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Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution

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Predictors of Antiretroviral Therapy Interruption on Community Viral Load among People Living With HIV in Siaya County, Kenya
(International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2024-12) Ombagi, A. Jared; Oyore, John; Nyamache, Anthony
Background: Community viral load (VL) suppression is essential for assessing HIV treatment effectiveness, uptake, and impact on new HIV infections. Siaya is among the highest HIV burdens County in Kenya, with a prevalence rate of 13.2%, representing 96,297 estimated people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Among retained clients, 90% were virally suppressed, accounting for 51% of estimated PLWHIV. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective, and qualitative study was conducted in Gem sub-County of Siaya County, Western Kenya, among re-engaged PLWHIV who interrupted treatment. Data was collected from 13 facilities with highest rates of treatment interruption between January 2017 and December 2022. Participants with shorter appointments were interviewed during clinic visits. Their prospective and retrospective data were merged and analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate associations between demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic characteristics and VL suppression. Results: Of 311 participants assessed, median was age 45 years (IQR: 37–52) and VL suppression rate of 55%. Clients with primary education had lower non-suppression rates than those with university education (HR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26–0.76), and non-suppression was higher among those in formal employment compared to business (HR 1.95; 95% CI, 1.07–3.53). PLWHIV on ART for over 24 months had lower non-suppression rates (HR 0.5; 95% CI, 0.35– 0.73) than those on ART for under 12 months. Conclusions: University education, formal job, or being on ART for less than 12 months increased the risk of attrition. Implementation of client-centred HIV services may improve community VL suppression.
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The Impact of Behavioral Training Interventions on Motorcycle Accident Prevalence: A 6-Month Pre-Post Study amongMotorcycle Riders in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Journal of Medicine, Nursing & Public Health, 2024-07) Maru, Michael; Osero, Justus; Kimani, Harun
Motorcycle accidents have become a leading cause of fatalities and injuries in Kenya, with a significant impact on families, communities, and the healthcare system. This study aimed to establish the impact of behavioral training interventions on motorcycle accident prevalence among motorcycle riders in Kiambu County over a 6-month period. The study employed the Epidemiological Model for Non-infectiousDiseases as its theoretical framework. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, with a sample of 140 motorcycle riders randomly selected from Kiambu County. The participants were divided into a control group and an experimental group, with the latter undergoing a 2-week behavioral training intervention conducted by a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT). The Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. The findings revealed that during the post-training period, the experimental group experienced a reduced prevalence of motorcycle accidents at 23% (16 out of 70 observations), compared to the control group's prevalence rate of 48% (34 out of 70 observations). A paired sample t-test showed a significant difference between pre-training and post-training periods (p=0.000), and a Chi-square test indicated a significant association between behavioral training interventions and motorcycle safety (X^2^=22.308, df=15, p<0.010). The study concludes that behavioral training interventions have a statistically significant impact on improving motorcycle safety among riders in Kiambu County. It is recommended that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) incorporates behavioral training as a standard component of the motorcycle licensing process and that policymakers, road safety organizations, and motorcycle rider training programs prioritize the implementation and expansion of these interventions to promote motorcycle safety in Kenya.
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Assessing the Main Risk Traits Associated With Motorcycle Accidents among the Motorcycle Riders in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Journal of Medicine, Nursing & Public Health, 2024-07) Maru, Michael; Osero, Justus; Kimani, Harun
Motorcycles are increasingly popular as a mode of transport, particularly in rural areas of Kenya, due to affordability and accessibility. However, the rise in motorcycle usage has led to numerous fatal accidents, making it a major cause of death and injuries. This study aimed to determine the main risk traits associated with motorcycle accidents among riders in Kiambu County. The conceptual framework examined the relationship between risk traits as independent variables (over speeding, riding under influence, rider fatigue, experience, motorcycle defects, road conditions, regulatory non-compliance) and motorcycle safety as the dependent variable measured by accident occurrence. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design, with motorcycle taxi riders in Kiambu County as the target population. Using simple random sampling, a sample of 140 riders was achieved. Questionnaires were used for primary data collection and analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. The findings indicate majority of accidents occurred in bends (32%), roundabouts/junctions (28%), entrances (13%), bumps (12%) and crossings (11%). The main causes were rider misjudgement/inattention (42%), steering issues around bends/junctions (21%), potholes/uneven surfaces (15%), wet/slippery surfaces (10%), motorcycle faults (9%) and intimidation by other vehicles (3%). Majority had little knowledge in riding skills enhancement (42.9%), first aid (45%), health/safety (43%) and accident avoidance (45.7%). T-tests showed knowledge gaps in riding skills (F=8.320, p=0.005), accident avoidance (F=4.131, p=0.018), bike maintenance (F=4.223, p=0.042) and road craft (F=5.416, p=0.012) were significantly related to accident occurrence. The study concludes the main risk traits are linked to accident-prone locations, rider inattention/misjudgement, and lack of crucial safety knowledge. Recommendations include comprehensive training on navigating risk areas, improving judgment/steering, motorcycle maintenance, first aid, and partnering with authorities to enhance road conditions and implement safety measures through the licensing process.
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Assessing the Effect of Financial Literacy on Investment Decisions Among Matatu Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya
(International Journal of Financial Research, 2025-04) Wakanyi, Moses Gathecha; Musau, Salome
Financial literacy has garnered significant attention in the realm of investment on a global scale over the years. This phenomenon is ascribed to its pivotal role in the process of making investment decisions. The global economy has undergone increased complexity; thus, it is imperative for each individual to engage actively and astutely in investment decision-making to effectively navigate the escalating cost of living. Numerous individuals exhibit interest in various forms of investments, finding them captivating due to the ability to make decisions and subsequently observe the consequences of those decisions. Nevertheless, not all investment endeavors yield profits, given that investors may not invariably be accurate in their decision-making. Therefore, this research sought to analyze the influence of financial literacy on the investment decisions of designated Matatu SACCO employees in Nanyuki town, Kenya. Specifically, the research involved evaluating the influence of savings techniques, debt management, financial planning, and project appraisal methods on investment decisions. Underpinning theories were information asymmetry, behavioral economics and financial education. A causal research design was employed, focusing on 8 Matatu SACCOs in Nanyuki Town, Kenya, as the units of analysis. Data was gathered from 195 employees of the SACCOs, representing various departments, utilizing a stratified sampling method and simple random sampling techniques for participant selection. The study encompassed a sample of 131 participants. Primary data was acquired through questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, correlation and multiple regression was utilized for data synthesis. The study revealed that saving techniques, debt management techniques, financial planning and project appraisal techniques had a positive significant effect on investment decisions. The study concludes that savings strategies often encourage financial literacy and education. As Matatu SACCO employees engage in saving, they may also seek information on various investment options available to them. Debt management strategies often involve education on financial planning, budgeting, and investment options enabling employees to gain a better understanding of their financial situation, which enhances their ability to make informed investment choices.. The study recommends that the Matatu SACCO should organize regular workshops focusing on financial literacy, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, and investment options. The Matatu SACCO should create a clear debt management policy that outlines acceptable debt levels, repayment schedules, and consequences of default. The Matatu SACCO should invite financial experts and successful investors to share their experiences and insights, providing real-world context to theoretical knowledge. The Matatu SACCO employees in Nanyuki town, Kenya should organize regular workshops and seminars focused on project evaluation methodologies, financial analysis, and investment decision-making
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Turnaround Strategies and Performance of Private Universities in Kenya
(Reviewed Journal International of Business Management, 2025-04) Toromo, Cynthia Jerono; Mutinda, John
The focus of this study was on turnaround strategies and performance and specifically on management, asset and financial restructuring and staff rationalization as elements affecting private universities’ performance. Stage theory of successful turnaround anchor ed the research as supported by resource - based view theory and the balanced scorecard model. This study adopt ed a descriptive research design and target ed the top five private universities in Kenya based on uni - ranking . The study respondents were principals of colleges and directors , the sample size wa s 83 respondents and 64 filled and returned the questionnaire, making a response rate of 77%. There was collection of primary data from semi - structured questionnaires but the instrument was first pilot tested using 8 respondents from Daystar University . Th e aggregate Cronbach Alpha of 0.788, confirmed the reliability of the instrument as it was above the threshold of 0.7. For the collected quantitative data, descriptive and inferential analysis was done and revealed positive association between the variable s. The findings showed that staff rationalization had the biggest effect on performance of the private universities in Kenya. Management restructuring had the second largest effect to performance, followed by asset restructuring and financial restructuring . For the qualitative data, the conducted content analysis established that respondents agreed that these four types of turnaround strategies affected performance . The study concluded that the top five private universities have adopted and implemented turn around strategies by restructuring its management structure to a leaner and efficient operation system. It has also reduced and laid - off excess number of employees and retained only the most competent and qualified staff to handle different tasks at the un iversity. The study further concludes that restructuring the assets, selling off the assets that are not needed and optimal use of financial resources resulted in high performance in terms of high enrolment and graduation numbers of students. The study rec ommended the custom - making management structure, and recruiting and retaining highly skilled and talented employees to handle different assignments at the university. The recommendations further suggested disposing off obsolete assets and prudent managemen t and use of financial resources for attaining the university’s mandate. It also shows the valu e of private universities and through utilizing the turnaround strategies, the universities can offer quality higher education. Quality graduates will contribute to socio - economic growth and development of the nation through innovations and inventions that can solve the problems facing the general public.