Direct Educational Costs and Students’ Retention Rate in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Kenya

Student retention in secondary school is paramount for the ultimate achievement of goals in education. This is the reason why individuals, societies, education partners and stakeholders pull together to finance education at all levels. Despite this effort, student retention in public boarding secondary schools in Kenya is wanting, Literature indicates that, costs incurred while going through secondary education may have an effect on the retention of students. This study therefore sought to establish the extent to which direct costs of education affect student retention rate in public boarding secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to gather both the qualitative and quantitative data. The target included 31 principals and 4012 parents. All the 31 principals were purposively selected. Yamane simplified formula was used to sample 399 parents who were then distributed among the sub counties using proportionate random sampling. Questionnaires were utilized to collect quantitative data from parents while an interview schedule helped to gather qualitative data from the principals. Document analysis provided secondary data on students’ retention. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data on the other hand was analyzed thematically. The study findings showed that, direct educational costs are crucial predictors of students’ retention rate in public boarding secondary schools. They account for 94.1% of the variance. Costs of meals, accommodation, activity fee, parents’ association fund and the costs of repairs, maintenance and improvement all contributed to the variance. However, the cost of repairs, maintenance and improvement accounts for the highest contribution (90%) as the cost of activity fee accounts for the lowest (0.01%). The study concludes that, direct educational costs affect students’ retention rate in public boarding secondary schools. The study recommends the government through the departments of basic education and early learning to reconsider waiving all the boarding costs so as to lessen the cost burden and hence enhance student retention. Keywords: Direct educational costs, Retention, Boarding secondary schools. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-3-05 Publication date: January 31st 202

Effect of Stakeholders’ Awareness of Vision and Mission Statements on Internal Efficiency in Public Secondary Schools: The case of Kisumu and Usain -Gishu Counties, Kenya

The study sought to establish the effect of stakeholders’ awareness of vision and mission statements on internal efficiency in terms of promotion rates and retention. The convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed in the study. A sample size of 342 comprising 57 principals, 57 PA chairpersons; and 228 teachers in the quantitative phase and a further 54 respondents comprising 9 principals, 9 PA chairpersons and 36 teachers for qualitative strand.  Data were collected via Questionnaires, interview schedule, document analysis and observation schedules.  The study found that all stakeholders were aware of the school vision and mission statements, although the principals were more aware than the rest. The overall awareness was moderate and had a positive influence on internal efficiency in terms of grade promotion rate than on retention. It was concluded that stakeholders’ awareness of vision and mission statements has positive moderate influence on internal efficiency in public secondary schools. The study recommends that The Ministry of Education consistently sensitize key stakeholders on school vision and mission statements. Keywords: Stakeholders’ Awareness, Vision and Mission Statements, Internal Efficiency, public secondary schools, Kenya. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-26-01 Publication date:September 30th 202

Two Levels Model Calibration in Cluster Sampling; Use of Penalized Splines in Semiparametric Estimation

Estimation of finite population total using internal calibration and model assistance on semiparametric models based on kernel methods have been considered by several authors. In this paper, we have extended this to consider model calibration based on penalized splines in two stage sampling where the auxiliary information is available both at the element level and at the cluster level. We have shown that the proposed estimators are robust in the face of misspecified models, are asymptotic design unbiased, have reduced model bias, are consistent and asymptotic normal. We have shown that estimators based on penalized splines perform better than corresponding kernel based estimators and model calibrated estimators perform better than internally calibrated estimators do. . Keywords: model assistance, model calibration, semiparametric model, penalized spline

Determinants of Attendance in Alternative Primary Schools in Mathare Slum, Nairobi, Kenya

This study sought to establish the influence of home-based and school-based factors on pupils’ school attendance in Alternative Primary Schools in Mathare Constituency, Nairobi. The study employed the correlational design. The Study population was 18,000 pupils, 58 head teachers and 604 teachers. The sample size comprised of 12 head teachers (20%), 60 teachers (10%) and 317 pupils (1.8%). The study established that there was a strong positive and statistically significant correlation between home background characteristics and pupils’ school attendance in Alternative Primary Schools (r = .935, p = .012) at alpha 0.05 level of statistical significance. Further, a strong negative and statistically significant (r = -.662, p = .033) correlation at alpha 0.05 level of confidence exists between family size and pupils’ school attendance in Alternative Primary Schools. Key words: School participation, School attendance, Home-based factors, School-based factors, Alternative Primary School

ANALYSIS OF SELECTED FACTORS INFLUENCING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF INSURANCE COMPANIES LISTED AT THE NSE, KENYA

Insurance businesses are designed to pool and accumulate large sums of money in order to settle claims arising from their clients in the event of loss. The companies venture into stock trading, underwriting ventures and property investments in addition to their core activities of generating income from net premiums. Several factors influence the operation results of these firms. The study used descriptive research design where a sample of thirty six (36) respondents was chosen through stratified sampling. Questionnaires were administered through drop and pick method. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed. Inferential analysis failed to accept the null hypotheses that there was no statistically significant influence of selected factors; risk perception, macroeconomics and investment portfolio choice on financial performance of insurance companies. The results of the study indicated that considered in isolation risk perception explained 19.6% of the variability in financial performance while macroeconomic and investment portfolio choice factors accounted for 18.2% and 15.9% respectively of the changes in financial performance. The joint independent variables were associated to 74.9% of the variability in financial performance of insurance firms. However, there are other factors that explain the variance of financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya that were not included in the model. JEL: G10; G22; G23  Article visualizations

Influence of Financial Management Skills on Performance of Youth Environmental Projects: A Case of Solid Waste Management Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya

With the upsurge of unemployment, more youths are conducting garbage collection activities as an enterprise to improve their livelihood. This study examined the influence of financial management skills on performance of youth environmental projects in Nairobi County, a case of solid waste management projects. It was guided by pragmatism research paradigm adopting descriptive survey and correlational research designs. The study’s target population was 700 youth group members engaged in solid waste management projects in Nairobi County, using a sample size of 248 group members, based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table. Key informants from 4 departments of Directorate of Youth affairs were purposely selected. Research instruments entailed questionnaires and interview guide. Qualitative data was analyzed and presented in narrative statements while inferential statistics were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis to test hypotheses. The correlation index between financial skills and performance of youth environmental projects was positive and significant, r (247) =.525; p≤.05. This inferred that as the level of financial project management skill increases, the performance levels also increase. The T value for financial management skills was also significant; T (247) = 9.682; β= 0.724.; P≤.05. This implied that for each unit increase in financial management skills, the performance of youth environmental projects could increase by 0.724 units. This inferred the rejection of null hypothesis and the conclusion made that H1 (There is a significant influence of financial management skills on performance of youth environmental projects in Nairobi County). The researcher recommends the pulling together of a common funding accessible to all youths by the government of Kenya and a policy action by the government to incorporate youths to learn financial management skills under mentorship programs from entities dealing with environmental projects so as to incubate their skills for effective project performance

Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of livelihood ventures: Focus; Nairobi youths conservation projects, Kenya

In Kenya, youth unemployment rate is on the rise especially for urban youths, despite government’s perennial interventions and funding. This study sought to investigate on monitoring and evaluation practices and performance of livelihood ventures; focusing on youth conservation projects in Nairobi County. The study specifically focused on solid waste collection projects managed by youth groups within Nairobi residential areas; which is among the conservation projects that attract government funding through the Directorate of youth. The study had a target population of 700 youth group members and a Study sample of 248 youths. Key informants from 4 departments of Directorate of Youth affairs were purposely selected. The study adopted descriptive survey and correlational research designs where data was collected using questionnaire and focus group discussion guide. Qualitative data was analyzed and presented in narrative statements while inferential statistics were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis to test hypotheses. The research formulated a hypotheses in null state and subsequently, F-Test was used test it portraying; r (247) =.196, R2 0.38, F (5,242) = 9.777 p≤.05, implying that the levels of monitoring and evaluation practices possessed by youths may be a good predictor of performance of youth conservation projects. This inferred to the rejection of the null hypothesis and the conclusion made that H1: There is a significant relationship between monitoring and evaluation practices and performance of youth solid waste management projects in Nairobi County. The study findings provided the evidence that the level of performance increases as monitoring and evaluation practices intensifies. The researcher recommends a Policy action by government to incorporate youths to obtain and nature monitoring and evaluation skills through industrial attachments in National and County entities dealing with conservation projects; to enhance gainful youth conservation projects

Generalized Ratio-Cum-Product Estimators for Two-Phase Sampling Using Multi-Auxiliary Variables

Abstract In this paper, we have proposed estimators of finite population mean using generalized Ratiocum-product estimator for two-Phase sampling using multi-auxiliary variables under full, partial and no information cases and investigated their finite sample properties. An empirical study is given to compare the performance of the proposed estimators with the existing estimators that utilize auxiliary variable(s) for finite population mean. It has been found that the generalized Ratio-cum-product estimator in full information case using multiple auxiliary variables is more efficient than mean per unit, ratio and product estimator using one auxiliary variable, ratio and product estimator using multiple auxiliary variable and ratio-cum-product estimators in both partial and no information case in two phase sampling. A generalized Ratio-cum-product estimator in partial information case is more efficient than Generalized Ratio-cum-product estimator in No information case

Environmental Change and Maize Innovation in Kenya: Exploring pathways in and out of maize

This paper summarises findings of the STEPS Environmental Change and Maize Innovation in Kenya project. Maize is an important staple crop in Kenya, socially, politically and economically. This project has taken maize as a window through which to explore differential responses to the combined and inter-related effects of climate change, market uncertainties and land use changes over time. It has traced innovations and responses of various actors – public agricultural research institutions, donors, development agencies, private companies and farmers. At issue is the way in which actors in different institutional, geographic and social locations understand and frame resilience – and how these framing assumptions shape agendas and steer solutions and resources in certain directions and not others.ESR

Combining host plant resistance, selective insecticides, and biological control agents for integrated management of Tuta absoluta

Combination of pest management strategies that minimize pesticide use and conserve natural enemies is important for a sustainable environment. Overreliance on synthetic insecticides in the management of Tuta absoluta has led to pesticide resistance leading to difficulties in managing the pest. In this regard, alternative measures need to be put in place to reduce the effects of this pest. ,e objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the effectiveness of host plant resistance, biological control, and selective insecticides when used in combination, in the management of T. absoluta in tomato production. ,e study was set up in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design involving two tomato varieties, an insecticide (chlorantraniliprole), and a biological control agent(Macrolophus pygmaeus), applied singly or in combination. Data were collected on T. absoluta damage from the lower, intermediate, and upper leaves. ,e results from this study show that a combination of insecticide with a moderately resistant variety had a significantly lower T. absoluta damage as compared with a susceptible variety combined with an insecticide. However, the moderately resistant variety when combined with insecticide showed no effect when the biological control agent was added. ,e susceptible variety significantly reduced T. absoluta damage when combined with the biological control agent. ,ese results indicate that treatment combinations in insect pest management can be utilized. ,e present study results indicate that using a moderately resistant variety (Riogrande VF) in combination with the insecticide chlorantraniliprole (Coragen®) and a susceptible variety (Pesa F1) in combination with the biological control agent (M. pygmaeus) can improve T. absoluta management. Under good habitat management, the susceptible variety will perform equally as the moderately resistant variety due to suppression of the T. absoluta populations by natural enemies. ,ese findings show the importance of environmental conservation both by enhancing natural enemy abundance and use of selective insecticide in the management of T. absoluta in tomato production. Combinations in this present study are likely to reduce insecticide doses, thereby reducing the cost of production and enhancing environmental compatibility with natural enemies