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Item Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Access to Reproductive Health Service Information among the Youth in Korogocho Slum of Nairobi, Kenya(International Institute for Science, Technology & Education (IISTE), 2015) Omweno, Lucy; Ondigi, Alice; Ogolla, LucyAccess to reproductive health services information by the youth has received the minimal attention given that reproductive health service information for many years has been tailored to meet the needs of the adult population. The youths have therefore been neglected partly due to cultural sensitivity that dictates what, when and how reproductive health information is transmitted to the youth. This study investigated selected sociocultural factors influencing access to reproductive health service information in Korogocho slum in Nairobi Kenya. A descriptive survey design was employed; questionnaires, focus group discussion guides and key informant interview schedules were administered on 164 with youths and 5 health facility officials (key informants) to collect data, the response rate was 91.46. The reliability and validity of research instruments was ensured by pre-testing. With a R2 value of 0.98 the study found out that 98% of the independent variables explained access to Reproductive Health Service Information with the remaining 2% explained by other factors. The study revealed that the youth in Korogocho had inadequate and inaccurate Reproductive Health Service information mostly received from the media and/or their peers. The major socio-cultural factors that were found to influence the RHS included; family, religion and peer influence. The study therefore concludes that the above selected socio-cultural factors had influence on access to Reproductive Health Service information among the youths in Korogocho slumItem Nature and Extent of HIV Self Disclosure by Seropositive Adults in HIV Support Groups In Nairobi County, Kenya(IISTE, 2015) Phoebe, Ndayala; Ondigi, Alice N; Ngige, LNew treatment regimens in HIV management have led to the rapid growth in the numbers of People living with HIV (PLWHIV). Disclosure rates among this group remains low which limits their ability to access necessary support resulting in early progression to death and increased risk of infection and low uptake of protection among sexual partners. Understanding the predictors of sero-positive disclosure to sexual partners can be a step toward devising targeted strategies aimed at promoting HIV testing and disclosure thus enhancing HIV prevention and risk reduction efforts. This study was a descriptive survey involving 232 PLWHIV drawn from HIV support groups in the area selected through non-proportionate systematic random sampling. Multiple logistic regression and Chi-square tests were used to establish the predictors and relationships of self disclosure of seropositive status by PLWHIV to sexual partners. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data was analyzed generating descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis with the use of verbatim quotes to highlight the respondents’ voices. Study results showed that the general HIV disclosure rates were high (92.2%), but only 50.5% had disclosed to a sexual partner. Consistent disclosure to all sexual partners was low (29%) and this was mainly involved regular partners. Generally, PLWHIV had a positive perception of HIV self disclosure. Results point to high levels of anticipated stigma and discrimination from all support structures by PLWHIV. However, only 48% of PLWHIV recorded high levels of enacted stigma and discrimination. It was concluded that PLWHIV anticipated high levels of enacted stigma and discrimination from their social networks after disclosure. This acted as a barrier to HIV self disclosure. However, these fears did not translate into high levels of actual enacted stigma and discrimination. The study recommended that initiating income generating activities for the PLWHIV, consistent training and counseling on the management of self stigma and promotion of strategies of living positively with the disease can promote effective self disclosure of sero-positive status to sexual partners.Item 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 HIVItem Male Contraceptive Uptake and Associated Socio-Economic Characteristics in Kenya.(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2022) Mwito, Anderson M.; Ngige, Lucy W.; Kieru, Jane N.This research investigated the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and male contraceptive uptake in Kenya. A survey of 572 randomly selected male respondents participated in the study. The study assessed the respondents’ socioeconomic profiles such as the location of residence, age, marital status, polygyny, family size, education attainment, working status and income level. The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 60 years. Chi-square results indicated significant relationships between male contraceptive uptake and socioeconomic characteristics such as location of residence (p = 0.005), age (p = 0.005), marital status (p = 0.005), family size (p = 0.021), education attainment (p= 0.005) and income level (p = 0.032). The study concluded that men’s area of residence, age, marital status, desired number of children, level of education and level of income had a significant influence on male contraceptive uptake. It is recommended that there is a need to develop male-friendly and acceptable contraceptive options for men besides condoms and vasectomy, with the view of increasing contraceptive uptake among males in Kenya.Item Sexual Practices and HIV Seropositivity Disclosure among Adults in Nairobi, Kenya(East African Nature & Science Organisation, 2021) Ndayala, Phoebe; Ngige, Lucy; Ondigi, Alice; Evelia, HumphriesThe purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between sexual practices and HIV seropositive status disclosure to sexual partners by People Living with Human Immune-Deficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in Nairobi, Kenya. A survey was conducted among 232 PLWHIV who were registered members of HIV support groups in an informal settlement. Results showed that half (50.5%) of the respondents had disclosed their HIV seropositive status to their sexual partners. Chi-square results revealed statistically significant relationships between HIV seropositive disclosure and the following sexual behaviours: condom use in the last sexual encounter (χ 2 = 12.144; df = 1; p = 0.001); regular sexual partner (χ2 = 5.124; df = 1; p = 0.024); agreement on HIV testing with sexual partner (χ 2 = 3.873; df = 1; p = 0.039) and knowledge of sexual partners’ HIV serostatus (χ 2 = 6.536; df = 1; p = 0.011). The binary logistic regression results established four positive predictors of self-disclosure to sexual partners as regular sexual partner (AOR = 2.506; p = 0.012), knowledge of sexual partners’ HIV serostatus (AOR = 3.949; p = 0.015), condom use during the last sexual encounter (AOR = 3.507; p = 0.035) and agreement on HIV testing with sexual partner (AOR = 2.560; p = 0.020). However, the desire to conceive (AOR = 3.050; p = 0.094) and the method of testing HIV serostatus (AOR = 0.853; p = 0.530) were not significant predictors of HIV seropositivity disclosure. It was concluded that respondents who knew their partners HIV serostatus and also used a condom during their last sexual encounter were four times more likely to disclose than those who were not aware of partners’ serostatus or those who did not use a condom in their last sexual encounter. Furthermore, those who were in regular sexual relationships and also agreed on HIV testing with sexual partners were twice more likely to disclose than those in casual sexual relationships. An analysis of sexual practices of PLWHIV can therefore enhance the formulation of targeted strategies aimed at enhancing HIV prevention and reduction of risky sexual behaviour among PLWHIV.Item Social Media as a Battleground for Electoral Violence among Netizens in Africa: The Case of Kenyan Youth(East African Nature & Science Organisation, 2020) Njuguna, Christine; Gikandi, ,Joyce; Ogola, Lucy; Muriithi, JoanThere is a rise in unprecedented political infractions, disturbances and electoral violence in Africa with the youth playing a significant role. Thus, the study broadly investigated social media use and electoral violence among the youth in Kenya using two objectives that were to assess the use of social media platforms among the youth and to investigate the relationship between social media use and electoral violence among the youth. Guided by the Dependency Theory and the Social Responsibility Theory, the study was carried out in Mathare Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya. Data collection involved questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis of quantitative data was by descriptive statistics and regression while qualitative data was analyzed through transcription. The study findings showed that the use of social media platforms in communication has been growing with WhatsApp becoming the most ‘preferred’ platform in Kenya. The study outcome exposed the fact that social media had an important and positive effect on electoral violence among the Kenyan youth in Mathare (R = .812). On the other hand, social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram) had a strong explanatory strength on electoral violence among the Kenyan youth in Mathare (R2 = .659). This means that social media accounts for 65.9 percent of electoral violence among the Kenyan youth in Mathare Constituency, Nairobi County. The study, therefore, concluded that there is a relationship between social media and electoral violence among the Kenyan youth in Mathare. The study finally recommends that the government should embrace and enforce self-regulation mechanisms by Internet service providers to deter incitement. In addition, there should be increased efforts to educate and inform Internet users on the importance of assessing the credibility of information. Promotion of productive engagement as an effective instrument of dealing with online hatred is key.Item Perceptions of Parenting Behaviors and Adolescent Self-Esteem Outcomes in Kenya(East African Scholars Publisher, Kenya, 2020) Ngige, Lucy; Mbito, Michael; Kieru, JaneThis study examined perceptions of adolescents regarding their parents’ behaviours such as guidance, punitiveness, monitoring and autonomy granting, and their influence on the development of adolescent self-esteem in Kenya. A standardized research instrument was used to gather data from a sample of 630 Kenyan high school students that ranged in age from 15 to 18 years and had a mean age of 16.3 years. The gender of these participants comprised of 35.7% males and 64.3% females. Standardized regression coefficients revealed that paternal guidance (ÿ = .204; p< .0001) was a stronger positive predictor of adolescents’ self-esteem compared to maternal guidance (ÿ =.164; p < .001). On the contrary maternal punitiveness (ÿ = -184; p<.01) was a stronger negative predictor of adolescent self-esteem than that of paternal punitiveness (ÿ = -124; p < .01). However, paternal monitoring (ÿ = 0.87; p> .05) and maternal monitoring (ÿ = 0.61; p> .05) were not significant predictors of Kenyan adolescents’ self-esteem. Furthermore results revealed that paternal autonomy granting (ÿ = -020; p >.05) was a negative, but insignificant predictor of Kenyan adolescents’ self-esteem, while the maternal autonomy granting (ÿ = 0.009; p> .05) had a positive but insignificant effect on adolescent self-esteem. The findings of this study may be useful for family life educators and family practitioners as they develop training materials on culturally relevant determinants of positive adolescent developmental outcomes.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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 fertilityItem Supervision Challenges Encountered During Kenyan University Students’ Practicum Attachment(IISTE, 2015) Kathuri-Ogola, Lucy; VanLeeuwen, Charlene; Kabaria-Muriithi, Joan; Weeks, Lori E.There is little published research that examines the supervision experience of field attachment supervisors in Kenya. In this study, we identify the challenges encountered by field supervisors during student field attachments with community organizations. Fifteen organizations that had hosted third year students from the Department of Community Resource Management and Extension (CRM&E) at Kenyatta University during their practicum attachment were sampled using purposive and convenience sampling. Data was collected using faceto- face key informant interviews with field supervisors (n=15). Data was analyzed using NVivo10 software for qualitative analysis. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of key themes related to clarity of learning objectives for students and the supervision challenges encountered by field supervisors during practicum. Key findings indicate that the supervisors largely lacked a clear understanding of practicum expectations and the academic preparation of students in the Community Resource Management and Extension program. The main supervision challenge is largely on orienting students to community based field work so as to enable them link theory to practice. These results can be helpful for any academic program to improve the field attachment experience of university students and the community organizations hosting the students. A better understanding of the challenges that field supervisors’ encounter is fundamental to the enhancement of the practicum experience of university students since the requisite and appropriate support can be provided to the host organizations. Subsequently, the students will be more likely to optimize the intended benefits of the practicum as a result of the host organizations enhancing the quality of field-based learning.Item 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 companiesItem Urbanization Challenges in Poor Slum Areas of Nairobi and the Role of Sustainability Science in Seeking Practical Solutions(2014) Mugenda, Olive M.; Muriuki, J.N.The chapter examines major sustainability challenges faced by people in the poor urban slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The objective of this study was to specifically examine challenges faced in the city’s slum areas, and application of sustainability science in seeking solutions. The study relied largely on secondary information available in print material. Site visits, discussions and observation were also applied in seeking information. The slum areas in Nairobi can be said to be a consequence of a multiplicity of factors ranging from old colonial policies, to post independence factors of governance which over time have resulted in migrations from rural to urban areas. Further, natural population increase and rise in cost of living for wage earners in the central business areas of the city have equally pushed families to slum, peri-urban or near-slum areas. The existing concentration of people in slum areas is an adaptation to poverty conditions. Slums residents are exposed to many challenges some of which include inadequacies of shelter, food, water and sanitation, infrastructure and other aspects of economic or social deprivations. In order to approach sustainability of livelihoods in poor slum areas, existing challenges and their impacts on livelihood have to be identified and solutions sought. The paper notes that in addressing slum challenges, a critical aspect is to first and foremost lower the cost of living and in effect facilitate provision of food, better shelter, clean water and other essential social amenities. As a way of tackling poverty, there’s need to reflect on governance and democracy, including women empowerment and to tap on the potentials of the slum dwellers by encouraging participation and improving on their innovations. Sustainability science research can help analyse on-going slum dynamics, identification of key drivers or factors that lead to deprivation and seek solutions or adaptive measures that can improve the wellbeing of poor slum dwellers, improve livelihoods and make urban areas attractive and sustainable places to live.Item 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 ratesItem 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Psychosocial determinants of quality of life among Kenyan families(Centre for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2011-06) Mugenda, Olive M.; Ondigi, Alice N.The importance of Quality of Life studies cannot be overestimated. Virtually every government and development sector would be interested in the impact of its initiatives on people’s standard of living and essentially their Quality of Life. Results of such studies can be used to enable people, as far as possible, achieve their goals and choose their ideal lifestyle. Indeed the welfare of African families is a major concern in the recent decade. In adapting and surviving tough economic challenges to have a resiliency culture, one needs to recognizing strengths that keeps African communities satisfied and together. One way to recognize these strengths was to investigate the psychosocial determinants of Quality of life among Kenyans. The paper was to establish weather psychosocial related factors (emotional status, marital status, spiritual status, number of children, health status, educational level and income level) contribute to the satisfaction of quality of life among Kenyans. The information was gathered from all the eight (8) Kenyan provinces including urban and rural households. A total of 5179 people were interviewed using a survey questionnaire and also use of focus group discussions. The results indicated the majority of the respondents who were married, had more children, had more income, had high education level, were in good health status, who were more spiritual, indicated more satisfaction with their quality of life. Therefore the study concludes that psychosocial factors are part and parcel in achieving happiness in one’s life and a firmer foundation upon which to built intervention strategies.Item 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 successItem 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.