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The Role Of Inclusive Education In Enhancing Special Needs Learning Experiences In Public Secondary Schools In Nairobi City County
Get PDFThis study evaluated the state of inclusive education in public secondary schools within Nairobi City County, Kenya, with an emphasis on assessing the current status, identifying associated challenges, and proposing practical solutions. The research aimed to explore instructional strategies employed by teachers to enhance inclusive teaching and learning for students with physical disabilities, assess the role of available resources in promoting inclusive educational outcomes, examine the implementation of inclusive education policies, and determine the challenges faced in implementing inclusivity for students with physical disabilities. Used a theoretical framework of Universal Design for Learning and Social Constructivism. The study was conducted across 15 schools in five purposively selected sub-counties within Nairobi City County. The study used a descriptive research design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample size of 98 respondents was selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions, with descriptive data presented through tables, charts and graphs. The findings revealed that while there was a foundational understanding and some level of implementation of inclusive education policies, significant challenges persisted. The study found that while there was general support for ongoing professional development and clearer policy guidelines, gaps remained in effective policy application and resource allocation. Insights from the study highlighted the need for policy refinement, increased resource support, and enhanced training for educators. The results can provided valuable guidance for future educational policy and practice, underscoring the necessity for targeted strategies to improve the effectiveness of inclusive education and promote equitable learning opportunities for all students in Nairobi City County's public secondary schools
Influence of Internal Factors on Strategy Implementation in the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The current study sought to unveil the influence of internal factors on implementation of strategies in the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning in Kenya. The study centered on specifically establishing the influence of organization structure, organization leadership, organization culture and organization resources on strategy implementation in the Ministry of Lands in and Physical Planning in Kenya. The study was anchored on Contingency Theory, Path-Goal Leadership theory, Schein’s Theory of Organization Culture and Resource Based View Theory. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design and targeted the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning. The unit of observation of comprised of 409 staffs from the ministry in top, middle and lower management positions in the ministry’s head office. Fishers Sampling Formula was used in developing a sample of 198 respondents. The study relied on primary data where a five point likert scale questionnaire was utilized to gather primary data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analyzing the collected data. SPSS and MS excel was adopted to generate the statistics. Findings: The results of the study were displayed in form of tables and figures. Prior collection of data, a pilot study was conducted on 10 randomly selected respondents from the ministry to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The respondents in the pilot study were exempted in the final study. The study established that organization structure, organization leadership, organization culture and organization resources bears a positive and significant influence on strategy implementation in the Ministry of Lands in and Physical Planning in Kenya. This is shown by beta values of 0.296, 0.473, 0.377 and 0.596 and significant values of 0.006, 0.000, 0.000 and 0.000 respectively. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The results bears the implications that increasing each of the variables with one unit results into increase in the levels of on strategy implementation in the Ministry by respective beta values. The study concluded that internal factors comprising of organization structure, organization leadership, organization culture and organization resources positively and significantly influences implementation of strategies in the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning in Kenya. The study recommended the ministry to enhance each aspect of the internal factors considered in the study during strategy implementation since the practice positively influences strategy implementation
Principals’ Financial Management Practices, Educational Administration and Performance in Selected Secondary Schools in Kenya
No full textIt is no secret that the Kenya Government has made heavy financial investments in the education sector the intention of which is enhancement of access and quality of education. Thus, it is paramount to understand the extent to which school administration and management of financial resources relate to performance. Key duties under educational administration investigated comprised planning, organizing, directing, reporting and evaluation. The study adopted correlational research design and was anchored on Michael Jensen and William H. Meckling’s Agency Theory. The target population comprised 191 principals in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. A total of 57 principals were selected via stratified sampling technique. The main data collection tool was a closed-ended, selfadministered principals’ questionnaire. Thereafter, bivariate and multivariate correlation analyses were employed in data analyses. Findings showed a weak positive correlation, r(48) = 0.152, p > 0.05, between financial management practices and performance. Similarly, a weak positive correlation, r (48) = 0.015, p > 0.05, between educational administration and financial management practices was observed. It was found that financial management and educational administration had negligible contribution to the variance in performance (F (2, 45) = 0.883, p > .05, R2 = 0.038). In addition, financial management level did not significantly predict level of performance (Beta = .122, t (45) = 0.832, p > 0.05). Similarly, the level of educational administration did not significantly predict level of performance (Beta = 0.153, t (45) = 1.049, p > 0.05). This study provides insight into the financial management practices influencing the performance of schools in Kenya. It also broadens schools’ management perspectives on the importance of financial management practices in eliciting performance. One direction of future research would be a replication study using larger simples in wider geographical area
Effects of rainfall intensity and slope gradient on soil sealing and crusting, erosion, and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria
No full textSoil erosion significantly affects various soil properties and processes, yet its impacts on soil microbial populations remains unclear. Understanding the effects of soil erosion on soil microbial properties enables the formulation of recommendations to protect soils and reduce their vulnerability. This study aimed to determine the effects of rainfall intensity and slope on soil crusting, erosion and bacterial communities in soils with various texture and mineralogy. Three kaolinitic soils with low to medium clay content (K1, K2, and K3) and three smectitic soils with high clay content (S1, S2, and S3) were subjected to simulated rainfall at three intensities (45, 70 and 100 mm/h) and two slopes (5° and 8°). Infiltration rate was measured using a graduated cylinder in 2-minute rotations of the simulator. Runoff and sediment yield were collected in a beaker. Crust strength was measured using a cone penetrometer, and its thickness was determined with a vernier caliper. Bacterial isolates were obtained by plating serial dilutions in nutrient agar and incubating them at 25°C for 24–48 h48 hous. The phosphate solubilising bacteria were then identified. The smectitic soils formed the strongest crusts with S2 exhibiting significantly (p < 0.05) higher crust strength (18.54 Kpa) at an intensity of 45 mm/h and slope of 8° On the other hand, soil K3 (kaolinitic) had the lowest crust strength (5.4 Kpa) at an intensity of 100 mm/h and slope of 8° Soil loss increased with higher rainfall intensity and steeper slopes for the kaolinitic soils with K1 being most erodible (468.2 kg/ha) at an intensity of 100 mm/h and slope of 8° The number of phosphate solubilising bacteria decreased with increasing rainfall intensity. Furthermore, this study revealed that soil properties played a more significant role in shaping bacterial composition and phosphate solubilisation than rainfall intensity alone. These findings highlight the complex interactions between soil erosion, bacterial communities, and soil properties, which are crucial for devising effective soil conservation strategies
Influence of Work-Life Balance on Employee Work Performance Among Middle Level Management Public Servants in Public Service in Kenya
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to establish the influence of work-life balance on employee work performance among middle level management public servants in public service in Kenya. The study adopted a survey and multiple linear regression research design. Descriptive statistics provided meaningful comparisons between groups or datasets (Sudha, 2017). While multiple linear regression demonstrated the importance of the independent variables' influence on the dependent variables. It was also efficient to investigate and visualize data using descriptive statistics, as well as to develop a prediction model. Pie charts are the graphic representations that provided visual insights into variable distribution, shape, and linkages. The study's population was the Kenya School of Government SMC 409/2012 class with 112 trainees. A purposive sampling was preferred as the SMC 409/2023 class was already in place following nomination by their respective institutions, a representation of various agencies of the Kenyan government. The class was already a controlled group in the sense that they met the minimum criteria being in mid-level management in public service and being a representation of different government agencies as well as a representation in terms of length of service in public service, age and gender. Data collection was done using a shared google link questionnaire that was sent to all participants with the intention of obtaining data from at least 74 respondents. From the results above it was clear that the respondents stated that work-life balance had a positive influence on their productivity at work. The results from the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed a significant statistical relationship between the overall performance at work, and work-life balance considered in the model. This is indicated by an F-value of 5.573 and a p-value of 0.002, at a 95% confidence level. The findings underscored the importance of work-life balance in enhancing employee performance in the public service. The researchers recommended that public service should adopt policies aimed at aiding employees with the attainment of work-life balance. This could mean extended working hours for reporting to work and leaving work, working from home, flex-times as well as discouraging employees from carrying work home and ensuring all employees go on leave
The Influence Of Financial Flexibility On Firm Value Of Non-financial Companies Listed At The Nairobi Securities Exchange In Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study aimed to examine the influence of financial flexibility on the firm value of listed non-financial
corporations at the NSE in Kenya from the period 2011 to 2019. Specifically, this study examined the influence of cash
holdings; debt capacity; and financing cost restrictions on firms’ value of listed non-financial companies quoted at the
NSE. The study further examined the moderating role played by firm size in the association between financial flexibility
and firm value of non-finance companies quoted at the NSE in Kenya. The study was underpinned by the free cash flow
theory, the trade-off theory and the pecking-order theory. The study adopted descriptive longitudinal research design
and focused on all the 37 non-financial listed at the NSE as of December 31, 2020. However, firms that were financially
distressed as of the time of data collection did not form part of the study. As a result, only 31 firms with 272 firm-year
observations formed part of the study. The study utilized panel data that was analyzed using panel multiple regression
analysis and aided by the STATA statistical package. To ensure the non-violation of statistical assumption and to allow
for remedial action when a violation occurred, diagnostic tests were carried out. Hausman specification test results
favoured the use of the random-effects model
Effect Of Unconditional Cash Transfer Programmes On Livelihoods Of Beneficiaries In Garissa County, Kenya
Get PDFThe main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of unconditional cash transfer
programmes on livelihoods of beneficiaries in Garissa County, Kenya. Specifically, the study
sought to examine the influence of UCTs’ disbursement, delivery mechanism and sustainability
on the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The study was anchored on income effect theory, economic
stimulus theory and human capital development theory. The study employed a mixed-methods
research design. Qualitative and quantitative data was used to fulfil the purpose of this study.
The target population for this study was the residents of Garissa County who are beneficiaries
of UCT. This includes elderly people, people living with severe disability and vulnerable
children. Thus sample size was 384 beneficiaries. Questionnaires were used to collect primary
data from residents. Interviews were also used to collect data from 10 government officials
from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya. Data analysis was conducted after
the data was collected from the field. The data was sorted for completeness, then coded and
entered in SPSS version 26.0. The data collected was both quantitative and qualitative, and it
was processed and analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, and
tables. Further, the study conducted correlation and regression analyses with the aim of
determining the relationships that exists between the study variables. The qualitative data was
analysed thematically guided by the study objectives. The study found and the study concluded
that UCTs’ disbursement and UCTs’ delivery mechanism were significant factors in
influencing beneficiaries’ livelihoods with significant value of .000 each. Further, the study
concludes that UCT’s sustainability insignificantly influenced the beneficiaries’ livelihoods. In
addition, UCTs’ disbursement was the most significant factor in the beneficiaries’ livelihoods
followed by UCTs’ Delivery Mechanism and eventually UCTs’ sustainability was an
insignificant factor in influencing beneficiaries’ livelihoods with significant value of .829. The
study recommends that Block Chain-Based UCT disbursement system should be implemented
which would provide a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof platform for transferring funds
directly to beneficiaries. In addition, it recommends that Mobile Money-Based UCTs Delivery
should be introduced which would revolutionize the delivery mechanism of UCTs in Garissa
County. Finally, the study recommends that program should allocate a portion of UCT funds
to invest in skills training and income-generating projects for beneficiaries. Equipping
recipients with valuable skills and resources, such as agricultural training, vocational skills, or
entrepreneurship programs, beneficiaries could create sustainable sources of incom
Artificial Intelligence Applications And Performance Of Logistic Companies In Kenya
Get PDFThe integration of Artificial Intelligence applications in logistics has revolutionized the
transport sector by enhancing efficiency, optimizing operations, and improving overall
performance. In Kenya, Logistics Companies play a critical role in the movement of
goods across long distances, yet they face numerous challenges, including operational
inefficiencies, high costs, and inconsistent service quality. The study examined the effect
of leveraging on artificial intelligence applications in promotion of performance of
Logistics Companies in Kenya. In this study, a descriptive research approach was utilized,
and the target group consisted of 4725 individuals. Among these individuals, there were
269 managers of long-distance transport services and 4456 drivers of long-distance
vehicles. The Yamane Formula was utilized in order to determine a sample size of 376
respondents. For the purpose of selecting the respondents, stratified random sampling was
utilized, in which participants from each stratum were chosen through the execution of
simple random sampling. In order to collect quantitative data from both the drivers of
long-distance vehicles and the management of firms that operate long-distance vehicles,
questionnaires were deployed. According to the model summary, it was demonstrated
that machine learning, telematics, the internet of things, and big data are capable of
explaining 68.6% of the performance of Logistics Companies of long-distance vehicles.
The remaining 31.4% of the performance can be described by other variables that were
not included in this study. One further thing that the findings demonstrate is that the beta
coefficient for machine learning was positive. The findings demonstrate that telematics
possessed a beta coefficient that was both positive and significant, which is an indicator
that enhanced telematics may lead to enhanced logistical performance. The beta
coefficient for the internet of things was found to be positive and significant, which
indicates that an increase in the utilization of the internet of things is likely to result in an
improvement in the efficiency of the logistics of long-distance vehicles for transportation
agencies. Last but not least, it was demonstrated that the large data had a beta coefficient
that was both positive and negligible. This indicates that any change in this variable would
result in a change in performance that was not substantial for the logistics of long-distance
vehicles that are managed by transportation agencies. Taking into consideration these
data, the researchers concluded that enhanced machine learning might potentially result
in enhanced performance of transportation agency logistics for long-distance vehicles.
Additionally, the findings of this study concluded that enhanced telematics could
potentially result in enhanced performance of transportation agency logistics for long distance cars. In addition, the findings of this study indicate that the implementation of
internet of things could potentially result in enhanced performance of transportation
agency logistics for long-distance vehicles. In conclusion, the findings of this study
indicate that the performance of transportation agencies in terms of the logistics of long distance vehicles is unaffected by changes in big data. This study recommends that long distance vehicles companies do not need to invest resources in big data since it does not
have a major influence on the performance of Logistics Companies of long-distance
vehicles