Kenyatta University Repository
Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
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Impact of Demographic and Socio-Economic Factors on Households Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenditures: A Case of Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya
(Cureus Journal of Business and Economics, 2026-01) Wameya, S. M.; Njuguna, A. E.
Purpose: Out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenses remain a significant obstacle to equitable healthcare access in Kenya, limiting progress toward Universal Health Coverage. In Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, low insurance coverage, high poverty rates, and large household sizes exacerbate the risk of catastrophic health spending, forcing families into impoverishment. This study aimed to analyze the socio-economic and demographic factors determining household healthcare expenditures in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, and establish the various coping mechanisms households adopt to finance healthcare. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a non-experimental research design and utilized a stratified random sampling technique to collect data. Paper questionnaires were administered to 412 households across the five sub-counties of Trans Nzoia County. The methodology was based on the Engel Curve framework, with binary logistic regression used to identify determinants of catastrophic health expenditures, and multinomial logistic regression employed to analyze coping mechanisms. Findings: Results showed that 25% of the households spend more than 40% of their income on non-food expenditure. Households with chronically ill members, larger family sizes, and elderly household heads had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing catastrophic OOP expenditure. Regarding coping mechanisms, households with moderate income (Kshs. 20,000-60,000) were more likely to use alternative medicine, insured households were less likely to seek aid or borrow, whereas unemployed households and those with larger household sizes opted for asset liquidation. Research limitations: The main limitation is that the study captured data at a single point in time restricting the ability to infer causality between socio-economic characteristics and healthcare expenditure patterns. Additionally, the study relied heavily on self-reported data, particularly concerning income, health expenditures, and coping strategies, which may affect the accuracy of the responses. Practical implications: The findings will help stakeholders identify strategic policy targets to maximize the return on investments in healthcare. The national and county government of Kenya will also rely on this study to identify and address regional disparities in OOP payments, insurance coverage, and coping mechanisms, guiding targeted interventions and reforms to improve healthcare equity. Originality/value: This study is original in its focus on the proportion of household income spent on healthcare and the coping mechanisms employed by households in Trans-Nzoia County. It addresses a gap in previous research, which primarily examined aggregate household spending and the prevalence of OOP payments, while also considering the demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these expenditures.
Utilization of social media platforms for enhancing uptake of library services in universities in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023) Opiyo, Litzer
relevance of social media platforms in university libraries can’t be overemphasised. Emergence of communication and Information technologies in libraries of universities has displayed changes in clients‟ perceptions, requests, shifts in information services and in librarian‟s roles. Libraries in the universities have embraced and approved diverse media platforms. Despite that, there‟s no clarity on exactly how the social network sites are utilised by librarians in providing information services. The research was focused on use of social media platforms for enhancing uptake of library services in universities in Kenya. The research focused on two academic libraries in Muranga and Kitui Counties. The research meant to accomplish four objectives. They include to establish the types of social media platforms used for enhancing usage of academic library services, to assess available infrastructure supporting the use of social media platforms, to examine factors affecting use of social media in enhancing use of university library services and to explore challenges inhibiting the usage of social media platforms. The study adopted theoretical insights from Ajzen and Fishbein‟s Technology Acceptance Model to inform its theoretical foundation. The study assumed use of Descriptive research design, applying quantitative method. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County and Murang‟a University of Technology (MUT) in Murang‟a County public academic libraries were used as target population. A combined population of 17 Librarians and 400 postgraduate students was used as total sample size for the
study. The objectives of the study acted as a basis of Literature review. Moderatelystructured
questionnaires were used for data collection. Kenyatta University Kitui campus library was used for Pilot study. The library had similar features to the two libraries. The piloting research was carried out to establish the credibility and dependability of tools used for data collection. Data collection analysis established that seventeen (17) various kinds of social media platforms were presently applied in academic libraries to provide and receive services. The most popular platforms were Facebook and YouTube. In terms of infrastructure, majority of the respondents identified Wi-Fi to be supporting their use of the social media platforms. Similarly, among the factors affecting use of social media platforms in library and information services provision internet connectivity stood out. Limited internet connectivity or data bundles also featured in the study as a challenge in the users‟ attempt to use their preferred social media platforms when accessing library and information services. Therefore, three recommendations were made to the policy makers within academic libraries to allow better usage of the platforms among academic library users and members of the libraries staff.
relevance of social media platforms in university libraries can’t be overemphasised. Emergence of communication and Information technologies in libraries of universities has displayed changes in clients‟ perceptions, requests, shifts in information services and in librarian‟s roles. Libraries in the universities have embraced and approved diverse media platforms. Despite that, there‟s no clarity on exactly how the social network sites are utilised by librarians in providing information services. The research was focused on use of social media platforms for enhancing uptake of library services in universities in Kenya. The research focused on two academic libraries in Muranga and Kitui Counties. The research meant to accomplish four objectives. They include to establish the types of social media platforms used for enhancing usage of academic library services, to assess available infrastructure supporting the use of social media platforms, to examine factors affecting use of social media in enhancing use of university library services and to explore challenges inhibiting the usage of social media platforms. The study adopted theoretical insights from Ajzen and Fishbein‟s Technology Acceptance Model to inform its theoretical foundation. The study assumed use of Descriptive research design, applying quantitative method. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County and Murang‟a University of Technology (MUT) in Murang‟a County public academic libraries were used as target population. A combined population of 17 Librarians and 400 postgraduate students was used as total sample size for the
study. The objectives of the study acted as a basis of Literature review. Moderatelystructured
questionnaires were used for data collection. Kenyatta University Kitui campus library was used for Pilot study. The library had similar features to the two libraries. The piloting research was carried out to establish the credibility and dependability of tools used for data collection. Data collection analysis established that seventeen (17) various kinds of social media platforms were presently applied in academic libraries to provide and receive services. The most popular platforms were Facebook and YouTube. In terms of infrastructure, majority of the respondents identified Wi-Fi to be supporting their use of the social media platforms. Similarly, among the factors affecting use of social media platforms in library and information services provision internet connectivity stood out. Limited internet connectivity or data bundles also featured in the study as a challenge in the users‟ attempt to use their preferred social media platforms when accessing library and information services. Therefore, three recommendations were made to the policy makers within academic libraries to allow better usage of the platforms among academic library users and members of the libraries staff.
Understanding Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya: The Influence of Financial Accessibility Practices
(Journal of Business Management & Innovation, 2026-03) Alata, Vincent; Aluoch, Moses Odhiambo
In any business or organization’s endeavors, performance is the critical vision for management, growth, and improvement. Besides, in the unpredictable and competitive business environment, the availability of financial resources plays a significant role a sound financial accessibility practice leads to better business opportunities and innovative processes. Small and Medium Enterprises are part of the vast informal economy, which significantly contributes to job creation and poverty alleviation. In Kenya, however, within a few months of operation, about half of these businesses close, while most that remain perform poorly. The dismal performance has been linked to challenges in credit access in the banking sector, as these financial institutions play a key role in serving this segment. The study examined the influence of financial accessibility practices on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation, interest rate, collateral requirements, and credit rationing on access to credit and performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. This research was anchored in three theories: the asymmetric information theory, the adverse selection theory, and the Credit Rationing Theory. A descriptive survey research design was employed in the study to target 3,000 Small and medium enterprises registered in Nairobi County. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula, selecting 97 respondents as the unit of observation. Proportionate stratified and random sampling was used as the sampling technique. The data collection instrument was a pilot-tested questionnaire for accurate measurement examination. Descriptive statistical methods, such as the mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages, were used to analyze the data. In addition, inferential statistical techniques, such as Pearson's correlation and multiple regression, were used to assess relationships among the variables. The data were presented through tables and charts. The empirical results indicate that the four independent variables had a significant impact on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya (Adj R2 = 0.743, F-stat = 54.485, p < 0.005). The study concluded that financial accessibility practices improve the affordability, profitability, growth, and cost efficiency of firms' financial services. The study's findings contribute to the body of knowledge, thereby enriching the formulation of policies and best practices for firms to access credit and loans. Management and directors of Small and Medium Enterprises should entrench credit access activities and practices to optimize organizational outcomes.
Maternal Attachment among Teenage Mothers in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities (IAJAH), 2026-03) Momanyi, Brilliant Nyaboke; Gachara, Esther
Although teenage motherhood affects the entire spectrum of society, it is becoming increasingly evident that teenagers in rural urban areas are at high risk of becoming mothers. Maternal attachment in teenage mothers presents itself with adverse effects on the well-being of the teenage mothers and children. Existing literature shows that attachment styles of children born by teenage mothers have been perceived to be insecure. Existing studies have majorly focused on different attachment styles of children, but little is known on how teenage mothers perceive the attachment styles of their children in relation to their maternal attachment. The study aimed to establish the levels of maternal attachment among teenage mothers with children ages one to six years in Nairobi city county Kenya. The study was guided by attachment theory and psychosocial development theory. The study utilized a correlational research design to establish relationships. Research instruments were adapted from the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale by Condon (2015) and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-RS) questionnaire by Fraley, Waller, and Brennan (2000). The study’s target population was teenage mothers with children one to six years, between ages thirteen to nineteen years old living in Kibra, Nairobi City, County, Kenya. The study incorporated purposive sampling techniques to sample 156 participants based on Cochran’s formular. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was utilized to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables. Multiple regression model was used to control the influence of intervening variables in the association of maternal attachment and attachment styles. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The research findings show that, maternal attachment among teenage mothers significantly influenced their perception of their children attachment styles. Mothers with secure attachment behaviours perceived their children as securely attached. The findings were significant to teenage mothers, the Ministry of Health, ministry of education and AMREF &SHOFCO clinics in formulating policies to help the teenage mothers on establishing a perception of teenage mothers on attachment styles towards their children
Revenue Diversification and Sustainability of Public Universities in Kenya
(International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities (IAJAH), 2026-03) Bett, Jackline; Kosgei, Margaret
Kenya's public universities are major drivers of economic growth because they develop human capital, encourage innovation, and interact with the community. These institutions are essential in advancing equitable and sustainable development as well as Kenya's shift to a knowledge-based economy. Thus, public universities' continued existence is essential to Kenya’s economic development. Universities seem to be stabilized when their revenue sources are diversified because they are less susceptible to changes in government financing. Government financing is provided to public institutions to support their sustainability; nonetheless, there has been an increasing funding deficit recently which threatens the sustainability of the institutions. Government funding to universities under the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model has been steadily decreasing over the past few years, falling in 2022 compared to the previous years. Therefore, public universities' ability to continue operating is under jeopardy, which calls for the current inquiry.This research sought to explore the effect of revenue diversification particularly consultancy services and public-private partnership on sustainability of public universities in Kenya. The Resource-based and contingency theories provided the framework upon which the study was based. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population consisted of staff members of Kenya's state universities. Teaching and non-teaching staff was the units of observation, and the university was the unit of analysis. A simple random sampling technique was used to choose 241 nonteaching staff members and 143 teaching staff members from the sample size of 384 respondents. Primary data which was sourced through the administration of questionnaire was utilized as the main data source for the study. The research instrument's validity was assessed using content and face validity while reliability was tested using Cronbach Apha with a coefficient of 0.7 as the threshold. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data and results was presented in the form of table, charts and graphs. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the estimates a number of diagnostic tests was carried out which include multicollinearity, normality, heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation every ethical guideline was appropriately adhered to. Findings demonstrated that consultancy services had positive and significant (β=.189, ρ=.000) effect on the sustainability of these Kenyan public universities. Public-private partnership revealed a significantly positive (β=.252, ρ=.000) effect on the sustainability of Kenyan public universities. Further results indicated that philanthropic donations had positive but insignificant (β=.055, ρ=.434) effect on the sustainability of Kenyan public universities. The study recommends that cconsultancy services should be institutionalized within the public universities by creating specific consultancy bureaus and definite contractual structures. There should be incentives that will encourage staff participation in consultancy, such as revenue sharing programs and professional recognition. Project writing, contract negotiation, and service marketing training need to be given priority to enhance uptake and efficiency. Public-private partnerships must be prioritized due to their potential in providing a central means of mobilizing resources in universities. Institutional and national policy frameworks must be transparent and accountable and share risks fairly in PPP contracts. Cooperation in fields like infrastructure, ICT development, and research commercialization needs to be intensified, and the government ought to offer an environment of facilitation in the form of favorable legislation and checks and balances.