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Adverse Childhood Experiences and associated correlates among Adolescents at a Rural Private High School in Kenya
(Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 2020) Mutamba, Everlyne
The study’s aim was to examine the relationship between ACEs and associated correlates among adolescents at a rural private high school in Kenya. An analytical cross-section research design was used, 595 adolescents aged between 13-18 years were selected. Stratified random and simple random sampling method were used in attaining the sample size. Socio-demographic questionnaires, the ten-short version of ACE and Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaires were used in data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to compute data. Bivariate analysis using chi square found that ACEs were significantly associated with emotional and behavioural problems and this was statistically significant at P<0.05. Multivariate analysis revealed that form one and two students were at higher risk of having ACEs. Higher ACEs risk was also found among children living in single parent family organization. Being Muslim, exhibiting normal emotional and peer problems were found to be protective factors as they were associated with lower levels of ACEs. This study was limited to one sub county school and therefore the study findings cannot be generalised to the whole country. Future studies can target students from high economic backgrounds, urban areas to assess the prevalence of ACEs and impacts on its associated correlates.
African Constitutions in the Context of Democracy, Human Rights, Peace and Development
(Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 2016-07) Matata, Cons
African countries that observe democracy and human rights tend to be stable and are recording rapid economic growth. On the other hand, African countries which have reneged on democracy by banning open democratic competitions, changed the constitutional provisions to prolong their leaders’ hold on power and do not observance human rights, are experiencing decline in economic growth. Violence and civil strife also tend to follow where freedom of expression or assembly is curtailed and the provisions of the bill of rights are being violated. Sensible economic policies such as the liberalised market too are contributing to growth compared to countries such as Zimbabwe and Eritrea where the reverse is taking place. Peaceful resolution of conflicts which has since taken a hold in Africa is also promoting economic growth. Focus on the marginalised, women and people with disability are the other factors spurring growth. Devolved units of government such as is being practiced in Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia and many other African countries not only help to distribute wealth evenly among the people but has also served as a means of mobilizing human resources as regards labour and skills.
Agricultural Pesticide Use in Malawi
(Journal of Health & Pollution, 2018-12) Jeketule Soko, Jacob
Pesticides are substances used in agriculture to increase crop yields and improve the appearance of plant products, as well as other uses.1 According to Langley and Mort, pesticides are used in most homes, businesses and farms to control pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, and even microbial organisms.2 According to Lakudzala, rapid agricultural development in Malawi has led to an increased use of pesticides.3 At least 2000 metric tons of pesticides are used annually, 70% of which are used for agriculture (Figure 1).3 While pesticides are used to destroy pests, reports show that some of the pesticides are harmful to human health and the environment. Several studies support the assertion that pesticides are the most common poisons used throughout the tropics and are associated with high mortality rates.1,4,5 Furthermore, a number of studies have established the direct effect of pesticides on health, but only a few studies have reported on the indirect relationship between pesticides and health connecting pesticide use to sicknesses. However, as noted by the United Nations Special Rapporteur, it is difficult to obtain reliable, global statistics on the number of people who suffer from pesticide exposure, hence studies on pesticides statistics rely mostly on estimates.6 Although the majority of pesticides (80%) are used in high-income countries, most cases of poisoning occur in low-income countries.7 According to a report by the United Nations, approximately 200,000 people die worldwide annually from toxic exposure to pesticides.6 Gunnell et al. reported that most of the cases of pesticide self-poisoning occur in agricultural communities in low- and middle-income countries.4 According to Binns, Dixon and Nel, over 11 million cases of poisoning in Africa each year can be attributed to exposure to harmful pesticides.8 In sub-Saharan Africa, pesticides are being used more frequently by small farmers in an unsustainable way.9 Approximately 62% of Malawi’s population depends on agriculture as a means of livelihood, and pesticide use is common.10 The major crops grown in Malawi include tobacco, sugarcane, coffee, maize, beans, groundnuts, cotton, and tea.
Capabilities Approach to Youth Rights in East Africa
(Tangaza University College/Routledge, 2008-04) Sahaya, Selvam
Early physical maturity and delayed social maturity, created by the Industrial Revolution, make youth a vulnerable group. Governments, including those of East Africa, attempt to respond to this situation in their National Youth Policies. However, these policies remain weak and uncommitted to youth rights. The capabilities approach, pioneered by Amartya Sen and developed by Martha Nussbaum, challenges the naivety of debates on human rights by calling for affirmative action. In the light of the capabilities approach, this article critically examines the existing National Youth Policies of the three countries of East Africa—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It suggests certain elements that need to be added to youth capabilities in the African context.
Change Management in Kenya’s Catholic Organizations
(Tangaza University College, 2012-04) Jeketule Soko, Jacob
The article explores receptivity to change of rigid and hierarchical organizations, arguing that change is inevitable and organizations that are resilient and agile, readily accept it while those that are rigid and hierarchical in structure, like Catholic Organizations (COs), find it difficult to adapt to it. The research sampled 288 managers out of a population of 1,444. It examined strategies used by COs and compared them with best practices which attest that power sharing strategies are effective than force-coercion strategies because the former, win high commitment to implementation and the latter, lead to small scale and short term impact. The key findings are that change of leadership, technological and social cultural are the main drivers of change and reasons for resistance are inertia and fear of losing securities. A small percentage of COs excelled in managing change effectively because they used power sharing strategy which provides logical and rational reasons and therefore, managers can smoothen the way for acceptance and weaken the forces working against it. It was recommended that COs should put in place succession plan strategies. They should also increase participation of those who are likely to be affected by change and craft strategies that help members to accept change such as training programs that improve peoples skills so that they are not rendered useless hence a cause of resistance to change. Finally, COs should deploy managers that are innovative so that they create organizations that can thrive in a future that cannot be predicted.
Character Strengths in the Context of Christian Contemplative Practice Facilitating Recovery from Alcohol Misuse
(Tangaza University College, 2015-08-04) Sahaya, Selvam
There is an increasing interest in studying the association between spirituality and addiction, and the effect of mindfulness on recovery. There have been some attempts at exploring the mediators of the association, but seldom in the context of Christian contemplation and rarely within a single theoretical framework of psychology. This article reports two case studies from an intervention study carried out in Nairobi, Kenya, that suggest that the Christian contemplative practice has the potential to reduce alcohol misuse while facilitating the emergence of a three-dimensional religious-spirituality model involving the character strengths of self-awareness, self-regulation, humility, and leading to forgiveness, social responsibility, and social intelligence.
Christian Spirituality of Work: A Survey of Workers in Ndola City,Zambia
(AMECEA GABA PUBLICATIONS - CUEA PRESS, 2018-03) Jude Mulenga, Chisanga
Zambia isaland-locked countrysurrounded b eghtother countries: Botswana and Zimbabwe to the south; Namibia to the south-west; Angola to the west; Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the north; Malawi to the east and Mozambique on the south-east. Consequently, Zambia has no outlet to the sea, but has rivers like the Zambezi, Kafue, Kafubu, Luapula, Chambeshi and Luangwa. Equally, it has lakes such as Mweru, Tanganyika, Bangweulu and Kariba, which is a man-made lake. Much of the country is a plateau, and is wholly part of the tropical savannah grassland. 11 The climate is tropical and mostly characterized by hot dry and wet rainy seasons, with intermediate cold seasons.12 Zambia's population is concentrated along the line of the rail and the industrial area. This is because of the ever-present rural-urban drift. Among the major cities in Zambia are Kitwe, Lusaka, Ndola, Chipata and Livingstone. The country covers 753,000 square kilometres of land. It is larger than countries such as Switzerland and Denmark. 13
Citation and Referencing as a Catalyst for Optimizing E-Resource Utilization
(International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2023-07-13) Kinoti, Dennis Mwaki; Paul, Maku Gichohi; Winfred, Gatimu
Sophisticated systems and technologies have led to the proliferation of e-resources and their adoption alongside print media in higher learning institutions, particularly with the rise of e-learning. To ensure effective utilization of e-resources, citation and referencing competences remain integral in graduate students’ research, learning and scholastic achievement. Nonetheless, studies done reveal that e-resources remain underutilized. This study aimed at investigating the role of citation and referencing competences in enhancing e-resource utilization among graduate students in Christian Universities in Nairobi County. Descriptive survey research design was used to gather comprehensive data. Stratified and systematic sampling was employed to select graduate students, and purposive sampling to select librarians. The target population was 843 graduate students and 8 library staff. A 20% sample was selected, resulting to 168 graduate students and 8 librarians. Questionnaires collected data from graduate students and the librarians were interviewed. Thematic analysis was done for qualitative data, which was presented thematically and using verbatim. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results were presented in tables and figures. The findings revealed that graduate students showed a strong preference for and effectively utilized a variety of e-resources. Additionally, they demonstrated a satisfactory understanding and application of citation, referencing styles, and reference management software/tools. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated a strong positive linear association. Consequently, the study concluded that citing and referencing significantly affected graduate students’ use of e-resources. Based on these findings, the study recommends mandatory training in citing and referencing for graduate students in Christian universities in Nairobi County. It emphasizes the need to market e-resources, analyze usage statistics, and reassess the library budget. Additionally, attention should be given to mastering referencing, improving citation ability, and utilizing reference management tools/software in a bid to optimizing e-resource use and overall academic success.
Competitive Advantage for Universities in Kenya: A Qualitative Study
(The Research Journal, 2015-11) Jeketule Soko, Jacob; Gachunga, Hazel; Katuse, Paul; Odhiambo Otieno, Romanus
The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that make universities gain Competitive Advantage in Kenya.
Determinants of Commercial Mixed Farming on Small Farms in Kenya
(European Journal of Business and Manageme, 2013) F. Ntale, Joseph; O. Litondo, Kate
Agriculture is a topic of concern for rural development programs in Kenya because of the high poverty incidents among farmers. Fundamentally, smallholder agriculture contributes substantially to total agricultural production and total employment. Despite the fact that Kenyan farmers largely practice mixed farming, some are unable to act commercially and consequently, unable to improve their livelihoods. This paper therefore aims at establishing the entrepreneurial indicators of farming activities that lead to improved rural livelihoods. Cross-sectional survey of 388 small farms in Thika was carried out to investigate the determinants of commercial mixed farming. Linear probability model, logit and probit models were used to estimate the determinants of commercial mixed farming. The results show that the size of the farm, gender of the farmer, availability of electricity supply and running water on the farm are the main determinants of mixed farming. This study suggests that policies be put in place to discourage partitioning of farm land into uneconomical sizes. It also recommend that rural electrification and training programs on best farming practices be intensified in the rural areas to enable farmers to act commercially.
Differentiation in Access to, and the Use and Sharing of (Open) Educational Resources among Students and Lecturers at Technical and Comprehensive Ghanaian Universities
(Open Praxis, 2018-11-19) Pete, Judith; Mulder, Fred; Neto, Jose Dutra Oliveira; Omollo, Kathleen Ludewig
This paper is the second in a series of three with a common goal to present a fair OER picture for Sub-Saharan Africa, represented by large-scale studies in three countries: Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. This paper examines a deliberate selection of four Ghanaian universities with randomly sampled students and lecturers. Distinct questionnaires for students and the lecturers have been used, which generated a response from in total 818 students and 38 lecturers. The major outcomes based on the empirical data are: (i) there is a significant digital differentiation among lecturers and students at technical versus comprehensive universities in terms of their proficiency and internet accessibility; and (ii) the awareness and appreciation of the OER concept and open licensing is low but from the actual variety and types of processing by respondents of educational resources (not necessarily open) there is a preparedness for openness for the future.
Differentiation in Access to, and the Use and Sharing of (Open) Educational Resources among Students and Lecturers at Kenyan Universities
(Open Praxis(International Council for Open and Distance Education), 2017-04) Pete, Judith; Mulder, Fred; Neto, Jose Dutra Oliveira
In order to obtain a fair ‘OER picture’ for the Global South a large-scale study has been carried out for a series of countries, including Kenya. In this paper we report on the Kenya study, run at four universities that have been selected with randomly sampled students and lecturers. Empirical data have been generated by the use of a student and a lecturer questionnaire to which in total 798 students and 43 lecturers have responded. Selected from the very rich source two major outcomes are: (i) there is a significant digital differentiation among lecturers and students at urban versus rural universities in terms of their proficiency and internet accessibility; and (ii) the awareness and appreciation of the OER concept and open licensing is low but from the actual processing by respondents of educational resources (not necessarily open) a ‘preparedness for openness’ can be derived that promises well for the future.
Differentiation in Access to, and the Use and Sharing of (Open) Educational Resources among Students and Lecturers at Kenyan Universities
(Open Praxis, 2017-04) Pete, Judith; Mulder, Fred; Dutra Oliveira Neto, Jose
In order to obtain a fair ‘OER picture’ for the Global South a large-scale study has been carried out for a series of countries, including Kenya. In this paper we report on the Kenya study, run at four universities that have been selected with randomly sampled students and lecturers. Empirical data have been generated by the use of a student and a lecturer questionnaire to which in total 798 students and 43 lecturers have responded. Selected from the very rich source two major outcomes are: (i) there is a significant digital differentiation among lecturers and students at urban versus rural universities in terms of their proficiency and internet accessibility; and (ii) the awareness and appreciation of the OER concept and open licensing is low but from the actual processing by respondents of educational resources (not necessarily open) a ‘preparedness for openness’ can be derived that promises well for the future.
Dramatizing Silence and Women’s Agency in Angel’s Diary
(Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa, 2019-12) Barasa, Violet Nasambu
This article examines the different mechanisms used by women in Angel’s Diary, a popular television theatre text aired on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) to demonstrate their agency. Using Angel’s Diary as its point of reference, the article interrogates the dynamics of women’s position that characterize their existence and their inexorable struggle to affirm their potential in a limiting and unequal society. The positioning of women in the society is informed by historical, economic, political, social and cultural experiences in Africa that place a woman in a marginal locus. The article therefore deals with strategies that women use to overcome the inequalities, dominations and ‘normalized’ practices that are manifestations of domination and silencing apparatus of various aspects of women’s potential. Methodologically, the paper employed qualitative approach in reading Angel’s Diary. Content analysis of video tapes was the primary method used. In content analysis, I interrogated ways employed by women to subvert social norms, forms of domination and the eventual resistance to emancipate the self. The article found out that women characters in Angel’s Diary employ strategies such as the journey, music, monologues, and silence to transcend the limitation created around them and perpetuated through the father figure.
Education and Development in the Context of Kenya’s Vision 2030
(The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, 2013) Misia A., Kadenyi; Biraimah, Karen; Wolhuter; Wildemeersch, Danny
The idea of starting „Msingi‟ is an old one in the history of the Department of Educational Foundations at Kenyatta University. In early 1980s, members felt there was a need to provide a platform through which they could present, publish research findings, debate issues, communicate with the audience beyond the confines of the department and the then University College at large. Meetings were held to discuss ways and means of starting a forum for such discussion. The end result of the meetings was the birth of a journal. They named it 'Msingi', Kiswahili for Foundations. Since they had little financial support from the College authorities, members of staff with a lot of determination, enthusiasm, and passion mobilized their own resources. These efforts culminated in the production of the first issue of „Msingi‟ in 1985. Among the founders of „Msingi‟ were Prof. R.J. Njoroge and the late Prof. G. Bennars, its first editor. The journal was well received in academic circles. It gave hope to many scholars in the department and beyond who had been yearning for such a forum in which to publish. After a few issues, however, „Msingi‟ went out of production mainly due to many financial challenges that faced the editorial team. Despite this setback, the dream of having a departmental journal did not die. The need for „Msingi‟ that was identified in 1985 is still relevant today as it was in the days of the founders. Recently members of the department have, yet again, mobilized resources to revive the journal. The current issue has put the department back on the journey that was started in1985. Members of the editorial committee are, therefore, excited and happy to present the reborn „Msingi‟. Articles in this issue focus on the theme, Education and Development in the Context of Vision 2030. We are grateful to all members of the Department of Educational Foundations, the authors, reviewers, the publisher and all those who in one way or another have contributed to make the production of this issue a reality.
The Effectiveness of Non-Governmental Organizations in Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups in Juba, South Sudan: A Case of World Vision
(Journal of Research in Innovation and Implications in Education,, 2021-06-11) Muras, Suzy Anong Lomoro; Dzinekou, Dr. Br. Jonas Yawovi; Kimani, Dr. Evans Gacheru
South Sudan's long civil war and strife has exposed vulnerable groups to socioeconomic challenges that endanger their survival. As a result, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been pushed to align their services toward sustainable activities to promote long-term well-being and resilience of the impacted groups. This study sought to examine the effectiveness of NGOs in promoting economic empowerment of vulnerable groups using the case of World Vision in Juba, South Sudan. More specifically, this study aimed to assess the impact of microcredit, training, self-help groups, and cash transfers on economic empowerment of vulnerable groups. This study was anchored on Human Capital Theory, Empowerment Theory and Capabilities Based Approach. Case study design was adopted and sample of 50 beneficiaries drawn from World Vision’s economic empowerment program in Juba, South Sudan was used. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that microcredit services helped vulnerable groups to start income generating activities, training helped vulnerable groups to acquire knowledge and skills and sustain income generating activities, self-help groups supported vulnerable groups in terms of savings and group investments while cash transfer helped vulnerable groups to access basic needs such as food, shelter, education and medical expenses. The study concluded that World Vision-supported economic empowerment interventions were effective in promoting economic wellbeing of vulnerable groups. The researcher proposed that there is urgent need for economic empowerment interventions by the South Sudanese government, NGOs, CBOs, private sectors, and religious institutions to promote resilience of vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled.
The Emerging Social Work techniques in Youth Empowerment programs: A case Study of Youth Empowerment Organizations in Nairobi County.
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 2018-02) Otieno, Edwine Jeremiah; Okatta, Timothy Osiru; Ndege, Wilkins Muhingi; Mutavi, Teresia; Okuku, Michael Tedd; Odero, Vitalis Okoth; Mwendwa, David Kimaili
Traditional techniques used in social work have become obsolete and ineffective in meeting the contemporary needs of the dynamic population. This has led to the development of new social work techniques that seek to achieve social transformation among the youth. These innovations which are being implemented by youth empowerment organizations are important not only to the social workers that utilize them and their clients but also for the upcoming professionals and institutions that provide services to the youth. The overall objective of this paper is to unravel the emerging innovative social work techniques applied by youth empowerment organizations that seek to achieve social transformation among the youth. This study is grounded on diffusion of innovation model and linear models of innovation. This study reviewed different articles related to social work techniques, social work methods, social work intervention books, youth empowerment programs, social innovations, and existing local and international literature using different material from related fields to get rich information. The reviewed literature revealed that there were new social work techniques that have emerged to address the needs of the contemporary and dynamic urban youth population. These innovations have neither been documented nor shared with other organizations and social work practitioners. Social workers also face challenges in developing new techniques and these contributes to poor outcomes with the concurrent diversity of the social problems. This study recommends documentation of emerging social work interventions in youth empowerment and development programs, sharing of information and utilization on the new techniques and methodologies among social workers working with the youth. Social workers need to be trained on how to utilize social research to enhance their capacity in technique development, and organizing regular seminars and workshops where social workers can share and learn more about the new and emerging social work interventions.
Ethical Implications in the use of Computers
(Tangaza University College/Jnanodaya Salesian College, 1994) Sahaya, Selvam
Whether the common man is aware or not, computers have invaded every section ,of public service today. While the computer-specialist is too busy to keep himself up to date, and the user is too excited with the results that the computers produce, ' the philosopher cannot just take this "wonder-machine", for granted. The ( computer arouses in the philosopher a I number of questions - philosophical and -^ethical. Could computers become superior to man? Could the activity of the computer be called "thinking"? What would be the basic difference between an advanced computer (Artificial intelligence - AI) and man? Would AI acquire personhood? Would the AI be capable of qualities of the spirit - emotions, love, compassion; and above all, would it acquire self-consciousness? Could there be a limit to technological progress itself? In other words, when should man say, "this is the last piece of our Invention"? And a myriad of similar questions.
The Evangelical Counsel Of Chastity As A Means Of Living Affective Love In Community Among Religious Women Living Along Lang’ata South Road In Nairobi, Kenya
(African Journal of Consecrated Life, 2020) Caroline Wanjiku, Munene; Jude Mulenga, Chisanga; Remigius Okonkwo, Ikpe
This study examined ways in which the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity enhances living of affective love in communities among religious women. The objectives of the study were: to examine the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of promoting mutual trust and openness in living affective love in the community; to evaluate the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a way of enhancing mutual respect and acceptance; to assess how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could reinforce companionship and sharing; to determine how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could facilitate teamwork and effective communication; and to establish intervention strategies for facing the challenges of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of living affective love in the community. The study was guided by the Stages in the Development of the Community Model by Hammett and Sofield (1981). The research used a convergent parallel mixed method design, which involved the use of questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data from the questionnaires was coded, tabulated and presented in frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was summarized according to the emerging themes and presented in narrative form and precise quotes. The findings of the study revealed that faithfulness to the values of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity enhances mutual trust and openness; mutual respect and acceptance; companionship, sharing, teamwork and effective communication among the sisters. However, the results of the study also showed some inconsistencies in the understanding of the values of the vow and its practical living in communities. The study recommends that formators must engage in continual update of the values of the vow of Chastity as well as incorporating current theological, psychological and sociological advancements for more effective life of chastity. The study also recommends that major superiors and formators must intensify formation for Chastity in both initial and on-going formation. Particularly, they must pay attention to the uniqueness of each individual, impart practical ways of living affective love in community as well as provide mentorship for consecrated persons in the living of affective love.
The Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as A Means of Living Affective Love in Community Among Religious Women Living Along Lang’ata South Road in Nairobi, Kenya
(African Journal of Consecrated Life (A Publication of the Conference of Major Superiors of Nigeria), 2020) Munene, Caroline Wanjiku; Chisamule, Jude Chisanga; Ikpe, Remigius Okonkwo
This study examined ways in which the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity enhances living of affective love in communities among religious women. The objectives of the study were: to examine the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of promoting mutual trust and openness in living affective love in the community; to evaluate the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a way of enhancing mutual respect and acceptance; to assess how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could reinforce companionship and sharing; to determine how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could facilitate teamwork and effective communication; and to establish intervention strategies for facing the challenges of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of living affective love in the community. The study was guided by the Stages in the Development of the Community Model by Hammett and Sofield (1981). The research used a convergent parallel mixed method design, which involved the use of questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data from the questionnaires was coded, tabulated and presented in frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was summarized according to the emerging themes and presented in narrative form and precise quotes. The findings of the study revealed that faithfulness to the values of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity enhances mutual trust and openness; mutual respect and acceptance; companionship, sharing, teamwork and effective communication among the sisters. However, the results of the study also showed some inconsistencies in the understanding of the values of the vow and its practical living in communities. The study recommends that formators must engage in continual update of the values of the vow of Chastity as well as incorporating current theological, psychological and sociological advancements for more effective life of chastity. The study also recommends that major superiors and formators must intensify formation for Chastity in both initial and on-going formation. Particularly, they must pay attention to the uniqueness of each individual, impart practical ways of living affective love in community as well as provide mentorship for consecrated persons in the living of affective love.

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