Master Theses and Dissertations

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AFRICAN ORAL LITERATURE: ANALYSIS OF VISUAL RESOURCES AND IMPROVISED TECHNIQUES IN SELECTED BUKUSU CIRCUMCISION SONGS
(Karatina University, 2023-11) JUMA, WABWILE BENSON
The study is an analysis of visual resources and improvised techniques in the actualization of the Bukusu circumcision songs. The study examines the roles, social cultural values and dynamisms of visual resources and improvised techniques in actualizing Bukusu circumcision songs. Visual resources and improvised techniques in the Bukusu circumcision songs are likely to vanish due to social and cultural chamges. The purpose of this study was to determine the specifics impact of these valuable components in Bukusu circumcision songs. The study's objectives examined the role of improvised techniques and visual resources in actualizing Bukusu circumcision songs, analyze the social-cultural values attached to them and evaluate their dynamic nature. There are scanty and generally analysed literary studies on Bukusu oral literature; this study intends to fill the gap by focusing on visual resources and improvised techniques integral to the Bukusu circumcision songs. The research was conducted among the Bukusu sub-community of Luhya community in Kimilili- Sub County, Bungoma County with a sample size of 220 respondents. The study employed Performance Theory because it was a performance-cantered approach and more adequate for analysing visual resources and improvised techniques employed in Bukusu circumcision songs more effectively. The study relied on mixed methods research designs. The primary and secondary sources were exploited in data collection. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package of Social Sciences then subjected to the rating scale. Regarding study objective number one, the study found that visual resources and improvised techniques played a role actualising Bukusu circumcision songs. The study's second objective found that social-cultural values are attached to visual resources and improvised techniques in Bukusu circumcision songs. In analysing the dynamism of visual resources and improvised techniques in Bukusu circumcision songs, this study found that that education and theme change in BCS impacted visual resources and improvised techniques. The researcher demonstrated that visual resources and improvised techniques components exhibited during the actualization of Bukusu circumcision songs are integral parts of Bukusu circumcision songs, without which the songs are deemed incomplete. This work will be critical to scholars in various institutions where subjects including music, dance, and creative sculptures are fields of interest to societies. Based on the objective of study, the researcher recommends that the roles of visual resources and improvised techniques in Bukusu circumcision songs cannot be ignored; there is a need for the government of Kenya and other cultural stakeholders to appreciate these components and initiate programs that promotes traditional circumcision songs as a source of tourist attraction activities in Kenya.
Allometric Equations for Estimating Grevillea Robusta Biomass in Farming Landscapes of Maragua Sub-County
(Karatina University, 2018-10) Owate, Augustine Omamo
Grevillea robusta (Silk Oak) is widely interplanted with food crops in Maragua to enhance tree Biomass on farms. a practice that enhances biomass content on farms. However, models for estimating total biomass of G. robusta are lacking. This study sought to develop allometric equations for estimating G. robusta tree biomass using easily measurable predictor variables of bole diameter and height hypothesized as Biomass does not vary among tree components in different Agroecological Zones (AEZ), Tree component biomass does not differ with trees sizes G. robusta biomass stocks does not vary among AEZs. A stratified systematic sampling on Geographical Information System (GIS) platform was used to subdivide each of the four AEZs, Upper Midland 1 (UM1), Upper Midland 2 (UM2), Upper Midland 3 (UM3) and Upper Midland 4 (UM4) into three equal polygons. At the centre of each polygon, a one hectare sample plot was established and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) for all G. robusta trees measured. Thirty three sample trees were randomly selected for destructive biomass measurements. They were felled, stumps uprooted and tree divided into different components. Samples for each component were weighed for fresh weights and oven dried at 1050C (woody components) and 700C (foliage). Biomass data for all sample trees was used to develop allometric equations. Fresh/dry weight ratios were computed and used to derive total biomass for each of the tree components and for the whole tree. The above ground and below ground biomass was used to calculate root/shoot biomass ratio (R/S) while root length and tree height were used to calculate root depth/tree height ratios. The linear, exponential, logarithmic, power and polynomial functions were used to estimate biomass from DBH and height data. The best fit equation was selected based on the lowest Standard Error of the Estimate (SEE), lowest Mean Residual Error (MRE) and Coefficient of determination (R2). Of the fitted functions the polynomial equations had the highest R2, lowest SEE and lower MRE values. The equation to estimate Total Tree Biomass (TTB) = 0.322DBH2+7.934DBH-19.26 (R2=0.99), Above Ground Biomass (AGB) = 0.248DBH2+6.243DBH-15.45 (R2=0.98) and Bellow Ground Biomass (BGB) = 0.074DBH2+1.688DBH-3.791 (R2 0.98). Use of height/or product of height and DBH as predictors resulted in a decrease in R2 and high SEE values. T-test for (AGB, BGB, TTB) indicated no difference between predicted and actual biomass (T=0.54,P=0.601,T=1.714,P= 0.117 and T = 0.422 ,P = 0.68 respectively). Developed equations were also compared with other existing equations for validation. The best fit equation estimated TTB in the AEZs was 13.926 tonha-1,13.109 tonha-1,10.869 tonha-1 and 11.827 tonha-1 in UM1, UM2, UM3 and UM4 respectively, showing uniformity of stocking across the landscape (F=2.87,P=0.675). DBH was found to be a reliable predictor of biomass (AGB, BGB and TTB) in farming landscapes of Maragua Biomass allocation to different tree components does not differ in the 4 AEZ implying that one allometric equation can be used to estimate the biomass of a specific tree component in all the AEZ of the study area but tree Biomass varies with tree sizes.. The developed equations will be useful in estimating G. robusta tree/component biomass in the farms in support of marketing for energy, timber and other wood uses in the area.
Anthropogenic influences on tree species composition, diversity and density: a comparative study of museve and mutuluni forest fragments, Kitui county, Kenya
(2013) Musau, Joshua Mutata
ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ‘JITEGEMEA’ PHILOSOPHY ON THE SELF-RELIANCE, PROPAGATION AND GOVERNANCE OF PCEA IN NYERI AND KIRINYAGA COUNTIES, KENYA (1971-2021)
(Karatina University, 2023) KARIITHI, ALICE MURUGI
The call for moratorium on foreign missionaries and subsequent adoption of ‘Jitegemea’ (self-sustaining) philosophy in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) provoked a strong debate about the future of the church and her ability to develop without external support. However, limited research has examined the effectiveness of the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy on the development of the church, fifty years later. This study assessed the effectiveness of Jitegemea philosophy on the attainment of the goals of PCEA in Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties which form the Kirimara West Presbytery. The specific objectives were: to explore factors leading to the call for moratorium on foreign missionary activities in the PCEA; analyze the positive outcomes of adopting the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy on the spiritual, social and economic functions of PCEA; examine the challenges experienced by the PCEA since the moratorium; and assess the extent to which the PCEA in Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties has achieved the goal of self-sustenance. Henry Venn’s theory of a self supporting, self-governing and self-propagating church guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and targeted 13,180 ordinary members, 418 elders and 13 Parish ministers. A sample size of 100 respondents from ordinary church members who were selected using Yamanne’s formula of 10% participated in the study. In addition, 20% of the 418 church elders were selected to give a sample of 84 elders. One parish minister from each of the 11 parishes was purposively selected for the study, giving a sample of 11 ministers. Data from the ordinary church members and elders was collected using questionnaires. An interview guide was used to collect data from the parish ministers. To test for validity and reliability of the data collection instruments, a pilot study was conducted in two parishes in the neighboring Murang’a County. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaires and a coefficient of 0.705 was achieved, indicating that the instruments were reliable. Ethical considerations of anonymity, confidentiality and informed consent were strictly adhered to. After collection, quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using percentages and frequencies. Data presentation was done in form of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using the thematic approach to enrich the quantitative results. The study found out that the call for moratorium on foreign mission activities was a strategy to allow the PCEA churches to be self-reliant and embrace total responsibility for the work of the church and its mission activities. Among the positive outcomes of adopting the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy were improved financial freedom, increased church membership and gender equality in service. However, inadequate resources slowed the achievement of the PCEA goal of self-reliance, self-governance and self-propagation despite the effort made. Despite the challenges members of the PCEA still believe that it is necessary for the church to be self-reliant in its activities. The study recommends regular training on how to carry out mission work and evangelization, proper planning of church projects to save on funds and formulation of policies to guide decision making in church governance. The study findings are expected to add on to the existing literature on the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy and may provide valuable lessons to policy makers, church leaders, Christians and other stake holders on church development and project sustainability.
Assessment of Language Shift among the Youth in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2019-09) Kimani, Rosemary Wamaitha
Language shift among multilingual societies is an issue of global concern. Kenya, a multilingual society, is gradually losing her indigenous languages especially among the youth in towns and cities. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent of language shift among the youth in Nairobi County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to explore the domains in which the youth in Nairobi County use their ethnic languages; to establish the attitude the youth in Nairobi County have towards ethnic languages; to assess the influence of the gender variable on language shift among the youth in Nairobi County; and to determine the effect of ethnicity on language shift among the youth in Nairobi County. The study was based on the Domain Theory. The study employed the ex-post facto research design. The study targeted students and language teachers in public day secondary schools in Nairobi County. Simple random sampling was used to select the schools and the students to be studied. Ninety eight (98) students and seven language teachers participated in the study. Questionnaires were used as the tools of data collection. Descriptive statistics in form of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse findings. Chi-square tests were conducted to establish the relationships between gender, attitude and ethnicity and the use of mother tongue in social and formal domains. The study found that the youth use their mother tongue sparingly and in very limited contexts such as at home or when their parents visit their schools. Students had negative attitudes towards mother tongue as they did not find it very useful. The study found that there was a significant relationship (χ2=18.143, p<0.05) between gender and the language used by students in communication with friends of the same sex. The findings also show that there was a significant relationship (χ2 =13.144, p<0.005) between gender and the language used at school. However, there was no significant relationship between ethnicity and any of the indicators of language shift. The study concludes that although majority of youth are conversant with their mother tongue, the extent to which the youth use mother tongue in social and formal domains is very low. The findings of the study would inform linguists on the current trend of indigenous languages in Kenyan urban centres and cities. The findings would also inform both the policy makers and curriculum developers on the challenges threatening the survival of the indigenous languages.
An Assessment of the Influence of Disability Legislation Awareness on Employability of Persons with Disabilities in Post-Secondary Institutions in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
(karatina University, 2022-11) WAITHANWA, LUCY WAIRIMU
Gakaara wa Wanjau was referred to as the “Chief Mau Mau Propagandist” by the colonial government because of his revolutionary literary works. This made him to be one of the longest serving Mau Mau detainees from 1952-1959. Despite his activist works that culminated in his long detention, Gakaara wa Wanjau was neither rewarded nor recognised among the most honoured independence heroes by the post-colonial regimes. He was arrested and accused of involvement with Mwakenya (The Union of Patriots for the Liberation of Kenya) activities during president Moi’s era. The purpose of this study was to examine Gakaara wa Wanjau’s literary contribution to the politics of freedom struggle in both colonial and post-colonial Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: (i) trace Gakaara wa Wanjau’s socio-political experiences during the colonial period that influenced his political consciousness; (ii) examine the influence of his political writings to the Mau Mau nationalist movement and, (iii) finally explore Gakaara’s socio-political activities after detention that influenced his relationship with the post-colonial governments. The study was informed by the Relative Deprivation Theory (RDT) which argues that people take action for social change in order to gain their rights. The study adopted historical research design which employs document analysis and validated with oral interviews from respondents. The sample population comprised thirty informants who are reasonably enough in a biographical research. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select respondents drawn from Gakaara wa Wanjau’s acquaintances in the struggle for independence. The study used open-ended questionnaires research instrument to generate qualitative data. The study contributes towards enriching the Kenya’s Mau Mau historiography by demonstrating that there were other forms of effective struggle for independence, like literary activism whereby the barrel of the pen was used, apart from fighting in the forest.
Assessment of the Role of Socialisation Agents in Shaping Pupils’ Behavior in Primary Schools in Thika Sub-County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Mwangi, Esther Wanjiru
A balanced scorecard approach to measuring performance of five star hotels in Nairobi, Kenya.
(Kenyatta University, 2015-07) KUIRA, JOB
Performance measurement is a term that refers to the process of quantifying the efficiency and effectiveness of past actions. Traditional models for determining the performance and effectiveness of employees rely heavily on financial accounting indicators. However, this study shifts the perspective of how performance measurement can be conducted. In today‟s competitive environments, hotels are competing in terms of non-financial measures like product quality, delivery, reliability and customer satisfaction. None of these variables are measured by traditional financial measures despite the fact that they represent major goals of hotel operations. The purpose of this study was to measure performance using the balanced scorecard. This study sought to measure the performance of five star hotels in Nairobi County using the balanced scorecard approach; to compare selected indicators in five star hotels in Nairobi according to perceived performance; to establish if there is a relationship between performance of hotels using the balanced scorecard with selected variables such as age, gender, professional qualification and experience of the managers. The study was a complete census of five star hotels in Nairobi. The research design was a cross sectional survey and purposeful sampling method was utilised. Research instruments comprised of semi structured questionnaires which were administered to the respondents who were the departmental managers in the hotels sampled. Research instruments were pretested so as to establish their validity and reliability. The research had fifty-five respondents. Data was analysed both qualitatively and using descriptive statistics. One way ANOVA was used to compare the performance of the selected indicators in successive years. Chi-square test and Correlations were also used. The findings of the study revealed that 20 (36%) of the respondents used a balanced scorecard as a method of measuring performance, while 16 (29%) used key performance indicators (KPI). The use of a balanced scorecard for measuring performance in five star hotels resulted in improved quality of guest profiles for 40 (73%) of the managers in five star hotels in Nairobi County whereas 37 (67%) of the managers experienced an increase in training hours per employee. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), there were significant differences in the mean performance of financial (p=0.000), learning and growth (p=0.014) and internal process (0.000) indicators at 5% level of significance. The study recommended that employees in the five star hotels in Nairobi County through the departmental heads should be enlightened on the value of performance measurement especially using a balanced scorecard approach.
Causes of poor performance in mathematics in secondary schools: a case of Nyandarua north sub county, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2016-11) Wachira, Charles Ndiritu
A Cognitive Semantics Analysis of Selected Ekegusii Pop Songs
(Karatina University, 2019) Ondara, Ntabo Victor
Pop songs convey social messages in different perspectives. Studies on pop songs reveal that composers employ metaphors to express their subjective feelings. The meaning of the metaphors in Ekegusii pop songs need to be interpreted to understand the message of the composers.The purpose of the study was to undertake a cognitive semantics analysis of Ekegusii pop songs. The study was guided by the following research objectives: to identify the metaphors in the Ekegusii pop songs using the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit; to analyse the metaphors in the Ekegusii pop songs using the Conceptual Metaphor Theory; and to determine the influence of the demographic variable of sex in the conceptualization of the metaphors in Ekegusii pop songs. The Conceptual Metaphor Theory was employed to map the metaphors in the Ekegusii pop songs into different corresponding conceptual mappings.The study employed the mixed methods research design. The target population was the Ekegusii speakers. An interview was conducted among the 36 participantsselected based on sex. The Ekegusii pop songs were purposively sampled using the criterion of richness in metaphoricity. The qualititative data were analysed thematically by classifying the identified metaphors into four conceptual domains using the principle of Great Chain of Being metaphor. Four annotators, including the researcher, collected 54 Metaphor Related Words basedon the criterion adapted from the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit. The identified metaphors were translated into English and presented in a table which containedthe metaphor value and the level of the metaphor in the principle of Great Chain of Being Metaphor. Three lexical units were marked as Discard From Metaphor Analysis. The study further classified the Metaphor Related Words as direct, indirect and possible personifications. The quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences in which Chi square at a significance level of 0.05 was employed to test the statistical relationship between sex and metaphoric conceptualization. The study found that sex significantly influences the conceptualization of the conceptual domains of: A HUMAN BEING IS A HUMAN BEING, A HUMAN BEING IS AN ANIMAL and A HUMAN BEING/EDUCATION IS AN OBJECT. However, Chi square test analysis showed insignificant association between sex and the conceptual domain ofA HUMAN BEING/EDUCATION IS A PLANT in the negative metaphor value.The research concludes that metaphor is a useful cognitive tool of conceptualizing human beings and the concept of education in Ekegusii pop songs. The study recommends that language researchers should employ the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit in metaphor studies.The findings of the study will benefit the audience of the Ekegusii pop songs, ethnographers and metaphor theorists to conceptualize Ekegusii pop songs and culture.
Determinants of Choice of Sustainability Strategies Adopted by Group Ranches in Samburu County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2018-10) Kithumbu, Eustace Njagi
The purpose of this study was to identify, analyze and document determinants of the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by group ranches in Samburu County, Kenya. The concept of group ranches was introduced in Kenya to promote commercial ranching and to recognize, protect and register communal land rights. About five hundred, thirty nine group ranches were established. However, most of them dissolved and subdivided into individual land holdings within a short period.Numerous studies have been conducted on the establishment of group ranches, their dissolution and coping strategies. However, the aspect of sustainability and the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by group ranches have received little attention in these studies. This study visualized environmental, organizational, management and societal characteristics as the independent variables while the choice of sustainability strategies was the dependent variable. The general objective of the study was to examine determinants of the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: establish environmental characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by group ranches in Samburu County; assess organizational characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County; identify societal characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County and to find out management characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design employing the use of questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observation as primary data collection methods. The target population for the study was the 16,611 registered members in the 38 group ranches spread out in the County. The study sampled twelve group ranches with approximately 5,643 members from which 374 respondents were systematically sampled. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants and participants in the focus group discussions. The study adopted the multi-linear regression model to establish the relationship between variables. The study was guided by three theories: the Tragedy of the Commons Theory, Resource-Based View Theory and the Theory of Sustainable Livelihood. The research procedure began with a pilot study that was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Adjustments and recommendations from the pilot study were incorporated into the research instruments. The study found out that environmental, organizational, management and societal characteristics influenced the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County to a great extent. The study established that the past experiences were the most significant factor influencing the choice of sustainability strategies, with a regression coefficient of 0.432. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses and p-values of 0.000 were obtained. The study concludes that environmental, organizational, societal and management factors determine the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County. The study recommends consideration and integration of environmental, organizational, societal and management factors when formulating policies affecting the group ranches. The study also recommends change in the policy to allow individual land ownership within a group ranch without necessarily dissolving the group ranches.
Developing a Knowledge Management Strategy for The Marist International University College, Nairobi - Kenya.
(University of South Africa, 2015-02) Anduvare, Everlyn Mmbone
Marist International University College, Nairobi – Kenya is challenged with problems like duplication of work due to lack of a central repository for knowledge, loss of knowledge through expertise leaving the institution without knowledge being captured and over reliance on a few known subject experts as others have not been identified. This research thus set out to address these problems. The aim of the study was to conduct a knowledge management assessment at the Marist International University College (MIUC) in order to identify and recommend a suitable strategy for the institution. The study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methodology approach which encompassed a questionnaire and an interview schedule to collect data from 33 academic staff and 9 members of the MIUC management respectively. These two groups were purposively selected as the target population for the study as they play the key role in knowledge creation at MIUC. All 33 copies of the questionnaires that were distributed to the teaching staff were returned by respondents and all the 9 MIUC members of management were successfully interviewed. Data transformation analysis was applied during which qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews were quantified using content analysis. Quantitative data in the questionnaires was descriptively analysed using SPSS. The study revealed a variety of informal knowledge management structures and resources at MIUC and the challenges of managing knowledge at Marist. The main challenge was that there was no uniformity and consistency in the management of knowledge. The study hence, formulated a KM strategy for MIUC that would help leverage its knowledge assets.
Effectiveness of Boards of Management in Public Primary Schools in Nyeri County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Baaru, Catherine Mumbi
Effects of dexamethasone on antibody response and anaemia in Sprague Dawley rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei.
(Kenyatta University, 1991-09) Gitonga, Linus Muthuri
Sprague Dawley rats infected with Trypanosom·a brucei brucei strainIL3579 (2616) developed parasitaemia characterised by intermittent remission and relapses. Infected rats developed progressive anaemia that was macrocytic normocytic. The rats responded to trypanosome infection by formation of antibodies, as shown by, enhanced y-globulin levels and agglutination of trypanosomes by serum derived from infected rats. Dexamethasone treatment, using different concentrations administered 24 hours before infection, ablated the antibody response as evidenced by reduced r-globulin levels in the treated groups. In dexamethasone treated rats, parasitaemia were elevated and remission eliminated, suggesting the involvement of an antibody in trypanosome clearance in rats whose humoral response was not compromised. The corticosteroid treatment also ameliorated the infection induced anaemia, as evidenced by reduced percentage fall in haematocrit. It is, therefore, most probable that the r-globulin fraction not only plays a key role in trypanosome clearance but also in the aetiology of anaemia in rodent trypanosomiasis.
EFFECTS OF MIRAA FARMING ON RETENTION OF THE BOY-CHILD IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MBEERE SOUTH-SUB COUNTY, KENYA
(Karatina University, 2023-11) Nderi, Rachel Kirigo
The Government of Kenya, in its efforts to achieve vision 2030, aims at improving retention rates in secondary schools. This effort however is frustrated by increasing dropout rates particularly in public secondary schools, which is attributed to a number of factors among them cultural, environmental, school, based and socio economic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of miraa farming on the retention of the boy-child in public secondary schools particularly in Mbeere South Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to establish the socio-economic factors, to evaluate the effects of socio-cultural factors and to assess the effects of family factors related to miraa farming affecting school retention of boy child in public secondary schools in Mbeere-South Sub-County. The study was guided by the Social Systems Theory. The study employed a descriptive research design. The location of the study was specifically the miraa growing areas of Mbeere South Sub County. The study population included 56 principals, 140 class teachers, and 24 local administrators. The sample included 12 principals, 140 teachers and eight local administrators. Twelve schools from the miraa growing areas of Mbeere South Sub-Couny were purposively sampled for the study. Purposive sampling was also employed to select the 12 principals and eight local administrators while stratified random sampling was used to select 36 teachers from specific schools. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the questionnaire. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, means and standard deviations and was presented by use of frequency distribution tables. The study found that students drop out to seek employment in miraa farms/ businesses. Reasons for dropping out of school were cited as inability to raise school fees and other levies due to the United Kingdom ban of miraa exportation. Further, the study found that the society regards miraa farming/ business higher than school attendance. Finally, the findings of the study demonstrated that families in the area rely heavily on labor from their children to tend their miraa farms. Based on the findings of the study, the Ministry of Education may develop policies that may streamline the retention of the boy-child in public secondary schools.
Effects of Sawdust and Cow Manure Mixtures on Growth Characteristics of Blue Gum (Eucalyptus saligna) Seedlings in South Kinangop Forest, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Ashiono, Fredrick Atanas
Effects of Vegetation Cover and Topographic Positioning on Soil Organic Carbon, Soil Aggregates and Water Infiltration Rates in Laikipia Grasslands, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Mutuku, Daisy Muthike
Efficacy of Alternative Methods of Enforcing Learners’ Discipline in Primary Schools in Nyeri-Central Sub-County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2018-10) Ruirie, Kagoiya Patrick
Following the ban on corporal punishment in schools, various alternative methods enforcing learners discipline have been tried. This study sought to survey the efficacy of alternative methods of enforcing learners discipline in primary schools in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: to examine factors contributing to indiscipline; to examine the alternative method of managing learners’ indiscipline; and, assess the effectiveness of the alternative methods of instilling discipline. Planned Behaviour Theory guided the study by exploring guidance and counseling, good classroom management, effective teaching methods and the children’s government electing their leaders as a guidance tool in learner management. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study consisted of 616 respondents comprising of 572 teachers, 43 head teachers and one Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (SCQASO) from Nyeri Central Sub County. Simple random sampling was employed to select 91 teachers from 13 schools. Purposive sampling was used to select 13 head teachers and one (SCQASO). The employed research instruments were the Head Teachers’ Questionnaire, Teachers’ Questionnaire and SCQASO’s Interview Guide. A pilot study tested the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Research supervisors input was sought to improve the content and construct validity of the instruments. Cronbach Alpha formula was used to test the reliability of the questionnaire and a coefficient of 0.76 was obtained confirming the instruments reliability. The data acquired from the questionnaire, was coded and analyzed qualitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19). Presentation of data was done by use of charts, tables, percentages and frequencies. Qualitative data from the interview schedule was presented in expository form. The study revealed that a huge number of the teachers (55%) used guidance and counseling in discipline enforcement in schools though 7.1% still used corporal punishment as a disciplinary procedure. The study also found out that absenteeism and lying were prevalent in many schools. The study recommended that parents should play a greater role in the management of learners’ discipline. It also recommended that teachers need to be trained and sensitized to embrace alternative methods of enforcing discipline. The findings of the study may benefit education policy makers and practitioners in developing and enforcing effective and acceptable disciplinary policies in schools.
Entrepreneurship education pedagogy and self-efficiency of entrepreneurship students: a case of universities in Nairobi and kiambu county
(Karatina University, 2017) Gachanja, Isaac Muiruri
EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF PASTORAL CARE PROGRAMMES ON GRIEF MANAGEMENT AMONG WIDOWS IN ACK DIOCESE OF EMBU, KENYA
(Karatina University, 2022-11) MBAABU, KELLYJOY KATHOMI
The death of a loved one is a painful experience that requires appropriate grief care. The loss of a husband for a widow is experienced as irreplaceable. It brings about an emotional constraint which could easily develop into depression. Therefore, a systemic understanding of the process of grieving is most important for pastoral care to grief management. The church esteems quality grief care especially with the increase in deaths. To deal with the above challenges the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Embu utilize pastoral care programmes for widows’ grief management. Widows in the ACK Diocese of Embu are registered at the diocesan office and meet quarterly every year for pastoral care programmes. However, the information on the effectiveness of these pastoral care programmes is limited. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of the pastoral care programmes on grief management among widows in the ACK Diocese of Embu. The specific objectives were: to analyze the common challenges faced by widows in various stages of grief; to examine the effectiveness of pastoral Care programmes on grief management among widows in ACK Diocese of Embu and to evaluate the measures employed to make pastoral care programmes in ACK Diocese of Embu more responsive to the challenges faced by widows. Kubler-Ross’ theory on grief care for the bereaved guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and targeted 968 widows already in the pastoral care programmes, 7 Archdeacons heading the 7 Archdeaconries of ACK Diocese of Embu and 1 diocesan Bishop. Taking 10 percent of the targeted population as an acceptable sample size, systematic random sampling was used to select every 10th element hence a sample size of 97 respondents. The 7 Archdeacons and the 1 diocesan Bishop were purposively selected as key informants, giving a total of 8 representatives of the pastoral caregivers in the ACK Diocese of Embu. Data was collected from respondents using questionnaires. An Interview guide was used in data collection from the Diocesan Bishop. To test for reliability of the data collection instruments, a pilot study was conducted in two Archdeaconries of the neighbouring ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga. Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of questionnaires and a coefficient α=0.72 an indicator that the research instruments were reliable. Validity of the instruments was ensured through expert opinion. Ethical considerations of anonymity, confidentiality and informed consent were strictly adhered to. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Data presentation was done in Tables, graphs and pie charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic approach to enrich quantitative results. The study found out that existing pastoral care programmes insufficiently addressed the quality of life in its eschatological character. Again, the study found out that of the stages of grief, acceptance, bargaining, denial and anger affected 9%, 32%, 22% and 21% of the widows respectively. The study recommends that pastoral care programmes should address widows’ existential challenges and grief reactions as normal in reference to Christ’s suffering and the parting anxiety that is characterized by conveying God’s closeness and presence during a widow’s denial, anger, depression, guilt, bargaining, loneliness, acceptance and adaptation. The findings from this study will add on to existing knowledge on grief management and may be useful in improving the effectiveness of existing pastoral care programmes within ecclesia communities.