CW-School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Adoption of water resource conservation under fluctuating rainfall regimes in Ngaciuma/Kinyaritha watershed, Imenti north district
(2010) Mahiri, I.; Mutuma, E.; Murimi, S.
Availability of water in quantity and quality affects economic growth. The aim of this study was to assess water resource conservation under fluctuating inter-annual rainfall regimes in Imenti North District, Kenya.Unsustainable use of water resources has drastically affected the volumetric flows of Ngaciuma/Kinyaritha River rendering some of its tributaries seasonal. This has adversely affected accessibility to adequate water for both domestic and agricultural use. A study was carried out to understand the adoption levels of waterconservation practices in Imenti North. The influence of water resource accessibility on adoption of water conservation (WC) practices and constraints were assessed. Primary and secondary data were utilized. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse socioeconomic parameters. Regression, correlation and spearman’s t- test were used to compare the relationship between variables. Tree planting, roof catchment and bench terraces were the major WC practices in use. Multiple regression analysis revealed that lack of technical knowhow could explain 83.5% variations of adoption level of WC practices. One sample t-test comparing the means of WC practices among respondents’ was significant at P<0.01. Spearman’s rank test revealed a decreasing trend during the long rains (March-May) for the period 1986-2008 at P<0.05. The disparity between the levelsof adoption among water users coupled with the decreasing seasonal rainfall calls for urgent and better management of water resources in the study area.
Applications of biotechnology in fostering health and well-being: directions for health and medical research in developing countries
(Kenyatta Universiry, 2003) Mumah, S. C. J.; Muoma, J. V. 0.; Mwaniki, J. W.
Biotechnology and Globalization are the two critically important forces of the 21st century, which not only carry with them immense potential benefits in medicine, but also risks. Biotechnology has a considerable potential for improving human health of the developing countries now and in thefuture since information generated by advances in genetics and biotechnology has major benefits for the prevention, diagnosis and management of communicable and genetic diseases. While the benefits of technological advances in biotechnology may be obvious, regulatory principles and capacities at both National and International levels are inevitable to sajeguard the publlc health against potential risks and hazards resulting from research and its application. Such principles as the WTO and TRIPS on intellectual property rights and patenting and Cartagena protocols on biosafety become imminent. Some of the applications of biotechnology in medicine and agriculture include, among others, DNA diagnostics in the management and control of communicable diseases and identification of drug resistant organisms; control and management of genetic disorders; production of genetically modified agricultural products. Although these applications are likely to benefit comparatively more of the poor countries today than the richer countries, most biotechnology research is carried out in the developed world and is primarily market-driven. Most of Sub-Saharan countries currently have either rudimentary, fragmentary or not yet being able to evolve biotechnology capabilities. There is however, an urgent need to initiate a process whereby developing countries can gain the kind of expertise in biotechnology, which is required for application to their own particular health needs. This paper discusses the ethical issues, , potential risks intellectual property rights and applications of biotechnology infostering health and well-being. It also points out the future direction of biotechnology and its enormous potential for improving health care in resource poor developing countries of the Sub-Saharan Africa region
Asymmetric price transmission in food markets in the highlands of central Kenya
(2013-09) Shisanya, C.A.; Ngare, L. W.; Wambugu, Stephen K.; Nzuma, J.M.
This paper investigates the non-linear adjustments between maize and beans markets in the highlands of central Kenya. Results are based on bi-weekly retail price data collected from ten markets in Mbeere and Meru south districts. The error correction model extended by the incorporation of asymmetric adjustment terms was used to study asymmetry in price transmission between the markets. Cointegration technique was used to determine the existence of a long-run price relationship between the maize and beans markets. The findings indicate that the markets are integrated. Retail price transmission process between the markets is asymmetric. The observed prices adjust more rapidly to increases in prices than to decreases. The speed of price response between market pairs was higher for markets that are far apart.
Bantu Cultural and Linguistic Shift on Contact with Nilotic Luo: A Case Study of Languages around Lake Victoria
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Shivachi, Caleb
The Luo are Nilotic peoples and as they came into contact with the lacustrine Bantu namely; Gusii Kuria, Suba and Luhyia, alongside process of cultural and linguistic shift took place at the expense of bantu speakers. Once in contact the one time Bantu speakers changed over to become Luo speakers and generally the former would fee offended in reminded of their Bantu origins. This paper surveys the cultures particularly of the Luo speakers inorder to find pointers as to why the bantu willingly, so to speak, abandoned their cultures and languages in preference to Luo. No other indigenous language in Kenya other than Kiswahili seems to have influenced so many others as Luo did. In most cases some of the languages and dialects referred to in this research have disappeared others are in the process of shift and yet others are barely surviving the process of shift to Luo. Ironically the Bantu groups involved in contact with Luo attribute their cultural and linguistic shift to"Luo arrogance". The research will attempt to give reasons for shift and illustrate some of the linguistic processes of shift.
Breccia 2nd Annual Research Meeting 15-18 July 2019
(Kenyatta University, 2019) Shisanya, Chris A
This was our second annual review meeting of the project BRECcIA
Causes of gender insensitivity in the provision of low-income housing in the city of Nairobi,Kenya
(2003-09) Muiruri, P. W.
Changes in Sexual Behaviour and HIV Prevalence among Married Fishermen along Lake Victoria at two Time Points: A Scorecard for Prevention Efforts
(2014) Shisanya, C.A.; Kwena, Z. A.; Mwanzo, I.; Achiro, L.; Sang, Norton; Bukusi, Elizabeth
Background: There are considerable efforts towards reducing new HIV infections in key affected populations such as fishermen. Assessing changes in sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence is an important feedback to these prevention efforts. We evaluated changes in sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence among married fishermen in fish-landing beaches in Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: We analyzed data from two surveys conducted in 2005/6 with 164, and 2011/2 with 545 married fishermen to evaluate changes in their sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence at two time points. The participating fishermen in both surveys were randomly sampled from all 33 fish-landing beaches in Kisumu County. The numbers sampled from each beach were proportional to the population size of the beaches. In both surveys, we collected data on socio-economic, sexual behaviour and HIV sero-status. Results: A higher proportion of fishermen in 2011/2 survey compared to 2005/6 survey reported drinking alcohol before sex with extra-marital partners (27.7% versus 11.4%; p=0.05) and being involved in transactional sex (65.8% versus 25.0%; p<0.01). However, more fishermen in 2011/2 compared to 2005/6 survey used condoms with extra-marital partners (34.2% versus 5.4%). Overall HIV prevalence in 2011/2 survey was marginally lower compared to 2005/6 (21.0% versus 28.0%; p=0.07). However, there was significant 15 percentage point drop in HIV prevalence among fishermen below 25years old that represent recent infections. Conclusions: Despite increases in other high risk sexual behaviours, condom use with extra-marital partners in this key affected population increased explaining significant drop in HIV prevalence among youth who represent recent infections.
Code Switching in Multilingual Situation: Opposing Views
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Ogutu, Emily Atieno; Kanana, Fridah Erastus
In a multilingual situation where individuals have command of more than one language in which to communicate, people tend to engage in the simultaneous or alternate use of two or more languages during conversation. This results in a Sociolinguistic phenomenon known as Code Switching. Opposing views have been expressed regarding the use of Code Switching: Some language users view Code Switching negatively saying that it is impolite, especially where there is a mixed audience, and that it not only reflects the speaker S lack of competence in one or all of the languages involved, but that it also hinders the attainment of competence in the target language for those learning a second or third language. On the other hand, there are those who view Code Switching positively saying that it is a creative aspect of language use, a reflection of complex bilingual skills used for effective communication in multilingual situations. This paper explores the opposing views regarding the use of code switching and considers some data that support the positive view of Code Switching in relation to the Kenyan language situation. The paper proceeds to suggest that, if the view that Code Switching is a positively creative aspect of language use is adopted, then Code Switching can be used for the promotion of all the languages at play in a multilingual society
Conflict resolution in higher education: the case for moral authority and leadership integrity in management processes
(Kenyatta University, 2001) Aseka, Eric Masinde
Development and marketing of research innovation: The African experience
(Kenyatta University, 2008-07-17) Kinya, Anne
The study focused on analysing the performance of the dramatized Kenya Schools’ and Colleges’ Drama Festival oral narrative, which employs theatre craft. The narrative and dramatic aspects of the dramatized oral narrative, and the extent to which they are integrated in performance as well as the artistic and linguistic devices employed during performance are analysed. The study was carried out through observation. Viewing of the video-recorded narrative performances of selected Kenya National Drama Festival was employed. The study was limited to a sample of five systematically selected dramatized oral narratives. In order to meet the objectives of the study, performance approach, narrative theory and dramatic theory were adopted to guide the analysis. This study was motivated by the fact that studies done on the dramatized oral narrative at the Kenya Schools’ and Colleges’ Drama Festival focus on the possibilities available to the performers and not necessarily on particular performances. By analysing the Kenya Schools’ and Colleges’ Drama Festival oral narrative, the study will add a new dimension to the studies already done. This study will contribute to the appreciation of the role of the dramatic mode of performance in influencing the oral narrative. All the selected dramatized narratives involve multiple participants, use of wooden blocks on stage, and a backdrop that reflects the subject of the story being told. Inclusion of song is also evident in all the dramatized oral narratives analysed. Three narrative aspects were identified in the performances; recounting of events that happened in the past, description of events and actions, and direct communication between performer and audience. At the same time three dramatic aspects were identified; action happening now, use of dialogue and action, and indirect communication between performer and audience. Symbols, metaphors, song, repetition, and ideophones are artistic and linguistic devices that are creatively exploited during the performance of the dramatized oral narrative to the delight of the audience. The dramatized oral narrative integrates both dramatic and narrative aspects during performance. Action is artistically fitted into description. The performance of a dramatized narrative depends more on description than on action. Consequently, instances of direct communication between the performer and the audience exceed instances of indirect communication between performer and audience. The performance of a dramatized narrative involving one main performer integrates more action with description than those performances involving two main performers. Enactment of events on stage as well as the interaction between the performer(s) and the audience creates a sense of past events re-enacted in the present. This aspect gives the dramatized narrative a sense of immediacy. Allusion to songs, events and actions well known to the audience gives the dramatized narrative an aspect of currency. The dramatized oral narrative therefore succeeds in integrating dramatic and narrative aspects in its performance.
Disenfranchised grief and challenges of orphans: a case study of kibwezi township and its environs, Kenya
(2014) Kinai, Theresia Kavuli
Drivers of Gender Imbalance in the Senior Management at the Parliamentary Service Commission of Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-05) Musili, Fiona Mwelu
This study examined the drivers of gender imbalance in the senior management at the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya. Although there have been several studies focussing on gender inequalities among the political leadership in Kenya, minimal attention has been given to the senior management at the PSC. The objectives of this study were to look into how promotion criteria, organizational politics, and corporate norms drive gender imbalance in the leadership of the PSC specifically at the senior management level. The study was guided by a descriptive research design. The research was anchored on the Skills theory of Leadership, which posits that skills, which can be acquired through training and experience, are the determinant of who can be considered as a leader, and the African Feminism theory, which takes into account the experiences of women leaders within the African context. The population of study was the permanent and pensionable employees of the PSC, and the study site was the Parliament of Kenya Buildings located in Nairobi County. The random stratified sampling method was used to select the respondents. This ensured that information was collected from different cadres in all three Services of the PSC and was, therefore, representative of the whole population. In addition, purposive sampling was used to select those in leadership positions who were expected to have key information on the study. Data was collected using an interview schedule and a structured questionnaire. Responses from 60 individuals from the targeted 87 were received. The data collected from the interviews was analysed using the content analysis method and, thereafter, coded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the questionnaire responses thus showing patterns in the responses. Thereafter, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the coded and summarised data showing the extent to which the independent variables of promotion criteria, organizational politics and corporate norms drove the dependent variable of gender imbalance in the senior management at the PSC. Regression analysis on the variables revealed that only promotion criteria had a significant effect on the gender imbalance at the PSC with Sig= .014< .05 while organizational politics and corporate norms did not have a statistically significant effect on gender imbalance at PSC with Sig=.110>.05 and Sig =.467> .05 respectively. The study, therefore, recommended that inclusive promotion criteria should be fostered to help in reducing gender imbalance at the PSC. Further, the PSC should consider using affirmative action in the selection of their senior management to achieve the constitutional two-thirds gender principle. Another recommendation is that the PSC needs to implement and publicize its gender policy, as provided for in its Strategic Plan. The study also acknowledges the importance of coaching and mentorship programs in moulding women’s perceptions of themselves as leaders.
The Element Structure of Kenyan English Monophthongs
(University of Nairobi, 2018) Itumo, Joshua
Emotions
(2014) Maingi, Lydiah
Ethnic indigene and nation building in Kenya: a critical survey of the 1962-1963 Kalenjin-Luhya boundary clashes in Aldai and its implications for the 'new nation'
(Moi University, 2007) Lubanda, Eliud N.; Omanga, Duncan M.
The advent of colonialism and the attendant activities of formal government authority over the African peoples and drawing of boundaries brought a new dimension of relationship between the communities resident in Aldai. Whereas the Kalenjin speaking peoples regarded themselves as the 'owners' of the area currently known as Aldai, the colonial government lumped them together with the Luhya and Luo speaking peoples under one Central Kavirondo and subsequently North Nyanza Province. Treasured cultural practices like female circumcision and cattle raiding were banned. Traditional enmities between the tribes were re-awakened, and a state of perpetual tension ensued between the communities living side by side in this period. This is reflected in the reports of the colonial administration during the drawing of the borders.There were problems between the neighboring Nandi and Tiriki of Serem. The Tiriki were forbidden from working in Nandi land (KNA 1956 DC/KBT/82 LND 16/1/1 Document No. 39) This paper discusses the arbitrary boundary making activities of the colonial government in this largely un-researched Aldai area in Western Kenya. How the boundary drawing project was the laying ground for some of the insidious ethnic differences between the neighboring communities. And finally, reflect on the challenge of nation building vis-a-vis ethnic identity in the light of troubled emerging ethnic relations in the Kenya.
Gender Representation in Leadership and Performance of the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Children, Democratic Republic Of Congo
(Kenyatta University, 2024-05) Tutu, Karn Kibangu
The study was aimed on gender representation in leadership and its influence on organizational performance in the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gender representation is the prescriptions to achieve an organizational goal or performance in the organization. In the competing world today, organizational performance is a central and fundamental feature for the existence of the organization. Furthermore, the performance of the organization is influenced by both internal and external environment, factors like human resource, culture and so one. Gender representation within an organization plays an important role in the performance of the organization because different gender brings different leadership styles and a different outcome. Therefore, the participation of male and female in leadership of the in this state organization is unequal and has a negative influence on organizational performance. Three main objectives of this study were, to explore the level of gender participation in leadership in the ministry of gender, family, and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to analyze leadership styles used by leaders in the ministry of gender, family, and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to examine the distribution of positions by gender in the ministry of gender, family, and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study was guided by organizational theory, transformational theory, gender stratification theory. The study applied a descriptive research. The study targeted 211 employees working at ministry of gender, family, and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A sample size of 140 respondents was achieved comprising of the ministry of gender, family, and children’s staff. A simple random method was used to give an equal chance to every member of the organization to be selected. Pilot study was conducted to enhance reliability and validity of research instruments. Data was amassed using semi-structured questionnaires and scrutinized applying descriptive analysis. The study was carried out with respect to ethical considerations. The findings revealed that both males and females were well represented in the ministry of gender, family, and children where they delivery services to the community. Males and females work together to raise awareness about gender issues, promote gender sensitivity, and challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes through educational campaigns, workshops, and community engagement. The study concludes that participation of males and females, leadership style and distribution of position positive significant impacted the performance of ministry of gender, family and children. The ministry deals with issues related to gender, family, and children. The study recommends that ministry of gender, family, and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo should create a supportive work environment that promotes work-life balance for both men and women. Implement flexible working arrangements, parental leave policies, and childcare facilities to encourage the participation of women in leadership roles without compromising their family responsibilities.
Geography in the anthropocene era: is geoengineering an opportunity or a threat to humanity?
(National Centerfor Atmospheric Research, 2015) Luwesi, Cush Ngonzo; Akombo, Rose Adhiambo; Obando, Joy Apiyo
Globalisation and the New Pan East Africanism: Exploring Borderland Research and Theoretical Issues in the Study of Regional Integration
(The Africa-Asia-Latin America Scholarly Collaborative Program., 2008) Wekesa, Peter Wafula
Intellectual discourses on regional integration in Africa have continued to gener¬ate diverse and often contradictory debates and responses. A common con¬vergence in these debates, as they have increasingly come to be associated with the current process of globalisation, is that regional integration is not only desirable but also necessary. The latter consensus seems to be justified on the premise that individual states cannot readily achieve their social, economic and political goals in isolation from their neighbours. Thus, the desirability of promoting regional integration continue to be widely acknowledged by multilat¬eral agencies, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), national governments and academics on the continent. The concept of Pan-East Africanism, seen as the new initiative to integrate the East African states of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is contextualized within the emerging global realities and trends. This paper sets out to review the state of regional integration efforts in East Africa. Viewed within the context of Pan-East Africanism, the paper explores some of the theoretical and methodological backgrounds informing current research on regional integration. Away from the often-accepted state-centric and mainly economistic theoretical formulations, the paper offers some critical reflections on regional integration based on the new emerging borderland perspectives. It specifically argues that people centred top-up theoretical perspectives offer a more informed and practical approach to regional integration in East Africa
Government for Kenya in the information age: Serikali or serikali?
(Kenya Library Association, 2000) Ombaka, D.M.
How Nduumo - a Gikuyu women's poetic form functions as a vehicle of protest against traditional and modern sexist oppression in Kenya
(2003-09) Muhoro, Mwangi P.
The women s Liberation movement, civil society activists, women rights affirmative action, women caucus, NGOs, CBOs and gender sensitive organizations have been on the fore front in advancing the case for equity and equality not only in the third world countries but in the developed world. The social struggles for equality has been and remains a contentious issue which more often than not revolves around ender disparities in the access to state resources. The womenfolk are entitled for basic protection of human rights and the right to exploit their own wealth. Thispaper addresses gender issue through thepoetry created by Nduumo women artistes as aform ofpursuing power emancipation reality in the third world matrix. What is Nduumo poetry? Who performs it? Where and how? In brief, Nduumo is a cultural dance for girls, young and elderly women in the Gikuyu community of Kenya. It is a folk dance performed in Nyakinyua (elderly women) groups as they participate in the development of the nation. Nduumo poetry is central in Kenya s social and political structure. It is the poetry of harambee functions, political rallies, women social meeting and also as an electioneering tool to key politicians in Kenya. Nevertheless, protests against male chauvinism and sexiest oppression are central in Nduumo poetry. In the paradigm of poetry and society, it is a verbal weapon for voicing social, cultural, political and economic affairs in the unprecedented disparities in a patriarchal and male dominant world.

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