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Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Informal Caregivers of Patients with Mental Disorders Attending Clinics at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital
No full textInformal caregivers face considerable psychological pressures while visiting family to facilities such as Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. With an estimated 475,633 Kenyans suffering from serious mental illnesses that necessitate full-time caregiving, the mental health of this caregiver population goes mostly ignored. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among informal caregivers of patients with mental disorders who attended clinics at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital. The study was based on the Caregivers Stress Process Theory, which states that caregiving becomes a burden when the care recipient is a relative with mental illness, with burden levels determined by background characteristics, primary and secondary stressors, and intrapsychic strains. A descriptive survey design was used, with informal caregivers accompanying patients to Mathari Hospital. Purposive sample generated 92 caregivers, with 80 completed surveys used in the analysis. The DASS-21 anxiety and depression scales, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Brief COPE Scale were all used to collect data. For descriptive and inferential statistics, data was analysed using SPSS version 25. The prevalence of depression was 32.4% mild, 18.8% moderate, and anxiety was 38.8% mild, 12.4% moderate, and 3.8% severe. There was no significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and psychological discomfort levels. Anxiety and sadness are common among informal caregivers at Mathari Hospital, underlining the urgent need for caregiver-focused mental health efforts. Mathari Hospital should conduct systematic caregiver mental health assessments and create tailored support programs for those in moderate to severe suffering.
Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Informal Caregivers, Patients, Mental Disorders, Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospita
Effect of Public Participation on Effective Implementation of Performance Based Budgeting in Devolved Government of Meru County
Get PDFKenya’s devolution entailed creation of new political and administrative units simultaneously. This was perceived to be the best governance system that can ensure more equitable model of sustainable economic development for most Kenyans. However, the implementation of devolution system of governance has been affected by constant debates raging on whether funding from national treasury is sufficient or not. Despite the existence of public financial management reforms such as performance-based budget which was adopted under the new constitution in Kenya, wastage of public funds is still a problem. The objective of the study is to establish the effect of public participation on implementation of performance based budgeting in devolved government of Meru County. Public participation is the process by which public or an organization concerns, needs, as well as values are incorporated into government decision making through consulting interested or affected individuals, organizations, and other government. The target population of this study was 10 County Executive Committees, 35 Meru county government directors and 69 Members of County Assembly. Questionnaire was employed to gather data and analyzed by utilizing SPSS Version 25.0. Public participation explained 44.8% of the performance based budgeting in devolved government of Meru County Kenya. Pearson correlation indicated that public participation, has a significant association with the performance based budgeting in devolved governments. Regression of coefficients showed that public participation and implementation of performance based budgeting in devolved government have a positive and significant relationship (β=.604, p=0.000<0.05). It was concluded that public participation is essential in budget making and implementation process. The study recommends for a specifically tailored civic education and awareness programme for the members of the public regarding public participation in the implementation of performance based budget. There is the need to improve the level of awareness to the public participation on the budget implementation through seminars, workshops and trainings.
Keywords: Public participation, performance based budgeting, devolved government, Meru Count
Effect of Working Conditions on Security Services Provision by Private Security Guards in Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya
Get PDFPrivate security guards play an essential role in aiding police work in high-crime cities, but problems like lack of adequate security equipment, poor management, and heavy work burdens weaken their effectiveness. This study investigated how working conditions affect private security guards' security service provision in Embakasi Sub-County, Kenya, a high-crime, industrialised region. Using the theoretical framework of Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, the study had a survey design sampling 291 security guards from 1,200 participants through cluster and convenience sampling techniques. Data was compiled through questionnaires and key informant interviews; this data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistics show that a significant percentage, 54% of security guards, lack vital security equipment. There has been an impactful reduction in the quality of their services (χ² = 4.82 Only 58% of respondents experience difficulties in performance caused by poor management (t = -2.15, p = 0.032); 44% of respondents complain about decreased effectiveness because of excessive workload (χ2 = 6.68, p = 0.0 The provision of uniforms has little effect on performance (χ² = 0.45, p = 0.501). The study recommends upgrading of security equipment to strengthen management and improve security services, including full gear of security provision, better management development, and policy change. It answers a research gap in the Embakasi sub-county by adding meaningful information that can be used to guide security firms and policymakers in developing strategies that could help enhance guard welfare and strengthen public safety.
Keywords: Working Conditions, Security Services Provision, Private Security Guards, Embakasi Sub-County
 
Assessing the Impacts of Mining Activities on Water Quality of Nyakabingo Stream and Nyabarongo River in Shyorongi, Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda
Get PDFThis study assessed the impact of mining activities on water quality in the Nyakabingo stream and Nyabarongo River in Rwanda’s Rulindo District. It involved laboratory analysis of physicochemical parameters such as EC, turbidity, TDS, TSS, pH, nitrate, sulphate, and heavy metals (Al, As, Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb). Water samples were collected from untreated mining wastewater, treated wastewater, and upstream and downstream points of the river. Descriptive methods including documentary review, site observation, and interviews were used to understand mining practices. The results obtained for pH, heavy metals namely Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe obtained at the mining site and wastewater discharged from the treatment dams into Nyakabingo stream were not compliant to the requirements specified in RS EAS 1172:2014, the national standard on wastewater discharged on land and into water bodies. This also aligns with elevated levels for EC and TDS. In contrast, lower values complying to the requirements specified in RS 564: 2023 on specifications of ambient water, were obtained at upstream and downstream points on Nyabarongo river due to the long distance and the presence of streams that dilute the river water resulting in reduced concentration. This implies that the closer the water body is to the point of wastewater discharge, the more polluted it gets. The results have also indicated that the established treatment dams only helped to reduce the total suspended solids discharged in the environment while the level of chemical pollutants remained elevated. The mining company should engage in further treatment of the wastewater prior to discharge into the environment to ensure pollutants in the wastewater discharged to not exceed tolerable limits on the applicable national standards.
Key words : Mining Activities, Acid Mine Drainage, Standard Compliance, Water Quality, Chemical Polluant
Impact of Informal Settlement on Land Use Land Cover Change in Rwanda, a Case of Gahanga Sector in Kicukiro District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis study investigated the impact of informal settlements on Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques with Landsat imagery from 2010, 2016, 2020, and 2024, LULC changes were analyzed through ENVI 5.3 to map informal settlements and environmental changes. Seven LULC classes were assessed: informal and planned settlements, farmland, bare land, forest, marshland, and water bodies. The study focused on farmland decline, deforestation, vegetation loss, and wetland shrinkage. Findings aim to inform policymakers and urban planners on sustainable strategies to manage urbanization and mitigate environmental impacts in developing areas. The results indicated that within the period of 14 years, informal settlement decreased to 2.42% while planned settlement increased at 5.05%. Forest cover decreased to 9.43%, farmland decreased to 6.05% and bare land increased to 18.39% due to the development of earth roads by urban physical land use planning and extraction of construction materials. Land Cover fragmentation due development of informal settlement and its conversion to planned settlement from 2010 to 2024 lead to the vulnerability of Nyabarongo marshland and water body in Gahanga Sector of Kicukiro district in the City of Kigali, Rwanda. Marshland laid area reduced to 10.11% due to water flooding which increased to 3.56%. This led to the conclusion that to eliminate informal settlement and its impacts to Land Use Land Cover Change resulting to environmental degradation in Gahanga sector requires continuous enforcement of Kigali city masterplan 2020 implementation and community mobilization on environmental conservation, sustainable urban development, and formal construction permitting scheme.
Key words: Informal settlement, Land Use Land Cover Change, Environmental impact, GIS, Kicukiro District, Gahanga Sector, Rwanda
Effectiveness of Kenya's Anti-Corruption Frameworks in Public Procurement: A Case Study of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015
Get PDFThis study examines the effectiveness of Kenya's anti-corruption frameworks in public procurement, with a specific focus on the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA) of 2015. The PPADA was introduced as a legislative response to combat corruption in public procurement, a sector known for its vulnerability to fraudulent practices due to the large sums of public funds involved. This paper analyzes key provisions of the PPADA, its institutional framework, and its alignment with international best practices. Using a desktop review methodology, secondary data sources, including government reports, PPADA implementation records, and case studies of corruption in procurement, are examined. The study finds that while the PPADA has introduced significant reforms, such as mandatory competitive bidding, public disclosure of procurement activities, and the adoption of e-procurement, corruption remains a persistent issue. Institutional challenges, including inadequate training for procurement officers, insufficient resources, and political interference, continue to undermine the effectiveness of the Act. Despite these challenges, the PPADA has contributed to some positive changes, including increased transparency and public access to procurement information. However, the implementation of e-procurement and full compliance with the Act are still works in progress. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing the capacity of procurement officers, and expanding e-procurement to further curb corruption in Kenya's public procurement system.
Keywords: Public Procurement, Anti-Corruption, PPADA 2015, Transparency, E-Procurement, Kenya, Institutional Challenges, Public Policy
Assessing the Impact of Policies in Developing Countries Using Social Accounting Matrices (SAM): The Case of Somalia 2025
Get PDFThis study explored Somalia’s economic structure and public policy landscape through the lens of the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) framework, with the objective of positioning SAM as a viable tool for future evidence-based policy analysis. Drawing exclusively on secondary data, the study examined available information on government revenue and expenditure, macroeconomic performance, household welfare, labor market dynamics, and vulnerability indicators. Data sources included national reports such as the Somalia Integrated Household Budget Survey, Labour Force Survey, GDP Statistical Release, and the Financial Governance Report, among others. The analysis revealed critical trends including heavy reliance on external grants, limited capital investment, persistently high unemployment, and widespread household vulnerability. While existing indicators provided useful benchmarks, the study found that Somalia’s data systems remain fragmented and inadequate for constructing a complete SAM. The study concludes by recommending the establishment of a national think tank or coordination platform to spearhead SAM development, emphasizing the need for long-term investment in harmonized data systems and national accounts capacity. This paper serves as an early academic contribution to the institutionalization of SAM-based policy modeling in Somalia.
Keywords: Developing Countries, Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) & Somali
Effective Utilization of Coconut Palms for Sustainable Income Generation among Entrepreneurs in Kilifi District: A Case of SMEs in Kaloleni Division
No full textDespite the abundance of coconut palms in Kenya’s Coast Province and the crop’s importance as Kilifi District’s main cash earner, it remains a highly underutilized resource. Most residents view coconut palms merely as sources of fruit, palm wine, firewood, and roofing materials, leading to minimal value addition or industrial exploitation. Hence, this study examined the effective utilization of coconut palms for sustainable income generation among entrepreneurs in Kilifi District focusing on SMEs in Kaloleni Division. This study adopted a descriptive research design using survey methods such as observation, structured interviews, and focused group discussions to collect data. The findings reveal that many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have not realized the full potential of coconut palms in producing a variety of value-added products that could significantly enhance income levels and improve living standards. The study therefore sought to determine how coconut palms can be effectively utilized for sustainable income generation by identifying existing constraints, potential business opportunities, and the support services required to stimulate enterprise development in the sector. The study concludes that low product prices, limited access to reliable markets, lack of capital, and inadequate awareness of regulations governing palm wine production are the major barriers affecting utilization of coconut palms. The study recommends the establishment of village-based cottage industries to promote local value addition and employment. The government and development organizations should collaborate to build the capacity of selected service providers who will, in turn, train other entrepreneurs at lower costs. Formation of cooperatives and farmer associations should be encouraged to strengthen bargaining power, promote marketing, and facilitate access to financial and technical support. Local investors should be identified and assisted in adopting technologies for producing non-traditional coconut products such as coconut oil, fibre-based crafts, and cosmetics. Enterprise development organizations should lead efforts to implement these interventions, ensuring that coconut palms are fully exploited as a sustainable source of income and rural economic growth.
Keywords: Coconut Palms, Sustainable Income Generation, Entrepreneurs, SMEs, Kaloleni Division, Kilifi Distric
Stimulating WOM and Raising Purchase Intent for Green Fashion Through Brand Experience
No full textIn global markets increasingly driven by customer reviews and recommendations, stimulating positive Word of Mouth (WOM) as part of corporate marketing activities has become a prerequisite for product success. Consequently, marketers must gain a better understanding of how beneficial WOM can be triggered and enhanced through targeted brand experiences, which allow companies to plan, implement and control the contact between user and product more effectively, as well as raise purchase intent. The article sheds light on this issue for the case of the green market, by analyzing a large-scale product testing campaign (N = 959) for a green fashion brand and investigating the effects of eco-opinion leaders' communication with potential users. In reference to its findings, a structural equation model will be developed to illustrate the effects of a pre-launch product testing as trigger for WOM. A supporting framework for the optimization of WOM results shall be introduced in conclusion, discussing how to utilize trusted brand ambassadors and green conversation triggers to achieve viral penetration, while at the same time controlling risks of negative WOM.
Keywords: Word of Mouth (WOM), green brands, opinion leaders, viral promotion, launch strategy, purchase inten
The Mutaghallib's Paradox: Charisma, Assabiyya, and the Cycles of Solidarity in Raila Odinga's Political Career
No full textThis paper analyzes the political career of Raila Amolo Odinga, one of Kenya’s most enduring and polarizing figures through the dual sociological lenses of Ibn Khaldun’s theory of Assabiyya (social cohesion) and Max Weber’s concept of Charismatic Authority. The paper argues that Odinga’s political longevity and influence derived from his repeated ability to construct, fracture, and regenerate three interlinked solidarities: Pristine Assabiyya (anchored in his Luo ethnic base and historical grievance), Coalitionary Assabiyya (temporary alliances such as NARC, ODM, and NASA formed around shared political grievances), and Ideological Assabiyya (cross-ethnic mobilization grounded in reformist and populist ideals). Drawing on Khaldun’s cyclical theory of dynastic rise and decay, the paper demonstrates how each of Odinga’s major coalitions followed a predictable pattern, rising through moral unity and shared struggle, then decaying under the pressures of patronage, elite compromise, and bureaucratic “sedentarism.” The paper further employs Weber’s framework to show that Odinga’s charisma rooted in personal sacrifice and the mythos of moral resistance has repeatedly revitalized opposition politics yet remains perennially threatened by the routinization of charisma through institutionalization and elite accommodation. Finally, by examining the Ford–Kenya succession crisis of 1994 and extrapolating to Odinga’s eventual political exit in death, the paper predicts a profound crisis of Assabiyya routinization in Kenya’s opposition politics, likely triggering fragmentation, dynastic contestation, and the hopeful emergence of a new populist Assabiyya from the political periphery. Overall, this study situates Odinga’s career within broader theories of charisma, solidarity, and state formation, offering a Khaldunian-Weberian framework for understanding how personal leadership and collective grievance interact to shape the cyclical dynamics of power and protest in postcolonial Africa.
Keywords: Assabiyya, Charismatic Authority, Coalition Politics, Patron-Clientelism, Political Sociology, Dynastic Successio