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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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.
Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Mathematics Achievement among Grade Five Learners with Dyscalculia in Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Academic Journal of Social Sciences and Education (IAJSSE), 2026-03) Kwanzu, Francis Kulenya; Muthee, Jessina J. M.; Ouko, Hudson
This research intended to explore the relationships between self-efficacy, and mathematics achievement among grade five learners with dyscalculia in international schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was directed by Social Cognitive Theory. The correlation research design was utilized. The study targeted 10 school administrators, 30 grade five teachers and 200 grade five learners. The sample size comprised of 125 respondents which include 100 grade five learners, 20 grade five and 5 school administrators. The study utilized questionnaires, standardized tests and assessments, observations, interviews, focus group discussion and academic records to gather data. The questionnaires were utilized to gather the main data on self-efficacy as well as mathematics achievement among grade 5 learners with dyscalculia. The dyscalculia identification tool for grade 5 learners was adopted to help in identifying learners with dyscalculia in international schools Nairobi County. The aim of pilot study was to improve the validity and reliability of the research tools. The consistency and reliability of the data acquired was also evaluated using the split half reliability approach at a 0.7 coefficient. Mixed method techniques to data analysis that incorporate both qualitative and quantitative data were used. Themes and patterns were used to analyze qualitative data, while statistical distribution metrics like percentiles, frequencies, averages, and variance were utilized to analyze numerical data. To draw conclusions from the data, multivariate analysis was also employ inferential statistics. The findings show that there was strong relationship between learners' self-efficacy and their performance in mathematics. The outcomes indicated that there are a number of techniques that positively affected the learning of individuals with dyscalculia. The study suggested that governmental agencies should make a greater effort to support inclusive education through financial support of schools through grants to provide schools with tools and technologies specifically designed to help students with math-related difficulties.
Integration of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Sustainable Water Service Provision: Evidence from Mandera County, Kenya
(Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Book Publishing, 2025-03) Omar, Mohamed Ali; Muna, Wilson; Minja, David
The Kenya National Water Policy 2021 was designed to ensure sustainable water resource management and equitable access to clean water. However, key gaps exist inits implementation in Mandera County, where water scarcity remains a persistent challenge. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the effect of climate change integration on the provision of water services in Mandera County. The study was underpinned by Institutional Theory. The study was informed by pragmatism philosophy and employing a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 535 participants drawn from various key stakeholders in Mandera County, including the Water Resources Authority, Mandera Office, Mandera County Companies, community leaders, representatives from the Non-Governmental Organization, County Government of Mandera Water Department, and the National Drought Management Authority. The researcher used Slovin’s formula to obtain a sample size of 229 respondents. The study usedboth descriptive and inferential statistical methods in analysis. The findings were presented on tables. The findings revealed a coefficient of determination (R²)of 0.541, implying that 54.1% of the change in the provision of water services in Mandera County is attributed to climate change integration strategies. Regression analysis results showed that climate change integration (β = 0.336, p = 0.000) had statistically significant positive effect on service delivery. The study concludes that effective water service delivery in arid regions like Mandera County depends on coordinated efforts across environmental, infrastructural, and climate-focused interventions. In view of the findings, the study recommends that county governments, water sector agencies, and development partnersshould consider inclusive, climate-resilient planning in water infrastructure.
Employee Retention Strategies and Employee Turnover at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Kaimenyi,Ben Kithinji
The Aga Khan University Hospital has faced a notable level of staff turnover, as prominent
recruitment agencies have successfully attracted their employees to pursue opportunities
elsewhere. Those relocating to international destinations are offered appealing compensation
packages, which include competitive salaries, generous allowances, prospects for career growth,
and extensive support for relocating their families. This study aimed to investigate how
employee retention strategies affect staff turnover at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi City
County, Kenya. The specific objectives included assessing the effects of employee recognition
programs, work-life balance initiatives, career development opportunities, and competitive salary
structures on staff turnover at the hospital. The research was guided by theories such as
organizational equilibrium theory, social exchange theory, human capital theory, and equity
theory. A descriptive research design was employed in the study. 795 participants from 12
different departments were the subject of this investigation. Stratified sampling was the
technique used to choose participants. This indicates that a basic random procedure was used to
select study participants. There were 266 respondents in the sample. Questionnaires were utilized
in the study to collect data directly from the participants. To find out how effectively they work,
the study carried out a pilot study involving 26 hospital employees. The study examined the
content validity of the questionnaires to ensure their accuracy. The Cronbach's alpha correlation
coefficient was 0.776 which determined that the questionnaire items were reliable. Descriptive
statistics, such as mean and standard deviation, were used to analyze the data. Furthermore, the
data was examined using inferential statistics, which applied multiple regression analysis
approaches and concentrated on correlations between variables. Tables and graphs were used to
display the results. The study found that competitive compensation strategies, professional
development programs, work-life balance initiatives, and employee recognition strategies had a
positive significant influence on employee turnover at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi City
County, Kenya. The study concludes that an employee recognition program creates a productive
workplace where staff members feel valued and acknowledged for their efforts. Because workers
who feel their personal lives are valued are more likely to stick with their jobs, the work-life
balance approach increases job satisfaction. Employees may envision their future inside the
company thanks to the career development initiatives, which offer clear career tracks and
chances for professional development and skill improvement. The competitive pay boosts
employee morale and job satisfaction by giving workers a sense of worth and appreciation for
their accomplishments. The study recommends that the hospital ought to create a structured
program that routinely recognizes staff accomplishments. Flexible schedule alternatives, such
remote work, shortened workweeks, or customizable hours, can help employees better balance
their personal and professional obligations, which will improve job satisfaction and lower
turnover. The hospital should concentrate on implementing these options. The current career
development programs should be thoroughly examined by the hospital in order to find any
weaknesses and potential areas for enhancement. The hospital should offer comprehensive
benefit packages that may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and wellness
initiatives, as well as carry out in-depth market research to evaluate pay trends in the healthcare
industry.
Creative Industries on the Living Standards of the Youth: The Case of Mombasa County
(International Academic Journal of Social Sciences and Education, 2026-03) Chege, Simon Mbaro; Wainaina, Lawrence; Njoroge, Nicolous Muiruri
Introduction: Creative industries are increasingly recognized as important drivers of economic development, cultural expression, and youth employment. In Kenya, the sector provides opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and income generation among young people. Despite this potential, empirical evidence on the influence of creative industry participation on youth living standards remains limited, particularly in coastal regions such as Mombasa County. This study examined the influence of creative industry participation on the living standards of youth in Mombasa County, Kenya, focusing on economic, social, and cultural dimensions of engagement. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed among youth aged 18–35 years engaged in creative industries in Mombasa County. The study targeted 1,897 registered youth groups involved in activities such as music, performing arts, fashion, visual arts, and digital media. A sample of 331 participants was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan formula and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and 302 valid responses were obtained, representing a response rate of 91.2%. Results: The findings indicated that years of creative engagement and educational attainment were positively associated with economic well-being (r = 0.284, p < 0.001; r = 0.198, p = 0.002). Community engagement (r = 0.401, p < 0.001) and social inclusion (r = 0.318, p < 0.001) were strongly associated with social integration. Cultural identity (r = 0.462, p < 0.001) and appreciation of cultural diversity (r = 0.379, p < 0.001) were significantly related to cultural enrichment. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that economic well-being (β = 0.301, p < 0.001) and social integration (β = 0.218, p = 0.002) significantly predicted youth living standards, while cultural enrichment showed a positive but statistically nonsignificant relationship (β = 0.104, p = 0.084). Conclusion: Participation in creative industries contributes to improved youth livelihoods in Mombasa County through economic opportunities and strengthened social networks. Economic and social dimensions of creative engagement demonstrate stronger effects on living standards than cultural factors. Strengthening institutional and policy support for creative enterprises can enhance youth participation in sustainable economic and social activities within the creative economy.