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Rapid Urbanization, a Solid Waste Management Challenge in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya: A Case Study of Kawangware Ward in Nairobi
No full textThe aim of this study was to establish rapid urbanization as a solid waste management challenge in MSMEs in Kawangware ward in Nairobi. This study is anchored on Lee’s Theory of Migration. The study employed descriptive research design. Stratified random sampling technique was used to pinpoint the target population of 370 MSMEs business owners in Kawangware Ward, out of which 302 respondents participated. Based on the research objectives, the study provided a comprehensive literature review and analysis and formed a conceptual framework. Questionnaires were used to collect data and were researcher administered to comply with WHO and MOH guidelines of Covid-19. Research ethics were observed throughout the study. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 software was used to analyze data and the summarized data were presented using percentages, figures, graphs, charts, and frequency tables. To determine the influence of rapid urbanization on solid waste management, multiple logistics regression analysis was used. The study findings showed that there was a negative significance between rapid urbanization and solid waste management (?=-0.57, p=0.030, ?=0.05). This showed that a unitary rise of rapid urbanization leads to a fall by 0.57 units in solid waste management. The null hypothesis that rapid urbanization has no significant influence on solid waste management was thus rejected. The findings implied that the higher the rapid urbanization, the more we can expect poor solid waste management. The study recommends the startups of MSMEs in rural areas to reduce rapid urbanization and to promote the 4R of waste management (refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle), and introduce community clean-up campaigns involving all the citizens to clean their respective environments.
Keywords: Rapid Urbanization, Solid Waste Management, Challenge, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise
Impact of Teacher’ Qualification on Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda
No full textThe qualification of teachers in secondary school plays a significant role in improvement of academic performance of students. Educational qualification of teacher leads to the effectiveness of teacher’ content mastery as all in all helps in promotion of students’ grades. The working experience of teachers is also viewed as the key indicator in the promotion of schooling system where schools experience to have a high level of students’ completion. Nevertheless, the content mastery of teachers also promotes the active learning which also leads to the improved students’ scores in class assignment. The purpose of this paper was to establish the impact of teacher qualification on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Gasabo district in Rwanda. The target population was 137 respondents that provided the sample size of 121 got using Yamane formula. Interview guide and questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. Correlation research design was also employed. This paper established that there is a statistical significant relationship between teacher qualification and students’ academic performance thus P =.000 less that 0.01 as the correlation significance level and Pearson coefficient correlation r = .564. It was revealed that teacher qualification can have an impact of 36.5% on students’ academic performance and the remaining 63.5% could be affected by other variables. This paper recommended that the Ministry of Education should keep reviewing the ways of improving the level of teacher qualification to standardize the quality of education through improved academic performance. Educational planners should make effective set up that could improve the level of teacher qualification that leads to having effective teaching methodology. The School head teachers should actively participate in improvement of teacher qualification especially teacher content mastery and experience. The study also recommended that teachers should themselves be encouraged in their professionalism in order to improve the school performance.
Keywords: Teacher qualification, students’ academic performance, teacher content mastery, teacher experience and public secondary school
Early Childhood Education and Primary School Learners’ Academic Performance in Rwanda
No full textThis study was intended to explore the relationship between Early Childhood Education and primary school learners’ academic performance. The research was guided by the three objectives: to describe early childhood education developed skills in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda; to compare the academic performance of primary school learners with and without early childhood education in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda and to ascertain the relationship between early childhood education and primary school learners’ academic performance in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda. The correlative research design methodology was used to establish relationship between early childhood education and primary school learners’ academic performance. The target population was composed of 318 participants from 74 schools with primary and early childhood education in Nyamasheke district. Yamane (1967) served in determining the sample size which was 177 respondents. Data collection instruments comprised of questionnaires to ECE and Primary teachers, interviews for head teachers and observation of ECE teaching and learning activities. The findings of the study indicated that early childhood education development enhances children’s moral development, socialization, cooperation, tolerance, emotional growth, intellectual development and physical fitness where teachers agreed providing their perception at an average rate of 79.4 per cent. The study further revealed that primary school learners’ academic performance is greater if children have done early childhood education than when they entered primary school without ECE. Furthermore, the findings revealed there exists a low positive correlation between early childhood education and primary school learners’ academic performance. The correlation coefficient r=0.491 was identified with the p- value of .000 of a two- tailed. The study concluded that early childhood education facilitated primary learners to be prepared for academic performance and improve their performance. Children who have done early childhood education are more likely to attend class regularly, participate more in learning activities and score higher grade in primary school as compared to their peers who did not have access to ECE. The study recommended early childhood education should be provided with facilities for so that all children get this kind of education.
Keywords: Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten, Nine Years Basic Education, Preschool, Nursery school, Twelve Years Basic Educatio
Parents Teachers Association’s Participation Activities and Selected Public Secondary Schools’ Students Academic Performance in Rwanda
No full textThe participation of parents and teachers in the performance of school activities plays a significant role in both teachers and students’ school performance. The government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Education has put a lot of emphasis to involve educational stakeholders in various school activities. However, the effectiveness of PTA in some public secondary schools in Rwanda is low. This formed the motive of the study to assess the influence of Parents Teachers Association (PTA)’s participation activities on public secondary schools students’ academic performance in Nyamagabe district in Rwanda. This paper employed correlation research design. The target population was 240 people corresponding to the sample size of 156 respondents by using Yamane formula. Questionnaire and guided interview were used as data collection instruments. The findings of the study revealed that 83.9% of the variations in students’ academic performance was influenced by PTA’s participation activities as R square was 0.839. The remaining 16.1% of school students’ academic performance could be influenced by other factors. The findings also revealed there is a statistically significance high degree of positive relationship between PTA’s participation activities and school students’ academic performance as the P-value was 0.000 which was less than 0.0. The Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) was 0. 866. The study concluded that effective participation of PTA members in school activities improve the school students’ academic performance. The study recommended that school head teachers should work hand in hand with parents and also create active participation of Parents Teacher Association (PTA) committee in performance of various school activities in order to improve the school performance. Teachers should strengthen collaboration with parents in order to share various strategies which could be used to make conducive teaching environment and enhance the school students’ performance. Moreover, parents should give their participation in performance of school activities and make effective communication with school staffs in order to develop the effective learning conditions of their children.
Keywords: Parents Teacher Association, school activities, academic performance, Public Secondary Schools, Rwand
Influence of Educational Strategies on Online Learning in Kenyan Institutions of Higher Learning amid COVID 19 Pandemic
No full textThe study sought to establish the influence of educational strategies on online learning in Kenyan institutions of higher learning amid COVID 19 Pandemic. Higher learning institutions, like every other educational institution were forced to close down to curb the spread of covid-19. As centers of innovation across the world, universities were expected to come up with solutions. Higher learning institutions in Kenya embraced online learning. Naturally, there were concerns as to whether such institutions can handle such a massive transformation seemingly overnight. These institutions had to initiate online lectures as well as exams in some cases in order to continue with a school calendar that had already suffered greatly as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. The transition has not been perfect and has faced a number of challenges. The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. A critical review of empirical literature was conducted to establish the influence of educational strategies on online learning in institutions of higher learning in Kenya. The study concludes that the educational strategies have a positive influence on online learning and can be applied individually or collectively depending on the circumstances. The study recommends that institutions of higher learning in Kenya should apply cooperative learning activities in online learning. The study also recommends that institutions should also use differentiation strategy so as to use different techniques for different students and that institutions of higher learning apply the behavioral approach technique by encouraging good behaviors by praise and motivation.
Keywords: Educational Strategies, Online Learning, Covid 19, Higher Learnin
Sports’ Participation and Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda
No full textThe participation of students in various sport activities enhances the students’ learning activities which could significantly affect the school academic performance. The purpose of this study was therefore to analyze the relationship between sports’ participation and students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Kicukiro district in Rwanda. The study employed correlation research design. The target population was 5377 respondents while the sample size was 372 respondents obtained by using Yamane formula. The data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides and document analysis. The findings revealed that sports participation in public secondary schools of Kicukiro District is at a low level. The study also found students’ academic performance is poor in all the four academic performance indicators: classroom grades, completion rate, retention rate and national examination results. It was found there is a statistical and significant relationship between sports’ participation and students’ academic performance in public secondary schools of Kicukiro District with the P-value of .000 and Pearson Coefficient of Correlation of .887. It was also found the value of Adjusted R Square was .785 an indication that 78.5% of the variation in students’ academic performance can be explained by sports’ participation (regular sports activities organization, encouragement to participate in sports activities, enough time for sports activities, availability of qualified sports facilitators and adequate sports facilities). This also explains that the remaining 21.4% of academic performance can be affected by other variables. The study recommended that MINEDUC through Rwanda Basic Education Board to avail enough sports’ amenities that will facilitate sports’ participation in all schools across the countries. All stakeholders of education sector are recommended to support sports’ participation among students and educators in Rwanda, as it is the only and one shortcut for improving students’ academic performance.
Keywords: Sport participation, academic performance and secondary school
The Efficacy of Social Skills Training on Depression among Young Adults in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe study evaluated the efficacy of social skills training on depression among young adults in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. The results revealed that there was no significant mean difference in depression levels between experimental and control groups at baseline. At midline, the study found that there was a significant mean difference in depression levels between experimental and control groups. In particular, the experimental group had a significantly lower depression mean compared to the control group. Furthermore, results revealed that there was a significant mean difference in depression levels between experimental and control groups. The experimental group had a significantly lower depression mean compared to the control group. The study concluded that the social skill training was effective as an intervention for depression among the students. The students who went through the intervention were found to have a significantly lower depression level compared to those who did not go through the intervention. The implication of the findings is that the social skill training program is effective in reduction of depression. Further, the study concluded that the longer the social skills training intervention program, the more the effectiveness. The study recommended that the universities’ management should adopt and implement social skills training program among the students. This will ensure that students gain skills to help them deal with depression and be able to focus on their studies.
Keywords: Efficacy, Social Skills Training, Depression, Young Adult
The Influence of Njuri Ncheke Indigenous Traditional System in Social Cultural Economic and Political Leadership of Meru Community
No full textThe purpose of the study is to establish the influence of Njuri Ncheke in Social, cultural, economic and political leadership of Meru community. Many African communities have over the years acquired a wealth of knowledge through interacting with traditional system within the environment people live. This knowledge is referred to as indigenous knowledge. The knowledge acquired through traditional system has been used by generations in various ways, such as promotion of peace, conflict resolution, agriculture, environmental conservation, weather forecasting, food preparation, and governance of a community, among others. Existing literature, which is sketchy and fragmentary fail to establish the evolution and complexity of Meru political organization and governance of Meru community. Thus, the impact of internal and external forces on the social cultural, economic and political organization of the Meru has not been established. In effect then, many gaps both in terms of available and hitherto unexplored data and their analysis exists making the study of the political organization of the Meru apriority research topic. The following are questions guiding the study: What is the sociopolitical traditional system organization of Meru people? What is the leadership structure of the Ameru people in governing Meru community? How does the Njuri Ncheke traditional government of the Meru people operate? What is the governance role of Njuri Ncheke as Non state social institution with internal structure and decision making in regulating activities of Meru community? How effective is Njuri Ncheke in addressing issues of important as social institution in Meru community? What is the influence of Njuri Ncheke in African traditional religion and culture in Meru Community? This study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected by the use of questionnaires from the Ameru Elders (Njuri Ncheke). Data was collected using guided interviews and semi structured questions. The interest of the researcher was guided by the need to collect in-depth data essential to qualitative research. The data was collected through a focus group discussion, documents and audio visual materials. The study found out that the success of devolution in Meru and Thraraka Counties depends on how the County governments harnesses the strengths and opportunities of the Njuri Ncheke to run the affairs of the people. The fact such an old institution like Njuri Ncheke continues to exercise considerable influence nowadays is clear proof that indigenous knowledge systems can synergize with the modern ones to address the challenges that arise from the devolved system of governance.
Keywords: Njuri Ncheke, indigenous traditional system, social cultural economic political leadership, Meru community
The Relationship between Prevalence of Marriage Conflicts and Marital Instability among Middle-Aged Couples in Suneka Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya
No full textThis study sought to establish the prevalence of marriage conflicts and marital instability among middle-aged couples in Suneka, Kisii County. The target population of the research was 1000 participants, with a focus on the middle-aged couples in Suneka, Kisii. The study was quantitative and employed a descriptive design. The study randomly drew a sample of 314 from the target population using Yaro Yamane formulae. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire of 32 items. The researcher distributed the questionnaire to the 314 respondents and after two months she went back and collected the filled questionnaires. The data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 and presented using tables. The findings of the study revealed a positive and significant relationship between couples’ prevalence and their marital stability. The study recommends that married couples need help in learning how to deal with conflicts. Teaching biblical principles of marriage can reduce if not end the trend of marital instability. This would be in line with Christian belief that God created man and woman and blessed their union to be a lifetime. However, as other factors may center on highly functioning marriages, quality sex life among couples is the main tributary of it (communication) to enhance the joyful and thankful relationship.
Keywords: Prevalence of marriage conflicts, married couples, marital instabilit
Determinants of Domestic Violence among Women Attending Gender Based Violence Centre (GBV) At Nakuru County Referral Hospital
No full textDomestic violence include all acts of physical, sexual psychological or economic violence that occur within the family or domestic unit or between former or current spouses or partners. The violence against women cases continue to increase in Kenya and globally. Domestic violence is highly skewed towards women than in male partners. Violence against Women (VAW) is a fundamental violation of women’s rights. 30% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence. In Kenya VAW is still regarded as a private family matter. Violence against women by an intimate partner has strong traditional and cultural considerations. 45% of women between 15-49 years have experience physical violence. Almost 75% of women in Kenya experienced domestic violence (KDHS, 2014). Nakuru is one of the counties with high prevalence of domestic violence against women. Violence among women is still largely experienced by women across Kenya and therefore an urgent need for effective ways of reducing its prevalence. This study therefore attempted to establish awareness and factors contributing to domestic violence among women. The study found that thirty one per cent (31%) of the respondents were aged 18 - 28 years while 19% were aged above 50 years, 32% were married while 18% were widows/widowers. The findings further revealed that 36% of the respondents got their income from the farm while 42% earned between 500 - 5000Kshs monthly, while minorities 8% earnedKshs15001 and above. Culture influenced domestic violence, majority 77% of the respondents said their culture did not allow women to make decisions concerning the family. It was also found that 65% of the respondents were aware of domestic violence and 30% said domestic violence was common in their area. Fifty nine per cent knew victims of domestic violence. Culture was the main contributing factor to domestic violence. Men were allowed to beat their wives as a form of punishment for an alleged mistake or behavior. The study found that GBV affects women globally thus women should be empowered socially, emotionally and economically in gender issues and be involved in decision making at all levels. Women should also know their rights in the society. The government should ensure that legal framework and policies including enforcement of legal punishment to the perpetrators of GBV against women are implemented. The ministry of education to consider introducing GBV violence in Kenya’s educational curriculum therefore creating awareness at early age.
Keywords: Domestic violence, Gender Based violence, Violence against women, maternal knowledge, Female Genital Mutilation, Victi