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Cost Leadership Strategy and Performance of Media Houses in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to establish the effect of the cost leadership strategy on the performance of the media houses in Kenya. The objectives were to determine the relationship between the cost leadership strategy and the performance of media houses and to establish the moderating role of technology on the relationship between cost leadership strategy and performance of the media houses in Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted survey research design. The target population was the 41 media houses in Kenya. The study targeted the top management of the media houses which comprised of the Finance, Marketing, Operations and information Communication Departments. According to the human resource of the organizations, there are about 1,976 management staff in the media houses in Kenya. 204 respondents were sampled purposive, stratified and simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics which included regression and moderation analysis. The researcher also tested the hypothesis. The results were presented in tables.
Findings: The study established that media firms employed cost leadership to a moderate extent. The study established that most of the media firms used low cost of production with particular focus on the cost of production and advertising rates. The firms also relied on use of technology to enhance their efficiency and thus minimize the cost of production thus driving down costs. The firms emphasized the use of economies of scale where possible to minimize the costs of production, thus keeping their prices down. Firms minimized wastages by ensuring capacity utilization of resources. The introduction of technology as moderators had no significant effect on the cost leadership strategy. The introduction of technology in the cost leadership model resulted to increase in the R-squared meaning that technology adoption enhanced the relationship between cost leadership and media firm performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that media firms utilize cost leadership strategy by emphasizing minimization of operating costs such as and adopting cost saving measures such as outsourcing, economies of scale, capacity utilization of resources to help achieve competitiveness and improve performance
Factors Associated with Pregnancies among Church-Going Teenagers in Rwanda
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of the study was to assess challenges faced by churchgoing teenage mothers from disadvantaged religious families in Rwanda. The study was based on the following objectives: assess how uninformed physiological and social-emotional changes contribute to GBV among teenagers from disadvantaged religious families in Rwanda and examine how family and religious teachings, poverty and inadequate childhood gender socialization enforce dependence on GBV perpetrators.
Methodology: Data were collected from 107 respondents, including 72 teenage mothers, 10 parents, 15 church leaders and 10 local leaders. The study was guided by Life Course Theory as well as the Theory of Gender and Power.
Findings: The study revealed significant challenged faced by teenage mothers and their children. They face stigmatization and exclusion, mostly within religious communities (54.2%). Teenage mothers are abandoned, rejected and tortured by their families after pregnancy (97.2%); parents and church leaders ignore their responsibilities. Factors such as poverty, inadequate family education, physiological and emotional changes contribute to sexual exploitation and abuse of girls leading to teenage pregnancy. Victims of continuing erosion of family values, 26.3% of teenage mothers were impregnated by married adults. The physical and socio-emotional environment of teenage mothers’ families perpetuates a growing identity crisis. A significant number of teenage mothers (10.3%) have attempted suicide and failed, they are alive against their will; 41% have attempted abortion and failed. Unprepared and depressed, they develop a dependency on the perpetrator in order to survive. They endure silenced physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence and develop their tortures’ positive justifications in order to protect perpetrators.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The growing phenomenon of teenage mothers disclosures the weaknesses of family and church education. Teenage mothers and local leaders agreed on the dichotomy between spirituality and everyday life, while parents and church leaders tend to emphasize the sinful nature of teenagers. There is a need to raise awareness among families and religious communities to improve girls’ reproductive health education and build their financial resilience
"No Ladies at the Bar": Equality in Gender as a Basis for Complementarity and Not Oppositionality
Get PDFPurpose: Various authors have copiously discussed gender issues. However, these discussions have often resulted in antagonistic positions that put the male and female genders at loggerheads. This situation requires urgent interventions, as the effect seems to inhibit or prolong the journey to achieving equality for the female gender in a male-dominated, patriarchal world. This paper seeks to clarify controversial gender issues and engages the "well-worn" discourse on gender equality. This paper fills the existing gap in literature due to the dearth of emphasis on complementarity in gender discourse. It will encourage the gender discourse to more accurately contextualize the complementarity of gender rather than propagate the idiosyncrasies that encourage discrimination and oppositionality as captioned by the title of the paper.
Methodology: Theories of egalitarianism and complimentarianism propounded and promoted by Biblical feminist from the 1970s and 1980s served as the framework for this work. The paper adopted a library-based legal research methodology by reviewing existing literature on gender discourse while primarily adopting qualitative methods using social media recruiting techniques via google forms. The study used a quantitative approach to gather its primary data through a structured questionnaire that included both closed-ended questions, where respondents had to select from pre-provided answers, and open-ended questions, which allowed respondents to provide multiple answers. With the use of SPSS, the data was analyzed at the univariate level using descriptive statistics and displayed as frequency tables and charts.
Findings: Findings gleaned from the responses of 210 participants from differently oriented societies namely Nigeria (patriarchal), Equatorial Guinea, and some dominant tribes of Ghana (matriarchal) on their perception of the impact of the equality discourse on coexistence with the opposite gender further substantiated that the equality mantra has inadvertently propagated the concept of oppositionality with dire consequences on mutually beneficial relationships between both genders in every facet of life
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper proposes a more suitable theory that promotes equality without jeopardizing the diversity, inclusion and synergy required for both genders to co-exist harmoniously for the attainment of sustainable development in any society
Evaluating the Effects of Organic Amendments on the Early Growth Performance of Syzygium jambos Seedlings
No full textPurpose: Syzygium jambos (L.) is a species well adapted to warm, humid tropical climates with well-drained, loamy soils. This study aimed to evaluate the early growth performance of S. jambos seedlings under different organic soil amendments during a three-month observation period following transplanting.
Methodology: The experiment was conducted under semi-controlled nursery conditions using 8×10-inch polyethylene polybags. Four treatments were tested: pure garden soil, 50% vermicast:50% garden soil, 50% cow manure:50% garden soil, and 10% chicken manure mixed with garden soil. Data on seedling survival, height, stem diameter, and number of branches were collected. The results were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test to determine significant differences among treatments.
Findings: The highest survival rate (100%) was recorded in seedlings grown in garden soil alone. Significant differences were observed in percent survival, seedling height and stem diameter among treatments. The 50% vermicast–50% garden soil mixture produced the tallest seedlings (27.64 cm) and the thickest stems (6.80 mm), followed by garden soil and cow manure–soil treatments. The poorest growth was observed in the chicken manure–soil treatment, with seedlings averaging only 14.33 cm in height and 3.93 mm in stem diameter. Branching did not significantly differ among treatments.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Overall, vermicast combined with garden soil consistently promoted both high survival and vigorous early growth of Syzygium jambos seedlings, while chicken manure at the tested concentration was detrimental. Vermicast combined with garden soil is recommended as an effective potting medium for enhancing the early growth and vigor of Syzygium jambos seedlings. Moreover, further studies should test lower or composted forms of chicken manure, extend the growth period to capture branching and biomass, and conduct field trials to evaluate long-term survival and establishment
Regreening Childhoods: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Enhances Child Well-being in the Context of Climate Change
No full textPurpose: Climate-induced land degradation and resource scarcity threaten child well-being across Sub-Saharan Africa, undermining food security, health, education, and protection outcomes. As climate impacts intensify, there is a growing need for integrated approaches that restore ecosystems while safeguarding human development. Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR)—a low-cost, community-driven agroecological technique that promotes the regrowth of native vegetation from existing root systems—has emerged as a scalable and sustainable climate adaptation strategy. This paper investigates how FMNR contributes to child well-being in climate-affected regions of Kenya by enhancing environmental health, strengthening household resilience, and reinforcing community coping mechanisms.
Methodology: Drawing on mixed evidence from World Vision Kenya’s FMNR programs (2018–2025), the study integrates program data, qualitative insights, and literature to identify key pathways through which FMNR influences child outcomes.
Findings: Findings reveal three interrelated mechanisms: (1) Enhanced food and income security, which reduces malnutrition, child labor, and educational disruption; (2) Restored landscapes and ecological stability, which mitigate climate shocks and sustain caregiving systems; and (3) Inclusive community governance, which fosters intergenerational knowledge transfer, child participation, and social cohesion. Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate that FMNR contributes not only to ecological restoration but also to social resilience and protection of children’s rights. The analysis aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, reinforcing FMNR’s relevance as a climate-responsive, child-centered development intervention. By bridging ecological regeneration and social development, FMNR emerges as an integrated, evidence-based solution to strengthen community resilience and safeguard children’s well-being amid escalating climate challenges.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is recommended that Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) be embedded in child-focused climate adaptation policies to ensure its full integration into development planning. Including FMNR indicators in national child well-being frameworks will enhance accountability and track its diverse impacts on children’s lives. Longitudinal and geospatial studies should be pursued to strengthen evidence on FMNR’s long-term ecological and social benefits. Continued involvement of children and caregivers as environmental stewards will promote intergenerational responsibility and sustain the positive outcomes of FMNR initiatives
Empowerment Program Strategies and Financial Inclusion of Women in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The aim of this research was to determine the level at which empowerment program approaches affect financial inclusion among women in Nairobi City County, in the Republic of Kenya. The research focused on the contribution of accessing financial services, financial literacy, vocational training, and social empowerment to women’s financial participation.
Methodology: The descriptive research design was used in this study to provide information concerning the characteristics, attitudes, and financial practices of women in Kibera to answer the research questions without any manipulation of variables. The descriptive research design allowed the researcher to analyze the existing conditions, as well as the relationship between financial access, financial literacy, vocational skills, and social empowerment, at a particular time. This model was appropriate in the dynamic conditions existing in the Kenyan informal settlement, where the research design allowed the utilization of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Findings: The result indicated that there was a positive significant influence between the four empowerment strategies and financial inclusion. Financial access to services played a significant role in the use of accounts, saving, and loans among women. Financial literacy played an important role in budget management, debt management, and confidence in the utilization of financial services. Vocational training in terms of developing skills played an important role in the earning potential, thereby having an indirect relationship between training and financial inclusion. Social empowerment facilitated independence in decision-making, citizenship, and involvement in financial institutions. The regression result confirmed the variables accounted for 54% variation in financial inclusion.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: The study makes a unique contribution by integrating financial intermediation theory, empowerment theory, and social capital theory to explain how financial access, financial literacy, vocational skills, and social networks collectively shape women’s financial inclusion in informal urban settings. It extends Financial Intermediation Theory by showing that access to financial services is only effective when documentation, cost, and digital-literacy barriers are addressed; strengthens Empowerment Theory by demonstrating that training and skills development enhance women’s agency but require supportive environments to translate into financial outcomes; and advances Social Capital Theory by illustrating how chamas and community networks act as practical financial ecosystems that enable trust, information sharing, and informal credit. Practically, the study shows that empowerment interventions are most effective when deployed in an integrated manner rather than in isolation, guiding NGOs, financial institutions, and community programs toward holistic models. From a policy perspective, the findings highlight the need for gender-responsive financial regulations, simplified onboarding processes, digital-literacy investments, and stronger monitoring frameworks to promote sustainable financial inclusion for women in informal urban settlements
The Effects of Salinity on Aquatic Plant Growth in Ethiopia
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of salinity on aquatic plant growth in Ethiopia.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Salinity negatively impacts aquatic plant growth in Ethiopia, reducing seed germination, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake, leading to stunted growth. Studies in the Awash River Basin and Rift Valley lakes show that high salt levels cause osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and oxidative damage, weakening freshwater plants like papyrus and water hyacinth. Adaptive strategies, such as salt-tolerant species, better water management, and riparian afforestation, are essential for ecosystem restoration.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Osmotic stress theory, ion toxicity and selectivity theory & salt tolerance mechanism theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effects of salinity on aquatic plant growth in Ethiopia. Practical experiments using hydroponic systems and controlled salinity environments should be conducted to optimize plant growth in brackish and saltwater conditions. Governments and environmental organizations should establish clear guidelines for salinity thresholds in aquatic ecosystems to safeguard biodiversity and freshwater resources
Harnessing Nature\u27s Resilience through Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration for Climate Change Adaptation in the Central Rift, Kenya
Get PDFClimate change affects nations differently according to their natural environment and economic structure. Communities living in arid and semi-arid lands, such as in Central Rift Valley of Kenya, who heavily rely on natural resources for livelihood, bear the heavy brunt of climate change impacts. This study focuses on these regions, where communities face challenges of water scarcity, erratic rainfall patterns, land degradation, increased frequency of floods and droughts. These climatic changes negatively affect crop yields, diminish animal fodder production, and reduce availability of firewood, exacerbating the vulnerability of these communities to food insecurity and economic instability. FMNR (Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration) is a land restoration method where farmers foster growth of native trees and shrubs on their land by selectively pruning and protecting existing vegetation. It enhances soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity while providing benefits of increased crop yields and additional income sources for farmers. Despite promotion of FMNR, a systematic presentation of evidence regarding its success in enhancing adaptation to climate change impacts in Central Rift, Kenya, has been notably absent. Using theory-based evaluation, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, transect walks, questionnaire, and documentary reviews, this study sought to assess the effectiveness of FMNR as an adaptation strategy in World Vision implementation sites within the Central Rift Valley including; Ndabibi in Nakuru; Marigat in Baringo and Ng’oswet in Elgeiyo Marakwet Counties. The study’s quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) while the qualitative data was analyzed using NVivo software. The findings revealed notable improvements in forest cover with direct impacts of FMNR in forest cover from 500 acres at baseline to 6938 acres at the end line, increased average tree cover in farmlands from 79.5% to 122.6%, and in community lands from 89.9% to 109.2%. The indirect impacts, which may not solely be attributed to FMNR, include improved food security from 42.6% at the baseline to 73.6% at the end line, improved livelihoods by about 68% per annum, and improved capacity building/stakeholder engagement, all positively contributing to climate change adaptation. A situational analysis before the implementation of FMNR had highlighted environmental deterioration; food insecurity, increased poverty and negative effect on livelihoods. The study concludes that FMNR is an effective strategy for mitigating and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change. Policymakers are urged to integrate FMNR into national agroforestry and climate change policies, ensure broader adoption and long-term sustainability, while further research is needed to address existing limitations constraining the technique
On-Site Water Reuse Systems: A Sustainable Approach for Urban Water Management in Nigeria
Get PDFPurpose: This study examines the potential of on-site water reuse (OSWR) systems as sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s growing urban water challenges, assessing technological, socio-cultural, economic, and regulatory dimensions to determine their role in improving resilience and equity.
Methodology: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, covering studies from 2015 to 2025. From over 400 initially identified publications, 100 were retained after applying the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was employed to evaluate the technological options, financial models, socio-cultural perceptions, and governance structures that influence OSWR adoption.
Findings: Evidence suggests that low-cost technologies, such as biosand and ceramic filtration, ultraviolet disinfection, and modular greywater systems, are technically feasible and locally adaptable. Economic assessments highlight long-term cost savings; however, the upfront capital intensity requires innovative financing mechanisms. Socio-cultural barriers—including mistrust, hygiene concerns, and low awareness—remain significant, while regulatory frameworks are fragmented and lack explicit guidelines for decentralized reuse. Case studies in Lagos and Abuja confirm feasibility but reveal gaps in policy enforcement and sustained investment.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: OSWR systems are a viable pathway to strengthen urban water security, reduce reliance on centralized supply, and enhance resilience in Nigeria. Success requires governance reforms, participatory community engagement, targeted subsidies, and innovative financing (e.g., climate funds, PPPs). Embedding OSWR into national policy and urban planning frameworks is essential for long-term sustainability
The Role of Environmental Compliance in Pharmaceutical Export Competitiveness: An Egyptian Case Study
Get PDFPurpose: This study takes the lens of international economics to study the determinants of growth in pharmaceutical exports in Egypt. The Egyptian pharmaceutical industry has been the regional industry leader since it was established in 1938. The industry’s barriers to entry in the global market primarily include regulatory frameworks, infrastructural disparities, and inconsistent funds. To this end, this study examines those barriers and, to some extent, the opportunities, thereby helping to document Egypt’s position in the global competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.
Methodology: Using a mixed-method approach, twenty-one firms from the industry were classified into three categories; Class A firms were deemed “strong exporters”, Class B were “moderate exporters”, and Class C were “non-exporters”. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews of senior executives within the firms, along with regulatory officers and export managers. The qualitative data were subsequently coded using NVivo. At the same time, a quantitative approach involved a survey of 120 industry professionals, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis in the SPSS statistical package. The quantitative and qualitative data constitute an integrated mixed-method approach.
Findings: In the assessment of the three classes of firms, significant differences were identified. Firms of Class A have strong export growth attributed to flexibility in regulatory frameworks, financial strength, and the development of new innovative products. In contrary, Class B firms have limited export growth due to financial constraints and problems pertaining to regulatory compliance. Class C firms, on the other hand, had weak institutional integration, little knowledge of export opportunities, and high risk aversion, which explains their export stagnation. Of the factors tested, regulatory compliance, R&D finance, and financing were identified as the most significant in the quantitative analysis (p < 0.05). While the strength of a firm\u27s supply chain and export of IP were named alongside many other factors, their export performance showed no strong dependence on these variables, and were thus considered less influential.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To promote innovation, the study recommends Egypt’s pharmaceutical sector to implement Egypt R&D expenditure strategies. In addition, expanding institutional financing and harmonizing domestic and international laws would be beneficial to the pharmaceutical sector. Egypt can substantially benefit in the pharmaceutical sector from these recommendations, as can industry stakeholders and policymakers. Evidence-based recommendations would be the first step in repositioning Egypt in the international market as a competitor in pharmaceutical exports