Kenyatta University Repository
Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
IMPORTANT LINKS
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
High Gastrointestinal Carriage Rates of Extended-Spectrum-Β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales and Associated Factors Among Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized Children in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-03) Githii, Susan; Ndungu, Cecilia; Maingi, John M.; Musyoki, Abednego
Background: Gastrointestinal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamaseproducing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) presents a critical public health threat globally. However, in resource-constrained countries with poor sanitation, inadequate drinking water, and limited microbiology laboratories like Kenya, epidemiological data of these strains is limited. This study assessed the gastrointestinal carriage of ESBL-E and the risk factors for colonization among children (≤ 5 years) in the inpatient department (IPD) and outpatient department (OPD). Method: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study at Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya, from February to June 2023. In total, 540 participants (OPD: 270, IPD: 270) were recruited, using systematic random sampling and consecutive sampling in OPD and IPD, respectively. Children admitted for less than 48 hours in the paediatrics ward and those with a prior history of hospitalization (≤ 3 months) in OPD were excluded. Demographic data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Following the standard microbiology methods, stool or rectal swab samples were cultured, with the identity and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates elucidated by automated platforms. Results: The overall ESBL-E gastrointestinal carriage rate was 35.4% (191/540), and was highest among outpatients at 40.4% (109/270). Isolates demonstrated co-resistance to aminoglycosides (43-52%), quinolones (52- 62%), carbapenems (44-50%), and sulfonamides (92-97%). They were more susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam (67-95%) and colistin (96-99%). Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) co-carriage rate was 17.6% (16/91), with similar rates for inpatients (50%, 8/16) and outpatients (50%, 8/16). Escherichia coli was the predominant ESBL-E overall (82.2%, 157/191), among outpatients (83.5%, 91/109), and inpatients (80.5%, 66/82), and was also the main CPE (overall: 81.3%, 13/16; OPD: 75%, 6/8; IPD: 87.5%, 7/8). Independent predictors of colonization included child age (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.60, p = 0.045) and a history of antimicrobial use from retail pharmacies without a clinician's prescription (adjusted OR: 0.18, p = 0.047). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a substantial burden of gastrointestinal carriage of ESBL-E and CPE co-carriage among children (≤ 5 years), with E. coli being the predominant organism. Age less than two years and a history of exposure to non-prescribed antimicrobials were independent factors for colonization. Efforts to limit exposure to contaminated environments and targeted antimicrobial stewardship initiatives are required to mitigate AMR in the current study setting.
Teacher Factors Impacting Implementation of Competency Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools in Mombasa County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Munyao, Rosenduli
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) aims to give students the fundamental
information, abilities, attitudes, and values they need to succeed in the twenty-first century.
However, as teachers are the main agents of curriculum delivery, their readiness and ability
are crucial to its successful implementation. The research aimed to explore the relationship
between the adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum in public primary schools in
Mombasa County, Kenya, and the qualifications, perceptions, experience, and
competences of teachers. The Theory of Curriculum Implementation served as the study's
compass. To ascertain the relationships between the important variables, a correlational
study approach was used. 300 teachers from Mombasa County's public primary schools
and 150 head teachers made up the target population. 50 head teachers were chosen using
the purposive sample technique, while 89 instructors were chosen via stratified random
sampling. Structured questionnaires were utilized to gather data, and the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was utilized to analyze the data using both
descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcomes uncovered that teacher-related factors
significantly influence the implementation of the CBC. Teacher qualifications were found
to have the strongest positive association with curriculum implementation, followed
closely by teacher competence, perceptions, and teaching experience. The results indicated
that teachers who had higher academic qualifications, positive attitudes toward CBC,
relevant teaching experience, and adequate training demonstrated greater effectiveness in
implementing CBC instructional and assessment strategies. However, the research also
revealed that gaps in training, resource availability, and continuous professional
development hindered optimal implementation. The study concludes that the success of the
Competency-Based Curriculum in Mombasa County is highly dependent on the teachers’
educational background, professional competence, and perceptions toward curriculum
reform. To improve teacher preparation and support systems, it suggests ongoing capacity
building, the availability of sufficient instructional materials, and policy interventions by
the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
The results offer important insights for enhancing curriculum delivery and educational
quality in Kenya's public elementary schools and advance our understanding of how
teacher attributes affect the implementation of CBC.
Knowledge Management and Organizational Performance: Case of Muran’ga County Government, Kenya
(International Academic Journal of Information Sciences and Project Management, 2026-03) Maragwa, Jemmimah Wangechi; Namande, Wekalao
County governments play a pivotal role in formulating and implementing practices that enhance stakeholder and citizen satisfaction. With the increasing emphasis on knowledge management as a driver of efficiency, transparency, and service delivery, this study assessed how knowledge management influences the performance of Murang’a County Government, Kenya. Specifically, it examined knowledge management practices. The study adopted a descriptive research design, analyzing responses from employees across different levels of the county government. Murang’a County was selected as the study site, with a target population of 300 employees comprising senior managers, middle-level managers, and general staff. Using Nassiuma’s (2015) formula and stratified random sampling, a sample size of 144 respondents was determined. This sample included 15 senior managers, 35 middle-level managers, and 94 employees. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews and was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The regression analysis was carried out to investigate the joint effect of knowledge management practices on county performance. The findings revealed that while Murang’a County Government has made significant strides in publicizing information, sharing data, and integrating information and communication technology systems, gaps remain in the consistent application and institutionalization of knowledge management processes. Regression analysis indicated that knowledge management practices had a positive and significant effect on performance, whereas managerial capacity and knowledge application showed negative but significant effects, highlighting possible implementation bottlenecks. Correlation analysis revealed weak associations, suggesting the need for stronger alignment of knowledge management with organizational priorities. The study concludes that effective knowledge management has the potential to enhance county performance, but fragmented strategies limit its impact. It recommends that county leadership embed knowledge management into strategic planning, policymakers institutionalize supportive frameworks, employees foster a stronger knowledge-sharing culture, and researchers further investigate sectoral knowledge management applications. Collectively, the study underscores that knowledge management, when coherently integrated, can significantly improve county-level performance and service delivery.
Risk Management Strategies and Performance of Selected Telecommunication Firms in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Kivuva,Enock Kimongo
The performance of telecommunication firms is critical to Kenya's economy, marked by
their role in connectivity, innovation, and financial inclusion. Nevertheless, their
performance is frequently undermined by a multitude of risks, encompassing fraudulent
activities, cyber threats, regulatory ambiguities, and infrastructural susceptibilities. These
challenges underscore the imperative for comprehensive risk management frameworks to
mitigate operational disruptions and optimize organizational outcomes. This study
examined the interplay between risk management strategies specifically, revenue assurance
protocols, anti-money laundering measures, business continuity planning, and risk transfer
methodologies and the operational performance of Kenya’s telecommunications industry.
The theoretical foundation of this research was anchored in Transaction Cost Economics
Theory, Prospect Theory, Contingency Theory, Agency Theory, and the Resource-Based
View Theory. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, this research sought to
systematically gather and analyze data pertaining to individuals, corporate entities,
operational environments, and prevailing phenomena. Data were collected from 154
respondents across Kenya’s three leading telecommunication providers Safaricom, Airtel
Kenya, and Telkom Kenya using structured, self-administered questionnaires. A stratified
sampling technique ensured broad representation across managerial levels. The data were
analyzed using Statistical packages for Social Sciences (SPSS v27), applying both
descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to examine the relationships between
the identified risk strategies and organizational performance. The findings revealed that all
four risk management strategies have positive and statistically significant effects on the
performance of telecommunication firms. Revenue assurance emerged as the most
influential predictor, indicating that robust financial monitoring and reconciliation systems
substantially enhance profitability and operational control. Anti-Money Laundering
practices were also significant, contributing to compliance, customer trust, and service
integrity. Business continuity frameworks were found to strengthen resilience and reduce
service disruptions, while risk transfer mechanisms such as insurance and strategic
partnerships were shown to reduce exposure to adverse operational events and improve
overall firm stability. The study concluded that an integrated approach to risk management
is essential for enhancing organizational performance in Kenya’s telecommunications
sector. It recommended that firms invest in advanced revenue assurance tools, automate
Anti-Money Laundering systems, regularly update business continuity plans, and
formalize risk-sharing arrangements. Moreover, regulators were encouraged to establish
cross-sectoral guidelines that reflect the evolving financial and technological roles of
telecom providers. This research provided critical insights for industry practitioners,
policymakers, and scholars. It contributed to theory and practice by empirically
demonstrating the value of strategic risk management in a high-risk, technology-driven
industry
Evaluation of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazards Associated With Earthen Building Materials Commonly Used in Bureti, Kericho County, Kenya
(The Scientific World Journal, 2026-02) Rotich, Charles Kipngeno; Nadir, Omar Hashim; Chege, Margaret Wairimu
This study investigates the radioactivity due to naturally occurring radionuclides in earthen building materials commonly used in Bureti, Kenya. Building materials derived from the earth’s crust often contain naturally occurring radionuclides, which may pose radiological health risks. In regions such as Bureti, Kenya, where earthen materials are widely used for construction, assessing their radioactivity is essential for public safety. Thallium-activated sodium iodide detector was used to measure the activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in the said materials and average values of 106 ± 61, 104 ± 8, and 82 ± 6Bqkg−¹, respectively, which are about three times higher than global averages were recorded. Radiological hazard parameters including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate (AEDRIN), hazard indices, excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), annual gonadal effective dose (AGED), and activity utilization index (AUI) were calculated to evaluate potential exposure risks. Indoor absorbed dose rates (mean 270.76 ± 18.84nGyh−¹) and AEDRIN (mean 1.00 ± 0.07mSv y−¹) exceeded international reference values, with 73.3% of samples surpassing the European Commission limit of 1mSv y−¹. While external hazard indices (mean 0.83) were largely within safe limits, internal hazard (mean 1.10) and gamma indices (mean 1.11) exceeded permissible thresholds. ELCR (mean 3.49 × 10−3 ), AGED (mean 997.27μSv y−1), and AUI (mean 2.04) values were significantly above global standards, indicating elevated long-term health risks. The findings demonstrate that Bureti earthen building materials contain enhanced radionuclide concentrations, rendering them radiologically unsafe under international guidelines. Continuous monitoring and regulatory oversight are crucial to mitigate radiation exposure and safeguard residents’ health.