Browsing by Author "Ireri, A.M."
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Item An analysis of gender displays in selected children picture books in Kenya(2015-02-09) Mathuvi, Philomena N.; Ireri, A.M.; Mukuni, Daniel M.; Njagi, Amos M.; Karugu, Njagi I.Children’s books are an early source of gender role stereotypes. Gender displays in such books can be read or interpreted as a social problem in any education system. The study aimed at identifying common gender displays in 40 children picture books used as supplementary English texts for classes 1 to 3 in Kenya published between 2005 and 2010. Five forms of gender display were evaluated based on Ervin Goffman’s model of decoding gender displays and visual sexism. Through content analysis, mean stereotyping scores for each behavioural category were computed and the overall score for each year determined. Findings indicate that the behaviour of females is significantly different from that of males in the selected books. Both positive and negative images about females have been given although the pattern changes from year to year. Suggestions for practice and further research are given.Item Assessing Young Peoples’ Momentary Thoughts About Sex: A Proposal of the Sex Envelope Game(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Ireri, A.M.; Mathuvi, P.N.; Njagi, M.; Njagi, A.M.; Mwenda, E.G.; Gatumu, H. N.; Piero, N.M.; Karugu, N.I.Most sexual reproductive health programmes for young people in developing countries depend on foreign concepts and data ignoring potential local strategies. Finding more effective ways for needs assessment and to engage young people in sexual health discussions is essential. Owing to the lack of research tools to investigate young people’s thoughts about sex, this paper proposes the sex envelope game based on results of a study conducted in Kenya among 113 participants (average age=23.9 years, Sd., 3.9). Results indicate that the simple method of the sex envelope game elicits important information regarding adolescents’ thoughts about sex. Areas of further research are suggested.Item Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Perceptions of Village Residents on the Health Risks Posed by Kadhodeki Dumpsite in Nairobi, Kenya(Scientific and Academic Printing (SAP), 2013) Njagi, J.M.; Ireri, A.M.; Njagi, E.N.M.; Akungah, Daniel Nyagetiria; Afullo, A.O.; Ngugi, M.P.; Mwanzo, I.; Karugu, N.I.Studies show that the health risks posed by dumpsites are significant especially when the area used for dumping is easily accessible. Children, the immunocompromised, the mentally challenged individuals are specifically vulnerable to the physical, ecological and chemical dangers posed by wastes. This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of the residents of Kadhodeki village on the health risks posed by the Kadhodeki dumpsite. Using households as units of sampling, a descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out in June 2012. Random data were collected using a face-to face researcher administered structured questionnaire where 323 participants were interviewed. Chi square was used to determine the association between the different variables. Findings indicate that residents posses a significantly low knowledge and a positive attitude (χ2 (1) = 224.03, p < 0.01; χ2 (1) = 8.697, p < 0.01).There were however no differences in risk perceptions. Participant’s age, duration one had lived in the village and their level of education, were proxy measures of knowledge, attitude and perception. Odds ratio analysis indicates that age and duration did not influence participant’s knowledge, attitude or perceptions. However, education accounted for a non significant 28% variation in respondents’ attitude towards the health risks of the dumpsite (OR= 1.282; CI 0.828- 1.997). Adequate education on the other hand significantly accounted for 67% variation in respondents’ health risk perception (OR= 1.671; CI 1.304-2.140). From the findings of this study, the ministry of Health is recommended to come up with health education programmes for the general population on the dangers of uncontrolled waste disposal sites.Item Evaluating the Effectiveness of Three Conflict Resolution Models in Changing Students’ Intergroup Expectancies and Attitudes in Kenyatta University (Kenya)(MDPI, 2013) Kigen, E.M.; Mokaya, B.M.; Oyugi, E.A.; Gatumu, H.N.; Ireri, A.M.Rapid changes in university structure and mission present various conflicts that require effective management. This study evaluated the effectiveness of distributive bargaining, integrative bargaining, and interactive problem solving models of conflict resolution in facilitating positive change in student’s intergroup expectancies and attitudes. 120 undergraduate students of Kenyatta University took part in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and oral interviews. The findings revealed that conflict resolution approaches that increase optimistic expectancies and perceptions of greater compatibility between the positions, interests, and needs of disputants may be more useful for a wide range of conflicts. Recommendations for practice and further research are given.Item Knowledge, Attitude and Perceptions of Village Residents on the Health Risks Posed by Kadhodeki Dumpsite in Nairobi, Kenya.(The Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management ., 2013) Njagi, J.M.; Ireri, A.M.; Njagi, E.N.M.; Akungah, Daniel Nyagetiria; Afullo, A.O.; Ngugi, M.P.; Mwanzo, I.; Njagi, I.K.This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of the residents of Kadhodeki village on the health risks posed by the Kadhodeki dumpsite. Using households as units of sampling, a descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out in June 2012. Random data were collected using a face-to-face researcher administered structured questionnaire and 323 participants were interviewed. Chi square was used to determine the association between the different variables. Findings indicate that residents possess a significantly low knowledge and a positive attitude (χ2 (1) = 224.03, p < 0.01; χ2 (1) = 8.697, p < 0.01) towards the Kadhodeki dumpsite. They were however no differences in risk perceptions. Participant’s age, duration one had lived in the village and their level of education, were proxy measures of knowledge, attitude and perception. Odds ratio analysis indicates that age and duration did not influence participant’s knowledge, attitude or perceptions. Rudimentary however, education accounted for a non significant 28% variation in respondents’ attitude towards the health risks of the dumpsite (OR= 1.282; CI 0.828- 1.997). Also adequate education significantly accounted for 67% variation in respondents’ health risk perception (OR= 1.671; CI 1.304-2.140). This study would recommend that the ministry of Health come up with health education programmes for the general population on the dangers of uncontrolled waste disposal sites.Item An Overview of Major Biological and Contextual Factors in Language Acquisition(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Ireri, A.M.; Mukuni, D.M.; Mathuvi, P.N.; Njagi, A.M.; Njagi, I. KaruguThis paper gives an overview of the major theoretical perspectives and factors in language acquisition. In the discussion, research findings in African setups are included alongside key American or European findings. Implications for parents and educators are highlighted together with areas requiring more inquiry.Item Relationship among occupational identity, Attitude toward Work, Age and Gender of First Year University Students in Kenya(2015-02-09) Ireri, A.M.; Thuku, Pauline; Karugu, Njagi I.The study aimed at finding out the relationship among occupational identity, attitude toward work, age and gender among Kenyan university students. Participants were 166 first year undergraduate students (103 male, 63 female; age range 17-23 years; M = 19.2; SD = 1.16) enrolled for Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Administration degree courses in Dedan Kimathi University. Data collection was done using a questionnaire composed of items adapted from Occupational Identity Scale-Revised (OIS-R) and the Work Opinion Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, correlation analysis and multivariate analysis of variance. A significant positive relationship was found between age and achievement oc-cupational identity (r (164)=.195, P=.05). The results further indicate that attitude toward work had very weak positive correla-tions with age (r (164) = .041, P= .05). In addition, attitude had very weak positive correlations with moratorium (r (164) = .017, P= .05) and foreclosure (r (164) =.021, P= .05) occupational identities. However, attitude toward work had very weak negative correlations with achievement(r (164) = -.022, P= .05) and diffusion (r (164) = -.112, P= .05) occupational identities. No statis-tically significant relationship was found between gender and degree choice (χ2 (1) = 3.651, P = .056). The Hotelling trace test results indicate that boys and girls do not differ in any of the occupational identity statuses (F=1.57, P=0.05). The results reaffirm the view that occupational identity is a complex developmental process involving the interaction of personality, age and other related factors. Areas of further research are suggested.Item Relationship between Academic Resilience and Academic Achievement among Secondary School Students in Kiambu County, Kenya(OMICS International, 2015) Mwangi, C.N.; Okatcha, F.M.; Kinai, T.K.; Ireri, A.M.This study sought to establish the relationship between academic resilience and academic achievement among secondary school students in Kiambu County. A descriptive correlational design was adopted. The sample comprised of 390 form three students. Data were collected using a demographic form and the California Healthy Kids Survey-Module B, 2007 version. Academic achievement was inferred from the school performance records. The main data analysis techniques were Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and regression analysis. Findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between academic resilience and academic achievement (r (388)=0.68, p<0.05). The findings are discussed and implications for practice and further research given.Item Relationship between Academic Resilience and Academic Achievement among Secondary School Students in Kiambu County, Kenya(International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology, 2015-09) Mwangi, C.N.; Okatcha, F.M.; Kinai, T.K.; Ireri, A.M.This study sought to establish the relationship between academic resilience and academic achievement among secondary school students in Kiambu County. A descriptive correlational design was adopted. The sample comprised of 390 form three students. Data were collected using a demographic form and the California Healthy Kids Survey-Module B, 2007 version. Academic achievement was inferred from the school performance records. The main data analysis techniques were Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and regression analysis. Findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between academic resilience and academic achievement (r (388)=0.68, p<0.05)., The findings are discussed and implications for practice and further research givenItem Relationship between Access to Retirement Information and Retirement Preparation among Prospective Retirees in Nyeri County, Kenya(Sciknow Publications Ltd., 2013) Ireri, A.M.; Thuku, Pauline W.Retirement comes with numerous which may lead to post-retirement poverty especially in developing countries. Although most Kenyan workers in formal employment are expected to be members of a pension scheme, many Kenyan employees do not have access to retirement planning information. This study aimed at finding out how retirement information influences retirement preparation among 370 prospective retirees aged 50 and above from both the private and public sector in Nyeri County, Kenya. Data collection was done using a questionnaire. The study sought to determine if there was a relationship between access to retirement information and level of retirement preparation and whether prospective retirees in the public and private sectors differed regarding their retirement preparation. The results show a moderate negative correlation (r (368)= -.402, p < .01) between access to retirement information and level of retirement preparation indicating a significant linear relationship between the two variables. A t-test comparing the means for retirement preparation for prospective retirees in the two sectors indicate a significant difference between the two groups (t(369)=69.641, p<0.05). The mean of the prospective retirees in the private sector (m= 14.1, sd=3.6) was significantly higher than the mean of prospective retirees form the public sector (m=12.6, sd=3.6). The implication is that private sector employees were better prepared for retirement than their public sector counterparts. In addition, more prospective retirees from the private sector had access to retirement information between than those in the public sector. The results indicate that both the public and sectors need to do more in sensitizing and motivating employees to prepare early for their retirement.Item Relationship Guidance Sources, Fears and Reasons for Marriage among Young Urban Christians in Kenya(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Tumuti, D.W.; Ireri, A.M.; Tumuti, J.W.Existing professional services for young people especially in developing countries need to be informed by the local situation for them to be effective. The study aimed at identifying sources of relationship guidance, young people’s fears and reasons for marriage. 65 young Christians in Nairobi with an average age of 25.23 (sd.4.38) completed a self-report questionnaire. Results indicate that the participants relied mainly on friends for relationship guidance. Social emotional benefits, especially companionship, were the major motivation for young people to marry. Infidelity and divorce were the main sources of fear of marriage. Suggestions for research and practice are givenItem The social function of swearing in a Miraa market environment(OMICS International, 2016) Mukuni, D.M.; Ireri, A.M.; Nthiga, P.M.; Owili, F.A.The study aimed at evaluating the social motivations behind the use of swearwords in the language of miraa traders. The study was carried out in Kῖrῖtirῖ open-air miraa (khat) market in Mbeere South sub-county within Embu County. Twelve negotiations involving both male and female traders were recorded and subsequently analyzed. The analysis indicates that swearing is an intricate social practice that is highly gendered, and which is used to not only socialize but also to achieve highly precious transactional goals in the miraa market. Significantly, swearing is a way in which the Miraa traders establish both their social and linguistic identityItem Uptake of Open Distance and e-Learning (ODEL) programmes: A Case of Kenyatta University, Kenya(Commonwealth of Learning, 2016) Njihia, Mukirae; Mwaniki, Elizabeth; Ireri, A.M.; Chege, Fatuma N.Despite most universities in Kenya having embraced Open Distance and e-learning (ODeL) that utilise modern ICT technologies in teaching and learning, enrolment in these programmes still remain low. In Kenyatta University, for example, out of a total student population of about 70,000, only about 5,000 (7%) are enrolled in the ODeL programme. The objective of this study was to establish the challenges faced by ODeL students at Kenyatta University and which impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme thereby limiting its growth. The study employed a sequential mixed methods design that allowed collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected from a sample of 207 students through a questionnaire while Key Informant Interviews were conducted with five senior members of staff directly involved in the management of the ODeL programme. The study established that ODeL students faced technical, instructional, institutional and personal challenges which impacted on the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. Key technical challenges experienced are insufficient exposure to computers and ICT technology, lack of finances to buy ICT gadgets, lack of internet connectivity and content hanging or not opening in the Tablets. Key institutional challenges faced were delayed delivery of study materials, poor administrative services such as registering and paying fees and poor student support services. With regard to instructional challenges, the key ones were inadequate academic support as lecturers failed to facilitate units on-line, lack of interactivity and poorly designed course material. Lastly, the individual challenges faced were financial constraints, insufficient study time, conflict between study and family/work balance. The study concludes that there is a need to institute learner support mechanisms to address the institutional, instructional and individual challenges faced by learners in the ODeL programme so as to improve on its efficiency and effectiveness.