Effect of In-Custody Remandee-Convict Interactions on Reintegration of Acquitted Remandees in Kakamega County

More recently, a growing body of research has examined how peers in prison can influence reentry outcomes. Although existing research on the role of prison peers in the reentry process is somewhat limited, or "incomplete" findings from studies that do exist on the topic mirror trends in the broader literature as higher levels of peer criminality relate to higher rates of crime, substance use, and as consequence recidivism, hence unsuccessful reintegration of remandees upon release from prison. This study investigated the effect of in-custody remandee-convict interactions on reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study was underpinned in the Labelling theory and Social Learning theory and adopted a descriptive survey design employing a mixed method of data collection.  The study used a stratified random sampling technique to obtain acquitted remandees and purposive sampling to get Correctional Officers, Assistant Chiefs and community members who took part in the study as key informants. A sample of 400 acquitted remandees was selected from a population of 1,427 using Yamane's sample apportionment formula. In addition, 9 Correctional Officers working within Kakamega County, 8 community members and 8 assistant chiefs from Sub-Locations with the highest number of returning remandees in Kakamega County were included in the study as key informants. Study data were collected using a questionnaire for acquitted remandees, interviews schedule for Prison Officers and Probation Officers, and Focus Group Discussion guide for community members and Assistant Chiefs. Validity of the data collection instrument was ascertained through expert review and reliability of the study questionnaire was ascertained using the internal consistency method where Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient of Reliability of 0.874 was achieved. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 for windows. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the study. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically where identified themes informed discussion lines. All statistical measurements with regards to quantitative data were performed within 95% confidence interval. Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between in-custody remandee-convict interaction and reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County, Kenya (r=0.683; P<0.05). Regression analysis revealed a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.317 which implied that 31.7% of the variance in the reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County was attributed to in-custody remandee-convict interactions. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, a recommendation was made that deliberate efforts be made to minimize if not eliminate in-custody remandee-convict interactions. This can be achieved through adequate funding by the state department for correctional services to build separate facilities for released remandees and convicts. Keywords: In-Custody, Remandee, Convict, Interaction, Reintegration DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/134-09 Publication date:July 31st 202

An Evaluation of Change Management and Its Implications on Competitiveness of Public Universities in Kenya

A plethora of theory, research and practice in change management has evolved considerably over many years, and experienced a major transformation in form and function amid a rapidly changing environment. The pressure for change comes from all sides, government initiatives, the need for efficiency, improving the quality of student learning, intense competition and ever-changing environment make change a permanent condition in all organizations and the pace of change is ever increasing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate change management and its implications on competitiveness of public Universities in Kenya. The population of the study was teaching and non-teaching staff in public universities in Kenya. Key informants drawn from both teaching and non-teaching staff were purposively sampled to respond to the data collection instruments since they had information that was significant to the objectives of the study. A total of 381 respondents were purposively selected to participate in the study as respondents. Both questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis and presentation. The results revealed that management of change significantly influences competitiveness of public universities in Kenya. Organizational factors were found to significantly influence the relationship between management of change and competitiveness of public universities. Organizational factors were also found to influence competitiveness of public universities.  The findings of this study are useful to the administrators and stakeholders of public Universities as well as other institutions of higher learning in Kenya and beyond who are increasingly becoming challenged by inadequate change management practices. It is important for all those involved in change management initiatives to be well versed  with aspects of management of change including an assessment of the need for change, determination of the adequacy of human as well as financial resources to roll out change programmes, how to conduct periodic and step by step monitoring and evaluation of the change management activities to determine and correct any challenges in the change management progress and the need to involve employees in the change management process to enhance acceptance and support for the change programme. Keywords: Change Management, organizational factors, competitiveness of public Universities

The Relationship Between Type of Offense and Reintegration of Acquitted Remandees in Kakamega County, Kenya

On any given day in the Republic of Kenya, there are more remandees in Prisons than there are convicted offenders. Little is known about the experiences of these remandees and the challenges they pose for effective reintegration upon release. Remanded persons do not benefit from rehabilitation and empowerment and are released with no support, yet leave remand expected to reintegrate successfully back into the community. This study investigated the relationship between the type of offense and reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study was underpinned in the Labelling theory and Social Learning theory and adopted a descriptive survey design employing a mixed method of data collection.  The study used a stratified random sampling technique to obtain acquitted remandees and purposive sampling to get Correctional Officers, Assistant Chiefs and community members who took part in the study as key informants. A sample of 400 acquitted remandees was selected from a population of 1,427 using Yamane's sample apportionment formula. In addition, 9 Correctional Officers working within Kakamega County, 8 community members and 8 assistant chiefs from Sub-Locations with the highest number of returning remandees in Kakamega County were included in the study as key informants. Study data were collected using a questionnaire for acquitted remandees, interviews schedule for Prison Officers and Probation Officers, and Focus Group Discussion guide for community members and Assistant Chiefs. Validity of the data collection instrument was ascertained through expert review and reliability of the study questionnaire was ascertained using the internal consistency method where Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient of Reliability of 0.874 was achieved. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 for windows. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the study. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically where identified themes informed discussion lines. All statistical measurements with regards to quantitative data were performed within 95% confidence interval. Findings revealed that offense type and reintegration of acquitted remandees were significantly related (r=0.625; P<0.01) with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.295. Given the findings of the study, a conclusion was made that offence type had a significant influence on reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County, Kenya. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, a recommendation was made that local administration in the community carries out sensitization to assist community members to understand the difference between a remandee and an offender and the consequences of labelling acquitted remandees explained to community members to avert the likely outcome of forcing acquitted remandees into actualizing the criminal label. Keywords: Offence Type, Reintegration, Acquitted Remandees DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/13-5-03 Publication date:July 31st 202

Organizational Climate as a Determinant of Job Satisfaction among Public Sector Employees in Kisii County, Kenya

Human resource is the most important asset of any organization, which is essential for effective and efficient operation of all other resources of the organisation. Organisations in the 21st century are facing more challenges than ever before. These challenges are not unique to any specific organisation or industry, but affect all organisations, regardless of their structure or size. Organisational climate in particular is constantly challenged by changes impacting organisations today. To survive and outdo their competitors, organisations are constantly seeking to improve their performance. Authors such as Brown and Leigh (1996) think that organisational climate is becoming more important than ever before because organisations need to ensure that those individuals who add value to the bottom line will want to stay in the organisation and will want to continue pouring their effort into their work to the benefit of the organisation. The purpose of this paper was to investigate organizational climate (employees’ perception of their working environment) and how it influences their job satisfaction. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of organizational climate on employee job satisfaction. The population of public sector departments in Kisii County 909 out of which 271 were selected. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample. Study data was collected using questionnaire method.  Inferential statistics including Correlation and regression were computed  to investigate the interrelationship that  exists among the dimensions of organizational climate and how each is related to employees’ job satisfaction. The results of the study revealed that that certain dimensions of organizational climate such as identity, conflict management and rewards do had a statistically significant positive relationship with job satisfaction. This had the implication that public sector employees in Kisii county, Kenya, were more satisfied with their work where organizational mission and objectives are in congruence with employees’ personal beliefs. Based on the study findings, managers are encouraged to focus on articulating the mission of the organization but also stimulate dynamic and high sense of employees’ identification. Fairness in conflict handling procedures as well as equity and transparency in compensation systems is equally recommended as strategies to adopt to foster and increase job satisfaction. A sound work environment is important to create sound social relations at the workplace and also maintain the relationship between colleague, supervisor and the organisation. Keywords: Organizational Climate, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Performance

Effect of Workforce Diversity Management on Employee Performance in the Public Sector in Kenya

It is generally recognized that there is diversity in the workforce of any enterprise, be it business, government, or civil society. The World’s increasing globalization requires more interactions among people from diverse cultures, beliefs and backgrounds than ever before. Diversity is increasingly recognized and utilized as an important organizational resource in regards to whether the goal is to be an employer of choice, to provide excellent customer service, or to maintain a competitive edge. For this reason public and non-profit organizations need to come up with more creative mechanisms for managing their workforce diversity and embracing change. Diversity management is particularly important in the management of Human Resources in the public sector given the concerns that have been raised previously regarding frosty workplace relationships between the older and younger employees. The younger employees in the public sector in Kenya have for a long time looked at their older colleagues as being less educated, generally bureaucratic and averse to change. The objectives of this study were; to investigate the influence of employees’ educational diversity on employee performance in the public sector in Kenya and to examine the effect of age diversity on employee performance in the public sector in Kenya. A case study design was used where 180 line officers and 10 management level officers from the department of Probation and Aftercare Services were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Study findings established a statistically significant positive relationship between educational diversity and employee performance and further found that age diversity had a statistically weak relationship with employee performance. Findings of this study present stakeholders in the public sector in Kenya with vital information regarding the need to espouse workforce diversity as a strategy for spurring organizational performance. Keywords: Workforce diversity, Educational background, Age differences and Public Sector Performance

Factors Affecting the Education of Children Accompanying Their Mothers to Prison: A Case of Kakamega and Kisumu Women Prisons, Kenya

There has been considerable debate about whether children should stay in prison with their parents and if so the age at which they should have to leave. Clearly the conditions in prison and what alternative care arrangements are available are significant considerations. Where there is agreement is that while children remain in prison with their parents, their lives should be as similar as possible to how it would be on the outside and they should not be subject to the restrictions on their freedom that other residents of the prison are. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that affect the education children accompanying their mothers to prisons. The study was conducted at Kakamega and Kisumu Women Prisons in western Kenya. The study was guided by the following objective; To establish how teacher characteristics affect Early Childhood Development and Education of children accompanying their mothers in prisons and to assess how learning environment affect the education of children accompanying their mothers in prisons. The study objectives were formulated based the study constructs. The study respondents comprised 21 mothers and 6 teachers in both Kakamega and Kisumu women prisons. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analyzed. Quantitative data was analyzed using inferential statistics. From the study findings, teachers’ characteristics such as their qualifications affected the education of children accompanying their imprisoned mothers. Findings also indicated that parental perception towards Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) program in the prisons affected the education of children. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that there were a number of educational challenges facing education of children accompanying their imprisoned mothers. These challenges included lack of adequate teachers, lack of training for the teachers, poor learning environment and parental perception towards the education offered at the prisons. The study also concluded that the prison facilities did not have adequate teaching and learning facilities which affected teaching and learning of children that accompanied their mothers in prisons. Based on the above finding the study recommended that prisons departments should recruit and hire qualified and permanent teachers who are able to teach children accompanying their mothers in prisons. It was also recommended that the prisons should ensure that mothers that take their children with them to prison develop a positive attitude towards the education of their children. Due to the age differences of the children, different programmes could be organized for the different groups according to the age. Keywords: Education, children, imprisoned mother

The Nexus Between Acquitted Remandees' Personal Characteristics and Their Reintegration in Kakamega County, Kenya

Remandee characteristics play a major role in reintegration back into the community. Some of these characteristics are either dynamic or static and these include; gender, age when the individual was arrested, educational level, religious affiliations, history of involvement in crime, social environment and the set of skills that the individual possesses. According to Nelson Mandela Rules, treatment programmes that are domiciled in carceral institutions are only effective when based on proper diagnosis and individual assessment of the offender and his or her situation. This study sought to investigate the nexus between Acquitted remandees' personal characteristics and their reintegration in Kakamega County, Kenya.  The study was underpinned in the Labelling theory and Social Learning theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design employing a mixed methods of data collection.  Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain acquitted remandees while purposive sampling was used to obtain Prison Officers, Probation Officers, Assistant Chiefs and Community members who took part in the study as key informants. A sample of 400 acquitted remandees was selected from a population of 1,427 using Yamane's sample apportionment formula. In addition, 5 Senior Prison Officers responsible for remandee containment at Kakamega Main and Kakamega women Prisons, 4 officers in charge of Probation stations in Kakamega County, 8 community members and 8 assistant chiefs from Sub-Locations with the highest number of returning remandees in Kakamega County were included in the study as key informants. Study data were collected using a questionnaire for acquitted remandees, interviews schedule for Prison Officers and Probation Officers and Focus Group Discussions for community members and Assistant Chiefs. Statistically quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 for windows. Findings of the study revealed that remandee personal characteristics were significantly related to the reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega county, Kenya (r=0.525; P<0.05). A recommendation was made based on the study findings that an inventory of the released remandees' training level, skills, abilities, and preferences be prepared, periodically updated, and shared with potential support organizations to facilitate successful reintegration upon release from remand. Linear regression between personal characteristics and reintegration of acquitted remandees revealed a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.285 implying that 28.5% of the variance in the reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County was a result of their personal characteristics. Keywords: Acquitted Remandees, Personal Characteristics. Reintegration DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/124-06 Publication date:September 30th 202

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Information Communication Technology for Educational Support Activities in Secondary Schools in Vihiga County

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) plays an important role in education institutions by facilitating and improving the teaching and learning process to be in line with the information technology age. ICT has also been credited with the potential to integrate world economies thus demolishing the barriers created by time and distance. However despite IT’s role in improving effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery, its adoption in most of the secondary schools has remained low and limited. This study sought to assess the factors affecting the adoption of ICT for education support activities in secondary schools in Kenya through a survey of Vihiga County. The study was guided by Diffusion of Innovation Theory. The study used a total sample of 69 respondents selected from secondary schools in Vihiga County. Questionnaire method was used to collect primary data from the study respondents. Study data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 for windows whereby descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and percentages and inferential statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were utilized. The survey established user’s attitude, IT literacy, cost and policy issues in information technology as the major factors affecting the rate of ICT adoption in secondary schools in Kenya. However the study found that the said aspects have strong association with pace of ICT adoption and their effect is similar across schools. The study recommends that the government through its relevant agencies does intensify ICT in-service programs, e-learning workshops and conferences for teachers to enhance their integration capability. Government should coordinate the integration and subsidize the costs as well as monitor the implementation of a well-focused frame work in line with the national education ICT adoption strategy for learning institutions. Keywords: Information and Communication Technology; Secondary Schools; ICT Adoption; Education adoption

An Evaluation of Factors Influencing Perception of Job Satisfaction among Police Officers in Kenya

Many observers believe that men and women bring to policing differences in attitude, values and perceptions that influence the way they do their work. Female police officers have been assumed to have greater commitment to public service, more calming and reassuring demeanours, and less violent encounters with citizens (Bell 1982), and others have recently argued that the inclusion of women in policing is particularly relevant to the current emphasis on community policing and the Nyumba Kumi initiatives in Kenya. More directly, Wilson (1991) asserts that not only should there be more women police, but that there also should be room for women's perspectives on what policing ought to be (which assumes that such perspectives already exist among women, if not yet among women police officer). Studies have shown that differing socialization experiences of males and females incline men and women to adopt differing perspectives on justice for men, predominantly a morality of justice, and for women, predominantly a morality of care. For many, this perspective has become a starting point for much of the debate on criminal justice administration including policing (Jack & Jack 1989; Menkel-Meadow & Diamond 1991; Wilson 1991). Extrapolations from this theory have led to the assumption that men and women differ in their conception of the police role, with men concentrating on law enforcement and women likely to perceive the role more broadly as service and community oriented. It has also been suggested that men may be more at ease than women with the rules, hierarchy and discipline of police organizations (Worden, 1993). There is little empirical work in the literature confirming the suggested differences between male and female officers' perceptions, attitudes or behaviours, but this recent study in Western Kenya supports the beliefs about differences between male and female police officers that observers such as Bell (1982) espouse. Keywords: Perceptions, Job Satisfaction, Police Officer

Challenges Facing Female Police Officers in Service Delivery in Kenya

The importance of effective diversity management in policing has only relatively recently been the subject of close academic scrutiny. Earlier researches largely focused on operational performance issues and matters such as the capability of female officers have continued to attract research attention. Researchers have examined the role of women in policing since the 1970s. Much of this research has focused on the abilities of police women, while other studies have focused on the unique problems that women face in this traditionally male dominated field. In particular, women as a group have historically faced opposition to their entry into the profession. Research in both the United States and Europe indicates that police forces experienced a great deal of conflict when first allowing women entry into the field. In addition, this research suggests that opposition continues to the present day, where female officers experience resistance from both male officers and some sections of the public. The resistance manifests itself in sexual harassment, gender discrimination in assignments and promotion, and a general lack of concern for integrating women into police departments. Research on issues concerning equal employment opportunities, sexual harassment, deployment and bullying has only come to the fore in more recent years.  This leaves unanswered questions about the relative impact of various issues affecting women police officers in Kenya generally, hence the need for this study. Keywords: Challenges, Women Police Officers, Service Deliver