keywords: Students’ performance, students’ discipline, secondary schools, Rwand
Public Participation Effects on Prioritization of Constituency Development Fund in Makueni County, Kenya
No full textMakueni County has been touted as having the best public participation framework in Kenya and possibly in Africa. The framework has been commended to the extent that the World Bank has recommended other County Governments in the Country to embrace the model in an effort to make sure adequate involvement of the public in county development agendas. However, little research has been conducted to examine how this form of public participation framework affects the implementation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in the county considering its associated expenses. The study therefore sought to examine the effect of public participation on the prioritization of CDF projects in Makueni County, Kenya. Descriptive research design was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. The results revealed that most of the participants took part in the prioritization of the projects, which included selecting projects that are publicly important to them. The participants indicated that they were consulted almost always before projects were selected. The involvement in the selection allowed the electorate to feel satisfied with the projects, an issue that was confirmed by the key informants. The study concluded that public participation influenced the prioritization of CDF projects in Mukaa Sub-County. The study recommended the need for the Makueni government to development a framework for prioritizing on public projects. This study has showed that it is possible for the electorate to value different infrastructure projects, which could complicate prioritization and planning
Keywords: Public Participation, Prioritization, Constituency Development Fun
The role of transport and logistics in promoting trade and regional integration within East African Community (EAC)
No full textThis paper examined the role of transport and logistics in promoting trade and regional integration in the EAC. The study is expected to be significant since transport and logistics are a major component of business process networks and part of the economic activities intended to satisfy human needs by means of geographical change of position by people and goods. The study was desktop research where it relied on the previous literature to make inferences. The data was analysed using descriptive and multiple regression analyses methods. The focus of the paper was on four items; transport and logistics related infrastructure that discusses the infrastructure by modes of transport in the EAC; trade facilitation initiatives that discusses the developments to facilitate transport and logistics sector and policy, legal and regulatory framework that talks about the transport and logistics policy environment at regional and national transport policies of EAC. The paper also included the challenges and constraints as well as the recommendations. The findings of the study established that EAC’s transport and logistics infrastructure has not yet been developed even to the level of other Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on the African Continent and the rest of the world. The major challenges and constraints of the transport and logistics within the EAC region are; inappropriate national policies and limited implementation of national, sub-regional and regional agreements; low transport network connectivity and poor state of network among others. The paper concluded that since transport and logistics sector is among the key sectors that play crucial roles in promoting trade and regional integration, it has to be developed in a coordinated manner, with the ultimate aim of bringing about a reliable, efficient, safe and environmentally sound system of moving people and goods. The paper recommended that the EAC requires the right set of measures to be undertaken in the areas of national policies and regional agreements, human and institutional capacity-building, transport logistics safety and security, transport and logistics information systems.
Keywords: Accessibility, Reliability, Affordability and Sustainabilit
A Critical Review of Gun Violence Management in United States of America
No full textThis paper presents a critical review of gun violence management in United States of America. In order to be able to effectively reduce gun violence, the focus cannot solely remain on gun control reform; it is necessary for the anti-gun movement to align itself with the anti-neoliberal movement that is calling for changes for systematic social and economic changes that will bring about a shift in values, norms, and attitudes that shape social structures and relationships. This is especially important since passing gun-related legislation has been an uphill battle, especially at the federal level. it may be necessary to develop a strong popular movement that will effectively counter pro-gun organizations such as the NRA and provide the argument for gun control with the same political savvy and sway that is displayed by the NRA.
Keywords: Gun Violence Management, NRA, United States of Americ
Health System Influence On Functionality of Managers in Public Hospitals: A Case of Sub County Hospitals in Bungoma County
No full textManagers tasked with leading and managing the hospitals in the developing economies often have little formal preparation and face challenges in execution of their mandates. This study therefore interrogated the influence of management knowledge, organization capacity building systems, internal work environment and hospital finance on the functionality of managers in public Sub County hospitals in Kenya focusing on Bungoma County. A descriptive approach was adopted and 170 managers from the 10 Public Sub County hospitals in Bungoma County were targeted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data which was analysed through SPSS version 24 to give descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study indicated that management knowledge of a manager had a positive and significant influence on manager’s functionality to manage Sub-County Hospitals (? = 0.263; P-value <0.05); organization capacity building systems had a positive and significant influence on management of Public Hospitals (? = 0.327; P-value < 0.05); internal work environment had a positive and significant influence on management of Public Hospitals (? = 0.360; P-value < 0.05) and health finance equally had a positive and significant influence on management of Public Hospitals, this influence was not significant (? = 0.112; P-value < 0.05). This implies that a unit increase in these factors would lead to a significant increase in management of the Sub-County hospitals. Based on these, the study recommended the county government of Bungoma County to set aside a budget to recruit health workers to address HRH gaps. The county government to enhance their financial commitment towards the running of the public hospitals in the county. The County to increase proportion of their exchequer to the public hospital the current proportion is not adequate. County top leaders to revise the finance accountability frameworks for efficient funds utilization. Furthermore, the local political leaders should collectively rework their conflict resolution mechanisms with the management of the hospitals and look for alternatives problem solving mechanism to reduce interference with the normal operation of hospitals.
Keywords: Management Knowledge, Organization Capacity Building Systems, Internal Work Environment, Hospital Finance, Functionality of Managers, Public Sub County Hospitals, Keny
Influence of Organizational Change on Public Health Maternal Health Care Service Delivery in Kitui County (A Survey of Level 4 Hospitals in Kitui County)
No full textThe County Governments in Kenya are faced with poor service delivery especially in the provision of maternal health care services. Maternal health care services in public hospitals are not meeting up to the quality standard as outlined by the Ministry of Health in Kenya. The paper sought to determine the influence of leadership and universal health coverage on public health maternal health care in Kitui County. This study was guided by Transformational Leadership Theory and Theory X & Y. The study focused on 11 public hospitals providing maternity services in Kitui County. The target population of the study was 203 health officers that include 26 doctors, 10 specialists, 41 clinical officers and 126 nurses across the 13 level 4 hospitals providing maternity services in Kitui County. Data was collected by use of structured closed ended questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25.0 Software. Pearson Correlation showed that leadership and universal health coverage have a positive correlation with public health maternal health care service delivery. Model summary results indicated that leadership and universal health coverage explain 52.1 percent of public health maternal health care service delivery. Coefficient regression revealed that coefficient of leadership has appositive and significant influence (?=.203, p=.001<0.05) on and public health maternal health care service delivery. It was also found that coefficient of Universal Health Coverage and public health maternal health care service delivery have a positive and significant relationship (?=.662, p=.000<0.05). The study concludes that leadership is one of the key health systems factors affecting the performance of maternal health services at facility level. Conclusion can be made further that universal health coverage improves public health maternal health care service delivery. The study recommends for the need of maternal health care providers to review their leadership guidelines and styles with aim of enhancing quality of leadership in the management of hospitals. Though universal health coverage is on trial, the study recommends for the need to adequately support the implementation of universal health coverage.
Keywords: Leadership, UHC, Maternal Health, Care Service Delivery, Kitui Count
Effect of Social Enterprise on Women Empowerment in Mandera County
No full textThe aim of the paper was to determine the effect of training as function of social enterprise on women empowerment in Mandera County. The study was informed by social learning theory. The study used a descriptive research design to help in indicating trends in attitudes and behaviors and enable generalization of the findings of the research study to be done. This study targeted 82 women groups with social enterprises in Mandera County. Simple random sampling was used to obtain 45 women groups, while purposive sampling was used to select three members from each women group giving a total sample size of 132 respondents. Structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches, employing both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that training has a positive influence on women empowerment in Mandera County. Specifically, social enterprises have afforded women access to opportunities that have contributed to their empowerment. Also, women have acquired better financial management skills and entrepreneurial skills to catalyze their empowerment. The study recommended for social enterprises should nurture entrepreneurial skills, technological skills and better financial management skills among women.
Keywords: Training, Women Empowermen & Social Enterpris
Analysis of the Effect of Water Sector Reforms on Governance in Athi Water Services Board, Kenya
No full textThe study analyzed the effect of water sector reforms on governance at athi water services board. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the impact on coverage, reporting, stakeholder and the challenges encountered in the implementation of water sector reforms on governance at Athi Water Services Board. The study examined the moderating effect of government legislation and donors. The study was guided by two theories: stakeholder theory and dynamic capabilities theory. The study used mixed methodology that involved collecting data by combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 80 employees working from the top management level, middle level management and functional level of management. The researcher conducted a census. Questionnaires were used to collect the data in which contained both open-ended questions and close-ended questions. Content and the construct validity was obtained with the help of the supervisor, who rechecked the research instruments to justify that the material inside the questionnaire was sufficient for the research. Likewise, to test for the reliability of the instruments, ten employees from Rift Valley Water Services Board were used and the internal consistency was tested using Cronbach’s alpha (α) in which the recommended value of 0.7 was utilized as a cut-off of reliabilities. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative using descriptive and inferential statistics.The study found that coverage is positively and significantly related to governance (β=.337, p=0.000). Moreover, a positive and significant relationship was found to exist between reporting and governance (β=.241, p=0.004). Further, stakeholder participation was found to have a positive and significant relationship on governance (β=.182, p=0.039). The regression results indicated challenges is negatively and significantly related to governance (β=.-135, p=0.046). In addition, government legislation and donors was found to be a good moderator. The R square increased significantly from 0.677 (67.7%) to 0.846 (84.6%) when coverage, reporting, stakeholder participation and challenges were interacted with government legislation. The study concluded that coverage, reporting, stakeholder participation, challenges were significant in predicting governance. The study recommended there should be adequate connection to the informal sectors with sufficient water supply, developing of more sources of water and enhancing the high frequency of water supply in urban areas. There is a need for the preparation and maintenance of a strategic plan. The study also recommended that the finance department be independent and not influenced by management. Also, there is a need for enabling stakeholders to inspect the books of accounts freely. There should be more involvement of stakeholders to understand the root of the water sector challenges. Sufficient funds should be directed to the water sector to facilitate engagement in projects. There should be the facilitation of better services for Kenyans. There should be an investment in infrastructure necessary for production of clean water. There should be the creation of enhanced legislation that will improve governance in the water sector in Kenya.
Keywords: Coverage, reporting, stakeholder participation, governance, challenges on governance, government legislation, water sector reforms, Athi Water Services Board, Keny