RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF PRINCIPALS’ ENHANCEMENT OF ICT IN TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

In a rapidly changing era, teachers’ perceptions of the principals’ management of school wide change strategies are crucial. ICT in increasingly being viewed as providing teaching and learning that increases learners’ creative and intellectual resources especially in today’s information society. The success is however dependent on the way principals manage the process of school wide-change. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Teachers’ Perceptions of Principals’ Enhancement of ICT in Teaching and Learning Strategy and Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi City County. The study fitted within cross-sectional descriptive survey designs with a target population comprising 94 public secondary schools, 94 principals, and 906 teachers. The schools were stratified to categories; national, extra-county, and county schools to ensure equal representation during sampling. Stratified simple random sampling methods were used to select schools, principals and teachers. The sample size comprised 30 principals and 304 teachers. Data was collected using teachers’ questionnaire and a school data form. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested at .05 alpha levels using linear regression analysis. It was found that there was a statistically significant association between teachers’ perceptions of principals’ enhancement of ICT in teaching and learning strategy and students’ academic performance (p < .001). It was concluded that principals’ enhancement of ICT in teaching and learning was perceived as a factor influencing students’ academic performance. The study brings to light that information and communication technology positively affects students’ academic achievement and retention and ICT was found more compelling, effective and valuable in teaching when contrasted with other techniques of teaching. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0781/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p&gt

The origins of a research community in the Majengo observational cohort study, Nairobi, Kenya

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Since the 1980s the Majengo Observational Cohort Study (MOCS) has examined sexually transmitted infections, in particular HIV/AIDS, in a cohort of sex workers in Majengo, an impoverished urban village in Nairobi, Kenya. The MOCS investigators have faced criticism since the women have remained in the sex trade for the duration of their participation in the study, prompting concerns about exploitation. Yet despite these concerns, the cohort has survived for almost 30 years.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this retrospective qualitative case study, we examine the community engagement practices of the MOCS and explore the factors that account for its durability.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Women in sex work in Kenya were a highly stigmatized and disfranchised community. As a result, there was no natural 'community' of sex workers either in Nairobi or in the Majengo village. The Majengo clinic aimed to reduce the barriers to health care the women experienced at the STC clinic by bringing the services closer to them and by providing a non-discriminatory environment. The women acknowledged the fact they had hoped their participation in the MOCS would have helped them find a path out of the sex trade. But our findings also add another dimension to this debate, since every cohort member we interviewed expressed her gratitude for the deep impact the MOCS has had on her life, much of it beyond the improved health status made possible by access to quality healthcare services. Participation in the MOCS has improved and enriched their lives. The CE activities have played a central role in creating a community that did not exist independently of the MOCS.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our case study identified 3 distinct phases of community engagement in the MOCS: (1) reaching out: mobilization, dialogue and education; (2) foundations of trust through relationships of care; and (3) leveraging existing social capital to form a cohort community. The findings demonstrate the importance of some of the less obvious benefits of participation in research, namely the evolving experience of community and the accompanying gains in personal security and solidarity that have kept the women in the cohort, some for 20 years or more.</p

A Comparative Study of Levels of Self Esteem among Students of Single and Dual Parent Families. the Case of Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Nakuru Municipality, Kenya

Children from single parent families tend to be viewed as having low self esteem and challenges associated with  it despite the fact that children from duo parent background are not immune to the same challenge. This study therefore aimed at establishing whether there is a comparison in  levels of self esteem among students of dual and single parent families from selected schools in Nakuru Municipality, Kenya. It adopted the causal-comparative research design. A total of 4257 Form 3 and Form 4 students comprised the population of the study . The study was carried out in 18 public secondary schools within Nakuru Municipality, Kenya. A sample size of 360 students, from both single and dual parent families took part in the study. Stratified and Purposive  sampling techniques were used to obtain the sample. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire that included a self esteem test. Analysis of data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics including the independent t-test statistics. The significance was set at µ = 0.05. The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 17. Findings of the study indicated that there was no statistically significant comparison in level of self esteem among students from single parent families and those from duo parent families (p &gt; 0.05). This suggests the level of self-esteem of a student does not depend on the type of parenthood per se but on a complex interaction of other factors such as the type of relationship between parents and children, the school environment and teaching conditions among others. The study recommended that since self esteem is a concern for children from both single parent and duo parent and teachers, counselors, parents and other educational stakeholders should address the issue from a more holistic position and seek to come up with strategies to boost self esteem that are unique to each student’s situation. Keywords:Self-esteem, single parenthood and dual parenthood

THE ROLE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (THE CASE OF FLAMINGO HORTICULTURE KENYA LIMITED)

Corporate social responsibility is an idea whereby associations think about the interests of society by assuming liability for the effect of their exercises on clients, providers, workers, investors, networks and different partners, and additionally the earth. this commitment supposedly extends past the statutory commitment to conform to enactment and sees associations willfully finding a way to enhance the personal satisfaction for representatives and their families and in addition for the neighborhood network and society on the loose. The act of corporate social responsibility is liable to much discussion and feedback. Advocates of CSR contend that there is a solid business case for corporate social obligation, in that organizations advantage in numerous routes by working with a point of view more extensive and longer than their own particular quick, here and now benefits. Commentators contend that CSR occupies from the basic monetary part of organizations and that it is just shallow window dressing and PR. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) alludes to how enterprises or firms direct their business in a way that is moral, socially well-disposed and helpful to society as far as growth. CSR suggests that the organization leads its business in a way that is commonly used to its targets and additionally to society. This paper takes a look at the part of CSR involvements or activities of Flamingo Horticulture Kenya in upgrading social administrations among its host society. Flamingo's world-class farms in Africa are located in Kenya (close Mt Kenya and Lake Naivasha) and in South Africa (close to Johannesburg). This paper moved toward the idea of CSR in view of hypothesis to shape a premise of understanding the research. The models included; Excellence Theory, Social Responsibility Theory, Stakeholder Theory and Decision-Making Theory and their relational and application in CSR programs in an association. The paper likewise investigated writing on the part of CSR in society advancement in light of the fact that the plain rationale of CSR is towards seeing its effect in community socially, ecologically and monetarily. The study will use descriptive research design with 320 host recipients of Flamingo Horticulture CSR activities in Hell Gate ward community. The investigation undoubtedly settled that FHKL had assumed a huge part in improving the social administrations among the host community it runs

What Are the Implications of Working Capital Management on Liquidity Risk? A Case of Listed Commercial Banks in Kenya

Liquidity refers to a firm’s ability to fund increase in assets and meet obligations as they fall due. Working capital includes all the current assets and current liabilities. The study concentrated on Banks that were listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study used a longitudinal research design for it involved taking repetitive measures overtime for the purpose of comparing returns over the periods.  The target population was made up of all the 9 NSE quoted commercial banks in Kenya; this was over a period of 10 years from 2002 to 2011.  The data was collected from secondary sources; these were published financial statements available at banking survey of Kenya.  The descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to measure variations.  Statistical inferences were drawn using correlation and regression analysis in analyzing the data and testing of hypotheses.  The key findings from the study were: debtors’ collection period and cash conversion cycle have significantly negative relationship with liquidity of quoted commercial banks; this means that more liquid banks take the shortest time to collect cash from their customers.  Creditors’ payment period have significantly positive relationship with liquidity of quoted commercial banks in Kenya, this implies that the longer the bank takes to pay its creditors, the more liquid it is.  The research recommends that the NSE commercial banks should maintain their current assets for meeting their short term obligation thereby increase their liquidity by shortening their debtors’ collection period and cash conversion cycle whereas increasing their creditors’ payment period for better liquidity position.    Findings of this study add to knowledge and understanding of the subject of working capital management and its implication on liquidity risk on NSE quoted commercial banks. Keywords: Working capital management, liquidity, Liquidity risk, quoted commercial bank

Community-driven data revolution is feasible in developing countries: experiences from an integrated health information and surveillance system in Kenya

Over the period of the Millennium Development Goals (2000-15), it became clear that there was a pressing need and an increasing capacity for a ‘data revolution’ to inform the global health development agenda. In most developing countries, data on key indicators were collected through laborious and retrospective surveys that were as much as five years out-of-date, or through passive reporting systems that relied on routinely generated health facility data. Gaps in the primary data were filled by modelled estimates, which often relied on inadequate assumptions

Family planning use and fertility desires among women living with HIV in Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Enabling women living with HIV to effectively plan whether and when to become pregnant is an essential right; effective prevention of unintended pregnancies is also critical to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality as well as vertical transmission of HIV. The objective of this study is to examine the use of family planning (FP) services by HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in Kenya and their ability to achieve their fertility desires. METHODS: Data are derived from a random sample of women seeking family planning services in public health facilities in Kenya who had declared their HIV status (1887 at baseline and 1224 at endline) and who participated in a longitudinal study (the INTEGRA Initiative) that measured the benefits/costs of integrating HIV and sexual/reproductive health services in public health facilities. The dependent variables were FP use in the last 12 months and fertility desires (whether a woman wants more children or not). The key independent variable was HIV status (positive and negative). Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to describe the women's characteristics and to examine the relationship between FP use, fertility desires and HIV status. RESULTS: At baseline, 13 % of the women sampled were HIV-positive. A slightly higher proportion of HIV-positive women were significantly associated with the use of FP in the last 12 months and dual use of FP compared to HIV-negative women. Regardless of HIV status, short-acting contraceptives were the most commonly used FP methods. A higher proportion of HIV-positive women were more likely to be associated with unintended (both mistimed and unwanted) pregnancies and a desire not to have more children. After adjusting for confounding factors, the multivariate results showed that HIV-positive women were significantly more likely to be associated with dual use of FP (OR = 3.2; p < 0.05). Type of health facility, marital status and household wealth status were factors associated with FP use. Factors associated with fertility desires were age, education level and household wealth status. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight important gaps related to utilization of FP among WLHIV. Despite having a greater likelihood of reported use of FP, HIV-positive women were more likely to have had an unintended pregnancy compared to HIV-negative women. This calls for need to strengthen family planning services for WLHIV to ensure they have better access to a wide range of FP methods. There is need to encourage the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. However, such policies should be based on respect for women's right to informed reproductive choice in the context of HIV/AIDS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01694862

Exploring experiences in peer mentoring as a strategy for capacity building in sexual reproductive health and HIV service integration in Kenya.

BACKGROUND: The Integra Initiative designed, tested, and adapted protocols for peer mentorship in order to improve service providers' skills, knowledge, and capacity to provide quality integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This paper describes providers' experiences in mentoring as a method of capacity building. Service providers who were skilled in the provision of FP or PNC services were selected to undergo a mentorship training program and to subsequently build the capacity of their peers in SRH-HIV integration. METHODS: A qualitative assessment was conducted to assess provider experiences and perceptions about peer mentoring. In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve mentors and twenty-three mentees who were trained in SRH and HIV integration. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and imported to NVivo 9 for analysis. Thematic analysis methods were used to develop a coding framework from the research questions and other emerging themes. RESULTS: Mentorship was perceived as a feasible and acceptable method of training among mentors and mentees. Both mentors and mentees agreed that the success of peer mentoring largely depended on cordial relationship and consensus to work together to achieve a specific set of skills. Mentees reported improved knowledge, skills, self-confidence, and team work in delivering integrated SRH and HIV services as benefits associated with mentoring. They also associated mentoring with an increase in the range of services available and the number of clients seeking those services. Successful mentorship was conditional upon facility management support, sufficient supplies and commodities, a positive work environment, and mentors selection. CONCLUSION: Mentoring was perceived by both mentors and mentees as a sustainable method for capacity building, which increased providers' ability to offer a wide range of and improved access to integrated SRH and HIV services

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preparedness for Managing Pregnant and Postpartum Women with COVID-19 Among Nurse-Midwives in Kenya

Introduction: Globally, maternal morbidity and mortality have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the high burden of maternal and neonatal mortality in Kenya prior to COVID-19, front line health workers, including nurse-midwives, must be competent to ensure continued quality maternal services. Knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 transmission influence nurse-midwives risk perception and ability to implement prevention strategies. Objective: We examined nurse-midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness in managing pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 118 nurse-midwives between July 2020 and November 2020. A 31-item survey comprising 15 knowledge, 11 attitude, and five preparedness questions was administered using SurveyMonkey. A link to the survey was distributed among nurse-midwives via email. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between the variables. A p-value \u3c.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Eighty-five participants were included in the final analysis (response rate 72%). Most participants were female (n = 69, 81.2%), 52.9% (n = 45) worked in labor wards, and 57.6% (n = 49) worked in rural hospitals. Overall, 71% (n = 57) of par- ticipants had sufficient knowledge about managing COVID-19 in pregnant and postpartum women. However, only 63% were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Nurse-midwives working in urban areas were 3.7 times more likely to have positive attitudes than those in rural areas (odds ratio 3.724, 95% confidence interval 1.042–13.31; p = .043). Conclusion: Nurse-midwives’ responses to the Kenyan government’s COVID-19 guidelines for managing and caring for pregnant women were inconsistent. Continued professional development for nurse-midwives is important to ensure they stay abreast of evolving COVID-19 guidelines for maternal health. Our findings also suggest vaccine hesitancy may be a hurdle for ongoing COVID-19 vaccination