Department of Psychology and Communication Technology

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The genesis and evolution of Sungusungu vigilante group among the Abagusii Ethnic group of Kenya
(Elixir, 2012-01) Mwenzwa, Ezekiel
This paper discusses the emergence of Sungusungu vigilante group among Abagusii of western Kenya. In doing so the paper appreciates the ineffectiveness of state security agencies in crime prevention and control to its emergence. However, the paper goes further to demonstrate that the social, economic and political changes which the community has experienced since colonial period is equally important in understanding the emergence of this vigilante group
The Extend to Which Mathematics Lessons are Attended to by Teachers as A Means of Covering The Subject Syllabus in Secondary Schools in Kenya
(2012-06) Prof. Mbugua, Zakaria Kariuki; Wamutitu, Joseph Mworia
Mathematics is a compulsory subject in primary and secondary school education in Keya. Achievement in the subject has been poor. The subject is a located more hours in the school timetable where mathematics teachers are expected to attend to all lessons and remain in class throughout the lesson. Research on the extend to which teachers attend to mathematics lessons is minimal and has not addressed how students get affected since the expectation of the society is the school to produce members who fit into the society, further more the examination council sets exams with the assumption that the syllabus was well covered thus disadvantages those students whose mathematics time was not well covered. Therefore, the purpose of this study is thus to investigate the extent to which mathematics lessons are attended in secondary schools. The findings of the study will provide a basis for emphasizing the need to have all mathematics lessons taught and improve on learning of the subject, which is of value, since mathematics provides skills in logical thinking, which helps in solving daily problems in society. Purposeful selections of schools along the highway from Busia district to Nairobi province were used in the study. Six hundred and sixty one students and seventy one mathematics teachers participate in study. Data was collected using one questionnaire for secondary school teachers and one questionnaire for students. Frequencies and percentages were used to organize and interpret the results. The findings indicate that mathematics lessons are poorly attended and there is need to improve on this.
SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION: A REVIEW OF LEGAL AND POLICY BASIS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS IN KENYA
(Kenya Journal Of Educational Planning, Economics & Management, 2013) Dr. Njoka, Johannes Njagi; Syallo, Cajertane
Disability is a natural occurrence in life. Persons with disabilities constitute 10% of world population that translates to approximately 400 million people (World Bank, 2002).In Kenya, the disabled persons are 3.3 million people of whom 60% are children under 18 years (Ndurumo, 2004). These statistics demonstrate that the population of persons with disabilities constitutes a significant proportion in any country and therefore cannot be ignored. In this study the disabled persons will be referred to as learners with special needs since the disability does not render them incapable whatsoever but implies the need to modify and adjust the education system in order to enable the challenged to profit from learning. In Kenya since independence there have been legal and policy attempts to address the plight of children with special needs in education as a response and commitment to its people as well as to the various international conventions, protocols and action plans that the country is a signatory. This paper explores the legal and policy provisions pertaining to the practice of special needs education in Kenya and attempts to identify the gaps that continue to yawn for attention in the quest of satisfying the needs of learners with special needs with respect to the attainment of the Education For All goals by 2015, Millennium Development Goals and Kenya’s vision 2030 objectives.
Effects of alcohol abuse on parental guidance of children
(IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 2014-08) Mwenje, Margaret; Sirera, Merecia A. M.
Alcohol abuse and dependence can be disabling to the family functioning and especially nurturing of the children. However, information on the effect of alcohol abuse and dependence on the role of parents as nurturers in the rural settings of Kenya is limited. The purpose of this study was to establish effects of Alcohol abuse and dependence on parents in the rural settings and how this impacted on their parental roles as nurtures and especially in guiding children. The parents who use alcohol frequently experienced alcohol related disorders that could be disabling them from their parental duties. The effects of alcohol abuse and dependence on parental guidance in Marachi central location in Butula Division in Busia County and Mathira division in Nyeri County were derived from a questionnaire and focus group discussions with parents who frequently use alcohol. A total of 83 parents, 41 from Butula Division Busia County and 42 from Mathira Division in Nyeri County participated in the study. The findings from this study indicate that alcohol abuse and dependence not only drained family resources but more importantly led to negative self assessment that worked against the role of parents as models and nurturers hence their inability in guiding children to grow into desirable persons for individual development and functioning of the society.
Tracing writing technologies through time: A historical reflection of writing systems, writing surfaces and writing implements
(Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, 2014-09) Mugo, D.G.; Muthwii, S.; Gakuru, P.M.
Instructional technologies, just like any other technology have been evolving over time, and have existed over centuries. This paper develops a historical framework for the evolution of writing systems, surfaces and instruments up to the time their most modern prototypes were developed. The study was a documentary analysis of virtual documents stored electronically for access through the internet, text books, archival repositories and encyclopedia, providing insights into the past of writing technologies, and how these technologies have been changing over time. The study has demonstrated that the systems and instruments that we have today arose not by chance, but by careful thought and intelligent intention to manipulate resources found in nature. The study will provide an understanding of the progression of the most basic instructional technologies over the time of human civilization.
Prevalence and Factors contributing to Pornography viewing among Male Students in selected Universities in Kenya
(2014-11) Wamathai, Ann; Sirera, Merecia A. M; Mwenje, Margaret
Pornography viewing afforded through advanced technology has become a widespread social phenomenon globally and has contributed to changing the terrain of human sexuality in both positive and negative ways. Technology in form of computers and internet has made the availability of pornography faster and easier than ever before. However, the media provides unfiltered sexual explicit materials which when coupled with the loose regulatory mechanisms may expose university students to pornography. This paper explores the prevalence and factors contributing to viewing of pornography among male students in selected universities in Kenya. The Social Learning Theory was used to inform this study. The study adopted a descriptive research design employing a mixed method approach in data collection. Proportionate, random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 487students from public (270) and private (217) universities and four students’ counselor in Kenya. Research data was collected using a questionnaire and a structured interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistic, while the qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that 93% of the respondents had been exposed to some forms of Sexually Explicit Materials (SEM) and 16.7 % were highly exposed. The highest age in which participants were first exposed to porn viewing at 62% was between 13 to 18 years. The findings of the study revealed that the students are exposed to pornographic images found in various sources; magazines, videos, televisions, computers and internet. Forty eight percent (48%) of the respondents indicated that they use pornography to satisfy their curiosity, 43% to seek for sexuality knowledge and information and 43% for entertainment purposes. The study recommends for provision of age appropriate sexuality information and education at all educational levels, public and media forums. Strong policy guidelines and programs to control and regulate pornography use should be put in place for the betterment of humanity
Supporting University Learning Through Mobile Technologies: A Global Perspective
(International Journal of Education & Literacy Studies, 2015-07) Mugo, D.G.; Njagi, K.; Chemwei, B.; Gakuru, P.M.
The workplace in the modern world continues to demand higher qualifications and refined competencies. In the recent past, workers would respond to such demands through learning by correspondence. When the Internet and e-Learning emerged, it received widespread accolade as a solution to the challenges experienced by distant learners. The technology was also seen as an opportunity for educational institutions to leverage their technological uptake to benefit regular students. However, desktop computers and Internet connectivity, which were the drivers of e-learning technologies, were expensive, bulky and scarce. So when mobile technologies emerged, educationist saw an opportunity for addressing the limitations associated with correspondence, “e” and tethered learning. Mobile devices being cheap, portable and reliable received widespread acceptance and possession. So, educators, hardware designers and program developers started to design hardware and applications that would infuse learning content into the devices. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the potential of mobile technologies in the education market place, highlighting global initiatives and trends. The paper will also review how universities around the world, Africa and in Kenya have oriented themselves for learning with mobile technologies. The study was a documentary analysis of virtual documents stored electronically for access through the Internet, text books, archival repositories and encyclopedias. The study observed a significant high global mobile ownership and usage rates, but was able to demonstrate that despite its pedagogical advantages, the use of the technology for learning purposes at university level is still at the infantry.
POLICY AND PRACTICE IN THE ASSESSMENT OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS IN PUBLIC JUVENILE REHABILITATION SCHOOLS IN KENYA
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2015-07-07) Dr. Wambugu, B.N.; Dr. King’endo, M.; Kinyua, J. N.
Historically assessment of juvenile offenders began during colonial era, when every young people who disobeyed colonial rules of regional zoning, labour provision, and hut tax among others were considered offenders and detrimental to colonial interests. Subsequently, the colonial government sentenced such people to institutional rehabilitation, which employed punitive measures to deter the young offenders from reoffending, thereby protecting the colonial interests. The independent government inherited this system of handling offenders. Generally, juvenile rehabilitation practices in Kenya have undergone paradigm shifts from the punitive disciplinarian, to caritative, egalitarian, and systematic paradigms between 1909 and 1995. On the contrary, policies guiding assessment of offenders have not undergone as much evolution. To date, courts of law still process children in conflict with the law. The court makes a ruling to either release the child or commit the child to rehabilitation or probation care. The main policies on which juvenile rehabilitation anchors on are the Children Act, and Special Needs Education Policy. These policies are largely silent on assessment and do not provide opportunities for diversion of children from the courts. Consequently, every child in conflict with the law is processed through a court of law. The interaction of the child with a law court is labeling and impacts on the rehabilitation outcomes. The paper created a basis for comparing policy versus practice in the assessment of juvenile offenders aiming to shed light on the status quo, and project policy on assessment for diverting children from the courts of law. The study utilized mixed method research approach, which borrowed aspects of both phenomenology and descriptive survey research designs. The findings indicate lack of policy on assessment of offenders, and ineffective assessment procedures and tools.
The Construction of Feminine Psychology in Swahili Women’s Nuptial Poetry-Unyago
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2017-03) Mwenje, Margaret; Mwai, Wangari; M’Raiji, John Kirimi
This article examines the construction of feminine psychology in Swahili women nuptial poetry-unyago. Unyago poetry is composed and performed by Swahili women. Swahili is a community located along the coastal region of Kenya. This article, therefore, focuses on intersections between psychology and poetry in analyzing and describing how unyago poetry reveals the mindsets and emotions of Swahili women. Data for analysis in article is derived from research carried out among women of Swahili decent living at Kisumu using observation and in-depth interviews as data collection methods. Unyago poetry is viewed as confessions and revelations of the female self, the marriage institution and that of the marital partner. Worth noting is the fact that the women,whose ancestors originated from the coastal region of Kenya, have preserved the nuptial rituals and teachings therein across time and space. Through unyago, the women socialize their girls from children to women and is a deeply rooted practice in their philosophy, psychology, and culture of the Swahili people. Thus, this article contends that unyago is both a reflection of group and individual psychological reactions to cultural expression through poetry.
School-based variables influencing effective implementation of inclusive education in public primary schools in Kenya: the case of Kirinyaga west sub-county
(SAVAP International, 2017-09) Maingi, Atanasia Wambui; Njoka, Johannes Njagi; Murage, Josiah
This paper investigates the school-based factors influencing effective implementation of inclusive education in public primary school in Kirinyaga West Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design and was guided by the self-efficacy theory propounded by Bandura’s. The target population for the study consisted of all public primary schools in Kirinyaga West Sub-County. The sampling procedure included, purposive and simple random sampling. Purposive sampling was used to identify 10 schools that offer inclusive education while simple random sampling using Gay formula (10-20%) was applied to select 10 students in the selected schools yielding a sample size of 100 students. In addition five teachers from each of the sampled schools were randomly selected to produce a sample size of 50 teachers. Data for this study was collected using two sets of questionnaires; one for learners and the other for teachers. The findings of the study revealed that primary schools in Kirinyaga West Sub-County had done very little in terms of structural modifications to facilitate effective implementation of inclusive education. The schools were ill equipped to implement inclusive education programmes in their curriculum, majority of the schools lacked admission guidelines on special needs education (SNE) learners and instructional resources were grossly inadequate in schools. The study further established that the teachers’ attitude toward implementation of inclusive education policy in schools was negative. The teachers beliefs about inclusion suggest that they do not regard students with impairments as being able to learn in regular classes and preferred educating them separately in special schools. The study recommended the need to strengthen implementation of inclusive education policies in primary schools in Kirinyaga West Sub-county.
Content of Vernacular Radio Stations Programs and Public Participation in Devolved Governance in Nyeri County, Kenya
(2018-06) Gichuhi, David; Biwott, Caroline; Mwangi, Dorcas Wakio
Public participation in Kenyan counties still remains a mystery although many efforts have been put in place to achieve it. This is so because many county governments have documented use of public participation in governance without indicating a clear program to show how it is actualized. Media, including vernacular radio, is mentioned as one of the avenues for public participation but the question of how this happens remains unanswered. This study aimed to find out the influence of the content of vernacular radio stations programs on public participation in devolved governance. The study employed a mixed method research design. The target population was 661,156 Nyeri County residents and officials of vernacular radio stations that have listenership in Nyeri. The pyramid method developed by Krejecie and Morgan was used to arrive at the sample size of 384 county residents while purposive sampling technique was used to select Kameme FM and its three officials. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques through Statistical Package for Social Sciences while Content Analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Graphs and tables were used for presentations. The outcome was that there is a strong positive correlation between content of Vernacular Radio Stations Programs and public participation in devolved governance. The study recommends that more attention be given to content of these vernacular programs for they contribute to public participation in governance issues. Key words: Public participation, vernacular radio programs, devolved governance, Nyeri, Karatina
Students’ Conceptions of Role of Guidance and Counselling in Discipline Management in Secondary Schools in K1rinyaga County, Kenya
(Australian International Academic Centre, 2019-10) Magdalene, Wamugunda; Michael, Gachahi; Maurice, Kimosop
Discipline is vital in the success of educational processes. Guidance and Counselling (GC) have been adopted as strategy to manage student discipline the world over including Kenyan schools. Though students form the major clientele of services provided in schools, studies regarding provision of counselling and guidance in relation to management of learners’ behaviour have largely ignored students’ conceptions. This study sought to establish students’ conceptions of the role of GC in managing discipline among learners in public secondary’ schools in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The descriptive survey research design was used and a sample of 167 students was randomly taken from 13 secondary schools and questionnaires used to collect data. Results indicated that though students knew of availability of counselling services, they rarely sought them. The study further noted that students experienced punitive forms of punishment, including corporal punishment, despite availability of GC departments and government policies guiding the handling of learners’ discipline in Kenyan schools. The study concluded that secondary school students sampled have not fully embraced GC services. Therefore, the practice of GC as currently structured, may fail as a discipline management strategy. The recommendations based on findings are that the Education Ministry and School Boards of Management should not only enforce government policies on discipline management and explore ways of winning students’ confidence in the GC services.
Influence of Sense of Belonging to a School on Learners’ Loneliness in Single Gender and Co-Educational Institutions in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal, 2020-05) Baru, Peter Muriuki; Ndegwa, Lucy; Njoka, Johannes Njagi; Prof. Mbugua, Zakaria Kariuki
The influence of the sense of belonging to school on learners’ loneliness in single gender and co-educational schools in the world and Kenya in particular is not clearly known and documented. Available literature indicates that the learners’ sense of belonging to school significantly impacts on their loneliness. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the sense of belonging to school on learners’ loneliness in single gender and co-educational schools in Murang’a County in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives, which were to; Compare the levels of loneliness among learners in single gender and co-educational schools in Murang’a County and assess power of sense of belonging to school in determining the loneliness levels among learners in single gender and co-educational schools in Murang’a County. The study adopted the cross-sectionalsurvey research design. The Krejecie & Morgan Table was used to select a sample of 435 participants from a target population of 12,400 form two learners from single gender and co-educational secondary schools in the County. Data was collected using two standardized measurement instruments; the Perth aloneness-loneliness scale (PALs) while sense of belonging to school was measured using five statements in a five point Likert scale developed for the study. Administration of the questionnaire was done duringnormal school days by trained research assistants. Data was analysed using the descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The findings of the study indicated that low sense of belonging to school for girls in co-educational institutions was correlated to high levels of loneliness. From the findings of the study, it is concluded thatthere is need to strengthen the psychosocial support systems for learners in co-educational schools through mentorship, guidance, coaching and counselling to facilitate appropriate adjustments of the learners in the schools so as to promote their learningoutcomes.
Effects of the challenges facing re-entry of women ex-offenders in Nyeri County, Kenya
(2020-07) Muthee, John Mbai; Adeli, M.; Barasa, Francis O.
The comparative rate of women entering the formal correctional system and serving custodial sentences, both in prison and prison remand awaiting trial, is on the increase. This is accompanied by a similarly increasing number of women eventually exiting prisons annually. This study investigated the challenges influencing reentry of women ex-offenders in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study specifically investigated the effects of not addressing the challenges identified for women returning from prison in Nyeri County especially challenges connected to housing, employment, relationships, drug, and substance abuse as well as mental health after incarceration. This was a qualitative study adopting a phenomenological design. The site and respondents were purposively selected with snowballing being used to select the respondents to the point of saturation. This study made use of 41 women ex-convicts, 3 FGDs, and 9 key informants. Data were collected by use of semi-structured interview schedules. Results indicated that ex-offenders face various challenges upon release from prison. The effects of these challenges when not addressed the impact the individual self, their family, the community, and predisposed the ex-convicts to a high propensity for recidivism. Based on the findings it is suggested that the use of community corrections, adjusting prison training to market needs, and the use of victim-offender mediation can be better alternatives to incarceration.
The Role of The Media In The Management Of Pandemic Situations In Africa.
(Springer, 2023-03-22) Macharia, Juliet W.
This chapter discusses the role of the media in the management of pandemic situations in Africa. Examples from various African countries such as Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania are examined to highlight the actual situation. Communication and health communication theories discussed are: Theory of Reasoned Action, Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Protection Motivation Theory. The role the media (Newspapers, magazines, radio, television and social media networks) have played in persuading people to accept to be vaccinated and to wear masks is discussed. Studies conducted in Africa reveal that different countries have had to deal with different reactions towards COVID-19 communication. Studies reviewed from other continents show that what is applicable there can also work in Africa. African, Chinese and Iranian examples are discussed to prove that the above-named theories can also be applied in Africa to persuade people to maintain COVID-19 protocols and to accept to be vaccinated. Social media users communicated COVID-19 messages but most of them have participated more in spreading misinformation and propaganda about COVID-19 just as it happened during the Ebola pandemic in West Africa.
Characterization of Juvenile Offenders in Rehabilitation Schools in Kenya
(2023-05) Githui, Peter N.; Ndegwa, Lucy W.; Njoka, Johannes N.
A sample of 457 juvenile offenders aged 11 to 17 years comprising of 50.1% boys and 49.9% girls participated in the study. The adjudicated low-risk juvenile offences included truancy (12.9%), begging, loitering and child prostitution (16.1%), larceny (16.5%), drug and alcohol-related offences (18.0%). The high risk juvenile offences included murder and manslaughter (4.5%), rape (6.9%), robbery (16.8%), assault (20.8%), burglary (19.3%), gang violence (11.4%) and drug and alcohol-related crime (20.3%). There were statistically significant differences among juvenile offenders in rehabilitation schools by age (F = 22.44; df =1; p = 0.04), education (F = 3247.517; df =1; p = 0.000) and exposure to low-risk offences (F = 112.36; df =1; p = 0.000). However, males and females did not differ in their criminogenic disposition (F = 0.0007; df =1; p = 0.98). It was recommended that Juvenile delinquency should be mitigated through effective school-based prevention programmes in Kenya.
Assessment of the Contribution of Various Family Structures on Juvenile Delinquency in Embu County, Kenya
(2023-08) Miruka, Florence Gesare; Thuku, Pauline; Osamba, Joshia
Juvenile delinquency has been on the increase all over the world. Research has established a positive correlation between juvenile delinquency and family violence. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between the various family types and juvenile delinquency in Kenya, hence the need for this study. A descriptive survey research design that employed quantitative techniques was utilized. The target population was 360 juvenile delinquents in Embu County. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s Table for Determining Sample Size from a Given Population, a sample size of 176 respondents was arrived at. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. A questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions was utilized in data collection. Cronbach’s Alpha measured the instrument's reliability. A reliability coefficient of 0.805 was achieved indicating that the instrument was reliable. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Data was described using frequencies and percentages. ANOVA was conducted in hypothesis testing and found a significant relationship between family structure and juvenile delinquency. The type of family in which a child was born and bred determines so much whom he becomes in adulthood. Most juvenile delinquents grew up in dysfunctional families characterized by violence, lacking role models from whom the children were to emulate. This study recommends the formulation of parental education programmes to sensitize parents on the role of family in addressing juvenile delinquency. Family being the smallest unit from whence community sprung, there is need to strengthen families of whatever type.