MST-Department of Public Policy and Administration

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/12239

Browse

Filter results by year or month

Now showing 1 - 20 of 374

Socio-Demographic Factors and Implementation of Gender Mainstreaming in Kajiado County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 0024-04) Gekura, Samson Tuguro
Gender mainstreaming focuses on gender equality by emphasising that women's and men's problems, interests and viewpoints are taken into account during policymaking. Locally, there is limited exploration of the socio-demographic factors and implementation of gender mainstreaming. In Kajiado County, gender inequality is a persistent challenge with several concerning manifestations. They include high rates of sexual violence against women, a high prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM), high rates of adolescent pregnancies and early marriages, low rates of girls transitioning to secondary and tertiary education, limited access to land ownership for women, limited economic empowerment opportunities, and a lack of women's participation in family planning decisions. This study examined socio-demographic factors and the implementation of gender mainstreaming in Kenya's Kajiado County Government. The survey specifically examined how education level, family dynamics, and affirmative action influenced the implementation of gender mainstreaming in Kajiado County Government, Kenya. The survey was anchored on the feminist theory and social role theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design targeting 1,500 employees of the County Government of Kajiado in various departments. A stratified random sampling procedure was utilised to select a sample of 150 participants. A questionnaire was employed to gather primary information. The collected data was analysed using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics that led to multiple linear regression modelling. Qualitative analysis involved thematic narration for the open-ended questions in the research tool. Data results were presented using frequency tables, percentages and a regression equation. The study obtained appropriate authorisations from the University, NACOSTI, the County Government of Kajiado, and the respondents’ consent. The results revealed that educational level, family structures and affirmative action were significantly affecting the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the County Government of Kajiado. Educational level and family structures had a negative effect (β=-.038, p=.033; β=-.007, p=.031) while affirmative action exhibited a positive effect (β=.073, p=.005) on the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the County Government of Kajiado. This study recommends a paradigm shift in educational reform, the development of family-centred policies and the enhancement of affirmative action in Kajiado County to promote gender mainstreaming in the county.
Implications of internet based technology on policy framework and learning culture: the case of Kenyatta University’s City Campus
(Kenyatta University, 2013) Sana, Roumani
Internet Based Technology (IBT) has been implemented in a number of organisations both in public and private sector. The Education sector has not been left behind in the implementation and use of technology in learning particulary in the Institutions of higher learning. This has transformed the learning environment and influenced the learning culture of students both positively and negatively. IBT use in academics has its shortcoming and there seems to be no clear guideline on how to regulate the usage and protect users against the vices and challenges that arise. It is against this background that this study sought to assess the implications of the IBT on the policy framework and learning culture of University students in Kenya. The study sought to establish the effect of IBT on the teaching methods, establish the effect of academic best practices on the learning culture and investigate the effect of IBT on policy formulation of Kenyatta University City Campus. The researcher used case study research design purposively selected 120 respondents. This comprised of 100 students selected from four departments, 10 administrators and 10 lecturers. Primary data was collected using selfadministered questionnaires. The collected quantitative data has been analysed using descriptive statistics. In addition, content analysis was used for qualitative data. To aid data analysis the researcher used the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study found out that respondents preferred online materials and that internet had helped in reducing the duration for doing assignments, and internet has improved inter-campus sharing. Internet availability had also improved the quality of assignments and has improved the overall conceptualisation of ideas and subjects by students. The respondents also used internet for academic research, social interactions, and games as well as for business purposes. The students also agreed that they spent more and unnecessary time on social websites, internet games than on academic research, students accessed and download the wrong materials from the university web access points, and students directly downloaded class assignments and presented them without their own input, since they found it is easier to download class assignments. Generally, the results indicate that internet use have had a negative effect on the learning and as well teaching within the City Campus. Internet also had influenced learning abilities of students by reducing class attendance by avoided lessons since they could easily access notes online, lack of indepth research from different source (prefer internet) among other negative aspects. The respondents preferred online/distance and e-learning methods to traditional classroom lectures, indicating the need to respond to the new challenges and needs of the students by adopting internet based teaching methodologies. On whether the policy framework had been modified since the advent of internet based teaching and learning within the university education, the 50% the respondents agreed that it had been modified while the other 50% did not agree. The study also found out that plagiarism could not be stamped out with the advent of the internet based learning. The learning culture had also changed with the internet with students no longer appreciating classroom-setting lectures, nor hard copies of notes rather they would appreciate more the online notes and other online functionaries like submission of assignments through internet.
Effects of human resource management practices on employee retention in advertising agencies in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2013) Masoni, Isaac Wafula
Retention is a critical element of an organization's general approach to talent management. Both researchers and human resource (HR.) practitioners agree that the employment relationship is undergoing fundamental changes that have implications for the attraction, motivation and retention of talented employees. Organizations engage in competition for talent due to the realization that these talents are critical to their success. This suggests that organizations now recognize that the right employees are a source of competitive advantage. The main objective of this research was to establish effect of human resource management practices on employee retention in advertising agencies in Kenya; to establish the effect of compensation system on retention of employees in advertising agencies; to determine the effect of performance appraisal on retention of employees in advertising agencies; and to analyse the effect of recruitment procedures and employee retention in advertising agencies. The research adopted a descriptive survey approach. The study collected both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from the employees of the four advertising agencies in Kenya. These agencies are Scan Group, Ogilvy and Mather, Access Leo Burnnet, Young and Rubicam Brands. The population included 200 employees. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. The sample size comprised of 65 respondents which constitutes 32.5% of the target population. An inferential analysis technique was applied in analyzing questions in the questionnaires that apply rating scales. Qualitative analysis was used on data collected during the interviews as well as the open ended questions included in the questionnaire. These data in turn was presented using pie charts and bar graphs.
Industrial Unrest and its Impact on the Performance of County Governments In Kenya: a Study of Nairobi County
(Kenyatta University, 2013) Musyoka, Agnes Kiloko
Industrial dispute is one of the most important issues that cause hindrance in the development of the service industry. Nairobi County Government is mainly in the service industry and responsible for running several programmes and development activities in the city and the council has remarkable contribution in the economy of Kenya. In the last few years, this sector has not been contributing as much as expected because of industrial disputes limiting the performance. The study sought to; find out factors leading to labour unrest, find out how unrest affects employees performance, and examine how leadership styles contribute to unrest in Nairobi County Government and to recommend on strategies to overcome the labour unrest. The study employed descriptive survey design and the researcher administered questionnaire to collect data from employees. The study target population was 7785 respondents however a sample of 169 respondents was selected using stratified simple random sampling technique. Reliability of the instruments was established through pre-testing the instrument. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the reliability co-efficient. Validity of the instrument was determined through expert judgment involving discussions with the researcher's supervisor. A pilot study was conducted to establish instruments reliability, from the pilot study results the a> 8.00 for both tests this was above the required 7.0 threshold. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation was computed to give the differences in responses and statistical analysis; correlation and paired t-test was conducted to establish relationship between study variables. Data was presented in frequency tables and graphs. The study results revealed that unrest is caused mainly by wage related factors and when employees do not have procedures on how to conduct their duties. The leaders were found to also cause unrest since most of them do not involve their employees in decision making or support them which leads to unrest and also it was revealed that unrest cause loss to the organization since it loses production time and leads to poor relationship among employees and also among employees and management. The study recommends increase in leadership training for leaders to develop their leadership competencies and to involve employees in decision making and wage setting to avoid unrest and waste inn production time. The research is very important in many respects. Study will explain the nature of industrial dispute in service industry. It will also highlight the various factors that often lead to such industrial conflict, why there has always been break- down in negotiations and industrial conflict management continues to be difficult. The research findings will be useful to the institution's management because it will help them take decision that will forestall the emergences of a situation that will create industrial conflict. Also it will help them to know how to approve industrial conflict with a view to settle them amicably. The findings will make contributions towards successful resolution of industrial conflict. Furthermore it will make employers union representatives and employees union understand the contribution of industrial peace to the development of healthy industrial relations and rational development. Finally it will be useful to any student who will carry out a related study in the future as the information provided will be helpful.
Determinants of equitable allocation of funds to public hospitals in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2013) Kihuba, Elesban
One of the key funding objectives is equity. A snapshot of the country's. health outcomes indicates some disparities. Underlying this is the way funds are allocated. Provision of medical services is carried out by health facilities. As is the case in other developing countries, hospitals tend to dominate the health system. The government usually provides financial support to all public hospitals which are meant to protect the catchment population against social and economic consequence of ill health. Subsidiary legislation has also been issued to govern management of hospital funds in the country. The focus of this study was to determine if the public hospital resource allocation practice takes into consideration the. differences in levels of need for different counties and also to describe the preexisting political, economic and social conditions under which people engage in procedure and benefit distribution. A cross sectional study design was used to address the research objectives adequately. This was a descriptive study which aims to answer the basic 'w" questions - Who Where, What, When, What, Why and so what? as contained in the study's objectives. All the 47 Counties were targeted. The findings of this study indicate that the current basis for allocation differs with what has been recommended under the Commission on Revenue Allocation criteria. It's heavily dependent on utilisation data. Comparison of share of a county hospital fund and the share of devolved funds indicated that poor counties receive fewer hospital funds than their equity target. Regression analysis showed that increase in funding over the last 4 years was mainly based on utilisation data and hospital size. Most of the other determinants were ignored. The qualitative findings also correlated these results. Respondents felt that HIV and rural population groups should be prioritised as well as poverty and size of the hospital in resource allocation. Inadequate resources were seen as the key obstacle in achieving an equitable distribution of resources.
Disposal alternatives for electronic waste in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements: Implications on waste management in urban centres in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2013-05) Omuterema, Sta ley
Although digital technology improves job prospects and lifts people out of poverty, new technologies and increased turnover of electronic products has led to a rise in e-waste. The situation in Kenya is aggravated by weak enforcement of policies and legislation. This study investigated the main sources of e-waste in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements. It also established ways in which the e-waste is used. It investigated the impacts of the waste on the livelihoods of the community members. The study also determined ways in which administrative officers responded to the e-waste menace. The study applied descriptive survey research design. It used purposive and simple random sampling strategies and targeted two informal settlements; Dandora and Korogocho. Interview schedules were used to collect data. This was then presented in tables and charts. The study found that shops and other commercial agencies are the main sources of e-waste found within households in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements. Most of these are shops that located within the city council waste collection routes. Private sources (individual and groups) are also significant sources of e-waste. A significant proportion of the community store and involve themselves in re-sale of e-waste. Some use the e-waste for re-fabrication of secondary and subsequent re-use. The level of awareness among households and community members about the impacts of e-waste on their health is low. The members are not aware of the e-waste potential for toxicity and disease. A correlation statistic established that the respondents discard their e-waste irrespective of knowledge of government laws and policies and therefore points to lack of enforcement of the regulations. Fencing of dumping places and, arresting and prosecution of law-breakers are popular options for enforcement of e-waste regulations, policies and laws. It is recommended that shops and other commercial enterprises should put in place measures for effective collection and management of e-waste. Proper separation mechanisms should be implemented to prevent such waste from reaching households. Private individuals and groups that generate e-waste should similarly use effective management strategies. Public awareness and education about hazards involved in storage and sale of e-waste should be enhanced. The same should target households and other main stakeholders who use e-waste for refabrication and, subsequent re-use and sale. The level of awareness among households and community members about the impacts of e-waste on their health should be also enhanced. This should particularly cover the potential for disease spread and toxicity. Public administration officers in informal settlement areas should embrace all the available procedures to enforce environmental management regulations, policies and laws relating to e-waste management. These should include use of sensitization sessions with the
Constraints to women participation in leadership in the co-operative sub sector: The case of co-operative societies in Laikipia East District
(Kenyatta University, 2013-11) Ogallo, Wycliffe Odiwuor
In many developing countries, under-representation of women in top cooperative management and leadership positions has had negative implications on government policies and general socio-economic development which has lacked gender mainstreaming (Ministry of Education Kenya, 2007). Women's participation in leadership positions in the cooperative subsector has been consistently discriminated "against which adversely affects economic performance together with community economic stability resulting in high incidence of poverty and a low level of development. The role of women in leadership position(s) has neither been given adequate attention nor translated into significantly improved access to decision-making powers. The conditions under which most women live and work continue to deteriorate and refusal to accept that women are also capable to manage and make informed business decisions. The study was restricted to all registered and active cooperative societies in Laikipia East District in Kenya. The target population of 79 cooperative societies was considered for the study. A sample population of 26 senior managers of active cooperative societies within the districts was drawn randomly for the purpose of the study. This study focused on the factors that influence women's participation in cooperative leadership and development programs. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected where the data collected was analyzed, presented and inferences made. The findings of this study are significant as the existing cooperative societies will use them as a reference text since the study aimed at exposing the factors that influence women participation in leadership in the cooperative subsector; Other research scholars will use the study as a reference text for future research; The women have also been made aware of their leadership potential and be able to influence decision making in cooperative societies. Recommendations have also been provided on how to fill the gaps identified by the study.
The role of non-state actors in public policy formulation in Kenya: The case of national disaster risk reduction Policy
(Kenyatta University, 2013-11) Ochanda, Loise Asewe
Policy formulation is a critical phase of the public policy process when goals, priorities and options of a policy are decided by a small group of experts. Although public policy formulation is in the domain of the government, the role of non-state actors has become apparent and significant. This study established that non-state agents acting as a policy network contributed to formulation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy in Kenya. The process was coordinated and managed by the former Ministry of State for Special Programmes. A descriptive qualitative case study design was employed to examine the collective role played by the non-state actors in formulation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy. Advocacy Coalitions Framework approach was used as a theoretical framework to assess their structure and contribution in this process. This study considered non-state actors as a policy subsystem as opposed to analysing individual contributions. Data was collected in Nairobi from June - August 2013 using semistructured questionnaires, interviews, informal conversations and analysis of secondary documents. In consultation with the former Ministry of State for Special Programmes 21 organisations were selected through a non-random sampling technique. These were organisations whose participation was consistent and were considered most useful respondents. The study aimed at identifying types of non-state actors that participated in formulation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy, establish the nature of their contribution and examine factors that affected their engagement. Data was analysed with the aid of Microsoft Excel. The study established that the main categories of non-state participants were intergovernmental organisations, international non-governmental organisations, national non-governmental organisations, universities, research institutions/think tanks and consultancy firms. The Ministry of State for Special Programmes remained the lead actor coordinating and controlling the process. Intergovernmental and international non-governmental organisations were the majority of the non-state actors. Even though the groups of non-state actors could be likened to a policy subsystem, Disaster Risk Reduction actors can be termed as a nascent as opposed to a mature subsystem. According to findings NSAs contributed in policy formulation through funding, research and data analysis, technical support and lobbying policy makers. Inadequate political will, interruption by political processes, high turnover rates among non-state actors, weak strategies for policy engagement were some of the key challenges facing non-state actors as they engaged in public policy formulation. Use of evidence, capacity building on national policy processes and disaster risk reduction, existence of an international policy framework on Disaster Risk Reduction were the main -facilitating factors. The study recommends that the Government of Kenya should build capacity of non-state actors in public policy processes to enhance their effectiveness in public policy engagement. Non-state actors on the other hand need to act as a coalition, incorporate informal approaches into formal processes, allocate funds for their participation, conduct targeted sustained lobbying and use evidence during their engagement in public policy formulation.
The challenges of implementing federal system of Government: The case of south central zone of Somalia
(Kenyatta University, 2013-12) Fidow, Abubakar Farah
Somalia was divided into separate groups by international community; Somali land Puntland and South central Somalia. South central Somalia is the largest and more populous then other parts and the study carried out in south central Somalia. The study investigated the challenges of implementing federal system of government in South Central Somalia based on available body of knowledge about the topic. Despite autonomous administration in some parts of the country, there is need for understanding of the consequences of federalism. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the factors that led to establishment of a federal system of government. The research also examined the problems which have been experienced in the process of implementation of the federal system of government and suggested the possible solutions to its success. The researcher did this by seeking views among the people of Somalia. Various methods of data collection were used; these included primary and secondary sources such as published letters, magazines and books. The researcher used various techniques for collecting primary data which included; participant observations, questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. The target population included government officers and ordinary people with information on challenges, obstacles and barriers of applying federal system in Somalia. The study was thematic based on research objectives. Analysis was done by identifying and categorizing key variables, emerging issues and themes so as to allow the researcher to draw conclusions. The study concluded that, reforming the security and justice sectors was significant to solving the challenges being faced. Also, it will take the combined commitment and engagement of authorities, civil society and the international community to develop sustainable and effective security and justice institutions that are fit for the purpose.
Determinants of Volunteers' Turnover in International Organizations: The Case of United Nations Volunteers in Kenya
(2013-12-17) Mugo, Judy Karimi.
The ability to retain volunteers has proved a challenge to many international organizations. This is no exception for many volunteers engaged in international organizations. Volunteers are more intrinsically motivated compared to extrinsic motivation and their need is to make a valued contribution by giving back to the community and skill acquisition. The aim of this study is to establish the factors determining volunteers' turnover with a special focus on United Nations national Volunteers in Kenya. Hopefully, the outcome of this study will contribute to greater understanding on various challenges international organizations go through in trying to retain volunteers. The study will adopt a descriptive research design Managers from various UN agencies, and current Volunteers as well as former United Nations Volunteers in Kenya will be interviewed with a view to gaining more insight into the factors that trigger a high turnover of such in Kenya. A semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide will be used for primary data collection. Two theories will be used to analyze the data namely Hertzberg's Two Factors Theory and Abraham Maslow's Theory of Hierarchy of needs.
The Impact of Records Management on Service Delivery in Kenya's Immigration Department
(2013-12-17) Oyaro, J.; Kiruthu, Felix Macharia; Ng'eno, W.
Management of records poses great challenges to many organizations and Government Ministries and Departments the world over. However, the efficient management of records has tremendous and great potential of making work easy, enhancing working relations, improving the corporate image as well as increasing productivity besides enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Indeed, many organizations with the advent of Information and Communication Technology have gone hi-tech in records management which has not only enhanced their efficient production but has also reduced the labour costs albeit on the negative perspective. At the Department of Immigration in Kenya, the management of records sometimes presents serious challenges and causes concerns as regards to productivity yet the Government through the e-government project has instituted the implementation of ICT - managed records keeping. Many documents necessary for public utility are now available online, many activities and services are being offered online and more so, files and documents are been tracked online either by the officer working on the file, the manager in charge of the processes as well as the client, for some non-sensitive documentation. The proposed study seeks to find out how records management affects service delivery in the perspective of accessibility, retrieval of information, the application of ICT, the accountability and transparency of the processes at the Department and as well as the quality of the services being rendered to the clients. The study will employ a conceptual framework seeking to illustrate the relationship between the various variables in this study and records management at the Department of Immigration. The study targets all the 413 staff at the Department's Headquarters but will sample 90 members of .staff representing a 21.98 % using stratified random sampling. Primary data will be collected using questionnaires while secondary data will be collected from the libraries, journals, internet and data from the Department. Collected data will be coded, checked for completeness and summarized in tables. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the data with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. Data will be presented using frequency tables, percentages, bar graphs and pie charts.
The Impact of Transactional Leadership on the Performance of Employees in Kenya: The Case of Mumias Sugar Company
(2013-12-18) Kerario, Naomy Bhoke
Trarisactional leadership as viewed by Kunhert (1994) involves leaders exchanging things of Value with subordinates to advance their own as well as their subordinates' agenda. Their level of influence stands as long as subordinates do what the leader wants. It, therefore, goes without say that this form of leadership does not individualize the needs of subordinates nor focus on their personal development. This study aims at showing the impacts that this form of leadership has on the employees of an organization in terms of their performance rate. Its main objective is to assess whether rewards and sanctions are in any way tied to performance and to assess the extent to which a superior's intervention before and after a problem occurs affects performance. It will be a representative study in design with a cross sectional component whereby all relevant parties will be involved. The study population will be specific employees of Mumias Sugar Company selected for the study. The employees will be those that will have been on permanent employment for a period of not less than 3 years, this is because in three years it is assumed that an employee has been able to fit into the organization's systems and culture. Questionnaires will be used to collect relevant data. A minimum sample of 200 employees randomly selected will participate. A systematic sampling method will be used to select the employees for data collection. The employees selected will be interviewed by use of a questionnaire during their normal working hours. The data collected will then be analyzed using SPSS computer software then a report will be written and presented in form of text, tables and figures. All important and necessary ethical issues will be taken into consideration and strictly observed.
Determinants of employee morale and satisf action among public servants in Kenya: the case of the public service commission (psc)
(2014) Ohando, Ezekiel Odhiambo
Employee morale and satisfaction have continued to oscillate up and down in the public service since 1990s despite numerous efforts on reforms that have been undertaken by the government on leadership, management, human resource policies, employee perception, training and development and salary and pay structure which contributes immensely on positive morale and satisfaction. The study investigated the determinants of staff morale and satisfaction among public servants in Kenya with a case study of the Public Service Commission. The study was based on primary data collected that gave each respondent an equal chance of selection from the population that represented staff at Public Service Commission. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics that provided information on estimations, association description, relationship of data and prediction. The descriptive survey method targeted the population of 209 respondents where a sample of 63 was drawn and self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data. A 5 point Likerts scale was used to measure respondents' morale and satisfaction. The target population was stratified into six departments at the Public Service Commission. The descriptive research adopted in this study aimed at collecting information from the respondents on nature of work, employee perception, work conditions, management style, policies, and competitive factors forcing change, needs, expectations and attitude of employee and employer. The data was coded, analysed using SPSS package, cleaned. Responses were grouped into categorical variables for analysis purposes using descriptive and inferential statistics. The researcher then used inferential statistics to estimate numerical characteristics of data, described association within data using regression analysis to communicate research findings. The study found out that despite many studies by early theorists of morale and satisfaction on determinants that contribute to acceptable level of job satisfaction and morale, employee unrest persisted. Factors that affected morale and satisfaction included leadership, management, salary structure, policies on reward, training and work environment. The study concluded that morale and satisfaction are psychological and tend to support unrests with undesirable consequences of absenteeism, complaints, frustrations, errors and lack of discipline on parts of employees. On the other hand employers need to promote employee needs to be in tune with organizational goals and provide adequate compensation to its employee using sound policies. Morale building should be two way and show concern for both employer and employee. When structures like organization and salary are undertaken ownership from both parties need to be agreed upon as strategy for building of high morale and satisfaction in the organization.
Policy design and implementation process in public institutions in Kenya the case of Kenyatta University
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Mwenda, Patrick Gatobu
The purpose of this study was to investigate policy design and implementation process at Kenyatta University. Policy design determines the success and failure of the policy implementation process. Consequently, effective policy design and successful implementation are among the factors that contribute to success in organizations. Research on policy design and implementation has shown that the probability of a successful policy outcome would be increased if, at the stage of policy design, thought is given to the potential problems of implementation. Among the objectives, the study sought to: establish the link between policy design and implementation process at Kenyatta University; establish whether Kenyatta University policies are in line with the accepted standards/parameters of policy making; and examine the impact of policy design and implementation process to institutional success at Kenyatta University. The study adopted a case study design and was purely qualitative. Both primary and secondary data was used for the study. Primary data was collected through indepth interviews using a semi structured interview schedule, focus group discussions, evaluation of records used at the stage of policy design and documentary analysis of the actual policy documents. Secondary data was obtained through library research. Data analysis involved transcription of raw data from in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and notes from documentary analysis. Typed and transcribed data was then categorized into distinct themes. The themes were then coded systematically after which linkages and relationships among them were established. Data presentation was through the interpretative model. The final data was then used to summarize and draw conclusions on the research findings. The study established that: there is an important link between policy design and implementation process at Kenyatta University; the three policies studied were designed in accordance with the accepted standards/parameters of policy making;the current success at Kenyatta University can, among other factors, be attributed to the policies designed and implemented in the Institution; and the system of designing and implementing policies at Kenyatta University is working and can therefore be proffered to other institutions.
The role of traditional elders in Somali-land and governance
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Mohamed, Ahmed Musse; Kiruthu, Felix Macharia; Wasonga, J.
An investigation on performance appraisal practices and implementation in faith based organizations- a case study of church army Africa, Nairobi 2008-2013
(2014) Kimolo, Benjamin Kaviku
Human Resource management is crucial to organization's performance. Employee's performance management is thus an organizational asset because it is a key factor in an organizational success or failure. This prime contribution creates a niche on how an organization can sustain or enhance their performance. To address this issue organizations use evaluative procedures to ensure that potentially troublesome areas are put under spotlight. At the individual employee level, this measure has been labeled as performance appraisal (PA). The important role PA plays in influencing organizational outcomes has encouraged researchers to explore new horizons in this discipline in the 21st century. Despite being recognized as a highly important factor in employee and organizational development, PA is often poorly practiced and implemented. The study aims to investigate the practices and implementation of PAin faith based organization CFBOs) from 2008-2014, a case study of Church Army Africa (CAA) an Anglican Church mission based organization with its headquarters located in Nairobi. The CAA employees persistently have complained that the current PA practices and implementation in CAA is tailored for layoffs and punishment. The tentative question is why there are continuous complaints from employees about the Church Army Africa PA. The proposed study used conceptual frame work developed by Cardy and Leonard (2011) of performance management process. The study has used descriptive survey where the researcher utilized simple random and purposive techniques sampling to sample 68 respondents. This included 4 top management, 17 middle management and 47 other staffs. Data was analyzed through frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation where applicable. Data was presented through frequency tables, line graphs, pie charts and bar charts where applicable this was done through use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The hypotheses were tested using correlational analysis. The model test results indicated that: There is no solid historical development of performance appraisal practices in CAA, CAA has not employed a consistent process and method in performance appraisal practices. Performance appraisal outcomes have not been effectively and efficiently implemented in Church Army Africa and finaly there are significant challenges faced in implementation of performance appraisal in Church Army Africa. Therefore, the research approved the first two hypotheses and disapproved the third and the fourth hypothese-so The research findings are expected to assist the Human resource managers to counsel employees on improving/maintain job standards. Employees will benefit since they will be able to identify their strengths, weakness and performance gaps hence improve on them. Questionnaires were used as the main data collection instrument. Complete instruments were assembled, edited, coded and interpreted in relation to the research objectives. Appropriate interpretation, findings and recommendations was done accordingly. Qualitative analysis was presented using tables, charts and graphs. Out of 68 sampled population only 50 responded, amounting to satisfactory response rate of 73%. Majority of the respondents were males at (69.8%) and·(31.2%) females. The study found out that CAA had employed relatively old and mature labour force of human resource managers with majority being between 45-60 years. The gender disparity is very high with many employees being male. The study found out that majority of senior employees had worked for a period of more than 10 years but their education level was low than the junior employees. Different PA methods have been in practice in CAA for more than 10 years, the current one being annual review. The research also found that the major PA challenge is the competence of the appraisers. Therefore, they need relevant training and the current PA methods need to be replaced with Management by objectives system.
Challenges faced by refugee small-scale traders in Kenya: the case of Somali refugee traders in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Mohamed, Habiba Ali; Kiruthu, Felix Macharia; Atela, M.
The main aim of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by small-scale traders among Somali refugees in Eastleigh -Nairobi Kenya. The study aimed at to examining whether Somali Refugees small-scale traders face corruption as a challenge, examine whether Somali Refugees small-scale traders are affected by lack of credit and financing in their business, examine whether Somali Refugees small-scale traders face discrimination when doing business and examine whether small-scale traders refugees in Eastleigh fear that they might be deported. The study sought to answer research questions developed from the objectives. Thus, this research attempted an in-depth explanation of how these migrants achieve their livelihoods. The study will adopt a conceptual framework developed by the researcher after reviewing relevant and related literature from various sources. Descriptive design was employed and data was collected from both secondary sources as well as primary sources. The study targeted all the Somali refugees doing small-scale businesses in Eastleigh section in Nairobi and sampling was conducted using purposive sampling to identify 225 specific respondents to the study. Questionnaires were used though shall be guided as many of the respondents would have language challenges. A research assistant was used to help in data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics while inferential statistics was used to draw conclusions from the collected data and presented using pie charts, bar graphs, frequency tables and percentages. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to aid in data analysis. Ethical standards were observed throughout the study so as to realize and achieve suitable results. The study found that most Somali small scale refugee traders are indeed economically poor. The asylum and immigration system remains conducive to the reception of small scale refugee traders. Small scale traders in Eastleigh face challenges of accessing to finance. Small scale trade helps Somali small scale traders acquire finances for their day to day financial requirements and there is exclusion of Somali small scale traders from the government funding when promoting small scale trade in Kenya. Corruption in Kenya and especially in Nairobi has a significant impact on refugee businesses'. Ethos of corruption and bribery prevailed throughout the commercial sector. Organizations that deal primarily with business dominate the rankings of bribe size in Kenya. Findings show that refugees live illegally in Nairobi and are largely not entitled to protection or assistance and therefore they fear that they might be departed at any time. There are no clearly demarcated boundaries signifying a singular refugee community in Nairobi and those refugees who have been able to establish businesses and survive in Eastleigh are unlikely to pick up and leave in the near future. The study recommended that policy and legal framework needs to be put in place for the regulation and management of refugees in Kenya. To accomplish this, agencies and organizations dealing with refugee and human rights matters in Kenya need to network and lobby government authorities and others to take necessary measures to ensure that they do not turn a blind eye on refugee issues in Kenya.
Effects of bursary scheme in the retention and completion rates of public secondary school students in Kamariny division in Elgeyo Marakwet county, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Tanui, Ezekiel Kibet
The purpose of the study is to establish the effects of the bursary scheme in the retention and completion rates of Public Secondary School students in Kamariny Division, Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya. The study aims at establishing the criteria used to award bursaries to needy students and its effects on retention, establish the adequacy of the bursary funds distributed, the timing of the release of funds, its influence on drop-out and ways of strengthening the communication on Secondary Education bursary funds. The research will review related literature on the bursary scheme and will be based on the Human Capital Theory advocated by Schultz (1960). The study will adopt a descriptive survey design and target 19 head teachers, 3129 Public Secondary School students and 15 Constituency Bursary Committee members in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Purposive sampling will be used to get the number of students who had applied for bursary from the 18 Public Secondary Schools and 2 Constituency Bursary Committee Officials. The study will involve administering a set of questionnaires to principals and to students and use an interview schedule for the Constituency Bursary Committee officials. Document analysis will be conducted on records of students who had applied for bursaries and those who benefited for the period 2006-2010. Validity of the instrument will be enhanced through piloting and review by experts while reliability will be ensured using the test re-tests method. The data collected from the field will be coded and entered into computer for analysis using the statistical package for socio-sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistic analysis will be employed; including frequencies, means and percentages. The results of data analysis will be presented in frequency tables, histograms and pie charts. The study seeks to establish the major factors considered in allocating bursaries and students’ source of information about constituency bursary funds. The adequacy and timeliness of the amount of bursary funds awarded to needy students will be evaluated. Constituency Bursary Committee Officials will also provide details on sub-division of the total amount of bursary among the constituencies in the county. Based on the findings, the study will aim at recommending that there should be adequate sensitization on the existence of the bursary funds. Fairness and timely allocation of funds to genuinely needy students and all bursaries available to Secondary Schools should be harmonized to avoid duplication of resources and the bursary scheme to meet its objectives.
Vocational training: policy implications on self-employment creation among youth in Mathioya sub county, Murang' a county, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Gathii, Stephen
This study aimed at understanding on the role of vocational training on self employment creation among youth in Mathioya Sub County. The study was based on the following objectives: to assess the effectiveness of resources and facilities in vocational training institutions in the creation of employment among the Youth; analyze the curriculum content in vocational institutions and determine its contribution in employment creation among the Youth and analyze the Government policy gaps in supporting vocational training as an institution of employment creation among the youth and propose appropriate interventions. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was youth who have gone through vocational training. To obtain the required data, the study used questionnaires and interview schedules in order to access both qualitative and quantitative data. The study assessed the reliability of data by using split half method. This method is more practical in that it does not require two administrations of the same or an alternative form test. To check the validity of the instruments, the researcher sought the expertise of the supervisors and other researchers who conducted research on similar studies to check if the instruments will be viable to collect the intended data. Data were analyzed both qualitative and quantitatively in order to arrive at conclusions. All the data obtained were corroborated to eliminate the existing contradiction. The study findings are expected to be of beneficial to all stakeholders working towards creation of employment by training more through vocational training institutions. The study established that improving the quality of the curriculum in vocational institutions seems to be an effective school-to-work transition strategy for increasing the employability of graduates. Curriculum development process as it is practiced for vocational training institutions in Kenya appears to be very vague, and the role of the industry in this process is not clear. The success stories where the vocational institutions and the industry successfully collaborate to develop a new curriculum present good examples to strengthen this collaboration for other schools and industries as well. Therefore, the needs for curriculum development in vocational areas are different from that of an academic curriculum. For that reason, vocational training institutions and the industry can collaborate on needs assessment and curriculum development and work together to respond to each others' needs
Challenges facing Kenyan diplomats returning from posting abroad
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Owade, Philip Richard Okanda; Wasonga, J.; Kiruthu, Felix Macharia
The study focused on the challenges experienced by returning Kenyan diplomats. They return with new skills and international experience but lace problems of adjusting to home cultures. It is important to develop and retain returning diplomats/diplomats who possess global knowledge and experience in international business. This study focused on diplomats who have returned to Kenya over the last IOycars since their last tour of duty and especially between 2008-2013. it covers all categories of diplomats, diplomatic staffs and their families. A descriptive research design will be adopted [or this study. The content analysis will be used to analyse the respondents' views on the strategic planning practices that the ministry has adopted. The data will then be coded to enable the responses to be grouped into categories. Descriptive statistics will be used mainly to summarize the data. This will include percentages and frequencies. A r.ickert scale and the use of Statistical Package [or Social Sciences (SPSS version 12.0) will be employed. Tables, Pie charts and other graphs will be used as appropriate to present the data collected [or ease of understanding and analysis. Measures of central tendency will be applied (mean, median, mode and percentages) for quantitative variables. The study found out that it is not only the work environment that changes but also the society and the diplomats during the international assignment. Cultural identity changes and demographic factors in particular have a direct effect on the returning diplomats' experience. Returning diplomats and their families have to deal with all the problems connected with housing, work for the spouse and schooling [or the children upon return home; cultural changes come slowly and therefore returning diplomats are not always aware of the changes that have taken place over time; there are some financial di fficultics that the diplomats encounter; returning diplomats loose the morale to perform because of deprived authority, status and control offered by their international assignment. The study also established that lack of returning diplomats' adjustment programmes including that for family members arc the leading causes of failure of the foreign policy. Therefore success CuI implementation of the Kenyan foreign policy framework calls Cor adequate Funding and strengthening of the Ministry. These should be reviewed with a view to human resource policies that create good international relations with other countries but also motivates its diplomats so as [0 enhance their performance. The study recommends open communication with diplomats and their families to be deployed in relevant departments in the ministry. The socio- resettlement should also be addressed to enhance their effectiveness and performance .liconornic challenges pertaining to their resettlement should also be addressed to enhance their effectiveness and performance.

Browse

Browsing MST-Department of Public Policy and Administration by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options