RP-Department of Sociology

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Adolescent Sexuality and Fertility in Kenya: A Survey of Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices
(Population Council, 1991-08) Ajayi, Ayo A.; Leah, T.; Janice, Miller; Paxman, John M.
This article presents findings from a survey conducted in Kenya in 1985 of the reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among more than 3,000 unmarried Kenyan youth, students and nonstudents, between the ages of 12 and 19. The survey was designed to elicit information that would be useful in gauging the kinds of problems Kenyan adolescents face in order to design programs that meet their needs. The study shows that although a solid majority of adolescents appear to have received information on reproductive health, the quality of the infor- mation is generally low. Fewer than 8 percent could correctly identify the fertile period in a woman's menstrual cycle. A substantial proportion of the population surveyed, more than 50 percent, is sexually active, having initiated intercourse some time between 13 and 14 years of age, on average. In spite of a general disapproval of premarital sex (but approval of the use of contraceptives among the sexually active), most of the sexually active population-89 percent-have never used contraceptives. The many contradictions between attitudes and practices pose serious questions and demonstrate the need to reexamine the programs (and policies) that provide access to reproductive health services to adolescents in Kenya. (STUDIES IN FAMILY PLANNING 1991; 22,4: 205-216)
Gerontology education and research in Kenya: establishing a U.S.-African Partnership in Aging
(2005) Sharon, V. King; Mugo, Gachuhi; Gillian, Ice Maria; Cattell, Frank Whittington
Demographic characteristics of elite Kenyan endurance runners
(Journal of Sport Science, 2006-05) Onywera, V.O.; Scott, Robert A; Boit, Michael K.; Pitsiladis, Yannis P
Kenyan athletes have dominated international distance running in recent years. Explanations for their success include favourable physiological characteristics, which could include favourable genetic endowment, and advantageous environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics of elite Kenyan runners with those of the general Kenyan population. Questionnaires, administered to 404 elite Kenyan runners specializing in distances ranging from the 800 m to the marathon and 87 Kenyan controls, obtained information on place of birth, language, and distance and method of travel to school. Athletes were separated into two groups according to athletic success: those who competed in international competition and those who competed in national competition. The athletes differed from controls in regional distribution, language, and distance and method of travel to school; athletes also differed from each other with the exception of method of travel to school. Most national and international athletes came from the Rift Valley province (controls 20%, national athletes 65%, international athletes 81%), belonged to the Kalenjin ethnic group (controls 8%, national athletes 49%, international athletes 76%) and Nandi sub-tribe (controls 5%, national athletes 25%, international athletes 44%), and spoke languages of Nilotic origin (controls 21%, national athletes 60%, international athletes 79%). A higher proportion of all athletes ran to school each day (controls 22%, national athletes 73%, international athletes 81%) and covered greater distances. In conclusion, Kenyan runners are from a distinctive environmental background in terms of geographical distribution, ethnicity and travelled further to school, mostly by running. These findings highlight the importance of environmental and social factors in the success of Kenyan runners.
The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in East and West African athletes.
(Medicine and amp Science in Sports and amp Excersice, 2007-12) Yang, Nan; MacArthur, Daniel G; Wolde, Bezabhe; Onywera, V.O.; Boit, Michael K.; Lau, Sau Yin Mary-Ann; Wilson, Richard H; Scott, Robert A; Yannis, P
To determine the frequency of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism (functional R allele and nonfunctional X allele) in a variety of African populations and to examine its influence on the success of elite East African endurance runners and West African sprinters. The R577X polymorphism was genotyped in 198 Ethiopian controls and 76 elite Ethiopian endurance athletes, 158 Kenyan controls and 284 elite Kenyan endurance runners, and 60 Nigerian controls and 62 elite Nigerian power athletes. Statistical analyses were performed by exact tests of population differentiation, using Arlequin, version 3. Analyses were carried out using 1 x 10(6) Markov chain steps, and 1 x 10(5) dememorization steps. The frequency of the X allele was extremely low among Kenyans and Nigerians (approximately 1% homozygosity) and higher in Ethiopians (approximately 11% homozygosity). The low baseline frequencies of the three populations tested mean that any associations with sprint performance would likely be obscured. In Ethiopians, where baseline levels of 577XX were about 11%, there was no increased frequency in the endurance athletes. Our data suggest that alpha-actinin-3 deficiency is not a major influence on performance in African athletes.
The impact of fodder trees on milk production and income among smallholder dairy farmers in East Africa and the role of research
(World Agroforestry Centre, 2009) Place, Frank; Ralph, Roothaert; Maina, Lucy; Steven, Franzel; Sinja, Judith; Wanjiku, Julliet
The objective of this study is twofold, to demonstrate (1) the effects of fodder shrubs on milk production and their value at the household and regional level and (2) the contribution of research by the World Agroforestry Centre toward strengthening the impact of fodder shrubs. The study is a synthesis of previous studies related to dissemination, adoption and impact combined with two new analyses, one quantitatively measuring the impact of the shrubs through econometric analysis and the other a qualitative analysis to better understand constraints on adoption and gender issues related to participation and control of benefits from fodder shrubs. Among the study findings are that fodder shrubs have been widely adopted in East Africa, by an estimated 205,000 smallholder dairy farmers by 2005. Women were active in planting shrubs, as monitoring found almost half of planters to be women. Several studies have confirmed that shrubs do have an impact on milk production. While feeding trials have found that 1 kilogram of calliandra increases milk production by 0.6–0.8 kilograms, a new survey of farmers’ perceptions in Kenya found the effect to be about half as large after controlling for the effects of breeds, season and other feeds. Whether the effect is the lower or higher estimate, the overall impact of the shrubs in terms of additional net income from milk is high, at US$19.7 million to $29.6 million in Kenya alone over the past 15 years.
East African runners: their genetics, lifestyle and athletic prowess.
(PubMed, 2009-02) Onywera, V.O.
East African runners have dominated distance running events for over 5 decades. Some explanations have been advanced to explain why such a small population has dominated distance running events over time. Suggested reasons include, among others, a genetic predisposition, diet, living at high altitude as well as sociocultural background. This chapter gives possible insight into the past, present and hopefully future success of East African runners; it mainly explores the foundations of running excellence, talent identification, diet and injury management methods used by East African runners. The chapter also explores means and ways by which East African runners can sustain their running excellence by using their past experiences, to perfect the present and predict the future.
Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Organization Development interventions on Organizational leadership and management practice. A Case of Green Earth (GEP).
(2011) Minja, D.M.
This study was an analytical descriptive research done to assess the effects of organization development interventions on leadership and management practises of Green Earth Program. The theoretical framework was based on the models developed by Kotter and Lippit and the conceptual framework was based on the effects of organization development interventions framework of leading change. A pre- assessment of leadership and management practice at Green Earth was conducted which identified six problem areas or improvement issues. These were: absence of a strong compelling vision and an organization structure that encouraged an unhealthy competitive conflict, failure to involve staff at all levels in decision making especially in areas affecting their work, inadequate information flow (communication), a perceived unfair reward system and lack of human resources management policies and procedures, weak financial accountability practice and lack of financial management policies and procedures. The data from pre- assessment and post assessment were statistically treated using the means. A t-test was also used for the comparison of the pre and post interventions data, for improvements significance at 0.05 alpha levels. The results of the pre and post intervention assessments showed that the effects of the interventions was statistically significant. The study findings revealed that the overall mean for pre- assessment was 1.45 while the overall mean for post intervention assessment was 1.81. The overall p value was p=0.000. This was a clear indication that there was a very significant difference between data obtained during pre- assessment and data obtained after post intervention assessment. The above results led to the conclusion that the Organization Development Interventions offered were successful since there was a significant difference in the data before and after the interventions. These results therefore, led to the rejection of the hypothesis which stated that there were no significant differences in the obtained data on the six problems areas before and after the interventions. This hypothesis was to be accepted or rejected at the 0.05 alpha level.
Anthropometric characteristics, dietary patterns and the risk of Glucose Intolerance among rural populations in the Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya
(2011-11-02) Kiplamai, Festus Kaino; Mike, K. Boit; Waudo, Judith N.
Introduction: The primary cause of increase in the prevalence of glucose intolerance in Africa is the lifestyle changes commonly known as the “nutrition transition”. Objective: To determine the effects of dietary intake and anthropometric characteristics on the glucose intolerance of two rural communities of the Lake Victoria Basin in Kenya. Methods: Data from 304 subjects (8/24, M/F with glucose intolerance; 126/146, M/F control subjects) were analyzed in a case control study. Their height, weight, hip circumference (HC), Waist Circumference (WC) Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC) and % Body Fat (BF) were measured. Diet intake was assessed using 24 hour recall and the food frequency questionnaire. Glucose intolerance (IGT + Diabetes) was assessed using the fasting blood glucose level followed by the OGTT test using 75grams of glucose. Results: The BMI (p=0.003), %BF (p=0.002), and HC (p=0.004), differed significantly among glucose intolerant and the controls. Glucose intolerant (GI) subjects were found to have a significantly (p=0.017) lower percentage of protein (12%) intake in their diets than the control (14%). The intake of Poly unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) also differed significantly (p=0.042) with the glucose intolerant group consuming less than the controls. There was significant differences (p=0.015) in the vegetable intake among the two groups with the controls having reported increased intake of the vegetables. Conclusions: Increasing BMI, % BF and HC independent of age and sex are risk factors for glucose intolerance. A high overall protein percent intake in the diet and an elevated PUFA intake have desirable effects in the management of blood sugar metabolism. Increased intake of vegetables was found to have protective effects against glucose intolerance. Recommendations: Individuals are strongly advised to have non-elevated BMI, %BF and HC for purposes of managing the body tolerance to glucose. Increasing the protein percentage, PUFA and vegetable intake in the diet is recommended for all age groups and in both males and females
Ethical Practices; the Foundation of Political and Economic Development in Kenya
(2011-12) Minja, D.M.
The subject of ethical practices in Kenya has been a hot one for the last two decades. Unethical practices in organizations and at the political arena have been widely reported in the wake of many high-profile management and financial scandals. Even with the establishment of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission and laws and regulations aimed at curbing corruption, the situation has not improved significantly. Leaders are coming under increasing scrutiny because of the role they play in managing ethical conduct and modelling ethical behaviour. Failure of political leaders and executives to provide moral leadership has led to citizens being disappointed and national goals remaining largely unmet. Increasingly so, recent debates about issuance of citizenship certificates may leave many citizens disenfranchised; all of which have a major influence on political and economic development. Theory and research suggest that leaders should, and do, influence ethical behaviour. This paper explores theoretical arguments why leaders should play an important role of influencing ethical behaviour and why it is imperative for them to model the desired behaviour. The paper explores ethical practices from Aristotle’s perspective, cognitive moral development and social learning theories. This paper also tries to argue that laws alone cannot ‘convert’ the society that has developed and perfected the art of unethical practices. A new way of thinking is necessary, that will involve and empower everyone to start thinking and behaving in an ethical way. The paper therefore provides a prescriptive model of addressing ethical dilemmas in the public service in order to promote nation building. Several recommendations applicable not only to the public service but also to other Kenyan sectors have been made and it is believed that if adopted will go a long way in transforming leaders and followers into ethically responsible people who will foster nation building. The work of transformation begins with leaders who are themselves transformed and in turn mentor others to produce the desired behaviour. In this way, political and economic development in Kenya will cease to be a mirage.
‘It Is My Turn To Give’: Migrants' Perceptions of Gift Exchange and the Maintenance of Transnational Identity
(Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2012) Wangaruro, J.; Taylor, G.; Papadopoulosa, I.
This paper reports on research conducted with Kenyan migrants in the United Kingdom concerning the support they provide to chronically ill relatives in Kenya. Using qualitative research, we explore the meaning of this support, particularly in relation to the maintenance of transnational identity. The provision of support is considered in the context of gift exchange, and notions of intrinsic reward, reciprocity, obligation, sacrifice, religious conviction and identity are discussed. The research suggests that gift exchange and the maintenance of identity among Kenyan migrants may contribute to a sense of subjective wellbeing.
The socio-demographic characteristics and their effects on the adaptation levels of family caregivers of PLWHA in Thika District, Kenya
(Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics & Management Sciences, 2012) Kerre, F. P.; Mugenda, Olive M.; Kathuri-Ogola, L. N.
This paper sought to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics of family caregivers (FCGs) of PLWHA in Thika District. A total of 177 primary FCGs of PLHWA, drawn through proportionate stratified random sampling from three divisions in the study area were used. Data was collected using interview schedules and Focus Group Discussion (FGDs). The collected data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data was analyzed with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) where descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were computed in order to understand the patterns and nature of relationships. Qualitative data was analyzed by use of content analysis, where labels were assigned to various categories and themes of the data. In addition, the data was presented, where possible, using verbatim quotation. The FCGs: were mostly found in rural areas (46.7%); the majority was female (70.1%); the majority were found to be between 20 and 59 years of age, with the highest age group being made up of 30 to 39-year olds (25.4%); the majority (52.5%) were married; 62.1% had had no schooling and/or primary education; a majority (over 38.1%) had no jobs; 59.3% of the families were male-headed; incomes rangeg from KShs. 200 to 35,000 with 61.6% spending Kshs. 100-200 daily. The study recommended that: The Kenyan government to put in place strategies that will ensure equitable distribution of resources to all FCGs and specific interventions by government and non-governmental agencies focusing on FCGs of PLWHA should pay attention to gender considerations with customized approaches or strategies for both males and females.
Creating employment through transport; the Youth and Motorcycle ( Boda Boda ) in Kitengela, Kjiado County.
(Emerging Academy Resources, 2013) Gladys, Marie Nyachieo
It is widely recognized that young people have been among the most adversely affected by the current economic crisis in Africa and the world. The youths have reduced chances of getting jobs into the formal sector. Due to the above situation, the youths are engaging in a variety of activities for ‘survival’. In Kenya, the motorcycle (boda boda) transport is a form of employment that is giving job opportunities to many young people at a time when the world is facing global unemployment problems. Transport is an important component in both rural and urban development programs and an enabling element for the achievement of Millennium Development Goals. This is in terms of creating employment for the young people and facilitating movement of goods and services. Utilizing a sample of 50 motorcycle (boda boda) riders in Kitengela, the study examined motorcycle (boda boda) as a form of employment for the youth. The main objective was to determine the role of (boda boda) motorcycles in employment creation for the youth in Kitengela, the study looks at whether (boda boda) motorcycles have improved the financial wellbeing of youths in Kitengela. The study demonstrates that youths can create employment through their innovative initiatives. The significance of this study is in filling a gap in literature. In addition, it suggests what the government and other stakeholders can do to ensure that the transport sector that is creating employment for the youth is made more efficient and safe. Convenience sampling was used. Qualitative data was coded and summarized and categorized in themes. SPSS was be used to analyze quantitative data. Data was presented in pie charts, bar charts and frequency tables.
Changing intergenerational relationships and their implications on family structure and functioning in Africa
(2013) Daniel, M.M.; Lucy, W. M.; Samuel, M. M.
Intergenerational relationships have been changing the world over, with greater implications on the family structure, health and stability. The key changes in Africa are often associated with colonial intrusion and the attendant infiltration of Western cultures. The process has in recent times been further exacerbated by the process of globalization. In the past, relationships between generations were stipulated in culture and preserved by norms, folklore and even taboos. These relationships were based on mutual respect, cooperation, obedience and benefit across generations. The honor, respect and reverence of the old by the young were supposed to be passed down the generations. With modern changes, these values have changed and in some cases, are completely eroded and replaced with modern ideals often leading to dysfunctioning of the family. Some of the dysfunctions include lack of care for older persons within the family, child delinquency, lack of internal regulation of the family, lack of external mitigation in times of dispute, resulting to frequent breakdown of the family. As a result, family relationships and roles are changing and so are the intergenerational relationships. The patterns of change also create implications warranting interventions beyond the capacity of the family
Christians and the 2010 constitution referendum in Kenya: A search for explanations from a retrospective study
(International Journal of Arts and Commerce, 2013) Ombaka, D. M.
Religion has co-existed with the politics since times immemorial and the issue of how they influence one another is of perennial interest. Kenya is indeed no exception in this regard and in the politically repressive 1980s, it was only the voices of the mostly Christian clergy that could be heard in the fearful silence. Thus the Christian church came to be closely associated with the fight for political freedom and democratization. However, all that came into serious question in 2010 when a referendum that was held to approve a new constitution was conducted. During that year the most notable opposition to the proposed constitution came from the Christian clergy. What caused this turn-around? It is this question that prompted this retrospective search for explanations from the data gathered from a study of some 870 undergraduate students in universities in Kenya that was conducted in 1999. How could the change in political standpoint of the clergy be explained? Did it have something to do with the political attitudes engendered by membership in these churches? The findings suggest that although Christianity influences political attitudes to some extent, such influence is not overwhelming and what was witnessed in the referendum may therefore be due to influences emanating from other than the attitudes and orientations nurtured by professing Christianity as a faith.
Influence of Retirement Preparation on Happiness in Retirement: a case of Nyeri County, Kenya
(Elsevier, 2013) Thuku, Pauline W.
Retirement has many financial, health and emotional effects. In many developing countries, older people are the poorest members of society. This study aimed at assessing how preretirement preparation influences retirement happiness in Kenya, with a view to making appropriate recommendations to improve the quality of life during retirement. The study was conducted in Nyeri County, Kenya using randomly selected retirees. Data was collected using questionnaires analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that; age, gender, marital status, parents’ socio-economic status, availability of retirement information, monthly income, retirement planning and the availability of reliable social support systems significantly influenced retirement happiness. To prepare for a happy retirement therefore, this study recommends that all employees be provided with retirement planning information and counselling on how to cope with post-retirement social, physiological and financial challenges
Family-related factors correlating with quality of life in Kenya
(Prime Journals, 2013) Maina, Lucy W.; Mugenda, Olive M.
Family life and quality of life are closely intertwined. Yet the family and its structure differ significantly across the globe. Quality of life studies have mainly focused on developed countries with few scholars attempting to understand the key role of the African family in achieving life satisfaction for its members. Kenya like other African countries is consistently missing from most global quality of life ranking. Hence the current paper attempts at elucidating the multi-dimensional contribution of the family to the realization of quality of life among Kenyans. The paper draws from empirical data gathered in year 2011 from a nationally representative sample of 5,179 adults in Kenya using the explorative survey and quasi-experimental methods. The subjects were interviewed on a wide variety of factors that relate to quality of life. The findings show the pre-eminence of the family in achieving QoL among Kenyan adults as well as its intricate relationship with other factors deemed as key indicators of quality of life. Policy recommendations include the need to improve the health of the family through focused programming
The Role of Faith-Based Male Circumcision Programs in Promoting Sexual Health of Adolescent Boys' in Eastern and Central Kenya
(2013) Kamau, A.W.; Kamau, P. K.; Njoka, J.M.; Orago, A. S.; Mundia, B.
The Arts and the Sciences and the shaping of political orientations in Kenya: evidence from university undergraduates.
(2013-04) Ombaka, Dick M.
Education and Civic Engagement in Kenya: Evidence from a Study of Undergraduate University Students
(Center for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2013-04) Ombaka, D. M.
Universal health care in Kenya: Opportunities and challenges for the informal sector workers
(2013-11) Muiya, Bernard Munyao; Kamau, Anne
This paper is a review of approaches used by selected governments towards achieving universal health coverage for their citizenry. Data for this paper was generated from a review of existing literature. It particularly examines available opportunities and challenges faced by the Kenyan government towards enrolling informal sector workers to health insurance. The informal sector does not readily ensure guarantee to financial accessibility to health care by a majority workers. Most informal sector workers are highly vulnerable to economic shocks that result from catastrophic outof- pocket health expenditure. Though health insurance for informal sector workers increases their access to the services they need and improves financial risk protection, their uptake of health insurance is low. The review has established that several countries (German, Singapore, Taiwan, Ghana, and Tanzania) have enrolled informal sector workers to health insurance schemes, an approach that can be replicated in Kenya

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