bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology for Risk-Benefit Analysis in Research
Authors: Thiga Moses M
Published: April 2024

Risk-benefit analysis in the context of research activities has recently become a mandatory exercise. It is an integral part of the more extensive exercise, the scientific and ethical review for research approval and subsequent monitoring and evaluation exercises. However, how to undertake the process remains a largely subjective process that results in somewhat 'incomplete' inventories of potential risks and benefits for many research activities. There is also the challenge of computing an overall study risk-benefit score when objective and subjective measures of risks, benefits, severity, and magnitude are involved. This study employed the integrative literature review methodology to summarize past empirical and theoretical literature to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon. The result is a simple, concise, and practical guide for identifying research risks and benefits, the computation of risk scores, benefit scores, and the overall risk-benefit score in a research activity. These scores are subsequently utilized to compute the study's overall risk-benefit analysis score. This step-by-step process for the computation of a risk-benefit ratio will introduce clarity in the process of risk-benefit analysis to help ascertain if specific risk probabilities and their severity have been correctly assessed. Conversely, the approach is also helpful in ascertaining if study benefits and their magnitude have been adequately assessed and rated.
Caregivers’ Perceptions of Do Not Resuscitate Orders: A Qualitative Study in Rural Southwestern Kenya
Authors: Iradukunda Alida , NTHUSI Jonathan , HORN Eli
Published: April 2024

The need for palliative care services has increased with the rise of patients with terminal illnesses. Unfortunately, there is a need for more research in palliative care, especially on end-of-life care. Conversations during that period present an ethical and cultural challenge in both collectivistic and individualistic societies. Worldwide, the laws regulating Do Not Resuscitate orders differ from country to country. The perceptions also vary from society to society. Studies have shown the need to involve families in this era of rising advocacy for patient-centered care. Caregivers have an essential role in decision-making and are involved in end-of-life decisions. This study aimed to describe caregivers' perceptions of Do Not Resuscitate orders. The study used a qualitative approach and phenomenological research design. It involved eighteen caregivers of patients receiving palliative care. The sampling procedure was non-probability purposive. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Overall, two themes emerged from the findings. The first theme was a lack of awareness of the Do Not Resuscitate orders and the resuscitation techniques, and the second theme was subjective perceptions based on caregivers' beliefs and emotional responses. Caregivers need counseling, preparation, and education on Do Not Resuscitate orders and resuscitation methods to improve Do Not Resuscitate discussions. Healthcare providers need to be empowered to hold those discussions.
Effect of Strategic Leadership on Performance of SMEs During Covid-19 Pandemic in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Musyoka Jacqueline , Ouma Caren
Published: April 2024

The global economy and enterprises have faced significant impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating leadership styles capable of navigating change and uncertainty effectively. Strategic leadership has emerged as a promising approach for establishing agile strategies amidst rapid transformations in business environments. This study aimed to assess the impact of strategic leadership on the performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) during the pandemic in Nairobi County, Kenya. Employing a descriptive and correlational research design, the study targeted 584 respondents from various SME industries in Kenya, with 237 respondents obtained using a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, were conducted using SPSS version 23. The findings revealed that SMEs in Nairobi County recognized the importance of strategic leadership for their prosperity, with a significant positive correlation between strategic leadership and performance (r (183) = 0.430, p < 0.05). Strategic leadership accounted for 18.5% of performance variance, indicating a substantial impact (F (1,181) = 41.174, p < 0.05). Moreover, the intercept between strategic leadership and performance showed a notable improvement (β = 0.230, p < 0.01), suggesting a 23% performance enhancement with effective strategic leadership implementation. In conclusion, the majority of SMEs in Nairobi County demonstrated strong strategic leadership, fostering absorptive and adaptive capacities crucial for navigating turbulent business environments. The study underscores the importance of institutionalizing strategic leadership within SMEs to enhance their ability to formulate and execute strategies effectively amidst rapid changes.
Influence of Innovation Approach on Competitive Structure of Tier 1 Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: MUHUNI Nick MWANGI , OUMA Caren AKOMO
Published: April 2024

In today's volatile business landscape, companies must continuously innovate to remain competitive. Innovation, encompassing the creation and implementation of new concepts across products, services, and technologies, is essential for meeting evolving market demands. Both radical and incremental innovation contribute to organizational financial performance (Abiodun, 2017). However, traditional banks often exhibit technological inertia, hindering their ability to adopt new methods efficiently. This reluctance presents an opportunity for challenger banks to pioneer technological advancements, diversify risk management strategies, and optimize resource utilization, leveraging instruments like asset securitization. This study investigates the impact of innovation approaches on the competitive structure of Tier 1 Commercial Banks in Kenya. Employing descriptive and correlational research designs, the study surveyed 182 respondents selected via stratified random sampling from a target population of 334 individuals across Tier 1 Commercial Banks. Quantitative data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis with SPSS version 26. Findings indicate a positive correlation between innovation and competitive structure, underscoring innovation's significance in sustaining competitive advantage. Technology adoption, including mobile banking and remote service delivery, also enhances competitive structure. Furthermore, the study highlights the contribution of risk diversification through new financial instruments and incremental innovations to financial success. Overall, the research emphasizes the critical role of innovation and technology in driving competitive advantage within the banking industry. It recommends that top management continuously expand their offerings of innovative products to remain competitive.
ANTI-PLASMODIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR TREATMENT OF MALARIA AND SYNERGISM OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF CARISSA EDULIS AND ARTEMISIA ANNUA
Authors: Kebenei Sellah J , Ndalut P.K. , Sabah A.O
Published: April 2024

The increasing prevalence and distribution of malaria has been attributed to a number of factors, one of them being the emergence and spread of drug resistant parasites. Efforts are now being directed towards the discovery and development of new chemically diverse anti-malarial agents. The present study reports on the in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of 15 selected medicinal plants used widely by the traditional healers to treat malaria in the North Rift parts of Kenya. The plant extracts were tested for in vitro activity against chloroquin-senitive (D6) strains of plasmodium falciparum parasites. Of the 15 species assayed, 40% showed promising anti-plasmodial activity of IC50 ≤ 10 µg/ml, while another 40% showed moderate activity of IC50 between 10 – 50 µg/ml and 20% had weak activity of IC50 between 50 – 100 µg/ml. These results justify the correlation between traditional uses of the plants with their bioactivity. Synergism between total extract of Atemisia annua and Carissa edulis ware also analyzed using combination ratios of 10:90 to 90:10 respectively against P.falciparum parasites. This led to the identification of anti-malarial combination therapy of methanolic extracts of the two plants with sum of fraction inhibiting concentration (FIC) of 0.74 at 50% combination ratios. These results support a rational rather than random approach to the selection of anti-plasmodial screening candidates, and identify a number of promising plants for further investigation as plant-based anti-malarial agents.
Factors Influencing Academic Performance in Urban Informal Settlements in Kenya
Authors: Kibaara T.M. , Kabura G. W
Published: April 2024

In spite of the governmentâ€™s commitment to provision of Universal Free Primary Education (FPE) to all children that have attained school going age, there are segments of the society which continue to face myriad of hurdles in access of and participation in basic education which affect their academic performance. Key among these are children in the slums. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence academic performance in urban informal settlements.The study was carried out in public primary schools located in kibera slums of Nairobi county.The objectives of the study were;to establish social economic factors influencing academic performance,to examine the extent to which environmental factors influence academic performance and to find out pupils psychological factors that influence academic performance. The research employedÂ  descriptive survey design as the method for data analysis.Public primary schools located in Kibera,headteachers,teachers and class eight pupils were used as the target population. Purposive sampling was used to sample the schools and the headteachers. Simple random sampling was used to sample the teachers and the pupils. The sample size for the school and headteachers done at 100% hence four schools and four headteachers were used for the study. According to (Kasomo, 2006) Ten (10%) of all accessible population is enough for a descriptive survey study, therefore 10% of the total population for both the teachers andÂ  pupils was obtained. The sample size for teachers was 9 and for the pupils was 82.Â  The study used questionnaires as the sole research tool to collect data from headteachers,teachers and pupils. Data collected was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using tables and percentages.
Tugen Men and Womenâ€™s Perception on FGM in Relation to their Participation in Household and Community Socioeconomic Development Activities in Baringo County.
Authors: Kiptiony Gladys J
Published: April 2024

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total cutting away of the female genitalia, which has been practiced for centuries in parts of Africa and other regions of the world as one element of a rite of passage.Â  An investigation of the Tugen men and womenâ€™s perception on FGM in relation to their participation in household and community socioeconomic development activities in Baringo County shaded light upon numerous obstacles to its elimination. There was a gap in the analysis of the factors contributing to persistence of FGM among Tugen women of Baringo County as it had not been empirically investigated. The purpose of this study was to establish Tugen Men and Womenâ€™s Perception on FGM in Relation to their Participation in Household and Community Socioeconomic Development Activities in Baringo County. The study adopted the ex post facto-causal comparative research design. The study was conducted in three divisions namely Kisanana, Mogotio and Esageri in Koibatek district in Baringo County. The selection of these divisions was based on the information provided by the District Health Management Team to the effect that these were the divisions where the practice of FGM was likely to be high. Purposive and quota sampling was used in selecting participants in the area of study. The research data was collected using questionnaires and an interview schedule. Piloting of the instruments was done at Marigat division in Marigat district in Baringo County to provide the required information on its reliability and establish the time taken to administer the instruments in order to make necessary modifications and adjustments before commencing data collection in the field. The questionnairesâ€™ items were considered reliable after yielding a reliability coefficient of at least 0.70. The data collected were analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 for windows was used to analyze the data. The study generated information regarding the Tugen men and women perception of FGM among Tugen women of Baringo County.Â  Marriage of circumcised or uncircumcised women greatly influenced men and women participation in household and community socioeconomic development activities in the Tugen community. Most men (67) 67% indicated they preferred to marry circumcised women because culturally they would become respected member of the community. The findings from the study might also help Ministry of Gender and Social services, Government of Kenya and local community leaders to take serious the fight against FGM practice and look for strategies to eliminate it.
Molecular Modeling of Toxic Indole Derivatives from High Temperature Cooking
Authors: Nicholas Rono Rono  , Anthony B Mathenge  , Joshua K K. Kibet  , Ediwn Kimeli  , Wisdom Ngare
Published: April 2024

More than two decades ago, Japanese scientists discovered a new family of highly mutagenic compounds classified as heterocyclic aromatic amines from roasted meat and grilled Fish. This group of compounds will form the basis of this investigation from a theoretical perspective. In order to simulate high temperature cooking and explore the thermochemical properties of these compounds, high level quantum calculations were employed. Accordingly, the theoretical behaviour of indole derivatives; isoindazole, 1-methyl indole, 4,7-dimethyl isoindazole and carbazole were explored at a pressure of 1 atmosphere over a wide range of pyrolysis temperatures (323-923 K) typically at temperature increments of 50 K. Ab initio analytical gradients at MP2 level of theory with 3-21G and 6-31G(d,p) basis sets and Molecular Mechanics (MM) with universal force field (UFF) from Gaussian 03 computational platform were used for geometry optimization, internal energy calculations, molecular orbitals, and vibrational frequencies. It was observed that the internal energy for isoindazole at 323 K was 75.80 kcal/mol whereas that of carbazole was 123.78 kcal/mol under similar conditions of pressure and temperature. The stability of these molecular compounds decreased with increase in pyrolysis temperature. To make decent conclusions on the potency of these indole derivatives and their effect on human health, toxicity values were estimated using Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship (QSAR) method found in HypeChem computational software.Â  Toxicity indices for isoindazole, 1-methyl indole, 4,7-dimethyl isoindazole and carbazole were -0.16, 0.01, 0.14 and -0.07 respectively, while those for their corresponding radicals were -0.12, -0.21, 0.19 and -0.17. These values point to highly hydrophilic species which indicate that they are very toxic. The thermochemical, and electronic properties of these compounds and their analog radicals will be presented.Â  Additionally, theoretical NMR chemical shifts for the most toxic by-product of high temperature cooking are also reported in this work.
Relationship between Factors Contributing to Teachersâ€™ Job Satisfaction and Academic Achievement among Secondary Schools in Homa-Bay County, Kenya
Authors: Joshua Ogal  , John N. Ochola  , Ronald Chepkilot  , Jackson J. Kitetu
Published: April 2024

The study analyzed the relationship between factors contributing to teachersâ€™ job satisfaction and academic performance among public secondary schools in Homa-Bay County. The study emanates from a background of dismal academic performance of secondary schools as alleged by Ministry of Education Report (2011) and constant complaints of working conditions by teachers. A sample of 32 secondary schools was randomly selected from the population of 300 public schools for the study. Data was collected by a Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Â The analysis of variance tests was done at 0.05alpha level of significance. Findings revealed that factors of job satisfaction were job security, work environment, nature of work, technical supervision, recognition, and further training opportunity. It was also found that academic performance is pegged on teachersâ€™ job satisfaction. From the findings of this study the researcher recommends improving teachersâ€™ job satisfaction and academic performance in Homa-Bay County; the government should improve salary and allowances of teachers, the result shows that most of the teachers still work in a deplorable conditions, the ministry of education should encourage strong parental and community support through parent teacher association and Board of Management, Â These bodies should ensure that secondary schools are well equipped with necessary learning facilities for quality education and improved academic performance. It is hoped that the findings of this study may be useful to the Ministry of Education, personnel involved in decision making, policy formulation and implementation, and secondary school principals towards making sure that teachers are satisfied for schools to perform highly and towards realizing the vision 2030 in education sector.
INTEGRATED APPROACH
Authors: Eliud Michura  , Jared A Mullah
Published: April 2024

Traffic congestion in many areas particularly poorly designed truckers parking bays presents a unique public health threat due to toxicity of its emission, accidents, oil spills and social evils as other studies have shown. Salgaa known as â€œwild westâ€ situated 20 km from Nakuru city on Nakuru â€“ Eldoret highway in Kenya, began as a small market centre twenty years ago. Since then, it has grown to a middle size urban due to its famous night stop over for truckers moving from Mombasa to other parts of East African countries. The government put a ban on movement of trailers at night due to accidents they cause along the highway. Salgaa not only offered favourable spot to hosts truckers but also attracted sex trade. Despise the economic benefits from sex trade; both truckers and the sex trade business have resulted to negative environmental impacts which are critical and needed to be addressed. The government and NGOs efforts to address the negative impacts have yielded little because of the non integrated holistic approach employed. Drawing on government and NGO reports, as well as other documentary sources, this research study examined the integrated holistic approach to truckersâ€™ parking bay and sex trade on environmental health, safety and socio economic status. Data was collected from 60 respondents drawn from 30 commercial sex workers, 20 truckers and 10 residents of Salgaa using questionnaires, focus group, selected by simple randomization. Reliability and validity of the instrument was tested through Cronbach test. The data was analysed by means of SPSS tool using descriptive statistics and hypotheses tested using regressions, ANOVA, and Lickert scale at 0.05 alpha for testing level of significance.Â  The study found that the truckers parking bay primarily contributed significantly to the sex trade and secondarily resulted to 12 cases of fire accidents from oil spills in a year,5% rate ofÂ  HIV/Aids infection per year, high level ofÂ  drugs and alcohol abuses, 3-5 road accidents per week, 15% school dropouts in a year. The prevention and control management of environmental and socio economic hazards using integrated conventional and faith value approach by NGOs and government agents were lacking hence increasing the magnitude of the hazards. The findings will be used to formulate policy for environmental hazard management and provision of education to the public.
The Implications of Language and Power in Gikuyu Marriage Negotiation Discursive Domain, for Kenyaâ€™s Vision 2030.
Authors: Jane Wanjiku Kinuthia  , Lucy Wathika  , Mutiti J.K. Yakobo
Published: April 2024

This study was conceived on the premise that there are connections between language use and unequal relations of power and there is widespread underestimation of the significance of language in the production, maintenance and change of social relations of power. There is therefore need to help increase consciousness of how language contribute to the domination of some people by others since consciousness is the first step towards emancipation. Some commonsense assumptions which are implicit in the conventions according to which people interact linguistically are identifiable in conventions which follow a pattern where one party seems more powerful as seen in the way they control the process of talk such as in the Gikuyu marriage negotiation discursive domain. This paper focuses on the formal discursive process of negotiating and legalising marriage in the domain of â€˜Ruracioâ€™ or bride wealth payment amongst the Agikuyu of Kenya. Data, consisting of five recorded discourses from sampled negotiation sessions and five focus group discussions from Kiambu County Kenya, was translated, transcribed and analysed with a view of investigating language use for power potentialities. Guided by principles of language and power, the study established that language use in this domain defines power differentials and this has a direct influence on how people think, act and view their society. This paper argues that such potentialities would be instrumental in building a free and fair society as envisioned in the social pillar of Kenyaâ€™s Vision 2030.This way, Linguistics as an area of study would be contributing to social development. It is hoped that the findings will be useful to all language users, leaders in general and policy makers in our country. (273 words)
Prevalence of Sexual Activities Among Secondary School students in Nairobi and Busia Counties Kenya
Authors: J. M, Mayabi
Published: April 2024

Adolescent sexuality is an important public health issue, as it affects them in many ways; they risk contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; may become pregnant leading to school dropout and early marriage. Â The assessment of prevalence of sexual activities among students, may guide policies and programmes aimed at reducing the risks of engaging in early sex. The study used ex posto facto and descriptive research design. Target population was 20227 form three students in Nairobi and Busia Counties. Accessible population was 3568 form three students in seven districts. Multi-stage, probability proportionate to size, stratified and simple random sampling was used to select the participants. Findings of the study shows adolescents engage in sexual activities at a very young age. They engage in sex activities with multiple partners and majorities do not use contraceptives.Â  Overall prevalence of sexual activities was 28.8% male and 14.6% female. Variables positively associated with sexual activities include age, gender, school type and location. Any intervention aimed to promote studentsâ€™ sexual health should be designed with appreciation of factors associated with sexual activity in due consideration.
An assessment of the impacts of Gypsum mining on water quality in Kajiado County, Kenya
Authors: Kefa Omoti  , Jackson J. Kitetu  , Joseph M. Keriko
Published: April 2024

In the recent past, Kenya has witnessed increased activity in the extractive industry targeting minerals such as titanium, gypsum and gold to name a few. Mining activities are a potentially important contributor to water contamination. Discussions in the literature on impacts of gypsum mining on water quality are not conclusive because they tend to be site specific and lacking in details. This study sought to establish the impacts of gypsum extraction activities on water quality in Kajiado. The study adopted the descriptive/diagnostic design. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data from a sample of 95 respondents and key informants selected through Simple Random Sampling, Stratified Random Sampling and Purposeful Sampling. The APHA (1999) protocol was followed in the collection, storage and analysis of samples. Results indicated significant indirect influence of mining activities on water quality parameters. Even though chemical contamination was insignificant, the bacteriological concentration indirectly arising from gypsum mining was higher than WHO (2006) guide values and therefore exposed the public to waterborne diseases. The mean total coliform concentration in the surface water samples was 555/100 ml, with a minimum of 75 and maximum of 2400. There was no significant difference in the disease burden for children aged below 5 years and the rest of the population (p â‰¤ 0.206). The study recommends awareness creation on safe use of mine pond water.
Factors Influencing Inventory Management in Public Sector
Authors: Nurwin Fozia Rajab
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing inventory management at the public sector from which the researcher settled on Kajiado District Hospital. The various factors investigated were broken into Procurement procedure, lead time, supplier selection and e- procurement. The objectives were to; determine how procurement procedures influence inventory management, to determine how e-procurement influences inventory management at Kajiado County Hospital. The study used thirty percent of the target population consisted of officers from various departments who are directly responsible in inventory management to ensure that the customer demands are effectively and efficiently met. Information was collected from fortyÂ  five (45) of the targeted one hundred and fifty (150) respondents using structured and semi structured questionnaires. Data was quantitatively analyzed using SPSS version 22 which presented frequency tables, graphs and the necessary measures of variance for effective interpretation. The key findings in the research indicated several challenges in inventory management such as limitation of scope from which suppliers are selected, lack of transparentÂ  supplierÂ  appraisalÂ  process,Â  lackÂ  ofÂ  transparentÂ  tenderÂ  awardingÂ  processÂ  andÂ  pre- qualification of supplier not made public. Delays was another challenge which was caused by the process of initiating a request of supplies toÂ  theÂ  supplier,Â  non-availabilityÂ  ofÂ  some pharmaceuticals from the Kenyan market or in the global market, legislation issues also come in to play as these products had to be authorized to be used in Kenyan market hence delays while awaiting approval and other logistical issues. Lack of e-procurement which could have been fast and reduce the delays. The study was of great importance to Kenyan government and donors it assisted in identifying areas of improvement in procurement process of such activities. To researchers the study formed basis for future research.
PARENTAL OCCUPATION AS A PREDICTOR OF STUDENTâ€™S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, IN KENYA CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN PUBLIC MIXED DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NYAMIRA NORTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA.
Authors: Nelson N. Ngare  , Elijah Maronga  , Betty Tikoko  , Jackline Sigei
Published: April 2024

This study examined the influence of parental occupation on academic performance in Public Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Nyamira North Sub-County, Kenya. Performance of the sub-county in KCSE has been dismal over time. The study was carried out amongst 857 parents of KCSE candidates and 22 head teachers of Public Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Nyamira North sub-county. The objective of the study was: To establish how parental occupation influences studentsâ€™ academic performance in selected public mixed day secondary schools in Nyamira North Sub-County. The study adopted ex- post facto research design. Validity was established during piloting and through expertâ€™s opinion, while reliability was obtained through test-retest methodology and cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.753 obtained. Â A randomly selected sample made up of 265 parents and 21 head teachers of Mixed Day Public Secondary Schools was used. Primary data were collected by use of questionnaires and interview schedules. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non- parametric tests to establish relationships between variables. The analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20. The study findings revealed that parental occupation did not affect performance in KCSE examination in 2010. Notwithstanding these finding, the study revealed that most parents were involved in manual low paying occupations which attracted low payments and thence limiting parental participation and input in the education of children. From these findings, the study recommends that: the Government of Kenya to consider coming up with policies that lead to the uplifting of the living standards of the parents; for instance creation of job opportunities, and Â Â capacity building. Parents should be involved in decision making in issues affecting their children. Finally, the findings may form a basis for policy formulation.
THE FUTURE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW IN KENYA
Authors: Musa I.A.SEGITA
Published: April 2024

Administrative actions by government, in pre and post colonial Kenya, have consistently fallen short of serving public interest. This has been so despite the existence of administrative law. The purpose of this study was to establish the developments in administrative law vis-Ã -vis the attitude of the government towards public service. The researcher randomly identified some key historical events and noted how they have influenced public policy, executive actions, judicial decisions, and legislation. Â The study found that a flawed philosophy of governance undermined the ability of institutions of governance to serve public interest pre independence to the year 2010. However since administrative law was constitutionalized in 2010, administrative actions are being influenced by judicial decisions, legislation, and public policy of the government. Thus, the study concluded that the future of administrative law will depend on the quality of judicial decisions, legislation, and public policy of the government. The study recommended that public participation in the legislative, judicial, and public policy formulation processes should be encouraged by all.
Effect of Video mediated Instruction on Studentsâ€™ Achievement, Attitudes and Motivation in Learning Kiswahili Proverbs in Kenya
Authors: David Gitau Turuthi  , Bernard Chemwei  , Kageni Njagi
Published: April 2024

The importance of proverbs in enhancing the studentsâ€™ mastery of a language is well documented.Over time, video-mediated-instructions have boosted studentsâ€™ academic achievement and attitudes when compared with other methods. In Kenya, there is poor achievement by students in Kiswahili proverbs at the KCSE examinations due to the negative attitude towards proverbs instruction that are not motivating. In this paper, the authors review the literature on video-mediated-instructions drawn since 1990. The authors also review literature on how video-mediated-instructions affect studentsâ€™ achievement, attitudes and motivation in learning. The author also discusses how Kiswahili proverbs are taught in Kenya. Although video-mediated-instructions affect studentsâ€™ achievement, attitude and motivation, no studies capture its effect on Kiswahili proverbs teaching. Therefore, this review identifies a gap for future research to find out if the future of teaching Kiswahili proverbs in Kenya lies in video-mediated-instructions.
EFFECTIVENESS OF CREDIT REFERENCE BUREAU ON ENHANCING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ruthwinnie Munene  , Monicah Wanjiru
Published: April 2024

The study examined the effectiveness of credit reference bureau on the financial Performance in financial institutions in Nakuru County. The Study used a survey study research design. The population of the study involved 210 employees of financial institutions in Nakuru County. The study obtained primary data by the use of self- administered Questionnaires while review of related literature was used to collect secondary Data. The Primary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The researcher used the statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 in analysis for the Study. The findings of the study were expected to provide a source of information for banking professionals to understand, control and to reduce the impact of increasing non-performing loans from the economy due to credit risk. CRB has played a significant role in as far as risk identification and monitoring is concerned. Moreover, CRB has significantly helped reduce the rate of loan default in the economy as well as increasing credit access. Lastly, it has led to a reduction in the level of moral hazard in financial institutions inÂ  Nakuru county.It has been deduced that clients are not getting appropriately rewarded for having a good credit repayment history. Measures need to be put in place to ensure that clients get an advantage for promptly repaying their loans in terms of the interest rate they pay. It is hoped that this will help cushion those with a good credit rating from CRB hence increasing efficiency in the banking sector.
Exploring Institutional Determinants of Intention to Seek Supervision Services
Authors: Jane KIARIE  , Gladys J. Kiptiony  , Margaret K. Mwenje
Published: April 2024

Although numerous insights have been generated into the process of counseling supervision, the institutional pressure that steer counselors into seeking and adopting counseling supervision have been largely ignored. In this paper, an institutional framework, which integrates the three (3) dimensions of institutional pressure namely mimetic, coercive, and normative, is developed and hypothesized to influence counselors intention to seek counseling supervision services. The study injects a multi-disciplinary approach by utilizing DiMaggio & Powell (1983) Institutional Theory (IT). The research design was a correlational, cross sectional research design, employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. A sample of 117 practicing and accredited Counselors in Nairobi County, Kenya was used. Data was collected using a 14 item Likert Scale questionnaire adapted from items used in previous institutional research. Data analysis utilized the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 to explore significant relations among the research variables. Multiple linear regression yielded a significant model explaining 32.7% of the variance in the intention to seek counseling supervision. The results provide critical insights on the complexity of counselors' intention to seek supervision services. Correlation analysis suggests that Normative pressure and coercive pressure had significant correlation with intention to use counseling supervision (p<0.05). Normative pressure have the greatest effect (Î²=.520, p<0.01) on intention, while Coercive Pressure (Î²=.187, p<0.05) had the least effect. The findings revealed that Mimetic Pressure Î²=-.088 (p>.05) had no significant effect on intention to seek supervision services. Possibly, counselors did not find the need to mimic other successful counselors, as they did not attribute such success to seeking supervision services. The study recommends that counselors training institutions should incorporate supervision training in their curriculum. Further professional counseling associations should enact legislation and implement policies that require counselors to periodically attend counseling supervision.
EFFECT OF PLANTING DATES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) UNDER VARYING PLANT POPULATION IN HIGHLANDS OF CENTRAL KENYA
Authors: GICHUKI Philip Mwangi
Published: April 2024

Studies have shown that increasing dry bean production in many rural agricultural centers in Africa is a problem. In an effort of overcoming this limiting problem, economic use of land by increasing seed rate during planting time per unit area has become common. Efforts of realizing high yields by increasing seed rate per unit area seemed not to bear much fruit due to lack of knowledge on timely planting and plant population. Three different areas in central Kenya were evaluated for the relationship between timely planting dates and plant population in dry bean production. The study aimed at evaluating the effect of dry bean production, in response to planting dates and plant population in Chelelang variety of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The study took note on the following growth parameters; the number of pods per plant, pods length, number of seed per pod and grain yield.Â  Each plot layout measured 4x4 m. There were 9 plots in each of the 3 blocks. A path of about 1m was left between blocks. Each plot received treatment combinations assigned randomly. Using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) the experiment was replicated three times. Factors were three planting dates 10th March, 20th April and 5th May and three plant densities; 1 seed / hill, 2 seeds / hill and 3 seeds/ hill. All the trials received similar field management treatments. Data was collected, organized, and analyzed by use of SPSS (Version 22) and the means separated by use of Least Significant Difference (LSD).The study results indicate thatÂ  planting date and the plant population are significant on length of the pods, number of pods and final grain yield but no significance influence in seed numbers per pod. The study recommend that farmers should observe planting dates and proper plant population as a way of obtaining good harvest in common bean (phaseolus vulgaris)
Evaluation of Performance of a Solar Tunnel Crop Dryer in Drying of Two African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs)
Authors: J. K. Chelanga  , J K Tonui
Published: April 2024

Two AIVs dried were the black night shade (solanum scabrum) and the spider plant (cleome gynandra) and were spread as a thin layer on the tray during the drying processes. The tray carrying the vegetable was placed next to the outlet section of the dryer and the side towards the inlet was left bare to act as absorber plate to preheat air before passing over the drying product. The hot air from the free absorber plate supplement the heat absorbed directly by the product from the solar radiation penetrating through the transparent cover hence enhances the drying rate. The results show that the area has over six hours of peak solar hours (6 PSH) when insolation is over 1000 W/m2; hence the site has sufficient solar energy to dry up the vegetables. The average efficiency of the dryer was determined as 24.3% and the moisture content of the spider vegetable was reduced from 88.4% to 21.0% in 2 days while that of black night shade reduced from 84.5% to 26.3%Â  in 3 days. In addition, the drying profiles of the two vegetables consisted of four stages, with drying rates varying from 4.3 g/hr to 22.4 g/hr for spider vegetable and 2.4 g/hr to 23.7 g/hr in black night shade. Hence, the prototype dryer proved to be effective in drying both vegetables and has a relatively good efficiency.
Students' Perception of Quality of Lecture Hall Resources Used in Teacher Education Programmes in the Universities in Nakuru County, KENYA.
Authors: Frederick B. J. A. Ngala
Published: April 2024

Quality of Lecture Hall Resources usedin teacher education programs isÂ  central to provision of quality education in the universities in Kenya and other world nations.Â  This research study is informed by the claim that quality of lecture hall resources used in teacher education programmes is low in the universities in Nakuru County, Kenya. The objective of this research study was therefore to determine how students enrolled in teacher education programmes actually perceiveÂ Â  quality of lecture hall resources in the universities in Nakuru County, Kenya. This study was premised on the Theory of Total Quality Management by Deming and Attributive Theory of Quality of Higher Education. The researcher adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. Data was collected from a study populationof 310 obtained from a total of 6 universities (Private and Public Chartered Universities) offering teacher education programmes. Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. Sample size was 257 respondents. Using Test Retest method, the questionnaire scored 0 .8 reliability coefficient. Instrument was validated and piloted. Data from studentsâ€™ questionnaires were analyzed using statistical tools in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Â  Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were calculated. One- way Analysis of Variance, Post Hoc Test, T-tests were carried out to measure significant differences between means of samples.Â  The study found out thatPrivate Y students (mean=3.26) perceived that quality attributes of Lecture Hall resources areÂ Â  frequently available. Public Q (mean=3.12), Private X (mean=3.09) and Public P (mean=2.58) also reports that quality attributes of Lecture Hall resources are frequently available. This means that Private Y and Public Q leads in the prevalence of quality attributes of Lecture Hall resources. Studentsâ€™ Perceived that Quality of Lecture Halls Resource was better in private universities (M = 3.17, SD = 0.60) than in public universities (M = 2.79, SD = 0.73). The results further indicate that the difference between the two means was statistically significant, t (225) = 4.263, p<.05). This is an indication that quality of lecture hall resources in private universities was higher than those of public universities. These findings could inform policy formulation on provision of quality Lecture Halls Resource in the universities offering teacher education programmes.The study recommends that universities should prioritize provision of quality lecture hall resources with a view to improving quality of teacher education programmes. All ethical concerns and procedures were observed.
Students' Attitudes towards Active Participation in Lectures as Influenced by Instructional Factors in Teacher Education Programmes
Authors: Frederick B. J. A. Ngala
Published: April 2024

Studentsâ€™ attitude towards active participation in lectures in teacher education programmes has become a major concern to education managers in higher education circles as well as parents and quality agents. This research study seeks to address the emotive twin problem of non-attendance of lectures and dormancy during lectures on the part of student teachers. In this study, the two problems are referred to as lack of active participation in lectures in teacher education programmes. The objective of this study was to determine studentsâ€™ attitude towards active participating in lectures in teacher education programmes in selected universities in Nakuru County, Kenya.This study was based on the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance for attitude change propounded by Festinger Leon (1957). The researcher conducted a critical review of literature related to studentsâ€™ attitude towards participating in lectures. This research study adopted the descriptive survey research design. After piloting, the instrument was validated.Using the split half method and Spearman- Brown Correction formulae, the questionnaire scored a reliability coefficient of 0.7 and was accepted as reliable in line with the threshold recommended by Fraenkel and Wallen (2000).Data was collected from a study population of 310 fourth year bachelor of education students in6 Private and Public CharteredÂ  universities offering teacher education programs in Nakuru County, Kenya. The sample size was 257. The researcher employed stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data from studentsâ€™ questionnaires were coded and analyzed using tools in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.Â  Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were computed. One- way Analysis of Variance, Post Hoc Test and T-tests were carried out to measure significant differences between means of samples.The study found out that studentsâ€™ attitude towards active participation in lectures was more positive Â Â in private universities (M = 2.60, SD = 0.41) than (M = 2.46, SD = 0.45) of public universities. The results further indicate that the difference between the two means was statistically significant, t (225) = 2.413, p=.017) at 0.05 alpha. This study therefore established that students enrolled in teacher education programmes in private universities have more positive attitudes towards active participation in lectures compared to their counterparts in public universities.The results of this study could be used by Commission for UniversityEducation and universities in Kenya to shape studentsâ€™ attitude towards active participation in lecturesin teacher education programmes. The study recommends the need for further research on how quality of instructional activitiesÂ  Â can be improved with a view to inculcating in students a positive attitude towards active participation in lectures in these universities.
PROBLEM OF TEACHING AND LEARNING OF MUSIC AS A SUBJECT IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS , ONDO, NIGERIA
Authors: Ogunrinade Olusegun Adebowale
Published: April 2024

This study examined factors responsible for ineffective teaching and learning of music education in some selected secondary school in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study and the research instrument was a structured and a well validated questionnaire which was administered on one hundred and fifty respondents, randomly selected for the study. Data collected were analyzed and interpreted using percentages. The results obtained, revealed that there were few professional music teachers in the school and also poor teaching strategies, unfavorable school learning environment, inadequate of modern musical instruments among others are responsible for ineffective teaching of music education in the Junior Secondary Schools. This study concluded that for music education to thrive and fulfill its mission as a vocational subject by making student to be self reliant after graduation, the government and school administrators should ensure adequate provision of relevant learning materials (musical instruments) also, employment of qualified music personnel and training and retraining programmes should also be put in place for music teachers in order to improve their level of professionalism.