Readiness for lifelong learning of volunteers affiliated with a 4-H youth development program in the southern region of the United States

The purpose of this study was to explore and determine the level of readiness for lifelong learning of volunteers affiliated with a 4-H youth development program in the southern United States. Based on a literature review, readiness for lifelong learning was conceptualized as incorporating aspects of response to triggers for learning, self-directed learning readiness, and a readiness to overcome deterrents to participation in learning. The Readiness for Lifelong Learning Survey, a 75 item Likert-type scale, was developed and administered online to 1815 adult volunteers who had provided usable emails in a enrollment database system. The final response count was 277 representing a 15.3% response rate. The overall readiness for lifelong learning score fell within the “high readiness” category on an interpretive scale developed by the researcher. There were significant differences in the overall readiness for lifelong learning mean score based on marital status, yearly net income and preferred format for learning. No significant differences in readiness for lifelong learning mean score was observed based on gender, ethnicity, and highest level of education completed, presence of children at home, employment status, and occupational category, and whether current employment requires continuous certification. A regression model with four demographic variables found that explained a significant portion of the variance in the overall readiness for lifelong learning score. Preference for “web-based/online training” and “divorced” marital status increased the overall readiness for lifelong learning score, while earning “more than $100,000” in yearly net income and being “single never married” reduced the overall readiness for lifelong learning score

THE DILEMMA OF INTEGRATION INTERNALLY DISPLAYED PERSONS IN UASIGISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Internal displacements in Africa and Kenya in particular have become a common phenomenon. These have had multiple causes ranging from ethnic conflict, inter clan conflicts, cattle rustling, floods, earth quakes and politically instigated tensions and conflicts. However, of the many causes of internal displacements the most common and notable is the politically instigated conflict as it is perennial, occurring after most elections since the re-introduction of multi-party politics. Such displacements occurred in 1992 and 1997, the worst being the post election violence of 2007 and 2008 following the disputed presidential elections. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges to integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kenya with reference to Uasin Gishu District. The study adopted a survey research design. The target population was 31,189 IDPs in camps, the “host” community who were 289,380, 5 government officers and 5 NGOs giving assistance to IDPs. From these target populations a sample of 100 IDPS in camps, 100 members of the host community, 5 provincial administration officials and 5 representatives of NGOs were drawn using cluster sampling, simple random sampling, transect walk and census sampling. The data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The quantitative data collected was analyzed descriptively while qualitative data was analyzed using the five thematic steps. The study found out that the main challenges to integration of the IDPS included lack of economic resources, the host community being unfriendly and fluctuating political temperatures at the national and local levels. The study recommends that the process of resettlement and integration of IDPs should be hastened, peace and reconciliation be a continuous process, to ensure that IDPs are economically integrated, they should be given economic support and that all actors should be included in the re-settlement and integration process

THE DILEMMA OF INTEGRATION INTERNALLY DISPLAYED PERSONS IN UASIGISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Internal displacements in Africa and Kenya in particular have become a common phenomenon. These have had multiple causes ranging from ethnic conflict, inter clan conflicts, cattle rustling, floods, earth quakes and politically instigated tensions and conflicts. However, of the many causes of internal displacements the most common and notable is the politically instigated conflict as it is perennial, occurring after most elections since the re-introduction of multi-party politics. Such displacements occurred in 1992 and 1997, the worst being the post election violence of 2007 and 2008 following the disputed presidential elections. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges to integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kenya with reference to Uasin Gishu District. The study adopted a survey research design. The target population was 31,189 IDPs in camps, the “host” community who were 289,380, 5 government officers and 5 NGOs giving assistance to IDPs. From these target populations a sample of 100 IDPS in camps, 100 members of the host community, 5 provincial administration officials and 5 representatives of NGOs were drawn using cluster sampling, simple random sampling, transect walk and census sampling. The data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The quantitative data collected was analyzed descriptively while qualitative data was analyzed using the five thematic steps. The study found out that the main challenges to integration of the IDPS included lack of economic resources, the host community being unfriendly and fluctuating political temperatures at the national and local levels. The study recommends that the process of resettlement and integration of IDPs should be hastened, peace and reconciliation be a continuous process, to ensure that IDPs are economically integrated, they should be given economic support and that all actors should be included in the re-settlement and integration process

Profit efficiency among Kenyan smallholders milk producers: A case study of Meru-South district, Kenya

Production inefficiency is usually analyzed by economical efficiency, which is composed of two components-technical and allocative efficiencies. This study provided a direct measure of production efficiency of the smallholder milk producers in Kenya using a stochastic profit frontier and inefficiency model. The primary data were collected, using IMPACT (intergrated modeling platform for mixed animal crops systems) structured questionnaire and includes four conventional inputs and socio-economic factors affecting production. The result showed that profit efficiencies of the sampled farmers varied widely between 26% and 73% with a mean of 60% suggesting that an estimated 40% of the profit is lost due to a combination of both technical and allocative inefficiencies in the smallholder dairy milk production. This study further observed that level of education, experience, and the size of the farm influenced profit efficiency positively while profit efficiency decreased with age. This implies that profit inefficiency among smallholder dairy milk producers can be reduced significantly with improvement in the level of education of sampled farmer

LEADERSHIP STYLE AND PERFORMANCE OF FIVE STAR HOTELS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

The 5-star hotels in Nairobi have experienced dwindling customer numbers, reduced services and products offered and quality of service as a result of decreasing number of tourists following the 2017 repeat election declaration, terrorism attacks in Dusit D2 and Corona Virus pandemic. The reduced number of customers has affected the growth, expansion, sales and number of employees in the hotel industry in Kenya. The industry also has encountered a reduced number of tourist activities which has affected customer outreach levels in the years 2016 to 2020. The current study, therefore, sought to evaluate the effects of leadership style on the performance of five-star hotels in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on resource-based theory. A descriptive research design was used. The unit of analysis was Nairobi City County’s five-star hotels and the unit of observation was the senior hotel managers. Data were collected from 104 senior managers and due to the small number, the research used a census study. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The drop and pick later method was used to collect data. Test for reliability was done through the Cronbach Alpha test and content validity and construct validity were tested through the pilot test. Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were used. Descriptive measures such as mean, frequency and standard deviation were used. Inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis were used to present the linear relationship between variables. Data was presented in tables/figures. The significant majority of respondents said that hotel management has the ability and skill to conduct an initiative of change. The study found that leadership had a favorable impact on five-star hotel performance. Environmental scanning should be encouraged in hotels because it is the only way to alleviate stress during leadership.JEL: L80; L83  Article visualizations

A JOURNEY INTO THE INDIGENOUS CONFLICT MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS AMONG THE ABAKURIA COMMUNITY, KENYA: “THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

Conflict in many parts of the world has become part of people’s life resulting massive deaths and trail of destruction to property leading to manmade disasters. In Kenya, conflict is experienced as warring groups engage in armed and non-armed conflicts. In most instances, the conflict is so intense that property are destroyed, people killed while others are displaced. However, of the conflict experienced in Kenya, a peculiar case is that of the Abakuria ethnic group, as inter-clan conflicts have become perpetual. The mechanisms used in managing the conflict have been wanting or inadequate as the conflicts keep recurring. It is on this backdrop that this study aimed at evaluating the Abakuria indigenous mechanisms used in managing intra-ethnic conflict. The study employed descriptive survey, ethnography and explanatory research designs. The target population for the study was 52,338 comprising of members of the indigenous conflict management systems, members of provincial administration, local and international Non-governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, community policing members, members of the peace committees, civic leaders, District security team, warriors and community members/victims to the conflict. From the target population, a sample 638 was drawn using purposive sampling, stratified sampling, transect walk and snow balling techniques. The data were collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Quantitative data generated from the study were analysed descriptively while qualitative data were analysed following the five steps of thematic data analysis; transcription, open coding, axial coding, selecting codes and formation of themes. The study found out that there were five key institutions of managing conflict between the Abakuria clans, which were Inchama, Avaragoli, Iritongo, Sungusungu and Ihama. These institutions played a role both in managing conflict thus the beauty and instigating conflict thus the beast in the institutions. The study recommends that the institutions should be strengthened by the government in order to be more effective

Role of IT Culture in Learners\u27 Acceptance of E-Learning

This chapter sought to explore factors that influence e-learning adoption and use among students in higher education in Kenya. Based on UTAUT model, the study proposes that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions will influence intention to use e-learning. Additionally, the role of IT culture is explored. Performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and IT culture were significant in predicting intention to use e-learning. Intention to use significantly predicted usage. Implications for higher education are discussed

Student-Athletes at an Historically Black University (HBU): Examining the Relationship Between Student-Engagement on Campus and Career Situation Awareness

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between student-athletes’ engagement experiences on campus and their career situation awareness at an historically Black university (HBU) in the Southeastern United States with NCAA Division I affiliation. Data was obtained from a sample (n = 118) of female (n= 45) and male (n = 73) student-athletes using measures from the revised versions of the Student-Athlete Experiences Inventory (SAEI) and the Student-Athlete Career Situation Inventory (SACSI). One-way ANOVA, Pearson product-moment correlation tests, and t-tests were employed to analyze gender, race, year classification, and sport played effects. Following data analysis, three key findings were identified. First, HBCUs are likely to provide socially enriching environments for minority student-athletes of both genders that promote career confidence; particularly for Black, female student-athletes. Second, in an HBCU context, White student-athletes may not be as academically involved in university life when compared to their minority counterparts. Third, the use of the library for academic purposes and engagement in socially enriching experiences may have diminishing effects on female student-athletes’ sport identities. Implications and future research recommendations are discussed. To better validate and improve the generalizability, future research should conduct similar studies that employ data from multiple HBCUs

Determinants of the Performance of Firms Listed At the Nairobi Securities Exchange

This study analyzed the factors affecting the performance of 41 non-financial companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) using panel data over the period 2003 to 2013. A Hausman test results suggested the application of a random effects model for ROA and a fixed effects model for ROE. The empirical results of the estimation of both ROA and ROE show that corporate governance was statistically significant in determining the performance of firms and it had the expected sign (Positive). The leverage of the firm also had the expected negative sign and was statistically significant in explaining the performance of companies. Firm size and liquidity were however found to be statistically insignificant in determining the performance of these firms. Any limitations/suggestions for areas of further research/cross-reference!! Keywords: Financial performance, Liquidity, Leverage, Nairobi Security Exchange, Return on Assets, and Return on Equit

A JOURNEY INTO THE INDIGENOUS CONFLICT MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS AMONG THE ABAKURIA COMMUNITY, KENYA: “THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

Conflict in many parts of the world has become part of people’s life resulting massive deaths and trail of destruction to property leading to manmade disasters. In Kenya, conflict is experienced as warring groups engage in armed and non-armed conflicts. In most instances, the conflict is so intense that property are destroyed, people killed while others are displaced. However, of the conflict experienced in Kenya, a peculiar case is that of the Abakuria ethnic group, as inter-clan conflicts have become perpetual. The mechanisms used in managing the conflict have been wanting or inadequate as the conflicts keep recurring. It is on this backdrop that this study aimed at evaluating the Abakuria indigenous mechanisms used in managing intra-ethnic conflict. The study employed descriptive survey, ethnography and explanatory research designs. The target population for the study was 52,338 comprising of members of the indigenous conflict management systems, members of provincial administration, local and international Non-governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, community policing members, members of the peace committees, civic leaders, District security team, warriors and community members/victims to the conflict. From the target population, a sample 638 was drawn using purposive sampling, stratified sampling, transect walk and snow balling techniques. The data were collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Quantitative data generated from the study were analysed descriptively while qualitative data were analysed following the five steps of thematic data analysis; transcription, open coding, axial coding, selecting codes and formation of themes. The study found out that there were five key institutions of managing conflict between the Abakuria clans, which were Inchama, Avaragoli, Iritongo, Sungusungu and Ihama. These institutions played a role both in managing conflict thus the beauty and instigating conflict thus the beast in the institutions. The study recommends that the institutions should be strengthened by the government in order to be more effective