Expectations of Field Supervisors in Kenya: Implications for Community-based Human Service Practicums

Community-based learning (CBL), which provides opportunities for undergraduate students to develop disciplinary and work-related knowledge and skills, is increasingly becoming an integral component of higher education. Similar to other countries, there is a widespread belief among employers in Kenya that there is a mismatch between university programs and labour market demands. In order to enhance the employability of graduates, many departments at a Kenyan university have incorporated work-integrated experiential learning opportunities such as practicums in the educational experience for undergraduate students. The aim of this article is to describe the expectations of field supervisors in host organisations participitating in a community-based human services program at a Kenyan University. Fifteen purposively sampled field supervisors participated in individual face-to-face interviews that included questions about their understanding of the department’s expectations of student learning activities during practicums, knowledge of the academic preparation of students in the program and challenges associated with the supervisory role. Six field supervisors exhibited some level of understanding of the expectations of their role in working with practicum students, while nine field supervisors indicated unclear expectations of the students’ practicum experience. Thematic analysis revealed key themes related to: (1) student abilities, learning goals and their contributions to the host organisations, and (2) the academic program of study and academic support available from the university faculty or staff to field supervisors. The results of our study revealed a lack of clarity around practicum expectations for most of the field supervisors interviewed and insufficient preparation of the community-based organisations to host a practicum student. Several recommendations are identified to clarify the expectations of community partner organisations and the staff providing student supervision to ensure benefits for both students and the host organisation. Results from this study can be used to inform the development or improvement of practicum opportunities focused on producing a skilled workforce

Determinants of Livelihood Outcome Differentials among Urban Youth in Nairobi, Kenya

Youth livelihood outcomes (YLO) are important factors in the development of sustainable community livelihoods in Kenya.  The purpose of the study was to determine the predictors of urban youth livelihood outcomes in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by the General Systems Theory by Bertalanffy (1968) and the Department for International Development (DFID) livelihoods framework (1999). A survey of 206 youths was conducted in Kamukunji Sub-County in Nairobi County. Results showed that there was a significant relationship between individual attributes and youth livelihood outcomes (χ2= 44.47; d.f. =14; ρ<0.01). Specifically, age (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05), household headship (p<0.01), individual savings (p<0.05), individual assets (p<0.01) were important predictors of youth livelihood outcomes. Implications for formulating appropriate intervention programs to enhance youth livelihood outcomes are included. Keywords: capitals, individual attributes, livelihood strategies, youth livelihood outcome

Supervision Challenges Encountered During Kenyan University Students’ Practicum Attachment

There is little published research that examines the supervision experience of field attachment supervisors in Kenya. In this study, we identify the challenges encountered by field supervisors during student field attachments with community organizations. Fifteen organizations that had hosted third year students from the Department of Community Resource Management and Extension (CRM&E) at Kenyatta University during their practicum attachment were sampled using purposive and convenience sampling. Data was collected using face-to-face key informant interviews with field supervisors (n=15). Data was analyzed using NVivo10 software for qualitative analysis. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of key themes related to clarity of learning objectives for students and the supervision challenges encountered by field supervisors during practicum. Key findings indicate that the supervisors largely lacked a clear understanding of practicum expectations and the academic preparation of students in the Community Resource Management and Extension program. The main supervision challenge is largely on orienting students to community based field work so as to enable them link theory to practice. These results can be helpful for any academic program to improve the field attachment experience of university students and the community organizations hosting the students. A better understanding of the challenges that field supervisors’ encounter is fundamental to the enhancement of the practicum experience of university students since the requisite and appropriate support can be provided to the host organizations. Subsequently, the students will be more likely to optimize the intended benefits of the practicum as a result of the host organizations enhancing the quality of field-based learning. Keywords: practicum, supervision, experiential learning, community-based learning, learning methods, post-secondary education, higher educatio

Evidence-based approach to enhancing Kenyan University student training and preparation for professional practice : final technical report

Partner organizations advise that students in Community Resource Management and Extension programmes need to be better prepared in aspects of working in different community contexts; working in diverse projects within the same organization; doing administrative management; and report writing and presentations. Students are required to complete a practicum for a minimum of twelve weeks in a community-based context. The project created a partnership between the Department of Applied Human Sciences (AHS) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Canada and the Department of Community Resource Management and Extension (CRM&E) at Kenyatta University (KU) in Kenya. The project improved relationships between institution-host partner organizations

Challenges Faced and the Coping Strategies Adopted by Family Caregivers in Dealing with People Living with HIV/AIDS in Thika District, Central Province, Kenya

Abstract This paper documents the challenges and coping strategies family caregivers (FCGs