MST-Department of Public Policy and Administration

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Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Performance in Health Sector in Embu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Njagi, Consolata Marigu
Proper management of human resources was crucial in providing high-quality health care. A refocus on human resource management in healthcare and more research were needed to develop new policies. Effective human resource management strategies were essential in achieving better outcomes in the provision of healthcare services around the world. Human Resources for health were one of the core building blocks of a health system in any country. Poor performance resulted from health staff not being sufficient in numbers, not providing care according to standards, not being responsive to the needs of the community and patients, absenteeism, motivation, job dissatisfaction, lack of professional development, poor attitudes, and poor working conditions. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effect of human resource management strategies on employee performance in the health sector in Embu County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the effect of training strategies on employee performance in the health sector in Embu County, Kenya, to examine the effect of compensation strategies on employee performance in the health sector in Embu County, Kenya, to determine the effect of performance appraisal strategies on employee performance in the health sector in Embu County, Kenya, and to determine the effect of recruitment and selection strategies on employee performance in the health sector in Embu County, Kenya. Equity theory, human capital theory, and ability, motivation, and opportunity theories were used. A descriptive survey research design was used. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaires from a sample of 81 managers working in Health facilities in Embu County, Kenya. Content, face validity, and reliability tests using Cronbach Alpha were conducted. Data analysis was done through the use of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data were presented in tables and figures through the use of descriptive measures such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed positive perceptions regarding training strategies, with emphasis on seminars, needs assessments, and tailored training. Compensation strategies showed moderate satisfaction, particularly in incentive-based motivation and transparent promotion processes. Performance appraisal strategies were perceived moderately, with clear targets but room for improvement in effectiveness. Recruitment and selection strategies showed mixed perceptions, with strengths in standardized tests but weaknesses in transparency. Employee performance assessment indicated challenges in turnover and moderate satisfaction with day-to-day responsibilities. While certain strategies show promise, such as targeted training and incentive-based compensation, there are areas for improvement across all domains. Recommendations include refining performance appraisal processes, enhancing transparency in recruitment, and addressing retention challenges. Alignment of organizational strategies with employee needs is crucial for optimizing performance outcomes in the healthcare sector.
Determinants of public participation in policy making at devolved government in Kitui County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-04) Ndeti, Florence Mueni
Public participation in policy development has become a fundamental tenet of devolvement. It should be entrenched in the constitution of any democratic country. Public participation helps in involving the people in the project management and evaluation thus embedding a sense of ownership to the project. It calls upon the people to be at the Centre of decision-making processes and policy formulation. The enactment of the subsequent Acts of parliament since 2010 lay ground for the involvement of people in Kenya in decision making as a key component of governance with commensurate effort in enabling mechanisms to enable this. The study area of public participation is growing and there is still room for more knowledge on how it influences decision making in particular during public policy formulation. The stakeholder theory (ST) and structural functional theory (SFT) formed the key theoretical underpinning of this study. The study was centered on the following specific objectives: to ascertain the influence of legal awareness on public participation during policy formulation, to examine the influence of access to information on public participation during policy formulation, to examine the influence of inclusivity on public participation during policy formulation and, to examine the influence of financial incentives as determinants of public participation during policy formulation in Kitui County. Data analysis was done through SPSS to give descriptive information. The study targeted members of public, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), County Executive Committee (CEC) members and County level government administrators, project managers and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) leadership and community covering an education range between primary and post graduate level. A total of 231 filled questionnaires, representing a 77% response rate, were collected from respondents in targeted sub-counties. The results revealed that gender bias is not a significant factor in public participation, with 48.6% male and 51.4% female respondents. Most participants were aged between 35-45 years (34.6%), and the majority had tertiary education (35%). The analysis of independent variables indicated all variables had significant influence in policy formulation. Financial Incentives had the most substantial positive impact, followed by Legal Awareness, Prior Information Access, and Inclusivity in public participation. The study recommends continuous education on legal frameworks, the adoption of county-specific public participation laws, and structured media campaigns to inform the public about the prominence of participation in policy formulation. Additionally, enhancing inclusivity and providing financial incentives were highlighted as crucial strategies for promoting effective public participation in Kitui County's policy formulation. The findings reveal that 80.73% of respondents were aware of policy guidelines, highlighting the crucial role of County Assembly Members in raising awareness. Despite this, the absence of a County-specific public participation policy is noted, prompting the recommendation for targeted civic education programs. Regarding information access, 80.73% of participants believe it enhances the quality of proposals and decisions, though deficiencies exist in current dissemination channels like the website. Recommendations include intentional strategies for inclusive representation and feedback mechanisms. Examining financial incentives, the study recognizes their impact but highlights their limitations without considering other factors. Basic incentives, like lunch and local transport, are deemed insufficient. Recommendations encompass improving incentive provision, developing citizen engagement structures, and implementing continuous civic education. In conclusion, the study advocates for a holistic approach, intertwining legal frameworks, civic education, and citizen engagement to realize meaningful participation, with suggestions for future research in counties with specific laws and the correlation between effective public participation and good governance.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Harnessing Demographic Dividends in Kisumu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Kipchirchir, Benard Kigen
In today’s globalized economy, industries are becoming increasingly competitive, demanding that employees possess a diverse range of skills and knowledge. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs seek to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge to enhance employability, career progression, and overall personal development. However, despite acquiring TVET skills, graduates continue to face challenges in adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the industry. These challenges include, but are not limited to, skill mismatches, employability issues, career advancement barriers, relevance of skills, adaptability, and competitiveness. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of current interventions to inform policy reforms and decision making. This research examined the impact of TVET in harnessing the demographic dividend in Kisumu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the effects of TVET on youth employability, skills development, and youth empowerment within the county. The study was guided by three theoretical frameworks: Human Capital Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Empowerment Theory. A descriptive survey design anchored the study, targeting a population of 20,857 individuals, including 20,814 TVET students, 42 heads of TVET institutions, and 1 County Education Officer from the Kisumu County Government. A sample size of 379 respondents was determined using the Krejcie & Morgan sampling table. Disproportionate stratified random sampling was employed to select participants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. The reliability of the instruments was assessed through the split-half method, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.7, which was deemed acceptable. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were presented using means, standard deviations, percentages, and frequencies. The relationship between variables was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Findings were displayed in frequency tables, percentages, and correlational tables. Ethical standards including objectivity, informed consent, anonymity, and confidentiality, as stipulated by the NACOSTI research permit and Kenyatta University research guidelines, were strictly observed throughout data collection, analysis, and reporting. The study found the effectiveness of TVET training in harnessing demographic dividends in Kisumu County to be strong in youth empowerment (r = 0.95), skill development (r = 0.87), and youth employment (r = 0.57). Qualitative insights supported these findings, highlighting TVET's role in fostering ambition, skill acquisition, and youth empowerment. This draws to the conclusion that TVET training in Kisumu County was effective in promoting youth employability, skills development and empowerment. It plays a crucial role in harnessing demographic dividends. The study recommends regular curriculum reforms to align training with emerging youth needs and labor market demands. It recommended that the government, as policy-maker, regularly reform TVET curricula. Incorporating student feedback will help align training with emerging demographic and labor market needs. Future studies should compare TVET effectiveness across counties, track long-term outcomes, and assess employer perspectives.
Assessing the Role of Digitization on Service Delivery at Kenya Revenue Authority, Nakuru Station
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Kwemei, Joel Sikirio
Corporate Governance Practices and Performance of Independent Constitutional Commissions in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Githu, James
The major responsibilities of constitutional commissions are to protect the sovereignty of the people and to ensure that all state organs observe democratic values and principles, and to promote constitutionalism. However, majority of these commissions have not achieved their mandate. Sound corporate governance practices are a major contributor to effective and efficient management of state corporations. Since independence, the level of accountability in management of state corporations has continued to decline despite the availability of various monitoring structures like legal frameworks, ethics and integrity, policies and the code of conduct and ethics intended to provide a clear road map to successful performance of the state corporations. The general objective of the study was to find out the influence of corporate governance practices on performance of independent constitutional commissions in Nairobi city county, Kenya. The specific objectives were, to determine the effect of accountability practices, to assess the effect of transparency practices, to analyse the effects of board responsibility and to determine the effect of risk management practices on performance of independent constitutional commissions in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study adopted the following theories, agency theory, stakeholder theory and stewardship theory. The theory used descriptive research design. The target population for this study was the 1426 employees in the fourteen Independent Commissions in Nairobi County, Kenya. To determine the sample size, the Fisher formula was used. The sample study included the 303 employees that made up of non-management staff, lower management staff, middle management staffs, and top management level of the fourteen Independent Commissions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in collecting primary data from the target respondents. The questionnaire comprises of both open and close ended questions. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were adopted. Descriptive statistics included means and standard deviations while the inferential statistics included multiple regression analyses. The information obtained from data analysis was presented through tables and figures. The findings revealed that there is a strong relationship between the predictors; accountability practices, transparency practices, board responsibility, and risk management practices and the organizational performance of independent constitutional commissions in Nairobi City County, Kenya as indicated by P-value less than 0.05. The study concludes that corporate governance practices significantly influence the performance of Independent Constitutional Commissions in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study recommended that government should prioritize the enhancement of corporate governance frameworks within Independent Constitutional Commissions (ICCs). Given the positive correlation between governance practices and performance, the government should institutionalize clear guidelines on accountability, transparency, and risk management. This could involve establishing dedicated oversight bodies that ensure regular auditing, performance evaluations, and compliance with governance standards across all commissions.
Risk Management Policy Implementation and Organizational Performance among Quality Infrastructure State Corporations in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025) Nyamwaya, Walter Manyibe
Quality infrastructure state corporations, which are responsible for ensuring standards and regulations in various sectors, face a myriad of risks that adversely affect their operational efficiency and service delivery. Despite the critical role these organizations play in promoting quality and safety, many have struggled to implement comprehensive risk management policies that adequately address the complexities of their operational environments. This research aimed to examine the impact of risk management policies on the performance of Quality Infrastructure State Corporations in Kenya. To fill the existing gap on the relationship between organizational performance of Quality Infrastructure State Corporations and the application of the Risk Management Policy's standards, the study set out to achieve the following objectives: To evaluate the effect of oversight on organizational performance among QI State Corporations in Kenya. To assess the effect of implementation of Institutional framework requirements on performance of QI State Corporations in Kenya. To determine the effect of Governance on performance of QI State Corporations in Kenya. To ascertain the effect of fraud prevention mechanisms on performance of QI State Corporations in Kenya. The literature review drew from empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual models. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting around 250 employees at different levels, including senior and middle management as well as operational staff, at the main offices of Quality Infrastructure State Corporations in Nairobi County. From this population, a sample consisting of 75 employees, or 30% of the total, was selected using simple random sampling. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire. Before data collection commenced, the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and a preliminary study, while its validity was confirmed with input from supervisory experts. Data collected was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistical analysis included method of analyzing and summarizing data such as tables and graphs. The data analyzed was presented through frequency table. The inferential statistics was done to examine relationships between risk management policies and performance of Quality Infrastructure State Corporations. The results revealed a strong positive correlation (Rvalue of 0.729) between the implementation of risk management policies (independent variables) and organizational performance (dependent variables). This finding implies that effective risk management policies significantly improve the performance of Quality Infrastructure State Corporations. The significance level (p-value) of 0.002 further indicates that this relationship is statistically significant; as this p-value is below the conventional threshold of 0.05, we can conclude that the implementation of risk management policies notably impacts organizational performance. The research concludes that the effective implementation of risk management policies is crucial for the performance of Quality Infrastructure State Corporations in Kenya. It also recommends that the national government allocate sufficient resources to develop strong risk management systems, which should encompass training personnel, acquiring technology, and conducting regular audits for policy compliance. Additionally, it highlights the importance of enhancing the capabilities of oversight institutions, such as the Auditor General and the Public Procurement Oversight Authority, to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement of these policies.
Public Participation in Budgeting and its Influence on Performance of Devolved Governance Systems in Mombasa County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Kioko, Sila Boniventure
Mombasa County has witnessed challenges in its performance, notably delays in completion of projects and poor access to services. Additional issues include inadequate accountability from the employees. For instance, according to Jura (2025), about 55% of the projects in Mombasa County in the final year 2022/2023 – 2024/2025 were classified as stalled. There is low level of accountability in Mombasa that has negatively impacted service delivery. Lack of accountability in Mombasa County among other performance challenges is intertwined with inadequate public participation in governance process. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of public participation in budgeting on performance of devolved governance system in Mombasa County, Kenya. More specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of citizen awareness in budget planning, citizen engagement in budget planning as well as monitoring and evaluation in budgeting on performance of devolved governance systems in Mombasa County. The study used a descriptive research design targeting 378,422 households and 12 stakeholders in Mombasa County. Through Yamane formula, the sample size of 412 respondents was determined. While households were sampled through stratified random method, census was used to sample stakeholders. Self administered questionnaire was used to collect data with close and open ended questions. The questionnaire was pilot tested among 42 respondents from Mtwapa Township in Kilifi County to determine validity and reliability. The collected quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS version 27 using means and standard deviations as well as multiple regression analysis model and findings were presented through tables and figures. For open ended questions, content analysis was used to explore emerging themes and presented in prose form. The findings were that citizen awareness in budget planning (β=.224, p=0.002), citizen engagement in budget planning (β=.232, p=0.003) and monitoring and evaluation in budgeting (β=.213, p=0.004) were all found to be positive and significant predictors of performance of devolved governance systems in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study concluded that citizen awareness in budget planning, citizen engagement in budget planning as well as monitoring and evaluation in budgeting exert positive and significant influence on performance of devolved governance systems in Kenya. On the first objective, it is recommended that robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks should be established to track the implementation of budget allocations and outcomes. In regard to the second objective, policymakers and governance leaders in Mombasa County should prioritize the promotion of citizen engagement in the budgeting process. As per the last objective, it is recommended that local governments in Mombasa County should prioritize and invest more in capacity building in budgeting processes.
Influence of Community Participation on Budgeting Process in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Sabulei, Philemon K.
Low levels of community involvement, inadequate feedback systems, and poor communication frequently plague public budgeting in devolved entities such as Elgeyo Marakwet County, impeding inclusive and responsive governance. This study looked at how community involvement affected the budgeting process in Kenya's Elgeyo Marakwet County. The study aimed to examine the influence of community participation on the budgeting process in Elgeyo Marakwet County by focusing on four areas: communication channels, feedback mechanisms, guided participation, and community-based program decisions. It was grounded in the Community Action Planning (CAP) model, which emphasizes inclusive stakeholder involvement in development planning. A descriptive survey design was used to conduct the research, allowing for a structured investigation into how community participation influences budget formulation and decision-making processes. The study's target population consisted of 301 participants, five employees of the budget office, twenty-nine members of the general public, twenty-six ward administrators, 196 members of the ward development committee, fifteen members of the Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly's budget and appropriation committee, seven members of the public participation office, twenty-four chief officers and directors, five communication officers, four controller of the budget, and three fiscal analysts. The respondents were sampled for the study using stratified sampling. The sample size for this study was 172 respondents, proportionally distributed. Data were collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was sought from all participants. A pilot study was carried out in Uasin Gishu County to determine the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Qualitative data collected were organized into themes which assisted the researcher in thematically analyzing data based on objectives. The analyzed qualitative data were presented in written reports. The questionnaire data were coded, arranged, and analyzed. The SPSS programme version 25 was used to analyze obtained data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Frequency, means, mode, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation are examples of descriptive statistics. Correlation and regression were used as inferential statistics. Tables were used to present the data that has been analyzed. The study findings indicated that there was a positive linear effect of channel of communication on budgeting process (β₁ = .171, p = 0.000). Community participation feedback has a positive and significant effect on budgeting process (β₂ = .259, p = 0.003). Guided community participation was found to have a positive and significant effect on budgeting process (β₃ = .315, p = 0.000). Program decisions were found to have a positive and significant effect on budgeting process (β₄ = .287, p = 0.000). The study concluded that effective budgetary process is enhanced by a continuous flow of communication. Ensuring community interaction brings together an informed society on matters of public participation and improves the budgetary process. Effective budgetary process is enhanced through good community interaction, continuous communication, and government feedback on project implementation. Increased budgetary process requires that government officials and leaders prioritize community needs, take control of the process, and ensure the community is guided by priorities. The budgetary process has been enhanced through community commitment to the laid-down programs. The study recommends strengthened capacity building, continuous communication, and active community interaction to enhance public awareness and participation. Government feedback on project implementation should be prioritized to improve transparency and effectiveness in the budgetary process.
Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Alcoholism in Busia County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-04) Wandera, Kevin Abwoga
Alcoholism, a silent yet pervasive menace, casts its shadow across communities worldwide, leaving behind shattered lives and fractured families. Alcohol abuse stands as a significant social challenge confronting contemporary society. Efforts to tackle alcoholism have primarily concentrated on addressing the underlying factors contributing to alcohol addiction, from an external perspective that portrays alcoholics as passive recipients. In Busia County, where informal brewing practices are common, the social fabric is deeply intertwined with alcohol consumption, presenting complex dynamics that shape community norms and behaviours. Despite efforts to implement alcohol control policies and raising awareness about the dangers of excessive drinking, cultural acceptance and economic factors continue to perpetuate high rates of alcoholism in these regions. An influx of production, distribution, promotion, and easy accessibility of alcohol in addition to gradual change of values of society not only in Kenya but globally, has led to an increasing rate of alcohol consumption among individuals. This study, therefore, oriented at examining the socioeconomic factors affecting alcoholism among individuals as well as evaluating strategies in place to combat alcoholism in Busia County, Kenya. The study was informed by Social Integration, Social Learning theories and The Theory of Planned Behaviour. The independent variables included Cultural Practices, the Social Environment, Childhood Trauma, Income Level, and Alcohol Control Policies while Alcoholism in Busia County was the dependent variable. The study methodological approach was cross-sectional. The research location was Busia County in Kenya. The inquiry population included 396,824 aged 19 years and above residents of Busia County in Kenya. The Purposive, stratified, simple random and snowballing sampling design was employed to choose study participants. The researcher determined a sample size of 400 responders using Slovin's formula. The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Data was gathered directly from a specific sample through the use of standardized questionnaires, and interviews. The data was analysed through the use both inferential and descriptive methods, specifically employing multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that Cultural Practices, Social Environment, Childhood Trauma, and Income Level had a significant positive effect on alcoholism, but Alcohol Control Policies had an inverse and significant effect on alcoholism in Busia County. To mitigate alcoholism in Busia County, the study recommended the development of community-based programs addressing cultural norms, enhance social support systems, implement trauma-informed care, and promote financial literacy. Additionally, policy-level interventions should include stricter enforcement of alcohol control regulations, public awareness campaigns, and alcohol education in schools.
Assessing the Implications of Climate Change Policies on Agricultural Growth in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Wanjau, Rachel Wangui
In Kenya, the agricultural industry accounts for 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation. Furthermore, agriculture provides many rural populations in Kenya with a significant source of employment as well as a means of subsistence. Going forward, the agriculture industry will remain important for economic gains as well as sustenance, such as crop production, agro-pastoral farming, and pastoral farming systems. However, the quantity and quality of crops and livestock subsectors have been significantly impacted by local weather variables, rendering agricultural outputs especially vulnerable to a range of detrimental effects from climate change. This study examined the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, identifies policy gaps, and proposes actionable solutions. It aimed to determine the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity, identify existing policy gaps regarding climate adaptation strategies, and propose viable public policy options to enhance the agricultural sector's contributions to the economy. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyze temperature and precipitation trends (1950–2020) from the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal and employ regression analysis to quantify climate agriculture relationships. Results reveal a significant temperature increase (0.32°C/decade, p < 0.05) and erratic rainfall, negatively affecting crop yields. Findings suggest that rising temperatures negatively impact agricultural productivity due to increased evapotranspiration and diminished soil moisture. Additionally, while some precipitation trends show slight increases, a consistent pattern of declining rainfall threatens water resources essential for agriculture. Despite the presence of policies such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the Agriculture Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS), critical gaps in policy implementation and effectiveness hinder progress. Identified constraints include inadequate funding, insufficient integration of local knowledge, and the lack of gender-responsive initiatives. In response to these challenges, the study proposes several policy options aimed at enhancing climate resilience in the agricultural sector. Policy gaps include inadequate funding, limited smallholder engagement, and gender-insensitive approaches. Recommendations include scaling Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), investing in resilient infrastructure, and enhancing research. The study provides empirical evidence to guide policymakers in fostering climate-resilient agricultural growth. These strategies are designed to enable farmers to effectively adjust to climate variability while reaffirming the sector's contribution to Kenya's agricultural growth. In general, the project's findings highlight the need for focused adaptation strategies to lessen the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture, which is essential for Kenya's food security and economic stability.
Effects of Maritime Governance in Harnessing the Blue Economy along the Kenyan Coastline
(Kenyatta University, 2025-04) Wanjiru, Leah Nyokabi
Kenya’s blue economy potential has not yet been fully exploited. It is estimated that the blue economy, if used properly, has the potential to inject up to 4.8 billion US dollars to Kenya’s economy and create over 52,000 jobs in the next ten years, this combined with a sustainable approach should make a difference in the protection of the maritime ecosystem domain. The activities commonly understood to represent the blue economy includes maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, deep sea mining and biotechnology among others. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of maritime governance in harnessing the blue economy along the Kenyan coastline. The objectives were: to determine the effects of maritime defense and security along the Kenyan coastline; to examine the effects of maritime safety and ecosystem protection in harnessing the blue economy along the Kenyan coastline. The study was guided by securitization theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design focusing on the coastal county of Mombasa. The study targeted the adult population in Mombasa County. A total of 324 respondents who were involved in the maritime sector form the sample size. However, the target population being small and manageable, purposive and census sampling was utilized to select the participants. Questionnaires were used in data collection. The researcher administered questionnaires to the sampled maritime stakeholders for a multi-agency approach. Data were cleaned before coding and entering into the Statistical Package Social Sciences (version 26) for data analysis. The frequency and percentages tables, mean and standard deviation were used to transform quantitative information into meaningful information. The study adopted a multiple regression model to show the level of significant among the study variables. The findings revealed that maritime security, maritime defense, maritime safety and maritime ecosystem protection significantly affect the harnessing of the blue economy since the P-values are <0.05 significant level. The findings established that robust governance frameworks are essential in mitigating threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing, which have historically plagued the Kenyan coastline. The study concludes that maritime security, maritime defense, maritime safety and maritime ecosystem protection significantly affect the harnessing of the blue economy. Effective maritime governance plays a crucial role in harnessing the blue economy potential along the Kenyan coastline. The study recommends that Government of Kenya should continue investing in maritime security measures by strengthening cooperation with international partners, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and implementing effective strategies to combat piracy and illegal fishing activities. This will safeguard maritime resources and create a secure environment for economic development.
Strategic Leadership Practices and Performance of County Government Projects in Kenya: A Case of Market Projects in Tana River County
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Mulangi, Mathias
County-funded projects are critical for the growth and development of local communities. The performances of market projects have a significant impact on the economic growth of Tana River County. Despite the socio-economic benefits of market projects in Tana River County, market projects still face performance issues. According to Auditor General's report a significant number of market projects in the county have been stalled or delayed therefore the study sought to assess the influence of governance practices on performance of market projects in Tana River County. Specifically, the study sought to assess the influence of resource allocation, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and risk management on the performance of market projects in Tana River County. The study was anchored on resource-based view theory, stakeholders’ theory and project management life cycle model. The study adopted descriptive research design. The unit of analysis was 6 market projects while the unit of observation was 1 municipal manager, 2 projects managers, 3 projects engineers, 1 CEC trade, 1 chief officer trade, 1 director trade, 1 CEC finance, 9 budget committee members and 500 traders from 6 market projects in Tana River County. Since the target population for municipal manager, projects managers, projects engineers, CEC trade, chief officer trade, director trade, CEC finance and budget committee members is manageable the study adopted census technique to incorporate all the 19 officers. For the traders the study used Slovin’s formula to sample 222 traders. Questionnaire was used to collect data from municipal manager, projects managers, projects engineers, CEC trade, chief officer trade, director trade, CEC finance and budget committee members. Interview schedule was used to collect data from traders. The pilot study was conducted in Kilifi County where 5 questionnaires was distributed to market committee leaders. Face validity and construct validity was ensured. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the research instruments. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics involved the use of percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistic involved the use of correlation analysis. After analysis quantitative data was presented in form of tables and bar charts while qualitative data was presented in pros form. Form the analysis the researcher revealed that timely resource disbursement allows project teams to maintain momentum and progress smoothly. The study revealed that strategic planning facilitates effective resource management by identifying resource requirements and allocation strategies upfront. The researcher concluded that there was a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.443; p < 0.05) between resource allocation; strategic planning (r = 0.441; p < 0.05) stakeholder engagement practices (r = 0.441; p < 0.05) and risk management practices (r = 0.441; p < 0.05) and performance of market projects in Tana River. The study recommended that the county government authorities should enhance resource allocation practices by conducting comprehensive needs assessments to ensure that market projects receive adequate funding based on their requirements.
Occupational Stress and Job Performance among National Government Administrative Officers in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-04) Olumu, Japheth Akello
National Government Administrative Officers face various stressors related to workload, bureaucratic pressures, and inadequate resources, which can adversely affect their performance. High levels of occupational stress led to decreased job satisfaction, increased absenteeism, and lower productivity among employees. The research aimed to explore the association between occupational stress and job performance. The research objectives were; to explore the relationship between organizational demands and job performance, to examine the effects of management style on job and to establish the extent to which workload affect job performance of NGAO officers in Tharaka-Nithi County. The Person-Environment Fit theory (P.E. FIT), Demand-Control theory, and Herzberg's Two-Factor theory anchored the study. In order to explore the association between occupational stress and NGAO job performance in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, the research utilized both descriptive and exploratory research design. The study's target population consisted of 83 individuals who were selected from various NGAO officers in Tharaka-Nithi County. These individuals included chiefs, deputy county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, and county commissioners. Through convenience and random sampling, 68 respondents in total were found. The study utilized structured questionnaire with both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. The respondents were given the questionnaires, and they had fourteen days to complete them before the answers were gathered. Participants were asked to take part and indicate their readiness to contribute to the questionnaire items. ANOVA and regression analysis was utilized to do inferential statistics while the mean and standard deviation were employed for descriptive statistics. The data was represented using percentages, and frequency tables. The outcomes uncovered that the research factors had a substantial impact on the job performance of National Government Administrative Officers, as evidenced by the coefficient of correlation of 0.879. That value for the revised coefficient of determination was 0.746, that is, 74.6%. Consequently, it showed that variations in independent variables (e.g., workload, management style, and organizational demands) were responsible for the decisions taken in explaining variations in the dependent variables. The results revealed also that P-value was equal to 0.003<0.05. This means that there was a significant influence on job performance among National Government Administrative Officers by the study variables. Hence, this study concludes that organizational demands, management style, and workload positively and significantly affected job performance among National Government Administrative Officers. It recommends for all government agencies to make a thorough assessment of organizational demands to locate inefficiencies and possible improvements. It includes reviewing processes and procedures for distribution on workload in ways that will be aligned to goals with minimal burdens on NGAO officers. Implementing workflows, prioritizing tasks, and resource allocation will help relieve pressures to which workload is subjected and enhance job performance.
Intelligence Management and Crime Prevention in Nairobi County, Kenya.
(Kenyatta University, 2025-03) Saruni, Jackline Lanoi
Many jurisdictions worldwide are adopting intelligence management for crime prevention. This study investigated the impact of adoption intelligence management for crime prevention in Nairobi City County, Kenya, with three specific objectives: namely, to analyse how intelligence data collection techniques impact crime prevention, to assess how intelligence data sharing procedures impact crime prevention, and to evaluate how intelligence data utilization affects crime prevention. Guided by Routine Activities Theory (RAT) and Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) theory that shaped the study’s analytical framework by explaining how intelligence management contributes to crime prevention. The theories suggests that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians converge and that crime occurs when an opportunity arises, and it can be prevented by strategically altering the environment to deter potential offenders respectively. In this study, intelligence management was conceptualized as a mechanism that enhances capable guardianship through improved data collection, sharing, and utilization, thereby disrupting crime opportunities. This study surveyed 247 criminal investigations officers across Nairobi's 17 sub-counties, using simple random and purposive sampling. DCI officers were selected through simple random sampling to ensure broad representation across Nairobi's 17 sub-counties, while CIO heads were selected purposively due to their specialized expertise and oversight roles in intelligence management. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, then analysed using program for statistical analysis in social science (SPSS), employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including Principal Factor Analysis. Qualitative data from the interviews was analysed thematically. The findings indicated strong support for the availability of intelligence tools (mean = 4.06); however, personnel sufficiency was perceived as inadequate (mean = 3.28), raising concerns about the capacity for effective intelligence gathering. Reliability and completeness of data were also problematic, with data integrity receiving the lowest rating (mean = 2.93). Factor analysis identified timeliness and personnel adequacy as critical factors shaping perceptions of intelligence effectiveness. Regarding intelligence data sharing, respondents expressed confidence in technical know-how (mean = 3.52) and validation processes (mean = 3.62). However, concerns emerged regarding confidentiality (mean = 3.41) and the effectiveness of sharing channels (mean = 3.55). Factor analysis further revealed strong interconnections among these variables, suggesting that enhancing confidentiality measures could improve overall data-sharing effectiveness. In terms of intelligence data utilization, opinions were mixed on training frequency (mean = 3.45) and officers' diagnostic abilities (mean = 3.63), underscoring the need for targeted training programs to strengthen intelligence application in crime prevention. The study recommends increasing recruitment to address personnel shortages, developing targeted intelligence training on data integrity and diagnostic skills, and implementing stricter data-sharing protocols to enhance confidentiality and security.
Determinants of public participation in Kisumu County integrated development plans, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-05) Odero, Evans
This research sought to investigate the determinants of public participation in County Integrated Development Plan and actual implementation in Kisumu County. The study specifically sought to assess the typologies and processes of public participation for County Integrated Development Planning, examine the roles played by various stakeholders in public participation in integrated development plans, determine the various levels of public participation in integrated development plans and explore the phases in integrated development planning in integrated development plans for Kisumu County. This study was grounded on cognitive engagement theory, stakeholder participation theory, group model for public participation and the verifier determinant theory. The study adopted the descriptive research design in addition to a sample of 103 respondents being purposively sampled. The study collected both secondary and primary data using self-administered questionnaire, libraries, journals and journal articles as well as the world wide web. The findings was analysed through content analysis and presented inform of frequency tables. Out of the 103 questionnaires distributed, 95 of them were returned, duly filled representing a 92.22% response rate. Consistent with the study findings, the study reached at the following conclusions. On the first objective, the study concluded that, there was Limited Provision of Development Drafts and Reasoning: The study indicates that government agencies in Kisumu County provide development drafts and reasoning for their selected projects to a limited extent. This suggests a potential area for improvement in transparency and communication between the government along with the public regarding development initiatives. Besides, there is insufficient Arrangement of Meetings and Workshops: On the second objective, this study concluded that, stakeholders play a substantial role in the integrated development planning process in Kisumu County. On the third objective, the study concluded that the technical know-how among employees plays a significant role in their effectiveness during task execution, leading to optimal input in prioritizing projects and achieving actual performance. On the fourth objective,the current research established that, there are challenges and limitations in various phases of Integrated Development Planning in Kisumu County, including government engagement, transparency in project introduction, influence of expertise management groups, consultation on project prioritization, public control over project implementation, and the implementation of mandates for public participation. On first objective, the study recommends that, government agencies should improve the provision of development drafts and reasoning for selected projects. On the second objective the study recommends that, given the relatively limited pressure exerted by community opinion leaders on the county government for higher project allocations, there is a need to strengthen community engagement and advocacy efforts. On the third objective, there should be a recognizition of the critical role of technical know-how among employees in driving successful development initiatives. On the fourth objective,there is need of fostering greater engagement and collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders at all levels of development planning process
Public Participation and Environmental Conservation in Bungoma County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-05) Ipara, Mervyn
Public participation in environmental conservation entails the active engagement of individuals, communities and stakeholders in endeavors and decision-making procedures that are directed toward safeguarding and upholding the integrity of the natural environment. Sustainable environmental conservation encompasses various essential factors that are crucial to its effective implementation. The evidence in the literature review proves that there is deficient research on stakeholders' awareness to environmental dilemmas and their associations with environmental conservation in Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County, Kenya. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of public participation on the advancement of environmental conservation within Kanduyi Constituency. This study applied two theories; the theory of planned behavior and the deliberative democracy theory. The theory of planned behavior assessed how individuals’ behavioral intentions are affected by their subjective norms, attitudes and perceived behaviors while the deliberative democracy theory assessed the influence of deliberative democracy on decision making processes, policy outcomes and process legitimacy of environmental conservation initiatives. Piloting of 12 questionnaires at Bumula constituency, Bungoma using Cronbach’s Alpha test aided reliability testing. A mixed-methods methodology was applied. The research incorporated the use of structured questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. A descriptive design was employed, with a sample size of 384 household heads and 1 county officer from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), resulting in a total of 385 respondents. Data analysis encompassed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including content analysis and statistical analysis techniques with the aid of SPSS. Prior to collecting data, the researcher received ethical clearance from Kenyatta University Graduate School which was later presented to National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). Furthermore, the respondents were presented with clearance forms before data collection and their anonymity upheld throughout the process. The study's findings revealed that awareness of various stakeholders, consultation and collaboration were significant and positively related to environmental conservation outcomes. Most respondents were middle-aged adults with higher education levels, suggesting the importance of expanding coverage in age and education. Stakeholder awareness significantly influences environmental conservation efforts, as evidenced by the strong correlation between awareness levels and conservation outcomes (B = 0.692, Beta = 0.349, p = 0.001). The high mean scores for statements such as "Environmental conservation is essential for the long-term well-being of our community" (4.690, SD = 0.507) and "Conservation efforts are positively affected when stakeholders are involved in raising awareness of environmental issues" (4.577, SD = 0.691) highlight the perceived importance of environmental concern and its related measures. Stakeholders were thus understood to play a significant role in responding to consultations to foreshadow possible environmental problems and improve policies. On the other hand, the effectiveness of stakeholder consultations in policy implementation emerged as a contested area as reflected in the moderate mean score of 3.678 (SD = 0.632) and the standardized regression coefficient (B = 0.498), indicating some variability in stakeholder perceptions despite a statistically significant positive effect (B = 0.733, p = 0.005). Moreover, enhanced conjoint efforts with stakeholders were seen to strategically build support for environmental policies, stimulate innovations and coordinate and fund investments in sustainability projects. Based on the findings, the study recommends promotion of campaign awareness, strengthening of stakeholder consultation, improved collaboration and the development and evaluation of culturally-integrated, long-term stakeholder engagement frameworks for sustainable environmental conservation.
Intergovernmental Relations Effect on the Health Care Sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Mutie,Hellen Mwende
Since the beginning of health devolution in Kenya in 2013, there have been several concerns regarding the ineffectiveness of service delivery in the health sector, which have been attributed to strained ties between the national government and county administrations. There have been issues with service delivery and medical supply shortages in Nairobi City County's healthcare sector. This study sought to investigate how intergovernmental interactions have an effect on the healthcare industry. The study's specific objectives were to examine how intergovernmental relations affect the distribution of financial resources, human resources, and medical equipment for the Nairobi City County healthcare sector. The study was anchored on the General system theory and resource-based vision theory to analyze the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design and conducted a census for all the 7 administrators working at level 4 and level 5 health facilities in Nairobi City County as well as 78 employees working in the health department of Nairobi City County Government. The annual health care reports for the County used to gather secondary data. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather the main data. To evaluate the validity and reliability of the research instrument, a pilot study was carried out at Kiambu County's health department. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included mean and standard deviation, while inferential statistics were analyzed using the F-test and ANOVA. The analyzed data was provided as frequency tables, percentages, and charts. Before the survey could begin, respondents were asked to provide informed consent, and anonymity and secrecy were assured to boost the response rate. The most critical relationship was between intergovernmental relations and financial resource allocation for the healthcare sector in Nairobi City County accounting to 39.4%. This was followed by the r-squared for the relationship between intergovernmental relations and human resource allocation as well as for medical equipment for the Nairobi City County healthcare sector each accounting to 22.7% of variation. The study recommends that the National government and County government of Nairobi City County should ensure an improvement in intergovernmental relations so as to ensure that financial resources are adequately allocated. This will also help in ensuring timely release of financial resources to health facilities by the national government. In addition, the two levels of government should work in collaboration to ensure adequacy and training of healthcare professionals in Nairobi County. Specifically, they should ensure the healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses are increased to meet the needs of the population of Nairobi City County.
Public Participation and Its Influence on Sustainability of Water Projects in Makueni County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-02) Jacob, Winfred Mwende
The sustainability of water projects remains a global challenge despite significant efforts by governments and development partners. This study examines the impact of public participation on the long-term viability of water projects, with a focus on participatory management, planning, and monitoring. Guided by sustainability and community participation theories, the study employed a descriptive research design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data through structured questionnaires. A sample of 395 respondents, including households, project management committee members, and technical officers, was selected using simple random and census sampling. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS version 23, included descriptive and regression analysis. Findings indicate that participatory planning, management, and monitoring significantly enhance project sustainability. Greater community involvement in decision-making, management, and oversight processes contributes to better project outcomes. The study recommends strengthening participatory mechanisms to improve water project sustainability.
School Heads Leadership Practices and Teacher Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Lamu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Wanyonyi, Elvis Mulongo
School heads through effective leadership influence the performance of teachers in many ways and in the education context, their roles play a crucial function in the attainment of quality education in a country as indicated in the Sustainable Development Goals Charter. Over the years, numerous strands of studies by various scholars have recently emerged regarding the implications of school heads in institutions and their roles in the performance of teachers have also been explored. This study sought to investigate the influence of1school heads’ on1teachers’ performance by investigating implications of their leadership practices in secondary schools in Lamu County. The major variables to be investigated include syllabus coverage, leadership styles used by school heads, and co-teaching. The study used a descriptive design with the target population comprising teachers found in secondary schools the researcher sought to involve in the study was 381. Slovin's formula was used to determine a sample size of 195 respondents. The study employed questionnaires and interview schedules to collect primary data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Following the analysis, the results were presented in tables, figures, and narrative form. The findings revealed that leadership styles had a strong and positive correlation with teacher performance in secondary schools in Lamu County. Additionally, the study found that school heads' motivation regarding syllabus coverage was strongly and positively related to teacher performance in the same context. Furthermore, the results indicated that information sharing by school heads to promote co-teaching also had a strong and positive association with teacher performance in secondary schools in Lamu County. Based on these findings, the study recommended that, given the variety of leadership styles employed by school heads, it is important to encourage a flexible approach that accommodates different leadership philosophies. Organizing training programs and workshops to familiarize school heads with various leadership models could be beneficial, with an emphasis on the importance of adaptability and situational leadership.
Corporate Governance Procedures and Health Service Delivery in Embu Level Five Hospital, Embu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-05) Ngari, Luceta Njeri
The adoption of effective corporate governance can enhance performance for both private and public sector organizations. Substantive scholarly attention has focused on corporate governance in developed economies at the expense of developing nations where political and economic considerations play out. This study focused on adoption of corporate governance procedures in devolved governance in Kenya. The study specifically examined the influence of corporate governance procedures on service delivery in Embu Level Five hospital in Embu County, Kenya. Four objectives were formulated for this study. To begin with, this study explored the reforms initiated by the Embu County government in the implementation of corporate governance procedures in Embu Level Five Hospital. Second, the level of independence and autonomy of the board of directors in Embu Level Five Hospital was assessed. Third, conflict of interest between managers and stakeholders in the management of Embu Level Five Hospital was analyzed. Finally, this study evaluated the effects of implementation of corporate governance procedures on service delivery in Embu Level Five Hospital. This study was anchored on two complementary theories namely the agency and the stewardship theories. The agency theory was used in this study to explain the pursuance of self-interests by agents who have been trusted by the principals to run organizations on their behalf. The stewardship theory argued that performance can be enhanced if managers truly identify with the goals and objectives the organization. This happens when the board of directors works together with the management to achieve the objectives of the organization. To accomplish its goals this study employed both primary and secondary sources of data collection. A total of 380 respondents were selected for field interviews. Questionnaires were distributed to 360 residents of Embu County who included men, women and the youth. This category of respondents was identified through random probability sampling. Interview schedules were administered to 20 purposively selected respondents who include members of the board, management and medical personnel in Embu Level Five Hospital, personnel from County health sector, politicians from the county and experts in corporate governance. Data collected was analyzed and interpreted quantitatively and qualitatively. The study finding indicated that the County Government of Embu initiated corporate governance reforms aimed at improving performance and provision of health care services. Reforms initiated include; appointment of a an independent board of directors, introduction of transparent tendering and procurement procedures, instituting stringent financial accountability and strategies to curb corruption and bribery, introduction of performance contracting among workers. The independence of the appointed board of directors in charge of the Level Five Hospital laid a foundation for the development of an efficient health care system and improving the delivery of health services. This study noted of the existence of conflict of interest between managers and other stakeholders in the management of Embu Level Five Hospital. The adoption of effective corporate governance reforms was found to have been a crucial strategy in strengthening and transparency in the management of the County Hospital.

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