MST-School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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This collections contains bibliographic information and abstracts of Master theses and dissertation in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences held in Kenyatta University Library

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Abandonment of Church by Youth-Believers in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Kisii County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2022) Kireri, Douglas Omosa; Julius Gathogo; Francis Mwaniki
The study sought to explore the rationale behind the abandonment of the Church, mainly among the youth-believers in the Adventist Church in Kisii County, Kenya. It has investigated why an otherwise committed youth, who faithfully used to attend the Church would suddenly stop showing up on a weekly, monthly and/or yearly basis, despite living in the neighborhood; yet they still claim to observe the Sabbath. This following objectives guided this research; to analyze the practicability of the Baptismal Class Sessions in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Kisii County, to explore the reasons why youth-believers abandon the Church after baptism in Kisii County, and to suggest solutions to the challenge of the phenomenon of youth abandoning the Adventist Church in Kisii County. The study reviewed the literature related to the Church and the youths. The study was theoretically informed by Emile Durkheim‟s Functionalist Theory, which argues that society is a system of related parts of social institutions, such as the family, religion, and the economy. Durkheim‟s theory concludes that religion acts as both glue and a lubricant to the social process. The researcher adopted descriptive design in analyzing the data. The target population in this study was the S.D.A Churches in Kisii County because it involved the youths in these Churches. Purposive sampling was conducted where youths in Churches were included in the study. In this regard, ten selected clergy and other Church members were purposively interviewed. The study used three types of questionnaires, that is, for the clergy, Church elders, and for the youths. The study also used interview schedules and Focused Group Discussions. Piloting was conducted in Kirenga Central S.D.A in Lari to test the validity and reliability of the research collection tool-questionnaire. In a nutshell, the study established the critical factors that make the youths abandon the Church. The main reasons include; failure of parental roles, boring worship service, misjudgment by elder members, dropping out of a ministry, poor role models, dropping out of a group, and gradual withdrawal. The study also explored potential solutions to the problem of youths in the vice of abandoning the Church. This includes: an emphasis on fundamental teachings, reorganization of baptismal classes, and making religious instructions pleasant among other solutions. The study will be crucial to the Church, the society and the country at large because it is geared towards attempts in remolding the moral uprightness of the society, as the Church partly plays the role of instilling morals to the youth. To the clergy, the study will help them to put up necessary measures in place in order to retain the youths in the Church. The research found out that the baptismal class sessions are in place in preparing new converts to become church members. It was also noted that there are a number of reasons that make the youth to abandon the church and solutions to these reasons were suggested. The research therefore recommended a number of issues that can be looked into to help in youth retention. These recommendations include improving the methods of preparing the new converts by making adjustments in the baptismal classes and also coming up with activities that will engage the youth in church to help in retention among other recommendations.
Absence-Presence Motif and Transgenerational Trauma in Selected West Indian Novels: A Panoramic Female Perspective
(Kenyatta University, 2024-03) Odhiambo Job
This study advances the position that parental absences result in trauma. It sought to establish the impact that these experiences and memories have on the psyche of the child character. It contended that these traumas were transferred unconsciously across generations. These transferrals are aggravated by the history of the West Indies – with one of the most significant events being the translocation of human beings from other continents into the archipelagos, and within the Americas. In both cases, this study maintains that these translocations resulted in the disintegration of the family unit for the slaves and their descendants. The ramification of this break down was the rise of the mother figure, or the matriarch; an idea that this region’s Literature captures as one of its recurrent motifs. This is also a study that sought to examine the presentation of trauma by studying literary works written and set in different time periods. The novels under study are Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea, Merle Hodge’s Crick Crack, Monkey and Marcia Douglas’ The Marvellous Equation of the Dread: A Novel in Bass Riddim. There was purposive sampling of these texts. Additionally, this study used Psychoanalytic Theory, Trauma Theory and aspects of Formalism to understand the psyche of the child character. This is a qualitative research based on close reading of the aforementioned novels. It is expected that this study will help in the understanding of the impact that the abdication of the parental duties had on the psyche of the child character as she is growing up. This study established that trauma affects how traumatised characters perceive the passage of time. It recommends that further research be done on trauma and the perception of the flow of time, especially in texts where there is the recurrent use of the ‘returnee motif.’
Access and effective participation of adult basic education programmes in Nakuru-North Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya: C. 1963-2014
(Kenyatta University, 2016-10) Ndegwa, Maina Anthony
According to 1999 Population and Housing Census, an estimated 4.2 million adults in Kenya were illiterate, 60% being women. According to vision 2030, Kenya aims at achieving 80% adult literacy in order to transit the country to a middle level economy. This study investigates the determinants of access and effective participation of Adult Basic Education Programmes in Nakuru-North District, Nakuru County, from independence to 2014. This study area has been experiencing poor participation in terms of low attendance, access, and high drop-out rates. The study was guided by the Human Capital Theory based on the work of Schultz 1971), Sakamata and Power (1975) that justifies substantial expenditure on education in order to improve production capacity of the population of any given country.The objectives of the study were; to summarize Kenya Government Policy on ABE programmes since independence; to identify factors that have influenced access and participation in ABE programmes in Nakuru North District since independence; to establish trends in participation in ABE programmes in Nakuru North District and to suggest intervention measures to improve access and participation in ABE programmes in Nakuru North District. The target population was 100 adult learners, 20 adult teachers and two adult education officers. The sample size was 60 adult learners,6 adult learners selected from every ABE centre, 10 adult teachers, one teacher from ever centre and one District Adult and Continuing Education Officer. From the Sub-County office. The descriptive method of research was used. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, face to face interviews and personal observation schedule. The findings were analyzed using descriptive method. It was presented using frequency tables, graphs and percentages. The major findings were: there is gender disparity in terms of teachers and learners ratio in favour of the female gender; all teachers are professionally qualified; over 80% of the learners were almost illiterate when they enrolled; 60% of the teachers were on permanent employment and teachers are over worked and underpaid; most of the lessons are conducted in churches; learners with special needs are not facilitated at all in the area of study among others. The study recommends the government to employ more teachers; promote learners to post-literacy level once they complete the basic levels; start more ABE centres to make progamme visible and accessible to many learners; revive dead centres by sending teachers; allocate more funds to the programme; involve other stakeholders to fund the programme among others.
Access to Basic Education in the Context of Intercommunal Conflict and Learning of Primary School Going Children in Turkana County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024) Jimbo, Tom Odera
Access to basic education in conflict-prone communities is a significant challenge in Kenya. Empirical reviews had suggested that, during intercommunal conflicts, various factors influencing access to basic education were compromised. However, these influences manifest differently in distinct situations and locations. There has been limited research on how access to basic education was affected following intercommunal conflicts in Kapedo, Turkana County. The study aimed to examine access to basic education in the context of intercommunal conflict and the learning of primary school-going children in Kapedo ward of Turkana County. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the effects of availability of learning resources and facilities on learning of primary school going children; to examine the effect of family income levels on learning of primary school going children; to establish how cultural practices and tradition affect learning of primary school going children; to interrogate how school infrastructure affects learning of primary school going children in Kapedo ward, Turkana County- Kenya. The study drew on three theories: Relative Deprivation theory, System Resource Theory, and Hierarchy of Needs Theory. It employed a descriptive survey research design, and the census approach that ensured participation of the entire population with two Ministry of Education officials, four headteachers, and twenty-four teachers as respondents. Data collection used a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview schedule, ensuring voluntary participation, confidentiality, and clarity of the study's purpose. Prior to data collection the instruments were subjected to validity check with help of university experts, and reliability tests using the Cronbach Alpha threshold of 0.7. The analysis combined descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and averages) and inferential statistics (regression analysis) and presented results through charts and tables, with qualitative data analyzed thematically. The study revealed that despite intercommunal conflicts in Kapedo, Turkana County, learning resources remained accessible, correlating with better academic performance among primary school children. Family income affected education, with conflict-induced economic instability leading to resource allocation challenges and school attendance issues, especially for girls. Cultural practices diverted children from education, causing absenteeism. Parental negligence hindered progress, despite a positive correlation with conducive practices and learning outcomes. School infrastructure challenges persisted, with a positive correlation to learning outcomes but not guaranteeing success in conflict-affected areas. Holistic interventions, considering teacher quality, safety, and resource availability, were recommended. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and Local Authorities maintain the provision of essential learning resources, emphasizing administrative functionality, classroom safety, and resource access to enhance learning outcomes. Non-Governmental Organizations and Donors should support programs to address economic challenges during conflicts, offering financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, and scholarships for children's education. Community leaders and elders should promote education-friendly cultural practices, discouraging those hindering access to learning and resolving conflicts affecting cultural obligations. Government Authorities should prioritize school infrastructure reconstruction in conflict-affected areas, including classrooms, furniture, and security measures, recognizing their significant impact on learning outcomes.
Acquisation of the English Preposational Phrase by Kenyan School Children
(2013-04-19) Kariuki, John Kuria
The Acquisition of Gikiiyu Syntactic Structures by- Gikuyu Children aged Between 3 and 5 Years.
(Kenyatta University, 1991-09) Ndung'u, Ruth Wangeci
This study was carried out on the acquisition of Gikuyu syntax by Gikuyu children. These children were at a critical stage of speech development, that is, between three and five years. The study was prompted by the general observation of 'fluent 'children of a tender age. The aim was to test this 'fluency' by conducting a field research. This study is an attempt to describe the syntax of Gikuyu children between the age of 3 and 5 years. It gives a descriptive analysis of their sentences. The study looks into the rules and the level of complexity of the childen's syntax. The study was prompted by general observations of 'fluent' children aged 5 years or below. The question was, how 'fluent' are they? This could only be answered by looking at their syntax and analyzing it. The study was influenced by readings on child /language learning, for example, that of Carol Chomsky (1969. Chomsky, (ibid), says that people assume that children have mastered the syntax of their first language by the age of 5. In this work we wanted to find out whether it is just an assumption or a fact that children master syntax by age 5. A field research was conducted on six Gikuyu children between the age of 3 and 5 years. The children's utterances were tested using interviews and the participant- observation method. These were recorded on tape and in writing. After analysing the data, it was evident that the children's syntax was complex. They used complex rules which can be found in the syntax of adult Gikuyu speakers. The analysis showed that the children had mastered the syntax of Gikuyu. They had learned and internalised the syntactic rules of Gikuyu. They used these rules in both experimental and spontaneous situations. Therefore, the children did not just seem 'fluent', they were fluent.
Acquisition of lexicon by Kenyan primary school children in a multilingual environment: a case of Kyeni Location, Embu County
(Kenyatta University, 2016-06) Nduma, Jayne R. F.
For a long time, schools in rural Embu have been using instructional materials written in Gikuyu. This is due to lack of instructional materials written in the language of the catchment area which is Kiembu. Various Education Commissions recommended the use of mother-tongue as a language of instruction in the first three years of schooling. In line with this, the schools in Embu teach using mother tongue but they use instructional materials written in Gikuyu. This study sought to determine the process of acquisition of noun and verb lexical items of school going children in a multilingual environment. The study was an attempt to investigate some of the factors that may influence language acquisition at a critical stage of age 6-7 years. It is hoped that the findings of the study will inform policy makers on the need to have instructional materials written in Kiembu for use in primary schools in Embu County. Data was collected from six children aged between six and seven years. Three of them were pupils at Kiamboa Primary school in Kyeni location, Embu County, an environment where they are exposed to Kiembu, Gikuyu, Kiswahili and English. The other three children were from Kiamboa village, also in Kyeni location, Embu County, an environment where the language of interaction is mostly Kiembu. The study used two theories namely: Nativist Theory and The Krashens Monitor Model to analyze data. The Stories were by tape- recorded and oral interviews were used durng interactions with respondents. The Gikuyu and Kiembu nouns and verbs used by respondents were identified. The researcher sought to assess the influence that teaching using resource materials written in Gikuyu has had on the acquisition of Kiembu noun and verb words. The noun classes of all nouns were indicated. The verbs were interlinealized. The researcher identified the Gikuyu and Kiembu nouns and verbs used by the respondents.The study found out that the 6-7 year olds use only Kiembu before joining class one. This was attributed to the fact that these children are only exposed to Kiembu hence the competence in the use of Kiembu.The study further found out that the 6-7 year olds use Kiembu and Gikuyu in their conversations after they have joined class one. This was attributed to the fact that they are taught using books and other instructional materials written in Gikuyu. The study further showed that the exposure to a multilingual linguistic environment has little effect on the acquisition of Kiembu by the 6-7 year olds.
Acquisition of wh-questions in english as a second language: a study of lubukusu li speakers
(2011-12-20) Simiyu, Caleb Waswa
In this study I examine the English Interlanguage of Lubukusu L1 speakers. The sample is drawn from secondary school students in Bungoma District. All the 36 students are subjected to a written Questionnaire and an Oral interview. Using the frequency count approach, the IL features are identified and placed into the following categories: Wh- Preposing transformation Subject-Auxiliary transposing transformation Do support transformation Affix-hopping transformation. The identified features are then described using Chomsky's Standard Theory and their presence in the learners' productive data explained using Selinker's (1972, 1992) Principle cognitive processes under the Interlanguage Theory. Then, on the basis of available literature on language acquisition, the study compares the regularities in the acquisition of English as a first language and the observed order in the acquisition of English as a second language. This study also discusses the various causes of the Interlingual features observed in the data. The study has shown that the Affix hopping is the least performed transformation and Whfronting is the most performed transformation. After considering various strategies of second language learning according to Selinker's (1972, 1992) Interlanguage Theory, this study establishes the main cause of the morpho-syntactic features in the learners' IL to be the `Overgeneralization of L2 rules'. This study also establishes a marked difference in the performance of transformations between the Oral tasks and written tasks. At the linguistic level, the learners seem to perform better in Oral tasks than in written tasks. It also has shown that the length of exposure to formal instruction affects the rate and success of the learning of English as a second language. The learners seem to acquire the Wh-question syntactic structure systematically in the following order: A) Wh-fronting B) Subject-auxiliary inversion C) Do support D) Affix-hopping. This thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter one is a general introduction to the study. Chapter two contains the Literature Review. Chapter three deals with the Methodology. Then chapter four deals with Data Presentation and Analysis. Discussions of the findings are in chapter five. Finally, the Implications, areas for further research and conclusion are contained in chapter six.
Adaptation Du Manuel Parlons Francais A l Enseignement Du Francais Au Kenya
(2013-03-25) Gumba, D.E.O
Theintroductionof Parlons Francais as the first e er French course book published locallyin Kenya for the teaching of French as a foreign language, having been a developmentht at was a turning point in the history of French teaching in this country, ourconcernin this critical study was to examine the suitability of the course book to thesituationin Kenya ',.•Our assessment is that this first attempt to develop a course bookfor the teaching of French by local authors has largely achieved the objectives forwhichit was designed. Parions Francais has since 2005 not been the main course book for the teachingof French in Kenyan secondary schools because other course books ha e beenrecommendedby the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) alongside it for use in schools. The course book is therefore competing for use with others that ha e recentlybeenpublished for use in schools where French is taught as foreign language, ~, eitheras the main course book or reference material, Our criticism of Parlons Fra"f!1is brings us to the conclusion that it is structured,organised and les methodologically dogmatic in comparison with previous coursebooks and is thus more open to eclectic use in order to make it more suitable to theneedsof learners. However, it has shortcomings which undermine its suitability as a course book for the teaching of French as a foreign language generally and in Kenyaspecifically. Though the newly published course books were not part of our study, their availabilityand recommendation by KIE - the institution whose work is to 0 ersee subjectcurricula, make us resist the temptation to recommend the use in class of one coursebook at the expense of another, in the interest of quality.
Adaptation Strategies to Rainfall Variability by Small Scale Dairy Farmers in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-04) Nyongesa, Geoffrey Mukhebi
Dairy farming in Kenya remains among the key wheelers to the Nations GDP contributor at about 6- 8%. Majority of the farmers in this sector, are small scale who mostly have no knowledge and capacity to handle challenges posed by rainfall variability that causes frequent droughts, impacting on water and pasture supply to their animals. The research investigated the adaptation strategies to rainfall variability by small scale dairy farmers in Uasin-Gishu County in Kenya. Objectives of study were: To assess the extent to which rainfall variability had affected small scale dairy farming, to evaluate the adaptive mechanisms used by small scale dairy farmers in response to rainfall variability between years 2010-2020 and to investigate the challenges faced by these farmers in adapting to this condition. Rainfall data was collected from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Eldoret. While milk produce data was obtained from Ministry of Agriculture Uasin-Gishu County. Structured Questionnaires were used to collect data on adaptive mechanisms and its challenges. The questionnaire was administered to small scale dairy farmers who were sampled in a stratified manner based on their sub counties, then randomly within the Sub County. In total about 368 small scale dairy farmers were sampled out of which 300 (82%) of administered questionnaire were fully responded to. Analysis of objective one was done by Pearson correlation to establish the relationship between various rainfall characteristics and milk produce. Total annual rainfall with total annual milk had correlation of r= 0.53, number of rainy days in a year to the amount of milk with Pearson correlation of r =0.23, P>0.05. Onset and cessation periods had Pearson correlation of r=0.31 and r=0.02 respectively. Average monthly rainfall to milk had Pearson correlation indicating a negative relationship of r= -0.42, P= 0.17, meaning months with high rainfall amounts had lower milk produced while dry ones had higher milk produced. In the second and third objectives, SWOT analysis was used to analyze them. Adaption strategies were taken as strengths and included: Keeping resistant breeds, they also access loans from banks and co-operative societies and also farmers rely on stored hay and silage during dry conditions. Challenges to adaptation were weaknesses and included: constraint by lack of adequate funds, lack of enough knowledge and skills to implement adaptive strategies besides in adequate support from County government. Research recommended that farmers should keep more of cross breed animals which cope with climate variability unlike exotic ones. There was also need for farmers to join and strengthen cooperative societies to assist them adapt, this is besides use of digital methods of sharing challenges and solutions to rainfall variability. The research findings are expected to benefit policy makers and other stake holders in improving dairy sub sector besides offering a body of knowledge to further researches.
Adaptive Leadership Strategies and Its Influence on Performance of Jubilee Insurance Company in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Kiarii, Zachariah Karanja
In today’s dynamic business environment, insurance companies face numerous challenges, from increasing competition and evolving regulatory landscapes to fluctuating customer expectations. The ability to adapt to these changes is crucial for organizations aiming to remain competitive and deliver effective performance outcomes. The adaptive leadership strategies enable organizations and individuals to effectively respond to a change in different environments and lead the transitions in company goals and processes in liaison with the variations of market dynamics. This study therefore sought to determine the influence of adaptive leadership strategies on the performance of Jubilee Insurance Company. The study objectives were; to determine the influence of employee team work on the performance of Jubilee Insurance company, to establish the influence of employee mentorship on the performance of Jubilee Insurance company, to assess the influence of employee engagement on the performance of Jubilee Insurance company and to examine the influence of work delegation on the performance of Jubilee Insurance company. The study was guided by Adaptive Leadership Theory and Self-determination Theory. The descriptive research design was used. The study targeted 200 employees working at Jubilee Insurance company headquarter in Nairobi City County. Stratified random sampling was utilized in selecting 60 respondents. The questionnaires were used for data collection. A pilot study was done at Britam Insurance company enhance reliability and validity of research instruments. Data collected was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics involved percentage, mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics involved ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. The analyzed data was displayed through frequency tables, percentages, pie charts and bar graphs. For ethical considerations, the researcher obtained authorization letter from the Graduate School, Kenyatta University and research permit from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). The findings show that coefficient of correlation was 0.863, an indication that the study variables significantly influenced performance of Jubilee Insurance Company. Coefficient of adjusted determination was 0.724 which translates to 72.4%. This indicates that variations in dependent variable was explained by the independent variables (employee teamwork, employee mentorship, employee engagement and employee delegation). The findings also revealed that adaptive leadership strategies positively influence the organizational performance of Jubilee Insurance Company since the P-value was 0.004 which is less than 0.05. The study concludes that employees’ teamwork, engagement, delegation, and mentorship positively influence the performance of Jubilee Insurance Company. The adaptive leadership strategies fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within Jubilee Insurance Company. By prioritizing teamwork, engagement, delegation, and mentorship of employees, the company position itself for long-term success in the competitive insurance landscape. The study recommends that management of Insurance companies should prioritize initiatives that encourage collaboration among employees across departments and levels within the organization. This could involve implementing team-building exercises, fostering open communication channels, and establishing clear goals that require cross-functional cooperation.
Administration Management Skills and Implementation of Strategic Planning in Public Secondary Schools in Muranga County ,Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023-11) Kimaru, Maina Symon; Jane Njoroge
Administrative Capacity and Performance of Kenya Police Service Officers in Machakos County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023) Khaemba, Martin Wanyama; Wilson Muna
A rising body of evidence in Kenya, and Machakos County in particular reveals that the police officers' administrative capacity is under-researched and has a negative effect on their performance. The research was guided by the following research objectives; identify the effects of career progression on performance of Kenya police service officers in Machakos County, examine the effects of workload on performance of the officers and establish the effects of technological preparedness on performance of the officers. Research was conducted using Human Capital Management theory and a descriptive survey methodology. The total population that was targeted was 690 officers comprising of 678 police constables and 12 police station commanders in the County's twelve police stations. 203 police constables and 4 police station commanders were randomly sampled using a stratified random sampling technique. Interview schedule was used to collect data from Officers in charge of the police stations and data was gathered from the police constables through the distribution of questionnaires to them. For this study, quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions and percentages, were necessary for analyzing numerical data while closed-ended replies or content analysis from questionnaires was done which revealed patterns, themes, and biases that were employed in the research. A table-based style made it easier to see the results. Simple regression technique was used to check the relationships between the two study variables, that is, administrative capacity (independent variable) and performance (dependent variable). Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to do the analysis. The study adhered to Kenyatta University and National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation norms for research. The information provided remained private at all times. The data was collected in an anonymous fashion and data management was done by use of a computer and a password to save the data electronically to keep it safe from unauthorized access. The study established that there was a positive correlation between administrative capacity and performance of the police officers. The major findings of the study were that: career progression, workload and technological preparedness aspects affected performance of the officers. In view of the identified research findings, the researcher recommends that: The National Police Service Commission should develop a suitable policy on enhancing the administrative capacity and performance of the officers. Further, the Service should develop a suitable strategic plan aimed at capacity building of the police officers and enhancing their performance.
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.
Adoption of e-governance in the public sector: a case of Nairobi City County
(Kenyatta University, 2016-10) Mulubi, Asiligwa
Adoption of e-governance in delivery of services is one of the ways in which public sector organizations can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of services. The establishment of devolved system of governance created 47 semi-autonomous County Governments mandated to provide governance services within their region. Studies have been conducted on adoption of e-governance in the devolved government structure, however, most of studies did not utilize the UTAUT model or moderating variables to determine e-governance adoption. Therefore, this study adopted the UTAUT model to examine performance expectance, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating condition in adoption of e-governance. The study used gender and job experience as moderating variables. The descriptive survey research design was. The study had a target population of 12, 946, and a sample size of 384. A questionnaire tool with questions adopted from UTAUT variables (performance expectance, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions) was used. The study findings were analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics. Inferential statistics were used to test the hypothesis of the study. The findings revealed the existence of a statistically significant relationship between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. However, the moderating variables (gender and job experience) did not have significant relationship with adoption of e-governance. The study concludes that facilitating conditions had the strongest relationship with adoption of e-governance. The study recommends that other studies e-governance should test adoption using other models and other than UTAUT, and more moderating variables other than gender and job experience as since they have been utilized in this study.
Adoption of E-Visa Regime and Its Effects on Processing of Travelers at Malaba and Busia Border Posts, Kenya.
(Kenyatta University, 2023) Gamoing, Robert Kipngeno; Wilson Muna
The e-visa regime is a relatively new phenomenon globally, and little evidence exists that demonstrate its effectiveness on processing of travelers at border points. The purpose of this project therefore is to study the effects of e-visa regime, particularly the application requirements, means of payment, clearance time and adoption of technology on processing of travelers. The study was guided predominantly by the Technology Adoption Model, and complemented by Theory of Planned Behavior and Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Two of the busiest border posts in Kenya were randomly selected, these are, Busia and Malaba along the Kenya-Uganda border. The target population comprised 700 inbound travelers at the Busia and 100 outbound travelers at the Malaba border post. It also comprised 50 immigration officers on the Kenyan side of the border. Hence the target population is 850 respondents. A sample size of 170 was then derived from the target population; this is 20% of the target population. Data was collected mainly by use of semi-structured questionnaires among the travellers, and interview schedules among the immigration officers. A pilot study was conducted at the Namanga border post to determine the validity and reliability of the data collection tool, and improve on gaps identified. The data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the adoption of e-visa regime and processing of travellers. Quantitative data is presented using frequency tables, percentages, bar graphs and pie charts while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data where data was coded into themes for interpretation and analysis. In order to address ethical considerations, letters of authorization to undertake this research was sought from Kenyatta University, the National Council for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), as well as from the relevant National and County government authorities in Busia County. The researcher sought informed consent, while observing objectivity, confidentiality and anonymity
Adoption of Melia (Melia Volkensii, Gürke) by Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2021) Gathoni, Caroline; Mary Baaru; Joseph Kurauka
Selective logging of hardwood species in the natural woodlands of Eastern Kenya has led to a drastic decline of hardwood species available for building and construction in the region. One of the species immensely affected is Melia volkensii, Gürke (Meliaceae, Mahogany family) a hard wood, fast maturing species indigenous in Eastern Kenya, whose wood fetches high market prices. Through agroforestry, its adoption has been promoted by government and non-governmental organizations, to restore it as well as fill in the rising demand for hardwood timber. Establishment and management of Melia volkensii to maturity and harvesting requires high investment capital. The rewards are long-term as the tree takes 10-15 years to maturity for timber harvesting. The study therefore hypothesizes that household’s income level influences its adoption. Households with higher income are more likely to invest in M.volkensii compared to low-income households. The objectives of the study were to investigate the agroforestry practices in which M.volkensii was adopted, to assess the role of household income levels in adoption and to investigate the major challenges facing its adoption. The study was conducted in Kibwezi subcounty, Makueni county, which was purposively selected due to high number of M.volkensii growers compared to other counties. Descriptive research design was employed. Through random sampling, a sample of 120 households of M.volkensii adopters and 80 non-adopters was identified. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire administered to an adult or adult equivalent in each household. The data was analysed using SPSS and Ms. Excel. A logit regression was used to determine the characteristics that influenced adoption of Melia. On agroforestry practices, intercropping and household planting were the most preferred practices by 80% and 71% of the respondents respectively. ANOVA test on the mean number of trees in the different practices was significant (p=0.00), with woodlots holding the greatest number of trees. The results showed that household income level significantly influenced adoption (p=0.00). The challenges faced during adoption were lack of capital, unavailability seedings, lack of information, labour demand and competition with crops. Log regression was conducted on factors affecting adoption showed that the significant factors were gender and education of the household head, household size, farm size, access to credit, household income and distance to the nearest market center. The study concluded that the preferred x agroforestry practices for M.volkensii were intercropping for timber and homestead planting for seed production, hence recommends interventions such as trainings, fit for these practices. Household income level influenced adoption; thus, the study recommended provision of affordable credit to encourage adoption. On the challenges, the study recommended strengthening farmer groups and resource centers so that information is easily available and training farmers on seed production and nursery management.
Adoption of soil and water conservation technologies for sustainable watershed management and planning in Ngachuma sub-catchment, Kenya
(2012-02-20) Alufah, Simon
Soil erosion is detrimental and affects the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil. One of the ways of managing soil erosion in a catchment is by the use of soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies to achieve sustainability. The main study objective was to determine and examine factors influencing the adoption SWC technologies for sustainable watershed management and planning in the Ngaciuma sub-catchment. To achieve the goal of the study, the following empirical tools were used: a structured questionnaire (for 100 respondents), institutional questionnaire (for 20 respondents), in-depth interview guide for key informants and an on-farm observation guide. Numerical tools for data analysis comprised of descriptive statistics, non-parametric test (chi-square), logit model, SWOT and cost-benefit analyses. The study identifies the following SWC technologies in the catchment: terracing (65 percent), tree planting (61 percent), agroforestry (33 percent), cover cropping (27 percent), intercropping/multiple cropping (16 percent) and contour vegetation strip (19 percent), with adoption level of. Adopters (76 percent) and Non-adopters (24 percent).The study also reveals that household size, perception of soil erosion problem, training in soil erosion control and land ownership influence adoption of SWC technologies in the catchment at (P<0.05) chi-square test. Using the logit model to further examine other factors considered, age, distance of farm from the Ngaciuma River, slope of cultivated land (significant at P< 0.01) and membership of a group or an organization were found to be influencing adoption of SWC technologies positively. Conversely, variables which influence adoption negatively were: education, distance of farm from homestead, number of farm parcels and farm size. Major challenges hindering adoption of SWC technologies have been lack of coordination between stakeholder agencies (Agriculture, Forestry and Water) in management and conservation of resources in the catchment. However, the catchment can boast of established Sub¬catchment Management Plan with active management committee and proactive Ngaciuma-Kinyaritha Water Resource Users Association for resource conservation. Finally, cost-benefit analyses conducted on one acre farm using terracing and tree plantation and terracing and maize production, separately in the catchment reveal that benefits far outweighed the costs. Thus, adoption of SWC technologies in the catchment is viable and cost-effective. The study recommends sensitization of farmers on the need to form groups to benefit from institutional credit facilities to enhance adoption of SWC technologies, formal training of all stakeholders in SWC technologies and capacity building of farmers in other livelihoods areas to reduce pressure on watershed natural resources. The study further recommends that Government of Kenya harmonizes management strategies in Agriculture, Water and Forest ministries and agencies geared towards watershed management. This will enhance SWC technology's adoption in the catchment for sustainable watershed management and development.
Adoption of strategic management practices at Kenyatta University
(Kenyatta University, 2015-06) Kinuthia, Nicholas Gitau
Strategic management is a key guideline in institutions of higher learning as the quest for higher education continues hence each university has to lay down its competitive strategies and align them with the ever changing environment and market trends. It is on this note that each university is striving to come up with strategic plans to guide its operations and give it a competitive edge over others and be able to attract more students. This is evidenced by the fact that there are 22 public universities and 14 private universities who are competing to provide higher education. This study, therefore sought to assess the adoption of strategic management practices in Kenyatta University. This research study adopted a descriptive survey design which was deemed appropriate because the main interest was to establish how strategic management practices have been adopted in Kenyatta University. The study targeted the management staff of the university, making 91 respondents. Primary data was gathered directly from respondents and for this study, a semi-structured questionnaire was utilized. Secondary data was also collected for this study. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and presented through percentages, means, standard deviation and frequencies. The information was also presented by use of frequency tables and charts. The study conducted a multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between strategic management and the variables as well as ANOV A model to test for significance. The study found out that Kenyatta University is faced with various challenges in the strategic management at the different levels. The study also found that commitment of top management affects strategic management in Kenyatta University. The study concludes that Kenyatta University uses communication as a means of achieving strategic management. The study also concludes that organizational culture has an effect on strategic management in Kenyatta University. The study finally concludes that organizational structure influences strategic management at Kenyatta University. The study recommends review of the strategic management practices by Kenyatta University by making a positive contribution on communication, commitment, creating awareness or understanding of the strategy, aligning organizational systems and resources and better coordination and sharing of responsibilities. The study also recommends that decision making for the Kenyatta University be based on a perception of itself and the environment so as to detect problems, gather information, and evaluate possible outcomes.
Adoption of strategic management practices at Kenyatta University.
(2015-06) Gitau, Kinuthia Nicholas
Strategic management is a key guideline in institutions of higher learning as the quest for higher education continues hence each university has to lay down its competitive strategies and align them with the ever changing environment and market trends. It is on this note that each university is striving to come up with strategic plans to guide its operations and give it a competitive edge over others and be able to attract more students. This is evidenced by the fact that there are 22 public universities and 14 private universities who are competing to provide higher education. This study, therefore sought to assess the adoption of strategic management practices in Kenyatta University. This research study adopted a descriptive survey design which was deemed appropriate because the main interest was to establish how strategic management practices have been adopted in Kenyatta University. The study targeted the management staff of the university, making 91 respondents. Primary data was gathered directly from respondents and for this study, a semi-structured questionnaire was utilized. Secondary data was also collected for this study. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and presented through percentages, means, standard deviation and frequencies. The information was also presented by use of frequency tables and charts. The study conducted a multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between strategic management and the variables as well as ANOV A model to test for significance. The study found out that Kenyatta University is faced with various challenges in the strategic management at the different levels. The study also found that commitment of top management affects strategic management in Kenyatta University. The study concludes that Kenyatta University uses communication as a means of achieving strategic management. The study also concludes that organizational culture has an effect on strategic management in Kenyatta University. The study finally concludes that organizational structure influences strategic management at Kenyatta University. The study recommends review of the strategic management practices by Kenyatta University by making a positive contribution on communication, commitment, xv creating awareness or understanding of the strategy, aligning organizational systems and resources and better coordination and sharing of responsibilities. The study also recommends that decision making for the Kenyatta University be based on a perception of itself and the environment so as to detect problems, gather information, and evaluate possible outcomes.

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