School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Assessing the performance of the Kenya coast guard service in enhancing maritime security in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Assessing the performance of the Kenya coast guard service in enhancing maritime security in Homa Bay County, Kenya Namushi, Joab Obindah Maritime security has become increasingly significant in the monitoring and regulating of maritime operations. This underscores the need to assess the performance and effectiveness of the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) in ensuring maritime security, particularly in Homa Bay County, Kenya. To achieve this aim, the study was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine the activities undertaken by the KCGS in ensuring maritime security; to assess the effectiveness of these activities; to evaluate the legal framework governing the KCGS, and to identify the challenges faced by the KCGS in maintaining maritime security in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Co-management Theory and Institutional Theory guided the study. It adopted a mixed method research design focusing on a sample size of 128 participants from a target population of 273 in Homa Bay County, selected using Yamane’s sampling method. Data was gathered through questionnaires and in-depth interviews, collecting qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS v27 software to present the results in tables, while qualitative data was analysed thematically to identify emerging themes. This mixed-methods approach provided a more comprehensive understanding of stakeholder perspectives by capturing measurable trends and deeper contextual insights. The use of triangulation enhanced the validity and reliability of the findings. In particular, qualitative interviews facilitated exploring subjective experiences and institutional challenges that could not be captured through structured questionnaires alone. Integrating both forms of data bolstered the robustness of the conclusions drawn, ensuring that the results reflected the diverse views and realities of the respondents within the selected population. The study found that the Kenya Coast Guard Service is actively involved in maritime security, with its activities in Homa Bay County including surveillance, coastal defence, and policy leadership. Additionally, the study identified challenges such as insufficient funding, corruption, limited equipment, lax enforcement, and minimal community involvement that hinder the service's efficacy. Although respondents acknowledged the value of current legislative frameworks, they also pointed out deficiencies in inter-agency collaboration and training. The need for greater awareness, inclusive participation with local communities, and improved institutional accountability was also emphasised. A more organised and well-resourced strategy prioritising capacity training, policy adherence, and active community participation is vital to bolster maritime security and improve the operational efficiency of the KCGS.

Teachers and students’ perceptions of the influence of sexuality education on students’ sexual behaviour in public day secondary schools in Masaba South Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Teachers and students’ perceptions of the influence of sexuality education on students’ sexual behaviour in public day secondary schools in Masaba South Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya Nyang’wono, Josephine The need for information on sexuality becomes even more pertinent in a rapidly changing world where globalization and technological advancements expose children to a wide range of influences. Despite the provision of sexuality education, Masaba South Sub County public secondary schools have been experiencing high girls’ dropout rate due to teenage pregnancy, abortion-related mortalities and sexual health complications. The purpose of the study was to establish the teachers and students’ perceptions of the influence of sexuality education on the students’ behaviour in public secondary schools in Masaba South Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study was premised on Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and adopted descriptive survey research design. Fifty principals, 50 guidance and counseling teachers, and 50 chairpersons of the student councils from 50 day public schools were targeted. Census sampling technique was used to sample all the 50 guidance and counseling teachers. Through simple random sampling 30.0 % of principals and 30.0 % chairpersons of the student councils were sampled. Data were collected through guidance and counselling teachers’ questionnaires, principals’ interview schedules and students’ focus group discussions. Content and construct types of validity were ascertained through scrutiny by the two supervisors assigned to the researcher. The reliability of the teachers’ questionnaire was ascertained by test-retest technique. Both descriptive and inferential data were used to analyze the data. Qualitative data were put into broad themes for interpretation. However, some qualitative data were used verbatim to maintain the power of the participants’ spoken words. The study found that the adolescence and sexual development education offered in schools was inadequate to cater for the physical and psychology challenges faced by the public day secondary students in Masaba South Sub County in Kisii County. Students, principals, and G&C teachers acknowledged that unlike in the past, the information on transmission and prevention of HIV and other STIs seem to have become less persuasive to both students and teachers in avoiding risky sexual behaviours. The study findings may assist in bridging the gap between the theory, practice and the outcome of human sexuality education.

Examination of community response to girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Examination of community response to girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Kogo, Selina C. Public authorities, Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals have come up with efforts to address and eradicate sexual violence against girls. Such efforts have failed to achieve the objectives due to concerned stakeholders' lack of adequate knowledge on child defilement. The main aim of this study was to examine community response to girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County. The study's specific objectives were: to establish the magnitude of girl child defilement; to assess the level of knowledge of the residents on girl child defilement; to establish predisposing factors to girl child defilement, and evaluate community-based interventions available on girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County. The study was guided by rational choice theory. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. The target population for this study was 34892 households. The study used Krejcie and Morgan formula to obtain a sample of 380 household heads. Further, 9 chiefs, 9 social workers, 27 secondary school principals, 33 primary school head teachers, and 32 church leaders were included in the study. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study. Questionnaires and key informant interview guides were used in collecting data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, whereby percentages and frequencies were obtained and presented in tables and graphs. Qualitative data obtained on specific open-ended questions were analyzed thematically and triangulated within quantitative data. The researcher ensured confidentiality and non-disclosure of respondents to ensure research ethics are adhered to. The study findings revealed that 90 (27.7%) of the respondents had witnessed cases of defilement many times. The study results revealed that there was statistically significant association between residence knowledge and defilement cases χ2 (1, N = 262) = 7.344, p =.007. The study findings revealed that cultural practices χ2 (1, N = 262) = 6.087, p =.014, media exposures χ2 (1, N = 262) = 4.465, p =.035, poor parenting χ2 (1, N = 262) = 5.954, p =.015 and poverty χ2 (1, N = 262) = 5.041, p =.025 are associated with defilement cases. Action taken by community on known defilers are statistically significant associated with defilement cases χ2 (1, N = 262) = 10.539, p =.015. The study concluded that the area had witnessed a few cases of defilement by a random adult male on the road. The residents of the area had no knowledge of the offender of girl child defilement in the area since they never discuss girl child defilements at chief barazas, churches, radios, family get together, or funerals. The study recommended that everyone in the community is encouraged to get involved with other parents to help vulnerable children and their families.

Students’ perception of counselling services as their wellness intervention in public TVET institutions in Nyeri County, Kenya

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Students’ perception of counselling services as their wellness intervention in public TVET institutions in Nyeri County, Kenya Ruita, Ruth Guidance and counseling services could be a panacea to some of the some of the issues and challenges limiting the wellbeing of students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. This research proposes to study the perceptions among TVET college students about guidance and counseling (G&C) as wellness interventions for them during their college years. The objectives of the study were to: investigate the influence of students’ perception about guidance and counselling programs on their wellness; establish the influence of students’ awareness of the need for guidance and counselling on their wellness; find out the influence of students’ access to information on their perception about counselling services and; determine the influence of students’ attitudes about G&C services on their wellness in Public TVET Institutions in Nyeri County. Based on the self-perception theory and Andersen’s behavioral model, the study adopted the descriptive survey design. Using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques, the research sampled 286 TVET students out of a total of 19737 from the three Public TVET colleges in Nyeri County. Consequently, all the 10 teacher-counselors from these institutions were purposively sampled. Data was collected from students using self-administered questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) while the teachers were interviewed. Quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data from interviews and FGDs was subjected to content analysis. The instrument was tested for reliability and validity. Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha was computed for each item in the instrument. Reliability coefficients ranging between 0.78 and 0.89 were obtained. The instruments were thus found to have sufficient internal reliability of an instrument. To ensure the validity of the study instrument, the researcher got the input of seasoned researchers supervising the research as well as conducting pilot testing for it. The findings show that G&C enhanced holistic wellbeing of students in Public TVET institutions. There was a significant relationship between students wellness (the DV) and perception towards G&C Services (r= 0.949, p>0.05); awareness of counseling needs (r=0.950, p<0.05); access to information about G&C (r=0.892, p<0.05) and; students' attitude towards (r=-0.925, p<0.05. It is thus evident that students’ perceptions, awareness, access to information and attitudes affected their proclivity to seek G&C services which could go on to affect their wellness. The study recommends the need for dedicated efforts aimed at strengthening the perceptions, awareness, knowledge and attitudes of students towards guidance and counselling services in Public TVET institutions through regular sensitization on the need to seek timely G&C. This could be through awareness students on guidance and counselling needs.

Influence of communicating through social media by parents on the behavior of their children: case study of Tala Town, Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of communicating through social media by parents on the behavior of their children: case study of Tala Town, Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County Mwanzia, Simon Mutune The rising numbers of those who communicate through social media worldwide is of great concern since this may be affecting their other life concerns like minding of their children’s behavior and this prompts the researcher to desire to conduct this study. Social media is an internet-based form of communication, whose platforms allow users to have conversations, share information, and create web content. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of parental communication through social media on their children’s behavior in Tala town of Matungulu sub-county, Machakos County. The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of parents who communicate through social media in the presence of their 2 to 6 years old children in Tala town, Matungulu sub-county in Machakos county; to establish the motivations for communicating through social media by the parents, and to find out the relationship between parental communication through social media and the behavior of their children. The Ecological Systems Theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979) and the Attachment Theory by John Bowlby (1969) and Mary Ainsworth were used to guide the study. The study employed descriptive design. A sample size of 359 parents who had at least one child of 2 to 6 years old and who communicate through social media was considered as study participants. A pilot study was carried out involving 12 participants, simple randomly sampled from a purposively selected pilot study site-Nguluni market- which neighbors Tala town and was similar to it, in both demographics and infrastructure. They were not included in the final study. Questionnaires for parents were designed to collect data. Reliability of the instruments was ensured through split-half method. Spearman’s correlation formula was used to correlate the scores. Content validity was used to measure the instrument through investigating their content with considerations to the study’s objectives. Data collected was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Data was organized and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Tables and bar graphs were utilized in the presentation of the research findings. The results from the research were expected to establish whether communicating through social media by parents in the presence of their children influences the behavior their children. This study found that prevalence of parents in Tala town with 2-6 years old children, who communicate through social media in a typical day was 87.47 per cent; 84.12 percent of the parents frequently use WhatsApp; 57.66 percent of the parents spend on average three or more hours daily communicating through social media; the parents mostly(73.82%) communicate through social media between 5pm-midnight; about 65 percent of the parents communicate through social media for entertainment; and 65.18% of them to maintain relationships. This study recommends that parents ought to spend on average less than one hour daily communicating through social media, in order to reduce children behavior outcomes especially regarding to acting aggressively, seeking for attention, acting emotionally, seeming to be anxious, looking withdrawn, showing other behaviors, and children complaining to be sick; In addition, parents ought to stop communicating through social media between 5pm-midnight, to reduce children’s behavior outcomes of seeking for attention, acting emotionally, and showing other behaviors.

Factors influencing the integration of ICT in teaching and learning. A case of public primary schools in Kitui central sub county, Kitui county, Kenya

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Factors influencing the integration of ICT in teaching and learning. A case of public primary schools in Kitui central sub county, Kitui county, Kenya Muia, Regina Kavinya Integrating technology into classroom practices is one of the challenges in the 21st century. Effectively integrating ICT into teaching learning process is much more complicated than providing computers and securing a connection to the Internet. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing integration of ICT in teaching and learning in public primary schools in Kitui Central Sub County. The study objectives were to assess the influence of teachers’ ICT literacy, to establish the influence of teachers’ attitude, and to examine the influence of availability of ICT resources on ICT integration in teaching and learning in public primary schools in Kitui Central Sub County. The study was anchored on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Model for Technology Integration in teaching and learning and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 70 head teachers and 1053 teachers from 70 public primary schools. Through simple random sampling, 21 head teachers and 105 teachers were selected for the study. Data was collected through the head teachers’ interview schedule and teachers’ questionnaire. To ascertain reliability and validity of research instruments, the Pilot testing was conducted in the neighboring Kitui West Sub County. Reliability of the research instruments was calculated using test-retest technique obtaining a coefficient of 0.84. Content and construct validity were ascertained through the university supervisors’ scrutiny and pilot testing. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, means and standard deviations while multiple regression analysis was used to test the formulated three hypotheses. Qualitative data was put into broad themes for interpretation. However, some qualitative data was used verbatim in order to maintain the power of the participants’ spoken words. The study found that teachers’ ICT literacy was low, attitude towards ICT integration moderately positive while availability of ICT resources was moderate. The study’s three independent variables contributed 62.3 % of variance in the level of ICT integration in teaching and learning (R2 = 0.623). Teachers’ ICT literacy was the most potent predictor of ICT integration (β = 0.568, t(89) = 5.365, p < 0.05). It is hoped that the findings will serve as an important feedback to the government in regard to the National ICT policy on Education and Digital Learning Programme which was meant, ostensibly, to entrench information and communication technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning process in primary schools in Kenya. The study recommends that the MOE should organize frequent compulsory in service training to equip all teachers with the appropriate skills and knowledge in ICT.

Effects of emerging trends in postmodern religious education on the morality of third year university students: a case study of the University of Nairobi third year students

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of emerging trends in postmodern religious education on the morality of third year university students: a case study of the University of Nairobi third year students Onyango, Benson Laguina Post modernism is defined as a philosophy of the “late 20th century movement characterized by broad skepticism, subjectivism, or relativism; a general suspicion of reason and an acute sensitivity to the role of ideology in asserting and maintaining political, religious and economic power. It is one such factor that is influencing and changing certain core values of religious education. The purpose of this study was to determine influence of emerging trends in postmodern religious education on the morality of third year university students with reference to the University of Nairobi. The following objectives were formulated to guide the study: to determine the influence of skepticism on the morality of religious students at the university of Nairobi, to determine the influence of subjectivism on the morality of religious education students at the University of Nairobi, to determine the influence of relativism on the morality of religious studies students at the University of Nairobi and to determine the influence of pluralism on the morality of religious education students at the University of Nairobi. The study was anchored on Durkheim’s theory on religion. A mixed method research design was employed in this study. The study targeted a head of department, lecturers and students in the department of religion and philosophy at the University of Nairobi. The study sampled 1 head of department, 10 lecturers and 167 3rd year students through purposive sampling from a target population of 1 head of department, 300 lecturers and 320 students. Data was collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires administered to the students, and interview schedules. Pilot testing involved one departmental head, 5 lecturers and 20 students from Kenya Highlands Evangelical University in Kericho County. The content and construct validity, of the data collection instruments was ascertained by presenting the instruments for scrutiny to the researchers two University supervisors. Reliability of the students and lecturer questionnaires was estimated through the test-retest technique. To analyze data, Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was applied. Standard deviation as well as means and percentages were used for descriptive data analysis. Inferential statistics such as correlation and chi-square were also used to represent the findings in accordance with the study objectives. The findings show that skepticism indeed affected the morality of religious education students in the university (r=0.750, p<0.05). This can be evidenced by that some students ignored the shackles of organized religion and rejected the shackles of organized religion. Findings show that subjectivism had significant relationship with religious education morality at the University of Nairobi (r=0.560, p<0.05). Some students shunned outward expression of religion. Some tolerated individualism while others had allergy to facts. There was a statistically significant relationship between pluralism and the morality of religious education students at the University of Nairobi (r=0.840, p<0.05). This was evidenced by sense of tolerance for various beliefs and ways of life. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between relativism and the morality of religious education students at the University of Nairobi (r=0.151, p>0.05). In this regard, there was low level of indifference to religious and moral absolutes. The study recommends the need for the religious education departments to put in place strategies to counter the negative effects of postmodernism on students’ molarity. The study could be of importance to universities in addressing the approach on teaching religious education, and maintaining the original value and impact of religious education.

The impact of organizational culture on occupational crime in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nairobi County

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The impact of organizational culture on occupational crime in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nairobi County Githaiga, Willy Wandahi The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reports 2016 indicated that over 633.40 billion Kenya shillings are lost yearly due to occupational crimes. Similarly, the Global Business Ethics study indicated that senior and middle-level management commits 23% and 32% of the corruption cases. Whereas Price Waterhouse Coopers report indicated that about 36% of the firms faced economic crimes, with emerging and developed markets affected more in 2016, most companies are yet to adopt fraud detecting and deterrent strategies to mitigate such occupational crimes. This study aimed to establish the effect of organizational culture on occupational crime in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nairobi County. The study's specific objectives comprise organizational ethics, financial, board oversight, and corporate size on occupational crime in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Kenya. This study was grounded on the Fraud Triangle Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted all the 26 licensed Manufacturing firms for Pharmaceutical in Nairobi County registered under the Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry in 2020. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires using the drop and pick method. While qualitative data were collected utilizing interview guide sheets. A pilot test study was carried out before the actual research. The study employed descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data using SPSS version 22. Qualitative data from the Key Informants were analyzed thematically using content analysis. Analysis results were presented using figures and tables. All statistical analyses were carried out at 95% significance level. Correlation results showed that organizational culture positively and significantly influences occupational fraud. Regression findings also indicated that financial controls, board oversight, organizational ethics, and corporate size positively and significantly influence occupational crimes in pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi County. The study established that poor financial controls and board oversight are associated with higher occupational malpractices in the company. Additionally, the study established that the presence and adherence to an organizational code of ethics are associated with decreased incidences of occupational fraud. The study established that poor financial controls and board oversight are associated with higher occupational crimes in the company. Additionally, the study established that the presence and adherence to an organizational code of ethics are associated with decreased incidences of occupational fraud. Further, the study established that corporate size is associated with the frequency of occurrence and seriousness of occupational fraud. The study also established that the level of employee monitoring determines occupational fraud incidences and corporate size. The study recommends the management of pharmaceutical companies establish effective financial control measures and realistic regulatory measures such as fraud risk evaluation and oversight to combat occupational crimes in the pharmaceutical companies.

Contribution of private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption at the National Transport and Safety Authority, Kenya.

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Contribution of private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption at the National Transport and Safety Authority, Kenya. Majondo, Suleiman Hamisi Corruption remains the biggest challenge to the timely and efficient provision of public goods in services such as water, education, healthcare and transportation. This requires the concerted effort of both public and private actors to combat the vice to alleviate the problems emanating from corruption. The study sought to determine the contribution of the private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The study was guided by the following objectives: to determine the effectiveness of the strategies used by the private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption, to assess the adequacy of the legal framework used by private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption and to determine the challenges undermining the private sector motor transport actors efforts in the fight against corruption at the NTSA. The study was anchored on the institutional theory as well as the collective action theory. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. Data was collected from a sample size of 384 respondents using questionnaires and key informant interviews respondents. Convenience, stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in distributing the members of the sample across the strata. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics obtained using SPSS version 26 while thematic analysis was undertaken for the qualitative data. The quantitative data was presented using tables, charts and graphs while the qualitative one has been presented using narratives and verbatim quotations. With regard to the effectiveness of the strategies used by the private sector actors in motor vehicle transport to fight corruption at the NTSA, the study established that awareness campaigns were effective as reported by 52% of respondents. Other strategies were found to be ineffective due to cost implications and there dependence on state actors whose collaboration was found to be weak. The study established that the legal framework for fighting corruption was adequate as evidenced by successful prosecution of offenders and termination of graft perpetrators at the NTSA. Its enforcement was however found to be weak besides being riddled with inconsistencies in the various provisions especially on institutional mandates and alignment with the international legal regime. The main challenges to the private sector motor transport actors’ efforts to fight corruption were the normalization of the vice as reported by 100% of respondents as well as lack of cooperation from some players in the sector. The study recommends increased collaboration between private and public sector actors and a review of the legal regime to align municipal and international laws. The findings of the study may be beneficial to the various public and private entities in devising strategies and solutions to fight corruption and ensure efficient service delivery to the public.

Effects of vigilante groups on national security: a case study of Kibera informal settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of vigilante groups on national security: a case study of Kibera informal settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya Mohamed, Shukri Abass There has been a steady increase in vigilante group in informal settlement in recent days because they have been seen as a solution to security provision by the residents of Kibera while security organs term them as causes of insecurity. This study looked at the effects of vigilante groups in Kenya with specific focus to informal settlement area of Kibera in Nairobi County. Descriptively, the study accessed the core reasons that led to the existence of vigilante groups as well as residents and state involvement in vigilante activities. This was guided by the following objectives: to establish the reasons why communities in Kibera depend on vigilante for security; to establish the strategies used by vigilante in provision of security in Kibera and to assess the challenges of the strategies used by vigilante in Kibera. The study was based on social disorganization theory, broken windows theory and security actor-network theory. The study was in the form of a descriptive survey design. A descriptive survey design describes, articulates and organizes a phenomenon under investigation. Primary and secondary data collection methods were applied to obtain data for the study. Simple random sampling approach was used to select 130 respondents for the study sample. The primary methods involved qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitatively, local administrators and vigilante group leaders were subjected to in-depth interviews. They gave in-depth views on vigilante activities. Quantitatively, youths registered in different self-help groups were subjected to semi structured interviews. The in-depth interviews were done through face-toface interviews. The SPSS version 21 was a key statistical instrument that was used for data analysis. The data was presented by the use of tables and charts. The study established that inefficiency by the state to offer essential services to the residents of informal settlement is the genesis of vigilante groups (80%). Further, strategies applied by vigilante groups in addressing security needs in Kibera seem to be effective compared to state response (40%). The study established that one of the major challenges facing Vigilante groups in Kibera is lack of funding and recognition by government (90%) and this have resulted into harassment by police when carrying out their duties (80%). The study concluded that whereas the state is struggling to stop vigilante activities in Kenya, its inefficient in offering security especially in the informal settlement areas can be the cause of existence of vigilante groups. The study also concluded that even though some of the strategies applied by vigilante groups in punishing the criminal gangs especially killing are not appropriate. The study recommends that the Government of Kenya develop plans for economically empowering young people to reduce the high unemployment rate that results to crime in society. The study suggests that the Kenyan government employ more policemen to ensure the safety of children and ensure compliance with the rule of law. The study also recommends the government should ensure that vigilante groups are enrolled to life skills and ethical trainings to make them provide security to the residents as per appropriate moral codes.