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Corporate Board Diversity and Profitability of Construction and Allied Firms Listed At the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Hassan, Grace Ndanu
Globally, organizations in the construction and allied industry contribute greatly to the expansion and advancement of both the building sector and society as a whole serve as key pillars for Kenya's financial system. However, numerous indexed firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange have experienced great financial challenges in recent years because of a number of concerns regarding control, such as board diversity which often resulted in the possibility of project stalling and has led to the sequestration, reorganization, and delisting of certain firms. The goal of this investigation is to look into the connection between corporate board diversity and the profitability of construction and related companies that Nairobi Securities Exchange listed in Kenya. The investigation also evaluated the impact of board nationality, education level, age, and gender composition on the firms' profitability. The theories of Agency, stewardship and stakeholder were all used as the study's theoretical foundation. The study and data analysis was executed using a descriptive research design. The people of interest for the research was the five construction and related companies that are registered with the Nairobi Securities Exchange. There was a design of census sampling used. The Nairobi Securities Exchange construction and affiliated companies' financial reports was a source of secondary data. Panel technique regression was used to evaluate the data and determine how the investigated variables from the years 2017 to 2023 relate to one another. Several evaluation analyses were carried out to assess the suitability of the study framework. Ethical standards was put into considerations and adhered to accordingly. Findings from the outcome noted that board age has an insignificant positive effect on the profitability of the listed firms in Kenya with the conclusion that board age does not play a critical role in enhancing the firms’ profitability. Indicatively obtained from the outcome, board gender composition has an insignificantly positive effect on the profitability of these firms and conclusively arrived that board-composition performs an insignificant function in the determination of these firms profitability. Also, unveiled by the outcome, board education significantly affects the profitability of these firms positively with the study concluding that the board’s educational background plays a major role in driving profitability of these firms. Unraveled by the outcome, board nationality has a significant positive effect on the listed firms’ profitability leading to the conclusion that the nationality of the board significantly drives profitability of the listed firms. The recommendation is that policymakers should implement initiatives aimed at increasing the educational qualifications of board members. This could involve establishing a regulatory framework that mandates a minimum level of educational attainment for board members, particularly in fields relevant to construction and management. Companies can implement targeted outreach programs to attract international talent and establish partnerships with global organizations to facilitate knowledge exchange. The study reinforces the foundations of agency, stewardship, and
Working Conditions and Performance of Nyamira County Assembly Employees, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Nyabuto, Markphine Kerubo
The working conditions for employees of the Nyamira County Assembly are comparable to those in other county governments. The factors that contribute to suboptimal employee performance include an inadequate physical work environment, lack of job security, and excessive workloads. Counties have made efforts to improve these conditions, but many staff members continue to experience challenges due to insufficient infrastructure and limited resources, which affect efficient job performance. Additionally, a growing imbalance between professional and personal life has negatively affected the productivity of the employee. These challenges raise concerns about the effectiveness of service delivery within the county assembly. This research aimed to investigate the association between employee productivity and the work environment in Nyamira County Assembly. The study assesses how employee performance is affected by the physical workspace, job security, work-life balance, and workload. The research design used in the study was descriptive. The sampled respondents included assembly employees, 43 administrative staff, 58 support staff and 12 legislative assistants. A questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data. Regression analysis, mean, and standard deviation were used in the statistical analysis of the data. Content analysis was used for the study of qualitative data. Ethical considerations for the study included informed consent, confidentiality, objectivity and anonymity. The findings of the study indicated that Nyamira County assembly employees' working conditions affect their performance. Job security was identified as the most influential factor, which shows its critical role in promoting employee commitment and productivity. A supportive physical work environment, robust job security, and effective work-life balance are strongly associated with enhanced employee performance. The study recommends that the county prioritise improvements in office space and implement noise reduction measures to optimise the physical work environment. Furthermore, management should communicate and consistently enforce job retention and career progression policies to strengthen job security.
Land Use Effects on Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates of River Sebeya, Western Province, Rwanda
(Kenyatta University, 2025-07) Ntungane, Jean Paul
Surface runoff from agricultural land has crucial consequential challenge to the quality of water in shallow wells, introducing pollutants such as fecal contaminants, herbicidal and pesticidal residues, and chemical fertilizers. This research focal point is to examine the condition and potability of drinking water sourced from shallow wells in the Kipsonoi Sub-Catchment. The specific objectives included: mapping the spatial arrangement of shallow wells the region, assessing key physical, chemical, and biological water quality indicators, and determining the fitness of these water sources for human utilization. The spatial mapping of wells with depths below 15 meters was conducted using handheld GPS devices, and their coordinates were plotted using ArcGIS software version 10.8. A total of 31 shallow wells were sampled during both the wet season (April) and the dry season (January) to analyze selected parameters. Laboratory analyses were conducted following standard procedures, and the outcomes were benchmarked against water quality guidelines provided by NEMA, USEPA, and WHO. The WQI was computed to evaluate the potability of the sampled water. Findings from the study indicate the existence of roughly 321 shallow wells within the Kipsonoi Sub-Catchment, with 150 (47%) serving as sources of drinking water—96 wells (64%) located in the upper catchment and 54 (36%) in the lower zone. Widespread contamination was noted, with more than 60% of samples exceeding acceptable thresholds for nitrates (61.29%), turbidity (70.97%), and faecal coliforms (80.66%), as outlined by the referenced environmental and health authorities. A student’s t-test performed at a 95% confidence level showed a statistically meaningful difference (p ≤ 0.05) in E. coli concentrations between the dry and rainy seasons. Elevated extends of faecal coliforms during the rainy season pointed to human and livestock waste as principal sources of contamination during periods of heavy rainfall. According to the WQI assessment, over 60% of the sampled wells produced water that met the criteria for potable use, whereas 32.2% were classified as having substandard quality. The analysis highlights extensive contamination, particularly from nitrates, turbidity, and faecal indicators. The assessment recommends that water quality in the Kipsonoi Sub-Catchment is substantially compromised by agricultural runoff, which contributes to the increased concentration of pollutants in shallow groundwater. To mitigate these risks, government entities for instance the Ministry of Water, Water Resources Authority, and Geological Survey should initiate geophysical assessments to identify potential aquifers for deeper well development, even in areas constrained by clay layers. It is imperative that wells are properly sealed to prevent infiltration from surface contaminants. Moreover, water from shallow sources should undergo appropriate treatment before consumption to reduce excessive levels of turbidity, nitrates, and microbial pathogens, thereby aligning with national and international water safety standards.
Geospatial Distribution and Quality of Drinking Water in Shallow Wells in Kipsonoi Sub-Catchment in Bomet County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-07) Segut, Janeth Chelangat
Surface runoff from agricultural land has crucial consequential challenge to the quality of water in shallow wells, introducing pollutants such as fecal contaminants, herbicidal and pesticidal residues, and chemical fertilizers. This research focal point is to examine the condition and potability of drinking water sourced from shallow wells in the Kipsonoi Sub-Catchment. The specific objectives included: mapping the spatial arrangement of shallow wells the region, assessing key physical, chemical, and biological water quality indicators, and determining the fitness of these water sources for human utilization. The spatial mapping of wells with depths below 15 meters was conducted using handheld GPS devices, and their coordinates were plotted using ArcGIS software version 10.8. A total of 31 shallow wells were sampled during both the wet season (April) and the dry season (January) to analyze selected parameters. Laboratory analyses were conducted following standard procedures, and the outcomes were benchmarked against water quality guidelines provided by NEMA, USEPA, and WHO. The WQI was computed to evaluate the potability of the sampled water. Findings from the study indicate the existence of roughly 321 shallow wells within the Kipsonoi Sub-Catchment, with 150 (47%) serving as sources of drinking water—96 wells (64%) located in the upper catchment and 54 (36%) in the lower zone. Widespread contamination was noted, with more than 60% of samples exceeding acceptable thresholds for nitrates (61.29%), turbidity (70.97%), and faecal coliforms (80.66%), as outlined by the referenced environmental and health authorities. A student’s t-test performed at a 95% confidence level showed a statistically meaningful difference (p ≤ 0.05) in E. coli concentrations between the dry and rainy seasons. Elevated extends of faecal coliforms during the rainy season pointed to human and livestock waste as principal sources of contamination during periods of heavy rainfall. According to the WQI assessment, over 60% of the sampled wells produced water that met the criteria for potable use, whereas 32.2% were classified as having substandard quality. The analysis highlights extensive contamination, particularly from nitrates, turbidity, and faecal indicators. The assessment recommends that water quality in the Kipsonoi Sub-Catchment is substantially compromised by agricultural runoff, which contributes to the increased concentration of pollutants in shallow groundwater. To mitigate these risks, government entities for instance the Ministry of Water, Water Resources Authority, and Geological Survey should initiate geophysical assessments to identify potential aquifers for deeper well development, even in areas constrained by clay layers. It is imperative that wells are properly sealed to prevent infiltration from surface contaminants. Moreover, water from shallow sources should undergo appropriate treatment before consumption to reduce excessive levels of turbidity, nitrates, and microbial pathogens, thereby aligning with national and international water safety standards.
Access to Reproductive Health Services among Women of Reproductive Age 15–49 Years Living in the Informal Settlements of Mathare, Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Rotich, Janet Cheptoo
Informal settlements in Nairobi, such as Mathare informal settlements, house an estimated 60% to 80% of the city's population. These areas are marked by inadequate sanitation, overcrowding, poor housing, and limited public health services. Women living in these communities face severe reproductive health challenges due to poor service availability, insufficient information, and socio-economic constraints. The primary objective of this study was to assess the accessibility of reproductive health services (RHS) among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) residing in Mathare informal settlements, Nairobi City County. Specific objectives were to determine the level of knowledge on RHS; assess women’s attitudes toward RHS; identify the types of RHS services accessed; and evaluate the health system factors influencing accessibility. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in four villages within Mathare: Mathare 3B, Mathare 4A, Kosovo, and Mathare Village 2. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 384 women, achieving a 78.1% response rate. Quantitative analysis using SPSS Version 26 involved univariate statistics, chi-square tests for bivariate associations, and logistic regression to identify determinants of RHS accessibility. Most respondents were aged 18–29 years (48.7%), had primary education (61.7%), were married (58.7%), and unemployed (69.3%). While 67% of women rated RHS as acceptable, family planning, fertility intention, and pregnancy planning services were underutilized. Knowledge gaps (66.7%) and negative attitudes (64%) were significant barriers. Key determinants of RHS accessibility included age (p < 0.001), education, marital and employment status, with older women more likely to access services (OR = 8.686). High accessibility was associated with spousal involvement, positive views on education, and open partner discussions. Barriers included long travel distances, high transportation costs, service unavailability, and social myths. The study concluded that Women in Mathare informal settlements face significant barriers to accessing quality reproductive health services, particularly in family planning. Limited knowledge, negative perceptions, and structural challenges continue to limit access. Strategic and targeted interventions are urgently needed to improve uptake and service delivery. To improve reproductive health service accessibility among women in Mathare informal settlements , the study recommends implementing targeted reproductive health education programs to bridge knowledge gaps, conducting community sensitization initiatives to address negative attitudes and misconceptions, expanding the availability of underutilized services, particularly family planning in public health facilities, addressing structural barriers such as long distances, transportation costs, and inconsistent medical supplies, and undertaking further research to explore male partner involvement and assess the effectiveness of community-based and digital interventions.