EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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The Confluence of Communal-Individual-Societal Attitudes Towards Catholic Priesthood in The Nandi Community in Nandi County, Kenya
Full text linkCelibacy in the Catholic Church was considered a matter of personal choice in the Apostolic Church but over time, priestly celibacy has gained legitimacy and mandates through canons, decretals, canon law and encyclicals. Priestly celibacy has generally gained societal and cultural acceptance among the European-centric and the American-centric cultures but save for an insignificant number of incontinent priests. The African Synod of 1994 held in Rome re-emphasized deepening sacerdotal celibacy among the ongoing priestly formation in the Catholic Church in Africa however, priestly celibacy is generating a debate and highlighting the challenges facing indigenous African priests. Despite the mandatory rule on priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church, and the dialectical cultural and philosophical thought on marriage by the indigenous African community, the Church still faces challenges in evangelizing the African communities because of the mandatory priestly celibacy. Due to the dearth of studies detailing the perspective and experiences of the African Catholic priest concerning ministerial Priesthood in the Catholic Church, the study seeks to unravel the convergence of communal, individual and societal attitudes towards ministerial priesthood from the eyes of the priests themselves. The study therefore critically assessed how the community and the society embraced Catholic priesthood and made it possible for the priest to be culturally and socially accepted by the Indigenous Nandi community in Nandi County, Kenya. The study took a qualitative exploratory cross-sectional design and purposively sampled 20 Catholic priests of different ages from the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret using interviews and a focus group discussion. The data were transcribed before being subjected to a content analysis tool (NVivo 8, QSR International). The findings indicated that the Indigenous Nandi community detested celibacy by all means and never consented to any long-term celibacy at any level. They still cannot accept one of their kindreds to become a celibate priest but would paradoxically celebrate an ordained Catholic Priest as one of their own. At an individual level, Catholic priests are respected and acclaimed but are still individually questioned on their choices on cultural, social and societal fronts. At the beckoning of the 21st century and as the number of converts increased, the Nandi community slowly began to accept a celibate priest but the cultural and social background of a Catholic faithful still shapes how they believe and practice their faith in that the community at large, still questions the celibacy choice made by their own. The gradual societal shift towards priestly celibacy at the community level has probably arisen because of the convergence of shared norms and values introduced into the community by the Catholic Church since its inception in the early 20th century. Thus, the study concludes that there still exist cultural and social rigidities among the Nandi Community concerning priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church. The study recommends that the celibacy requirement for the Catholic priesthood should be upheld based on the growing acceptance of priestly celibacy among the communit
Factors Associated with Delay in Diagnosis of Tuberculosis among Newly Diagnosed Patients in Meru County
Full text linkTB remains a disease of major public health concern due to related mortality and morbidity. Kenya is a high-burden country for TB and TB/HIV, and an estimated 1330,000 people got TB in 2022, but only 90,560 were diagnosed, and over 30% were missed. Delay in TB diagnosis fuels community TB transmission and poor treatment outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the factors associated with delay in TB diagnosis among newly diagnosed TB patients in Meru County. This was a cross-sectional study involving freshly diagnosed TB patients in 7 health facilities in Meru County. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive analysis, median time to seeking care, and median time to diagnosis were done. Chi-square and t-tests were carried out to determine the relationship between delay in diagnosis and various patients, diseases, and health system characteristics. Odd ratios were carried out for the factors found to be significant to determine the strength of the relationship. A total of 390 participants were enrolled; 299 (76.7%) males and 91 (23.3%) females. The median time to diagnosis was 40 days; 20 (3, 40) days patients delay and 20 (3, 40) days of health system delay. Of the 390 patients recruited, 359 (92.1%) delayed being diagnosed, while 31 (7.9%) did not. The factors associated with delay to diagnosis were: the Subcounty where participants sought care, having cough, weight loss, or chest pains as one of the presenting symptoms, alcohol intake, number of hospital visits before diagnosis, knowledge of TB, level, and ownership of the health facility of the initial visit. Delay in TB diagnosis is a major challenge in Meru County. There is a need for enhanced health education in the community, strengthening the capacity of private facilities, and empowering healthcare workers on the diagnosis of TB irrespective of how it presents itself
The Psychological Burden of Cancer in Nairobi County, Kenya
Full text linkCancer is a major public health concern globally, and Kenya is no exception(Deo et al., 2022). Incidence and mortality rates associated with cancer are steadily increasing worldwide (Sung et al., 2021). While significant attention has been directed toward physical and economic impacts, the psychological dimensions remain under-addressed, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study explores the psychological burden experienced by cancer patients in Nairobi County, Kenya, examining the emotional, social, and mental health challenges, alongside coping mechanisms and the support systems available to them. The study's broad objective was: to assess the psychological burden among cancer patients in Nairobi County and explore coping mechanisms and barriers to psychosocial support whereas the specific objectives were: to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among cancer patients; To examine the coping mechanisms employed by cancer patients; To identify the barriers to accessing psychosocial support and to assess mental health service utilization in Nairobi’s cancer care facilities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study sampled 200 patients from leading cancer treatment facilities in Nairobi. Results reveal high levels of anxiety, depression, and stigma, compounded by limited access to psychosocial care. The findings highlight an urgent need for integrated mental health services and policy refor
The Critical Examination of Challenges Facing the Women's Movement in Africa: A Case Study in Liberia
Full text linkThis article offers a critical analysis of the obstacles encountered by the women’s movement in Africa, focusing on Liberia as a case example. Despite commitments at the global, continental, and regional levels to advance women’s rights and gender equality, women across Africa still confront substantial hurdles in attaining equal rights and opportunities. The discussion delves into various feminist theories and conceptual frameworks, such as liberal, cultural, radical, and post-modern perspectives, and assesses the influence of non-violent women’s movements in driving social change. Liberia’s experience serves as a case study to illustrate both the achievements and ongoing challenges of its women’s movement, including the election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as president and reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in government and security roles. The paper contends that African women’s movements face major issues such as violence against women, economic disparities, and deeply rooted patriarchal norms. It concludes with recommendations to advance women’s rights and gender equality in Africa, emphasising the importance of investing in women’s education and economic empowerment, and addressing the fundamental causes of violence targeting women and girl
Analysis of Soil Pollution by Trace Metal Elements and Habitability Conditions in the Kanyamenshi Neighbourhood, Kipushi City (Haut-Katanga, DR Congo)
Full text linkThe city of Kipushi has experienced accelerated, unregulated urbanisation, primarily driven by mining activities, leading to extensive environmental contamination. In particular, the spontaneous occupation of mining waste sites has intensified soil pollution by trace metal elements (TMEs). This study evaluates soil pollution management practices and their relationship to habitability conditions in the Kanyamenshi neighbourhood. Structured household surveys were administered to residents adjacent to Kipushi’s tailings to document anti-pollution architectural and landscaping strategies, as well as socioeconomic profiles. Spatial distribution of TMEs in soils was mapped using geostatistical interpolation techniques within QGIS. Results demonstrate that adaptive architectural and landscaping practices correlate strongly with local contamination levels. In Kanyamenshi, 55.2% of respondents reported implementing remediation measures, including soil scrubbing (deep biological ground extraction, (DBGE) and complementary mitigation techniques. In Kichangalayi, 35% of households employed excavation-based interventions. Socioeconomic analysis revealed that educational attainment remains low, with 35% of residents having primary education and 45% secondary education. Spatial interpolation revealed that Cu-Co concentrations are markedly lower in the southern sector of the study area and significantly elevated toward the northeast. These findings highlight the emergence of both autonomous and community-driven environmental management practices in highly contaminated urban settings. The identification of key land stakeholders emerges as a strategic priority for enhancing the efficacy of soil pollution mitigation efforts and promoting sustainable urban development
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Logistics: Potentials and Limitations in Shopping Basket Analysis and Shipping Optimisation
Full text linkThe increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into logistics processes is changing conventional decision-making structures. In e-commerce logistics in particular, the question arises as to whether algorithmic systems lead to efficiency gains without undermining transparency and responsibility. The study combines a theoretical-conceptual analysis with a case study of the company Zalando. Existing literature is systematically evaluated in order to examine technical, organisational and ethical aspects of AI use in shopping basket analysis and shipping optimisation. AI systems can make shipping logistics more precise, faster and more individualised. At the same time, new risks arise such as algorithmic intransparency, biased decisions and data-based dependencies. Without stable data infrastructures and human control, many advantages remain hypothetical. For AI to be used responsibly in logistics, comprehensible rules, ethical guidelines and robust data structures are required. The study shows that progress depends not only on technological performance, but also on a conscious approach to responsibilit
Gender Dimensions of Aguu (Socially Excluded Youth) in Gulu City, Northern Uganda
Full text linkThe African social philosophical sense of ‘Ubuntu’ (‘I am because we are’) and the notion ‘it takes a whole village to raise a child’ is at crossroads in the post-conflict Acholi sub-region in Northern Uganda. Society has relegated its social responsibility and moral values to bringing up children. This study fostered a gender-responsive approach to addressing the Aguu phenomenon in Gulu City. The term ‘Aguu’ does not have an accepted single definition. However, it is used to refer to a group of children and persons between the ages of 6 to 35 years who consider the street as their home and family. This makes the concept of ‘family and home’ fluid and temporal. Whereas society considers them a source of insecurity, this study views them as a ‘floating population’ who have been pulled or pushed into the streets by social, economic, and political factors. The study employed a qualitative and ethnohistorical approach, involving individual interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, archival work, and literature review. The study perceived the Aguu as a distinct social network with a unique agency, identity and culture. The street affects the genders differently. Gender-specific vulnerabilities were evident, perpetuating their social marginalisation and exclusion. Understanding the gender dynamic and dimensions of the Aguu phenomenon is essential for crafting sustainable solutions and interventions. These interventions must be gender-responsive, addressing the unique vulnerabilities and experiences of male and female Aguu members
The Role of Children Mau Mau Movement. A Case of Nyandarua County, between 1945 -1957
Full text linkAfter the establishment of colonial rule, colonial land, labour, racial and other exploitative policies forced the Africans to take arms against colonial oppression. This led to the Mau Mau war of liberation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of children in the Mau Mau movement in Nyandarua County between 1945 to 1963. This paper examines how Mau Mau Mau's oath was administered to children and the role played by children. The paper further analyses the challenges and sufferings experienced by the children in the Mau Mau movement. On the oathing, most of the informants who confessed to having undergone the oath ritual indicated that the exercise happened before the declaration of the state of emergency and were tricked into the oathing scene by people close to them - cousins, friends, and sometimes parents. The role of children in the Mau Mau movement included: One, spying and supplying intelligence to the Mau Mau forest fighters. They were charged with the responsibility of spying on the movements of the home guards and then infiltrating the same intelligence to the fighters who acted on the same. The same boys were used as messengers. As fast winners, they were hired to audaciously run combat intelligence from one location to another. Due to their innocence, this was perfectly done as both colonial and home guards never suspected them. Two, they were employed to furnish the forest fighters with food and other errands. Girls who had undertaken the Mau Mau oath took this task with precision and exhibited excellent skills that helped them disguise the colonial guards. Three, girls solicited information and firearms from unsuspecting colonial guards and home guards. Firearms were a necessity for the Africans whenever they were to launch successive expeditions against the imperialists. The young boys and girls did a commendable job in furnishing the fighters with this vital necessity. Four, young boys and girls did join the fighters in the forest
Water Conservation Practices for Hotel’s Performance in Uganda’s Conservation Areas
Full text linkThe study sought to determine the effect of water conservation practices (WCP) on hotel performance (HP) in conservation areas in Uganda. Anchored on the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) theory, the study used a correlational research design with quantitative methods about WCP and HP. Krejcie and Morgan's 1970 sample size determination table was applied in selecting 265 participants from a population of 851 employees, including managers, chefs, housekeepers, receptionists, and waiters in 19-star-rated hotels from the study area. These participants were selected using multistage sampling consisting of stratified, proportional, and simple random sampling. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed with the help of trained research assistants. Construct validity was evaluated through factor analysis. Data was subjected to descriptive and factor analysis in SPSS 25 and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS4 for modelling and hypothesis testing. The results indicate that WCP accounts for 52% (R2 =0.515) of the variation in hotel performance. Specifically, the results show that water conservation practices (P<0.001) had significant effects on hotel performance in conservation areas in Uganda. The blindfolding results confirm adequate predictive relevance, with the lowest Q² value at 0.511. Model fit is supported by Standardised Root Mean Residual - SRMR <0.08 and Normed Fit Index-NFI > 0.90. The findings of this study conclude with a confirmation that water conservation practices significantly enhance hotel performance in Uganda's conservation areas. The results of this study are useful to policymakers and industry practitioners by providing relevant insights in guiding decision-making to improve hotel performance. It also adds to the existing body of knowledge on the discussions relating to WCP and performance
Assessment of the Impact of Credit Risk on the Financial Performance of Listed Commercial Banks in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study explored the impact of various financial and risk management factors on the financial performance of commercial banks in Tanzania between 2017 and 2024. Specifically, the research addresses four primary questions: To what extent do non-performing loans (NPLs) affect the financial performance of commercial banks in Tanzania? What is the effect of capital adequacy on financial performance? How does a firm's size impact financial performance? And what is the impact of the debt-to-equity ratio on financial performance? The study employed a descriptive research design; the study utilized secondary data sourced from annual reports of the listed commercial banks. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data, but because panel data were used, the Hausman test was also used to decide whether or not the use of a random effect model or a fixed effect model would yield more accurate results. The analysis focuses on the effects of NPLs, capital adequacy ratio (CAR), firm size (F_SIZE), and debt-to-equity ratio (DER) on return on equity (ROE). Findings have revealed a non-significant positive relationship between NPLs and ROE, suggesting that factors beyond NPLs predominantly influence profitability. Firm size exhibits a marginally positive yet inconclusive impact on ROE, while DER demonstrates complex leverage effects. Additionally, CAR shows a negative but insignificant effect on the balance between financial stability and profitability. The research highlights the importance of addressing credit risk management within the Tanzanian banking sector, given its unique regulatory and economic challenges. Recommendations include adopting advanced credit risk assessment tools, improving asset quality management, effectively leveraging economies of scale, and implementing regulatory reforms to foster innovation and strengthen risk management. These strategies are aimed at improving the financial resilience and sustainable growth of commercial banks in Tanzania's competitive financial landscap