MST-Department of Sociology

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Adoption of computer technology and its impact on organizational performance and labour requirements: a case of three organizations in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 1999) Ogolla, Jemmima Wanja Gatumu -; Rono, H. K.; Ahmed, S.
This study was carried out to examine the nature of adoption of computer technology among Kenyan organisations with different ownership and management practices, and to identify the impact of computerisation on the performance and on labour requirements. Existing literature with observations made in other countries have argued that while there are fundamentally positive aspects on adoption and use of computer technology some of the impact have to be negative, particularly with respect to displacement of labour and centralisation of operations. The principal hypothesis was that organizations with different ownership and management practices will influence the nature of computerization, thrbugh adopted policies and strategies, which in turn will influence the impact on performance and labour requirements. To examine this hypothesis, three organizations were selected, namely the Ministry of Finance, National Social Security Fund, and Barclays Bank on the basis of their computerization initiatives since 1970s and varied ownership and management practices. The impact of performance was examined in terms of duration in processing critical tasks and the extent to which computerization has enhanced realisation of the missions and objectives in these organizations. The impact on labour was examined in terms of changes that have occurred in various staff categories: i.e. senior management, supervisory cadre and operational cadre. The study found that in the Ministry, computerization was in response to expanded public service and the need to process salaries and development expenditure efficiently. In the Fund, the aim was to develop systems for efficient registration of members (employers and their employees) as well as to process and reconcile their contributions. While the Bank had undertaken gradual computerization since 1970s, intensified and expanded computerization was carried-out in 1990s in response to increased competition in the financial sector particularly in terms of efficiency in customer services and to allow management to make prompt decisions. The data indicated that while the Ministry was the first to carryout computerization, both the Bank and the Fund have carried-out more intensive and extensive computerization in the last five years. Between 1990 and 1995, the computing capacity of the Bank increased from a total to 197 Gigabytes (GB) to 6045 (GB), the Fund 2.6 GB to 19.7 GB, and the Ministry remained relatively stagnant form 5.28 GB to 5.34GB. During the same period the Bank increased its expenditure on computerization by a factor of 43.3, the Fund 2.5 and the Ministry 15.11. Further the data indicated that the Bank and the Fund have achieved substantial computerization involving network and real-time processing respectively while the Ministry still carried out substantial batch processing. Furthermore the Bank has computerized and integrated 70% of its functions, the Fund 50% and the Ministry 40%. The computerization efforts were found to have had an impact on the nature and duration of processing critical missions, data entry and reconciliations. In the Ministry, duration of processing accounts data was reduced from 30 to 7 days; at the Fund, registration of members from 120 to 20 days; at the Bank, banking transactions from one day delay to on-line. Furthermore, the computerization efforts had impact on labour structure in the Bank and at the Fund. In the case of the Bank, operational cadre decreased from 83% to 79% and the supervisory cadre increased from 8% to 14%. Interestingly in the case of Fund, operational cadre tended to remain the same at 44% but supervisory cadre increased from22% to 26%. In both organizations the recruitment of operational cadre also decreased as supervisory cadre increased. The decrease of operational cadre and the increase of the supervisory cadre indicated that computerization at least in the two organizations has had an impact on enhancement of administrative capacity. The situation in the Ministry remained the same. Further, computerization in the three firms led to increased training among senior management, middle and supervisory cadres. In the Ministry, the percentage of senior staff trained rose from 24% in 1990 to 27% in 1995, the Fund from 10% to 14% and the Bank from 47% to 54%. While it was not expected in the case of the Ministry, the negative impact in-terms of displacement of staff was found to be negligible in both the Fund and the Bank because of adopted policies and strategies, including retaining, and redeployment. The study concludes that computerization in private sector is substantially intensive and tends to have greater impact as compared to computerization in the public sector. Further, the study concludes that computerization in private sector, and to some extent state corporations, has increased efficiency and also enhanced administrative capacity. In addition, the study concludes further that the anticipated negative impact of computerization was minimised by adopted strategies and policies that encourage retraining and re-deployment of the staff.
Factors influencing household food security among small-scale farmers: the case of West Kanyaluo Location, Rachuonyo District, Kenya.
(2001-01) Oswago, Robert Omondi
The problem of food security continues to be persistent development problem in a number of developing countries. Many households go to bed without a bite and yet in some developed countries thousands of tons of food is thrown away or fed to animals. The paradoxical coexistence of hunger against a background of plenty is in deed quite unreasonable. In Kenya, the attainment of food security for all has been a central concern of the Kenya Government right [rom independence. This concern not withstanding, the proportion of households experiencing food shortage keeps on rising year after year. This study therefore set out to investigate socio-economic factors influencing food security among small-scale farmers in West Kanyaluo location, Rachuonyo District with a view to charting the way forward for a sustainable food security system. Data was collected from a total of 60 small scale farmers sampled [rom the study area using stratified random sampling. The research design employed was a survey with the use of a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informants interviews to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data from the study area were entered into the computer spreadsheets and analysed using the SPSS statistical package. The results indicated that 35 percent of the households had sufficient food supplies annually. However, the remaining 65 percent had varied levels of food deficiency annually. Further statistical analysis usmg Contingency Coefficient measure of association indicated that the main factors influencing food security in the study area included family size; age; education level; land owned; land under crops; main occupation; secondary occupation; level of institutional extension and production technology employed; and structure of decision making on livestock, crops, technology, and soil. However, the Chi-Square test (of significance indicated that the significant factors influencing household food security at 0.05 probability error were: access to agricultural information and training, the size of land owned, and land under crop. The study therefore concluded that inappropriate use of technology and poor socio-economic conditions are key contributors to household food insecurity among small-scale farmers. It is therefore recommended that access to agricultural information and training, size of land owned, education, and information on family planning, need to be enhanced. There is also need to encourage rural industrialisation, and small-scale entrepreneurship through enhanced micro fmancing in order to control rural urban migration and thus ensure retention of adequate labour in the rural agricultural sector.
The Impact of Socio-Economic Characteristics of Workforce on Productivity: A Case Study of Contracted Mumias Sugar Outgrowers, Western Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2004) Wafula, Justus Otiato
The major objective of the study was to examine the impact of socioeconomic characteristics of work force on productivity among the contracted outgrowers ofMumias Sugar Scheme, western Kenya. Data were collected from Mumias Sugar contracted outgrowers and their workforce based on sample of 30 contracted outgrowers farmers and 90 workers. Sampling was guided by stratified and systematic sampling, while data collection used a survey in which structurerd questionnaires were major data collection tools. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain frequencies, percentages and averages. Inferential statistics including chi-square were used to estimate the differences between groups and the extent to which the observations were significant and can be generalized to the population. Multiple regressions were used to identify impact of the various factors on productivity and other dependent variables. The findings of the study showed that farmers' age(s), education and work contract are the key socio-economic characteristics that account for productivity in the scheme. More important to the study was the impact of the socio-economic characteristics of the workforce on production and which the findings indicate that workers age(s) and education significantly influence production.
The effectsof HIV/AIDS on human resource operations in the hospitality industry: a case study of the coastal region of Kenya
(2011-11-08) Nzioka, Alice Mueni
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 Labour 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 HIV/AIDS has affected the human resource operations in the hotel sector in the Coast region of Kenya. The study examined HIV/AIDS related absenteeism, loss of productivity, labour costs, and labour 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 labour costs. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient indicated a positive relationship between HIV/AIDS related heath care costs and hotels clinic attendance. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. The Chi- Square Test indicated a X2calculated > X2 tabulated at 95% confidence level and hence rejecting the hypotheses. The results showed that absenteeism due to morbidity and mortality of HIV/AIDS 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 labour days in 2000 to 3,446 labour days in 2004. Hotels experienced attrition in skills, increase in labour costs as well as reduced performance levels. All these affected productivity and profits. From the findings of this study it is concluded that HIV/AIDS 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/AIS prevention programmes and concerted mitigation strategies. The hotels should develop HIV/AIDS workplace policies and intensify awareness and prevention campaigns.
Factors affecting the utilization of community water projects for small-scale irrigation in Kyuso division, Kyuso district, Kenya
(2011-11-23) Musyimi, Augustine Muema; Regina G. Mwatha Karega; Kimani, Elishiba
This study was conducted in parts of the Kyuso Division of Kyuso District among community water projects and their user households. The objectives of the study were to examine the management strategies of community water projects, to determine how household production resources affect access to and utilization of community water projects for small-scale irrigation and to examine how gender relations affect access to and utilization of community water projects for smallscale irrigation. Ten (10) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among the selected Water Project Management Committees, while 74 structured interviews were conducted among user households. Four other structured interviews were conducted to selected key informants and local leaders. One questionnaire was utilized for the Area Head of Department, Catholic Diocese of Kitui. The analysis of quantitative data was done with the use of measures of centrality after coding with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program. Qualitative data analysis was done by the coding and content analysis of data in case summary forms. Key findings included the fact that 78% of the users were not acquainted with irrigation as a farming technique. All 10 management committees made requests for training in various areas to enable them achieve effective CWP management as recommended below. The poor were found to practice SSI more than the better off in the communities. NGO facilitators that achieved SSI in their CWPs were those that had it as a main objective, networked the communities to government agencies and the local administration. Women formed 81% of the water users but only 33% of the management committees. The study conclusions were that, in as much as the failure to achieve irrigation through community water projects can be linked to water development facilitators like communities, non-governmental organizations and government departments, economic as well as non-economic factors like culture, none of these factors can independently or substantially explain the failure by itself. The study's assumption that management strategies, gender relations and household economic status affect the utilization of Community Water Projects for small scale irrigation is therefore true. It is recommended that the government and concerned Non-Governmental Organizations should ensure the delivery of service to their targets which fosters their participation and enablement rather than lack of agenda and inability to maintain projects especially after end of external support. Projects should be designed not only to meet the immediate need of the target community but also to allow for the exit of the donor and for redesigning to meet future needs. More importantly harmonization of the functions of the services board and the resource management board should be popularized and actualized as per the water act 2002. The significant presence of women as active members should be supported by specific efforts to train them to take up leadership and decision making positions. The study findings revealed that there is a need for training in accounting, networking and skills to help build capacity of the communities to manage, utilize and develop water projects as production resources.
Factors influencing household accessibility to water supply in a semi-arid area: a study of Mtito Division, Kitui Ditrict Kenya
(2011-11-24) Wambua, Kalunda Joyfillah; Regina Karega; Mireri, C.
The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing household access to water supply in Mutito Division, Kitui District Kenya. The objectives of the study were a) To identify main water supply sources in Mutito Division. b) To analyze the factors influencing household accessibility to potable water in the area, and c) To determine gender roles in water harvesting, transportation and demand management. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection were used. The questionnaire and a case study guide were the main instruments of data collection and this was supported by secondary data from reviewed literature. Using survey data the study formulated chi-square analysis to estimate relationships between the socio-economic and physical factors that influence household water access in the study area. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between socio-economic factors and household access to water. Further, the study conducted a T-test to compare actual amount of water available for the household and the amount they would have spend if there was enough water at their disposal. The study findings showed that female headed households were poorer than their male counterparts and therefore, this impacted on their ability to invest in water transporting implements reducing the amount of water transported home. The results of Chi-Square test of significance (X2= 28.92; df = 2; p= 0.000) indicated that there was a significant relationship between family size and access to water supply at probability of error = 0.05. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated that larger families were less likely to have access to adequate water (r= -0.25, p=0.05, n=150). The highest proportion of households with inadequate access to water supply was among households headed by those aged 51 years and above followed by 41 to 50 years, 31-40 years, and less than 30 years in that order. Pearson's correlation coefficient confirmed this as families headed by older house heads were more likely to have inadequate water (r=-0.11, p=0.05, n=150). . There was a slight increase in access to water supply as the level of education increased. Poor households lacked resources to invest in water harvesting and Transportation implements. Therefore, families headed by higher income house heads were more likely to have adequate water (r=0.41, p=0.05, n=150). There was an acute water shortage in the study area. Water for household use during the dry season was fetched from shallow wells dug on dry river channels. These wells went up to a depth of 5 meters. This water was transported back home using; beasts of burden, human labour (head/back loading) and even bicycles. The wells were dug and owned by men owing to patriarchal land ownership structures. This impacted on the ability of poor female headed households to access water at the source. At the national level in the spirit of the Vision 2030, the study proposes, sinking of boreholes, harvesting of run-off water through communal water tanks and subsurface dams. Further, at an individual level the study proposes investing in water cans, donkeys and animal drawn carts to increase amount of water ferried home and quality time for farm work and family care
Community participation in decision making in mosquito control in malindi district, Kenya
(2011-11-29) Kibe, Lydia Wanjiku
This qualitative study was conducted in Malindi District to document and highlight the process and challenges of community participation in decision making in mosquito control. A total of 4 focus group discussions were conducted with members from organized community groups involved with mosquito control activities, 8 individual interviews were held with stakeholders and key individuals from organized community groups while 8 observations were made during groups and PUMMA meetings, Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and translated before coding was done using QSR Nvivo7. Results from the study shows that voluntary community groups under the umbrella of PUMMA (PUNGUZA MBU MALINDI), which is an umbrella body, that coordinate mosquito control activities are carrying out activities aimed at creating awareness on mosquito control to Malindi residents. Major activities included observance of annual mosquito field event, buying and selling insecticide treated bed nets, draining and filling and educating residents on mosquito control. Perceived social pressure, perceived importance to mosquito control and perceived benefits were cited as individual intentions to join voluntary community groups dealing with mosquito control activities. The decision to form an umbrella group PUMMA was reported to be as a result of lack of coordination and support by Municipal council, feeling of neglect and mis-trust from the Green Town Movement and the need to work together for a common goal. Recognition, support and supervision, training, success in previous activities by PUMMA and expectations of "better things to come" motivated the groups towards decisions for mosquito control activities while lack of tools and finances to support group activities, volunteerism and low knowledge by community members on mosquitoes hindered group decision making power.Community groups under the umbrella of PUMMA are contributing to mosquito control activities. The success in their activities, training and support makes them feel recognized and appreciated. However considerations should be made on how this can be continuous and sustainable. The individual intentions to joining volunteer groups action is needed as this influences individual decision to joining mosquito control groups. Stakeholders support and networking is needed to supplement group efforts.
Effects of women's access to business credit on gender relations in rural households: a case of Uasin Gishu county, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2012) Tangut, Peninnah; Mwatha, R. G.; Muia, D. M.
Thefocus of this study was the effects of women's access to business credit on gender relations in rural households in Kenya. The study was conducted in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. It is indisputable that gender relations are important for human development. The specific objectives were: To establish the socio-economic characteristics of the women entrepreneurs and their spouses; to determine and analyze the effects of credit on the women's enterprises; to determine the effects of access to micro enterprise credit on gender relations and to explore and make recommendations on ways of enhancing positive gender relations in rural households within the context of micro enterprise financing for women. The sampling frame was obtained from the Kenya Agency for Development of Enterprise and Technology (KADET), which was one of the micro finance institutions operating in the District. The sampling unit was the woman entrepreneur and Key informants included credit officers of the institution; local community opinion leaders and local government officials. A total of 117 women, 20 men and 8 key informants including two local opinion leaders (both men and women), KADET credit officers and a government official in Uasin Gishu County were interviewed. The hypotheses tested were: H01: Access to credit has no effect on women's enterprises and H02: Access to business credit has no effect on household gender relations. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient; and also analyzed and presented in summarized tables and charts. The findings indicated that micro enterprise financing had helped many women start and run their own small businesses in the rural areas. This had given the women a form of economic empowerment they did not previously have as they were now able to own property and also get involved in decision making with their husbands on the home front. Many of the women revealed that their husbands now respected them even more and sought their opinions on matters previously considered the men's domain, especially on matters concerning land. The study also revealed that many of the women now had increased work roles and had had to resort to hiring help and in some cases curtailing the expansion of their businesses due to household responsibilities. The women were however philosophicai about their increased work loads which they viewed as the price of success. They had gained confidence in themselves and their status in their households and community had improved. The study's recommendations included the need to raise more awareness on availability of credit to women; the importance of involving men to support their wives more both on the . domestic front and in their business and the provision of basic business skills and lessons and mentoring to women entrepreneurs to help improve their businesses. The risk of defaulting and its consequences seemed to be a great impediment to the entrepreneurs and other would be borrowers in the District at the time of carrying out the study. There is need therefore for further research on the issue of loan defaulting by women and its consequences to the entrepreneur, her fellowgroup members and implications on Micro Finance Institutions
Preferences and utilization of health services by slum residents: A case study of Mathare, Nairobi
(2012-01-11) Owino, George Evans; Achola, P. P. W.; Isaac Mwanzo
Health-seeking behaviour is a very important variable in understanding the health conditions of the urban slum dwellers. This study was conducted in the Mathare Valley slum in Nairobi. Mathare Valley was selected purposively because it is reputed as one of the largest, most well known and the most favoured of the slums due to its closeness to the city centre and industrial area and since it is one of the oldest, it is expected that the impact of the location will have an impact on the behaviour of the people. The main objective of the study was to find out the health facility preference and utilization patterns of slum residents in Mathare with the specific objectives being to: identify the health care services they prefer and utilize; establish the relationship between health facility preference and health facility utilization; determine the factors that are significantly related to the preference for and utilization of health facilities among slum residents; and finally, draw up relevant policy recommendations arising from the study. The study was guided by three theoretical models; the sociological interactionist theory, the health belief model and the social learning theory. The study was a cross-sectional social survey and it sampled 220 households. The respondents were the heads of households, male and female, single and married. Simple and systematic random sampling methods were used to draw the sample and the research instrument was an interview schedule. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequencies were used for univariate analysis whereas cross tabulations were used to represent bivariate relationships. The two-way chi-square, also known as test of indepedence was used to establish statistical independence with the contingency coefficient being used to test the strength of relationships between independent and dependent variables. Two-Way Chi-square, the test of independence is the procedure used when data consists of frequencies of subjects belonging to categories in each of two variables (Heiman, 1996). The findings of the study revealed that the residents of Mathare valley slums mostly prefer and utilize private health facilities (over 50%) followed by public health facilities (about 23%) and finally mission health facilities (about 17%) in that order. The relationship between health facility preference and utilization was found to be statistically significant (X2 = 208.72, Df.=9, p<.OOI) and a strong association (Contingency Coefficient=O. 71, p<.OO1) was identified. Several socio-economic, demographic and socio-cognitive factors were found to be significantly related to and associated with health seeking behaviour. Income (30.42, Df=12,p
Health problems experienced by working women in industrial occupations: a study of selected industries in Nairobi, Kenya
(2012-02-10) Nzioka, Simon Muteti; Rono, H. K.; Agukoronye, O. C.
This study was carried out to examine the nature of health problems experienced by women working in industrial occupations and to identify factors that contribute to those health conditions. The basic theoretical perspective was that different industrial firms and prevailing management practices influence work conditions and environment leading to various health conditions. The study was based on the observation that women are increasingly seeking employment in the industrial sector, which is characterized by many cases of health problems. Indeed, over the past three years (1996-1999) the number of women engage in wage employment in the industrial sector in Kenya rose from 12.8% in 1996 to 16.3% in 1997 and to 20.2% in 1998 (Kenya Economic Survey, 1999). While previous studies have reported various health problems in the industrial sector, little attention has been given to the factors that influence the health problems experienced by the women workforce. The study concentrated mainly on textile, pharmaceutical and food processing industries purposely selected on the basis of their increasing representation on women employment. The aim of the study was to identify health problems that women have experienced while performing their duties and the factors that have influenced experienced health problems. The study was carried out with a sample of 100 women workers employed in the three selected industries. The data were collected using mainly survey method while supplementary data were obtained from documented cases and direct observation within the selected industries. Data obtained were analyzed using both the quantitative and qualitative methods, which facilitated assessment of the factors that influence the health conditions of women working in the industrial occupations. The findings of the study showed that working conditions and factors within the work environment largely influence the health conditions of the women employees. It was observed that the age of women employed in the industrial occupations ranged between 23 and 51 years, majority had secondary education, their average salary was Kshs. 7,768.50, and 76% of the women workers had dependants. It was also observed that women working in the industrial occupations experience various health problems, which include stress, headache, chest pains, back pains, throat infections and injuries. It was further observed that working conditions and environment influence the experienced health problems. In addition, it was observed that policy initiatives and management practices were not adequate for the improvement of health conditions of the women employees. The textile industry was found to be characterized by high incidences of the health problems and strenuous working conditions as compared to pharmaceutical and food processing industries. The study concluded that the existing industrial policies have not been effectively enforced and particularly in the textile industry. Additional industrial policies and regulations are required in order to alleviate the health problems experienced by women working in the industrial sector. There is need for practical adoption and strict enforcement of policies and management that encourage fair working conditions and hazard-free work environments.
Performance in the printing industry and determinant factors: a case of two firms in Kenya
(2012-02-27) Opondo, D. O.; Rono, H. K.; Achola, P. P. W.
Over three and a half decades the policy of the government has been to increase the role of indigenous entrepreneurs on the economy. While the efforts that have been made have led to remarkable progress, there are persistent observations that local entrepreneurs have continued to experience considerable difficulties with respect to profitable and competitive operations. Similarly Ikiara (1988) observed that past efforts toward industrialization have failed and argued that it was necessary to put a new strategy in place. The aim of this study was to examine factors that have influenced performance of indigenous entrepreneurs in Kenya. It focused on two firms in the printing industry, one owned by an Africa entrepreneur and the other owned by an Asian entrepreneur. The principal objective of the study was to compare the performance of two firms over a period of five years in order to identify changes that occurred and factors that influenced those changes. The study aimed to identify the contribution of investment, experience, and the educational background of the entrepreneurs, and training in enhancing performance in the two printing firms. Subsequently, four hypotheses were examined in the study. One of the theoretical perspective adopted was that besides policy intervention measures that have been implemented by the Government, characteristics of the entrepreneurs in terms of investment, experience educational background and training would enhance performance in business development. Data for this study were collected using questionnaires and interview schedule. In addition, primary data were also obtained through management records. More data were obtained from Department of the Registrar of Industries, presently under the Ministry of Industrial Development. The study found that the characteristics of the entrepreneurs notably investment, experience, education and training, influenced performance in the two printing firms. It was observed that the nature of investment influenced the levels of production and development of infrastructure in the two printing industry influenced the difference in the management and operations of the two printing firms. It was observed also that the years of experience of the entrepreneurs in the printing industry influenced the difference in the management and operation of the two printing firms. Further, it was observed that educational provided capacity to entrepreneur and workers for adoption of production and management techniques printing industry and enabled them to take advantage of the available opportunities for competitive and sustainable operations. Similarly training of the workers enabled the entrepreneur, and employees to carry out appropriate management, production and marketing activities. It was noted that capital accumulation through loans and savings played a considerable role in business initiation and development. The study recommends that intervention measures be directed to enhancing access to capital, training on management, and technical operations and business counseling.
An assesment of probation services in Kenya: a case study of Makadara Probation Department, Nairobi
(2012-02-27) Tum, Jelagat
The aim of this study was to identify the types of benefits that probationers achieve during their probationary period and the constraints that inhibits the realization of expected benefits. This thesis intended to find the rate of offenders who do not complete their probation term and the factors that lead to this non-completion. The study went further and looked at the offender as the focus; the environment he or she is released into, his or her associates while on probation and how these affect completion rates. The study also incorporated probation Hostels which had not been examined by any other study. This study employed a survey research design. Use of questionnaires and examination of records collected the data. The researcher used a question guide for examination of records to extract relevant information on absconders. This study was carried out with a sample of 98 probationers and the views of 24 probation of officers were sought to better understand probation rehabilitation strategies and data collected. The study found that most probationers are unemployed and that they also tend to come from stable families where they have both parents. The study established that most absconding probationers are employed and have family dependants. The type of crimes ranged from theft to rape, selling illegal brew or possessing illegal drugs. Many of these crimes were crimes of poor people who also resided in slums or in the middle of class zones of Buruburu, Umoja and so forth. Data analysis was done using descriptive analysis and the chi square technique. The study established that factors which contribute to poor performance of probation services include: lack of home visits before and after pre-sentence reports, lack of office space for confidentiality when dealing with probationers, limited financial allocation by the government, inadequate in-service training, urgency of probationer's immediate material needs after release, unreliability of probationers due to limited supervision contact by probation staff and low morale among probation staff.
Generation and management of solid and liquid wastes in the Jua kali sector: a case study of metal work and motor vehicle jua kali enterprises in Kamukunji and Ziwani areas of Nairobi Kenya
(2012-02-28) Tom, W.
The study was carried out in the City of Nairobi, among metal workers and motor vehicle repairers who are registered as members of Kamukunjia and Ziwani Jua Kali associations. The study's objectives were: 1. To find out types of wastes generated by the metal work and motor vehicle Jua Kali sub-sectors and determines the artisans’ perception of the generation level; 2. To determine the way these wastes are disposal of and examine the environmental quality implications of the waste disposal techniques used: 3. To determine the determine the degree of awareness among metal work and motor vehicle Jua Kali artisans regarding the impact of the waste disposal habits on the environment; 4. To analyse the role of the government in ensuring proper waste disposal by the metal work and motor vehicle Jua Kali artisans. A total sample of 79 artisans was drawn for the study. The sampling procedure involved both simple random and systematic random sampling. Simple random sampling was used to identify starting points while systematic sampling was used to pick the subsequent (10-th) units of analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used. In particular, structured interview schedules were used to collect quantifiable information from the artisans, while unstructured interviews with the officials of the Jua Kali associations and the City Council, and non-participant observation were used in the collection of qualitative data. Quantitative data was processed into frequencies and percentages that facilitated generation of figures and tables. The figures and tables were then used to explain the findings in relations to the study's questions and objectives. To determine the 'Goodness of Fit' of the results, a chi-square (X2) test was utilized. In brief, the key findings of the study were that a considerable variety of wastes are generated in the Jua Kali sector. These include: Worn-out metal parts/metal cut-offs, plastic containers, rubber pieces, waste cleaning materials (e.g. rugs, sawdust, waste rinse water /waste water, soil , among others) grease, oils, acids tar, paint, soap chemicals paper products, smashed glass, leather pieces, oil filters and battery shells. The level of generation was rated as high by the artisans. The methods used to manage and dispose the stated wastes mainly include burning and open dumping. This implies manner of waste disposal currently in place in the Jua Kali sector enhances environmental degradation rather than guard against or reduce the problem. Although the artisans were aware of the kind of impact the used disposal methods have on the environment. They lack support that could enable them put into use the appropriate waste management strategies. The leading problems the artisans encounter in the process of managing the wastes include lack of storage facilities, transport, disposal sites within proximity, and support from the City Council. Consequently, the only alternative that they are left with is burning and/or open dumping the wastes. The study further established that the government is not involved in waste management by the metal work and motor vehicle Jua Kali sector. It has concentrated more on the provision of land and construction of sheds for use by the artisans without necessarily giving guidance and material support in the management of wastes from these sub-sectors. No programmes exist that are aimed at training of and awareness creation among the artisans in regard to waste management. Thus, from the study's findings, it is concluded that there is need for serious attention to be paid to the issue of waste management in the metal work and motor vehicle Jua Kali sector, and generally recommended that the artisans be provided with material support and empowerment through informal environment education to enable the sector be ideally a source of sustainable development.
The response of the Somali Muslim Community to modern family planning practices in Garissa district
(2012-03-29) Abdi, Siyat Hillow
The study was mainly concerned with the response of the Somali Muslim community of Garissa District, North Eastern Province to modern family planning practices. The purpose of the study was to: identify and discuss the response of the community to modern family planning practices, determine the community's familiarity to the practices, assess the compatibility of the practices with social, cultural, economic and religious life of the community, identify and examine the traditional methods of family planning practices and suggest ways of making modern methods of family planning acceptable to the community. The research is significant in creating awareness among policy implementers (Government of Kenya and NGOs), on the need to formulate policies that are contextually relevant to specific communities. The investigator focuses on the Islamic concept of family planning as the theoretical framework. This is based on Islamic sources of Sharia (law), the Holy Quran, the Hadith and Ijma'a (consensus). The principles of Qubul (consent), niyat (intention) and dharura (necessity) were used in the field to test the response of the community to the practices. Both primary and secondary sources of data were by the researcher. The data were synthesized and categorized according to themes of the study. Descriptive statistics and tables were used to analyze and explain the features of the study. It was found out that there was a negative response by the community to modern family planning practices. The community was aware of modern family planning practices but there was a general resistance to the use of modern contraceptives. The applications of modern family planning practices were affected by the social, cultural, economic and religious status of the community. Traditional methods of family planning were found to be acceptable in the present social, cultural, economic and religious context of the community. However, they were viewed as unreliable. Policies that incorporate Somali traditional beliefs, Islamic precepts and socio-economic realities were found to be effective in increasing the acceptance and use of modern family planning practices in the district. Finally, the study gave recommendations for policy and areas of further research.
Factors influencing the functional status of Biomedical equipment in selected hospitals in Nairobi
(2012-04-05) Njoroge, Margaret Ngina
This is a sociological study of factors that influence the functional status of biomedical equipment in selected hospitals in Nairobi. It compares Kenyatta National Hospital , Nairobi Hospital and Mater Misericordiae either as users or in maintenance in each of the three hospitals. A sample of 128 user respondents was drawn through stratified proportional random sampling. 20 maintenance respondents, 7 key informants and 81 types of biomedical equipment were selected purposively. Questionnaires, interviews and observation methods were used to collect data. Proportions, mean and overall scores were used to summarise data which were later presented in tables to ease comparison. A comparison of the three hospitals indicated that functional status of biomedical equipment was highest in the Nairobi Hospital, while it was average in Mater Hospital and Kenyatta Hospital. Although there was a general shortage of middle and highly skilled maintenance personnel for biomedical equipment, the shortage was acute in Mater Hospital and to a lesser extent in Nairobi Hospital. As a result, the private hospitals were reported to rely almost entirely on sub-contraction of costly private maintenance services. On the contrary, Kenyatta Hospital relied mainly on her own maintenance personnel. Unlike Kenyatta Hospital and Mater Hospital, biomedical equipment in Nairobi Hospital were given preventive maintenance services. The latter hospital also had well-kept maintenance records which were consulted whenever equipment or maintenance facilities were being purchased. Though Kenyatta Hospital had good records, they were rarely referred to. Mater Hospital had no consistent maintenance records. When the level of participation of the maintenance department in the decision making for equipment maintenance was assessed, Nairobi Hospital scored highest, followed by Kenyatta Hospital. Mater Hospital had the lowest score. Consequently it was not surprising when the functional status of equipment was found to be highest in Nairobi hospital, followed by Mater Hospital. It was lowest in Kenyatta Hospital. With this scenario in mind, the study recommends decentralisation of the current complex bureaucratic decision-making procedures in order to hasten purchasing of equipment and maintenance facilities in Kenyatta and Mater Hospitals. An increase in the financial allocation for maintenance of biomedical equipment and improved collaboration between maintenance personnel, the administration and equipment users would ensure better maintenance of equipment at Kenyatta Hospital. At the national level, government health policies should be re-evaluated to ensure that technological capacity building meets the technical and manpower requirements of the medical technology imported into the country.
Performance of Women in Informal Sector Enterprises: A Case of Enterprises Supported with Credit.
(2012-04-18) Maina, Lucy Wangui
The informal sector in Kenya is seen as the solution to unemployment and associated ills. In recent years, the sector has gained widespread recognition. It is now proved that the sector is the second largest employer preceded only by agriculture. However, the sector's growth has been constrained by a number of factors or obstacles. Many studies have been done with respect to problems arising from capital constraints. More important to this study is that a number of women are seeking employment in this sector. The sector employs about 31 percent of the total women population. (UNIDO/GOK, 1991) studies on women in the informal sector show that women have had even greater constraints arising from their inability to acquire loans from commercial lending banks since they do not own property which could act as collateral in the event of loan seeking. Recent studies have highlighted the constraints to performance in informal enterprises particularly those of women in relation to capital and technical skills. Surprisingly, even after women have had access to finance in form of credit now made available by donor agencies, they have continued to perform poorly. Little attention has been given to constraints arising from the conflict between family roles and demands of competitive enterprise. The present study sought to focus on these factors while taking into consideration the role of socio-economic factors. Of importance was the prediction that multiple roles of women arising from domestic obligations bring about role conflicts, which lead to poor performance in business development. Specifically, this study was carried out with a sample of 70 women engaged in small-scale business with a view of identifying factors that influence their performance. The hypothesis examined the importance of socio-economic and family characteristics with respect to their impact on the performance of women in this sector. The study aimed at contributing to the insight understanding of the persistent constraints that women experience in entrepreneurial activities. It was guided by the following objectives: 1. To identify the family characteristics of the women in the informal sector enterprises and particularly those women who have been supported by a credit scheme; 2. To identify the socio-economic characteristics of women entrepreneurs in the informal sector and how they have influenced their performance; 3. To find out how economic responsibilities had influenced the performance of these women in their informal enterprises and 4. To identify the constraints that have been experienced by women involved in the informal enterprises. The sample of 70 women was drawn from women under a credit programme supported by K-REP who had been recipients of loan for a least one year. The data was collected by use of the survey method principally structured interview and questionnaire with supplementary data from documents and group discussion. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods, which allowed for the examination of the influence of socio-economic and family characteristics on indicators of performance through regression analysis and corresponding tests of significance. The findings of the study indicate that socio-economic characteristics, notably initial capital, credit level and education have substantial impact on the performance of women as compared to family characteristics which included marital status, duration of marriage, size of the family and domestic financial commitments. The study recommends that, constraints experienced by women are largely influenced by economic factors and that these factors need to be given considerable attention in order to improve performance of women in entrepreneurial activities. The study also recommends that further studies be carried out in this field particularly on the comparison between constraints experienced by women in urban areas and those in rural areas. The study also recommends that comparative studies be carried out on the performance of men and women in specific sectors. Such studies may lead to additional knowledge on the limitations of women in economic progress and ways in which these limitations can be alleviated.
Factors influencing community participation in the implementation of free primary education: a case of Kiharu Division, Murang'a county, Kenya
(2012-04-19) Kamau, Isaac Gitau; Maina, Lucy W.; Kimani, Elishiba
Education is one of the social parameters through which the achievement of a society may be gauged. The provision of Education for all (EFA) is a critical achievement that transverses time and is supported by worldwide institutions and organizations dealing with development and human rights. The conception of Universal Primary Education (UPE) can be traced back to 1948, when the United Nations (UN) declared education as a basic right for all. The 1948 declaration was further stressed at the 16th session of United Nations General Assembly held in 1962, which acknowledged illiteracy as the main obstacle to the social and economic growth of third world countries, Kenya included. Owing to its massive significance, investment in education has been a key objective of development for many countries all over the world. This study was prompted by the realization that community participation in any development initiative including education is very important. Without involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders, development may remain elusive. On the same note, attainment of UPE and sustenance of Free Primary Education (FPE.) requires an active participation of all key stakeholders. Among the objectives, the study sought to identify avenues for community participation in implementation of the FPE program in Kenya, establish the extent of community participation in implementation of FPE, establish factors that influenced parents and community participation in the provision of FPE as well as the challenges faced in efforts to realize community participation in the implementation of the FPE and recommend on the achievement of optimum community participation in the provision of FPE in Kenya. The study locale was Kiharu Division in Murang'a County of Kenya. Random Sampling yielded a sample of sixteen schools selected from the three educational zones in the division. A total of fifty-six respondents were randomly selected and interviewed. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted in each of the three educational zones in the division. The study concluded that there were various factors that influenced community participation in the implementation of FPE which were: school funds management, academic performance of schools, and the leadership of school management committees, school projects management and gender. The study recommended that the government and other stakeholders need play critical roles to enhance community participation in the provision of FPE. These recommendations included; the need to clearly define roles of various stakeholders, proper constitution of school management committees and sensitizing various stakeholders on their roles. Related areas that were suggested for further research were: The utilization of devolved funds in addressing challenges related to the provision of FPE and the impact of FPE on pupils' transition to secondary school.
Impact of organizational development management strategies on working conditions and performance in an institution of higher learning
(2012-04-20) Koskey, Joyce Wairimu
This study was carried out to identify management problems of educational institutions in the 1990s and ways in which adopted organizational Development Management practices (O.D.) have influenced working conditions and performance. The study aimed at identifying management practices that have been more responsive to contemporary challenges in educational institutions, including rationalization of costs, staffing, turnover, job satisfaction, working conditions, staff morale, individual performance and productivity. The overall hypothesis examined was that adoption of Organizational Development (O.D) strategies will influence working conditions and performance in contemporary institutions of higher learning. More specifically, it was predicted that adoption of participatory management, reward practices, communication, and teamwork practices and collaborative management by objectives would influence working conditions and performance. Performance was examined in terms of ratings by staff on various aspects of management, working conditions and performance, i.e. job performance, morale, job satisfaction, self-initiative, sense of accomplishment and responsibilities. The study was carried out in Daystar University because it is a relatively new private institutional, which has been carrying out some management innovations over the last ten years. Collection of data was carried out with questionnaires, interviews and content analysis as the main instruments. Institutional characteristics were examined in terms of students/staff ratio and students/expenditure ratio. The study found out that the ratio of students to the teaching staff has oscillated between 6 and 21 in the last ten years and at the time of the study, it stood at 1:16. These were considerably higher than those staff/student rations (SSR), i.e. 1:15 required to maximize on productivity in the Kenyan public universities. It was therefore concluded that the institution has sustained considerably high teaching staff capacity utilization. At the time of the study, the average student expenditure/ratio was KSH. 92,399 which is considerably lower by 23 percent compared to KSH. 120,000 expenditure on each student in the public universities. In this respect, it was concluded that the institution was performing much better compared to the public universities. In terms of ratings by staff on various aspects of management, working conditions and performance, the study found out that the higher the ratings on experience of management practices adopted, the higher the ratings on influence on working conditions and performance. The data collected indicated that adoption of participatory management, reward practices and communication influenced staff perception of working conditions and performance. However, the influence of teamwork practices and collaborative management by objectives was consistently rated lower because there were limited or nearly negligible application of these approaches in this educational institution. Sustainability of the adopted organizational development (O.D.) strategies was examined in terms of their effectiveness and viability as measures of enhancing working conditions and performance from the management point of view. The data collected indicated that all the organizational development strategies adopted have been effective in various ways as measures of enhancing working conditions and performance. The data also indicated that in terms of implementation, the organizational Development (O.D) intervention strategies are viable. It was therefore concluded that organizational development management practices are effective measures of enhancing working conditions and performance, as they are sustainable both in terms of their suitability and viability. In view of the above findings, this study concludes that adoption of organizational Development (O.D.) strategies has the potential to influence management practices, working conditions and performance in institutions of higher learning. It also recommends adoption of Organizational Development (O,D) strategies as a process of rationalizing costs; staffing, staff morale, job satisfaction, working conditions, individual performance and productivity.
Analysis of gender difference in development and growth of Faulu supported enterprises: a study of selected business zones in Nairobi, Kenya
(2012-04-23) Kilavuka, Janet Muyoma
The focus of the study was the informal sector enterprises and the evident gender difference in business performance amongst those having access to financial assistance programme. Informal Sector in particular has undergone several changes since it s implementation in 1950's. The two major commissions, which emphasized the sector, were the ''East African Royal Commission 1953-55'' and The Kericho Conference in 1966 on ''Education, Employment and Rural Development''. Development Plans and Sessional Papers since independence have also pointed to the need to improve the sector through various assistance programmes by the government, non-governmental organisations and private organizations. Literature indicates that some enterprises in the Informal Sector are dominated by men and others by women. The differences are attributed to factors such as education, enterprising skills, capital and gender division of division of labour. Research indicated that access to credit has an impact on the performance of an enterprise. However, it is not clear how the impact of credit is different for men and women. It is also not clear to what extent micro financing has helped narrow the gender gap in relation to small and micro-enterprise development and growth. The study therefore, sought to identify the gender differences in loan seeking behaviour, Loan utilization and business performance The objectives of the study were to: - -Analyze and document gender differences in small and micro enterprise performance -Assess the impact of credit on enterprise growth paying attention to the gender of the entrepreneur. - Assess the impact of socio-economic statuses on the performance of an enterprise. - To document on performance indicators of an enterprise paying attention to age of an enterprise. - To analyze the difference in performance indicators by type of enterprise. Data was obtained from 82 women and 68 men entrepreneurs selected through multistage cluster random sampling and stratified systematic random sampling. Data was collected using interview schedules, questionnaires, observations and focus group discussions. Data was analyzed using descriptive and statistics such as the t-test with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Programme. The findings of the study indicated that most of the entrepreneurs were married with some cases of widowhood, separation, divorce and single amongst women entrepreneurs. More than half of the entrepreneurs had secondary education and above. Common enterprises were beauty and wear, and enterprises involved in were significantly related to sex of the entrepreneur. Most enterprises were still young (under 11 years) and this was attributed to structural adjustment programmes, which are assumed to have driven many into the sector. It was also found that, there were no significant differences between men and women on performance although differences were evident in amount and number of loans taken by different gender. Number of loans positively influenced business performance. However, after accessing credit, the amount of increase between men and women were significantly different in re-investments and capital accumulation. Socio-economic factor (marital status and education), age of the enterprise, the type of the enterprise contributed to these differences in performance
The influence of water and sanitation use knowledge, practices and perceptions on health status of residents of Maragua Town, Kenya
(2012-04-23) Njomo, Doris Wairimu
This study was undertaken to find out whether knowledge, practices and perceptions of safe of water and sanitation influence health status. It was carried out in Maragua town, an area characterized by high rate of water and sanitation-related illness compared to other districts in Central Province. Specifically, the study had the following objectives: - To determine whether those residents with adequate knowledge of safe use of water and sanitation have better health status than with inadequate knowledge. - To examine whether those residents with positive perceptions of safe use of water and sanitation have better health status than those with negative perceptions. The study was carried out using a sample of 266 respondents, while data collected was done through survey method, structured method, structured interviews, questionnaires and supplementary data from documents. Forty-six observations were also carried out and photographs taken. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square technique for relationships. The study established that lack of adequate knowledge of safe water use was associated with frequent experience of diarrhoe and lack of adequate knowledge of sanitation use was associated with frequent experience of typhoid. The study also established that among those residents with poor practices of water use (treatment and storage) there was more frequent experience of typhoid and among those with poor practices of sanitation use (inadequate use of toilet facility, use of open places as toilet facilities and lack of washing hands after toilet use) there were more frequent experiences of stomachache, skin disease, diarrhoe and typhoid. The results also indicated that adequacy of amount of water fetched ( a water use perception) does not influence the health status of the residents and that more of those residents who perceive baby waste tobe risky to health wash their hands more freguently after disposing off baby waste. The study concluded that those residents with adequate knowledge, good practices and positive perceptions of water and sanitation use have better health status. The study made the following recommendations based on key findings: - The governemt should recruit additional qualified health personnel whose duty would be to provide regular health education on water and sanitation use. -Maragua Town Council should install water storage tanks and provide treated water to residents in order to minimize water and sanitation related illnesses. - The District Development Committee should put in place measures that help rehabilitate and preserve local water sources and should also encourage residents to construct and maintain their own water facilities.

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