bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pattern of Antibiotic Prescription for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections among Under-Fives in Outpatient Clinics in Tharaka-Nithi County
Authors: Musa Saruti  , Musa Saruti  , Jason Brotherton  
Published: April 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) qualified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the principal threats to public health globally and inappropriate antibiotic prescription is its modifiable contributor. Therefore assessing antibiotic prescriptions for URTI is an acceptable way to analyze the appropriateness of the prescriptions. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions in rural hospitals in Kenya. This study seeks to profile the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions among under-fives with URTI in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya.
This was a retrospective charts review of under-fives treated from November 2018 to December 2019 for URTI in outpatient clinics in Chogoria and Chuka hospitals. A systematic sampling of 385 charts was carried out using the table of Robert and Morgan based on the total of 5000 URTI cases recorded. Charts of children with suspected bacterial infections were excluded, and for cases of tonsillitis, only children with a modified Centor score ≤3 were included. The binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between variables with the calculation of Odd ratio with a CI of 95% using SPSS 24.
This study found that 70.4% of under-fives with URTI were prescribed antibiotics. The prescriptions were associated with the diagnosis of tonsillitis as part of the URTI, OR 21(95%CI 4.52-99.3); the level of education of the prescriber with clinical officers prescribing more than medical officers, OR 15.9(95%CI 6.98-36.2) and the patient’s proximity to the hospital, OR 1.77(95%CI 1.22-2.77).
Antibiotics were prescribed to 70.4% of URTI cases. This percentage was higher than the 30% expected by WHO and was significantly associated with the diagnosis of tonsillitis, the level of education of the prescriber and hospital accessibility. There is a need to train clinicians about the indications of antibiotic prescriptions and to implement antimicrobial stewardship programs in rural facilities.
EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE SERVICES ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN ARID AND SEMI-ARID LANDS IN KENYA
Authors: Silvano Cherutich  , Patrick Kibati  , Symon Kiprop  
Published: April 2024

Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) have been known to offer various financial services that include savings mobilization, micro-credits, money transfers and financial education to its clients which are important to financial inclusion. However, there is uncertainty over the effect of microfinance services on financial inclusion in Arid and Semi-arid lands in Kenya such as Baringo County where currently 14 MFIs are operating. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to determine the effect of savings products and lending services provided by microfinance institutions on financial inclusion in Baringo County grounded on the Financial Intermediation theory. The study adopted descriptive research study method targeting 14 microfinance institutions operating in the area from which the accessible population was 476 individuals comprising 56 MFIs managers and credit officers and 420 clients of the MFIs. A total sample size of 254 respondents was used. Data was collected using pretested structured questionnaires and was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that both savings products and lending services significantly affected financial inclusion in the area with lending services having a more significant effect than savings products. Cumulative savings were the most important assessment tools for loans qualification compared to guarantors and ability to pay. Low access to savings impeded savings mobilization. most of the loans were processed within one month. Majority of the microfinance institutions offered standardized products and services. All the microfinance institutions respondents indicated that the considered client’s ability to pay and a considerable percentage indicated to consider cumulative savings and guarantors when awarding loans. A significance level of 95% (α=0.05) was used in the analysis of the effect of microfinance institutions services on financial inclusion. The probability values for the variables; lending services, savings products, payment services and financial education were 0.037, 0.000, 0.016 and 0.024 respectively. The probability values of the independent variable were less than α=0.05 thus implies that the predictor variables were significant to influence financial inclusion.
Product Innovation and the Competitive Advantage of Telecommunication Companies in Kenya
Authors: Peter Mugo  , Jimmy Macharia  
Published: April 2024

The rapid expansion of the global market in the telecommunications industry has created intense competition that necessitates active market innovations. To survive, organizations must have a competitive advantage to stay ahead of the competition. Product innovation encourages business effectiveness and organizations are increasingly being compelled to create new products, upgrade, or improve existing product features to fulfill their clients' needs and remain competitive. It is from this background that this study sought to establish the influence of market innovation on the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya. Using a positivist philosophy, this study adopted an explanatory research design. The main data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire where 247 responses from mid and top level managers in a total of 26 active telecommunications companies in Kenya. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to interpret the data. From the study findings, it was established that new products, products upgrading, and improved product features have a significant influence on the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya. This led to the conclusion that product innovation has a significant influence on the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya. The study recommends a need to increase government funding and research missions from bodies like NACOSTI and other research firms, to support researchers involved in product innovation while at the same time tap into existing telecommunication companies for experimental purposes. The study faced limitations when visiting the field during the COVID-19 pandemic period encountering entry restrictions. All protocols were observed to overcome this obstacle. Some telecommunications companies were facing operational difficulties and could not particpate. Further studies for product innovation would perhaps suffice after the pandemic period.
The Influence of Marketing Mix Strategies on the Sales Performance of Small Scale Bixa Ollerana Farmers in Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: David Kisa  , Peter MWAURA  , John Kipkorir TANUI  
Published: April 2024

The main aim of this study was to assess the influence of marketing mix strategies on the sales performance of Small Scale Bixa Ollerana farmers in Kwale County, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to examine the influence of product, pricing, placement and promotion on sales performance of Small Scale Bixa Ollerana farmers in Kwale County, Kenya. The study was based on the following theories; Consumer Utility Theory, Theory of pricing, AIDA model and Distribution Channel Theory. The study adopted descriptive research targeting 2,419 Bixa farmers registered by the Ministry of Agriculture in Kwale County. A sample size of 106 farmers was drawn using simple random sampling technique. The study used structured questionnaire to collect the required data from the respondents. The study used descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviation and percentages and inferential statistics using Regression Analysis. The study established that individually, apart from placement strategy, product, price and promotion strategies influenced the sales performance of small scale Bixa Ollerana farmers in Kwale County. Overall, when the four marketing mix strategies were combined in multivariate-regression, only promotion strategy influenced the sales performance of small scale Bixa Ollerana farmers in Kwale County, Kenya. The interaction of the moderating effect of Government policy on Bixa Ollerana value chain did not change the relationship between marketing mix strategies and sales performance of small scale Bixa Ollerana farmers. Promotion mix strategy remained the only marketing mix strategy (r = -0.286, p = 0.000<0.05) that influenced the sales performance of small scale Bixa Ollerana farmers in Kwale County, Kenya. The findings from the study will be of importance to practice, marketing scholarship and Ministries of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives and Agriculture on Policy formulation for local and international marketing of Bixa Ollerana products. The study recommends that the Government of Kenya puts in place a policy framework now that Bixa Ollerana is a scheduled crop, to regulate and promote its production, processing and marketing.
The future of Children and Teenage Ministries in Kenyan Churches
Authors: William Chesaina Kipkoros  
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of the World. It brought unfortunate consequences; unexpected deaths, sudden unemployment, strain on healthcare systems, economic near collapse and the worst of all is the unprecedented disruption in places of worship. On the 13th of March 2020, the government of Kenya ordered an immediate closure of Churches as a containment measure against the spread of the pandemic. As at March 26th 2020 millions of children and adolescents in 165 countries were affected by the closure. Due to high level of vulnerability, children and the elderly were advised to stay at home to avoid risk of exposure. This move forced the Kenyan church leaders to navigate through unfamiliar territory of adopting new ways of doing ministry through online platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Zoom, and Church Websites and Televisions to offer spiritual services such as preaching, discipleships, follow-ups, fellowships and even visitations to all groups’ children, teens, youths and adults. This study sought to establish which of the groups in the churches did not receive adequate or specific attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was carried out on 22nd May through 20th June 2020. The study used survey research design, a valuable tool of assessing the attitudes, opinions and trends of church leaders. An exponential non-discriminative snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents. 429 (n) pastors and church leaders from 33 Counties of Kenya and among 161 denominations participated in the study. The online survey was hosted by US-based data company SurveyMonkey Inc. that processed and analyzed the data. The study findings indicated that Children between the ages of 0- 11 years (64.57%) and Teenagers between the ages of 12- 19 years (30.77%) received inadequate attention. The knowledge gained in this research is helpful for churches and various denominations to formulate appropriate and practical methods of effectively ministering to the children and teenagers even in seasons of crises.
Effect of Cultural Dimensions Practiced in Kenya on Strategy Implementation among Professional Bodies Registered by the Association of Professional Societies of East Africa
Authors: Anne Njagi  , Joseph Ngugi Kamau  , Charity W. Muraguri  
Published: April 2024

The study sought to establish how strategy implementation was effected within professional bodies registered with the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (APSEA) in Kenya.
Through descriptive study design, the research applied a convenience sampling method to interrogate 28 registered professional bodies in Kenya using a structured questionnaire. Out of 168 questionnaires shared across the professional bodies, 132 fully responded questionnaires were returned. Results were processed using linear regression model to establish the effectiveness of strategy implementation within the professional bodies using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program. Results indicated the constructs for strategy implementation against 4 culture dimensions clan, adhocracy, market and hierarchy; produced beta values of .245, .249, .263 and .281 with p<.05 indicating a significant increment whenever each dimension was applied. Further research is recommended to establish if strategy implementation can prevail in an environment not adopting any of the 4 cultural dimensions
Influence of Team Conflicts on Collaborative Value within Ashoka Fellows' Organizations in Africa
Authors: Wamuyu Mahinda  , Caren Ouma  , Joseph Ngugi Kamau  
Published: April 2024

Team conflicts result from an incompatible interaction among team members due to real or perceived differences, and its effect varies with fundamental aspects of the group setting.
This study investigated how both relationship and task conflicts impacted how the Ashoka team members interacted within and with other teams as collaboration is crucial in today's interconnected world, where many new organizational forms, such as strategic alliances, public-private partnerships, and networks, are necessary
The study also confirmed that team conflicts have a significant effect on collaborative value. Also confirmed is that Intra-organizational social capital is a significant mediator between team conflicts and collaborative value. A unit change in Team Conflicts significantly changes Collaborative Value within Ashoka Fellow Organizations in Africa by 33.6 % after mediation, an increase of 9.8%.
Since conflicts are common in teams, the study recommends that team leadership incorporates intra-organization social capital to increase their collaborative value
The Employee Productivity in Devolved Governments
Authors: Timothy Okech  , Jamleck Muturi  
Published: April 2024

Twenty first Century is characterized by dynamism, coupled by technological changes, and globalization. In this regard, employee productivity is a key factor for leadership of organizational success. Leadership in an organization has to optimize human potential to accomplish organizational goals and efficiently and effectively utilize given scarce resources. The research aimed at examining factors affecting employee productivity in devolved governments in Kenya in terms of three thematic areas namely motivation, employee capacity and infrastructure in Embu County government. Adopting descriptive research design, the study targeted employees in the county, from whom a sample size of three hundred and forty-five respondents was selected using stratified sampling ten departments from the county. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that contained both open and closed ended. Data collected was analysed to obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the management has initiated several motivating strategies to its employees which include merit promotion, inclusive leadership as well as training opportunities, merit recruitment, and that good leadership positively influenced employee productivity. Further, that employees’ level of training influenced their productivity and that the County had provided necessary working infrastructure which was however considered inadequate thereby impacting negatively on employee productivity.
Re-Visiting TV Soap Opera Viewership in a Changing Broadcasting Dispensation in Nairobi
Authors: Collins Wagumba  , Dr Kamau Mwangi  
Published: April 2024

This study rekindles the soap opera audience viewing debate in a digital broadcast environment within the Kenyan television programming context. In a mixed-method approach,415 participants were interviewed on their preferences of 21 regularly scheduled soap operas in 5 leading Free to air TV stations in Kenya, In addition, 57 participants were purposively identified for FGDs. The study employed the uses and gratification framework. The findings are that even with a new broadcast dispensation and a myriad of programming, the selection and viewing of soap operas are still paramount. The viewers select to watch soap operas with storylines and performance they perceive as believable and genuine. The domestic audience is attracted to watch foreign soap operas over the local productions because of their better storytelling skills and characterization. The study recommends scripting workshops for domestic producers and the development of screen acting centers of excellence. There is also a need to tweak the 60% local content quota policy to incorporate creative aspects. Regular promos of the domestic soap operas within the broadcast schedules would also boost their uptake.
Accounting Implications on Financial Deepening in Kenya
Authors: San Lio  
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Financial deepening linked to Kenya’s financial ingenuity, M-Pesa has positively impacted livelihoods. The study examined accounting implications on financial deepening in Kenya’s Kitui County.
Design/methodology/approach: This was a case study design survey and sought to examine the complex relationship between accounting and financial deepening in Kitui County.
Findings: Based on the results, the overall fitted model was significant F (3, 26) = 6.634, p < .05, R2 = .434). This clearly showed that accounting for costs, revenue, and balance sheet items had a positive significant impact on financial deepening which enhanced the livelihoods of the shop owners.
Originality/Value: Mobile platforms have created an opportunity and enhanced financial deepening in many of Africa's rural setups such as Kitui County in Kenya. However, financial deepening can only be sustained through wealth creation or profit maximization. This implies that mobile platforms are means and not the end, hence the need to examine accounting and financial deepening relationships.
Gender and Age Differences in Perceived Stress among Students in a Selected Public University in Kenya
Authors: Michael Mbiriri  
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to unveil gender and age differences in the perceived stress levels of undergraduate students in the psychology department at a public university in western Kenya. The researcher applied a descriptive survey as the research design. A quantitative method was used to collect the data. Data were obtained from a questionnaire and Perceived stress scale inventory (PSS). The data collection tool consisted of three sections: Demographic profile of the participants was incorporated in section A; Section B consisted of Perceived stress scale inventory (PSS) which was developed by Sheldon Cohen in 1988. A perceived stress scale was used to capture the level of perceived stress in an individual. The perceived stress scale measures the degree to which situations in one’s life are appraised as stressful. Perceived stress is psychological as opposed to physiological indicators of stress. Section C contained the cluster of causes of stress. It consisted of four dimensions of stress sources: financial, academic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal relationship. Respondents were required to choose appropriate scores for the four clusters of the generation of stress. Data were purposively collected from all the thirty-three psychology department students with a mean age of 21years. The result obtained showed different causes of stress among respondents. Perceived stress levels were grouped into four: Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Academic, and Financial sources. The results of the data analysis showed significant differences between the stress mean scores of male and female students. Stress was found to be an issue among undergraduate students that should be of clinical concern for psychotherapists. Female students reported higher perceived stress levels (86%) than their male counterparts (55%). The findings of this study will help mental health practitioners to develop interventions that will address the psychological needs of the students based on their gender
The First-principles calculation of elastic and electronic structure properties of hexagonal Antiperovskite-type carbides XCCr3 (X=Al, Ga or Zn) materials
Authors: David Njuguna Maina  , Philip Nyawere  , Eliah Wabululu  
Published: April 2024

Hexagonal chromium-based Antiperovskite materials have been attracting a lot of research interest lately as a result of their superconducting properties. In this study, the elastic and electronic structure properties of XCCr3 (X= Al, Ga or Zn) were investigated using first-principles density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximations using Quantum Espresso code. Shear Modulus (G), Young’s Modulus (E), Bulk modulus (B), Poisson ratios (υ), and Zener anisotropy factor (A) values are calculated and evaluated in calculations of elastic properties. Mechanical stability and stiffness of these materials are determined and XCCr3 (X= Al, Ga or Zn) compounds are found to be mechanically stable at zero pressure. The Fermi level locates at the vicinity of the density of states (DOS) peak, which leads to large DOS at the Fermi level N(EF) with values of 4.89, 5.72, and 4.32 states/eV for AlCCr3, GaCCr3, and ZnCCr3 respectively. The band structures are similar to that of superconducting Antiperovskite MgCNi3.
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.