RP-Department of Community Resource Management and Extension

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Analysis of youth enterprise development fund repayment rates and disparities of repayment between Nyanza and Central provinces in Kenya
(ijac.org, 2014-09) Mburung’a, S.M.
As in most countries, unemployment rates in Kenya are highest among young people. Not only does it mean that they are economically unable to fend for themselves, it also leads to other risk factors such as depression, hopelessness and low self esteem. In response, the Kenyan Government initiated the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF). The objective of the fund was to provide loans for the youth to start income generating activities. However, according to the Youth Enterprise Fund Status Report (2011) out of Ksh 442,872,291.90 disbursed to the youth in as at November, 2011, the repayment was only. Ksh. 149,751,560.40 translating to 33.8 percent repayment rate. His study therefore, sought to investigate whether there is any relationship between repayment rates and number of groups, and the amount given. The limitation of the study was that, this study relied only on secondary data provided by Youth Enterprise Fund management and other secondary data. The methodology of the study was reviewed of related literature and quantitative data analyzed using correlation and sampling theory was used to test the hypotheses. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that, there is no significant relationship between the amount of money lent to the youths per constituency and the repayment rates of the loans. The correlation coefficient of 0.350569 at 95% level of significant depicted a positive but moderately weak relationship between the two hence insignificant. However, an increase in amount of money lent to youths seems to lead to higher repayment rates. In addition, there was no significant relationship between the number of youths accessing the YES loans in the constituencies and the repayment rates. A correlation coefficient of 0.30205 showed a positive but moderately weak relationship between number of youths and repayment rates. Lastly there was no statistical significant difference between Nyanza Province and Central Province repayment rates
Benefits of University-Industry Partnerships: The Case of Kenyatta University and Equity Bank
(2013-07) Tumuti, Dinah W.; Wanderi, P. M.; Thoruwa, C. L.
University collaborations and industry partnerships are rapidly becoming a common practice the world over. Consequently, collaborations and partnerships are becoming a feature of lifelong learning in universities. Thus, this paper purposes on highlighting the importance of university-industry partnership between Kenyatta University and Equity Bank. The symbiotic relationships between universities and industry are very significant in fostering the economic development of a nation. Due to increased competition as a result of globalization and constant technological advancements, it is imperative for universities to collaborate with industry in order to enhance the diffusion of knowledge, increase research and development, patent innovations and build the nation’s organizational capacity. For this reason, it is has become increasingly clear that there is need for close university-industry interactions as a means of national economic prosperity. Therefore, this paper examines the benefits of university-industry partnerships in promoting academic growth and community development with a specific focus on Kenyatta University. As its case study, the paper explores the partnership between Kenyatta University and Equity Bank. In our analyses, we examine the nature and role of collaboration between the two partnering institutions and illustrate how such partnerships promote academic and community economic development. In addition to the potential positive outcomes, this paper also discusses challenges and caveats of the partnership. Ultimately, the paper concludes that in the wake of growing economic challenges due to globalization, there is need for universities to forge working relationships with the industry in order to be relevant, progressive and to spur a nation’s economic growth and development.
Business Performance of Local Apparel Traders in Nairobi’s Competitive Liberalised Market
(Scholarlink Resource Centre, 2012) Mugenda, Olive M.; Mburugu, K. G.; Imo, B. E.
This paper addresses the business performance of local apparel traders given new challenges resulting from a new liberalised market in Nairobi. Data were collected using interview schedules and observation checklists. A random sample of 90 apparel traders was drawn from Kenyatta Market, Jericho Market and the Central Business District for interview. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS®). Results showed that lack of customers, stiff competition and lack of government support were the major problems facing over 50% of the traders. For most traders, providing high quality merchandise was the main strategy used to solve their problems. Government support by way of providing loans and making licence prices affordable were suggested as ways of creating a level trading ground for all traders. However, the traders’ business performance provided adequate returns to meet both personal and business needs. The Ministry of Trade and Industry should formulate mechanisms that will enable apparel traders to access information easily on existing trends and policies as they affect their businesses leading to local product quality and trade improvements. Lack of a level trading ground for all traders remained the main deterrent to their success
Challenges Faced and the Coping Strategies Adopted by Family Caregivers in Dealing with P eople L iving with H IV/ A IDS in Thika District , Central Province, Kenya
(Center for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2014-04) Kathuri-Ogola, L. N.; Mugenda, Olive M.; Kerre, F. P.
Salt mining generates colossal profits for the investors and towards Kenya’s revenue margin. However, salt farming in Magarini District has increasingly elicited socialconcerns locally and ecological stress at large. Subsequently, this paper presents the findings of a study that explored the socio-economic and environmental issues associated with salt farming. Primary data sourced from the local community provided bulk of the information. Through multi-stage cluster andsnowball sampling techniques, a sample of 120 households and 12 institutions were identified after which appropriately designed questionnaires were administered. This was augmented by interviews and focus group discussions with key informants and observations. The results documents myriad of issues including: perceived forced evictions, delineations, pollution, health hazards, unacceptable labor conditions, intimidations and corrupt local leadership, among others. This informs the need to develop effective monitoring systems that guarantees environmental and social management plan compliance by this industry
Challenges Facing Apparel Traders in Nairobi, Kenya, and Strategies for Flourishing in a Liberalized Market
(Bloomsbury Journals (formerly Berg Journals), 2010-05-01) Mugenda, Olive M.; Mburugu, K. G.; Imo, B. E.
The lack of enabling policies that would have ensured fair trade amongst various stakeholders of contrasting interests in Kenya became obvious when market liberalization was introduced in the 1990s. It created increased importation of cheap textiles and apparel products to the detriment of the local industry. Market liberalization became a common phenomena in developing countries in the 1990s, prompting the need for their documented assessment, hence this study. Data were collected from a random sample of 90 apparel traders drawn from three market centers in Nairobi according to the types of apparel they sold (new imported, second-hand, locally produced, and custom-tailored apparel). Lack of customers and stiff competition were the major challenges facing over 55% of the apparel traders. Most traders provided high quality merchandise as the main strategy to increase purchase of apparel. Chi-square analysis showed that the trader’s age, employment position/designation, and source of fabric/clothing were the socioeconomic characteristics that significantly influenced the type of apparel sold. Therefore, the study recommends that other apparel traders adopt these factors, to increase their competitive edge and enhance growth of the local industry.
Direct and self-reported measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviours by weight status in school-aged children: results from ISCOLE-Kenya
(Informa Healthcare, 2014-07) Muthuri, S. K.; Wachira, L. M.; Onywera, V.O.; Tremblay M.S.
Background: Previous work has shown little association between self-report and directly measured physical activity. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between self-reported and directly assessed measures of physical activity and sedentary time by weight status in Kenyan children. Methods: Direct assessment of body weight, physical activity and sedentary time of 563 children was collected through anthropometry and accelerometry, while self-reported assessment was achieved by administering a questionnaire. Results: Under/healthy weight children had significantly higher directly measured mean daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to overweight/obese children (39 vs 20 minutes); had lower mean weekend-day minutes of sedentary time (346 vs 365 minutes); had a higher proportion who met accepted physical activity guidelines (15.3% vs 2.6%); and a higher number reported using active transportation to/from school (49.2% vs 32.4%). Self-reported time spent outside before and after school and active transport to/from school were significantly associated with mean weekday minutes of MVPA (r-value range = 0.12–0.36), but only for the under/healthy weight children. Conclusions: The results of this study found a number of differences in the accumulation of MVPA and sedentary time by weight status and weak-to-moderate correlations between self-report and direct measures of weekday and weekend-day physical activity among the under/healthy weight children.
Evaluation of Raw Silk Produced by Bivoltine Silkworm Bom byx Mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) Races in Kenya
(2007) Mugenda, Olive M.; Nguku, E.K.; Adolkar, V. V.; Raina, S. K.; Mburugu, K. G.
Evaluation of raw silk produced in location S1 (laboratory) and S2 (field) was assessed during long rains (LR) and short rains (SR), using selected bivoltine Bombyx mori silkworm strains initially obtained from China and India. They included Chun Lei X Zen Zhu (C X Z), Quifeng X Baiyu (Q X B), Quingsong X Haoyoe (Q X H), 75xin X 7532, Suju X Minghu (S X M) and ICIPE I. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of raw silk produced by the domesticated silkworm B. mori L in Kenya. Silkworm rearing was done following the procedure of Jolly (1987). Setting of the silk quality control lab was done following specifications from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the International Silk Association, Lee (1999). Raw silk characteristics were evaluated and performance tested to determine its suitability for silk production. Quality tests of each post-harvest production process were carried out to establish the overall quality of the product. Silk winding breaks varied amongst the different strains, with ICIPE I having the least counts while 75xin recorded the most counts 13, 16, 12 and 12 during/in SR S1, SR S2, LR S1 and LR S2 respectively. Elongation percentages differed between the seasons and strains, between 18 and 20%. It was also observed that silkworm strains with high elongation count had the least number of winding breaks. ICIPE I had an average elongation of 20% and an average of 5 winding breaks counts, whereas 75xin had 18% and 13 of the same respectively. Cleanliness and neatness percentages differed among the strains and were within the acceptable ISA standards but notably ICIPE I cleanliness and neatness percentages were higher than the other silkworm strains during the two seasons, 97 and 96% respectively. The data obtained identified ICIPE I as a more economical strain to rear for quality production of raw silk and yarn.
Expectations of Field Supervisors in Kenya: Implications for Community-based Human Service Practicums
(UTS ePRESS, 2018) Kabaria-Muriithi, Joan; VanLeeuwen, Charlene A.; Kathuri-Ogola, Lucy; Weeks, Lori E.
Community-based learning (CBL), which provides opportunities for undergraduate students to develop disciplinary and work-related knowledge and skills, is increasingly becoming an integral component of higher education. Similar to other countries, there is a widespread belief among employers in Kenya that there is a mismatch between university programs and labour market demands. In order to enhance the employability of graduates, many departments at a Kenyan university have incorporated work-integrated experiential learning opportunities such as practicums in the educational experience for undergraduate students. The aim of this article is to describe the expectations of field supervisors in host organisations participitating in a community-based human services program at a Kenyan University. Fifteen purposively sampled field supervisors participated in individual face-to-face interviews that included questions about their understanding of the department’s expectations of student learning activities during practicums, knowledge of the academic preparation of students in the program and challenges associated with the supervisory role. Six field supervisors exhibited some level of understanding of the expectations of their role in working with practicum students, while nine field supervisors indicated unclear expectations of the students’ practicum experience. Thematic analysis revealed key themes related to: (1) student abilities, learning goals and their contributions to the host organisations, and (2) the academic program of study and academic support available from the university faculty or staff to field supervisors. The results of our study revealed a lack of clarity around practicum expectations for most of the field supervisors interviewed and insufficient preparation of the community-based organisations to host a practicum student. Several recommendations are identified to clarify the expectations of community partner organisations and the staff providing student supervision to ensure benefits for both students and the host organisation. Results from this study can be used to inform the development or improvement of practicum opportunities focused on producing a skilled workforce.
Factors associated with cohabitation among university students in Nairobi, Kenya. Revista de Investigacion Social, vol 9 Mexico D.F., pp.109-136. ISSN: 295/08
(2012-04-12) Kabaria, M.J.
Factors associated with reproductive behavior of low income mothers in Kiandutu Slum in Thika Municipality, Kenya
(Canadian Center of Science and Education (CCSE), 2015) Kieru, Jane N.; Ngige, Lucy W.; Ondigi, Alice N.
The purpose of this study was to investigate maternal factors associated with reproductive behavior of low income mothers in Kiandutu slum in Thika Municipality, Kenya. The family resource management model and the safe motherhood theoretical framework guided the study. A survey of 120 randomly selected mothers was conducted using simple random sampling. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Results showed that the level of education (p=0.000), occupation (p=0.037), income levels (p=0.040), religious affiliation (p=0.007) and attitude towards contraception (p=0.000) had significant relationship with mothers’ reproductive behavior. However, age, marital status, ethnicity contraceptive knowledge and use were not significantly related to reproductive behavior. Implications for fertility, family size, family planning, and involvement of males in reproductive health are included in the discussion. The study recommends that reproductive and sexual health education be made available to women and girls of childbearing age. This will help to empower them to take control of their own fertility
Factors associated with sexual behavior of high school girls in Vihiga district
(2012-04-12) Ndayala, Phoebe Didi
A Family Perspective on Everyday Life
(1992) Ngige, L.W.; Vaines, E.
Shelter is a universal basic need for all families, yet the means of supplying this need are as diverse as the environments in which people live. Rather than construct a universal building code, the authors believe that it is more productive to study the meaning of the existing forms of shelter to the everyday life of families. This paper focuses on the assessment of a traditional Kenyan family using the floor plan as a tool to understand the significance of shelter to the wellbeing of family members. The paper concludes with the implications for reflective practice on the meaning and uses of space in family housing.
Family Strengths and Challenges in Kenya
(The Harworth Press, Inc, 2007) Ngige, L.W.; Njue, J.R.; Rombo, D.O.
There are myriad challenges facing Kenyan families today that include: poverty; HIV/AIDS; illiteracy; unemployment; gender inequality; infant, childhood and maternal mortality; and obsolete traditional marriage and family laws. However, the Kenyan family as an institution has survived and stood the test of time. Strong families exist and respond positively and effectively to contemporary challenges. They are cohesive, adaptive, and use communication within the social spheres which provide the context for positive interaction. Strategies that support strong families in Kenya include: promotion of family values; communitarianism in form of familism and collectivism; extended kin and family social system; communal child rearing; care of the elderly, sick and members with disability; contemporary child and family-friendly legislation; women as sources of strengths; combating and adapting to HIV/AIDS; poverty eradication and religion.
Gender Differences in Financial Perceptions, Behaviors and Satisfaction
(Institute of Certified Financial Planners, 2000-02-01) Mugenda, Olive M.; Hira, T. K.
Research has demonstrated that there are differences in the way men and women perceive financial issues. This article provides a summary of one such study, and presents several findings and conclusions in the hope of giving financial advisors insight into gender-influenced factors that may explain clients' spending behaviors.
Home Computers: Implications of Computerized Living on Families and Home Economics Education
(1988) Ngige, L.W.
This paper examines the home computer as a resource of the information age, its applications, implications for families and the home economics profession, and its relevance to Kenya at a time when developing economies and universities had not embraced information communication technology. Computers have been the greatest milestone in the history of mankind’s invention of equipment. Computers have made space, travel, and advanced telecommunications possible. Society has changed more rapidly since its invention than any other time in history. Futurists tell us that the electronic pacemaker will impact every aspect of human life. The applications are now available in the home, school and the business world. In the developed countries, home computers are common household equipment. Some pointers on evaluating computers dealers and factors to consider before purchasing computers are offered.
Industries and Communities: Symbiotic Dependency and Sustainability of the Magana Town Industrial Park in Kenya
(Prime Journals (PJ), 2013) Mugenda, Olive M.; Maina, L.; Gachanja, Paul M.
Industrial development is perceived as an important indicator of economic growth. Though industries may be elected by private and public parties to provide goods and services at a market price, their existence at a place or region can change forever the intricate relations and interactions of a community within its environment. The situation of industries in rural areas affects rural economies by creating a demand for labour, agricultural goods and services while also opening up the areas to in-migration, increased settlements, spatial concentration of amenities and infrastructural development. In general, industrial location could change the life of communities directly and indirectly in a way that older living patterns can never be recaptured. Hence, industry-community linkages arise warranting an evaluation of the nature, the benefits and the impacts from the two dimensions. This paper thus explores these issues grounded on the following questions: are industries ‘attracted' to locate in some locales by community-based variables that is, demographics, labour characteristics, prevailing socio-economic activities within the area? Do industries utilize the community advantages that propel them to locate at a place and do communities contribute to their operations? Do communities that ‘host' industries leap benefits from them for individual and communal development? How can rural industrial parks contribute tangibly to community level development leading to sustainable development? The findings discussed in this paper are derived from a survey targeting a peri-urban industrial park located in the periphery of Nairobi city. It drew from a sample of 902 respondents, several key informant interviews and focus group discussions with segments of the community. The findings prove that industries can indeed contribute to community change and that communities can leap benefits from industrial operations for their own development and sustainability. However, the extent of these two-way flow of benefits are dependent on: the level of interaction between host community and industry, the employment ratio of community working in industry, the CSR policy and practice embraced by the companies and the good will of community leaders to connect their operations with the ideals of CSR practiced by the companies
Influence of Social Cultural Factors on HIV Seropositivity Disclosure to Sexual Partners in Kenya
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2020) Ndayala, Phoebe D.; Ngige, Lucy W.
The purpose of the study was to assess whether sociocultural factors have an influence on the self-disclosure of HIV serostatus to intimate partners among People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). A survey was conducted among 232 randomly selected respondents who were HIV seropositive and were members of a registered community-based support group for PLWHA in Nairobi, Kenya. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Results revealed that the marital status of the respondents varied from never married (13.4%), married (27.6%), separated (26.3%), divorced (4.3%) and widowed (28.4%). Approximately half of the respondents (50.4%) had disclosed their HIV serostatus to their intimate partners while 49.6% had not. The binary logistic regression results established that some socio-cultural factors fostered HIV seropositivity disclosure while others did not. The positive predictors of HIV serostatus disclosure were gender inequalities in the sexual relationship (AOR=4.129; p=0.011), the role of females as dependent housewives (AOR=1.322; P=0.004), anticipated divorce following HIV disclosure (AOR=2.578; p=0.014) and the cultural belief that HIV was a curse (AOR=2.444; p=0.005). However, sexual behaviour such as homosexuality, rape, incest, sex with minors and extramarital sex (AOR=0.225; p=0.001), intimate partner violence (AOR=0.220; p=0.001), the subordination of females by their male partners (AOR=0.351; p=0.002) and the fear of exclusion from the cultural rite of wife inheritance during widowhood (AOR=0.410; p=0.002) were negative predictors of disclosure of HIV serostatus. This implies that there was no likelihood of HIV disclosure, thereby putting intimate partners at risk of HIV infection. It was recommended that there was the need to promote community discourse on HIV and AIDS in order to reduce the socio-cultural barriers to self-disclosure of HIV
Intra-Household Resource Allocation, Decision Making and Child Nutritional Status in Rural Thika, Kenya
(1995) Ngige, L.W.
This article examines the relationship between intra-household resource allocation, decision making patterns and pre-school children’s nutritional status in rural Thika, Kenya. The study utilized the family resource management perspective. A random sample of 283 respondents comprising of 92 fathers, 94 mothers and 97 children participated in the study. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews with fathers and mothers, and anthropometric measurements of pre-school children aged 3 to 6 years. Results showed that 34.4% of the children were severely malnourished, 26.0% were classified as moderately malnourished, and 39.6% were categorized as well nourished. Maternal factors that had significant relationships with children’s nutritional status included mothers’ level of education (p=0.007), participation in decision making (p=0.029), and time use (p=0.008). Paternal factor that was significant included fathers’ occupations (p=0.003). Other significant factors were cooking facility (p=0.49), food variety (p=0.004), and food distribution at the household level (p=0.025). The paper concludes with implications for community resource management and nutrition intervention.
Knowledge and skills used and the satisfaction derived in the choice of apparel among university students
(Pakistan Home Economics Association, 2009-12) Mugenda, Olive M.; Mugalavai, V. K.; Mburugu, K. G.
The purpose was to examine the relationship between the knowledge and skills used in the selection of apparel and the satisfaction obtained. Data were collected from 210 undergraduate students of which 94 were females and 116 were males. A self administered questionnaire and focus group discussions were used. Knowledge and skills related to apparel choice were measured by a 12-item Likert scale. Satisfaction was measured using a 15-item test asking how the respondents personally feel about their clothes and what others think about them. Level of satisfaction was higher among those who had adequate knowledge. Female respondents scored higher than the male respondents on most of the attributes tested and depicted cognizance in the use of knowledge and skills. Level of satisfaction was high, with gender and year of study being significant determinants.
Mainstreaming Emergency Contraceptive Pills through private and public providers and community level structures in Suba District.
(2012-04-12) Ndayala, Phoebe Didi

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