Institute of Social Transformation
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Item FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUSTAINABILITY OF WOMEN SELF-HELP GROUPS IN NAIROBI COUNTY: A CASE OF VIWANDANI IN MAKADARA SUB-COUNTY(Tangaza University, 2025-11) INVIOLATA NJERI NJOROGEWomen SHGs serve as vital platforms for grassroots socio-economic development in Kenya. Despite their contributions, many SHGs continue to face challenges related to inadequate financial resources, weak management systems, and limited technical skills. This study investigated factors contributing to the sustainability of women SHGs in Viwandani, Makadara Sub-County, Nairobi; examining managerial practices, strategies for addressing challenges and the influence of member characteristics on group sustainability. The study involved 73 women from seven SHGs and was anchored on theory of social change and the T7 model of team effectiveness which identifies seven critical factors for group success: Thrust, Trust, Talent, Teaming and Task skills; Team leader fit and Team support. Data was collected through structured-questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics utilising SPSS. The findings revealed that Women SHGs in Viwandani are highly structured, operate with written constitutions, have defined leadership systems, and practice consensus-based decision-making. Governance featured frequent meetings, member-driven agendas, and comprehensive record-keeping. Activities centred on loan management and welfare support, internal mechanisms for conflict-resolution and addressing challenges included general meetings and disciplinary committees. Member characteristics, including self-employment status, limited formal-education, and high dependency burdens created strong incentives for active participation and collective action. However, weak external collaboration, limited market access, and minimal linkage with financial institutions emerged as notable sustainability constraints. The study concludes that sustainability is driven by a combination of strong internal governance, collective accountability, and member commitment. It recommends strategic partnerships to enhance financial inclusion, skills development, and market integration. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and community organizations seeking to strengthen women SHGs in informal settlements.Item CHALLENGES FACING BACKYARD POULTRY FARMING PRODUCTION IN URBAN AREAS IN EMBAKASI EAST CONSTITUENCY-NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA(Tangaza University, 2025-10) ROSEMARY GAKII JAVANThe purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges facing backyard poultry farming production in urban areas of Kenya taking Embakasi East Constituency-Nairobi County as a case in point. Specifically, the study sought to establish how farm inputs influence backyard poultry production, determine the socio-economic factors influence backyard poultry production, determine how technology adaptation influence backyard poultry production and finally explore how availability of Market influence backyard poultry production in Embakasi East Constituency in Nairobi County- Kenya. Data was collected from a sample of 90 back-yard poultry farmers derived from a target population of 300 farmers who were registered with Embakasi East Nairobi County Government. Purposive and cluster sampling techniques was applied in selecting the farmers included in the sample size. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data through thematic analysis. The questionnaires and interview guide instruments were used to collect data. The quantitative information from the questionnaires was coded, keyed into a computer and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. Qualitative information from interviews was arranged and presented in narrative forms and direct quote. The study was anchored on three theories namely: Ecological Systems Theory that explores how different environmental systems shape human behavior and activities, Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA), which explores how people use assets and capabilities to sustain livelihoods, and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which explains that behavior is determined by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The study emphasized the importance of understanding challenges facing backyard poultry farming in urban areas in order to effectively develop interventions and policies that promote and enhance the sustainability of this agricultural practice. The study aim was to contribute to the knowledge base by providing insights into the key challenges facing backyard poultry farming. By conducting this analysis, the researcher intended to identify the challenges and opportunities surrounding this practice in urban areas of Kenya. Key findings reveals that poultry farmers face significant challenges related to access, resources, and knowledge, general trend of limited adoption of modern poultry technologies among respondents. Backyard poultry farmers face significant challenges related to market availability and also key structural weaknesses identified in marketing strategy, market accessibility, and distribution networks. The study recommends addressing these systemic barriers and through coordinated efforts, stakeholders can significantly improve the livelihoods of smallholder poultry farmers and unlock the potential of backyard poultry as a viable and sustainable income-generating activity.Item CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN ENGINEERS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA(Tangaza University, 2025-09) MUHINDO MULANGO RogerWhile the construction industry is striving to increase women’s participation in the sustainable building construction industry, their contribution remains largely misunderstood, undefined, and undervalued in various phases of building construction. This study assessed the contribution of women engineers towards sustainable building in Nairobi City County in Kenya. Qualitative methods were used to gather data for this research. Women engineers in different departments in Nairobi with a specific target of La Femme Engineering Services Ltd (LFE) constituted the target population of the study. This research used a non-probability purposive sampling method to choose 16 participants who constituted the sample size of the population. The data collection from the participants entailed the use of qualitative instruments, namely the in-depth interview guide, key informant guide, observation checklist guide, and content analysis guide. The Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner Lite software was utilised to create codes and perform data analysis based on thematic and content analysis. The findings aligned with the objectives of this study and illustrated the lived experiences of participants across three worksites, including the head office of LFE, Zimmerman, and Ruiru apartments. Under barriers and enablers, respondents highlighted education as a crucial facilitator for women engineers, while the absence of role models emerged as a primary obstacle. In terms of impacts, the value was the highest contribution of women engineers. Then, unique perspectives, green energy, and advocacy for sustainability were the top elements that women impacted with the building sector. The research concluded that women engineers made significant contributions to sustainable building in terms of innovation and creativity, eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, and leadership and management. However, they expressed the issue of educational accessibility and the environment not being conducive for women. The researcher recommends institutionalising mentorship programs and leadership roles and improving STEM access for girls, enforcing gender equality and gender-sensitive policy.Item THE EFFECT OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS ON SOCIO ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN AJIA SUB-COUNTY, ARUA DISTRICT, UGANDA(Tangaza University, 2025-11) RIYO ISAACThis study investigates the influence of Catholic Social Teachings on socio-economic transformation in Ajia Sub-county, Arua District, Uganda. Despite the Catholic Church’s long-standing presence in the area, the extent to which its teachings have translated into measurable development outcomes remains unclear. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess how Catholic values and institutions contribute to education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment. A descriptive research design grounded in a positivist philosophy was adopted, targeting Christians, church leaders, and government officials. A sample of 150 respondents was selected using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in tables and graphs. The findings revealed that Catholic-led initiatives such as Caritas, JPHRC, and the pharmaceutical warehouse have significantly enhanced access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, thereby promoting community cohesion and economic resilience. The study concludes that Catholic Social Teachings plays a pivotal role in driving socio-economic transformation in Ajia Sub-county. It recommends that policymakers strengthen collaboration with faith-based organizations to scale up education, livelihood support, social justice, environmental conservation, and youth and women empowerment initiatives across the region.Item SERVICE QUALITY AND STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION: THE CASE OF PRIVATELY OWNED UNIVERSITY HOSTELS IN LANGATA SUB-COUNTY, NAIROBI, KENYA.(Tangaza University, 2025-11) KASINA PATRICIA NDUNGEStudent satisfaction in university hostels is increasingly recognised as vital in higher education, particularly given the rising demand for privately owned accommodations in urban academic centres such as Langata Sub-County, Nairobi. This study investigated the effect of service quality on student satisfaction in privately owned university hostels within the sub-county. Specifically, it examined the influence of reliable amenities, staff service assurance, hostel physical facilities, and staff empathy on student satisfaction, while also testing the mediating role of perceived value. Guided by the SERVQUAL Model, Disconfirmation Theory, and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 205 students drawn proportionately from 22 privately owned hostels through structured Likert-scale questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regressions, and mediation analysis were applied, supported by diagnostic tests to validate assumptions. The results revealed that reliable amenities, staff service assurance, physical facilities, and staff empathy significantly influenced student satisfaction. Moreover, perceived value partially mediated the relationship between service quality dimensions and satisfaction, confirming the applicability of the chosen theoretical frameworks in this context. These findings emphasised that enhancing service quality in privately owned hostels improves students’ well-being and supports academic outcomes, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education. Based on these findings, the study recommended that hostel managers adopt a holistic service quality framework by investing in reliable amenities, professional and empathetic staff, and modern facilities, supported by continuous improvement practices. The study also recommended that Universities collaborate with privately owned hostel operators to set benchmarks, conduct regular audits, and integrate feedback systems. Moreover, the study also recommended that the Ministry of Education should develop national guidelines and provide incentives for sustainable utilities and facility improvements. Also, students and parents to actively engage in feedback mechanisms and advocacy to strengthen accountability and ensure that hostels continuously align services with learners’ needs.Item The Role of Competency-Based Curriculum implementation on the acquisition of Employability Skills in Selected Catholic Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon(Tangaza University, 2025-07) Martin Nguma MbengEmployability skills have become a greater part of the daily conversation in the global world. Those graduating from schools at all levels are required to have some basic experience and skills to enable them to either get employment or start their own business, or jobs that can help them make a living. Education stands out as the most common and possible way to acquire these skills. This education can either be formal or non-formal. The research study focused on formal education to examine the role of Competency-Based-Curriculum (CBC) implementation on the acquisition of employability skills in some selected Catholic Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon. The study was guided by research questions carved from specific objectives centred around students’ learning interest in their learning process, the preparedness of teachers in the CBC implementation process, and the resources available for the implementation of CBC in the selected Catholic secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon. The study design adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. The participants for this research were drawn from the four selected Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Bamenda. The sample size was 307 students drawn from 1311students using the combination of stratified and random sampling, 86 teachers drawn from a total of 107 teachers using the random sampling, and 4 headteachers will use the census sampling. The formula used to calculate sample size was Yaro’s n=N/(1+Ne˄2). The sampling technique for the study was a combination of stratified random sampling and simple random sampling for the quantitative and purposeful sampling for the qualitative design. The research instruments for the collection of data were questionnaires and an interview guide. For its validity, the researcher submitted the questionnaire and interview guide to the supervisors to ensure they aligned with the research objectives. For reliability, the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, a measure of internal consistency. A coefficient of 0.70 and higher was considered acceptable, indicating satisfactory reliability. Questionnaire responses were entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26, to guide the data analysis. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the data in SPSS. Qualitative Data Analysis - NVivo software was used for coding and thematic analysis. The findings from the data revealed that greater student engagement is needed for proper implementation of the CBC towards employability skills, teachers’ preparedness is very necessary for the understanding and implementation of the CBC, and lastly, resources play an important role when it comes to CBC implementation. The study recommended full government support in schools for proper implementation of CBC towards employability skills, the study again recommended that teachers need to be properly trained for effective implementation of CBC towards employability skills, and lastly, the government, through the Ministry of education, should link up the schools with the job market to give the students the opportunities offered by the job market.Item EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES: A SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP APPROACH TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN KIBERA, NAIROBI, KENYA.(Tangaza University, 2025-10) MUHIA MARIA WANJIKUThis study explores the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on empowering communities through innovative, sustainable and inclusive approaches. Guided by social entrepreneurship theory, social capital theory and Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the research aimed to achieve its overarching objective: to investigate how social entrepreneurship can empower communities and facilitate access to affordable housing. Specifically, it examined the influence of social financial strategies, the contribution of social service provision, the integration of environmental approaches and the moderating impact of government policy on affordable housing initiatives. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. Data was collected from Kibera residents, social entrepreneurs, government officials and community leaders, offering a comprehensive perspective on the housing challenges faced by low-income communities. The findings reveal that social entrepreneurship significantly enhances access to affordable housing by leveraging on social financial approaches, such as impact investing and green finance and incorporating sustainable environmental practices, including renewable energy integration and climate-resilient designs. Additionally, social services, such as housing counseling and education programs, were found to strengthen community empowerment and housing accessibility. Despite these advancements, the study identified barriers such as limited government support, inadequate funding and cultural resistance to adopting innovative practices. The study highlights the need for robust policies to support public-private partnerships, incentivize sustainable housing practices and increase awareness of the benefits of social entrepreneurship. This research further provides actionable insights for stakeholders, including policymakers, social entrepreneurs and development practitioners to develop transformative strategies for equitable and sustainable housing solutions in Kibera and similar urban contexts globally.Item Environmental Education for Sustainability in Basic Schools: A Case of Mbeere North Sub-County, Embu County, Kenya.(Tangaza University, 2025-10) HENRY SUNGUTIThis study investigated Environmental Education for Sustainability (EES) in basic education schools within Kenya’s Mbeere North Sub-County. The area is a semi-arid region facing environmental threats including deforestation, soil erosion, erratic weather patterns and recurrent prolonged droughts. Despite the integration of Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE) in Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE), implementation in rural, resource-constrained contexts remains limited. The study was guided by four objectives: (i) to assess the extent of EES integration in basic education schools; (ii) To ascertain the effectiveness of environmental education programs in cultivating students' environmental knowledge, sustainable behaviors, and practical skills; (iii) to analyze challenges hindering effective implementation of environmental education; and (iv) to determine the mediating role of socio-economic factors in the relationship between environmental education and sustainable development. Data was collected using mixed-method research design through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Stratified random sampling was used to select students and teachers, while purposive sampling targeted school administrators and education officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings revealed a sharp decline in student participation in EES from junior (41.4%) to senior levels (22%), with 78% of teachers prioritizing examinable subjects due to limited training and resources. Only 12% of schools had recycling bins, and 65% lacked clean water access. Socio-economic status significantly influenced sustainability outcomes (R² = .63, β = .504, p = .024), with low parental involvement and reliance on subsistence farming cited as major constraints. The study concludes that enhancing EES requires systemic reform through teacher capacity building, infrastructural investment, pupil-centered approach, curriculum innovation, and community engagement. These findings offer actionable pathways for strengthening environmental literacy and resilience in Kenya’s arid regions.Item MARKETING MIX AND CONSUMPTION OF GOAT DAIRY PRODUCTS IN DAGORETI NORTH CONSTITUENCY, NAIROBI, KENYA(Tangaza University, 2025-08) GENESIO NJAGI MUGOHThe global dairy industry is increasingly shifting toward alternative dairy products, driven by growing health awareness, environmental concerns, and changing dietary preferences. Despite the nutritional, health, and ecological benefits of goat dairy products, their market penetration in urban Kenya remains limited, underscoring the need for targeted marketing insights. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the marketing mix on the consumption of goat dairy products in Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi County, with the goal of stimulating demand and promoting sustainability. Specifically, it examined the influence of product qualities, assessed the effect of pricing strategies, evaluated the role of promotional activities, and analyzed the impact of distribution channels on consumption. In addition, the study sought to establish whether demographic factors such as age, gender, income, education, and household size moderate the relationship between these marketing mix elements and consumption patterns. The study was guided by the Marketing Mix Theory, the Theory of Planned Behaviour, and the Family Life Cycle Theory. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected via structured questionnaires from 384 respondents selected through quota, stratified, and simple random sampling across key retail centers. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression techniques were used to analyze the data. The study found that all four marketing variables; product quality, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and distribution channels had positive and significant relationships with consumption of goat dairy products. Among these, distribution and promotion emerged as the strongest predictors of consumer behavior, highlighting the critical role of availability and visibility in shaping purchasing choices. While product quality and pricing appeared influential in the initial analyses, their impact diminished when all variables were considered together in the multivariate model, leaving the overall model to explain only 39.2% of the variation in consumption. This departure from Marketing Mix Theory, which posits that product and price are core drivers of consumer choice, shows that in contexts like Dagoretti North, even strong attributes and fair prices may struggle to influence demand where product availability, awareness and familiarity are limited. Instead, effective distribution and promotional strategies that build access and recognition are critical to unlocking the value of quality and price. A moderated regression model indicated that demographic factors slightly improved the explanatory power of the model (Adjusted R² = .409), with age emerging as a significant moderator (β = .062, p = .021). Older consumers valued health messaging, while younger consumers prioritized convenience and innovation. Other demographic variables such as gender, income, education, and household size did not significantly moderate the relationship between the marketing mix and consumption. The study concludes that it is important to enhance distribution access and implement age-sensitive promotional strategies to drive goat dairy consumption in urban areas. The study recommends improved supply chain reliability, locally tailored promotions, and health-focused messaging. Future research should explore psychographic segmentation, digital marketing strategies, and cross-context comparisons between rural and urban markets to refine marketing approaches.Item SEASONAL MIGRATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN THE EASTERN BARIENOU DISTRICT, BENIN(Tangaza University, 2025-10) GHISLAIN SEWANOU DAGBETOThis study investigated the relationship between seasonal migration and youth development in Eastern Barienou, Benin. Several young people from the Barienou district in northern Benin leave their homes each year to work in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Migration is a strategy employed to improve their standard of living. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effects of seasonal migration on youth development in the Eastern Barienou district, Benin. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the effect of seasonal migration on the social dimension of youth development; investigate the effect of seasonal migration on the economic dimension of youth development; examine the effect of seasonal migration on the environmental dimension of youth development and investigate the mediating effect of seasonal migration on the relationship between seasonal migration and youth development. New economic labour migration and world system theories guided the study. This study employed a mixed-method research design that combines a correlation survey and a phenomenological study. The study population included 450 people. The sampling frame included not only a list of youth in the Eastern Barienou district but also a list of youth’s parents and youth’s leaders. Based on Krejcie and Morgan table, 196 participants were sampled using stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire, an interview guide and a focus group discussion guide. A multivariate regression analysis was run to assess the association between seasonal migration and youth development. The study revealed that seasonal migration has a significant negative relationship with the social dimension (β=.-39, p<.001), a significant positive relationship with the economic dimension (β=.80, p<.001), a significant negative relationship with the environmental dimension (β=.-23, p<.001), and a significant negative relationship with youth development through the mediating role of social constraints ((β=.-87, p<.001). QDA miner lite V3.0.6 was used for qualitative data analysis, SPSS 21 for descriptive analysis, and SPSS AMOS 26 for multivariate regression analysis. The study recommended that the Benin government enhance farming sectors in the Eastern Barienou district and collaborate with the Nigerian government to improve working conditions for seasonal migrants.