Impediments to the Growth of Cottage Industries in Kakamega County, Kenya

Cottage industries play a significant role in Kenya’s socio-economic development. However, a number of obstacles inhibit their growth. This research paper, which employed an exploratory research design, unearths these impediments. The major challenges cited by potters, crude sugar producers, brick-makers, liquor producers, masons, carpenters, traditional medicine persons, charcoal producers, weavers, bakers, bicycle repairers, flour-grinders, and shoe-makers and repairers in Kakamega County were: inadequate capital, competition, lack of ready market, scarcity of raw materials and unfavourable weather. Key Words: Impediments, Growth, Cottage Industries, Kakameg

Voter Behaviour amongst Kenyan Youths in relation to Party Primaries and General Elections: A Focus on Students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology during the 2017 Election Cycle

This research study was conducted in 2017 at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology situated in Kakamega County, Kenya. It was motivated by the desire to gain insights into the political attitudes, inclinations and perceptions of Kenyan youths towards voting in party primaries and general elections. The study site was purposively selected. The Fisher’s formula of determining sample size was used to arrive at 338 respondents who were picked through the simple random sampling procedure. Observation, structured interviews, unstructured interviews, and focus group discussions were deployed. The exploratory research design was utilized given that it was a fact-finding endeavour. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistical analysis with the aid of SPSS. It was revealed that 52% of respondents had taken part in the 2017 party primaries, 47% did not, while 1% failed to respond. A majority of respondents (88%) indicated they would participate in the 2017 general elections. Most respondents (91%) had registered to take part in the election exercise. On the importance of voting in elections, an overwhelming majority of 97% argued in favour of participation, 2% against, while 1% failed to give a clear response. The study concluded that despite electoral hurdles most youths in Kenya faced, they still recognized the importance of expressing their democratic preferences during party primaries and general elections. Key Words: Voter Behaviour, Kenyan Youths, Party Primaries, General Elections DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/11-4-09 Publication date:May 31st 202

The Place of Home-Based Industries in Rural Kenya’s Socio-Economic Progress: A Case Study of Kakamega County

Home-based industries, also referred to as cottage industries, are those units of production that are mostly located in homesteads, and which rely on human- or animal-propelled skills and technology. The home-based industries focused on in this academic paper are: pottery, crude sugar production, brick-making, liquor production, quarrying and masonry, carpentry, traditional medicine production, charcoal production, basketry and weaving, baking, bicycle repair, flour-grinding, and shoe-making and repair. These industries provide skill training and development, products for rural and urban consumption, employment opportunities, and contribute to development. The socio-economic contribution of home-based industries in rural Kenya is highlighted in this research paper. Keywords: Home-based Industries, Socio-Economic Progress, Kakamega

The Perceptions of Tanzanian Youths towards Cross-Border Marriages within East Africa: The Case of St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Arusha Centre

Cross-border marriages, referred to in this research study as transnational marriages, involved spouses from two different countries living together as husband and wife. The aim of this study was to unearth the perceptions of Tanzanian youths towards cross-border marriages within East Africa. The study sampled participants from one of the Kenya-Tanzania border towns, namely, Arusha. A sample size of 384 was drawn from St. Augustine University of Tanzania - Arusha Centre’s student population size of 780. Multiple research methods were used to collect data for this study. The findings indicate that 30 percent gave adverse views on cross-border marriages within East Africa while 48 percent had favourable views. However, 22 percent were unsure. We conclude that those who favoured cross-border marriages within East African were more than those who were against. Key Words: Perceptions, Cross-Border Marriages, Arush