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School Connectedness and Its Effects on Student’s Discipline in Public Secondry Schools in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Wachira, Isaac Kiiru
Schools are fundamentally designed to foster personal and social growth among
students, yet this objective is often undermined by indiscipline which has become a
major challenge in many public secondary schools in Tharaka-Nithi County.
Persistent indiscipline has not only hindered academic achievement but has also led
to significant financial burdens to families, stemming from both lost instructional
time and damage to school infrastructure. This study set out to examine the effect of
school connectedness on student discipline in public secondary schools in Tharaka
Nithi County, Kenya. The investigation focused on four key dimensions: teacher
support, peer group networks, commitment to education, and the physical school
environment. The research was anchored in Invitational Theory, which posits that
cultivating inviting and supportive school environments through people, places,
programs, processes, and policies can meaningfully shape student outcomes.
Employing a convergent-parallel mixed methods design, the study integrated both
qualitative and quantitative approaches. The total population encompassed 51,363
students, 2,737 teachers, and 154 principals across the county’s public secondary
schools. From this, a sample of 400 students, 200 teachers, and 40 principals was
selected using systematic random, stratified, and purposive sampling techniques.
Data collection instruments included questionnaires for students and teachers and
structured interview schedules for principals. Cronbach’s Alpha showed strong
reliability for both student (0.831) and teacher (0.731) tools. Quantitative results
were processed through descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative input
was thematically examined. All four school connectedness aspects were found to
meaningfully shape student discipline. Specifically, teacher support (F(2, 389) =
5.694, p = .004), peer networks (F(2, 389) = 35.672, p = .000), commitment to
education (F(2, 389) = 81.571, p = .000), and the physical environment (F(2, 389) =
141.691, p = .000) each emerged as significant predictor. Collectively, these factors
explained 57.5% of the variance in student discipline (R² = 0.575, F = 130.93, p =
.000), with the physical environment exerting the strongest influence. The study
concludes that student discipline is closely linked to the degree of school
connectedness. Supportive teachers, constructive peer relationships, strong student
engagement, and an orderly school environment collectively foster positive
behaviour and self-regulation. The research recommends that educational
policymakers and school leaders prioritize teacher-student relationship building,
implement peer mentoring initiatives, promote comprehensive student engagement,
and maintain safe, friendly and inviting school environments. This study presents
evidence on how various aspects of school connectedness affect discipline, offering
a practical guide for nurturing well-managed and supportive school environments in
Kenya.
Efficacy of Deltamethrin Incorporated Polypropylene Storage Bag Against Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus on Maize Seed Quality in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Tegei, Eric Maghas
Seed storage structures have a great influence on the quality of the stored certified maize seed. However, the conventional method of storing the certified maize seed has been found to be ineffective as the levels of insect-pest infestation, damages or losses, and overall quality of the stored seed over a period of time depend on the kind of storage structure used. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of deltamethrin-incorporated polypropylene Storage Bag against storage insect pests on maize seeds in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The study was operationalized with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement with four replications for each treatment, namely, Deltamethrin Incorporated Polypropylene bag, paper pack, non-dressed polypropylene bag, and jute bag. The study was carried out under ambient temperature conditions (Average 18.60C) and bimodal rainfall (900mm to 1400mm) for thirty-two weeks. Data for each treatment was collected in terms of foreign matter generated to evaluate commodity damage, dead and live insects to assess bag efficacy, moisture content for bag robustness, weevil-damaged seed for bag suitability, and seed germination for bag effect on seed quality. The findings revealed that both the type of packaging material and pesticide treatment had a substantial influence on the seed quality and protection of maize seeds during storage. Additionally, the results indicated that the choice of storage bag and the application of pesticide played a crucial role in controlling insect infestation and reducing susceptibility to weevil damage. Furthermore, the study established that seed moisture content and germination performance were significantly affected by the type of packaging material and pesticide treatment used, emphasizing their importance in maintaining maize seed viability and overall quality during storage. The study found that deltamethrin-incorporated polypropylene storage bags were highly effective in preserving maize seed quality in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. These bags significantly reduced insect infestation, maintained optimal seed moisture levels, minimized weevil damage, and enhanced seed germination throughout the storage period.
Consumption of Fortified Foods and Associated Determinants by Children Aged 6–23 Months in Isiolo County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Mkungo, Emily Chao
Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health challenge among young children, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Food fortification has been widely recognized as a cost-effective strategy to address these deficiencies. However, despite mandatory fortification policies in Kenya, gaps in awareness, access, and consumption persist especially among children aged 6–23 months. National data indicate that 36% of children are anemic, 61.8% are vitamin A deficient, 21.8% are iron deficient, and 83.3% are zinc deficient. In Isiolo County, 75% of children in this age group do not meet the Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). This study examined the influence of socio-economic status, availability of fortified foods, and caregiver knowledge on the consumption of fortified foods by children aged 6–23 months in Isiolo County. A cross-sectional survey involving 272 caregiver-child pairs and key informants (including shopkeepers) was conducted in the vulnerable wards of Oldonyiro and Ngaremara in August 2022. Cluster sampling was used to select villages, and simple random sampling was applied to identify participating households. Data collection tools included a semi-structured household questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using logistic regression at a 5% significance level. The study found that 89% of households were male-headed, with most of the caregivers aged 15–35 years. Over half (52.6%) of households were classified as having low economic status. Daily consumption of non-fortified maize flour and vegetable oil was nearly universal, while fortified versions were consumed by only 30% of children, typically twice per week. Households with higher socio-economic status (OR = 1.729, p = 0.012), greater caregiver knowledge (OR = 1.227, p = 0.0089), and better availability of fortified foods (OR = 1.311, p = 0.015) were significantly more likely to feed their children fortified foods. Notably, only 20.2% of caregivers were classified as knowledgeable about food fortification, and fortified products were less available in rural areas such as Oldonyiro. The findings underscore the critical role of socio-economic status, caregiver knowledge, and market availability in influencing fortified food consumption. Fortified foods already widely consumed in unfortified form represent a missed opportunity to improve child nutrition where dietary diversity is limited. Targeted interventions are recommended to raise caregiver knowledge, reduce economic barriers, and improve supply chain access to fortified foods in underserved areas.
Utilization of Male Targeted Short Message Service to Enhance Family Planning Uptake among Spouses in Marsabit County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Matoke, Vincent Omwenga
Family planning helps in regulating the number of children and determine healthy spacing and timing of births between pregnancies. The global contraceptive prevalence stands at 49.0%, Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 29.0 %, Kenya at 56.9% and in Marsabit County stands at 5.6%. Low contraceptive prevalence has also been associated with increased maternal, neonatal, infant and child mortality as well as reduced opportunities for education and employment for women who are unable to delay initiation of childbearing. Male spouse involvement on matters of family planning deserves attention. Male spouses can be involved through providing culturally friendly health education with child spacing messages rather than family planning itself. This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of male targeted short message service in enhancing family planning uptake among their spouses in Marsabit County. This study adopted a pre-test and posttest quasi experimental study design involving randomly selected 220 couples from Laisamis and Moyale sub-counties. Intervention of male targeted short message service was offered to male spouses from Moyale sub-county while Laisamis subcounty was used as a control at a ratio of 1:1 for a period of 4 months. The data collection instruments used included a questionnaire and key informant interview guides. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0 while qualitative were categorized and analyzed thematically. At baseline, descriptive statistics, chi-square and Fischer’s exact were used to analyze socio-demographic factors, level of knowledge, nature of attitude and health system factors at a confidence interval of 95% and an error of precision of 0.05. At evaluation, logistic regression analysis and McNemar test were used to measure the effectiveness of SMS intervention. The results were presented in form of tables, pie-charts and graphs. All the required ethical and logistical considerations were adhered to accordingly. The results revealed that at baseline level of uptake was 13.2% and 15.4%, high level of knowledge 14.0% and 12.0% and positive attitude 38.6% and 6.8% for control and intervention arms respectively. Uptake of family planning was increased by 3.6 times though use of short message service (OR 3.6, P<0.001 CI: 1.9159 – 6.7155). Male targeted short message service increased level of knowledge significantly (OR 4.173, P 0.001), changed nature of attitude (OR 2.7335, P 0.004) and male involvement in family planning (OR 4.4306, P 0.001). There was no association between all the health system factors and uptake of family planning in the control arm. In the intervention arm, there was significant statistical association between availability of FP services at the nearest facility (p*=0.03), main source of information (p*=0.041), male friendliness of clinics offering FP services (p*=0.04) and uptake of family planning among the respondents. The study concluded that the level of uptake was low but with SMS intervention knowledge increased, attitude changed, males were involved and thus uptake increased. The study recommends the integration of SMS intervention in provision of services, scale up of dissemination of information though SMS, provision of culturally appropriate messages, development of guidelines, engaging community leaders and setting up of more male friendly clinics.
Sustainability Disclosures and Firm Value of Firms Listed At Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Muchiri, Stephen Kariuki
Security exchanges play an important role in an economy by encouraging
savings and investments. However, for the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE),
this role has been undermined by the erratic movement in firm value in the
recent past. In the period from 2017 to 2023, Tobin’s Q was very erratic going
to a high of 1.3 in September 2021 and a low of 1.0 in November 2023. The
exchange launched an ESG Disclosures Guidance Manual in November 2021
in which they claimed that sustainability disclosures are positively correlated
with better financial performance. Evidence from previous studies presents
mixed results. This study aimed to examine the effect of sustainability
disclosures on firm value for firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange,
Kenya. Specifically, the study looked to establish the effect of Environmental,
Social and Governance disclosures on firm value of firms listed at the exchange.
Further, the study went on to assess the moderating effect of firm size on the
relationship between the sustainability variables and firm value. The study was
anchored on the Shareholder theory, Signalling theory, Stakeholder theory,
Social Contract theory and the Agency theory. The study adopted a positivist
research philosophy and an explanatory research design. Quantitative,
secondary panel data was collected from the companies’ annual reports for the
period 2017 to 2023 by way of a document review into a Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet based data collection tool. Stata V12 software was used to analyze
the data using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Hypothesis testing
was carried out on a dynamic Generalized Method of Moments model. Post-test
model specification tests included Arellano-Bond serial-correlation test AR1
and AR2 and Sargan-Hansen tests for over-identifying restrictions. Ethical
considerations were taken into account by obtaining relevant research clearance
and approvals. The study found that the first and second lag of firm value with
p-values of 0.014 and 0.016 respectively had a positive and significant effect on
current firm value. It also found that the contemporaneous value of governance
disclosures had a positive and significant effect on firm value (p-value = 0.004).
Additionally, the first lag of social disclosures (p-value of 0.046) had a negative
and significant effect on firm value. Tests for moderation showed that firm size
significantly and positively affected the relationship between governance and
firm value (p-value = 0.000). Environmental disclosure did not have a
significant effect on firm value. The study recommend that firms should invest
in robust governance frameworks, critically review their social strategies and
reconsider the need to invest in environmental activities. It also recommends
that government and industry regulators should support smaller firms with
governance improvements because it has a direct impact on their value.
Additionally, regulators should mandate ESG disclosure of quantitative metrics,
including environmental, social, and governance data, to improve reporting
quality. Finally, the study recommends a review of the stakeholder theory based
on the finding that not all stakeholders contribute uniformly or even positively
to firm value.