MST-School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Studies

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This collections contains bibliographic information and abstracts of Master theses and dissertation in the School of Hospitality and Tourism held in Kenyatta University Library

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Factors associated with adolescent Sexual behaviour of high school girls in Vihiga District.
(Kenyatta University, 2004) Ndayala, Phoebe Didi
The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between the adolescent's parent's socio-economic and demographic status, their personal attitudes and qualities, the print and electronic media, peers, and the type of school and the adolescents' sexual behavior. A conceptual model derived from Brofenbrennner's Ecology of Human Development theory was used to guide this study. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. A random sample of 140 school girls from four schools; one girls boarding, one mixed boarding and two day schools from Vihiga division constituted the study sample for the study. Data was collected by use of a self administered questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion. Descriptive statistics, namely percentages and frequencies were used to describe the adolescents' sexual behavior. Cross-tabulation was done and Chi-Square used to establish whether there was any relationship between the independent variables and the adolescent sexual behavior. Adolescent ages in the study ranged from 13 to 20 years. Out of the 140 respondents, 74 (52.9%) of them were found to have a boyfriend. A Majority of the respondents; however, reported to have received love letters or gifts during their relationship (N=89, 63.6%). However, a minority of these students reported that they had ever, engaged in lesbianism (N= 16, 11.4%). The respondents who had multiple partners were found to be more (N=29, 65.6%) than those who had one sexual partner. Out of the 63 respondents who had started having sexual relations, 26 (41.3%) reported that they started at the age of 14. The most reported sexual partners for the sexually active girls were boyfriends who were of the same age as them. The most cited reason for having engaged in sexual intercourse among the sexually active girls was to peer pressure (52.4%). Chi-Square results revealed no significant relationship between the adolescent's attitude towards premarital sexual intercourse and their adolescent sexual behavior, but found adolescent friends sexual behaviors had significant relationships with their sexual behavior. Majority of the respondents reported that they got their sexuality information from their teachers (N=107, 76.4%). The Chi-Square tests showed a significant relationship between print and electronic media and various indicators of adolescent sexual behavior. The opinion most valued on sexual issues by the adolescents was that of parents. Parenting practices like parents fighting, drinking, or being broke were not found to have any significant relationship with the adolescent's sexual behavior. A majority of the students (82.9%) reported that they had sex education programs in their schools. The most reported sex education program in school was Guidance and Counseling. The Chi- Square results between the presence of sex education programs in schools and adolescent sexual behavior were found to be significant for the factor of the adolescents engaging in sex with the opposite sex. In view of the findings that emerged from this study, the researcher recommended that existing school sex education programs, church, family, and the media can be used to educate the youth about their sexuality and promote their awareness on how they can handle sex-related issues.
The Effects of HIV/AIDS on Human Resource Operations in the Hospitality Industry. "A Case Study of the Coastal Region of Kenya"
(2007-07) Nzioka, A.M.
There are about 39.5 million people globally living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence with just over 24 million people who are HIV positive. Kenya has approximately 1.3 million people infected. The International Labor Organization estimates that 28 million workers are HIV positive. Tourism is the second largest industry in Kenya, providing jobs, tax, revenue, and foreign currency to this country. There is no study in Kenya on the effects of HIV/AIDS in the hospitality industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which HIVIAIDS has affected the human resource operations in the hotel sector in the Coast region of Kenya. The study examined HIV IAIDS related absenteeism, loss of productivity, labor costs, and labor turnover, and their effects on human resource operations in the hotel sector. Stratified random sampling was employed to select 57 hotels out of the 76 classified hotels in the region. Questionnaire, focus group discussion and a retrospective analysis of document were used for data collection. The Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient, the Pearson Correlation Coefficient and the Chi-Square were used. The results were presented in charts, frequency tables, percentages, and histograms. The Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient indicated a positive relationship between absenteeism and labor costs. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient indicated a positive relationship between HIV IAIDS related heath care costs and hotels clinic attendance. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. The Chi- Square Test indicated a X'calculated > X2 tabulated at 95% confidence level and hence rejecting the hypotheses. The results showed that absenteeism due to morbidity and mortality of HIV IAIDS related illnesses was significant. Further operational costs rose from Ksh. 532,000 in 2000 to Ksh.819, 000 in 2004. The death rate rose by 2% between 2000 and 2004 while funeral costs rose by 2% within the same period. Employee absenteeism rose from 1,560 labor days in 2000 to 3,446 labor days in 2004. Hotels experienced attrition in skills, increase in labor costs as well as reduced performance levels. All these affected productivity and profits. From the findings of this study it is concluded that HIV IAIDS appears to have impacted negatively on the hotels in terms of absenteeism of workers, loss of skills and knowledge, increase in operating costs as well as reduced performance levels. It is recommended that all hotels should have well-elaborated HIV IAfs prevention programs and concerted mitigation strategies. The hotels should develop HIVIAIDS workplace policies and intensify awareness and prevention campaigns.
Assessment of domestic tourism among the residents of Nairobi, Kenya
(2011-05-08) Bitok, Jebet Jane
Tourism is an instrument for promoting the economy and livelihood of the people in developing countries, Kenya included. The loss of revenue from the industry in the 1990's had to be made up by involving locals through domestic tourism who unfortunately are not utilizing the tourism products and services well. There is scanty information on the nature and extent of various socio-economic groups who are known to distinguish their status in education and the kinds of goods and services that they consume including tourism. An understanding of the nature and extent of domestic tourism through assessment among residents of Low, Middle and High income estates in Nairobi will guide policy makers to develop effective and supportive policies for domestic tourism marketing strategies. The study was conducted in Nairobi, the Capital City of Kenya. The targeted population was the Low, Middle and High income socio-economic groups. The groups were selected using systematic random sampling technique from the zoning map by the Nairobi City Council Urban Policy Plan (NCCUP). The sample size was determined using Fischer et al formula. Respondents from the three socio-economic groups using cluster random technique were selected for the study. The sample size which responded well was 180 making a response rate of 75 percent which is representative of the sample size. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were tested during the pilot survey. Data were collected using the questionnaires, and the interview schedule. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive Statistics were used to obtain the mean and mode especially for preference sites. Factors affecting perceptions of domestic tourism were subjected to the Kaiser Criterion principle component (factor analysis) to reduce the number of variables by varimax rotation. Most of the respondents interviewed used most of their leisure time reading (68.9%), followed by 61.7% spending their time indoors and only 22.8% spending their time on domestic tourism. A significant difference was identified between saving for domestic tourism across the economic classes in Nairobi which portrayed significant association with a p-value of 0.015 and the same trend was observed on the amount of money saved. Data were presented in bar charts, histograms and frequency distribution tables. The study of the six residential estates indicates that preferences on tourist attraction sites are controlled by kinds of occupation both economically and socially. Residents have different perceptions on domestic tourism and vest the responsibility for their education and understanding on government and tourist service providers. Respondents are aware they can visit attraction sites and are knowledgeable about the products and services delivered. The preference sites are influenced by demographic factors such as income and level of education. Participation has remained low because costs charged for accommodation and travel was considered expensive by residents.
A survey of methods used by the Kenya tourist board in marketing adventure tourism in the Mount Kenya region
(2011-05-08) Makunyi, Wambui Esther; Kimiywe, Judith; Wahome, Ephraim
This study examined the methods used by the Kenya Tourist Board in marketing adventure tourism in the Mount Kenya region. The study used descriptive survey design in which data was collected using both open and close-ended questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire was administered to 120 tourists selected using stratified random sampling in order to capture their socio-demographic profiles. Questionnaires were also administered to 13 camp sites and 20 tour operators to obtain information on the methods of marketing of adventure tourism in the study area. An interview schedule was used to obtain information from the senior management of the Kenya Tourist Board. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research findings indicate that the study area has a lot of potential for adventure tourism. A significant majority of the tourists (91.2%) interviewed stated that the region has potential for adventure tourism. The Null hypothesis that there is no significant difference between the number of visitors attracted to the study area by its potential for hard adventure tourism activities and those attracted by its soft adventure tourism activities was rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. It was also revealed that the Kenya Tourist Board did not play a major role in the marketing of adventure tourism in the area. The study found out that majority of tourists (83%) obtained information about adventure tourism in the region from tour operators, travel agents and campsite owners. The Null hypothesis that there is no significant difference between the frequency of visits by tourists obtaining information from Kenya Tourist Board and those with alternative sources of information was rejected and the alternative one accepted. The Chi-square test established that there was no difference between the methods of marketing used by the Kenya Tourist Board and those of other marketing organizations. Student's t test revealed that there was a significant relationship between the level of education of tourists and their frequency of visit in the area. This study recommends that the Kenya Tourist Board should find ways of raising adequate funds for marketing the region. It should also improve its website to include accurate and relevant information on adventure tourism in order to gain competitive edge over its rivals. Furthermore, there is need for further research on tourists' preferences regarding the type of activities at camp sites and their attitudes towards adventure tourism facilities and services offered.
International tourists perceptions of the Kenyan ethnic cuisine: a case of five star hotels in Nairobi
(2011-08-02) Kimento, C. Janet; Waudo, Judith N.; Ondigi, Alice N.
In the past two decades, tourism has emerged as one of the world's major industries, exceeding many manufacturing industries and other services in terms of sales, employment and foreign earnings. Many hospitality establishments in Kenya have in the recent years embraced and promoted the Kenyan Gala nights featuring particularly music and cuisine from different Kenyan ethnic communities. However, little has been done in Kenya to assess the perceptions of Kenyan ethnic cuisine by international tourists. This is instrumental in promoting the inclusion of components of gala nights particularly the ethnic cuisine in the normal restaurant menu. The study therefore, assessed the perceptions of the local cuisine by international tourists with the aim of promoting the Kenyan ethnic cuisine as a strategy towards destination branding, promoting culture tourism and increasing multiplier effects of tourism earnings. The study adopted a cross section descriptive survey design and was carried out in Nairobi city The study targeted 229 foreign tourists (adults) randomly selected and seven managers from the seven five star hotels. The study targeted 33 respondents from each hotel. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Demographic characteristics and perceptions of the Kenyan ethnic cuisine was done by running Chi-square tests on SPSS and also, carried out was the multiple regression analysis in which the dependant variable was perceptions where as the independent variables were gender, age, marital status and level of education. The collected data were edited, coded, cleaned and P-values or level of significance to test reliability were also carried out. The study found out that international tourists perceived positively the Kenyan cuisine. This is because out of the total number 131 that had tasted the Kenyan cuisine, 64 percent were willing to choose the Kenyan cuisine in the menu like the other meals because of curiosity, as part of fun in traveling and that their experience after tasting the Kenyan cuisine was good. Hotels should establish priorities among the strategic moves that are likely to improve a customer's repeat purchase. They should come up with ways of improving the quality of the Kenyan ethnic cuisine while maintaining the real traditional touch and taste in it. Marketers and promoters of Tourism and Hospitality should communicate unique destination features of Kenya and this can influence tourist behavior i.e. food and drinks of the 42 tribes.
Nairobi's five star hotels corporate social responsibility programmes and their impact on society
(2011-08-09) Mutimbi, Kathurima Jane
Corporate social responsibility, otherwise known as CSR, has been defined as the continuing commitment by businesses to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families, as well as the local community and society. Studies have shown that businesses can no longer ignore communities within their areas of operations otherwise they risk harmonius coexistence. For many companies, managing CSR is no longer seen as an extra cost or burden. Rather, CSR is increasingly viewed not only as making good business sense but also contributing to the long-term prosperity of a company and ultimately its survival. Being a good neighbour and showing that a business cares for the society on one hand and being a successful business on the other are principles of modern CSR. However, companies that occasionally plan and implement CSR programs without consulting the intended beneficiaries are bound to have insignificant impact within communities. The broad objective of this study was to establish "5" star hotels' CSR programs and their impact on society. The study adopted a descriptive survey research with the target population of 208 that comprised of: "5" star hotel managers, community project managers, and the project beneficiaries. Purposive sampling was on hotel managers, community project managers, nd the project beneficiaries. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. Both open-ended and structured questions were used to collect data from the managers while a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from the project beneficiaries. A likert scale, based on the five levels of satisfaction, was used to measure the impact of hotels' CSR on the beneficiaries. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantiative techniques. The main findings of this study were that the selected hotels had policies on CSR, an indication that they were committed to CSR issues. However, research findings further indicated that hotels preferred to support projects already initiated by the government, churches and other agencies rather than initiating their own. It was also revealed that hotels CSR programmes were donations which were mainly in form of foodstuffs, old hotel linen and utensils, provision of stationary to schools and also refurbishment of school facilities. Although the beneficiaries indicated that they appreciated whatever help they got from the hotels at the time of offer, those needs were only subdued for a short time. The study concluded that although hotels' CSR projects satisfy immediate needs of communities, those projects did not make any long term economic development within the intended communities. Hotels' CSR projects satisfy immediate needs of communities, those projects did not make any long term economic development within the intended communities. Hotels' CSR programs cannot be said to make any significant impact when donations are intermittent and short term based. With regards to this conclusion, the study recommends that only way hotels can be true to CSR philosophy is by making efforts to initiate their own community projects that are sustainable and truly contribute to economic development of the intended beneficiaries.
Assessment of outsourcing decision-making in star-rated hotels in Nairobi-Kenya
(2011-11-07) Marete, Nelly N.; Waudo, Judith; Ondigi, Alice
The emergence of outsourcing service providers in the global market and the rapid development of information technology, has brought about new dimmensions in business management. Non-core activities no longer need to be done within an organisation. These activities can now be handed over to specialist outsourcing contractors whose circumstances allow for efficient delivery at a lower cost. Deciding what represents a core-activity to an organisation , however, is not always an easy task. Nor is the decision the same for all operations. The purpose of this study was to determine trends of outsourcing in star-rated hotels and identify factors that influence the selection of operations outsourced. The specific objectives were to identify the operations commonly outsourced by hotels, determine the factors that influence the decision to outsource sevices, investigate the effects of outsourcing on hotel operations and explore the challenges of outsourcing in hotels. A descriptive survey design was used to assess the factors that influence the selection of operations outsourced. All star-rated hotels in Nairobi were targeted. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to stratify the star-rated hotels into different categories. From the selected hotels, a number of departments were purposively sampled. This gave a total sample of 100 respondents. An interview schedule was used to solicit information from the general managers while a self- administered questionnaire was used to collect data from departmental managers. The data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techinques. Data were presented using tables, graphs and charts. Qualitative data were analysed using narratives and presented in exploratory and discursive form. Chi-square was used to establish the relationship between the operations outsourced and the star-rating of hotels. The findings revealed that the concept of outsourcing was not foreign to hotels as most hotel managers had already embraced it. The most commonly outsourced operations were those that involved non-core activities or the-back-of-the-house activities and those that did not deal directly with the customers, such as maintenance and security. The major factors that influenced the decision to outsource were the need to; improve quality, gain flexibility, cut costs and hence improve profitability. Outsourcing was thus a welcome bussiness concept, but one which could only be undertaken strategically and with caution. The success of outsourcing depended a great deal on the ralationship between the hotelier and the supplier. The study recommended that managers need to determine core competencies that should be kept in-house rather than be outsourced. Outsourcing would be more beneficial if it was given a strategic approach that follows a rational process of decision-making. Hence, the need to align it to the overall cooperate strategy. Managers need to select and evaluate vendors carefully and specify the quality of services needed, in order to avoid disappointments. There should be a proper and well established working framework with policies that govern the whole process of outsourcing.
Gaining competitive advantage for Kenyan hotels through application of information and communication technology: a case study of 2-5 star rated hotels
(2011-12-01) Maringa, Leah W. K.
This study was a response to the present crisis in Kenyan hotels that are threatened by a dwindling international market share. It sought to establish a clear relationship between Information and Communication Technology Application as the independent variable, and Competitive Advantage, the dependent variable. A number of previous studies have suggested that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be used as a strategic instrument that enables a company to achieve Competitive Advantage. They assert that E-Hotels enable the industry to retain its market share in a competitive world. In this study the effects of applying information technology on Competitive Advantage were measured through the seven dimensions of the construct, Competitive Advantage Provided by an Information and Communication Technology Application [CAPICTA]. These dimensions are: Primary Activity Efficiency, Support Activity Efficiency, Resource Management Functionality, Resource Acquisition Functionality, Threats Response, Preemptiveness, and Synergy. These seven dimensions were used as a basic framework for this research within which to measure the response of Competitive Advantage in the international market, to the Application of ICT in the Kenyan hotel industry. Information was surveyed in Nairobi city, the Kenyan Coast and Nature Reserves Clusters, using the survey research design. The study used structured interview schedules as data collection instruments. The study focused on 2, 3, 4, and 5-star rated hotels, which constitute a significant 79% of the total number of 2 to 5-star rated hotels in the country. Cluster and stratified probability sampling was complemented with simple random probability sampling. This ensured reliable and valid, as well as representational research. With complex sampling 30 respondents in Management were interviewed from 30 hotels within the three principal tour circuits in the country. Data was gathered in the ordinal scale of measurement and Spearman's rank correlation analysis and its related test of significance were applied appropriately to the data. This study has achieved the objectives set; it established that the seven dimensions of the CAPICTA construct do respond to the Application of ICT in hotels. Their response has been shown to result in improved performance, of the form of more efficiency and productivity in Hotels. This study has also successfully proven the alternate hypothesis, which states that, there is a relationship between the Application of information technology and Competitive Advantage in Kenyan hotels. The analysis confirmed a strong correlation between the response of Competitive Advantage in the seven dimensions of the CAPICTA construct of hotels, to the Application of ICT in hotels, as well as with their star rating or the quality of facilities.
Hospitality Industry Employers' Expectations and Perceptions of Employees' Competences in Nairobi Hotels
(2012-01-30) Kamau, S. W.
The Kenya hospitality industry had evolved to be a major foreign exchange earner up to December 2007 when post election violence made it dwindle. However, as it continues to pick up again there is a need for quality service from the employees. This can be achieved if the employees get quality and relevant training. Unfortunately tourism education and training is a recent phenomenon that has developed in an adhoc manner globally. This has led to many issues being raised such as curriculum relevance. Appeals have been made to the Kenyan government to protect the industry from the falling standards. Furthermore there has been no feedback from the employers to the training institutions. This study aimed at 1) Determining the hospitality industry employers' expectations and perceptions on employees' job performance and competences. 2) Identify the type of training providers employees attended. 3) Establish congruency between skills implemented by training providers and the expected skills. 4) Investigate the effect of employers' perceptions on employees' recruitment and selection. The sample for the study included the eight hotels obtained through stratified random sampling of the 1-5 star rated hotels. The units of observation were the 8 purposively sampled HRMs and 42 purposively sampled HOD from the kitchen, restaurant, front office and house keeping departments. These are areas where employees have direct contacts with the customers and hence have the necessary information. To validate the data 56 employees were randomly sampled, 2 from each department. A structured interview guide was used to collect data from the HRMs so as to get in-depth and reliable information. Semi-structured questionnaires collected were used to data from the HODs while closed and open ended questionnaires were used for the employees. Secondary data was collected from employees records and guests comments cards. A descriptive survey was done and the subjects were, 8 HRMs, 42 HODS, and 56 employees. Chi-square test was used to test the significance difference between the variables. Results indicated that on job training is a recognised mode of training and there was a significant difference between the type of training providers and the hotels classifications where employees were working (p=0.01). Results indicated that, it was only in computer skills where there was a difference between hospitality industry employers' skills' expectations (p=0.04). The results also indicated that some personal skills had greater than 71% relevance while technical skills were rated between 32- 53%. Training providers were more preferred as a training venue than on job training. In addition the results further showed that employers' perception on the training providers affects employees' selection and recruitment as revealed by 69% of the HODs. To test this relationship a multi-nominal logistic regression was done, the overall (p-value = 0.703). The study recommends that the reputable colleges available should mentor the emerging providers so as to coordinate training. Also recommended is a need for academia and industry collaboration. It was also recommended that high quality industry standard should be set and educators should be a step ahead of the industry with inventions and innovations. Finally a professional examination should be introduced and professional bodies formed in order to eliminate ranking and rating of employees.
Nutritional status among low and high academic achievers in selected primary schools in Vihiga division, Kenya
(2012-01-31) Atiamuga, Maria D.; Waudo, Judith N.; Mugenda, Olive M.
Poor school performance is a serious problem plaguing education standards in Vihiga Division. Efforts to combat it focus primarily on facilities, teacher attributes, curriculum and instructional material. A factor that has not been given adequate attention in relation to educational achievement is the nutritional status of the pupils. Since this is an area experiencing food insecurity, there could be a probable link between food insecurity, there could be a probable link between food insecurity and poor school performance. The purpose of this was to investigate the health and nutritional related factors that influence school performance in selected primary schools of Vihiga Division. A descriptive design was used to investigate the relationship between nutritional status of pupils and their school performance. Data for this study was collected using interview schedules and questionnaires. There were administered by the researcher to a sample of 64 pupils, 51 parents and eight teachers in Chambale and Ideleri primary schools of Vihiga Division. Data collected was analysed and presented in frequency distributions, percentages, means and chi-square. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the repetition rates and completion rates and completion of assignments of low academic achievers and high academic achievers. Majority of the pupils took all the three meals at home during normal school days. Carbohydrates are the most frequently consumed among the foods. There was a statistically significant difference in food shortage between the low academic achievers and the high academic achievers. 0There was also a significant relationship between disease incidence and academic achievement. Malaria was the most common disease reported. Concerning nutritional status; 37.5% of the pupils were underweight and 39.1% were stunted. Of the pupils (23.5%) who were wasted 18.8% were low academic achievers and 4.9% were high academic achievers. There was a statistically significant difference in wasting (weight/height) between low academic achievers and high academic achievers. In conclusion, food shortage and disease incidence affect school performance negatively. There is also a relationship between wasting and school performance. It was recommended that both schools and Home Economics extension workers should enlighten parents on the important role food and nutrition play in the education of their children.
Factors influencing career dress selection by secondary school women teachers: a case of Nairobi province
(2012-01-31) Njeru, Sophia Njoki
The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing career dress selection by secondary school women teachers in Nairobi province. The study adopted a descriptive survey research method. The specific objectives of this study were to, (1) identify shopping outlets from which respondents select career dress, (2) identify dress features, psychological and socio-economic factors influencing career dress selection by respondents, (3) describe respondents' view on possible introduction of a formal (written) dress code by their employer, (4) determine the differences between private and public school respondents with respect to selected dress features, psychological and socio-economic factors influencing career dress selection and (5) examine the relationships between selected variables influencing career dress selection. The data used in the study were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A sample of 111 women teachers was drawn from 20 secondary schools, in Nairobi, both private and public. Data were collected between May and July 2000. The data were analysed by the use of frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics namely, chi-square Test for Independence and t-test were also computed. The study revealed that psychological factors that mostly influenced women teachers are, one's beliefs or values, cost of the item, dress in which one looks beautiful and garment styles that suit one's figure type. All dress features greatly influenced respondents' career dress selection, except the label information. This was of secondary importance to respondents’ career dress selection. Item is well constructed and finished, suitability for work and fitting characteristics are among the dress features that influenced a higher percentage of respondents. The socio-economic factors that had most influence on respondents' career dress were amount of money available, number of dependants and occupation None of the selected variables analysed by chi-square test for independence showed any relationship in influencing career dress selection. The variables investigated included, expenditure on career dress and age; use of dress sales and employment income levels, and ; introduction of a formal (written) dress code and teaching experience, among others. Further, t-test results showed no difference between respondents from both private and public schools on selected factors influencing career dress selection. The factors were categorized as dress features, psychological and socio-economic. Findings, revealed that majority of women teachers are opposed to possible introduction of a formal (written) dress code by their employer. This is due to the need for individuality as women have different preferences on career dress. Further, some career dress styles are unacceptable. These styles include mini skirt or dress, transparent clothing and tight fitting (figure hugging) clothing, among others. Results showed that the most utilized sources of information on career dress are, dress displays and personal communication channels, for instance, family members, tailors and women friends among others. This is because there is no charge for obtaining information and reference persons offer truthful ideas concerning career dress. Impersonal communication channels such as print and electronic media, catalogues, website, dress-for-success type of books are underutilized or unpopular with respondents for being unavailable and costly.
The nutritiomnal status of pre-school children and selected household factors in a Nairobi slum, Kenya
(2012-01-31) Mukoma, Ann Njeri
The main objective of this study was to provide information on the nutritional status of pre school children aged 12-36 months living in Kibera slums. An investigation of the factors that affect their nutritional status was also carried out. Information on socio-economic and demographic characteristics of mothers, child nutritional status, feeding habits of the children and nutritional knowledge of mothers was collected in a cross-sectional survey of 100 households with children aged 12-36 months living in Kianda village in Kibera sub- location. The selection of the households was done through random sampling. Frequencies, means and percentages were used to describe variables whereas chi-square and t-test were used to test for statistical associations and differences between nutritional status of the pre-school children and socio-economic and demographic variables. Anthropometry was used to determine the nutritional status of the children. The results showed that 27% of the children were underweight while 21% were stunted and only 6% were wasted. Although it had been anticipated that there might be significant relationship between nutritional status and the various variables such as mother’s education, nutritional knowledge, feeding practices, Maternal availability for child care, Marital status, length of breastfeeding, no significant relationship was found. Findings of the study indicated that monthly household income; complementary feeding practices and mobility experiences of the children were significantly related to their nutritional status. This could imply that monthly household income, weaning practices and morbidity experience of the children are important when it comes to overall nutritional status. In conclusion, an overhaul of the economic situation of the slum community and overall improvement of their living conditions would improve the nutritional status of the pre-school children.
The influence of attitudinal and normative factors on the choice and satisfaction derived from selected apparel among university students: A case study of Moi University, Kenya
(2012-02-24) Owino, Violet Kadenyeka
Consumer behaviour in the purchase of apparel products may have great influence on the outcomes obtained by the consumer. Judging the quality of clothing requires knowledge and skills during planning, purchasing and consumption. This factor has not been given a lot of focus and yet it is a concern raised by consumers of all ages. The present study on its part targeted undergraduate students at Moi University to investigate the attitudinal and normative factors that influence the choice of apparel products, and the satisfaction derived from the chosen apparel with specific reference to sex, year of study and department of study. The literature review concentrated on evaluating apparel quality, importance of dress/appearance among college students; clothing importance, social participation and self concept; attitudinal versus normative influence in clothing selection; and developing consumer knowledge and skills for apparel consumption. A cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the relationship between the attitudinal and normative factors that influence clothing selection and satisfaction. Relationships between the variables were determined. The sample consisted of 116 males and 94 females. The respondents were purposively selected from five (5) faculties out of nine (9) from which (4) departments were also purposively sampled. Purposive sampling was necessary to include subjects from various campus locations and subject majors. The names of the students from each department were stratified into two sampling frames of males and females, according to the year of study and then selected by systematic random sampling. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect information from the sample. Descriptive statistics including means, frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the quantitative data. Correlations, Chi-square analysis, T- test, and simple Anova were done to determine the relationships and differences between various variables respectively. Qualitative data was triangulated with the rest of the findings to check for new information and confirm the findings. The data was presented using tables and bar charts. It was found out that both attitudinal and normative factors affect the choice and satisfaction of apparel among the respondents studied. The use of various attributes studied and the satisfaction derived from them in choosing apparel varied by sex, year of study and course of study to varying degrees. Highly critical characteristics of apparel quality included color/print/design, price, and fashionability of the product. Salient groups and salient sources were both used by the respondents as referents for choice of apparel, although salient groups were used to a greater degree for deriving satisfaction. The female respondents showed greater interest in knowing more about apparel selection than the respondents. In the final analysis it was not possible to totally separate attitudinal (person-specific) and normative (interpersonal) influences of apparel choice and satisfaction. The knowledge and skills needed prior to selecting apparel were not highly utilized.
Health education in Kitooni primary school, Machakos district, with specific reference to the child-to-child approach: an ethnographic study
(2012-03-29) Kitsao, Patricia Kadzo
Health education knowledge is essential knowledge. Health education, as one of the elements of primary health care, is a method of conveying knowledge useful for the prevention of disease and the opportunity to lead a full and normal life. The C-T-C approach can be used to enable children, who form a large part of the community, to practice what they have learnt in school in terms of herewith behaviour. This study was carried out in Kitooni primary school in Masii location of Machakos district, and sought to investigate whether health education acquired in the classroom was put into practice just for the sake of it or because the school children understood the usefulness of particular health behaviors. It was also necessary to monitor through the study the opportunities that existed in this primary school for pupils to make use of the C-T-C approach in internalizing the health messages that they have acquired by translation health knowledge into health practice. The purpose of the study was to identify specific applications of the C-T-C approach in promoting health education among primary school pupils in Masii. C-T-C is an international programme for teaching and encouraging school children to concern themselves with the health of younger brothers and sisters. The programme was developed for the third world countries among them Kenya. Since the inception of the C-T-C movement in 1979 in Kenya. The approach has had official recognition and support. With the introduction of the new 8-4-4 systems, more syllabus panels have turned their attention to health education and the Kenyan C-T-C project concentrated on the primary School level. The C-T-C approach suggests ways in which school learning can be related to community needs and the positive effects of the C-T-C approach make it more attractive. The approach that was used for this research study was ethnography and the researcher was immersed in the study setting and completely involved with the informants. The main sample consisted of standard seven pupils with parent’s teachers and the younger siblings of the pupils constituting the sub-sample. The tools of data collection included semi-structured interviews, observations checklists and schools attendance records and the researcher was the primary instrument. The results of the study indicated that the C-T-C approach could indeed be applied in primary schools to enable pupils translate the health knowledge acquired in the classroom into health practice both at school and at home. Many pupils suffered mainly from diseases such as malaria as was incidence of bilharzias). In order to cope with such illness, the pupils sought guidance from either their parents or older siblings, and they would receive advice on what to do. In most cases, the action that would be taken when a pupil was sick was that he was either given medicinal tables or was taken to the local health dispensary for specialized treatment. Pupils only needed a little encouragement and guidance from teachers and parents in order to internalize and put into practice the health messages learnt in school. This is because in Kenya from time immemorial older children have always looked after that younger brother. Based on the C-T-C approach it was seen that when knowledge was translated into practice, its importance became more noticeable and as the practice became a way of life, the knowledge was likely to remain with the pupils even long after they had left school. The various changes that were seen as a result of this study included smarter pupils, a cleaner school compound, more careful use of the latrines, and also, older pupils taking much greater care of and showing more responsibility towards the younger pupils in the school. The overall picture of health standards in the school improved as was seem in better attendance records by the pupils and less absenteeism due to illness. On emerging themes, the pupils indicated a responsibility for their own health as was reported from the practices they followed such as ensuring that they washed their hands after visiting the latrines. The older pupils said that they taught their younger brothers and sisters the things that they should do in order to ensure that they too remained healthy. This showed that most of the pupils felt responsible for their younger siblings and they had a high level of knowledge on health matters. When the illnesses were very serious, they affected the pupils the pupil’s attendance at school and some missed school for periods ranging from a few days to a full week. Teachers felt a responsibility for the pupils' health when they were in school the teacher’s themselves were an example of healthy behaviour. In the school, the teacher's role was mainly facilitated in terms of the child-to-child approach. Teachers encouraged and guided the older pupils on the tasks that they should perform in order to help the younger pupils. The Child-to-child approach was found to be actively in use at the school and the researcher found this out by asking the older pupils if they actually helped their younger siblings. They all answered in the affirmative. The younger pupils were asked to illustrate any health messages that they had acquired from their older siblings. The pictures they drew showed that they were taught things such as washing hands after visiting the latrines washing their clothes and sweeping the house. The study's usefulness to educational policy makers is seen in the way that it would enable them to work out strategies of devising learning material that is area-specific. For example, health knowledge that is relevant to an area's needs would be taught there so that pupils could better identify with the information that was presented to them. The C-T-C approach can go a long way in catalyzing the process of acquisition of useful health knowledge. It should be noted that the work carried out for this was closely tied to that carried out in the primary school health education project, funded by the World Health Organization Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR).
The relationship between material employment and nutritional status of children from birth to four years of age.
(2012-04-04) Oriko, Lydia Akinyi
This was a comparative survey research. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between maternal employment and the nutritional status of children between birth and four years of age. A comparison was made between children of employed mothers and those of unemployed mothers. The study sought to achieve various objectives among which included the determination of the nutritional status of children below three years of age, whose mothers were either involved in paid employment or whose mothers were not employed. The study also sought to establish the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, as well as to establish the relationship between these characteristics and nutritional status of children of respondents. Most important, the study compared the nutritional status of children of employed mothers with those of unemployed mothers in order to establish the relationship between maternal employment and nutritional status of children below three years of age. The data used in the study were collected using an interview guide which was administered by the researcher to a sample of fifty (50) employed mothers and fifty (50) unemployed mothers. This study was conducted in Kendu-Bay Division of South Nyanza District between July 1991 and January 1992. The data were analyzed by the use of measures of central tendency, chi-square and a Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Results revealed that: (a) There were no significant differences or similarities between the nutritional status of children of employed mothers and those of (b) That there is no significant relationship between maternal employment and nutritional status of children below three years (c) When respondents' marital status was correlated with children's nutritional status, controlling for employment, results revealed significant positive relationships. d) The type of food bought, specifically meat, was correlated with children's nutritional status controlling for employment and results revealed positive significant relationships (which were stronger for employed mothers).
An investigation of the characteristics of credit card users and non-users in Nairobi, Kenya
(2012-04-10) Mbagi, Jane Wanjiku
The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which credit cards are in use in Kenya. It also attempted to find out the level of consumer knowledge on credit card use. The study specifically sought to address the following objectives. 1. Establish characteristics of credit users and non-users 2. Identify factors that influence use of credit cards 3. Establish the level of consumer knowledge on credit card user 4. Find out problems encountered by credit card users and 5. Compare the credit card users and non-users in terms of education, income, age, family life circle stage and type of employer. The data used in the study was collected using questionnaires which were distributed by the research to a Random sample of 146 respondents in Nairobi's central division. A few interviews were carried out to verify the information collected using open-ended items in the questionnaire. The respondents were drawn from various ministries and private institutions. The data analyzed by use of frequencies, percentages and chi-squares. The results showed that the users and non-users had similar characteristics with 57% users and 66% of non-users being males. Majority were married, had small families that were in the expanding stage. A significant difference between the users and non-users was age, education level and income. About half (54%) of the credit card users were between 31-40 years while (43%) of non-users were between 20-30 years. Half of the non-users (50%) had university level of education. On monthly income, most (90%) credit users were earning above Ksh. 20,000 per month while one-third non-users (31%) were earning between Ksh. 10,000-15,000 per month. Two third (66%) of the respondents said they needed information about credit cards and there includes advantages and disadvantages of credit cards, rate of interest charged and when and how to use the credit cards. Convenience was reported as the main reason why credit cards are used by 80% of the respondents who use credits cards. Less that half (44%) of the non-users reported that they cannot afford to run a credit card as the reason why they do not use credit cards. Exposure to credit cards and monthly income remained as the main determinants of credit card users.
Factors affecting application of food and bevarage service techniques by public technical institution graduates in five-star hotel restaurants in Nairobi
(2012-04-12) Muchiri, Mary Wangechi
Students who are on industrial attachment in the hotels have expressed concern over under-utilization of the skills acquired as well as being exposed to new ways of performing the tasks. They exhibit low morale after the period due to the disconnect that exists. The government also spends huge amounts of money on human resource and development as well as on physical facilities in training of the graduates. The output is therefore wanting and it handicaps the realization of vision 2030 where tourism is targeted as the third sector to push Kenya to middle income economy. The main purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the application of food and beverage service techniques taught to public technical institution graduates in the Five Star Hotel restaurants in Nairobi. The objectives were to establish the effects of the relevance of the curriculum on the application of food and beverage service techniques; to determine the effects of technology on the application of food and beverage service techniques; to assess the effects of training methodology on the application of food and beverage service techniques and to establish the effects of level of training of trainers on the application of food and beverage service techniques at the five star hotel restaurants. The study reviewed literature on relevance of the curriculum, level of training of trainers, technology and adequacy of training tools. The population of the study was the food and beverage managers, supervisors and the waiting staff of five star hotel restaurants based in Nairobi. A sample of 50% respondents was drawn using stratified, and simple random sampling procedure from a population, which was heterogeneous. The researcher used questionnaires and observation checklist as data collection tools. The questionnaire was pre-tested to ensure clarity of the questions. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and Chi-square to test the hypothesis. It was presented in form of frequency distribution tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Under each of the findings, percentages were used to interpret the data. Analyzed data were presented in a research thesis report and submitted to Kenyatta University for academic purposes. It was expected that it would be used for policy formulation, creation of private public partnership and as a' basis for strategy formulation in curriculum development. It was found out that there was a correlation on poor performance of graduates in the hotel restaurant and curriculum taught chi square = 8.84 P = 0.043, similarly there was a high significant relationship between increased service costs due to trial and error and curriculum, chi square = 10.372 p =0.006, loss of jobs in the hotel industry was also related to curriculum chi square = 7.302, p = 0.026, and loss of confidence in the training college was also highly related to curriculum taught and its application. It was concluded that the curriculum taught was not relevant, the technology used in training was obsolete and the training methodology ineffective. The recommendations were that the trainers should be exposed more to the dynamic industry in form of in-service courses and scholarships abroad in order to keep abreast with the fast changing trends.Technology needs to be upgraded in the training institutions as well as in methods of training to help trainees internalize the operations.
Occupational accidents in hotels within Eldoret town, Kenya: awareness and prevention
(2012-04-12) Cherono, Lydia; Mugambi, Rahab M.; Onywera, V.O.
This study is entitled, "Occupational Accidents in hotels within Eldoret Town: Awareness and Prevention". The specific objectives of the study were to establish whether there are policy guidelines relating to prevention of occupational accidents and to check whether legal requirements relating to safety at work are followed; determine the level of awareness of the safety procedures by the staff and proprietors of hotels within Eldoret municipality and to establish preventive measures that are in place to prevent Occupational Accidents in hotels within Eldoret municipality. The independent variables examined were the years worked, type of hotel and level of education while the dependent variables included awareness of staff on safety requirements, policies and accident prevention measures as they relate to the areas of occupational health and safety promotion activities. The study employed the descriptive study design which is the most appropriate in achieving the stated objectives and allows generalization of the results to the population. Data was collected from hotels using stratified and simple random sampling which ensures that all staff from the population had the same chance of being selected and stratified sampling to ensure that cases from the smaller strata of the population are included in sufficient numbers to allow comparison. The study was done in the central business district of Eldoret town in which, 16 hotels from 20 High Standard Lodging House (Hotel D Class) of hotels were studied. An interview was administered to hotel proprietors or the hotel manager to establish accident prevention measures taken by the hotel management as well as the policies put in place to ensure awareness and prevention of these accidents. Staff of various caliber filled questionnaires to shed light on accident prevention measures and awareness. An observation checklist was also used to establish the safety practices of the hotel. The data collected was then used to establish the extent to which accidents occurred, state of awareness and prevention measures that were undertaken by the hotels. The data was then transcribed and content analysis (identifying, coding, and categorizing the primary patterns in data) done. Thereafter the data was organized in tables and analyzed using the SPSS data analysis programme. Major findings were that though most hotels had safety policy statements, most staff were unable to outline them and worse still were not aware of safety procedures, policies and laws governing hotels. Training was considered as one of the methods of ensuring prevention of accidents. Although risk assessment audits were done regularly, most hotels had no system of reporting risks, hazards and accidents. After correlation, it was found that the awareness of safety rules/policies/regulation are influenced by education levels 'of the staff and not necessarily the working year/experience meaning that staff get OHS information mainly from formal professional education rather than at the work place. In conclusion, most hotels neither had guidelines for preparedness for emergencies or a system for reporting hazards and accidents and the staff were not aware of safety regulations, safety procedures and policies or laws governing the hotel industry. On the other hand preventive measures put in place included training, availing necessary equipment and disciplinary action. Recommendations included providing clear policies on safety procedures in the hospitality industry and training staff on these policies to create awareness.
The effects of alcohol and drug abuse on work performance of employees in selected star rated hotels at the Kenyan Coast
(2012-04-12) Agumba, Winfrida Milly; Moni Wekesa; Judith Waudo
Alcohol and Drug abuse at the workplace poses a great challenge to the growth and 'development of the hospitality and tourism industry in Kenya. Presently, about 200 million people or 5 per cent of the world's population aged 15 to 64 use drugs. In Kenya it is estimated that 5,835,007 of the youth population abuse drugs. This study sought to assess the effects of drug abuse on work performance of employees in selected star rated hotels at the Kenyan Coast. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent to which drug abuse influences: workplace absenteeism, accidents and the level of job productivity among employees in the hotels. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A random sample of 373 employees and 25 managers was drawn from 25 randomly selected hotels. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire, interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion. Secondary data were collected from documented information to supplement the primary data. Data were processed and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of a computer programme - Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. The study findings indicate that there was a significant relationship between the frequency of use of drugs and extent of absenteeism among employees (i = 28.00, P = 0.000 < 0.05). Consequently, drug abuse - related absenteeism due to lost man hours and labour days costs the employers Ksh. 8,100,000 per year. There was also a significant relationship between the frequency of use of drugs and frequency of accidents among employees (i = 18.619, P = 0.001 < 0.05). Forty point one percent respondents reported average accidents at the workplace as a result of alcohol and drug abuse. The results further revealed that the twenty five hotels spent Ksh. 1,250,000 on workman's compensation due to drug abuse -related accidents at the workplace per year. There was no significant relationship between the frequency of use of drugs and level of job productivity (i = 8.154, p = 0.086 > 0.05). From the fmdings of this study, it is concluded that alcohol and drug abuse impact negatively on the hotel employees in terms of direct and indirect costs. In view of this, the study recommends that there is need for the hospitality and tourism industry in liaison with stakeholders to institute stringent policy mechanisms and capacity development programmes to curb alcohol and drug abuse among hotel employees.
Assessment of the labour turnover and wastage levels in three to five star-rated hotels in Nairobi, Kenya
(2012-04-12) Kung'u, Samson Kuria; Mwangi, Peter Wanderi; Alice N. Ondigi
Labour turnover represents direct cost to organizations. It affects organizational growth, profitability and customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study was therefore to establish internal and external causes labour turnover levels, determine labour turnover levels as well as to determine labour wastage levels in three and five star-rated hotels in Nairobi city. Nairobi city had 7 hotels classified as three star and 9 hotels classified as five star- hotels. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Simple random sampling method was used to pick respondents for this study. Subjects for this study included 16 Human resource managers and 493 non-management employees working on permanent basis in the selected hotels. This study therefore involved a total of 133 permanently employed staff working in these star-rated hotels. Data from the respondents were collected using both structured and unstructured questionnaires.Descriptive statistical tools such as, means, standard deviations ratios, percentiles and correlations were used to present the study findings. The results indicated that labour turnover was higher (68%) in three star-rated hotels compared to 13% in the five star-rated hotels. The results also indicated that training, experience, age, promotion and the hotel star-rate were key factors in determining the labour turnover. The results indicated that labour wastage due to job transfers and resignations within 12 months had a mean score of 5.0, slightly below the industry'S mean score of 7.0. Subsequentl y, unfavo rable working conditions, long working hours with minimal pays and poor employees training policies were the main causes of labour turnover in both hotel categories under the study. The results also indicated strong positive Pearson product moment correlations among the employment duration, number of years worked, experience and job change which ranged from -.652, .867 where p<.OI. The study therefore recommended that, the management in hotels to initiate employee' retention programmes as human capital is the most valuable ,asset of all organizations. Additionally, the management to review the employees' ,welfare conditions such as giving better salaries, introducing flexible working hours to 'hotel employees in order to balance individual work and personal life; among other incentives. The study further recommended improvement of the working conditions in the hotel sector in order to boost employees' morale as these are the ingredients to employees' commitment to the organization. The study further suggested that a similar study needs to be carried out at a national level to determine labour wastage in all starrated hotels in Kenya.

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