Online audience as gatekeepers: the influence of web analytics on content selection in Kenya’s top five news websites

This study examined the adoption of web analytics by Kenya\u27s top five news websites as ranked by Alexa.com on how online audiences impact news selection by online editors. The study was guided by four research objectives: (i) to determine to what extent web analytics monitoring are done by editorial teams, (ii) to establish factors driving the use of web analytics and what tools used, (iii) to establish how use of web analytics contributes to editorial decisions, and (iv) to identify the relationship between the use of web analytics and business decisions in newsrooms. The study was guided by two theories: Uses and Gratification and technological determinism. The study adopted concurrent research design and a mixed-methods research approach. Questionnaires and interview guides were used as data generation tools. The researcher adopted census survey and Key Informant Interviews as research methods. The sample size of the study was 43 respondents. This was achieved through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS (Version 25) and presented in form of pie charts and graphs while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study found that all top five websites in Kenya have appropriated several web analytics. They use them for content planning, newsgathering, gauging popularity of content, news placement, re-tweaking headlines, altering content placement, re-tweaking content and appeasing advertisers for commercial gain. Further, the study found that online newsrooms are nearly obsessed with monitoring web analytics but are consciously careful of letting that addiction and over-reliance change their functionalist role of informing, educating, persuading and entertaining audiences by turning them into online audience pleasers. The study concluded that online editors have wielded part of their gate-keeping role to audiences through the use of web analytics signaling a cultural change in newsroom practice. The researcher recommends that online newsrooms set clear editorial policies to ensure that the use of web analytics does not lead to the abandonment of the cardinal role of journalism, to be a watchdog that works for public interest and common good

Hygienic and sanitary practices of vendors of street foods in Nairobi, Kenya

The street food industry has an important role in the cities and towns of many developing countries in meeting the food demands of the urban dwellers. It feeds millions of people daily with a wide variety of foods that are relatively cheap and easily accessible. Street food sector symbolizes the street life in Africa and it operates in an unstable and precarious state because the sector  lacks legal recognition. There have been noticeable increases of food vendors in Nairobi, who sell both raw and cooked food  items. There are not regulated, they operate  haphazardly without any monitoring of what they prepare and how they do it. A study to determine hygienic and sanitary practices of vendors of street foods in Nairobi was carried out using a descriptive survey  design. A sample size of 80 street food vendors selling commonly consumed foods was selected. Data was collected using  in-depth interview schedules and observation checklists. Information from the study shows that vendors lacked training on food preparation. About 62% obtained food preparation skills through observation while 33% were taught by their parents in  non-formal settings. The preparation surfaces used for the preparation of raw foods were not washed regularly. Cooked foods were stored at ambient temperature in cupboards, plastic bowls, jugs and buckets were just left in the open uncovered. Eighty-five per cent of the vendors had garbage and waste bins beside the food stalls. Personal hygiene was not also observed, as the vendors  never covered their heads, handled money and food at the same time and they did not wear overcoats/aprons and handled food with bare hand. Street food vendors were not aware of hygienic and sanitary practice. The food is sold to unsuspecting clients who are likely to get food-borne diseases. This study recommends the establishment of street food centres by the city council, the training of street food vendors on hygiene, sanitation and the establishment of code of practice for the street food industry and the empowerment of Public Health Officers.Key words. Street foods, hygiene and sanitation

The Role of A Decentralized Organizational Structure on KM Infrastructure Capability during the Implementation of ERP Systems in Kenya

It is a well-established fact that most Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) fail due to a myriad of implementation problems. This study was motivated by the high failure rate of ERP systems around the world during the implementation stage. Most studies report failure rates of between 65% and 75%. Many developed countries have adapted flexible organizational structures as a technique of minimizing ERP implementation problems. This paper investigated the influence of organizational structure on KM infrastructure capabilities during the implementation of ERP systems in organizations listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya, with the aim of establishing whether these organizations have embraced organizational structures which enhance knowledge sharing. Three hundred and six (306) questionnaires were distributed to senior managers and users of ERP systems in the companies listed in the NSE. One hundred and eighty four (184) responses were received representing a 60% response rate. The study employed factor analysis, correlation analysis, univariate analysis, multivariate regression analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationship among variables and measure the strength and direction of the relationships between constructs. Data was cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 and AMOS version 21. The research found out that organizational structure is not considered a significant component of KM infrastructure in the companies listed in the NSE. The findings imply that most companies listed in the NSE in Kenya still practice silo behavior where individual divisions, units, or functional areas operate as silos or independent agents within the organization. This study leads to the conclusion that the organizational structures in Kenya are not flexible enough to enhance ERP implementation success and recommends that organizations should embrace decentralized structures, which provide the flexibility required for knowledge sharing in ERP implementation projects. Keywords: ERP implementation, organizational structure, KM infrastructure capability, Social Capital Theory, Dynamic Capability View, Resource based theor

Investigation of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Information and Communication Technologies for Communication of Research Output in Research Institutions in Kenya

Using Rogers' (2003) and Hofstede's (2001) technology diffusion theories as lenses, this exploratory and interpretive study was an endeavour to contribute to the understanding of ICT-enabled research communication by and for scholars and researchers working in Kenya. The main purpose of the study was to identify factors affecting ICT-enabled research communication by researchers in research institutions in specific fields within the natural and applied sciences in Kenya, which are viewed as key result areas in socio-economic development. Qualitative techniques were used to collect and analyze the data and present the findings. The researcher sought to identify, understand and explain key factors affecting ICT-mediated scientific research communication with a view to coming up with an ICT-adoption framework that would assist the Kenyan research community in more effectively adopting ICT-enabled research dissemination practices. This in turn should support Kenya's national development goals and contribute to the existing knowledge base and serve as a useful reference point in research communication debates and policy deliberations. The findings revealed researchers' priority research communication need was reinforcement of capacity for strategic research through recognising and prioritising research communication in budgetary planning. Thus, the findings call for investment in scientific and technological research and its communication, which includes improving tools and infrastructure, especially ICT-enabled ones like Internet connectivity and other e-resources. The findings affirmed the literature and extant theories guiding the study but also revealed information unique to the Kenyan context. Among emerging factors affecting adoption of ICT for scientific research communication were socio-cultural factors such as appreciation and perception of ICT; attitude of the scientific research community; demographic issues such as age/level of qualification, gender, poverty and literacy levels; communication networks and traditional cultural values such as orature, communalism and education culture. There were also institutional factors which included issues to do with ICT governance such as political and institutional leadership and culture; institutional framework; policy and strategy and legal and regulatory framework; and control over mass media communication channels. Moreover, inadequate institutional capacity for ICT-mediated research communication, lack of demand for MIS for research and teaching, lack of recognition and motivation for researchers were found to hinder ICT-mediated research communication. Though ICT had the perceived attributes of relative advantages, compatibility, complexity, observability and reliability, there were relative disadvantages that discouraged adoption. These included the need for hard- & software and virus upgrades; its susceptibility to environmental factors; dependence on other infrastructures that may be unavailable or unreliable; and possibilities for information overload and plagiarism. Other factors affecting ICT adoption that emerged outside the preliminary model included the nature of discipline/type of data; personal/individual institution's initiative; telephone wire thefts and lack of ICT research. All these contextual perspectives informed the framework for adoption of ICT for scientific research communication by researchers and scholars in research institutions in Kenya

Effect of a Community Health Worker Intervention on Uptake of Breast Cancer Screening Services among Women of Reproductive Age in Kitui County, Kenya

IntroductionWhile communicable diseases remain the leading killers in many developing countries, the incidence and mortality from non-communicable diseases such as breast cancer and other cancers is rising rapidly. By 2015, estimated 2.4 Million new cases of breast cancer globally was reported. Screening is one way of improving the survival rate by reducing morbidity and mortality of Breast cancer. The annual incidence of cancer in Kenya was close to 37,000 new cases with annual mortality of over 28,000. Cervical and breast cancer were the leading diseases in women occurring at a rate of 40.1/100,000 and 38.3/100,000. The uptake of cancer screening services in Kenya was as low as 13.5%. Engaging CHWs in health service delivery especially in resource poor countries was found to be an achievement [6, 7] .ObjectivesIn many developing countries, Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide a variety of services including outreach, counseling and patient home care services. This study aim was to assess the effect of a CHW led intervention on uptake of breast cancer screening services among women of reproductive age in Kitui County, Kenya.Materials and methodologyThis was a quasi-experiment with one pre-intervention and a post intervention survey conducted in both intervention (Kitui East ) and control site (Mwingi West) respectively. The intervention site received Community-Based Health Education (CBHE) aimed at promoting awareness and screening of both breast and cervical cancer. A total sample size of 422 participants were identified in each survey, based on Fisher et al 1998 formula. Purposive and simple random sampling method was used in identifying study area and respondents similarly. Data was collected using a research assistant administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using frequencies and percentages, Z score tests, and ODDs Ratios. The study was subjected to the KNH-UoN Ethics Review committee (ERC) for ethical review and approval.ResultsThe intervention of CHWs increased the proportion of women seeking facility-based breast cancer screening services significantly by 38% in the intervention site. A Difference in Differences(DiD) statistic indicated 33.3% net increase in the proportion of women seeking the services within the 8-month of intervention period. The odds of seeking breast cancer screening services were higher (4.5 times higher) [(crude OR=3.604: 95%CI of OR=2.698-4.813, P<0.05) (Adjusted OR=4.458: 95%CI of OR=3.204-6.202, P<0.05)] in intervention site compared to control site.Conclusion and RecommendationsConclusively, the CBHE intervention improved breast cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Kitui County. To reduce the high prevalence of breast cancer and the economic burden of treating breast cancer cases in Kenya, we recommend adoption of Community based strategies like CBHE's help in promoting early screening and treatment of breast cancer among women of reproductive age. Keywords: Community Health Workers, CBHE, Breast Cancer, Screenin

Kenya Commercial Banks are Star Performers –Myth or Truth? Exploratory Empirical Evidence from Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)

The profitability of commercial banks in Kenya has been a subject of intense policy debate over the past two decades. This paper explores and adduces evidence that the perceived abnormal profitability in the industry is reflected in stock returns. The study utilizes time series data obtained from the NSE and five macroeconomic variables for the period 1996: 2015. We regress portfolio monthly excess returns, predict and graph these returns to determine if the banking sector outperforms other sectors of the economy. The empirical evidence presented here suggests that the banking industry outperforms other sectors of the economy in Kenya.                                                                       Keywords: Commercial Banks; Portfolio Returns JEL Classifications: A23, C22, E4

Mapping Nairobi's dairy food system: An essential analysis for policy, industry and research

Demand for dairy products in sub-Saharan Africa, is expected to triple by 2050, while limited increase in supply is predicted. This poses significant food security risk to low income households. Understanding how the dairy food system operates is essential to identify mitigation measures to food insecurity impact. This study aims to determine the structure and functionality of Nairobi's dairy system using a value chain mapping approach

Urban Livestock Keeping in the City of Nairobi: Diversity of Production Systems, Supply Chains, and Their Disease Management and Risks

Urban livestock keeping in developing cities have an important role in food security and livelihoods but can also pose a significant threat to the environment and health of urban dwellers. The aim of this study was to identify the different livestock systems in Nairobi, their supply chains, and their management and food safety risks. Seven focus group discussions with livestock production officers in charge of each major Nairobi sub-county were conducted. Data were collected on the type of systems existing for each livestock species and their supply chains, disease management, food safety risks, and general husbandry and gender factors. Supply chain flow diagrams and thematic analysis of the data was done. Results of the study show a large variability of livestock keeping in Nairobi. The majority were small scale with: <5 dairy cows, 1-6 dairy goats, <10 small ruminants, <20 pigs, 200-500 broilers, 300-500 layers, <10 indigenous chickens, or <20 rabbits. Beef keeping was mainly described as a "by the way" system or done by traders to fatten animals for 3 month. Supply chain analysis indicated that most dairy farmers sold milk directly to consumers due to "lack of trust" of these in traders. Broiler and pig farmers sold mainly to traders but are dependent on few large dominating companies for their replacement or distribution of products. Selling directly to retailers or consumers (including own consumption), with backyard slaughtering, were important chains for small-scale pig, sheep and goat, and indigenous chicken keepers. Important disease risk practices identified were associated with consumption of dead and sick animals, with underground network of brokers operating for ruminant products. Qualified trained health managers were used mainly by dairy farmers, and large commercial poultry and pig farmers, while use of unqualified health managers or no treatment were common in small-scale farming. Control of urban livestock keepers was reported difficult due to their "feeling of being outlaws," "lack of trust" in government, "inaccessibility" in informal settlements, "lack of government funding," or "understaffing." Findings are useful for designing policies to help to control urban livestock production and minimize its associated health and environment risks

Value chain analysis as a tool for assessing food safety risks in the Nairobi pork food system

In Nairobi, with 3.1 million consumers and 30,000 pigs, the pork system may represents a major source of zoonotic pathogens. Yet, this system and its public health risks have not been described. The study used value chain analysis, a well-known method in economics, to investigate zoonosis and food safety risks practices in the Nairobi pork food system. A cross-sectional study of the Nairobi pork system collected data through 25 focus group discussions and 436 individual interviews with farmers, traders, abattoir owners, large companies’ managers, retailers, government officers and consumers. Data were analysed to identify, describe and quantify the main pork chain profiles, their associated zoonosis and food safety risks practices and their link to governance, the distribution of benefits and barriers to improving the system. Six pork chain profiles were identified with the ‘large integrated company’ profile accounting for 62% of pork marketed through abattoirs. Pigs in slums were channelled directly to consumers and butchers or through less integrated markets. Main zoonosis and food safety risk practices for city pig keepers were: handling and consumption of sick pigs; and swill and scavenging feeding. In less integrated abattoirs these risks were: lack of traceability, cold chain systems and adequate cleaning and sterilising practices and equipment. For the retailers, there was a lack of hygiene linked to poor infrastructure, scarcity of water and cleaning practices. Large companies govern the high end market for pork where barriers to improvements were less. In the lower end poor profit margins and unequal benefit distribution led to issues on around investments in infrastructure, cold chains and human capacity building plus difficulties with meeting feeding and animal health costs. Conclusions This study identified the main zoonoses and food safety risk practices and the people involved in risk taking activities to help future control programmes in the Nairobi pork system. The integration of value chain and analysis of risks practices proved useful and represent the way forward for epidemiologist working in developing countries

Beef, sheep and goat food chains supplying Nairobi: Analysis of 'value chain profiles' to investigate food security and safety risks

Introduction: Beef, sheep and goat meat consumption provides essential nutrients in highly bioavailable form, and poses a zoonotic pathogen threat. In Nairobi, these luxury products are difficult to access by poor households, yet little is known on the city’s food system in terms of food safety and security risks. An understanding of the food systems is essential to assess and contextualize the chains supplying poor households and to determine population exposure to hazards. Mapping is therefore crucial to assess food security and food safety risks. The present study characterised the Nairobi beef, sheep and goat food systems using value chain analysis. Methods: Data collection targeted the different stakeholders involved in beef, sheep and goat meat food systems from: (1) urban and periurban farmers; (2) livestock and meat traders, abattoir/market owners and workers, and livestock and meat transporters in all Nairobi markets; (3) managers of the main beef, sheep and goat meat processing companies; (4) urban and periurban retailers; (5) 205 low income consumers and (6) government/regulatory officers. Data were collected through focus groups discussion and individual interviews, and complemented with secondary data. Qualitative data were obtained on people, animals, products and chains interactions to identify all the existing stakeholders and chains, and assess their organizational, spatial and temporal structure. Quantitative data were collected to assess flow of products in the different chains and their contribution to the supply of these commodities to Nairobi. Data were recorded and entered in thematic templates for analysis. Mapping analysis was done through the creation of 'Chain profiles', which groups patterns of operations/flows of commodities. Mapping of these profiles was done at 3 levels: (1) people chain profile (map interactions of actors); (2) Geographical chain profiling (map of routes of animals and products); and (3) Product profiling. Findings and interpretations: Eight chain profiles that make up the beef, sheep and goat meat food systems were identified. A critical profile was the ‘less integrated terminal markets’, composed of chains where no group or person own a large proportion of different activities. This profile represents three quarters of the city’s beef, sheep and goat meat supply and contains two significant markets (Figure 1). Large companies integrate market, product transport and distribution, and mainly export or supply to high class retailers and consumers. Six beef keeping activities were identified in the city, mainly as temporary settlements. Sheep and goat keeping was mainly small scale (1-5 animals) and their animals are mostly slaughtered in households for festive occasions. In low income households beef was obtained from butcheries (83%), while goats were obtained from butcheries (51%) and markets (40%). This study shows the importance of specific chains to the food security of a city, and describes the dimensions of urban human-livestock interactions. In combination with an understanding of chains governance and barriers, this study provides a powerful approach, missing to date, for the investigation of nutrition and food safety risks