Articles: Department of Education

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Students’ experiences of seeking injustice-induced help in a Mathematics classroom
(2012) Karuku, Simon; Simmt, Elaine
In this paper, we describe the phenomenon of a need for help that comes about as a result of problematic classroom practices, as experienced by high school mathematics students. Through students’ experiences, we demonstrate how unequal power relations in the classroom can suppress students’ voices, rendering their attempts at seeking justice futile. The students’ experiences were characterized by wishful thinking, blame, and resignation. The data are taken from a phenomenological study that is seeking to understand the meaning of help in mathematics from the students’ perspective. Students shared their lived experiences through oral and written stories told to the researcher.
Implementing Language-in- Education Policy in Multilingual Mathematics Classrooms: Pedagogical Implications
(2013) Halai, Anjum; Karuku, Simon
In this paper, we examine selected literature on classroom-based research to understand how students and teachers (re)negotiate the language of interaction in a mathematics classroom when the official medium of instruction is different from the students’ dominant language. We identify the tensions and dilemmas associated with the implementation of language-in-education policy in selected postcolonial Anglophone countries where English is used as a medium of instruction at various stages of formal schooling. We also examine the pedagogical implications of these tensions and dilemmas, paying particular attention to emerging issues of code-switching, translation and ‘safe’ use of language.
Behaviour Disorders Related to Drug Abuse Among Secondary School Students in Kenya.
(IISTE, 2015) King’endo, Madrine
The purpose of this study was to find out the behavior disorders displayed by secondary school students as a result of substance abuse. This would assist to train teachers on specialized intervention methods so that they can have knowledge on how to curb drug menace in learning institutions. The students were interrogated about substance abuse practices, use and the factors that lead them to abuse substances. Questionnaires were used to collect data from students and teachers involved in guiding and counseling programs. The findings indicate that students abused drugs and substances and reacted differently, developing different behavior disorders. Their responses revealed that there was no drug abuse program in schools and student addicted to drugs were not attended to. What the teachers revealed indicated that they did not have any training on drug abuse problems and lacked skills and knowledge to deal with drug related behavior disorders among students. Future research and implications for teacher training are discussed.
Kiswahili Poetry and Its Role in Preservation of the History of Struggle for Freedom in Africa
(2015) Kinoti, Timothy M.; Kobia, John M.; Mukuthuria, Mwenda
This research investigated the portrayal of the African politician in Kiswahili poetry. Basically, this research intended to shed light on how different poets have portrayed African politicians creatively with a purpose of revealing how these leaders have changed since colonial times to the multi-party period. The research assumed that political leaders played a great role in the development of their individual countries and Africa as a whole. The attainment of various developmental goals such as Kenya’s Vision 2030 and strengthening of the East African Community is to a large extent pegged on political decisions. The objectives of this research were to investigate the role of Kiswahili poetry in preserving the history of the African politician and to examine the traits of the pre-colonial and post-colonial African politician according to Kiswahili poets. The researcher assumed that the poet speaks for the citizen who gets adversely affected by decisions and actions taken by politicians. The study was guided by Romanticism theory developed by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Post-colonial Theory which is associated with the works of Edward W. Said, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak and Homi K. Bhabha. The study was carried out in the library where purposive sampling method was used to collect data from selected anthologies. Qualitative analysis of the selected poems was done guided by the research objectives. The findings of this study revealed that Kiswahili poetry is an important tool for preserving the history of Africa’s struggle for independence. The study also revealed how the seemingly royal pre-independence African politician changed drastically after independence was attained and became a tormentor of the very people he had sworn to protect. Despite these shortcomings, it is evident that the African continent has a few political role models whom the current and future politicians can emulate. The findings of this research will benefit Kiswahili scholars, writers and all political stakeholders in Africa and beyond.
Teaching learners with dysgraphia in primary schools in Embu - county, Kenya: implications for educational interventions
(2015-02) King’endo, Madrine; Njoki, Esther N.
The aim of this study was to identify challenges that teachers encounter in teaching Learners with Dysgraphia in primary schools in Embu County. This was to find out teachers’ competency in teaching learners with Dysgraphia, to establish academic related challenges caused by dysgraphia; to identify the assessment procedures for learners with Dysgraphia. The study was based on Maturational theory and the literature was reviewed under perspective of LD, characteristics of dysgraphia; instructional materials for learners with dysgraphia; effects of dysgraphia on academic performance of the learner and interventions for dysgraphia. The study adopted a descriptive survey design which was conducted in 4 primary schools from Manyatta Division in Embu County. The target population included the class teachers, the head teachers, learners with dysgraphia from the sampled schools and EARC Co-coordinator. The sample size included 4 head teachers, 4 class teachers, 1 EARC Co-coordinator and 220 pupils. Data was collected using questionnaires for the class teachers, observation schedule to learners identified with characteristics of dysgraphia and interview guide for head teacher and EARC Coordinator. A pre-testing of the research instruments was done to establish reliability and the validity. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) while themes were organized for qualitative data. The results show that 75 percent of teachers lack instructional materials that cater for LD. Only 25 percent of teachers can identify cases of LD and give special attention. Lack of standardized tools for assessment at the EARC center may have led to poor identification and placement of LD. The researcher concluded that learning of the learners with dysgraphia is inadequate and this has been contributed by; lack of enough teachers trained in LD to identify learners with dysgraphia and apply appropriate teaching strategies, inadequate instructional materials that cater for LD and lack of standardized tools for assessment at the EARC center. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should oversee special education training to all education officers and teachers. The EARC centers to be equipped with standardized tools for quality assessment of LD cases and teachers to be provided with instructional materials that cater for LD.
Policy and practice in the assessment of juvenile offenders in public juvenile rehabilitation schools in Kenya.
(2015-07) Wambugu, Beth N.; King’endo, Madrine; Kinyua, Joyce N.
Historically assessment of juvenile offenders began during colonial era, when every young people who disobeyed colonial rules of regional zoning, labour provision, and hut tax among others were considered offenders and detrimental to colonial interests. Subsequently, the colonial government sentenced such people to institutional rehabilitation, which employed punitive measures to deter the young offenders from reoffending, thereby protecting the colonial interests. The independent government inherited this system of handling offenders. Generally, juvenile rehabilitation practices in Kenya have undergone paradigm shifts from the punitive disciplinarian, to caritative, egalitarian, and systematic paradigms between 1909 and 1995. On the contrary, policies guiding assessment of offenders have not undergone as much evolution. To date, courts of law still process children in conflict with the law. The court makes a ruling to either release the child or commit the child to rehabilitation or probation care. The main policies on which juvenile rehabilitation anchors on are the Children Act, and Special Needs Education Policy. These policies are largely silent on assessment and do not provide opportunities for diversion of children from the courts. Consequently, every child in conflict with the law is processed through a court of law. The interaction of the child with a law court is labeling and impacts on the rehabilitation outcomes. The paper created a basis for comparing policy versus practice in the assessment of juvenile offenders aiming to shed light on the status quo, and project policy on assessment for diverting children from the courts of law. The study utilized mixed method research approach, which borrowed aspects of both phenomenology and descriptive survey research designs. The findings indicate lack of policy on assessment of offenders, and ineffective assessment procedures and tools.
An Exploration of Factors that Contribute to Low Performance in Physics: A Case of a Secondary School in Kenya
(2015-08) Njiru, Samson M.; Karuku, Simon
The study reported in this paper aimed at exploring the factors that contribute to students’ low performance in physics. Study participants were 2 physics teachers (a male and a female) and 57 physics students (30 males and 27 females) drawn from a coeducational, government day secondary school located in Embu County in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed method approach, whereby both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized to gather data. Analysis of quantitative data was done using the SPSS software package while the qualitative data were analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. Three major categories of factors were identified as contributing to students’ low performance in physics; namely, learning factors, teaching factors, and administrative factors. Learning factors are those factors that emanate from the learners, such as time management skills and background in mathematics; teaching factors are those factors that are attributable to the teacher, such as quality of teacher-student interactions and teacher’s content knowledge; while administrative factors are those factors that can be attributed to the administrative context within the school, such as access to resources and quality of guidance provision. Based on the research findings, a number of recommendations are made to practitioners and policy makers. For teacher educators, a proposal is made to include a course on improvisation in physics education during teacher pre-service training. For the school administrators, it is recommended that mechanisms be put in place to ensure that the students’ voice is heard and supported during selection of preferred subject combinations. For teachers, it is recommended that the use of practical and interesting learning experiences during lessons be inculcated right from the first year of secondary education so as to engage the learners and sustain their attention.
Portrayal of the Contemporary African Politician in Swahili Poetry
(2015-09) Kinoti, Timothy M.; Mwenda, Mukuthuria; Kobia, John M.
This study was, in a broader sense, intended to identify the many political, social and economic changes that the continent of Africa has undergone since independence. Among the significant changes witnessed are those of its political leaders. This study analyzed the various traits and actions of Africa’s contemporary political leaders as portrayed by Kiswahili poets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes that the contemporary African politician has undergone since the attainment of multiparty democracy according to swahili poets. The study was guided by post-colonial Theory which is associated with the works of Edward W. Said, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak and Homi K. Bhabha. Data was collected from selected onthologies of Kiswahili poems using purposive sampling method. Qualitative analysis of the selected poems was done guided by the research objective. The findings of the study revealed that although the African continent has made remarkable steps in enhancing democracy, a good number of its political leaders, whom were credited for championing multiparty democracy, have turned out to be tormentors of the very people they had sworn to protect
Influence of Organizational Strategy on Implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya
(2015-09) Mburugu, Kirema N.; Mulwa, Angeline Sabina; Kyalo, Dorothy Ndunge
The principal objective of the study reported in this article was to empirically assess on the influence of organisational strategy on the implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System (e-ProMIS) in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya. The population of the study comprised members of staff from public tertiary institutions in Kenya. A sample of 210 members of staff was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire with both open and closedended items with Likert-type interval scale anchored on a five point scale was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics show that majority of the public tertiary institutions in Kenya applied reactor strategy (M=3.40, SD=1.13) followed by defender strategy (M=2.46, SD=0.56) and a few of them used prospector strategy (M=2.26, SD=0.68). Reactor which was the dominant strategy utilised in tertiary institutions is not a stable strategy since institutions that adopt it are not able to respond effectively to the environment. They adapt only when environmental pressures force them to do so. Results from inferential statistics show that r is equal to 0.513, indicating that organisational strategy has a moderately strong influence on implementation of e-ProMIS. The value of R squared is 0.263, indicating that organisational strategy explains 26.3% of the variation in the implementation of electronic project monitoring information system in public tertiary institutions in Kenya. The β coefficient of prospector strategy is 0.025, that of defender strategy is 0.397 and reactor strategy is 0.217. These results indicate that prospector strategy had no statistically significant influence on the implementation of e-ProMIS (β=0.025, t=0.280, p=0.780>0.05). Comparing the p values, it can be noted that the p values for defender strategy (p=0.000) and reactor strategy (p=0.003) are both statistically significant. The β values imply that one unit change in implementation of e-ProMIS is associated with 2.5% changes in prospector strategy, 39.7% changes in defender strategy and 21.7% changes in reactor strategy.
Influence of Organisational Staff Capacity on the Implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya
(2015-10) Mburugu, Kirema N.; Mulwa, Angeline Sabina; Kyalo, Dorothy Ndunge
This article highlights on the urgent need for staff training on new technologies, provision of adequate ICT infrastructure and staff attitudinal change trainings for effective implementation of new electronic based systems. The article is based on an empirical study carried out in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya to the extent of the implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System (e-ProMIS) in the institution. The objective of the study was to establish the organizational internal context on the implementation of e-ProMIS, focusing on influence of staff capacity. The study adopted pragmatic paradigm using mixed mode approach and cross sectional research design with a target population of 460 members of staff from 35 public tertiary institutions in Kenya. A sample of 210 staff was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaire with both open and structured items with Likert-type interval scale anchored on a five point scale. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables using arithmetic mean and standard deviation. Statistical tools used for inferential statistic were Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (r), simple regression, multiple regression and stepwise regression (R2). F-tests were used to test hypotheses in the study. The results revealed that staff capacity had a statistically significant influence on implementation of e-ProMIS. The study confirmed the relevance of Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Theory of Structuration and Technology Acceptance Model in studying implementation of electronic based systems. The study highlights the need for staff training on new technologies, provision of adequate ICT infrastructure and staff attitudinal change trainings for effective implementation of new electronic based systems. The study offers direction to policy makers and practitioners. The study recommends further research to be conducted to establish the influence of monitoring and evaluation on implementation of e-government systems. Other e-government systems like e-procurement and e-tax also need to be studied.
Contributions of Selected Family Factors to Drug Abuse Among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Manyatta Sub-county, Embu County, Kenya
(Science Publishing Group, 2016) Nyaga, Milcah Njoki; Mwai, Kimu
The aim of this research is to investigate the contributions of selected family factors to drug abuse among adolescents in Kenyan secondary schools. To achieve this, the study sought to investigate the role of parental monitoring, residence, employment and parenting behaviours in predisposing the adolescent in the development to drug use. In addition, the study established the significance of associations between family factors and drug abuse among adolescents. The data were collected from form two students and deputy principals in secondary schools. The findings revealed that lack of parental supervision, parental employment, authoritarian style of parenting and lack of open discussion with adolescents contributed to drug abuse as well as most parents do not take active roles in schools. The study further revealed that not residing with the biological parents was not significantly associatedwith drug abuse. This was contrary to the view held by most scholars that the adolescents who do not reside with their biological parents were prone to drug abuse. To avoid drug abuse, parental monitoring should be given to all children regardless of the birth order, absence of aggression at home, parental quality time, open discussions with adolescents, authoritative parenting and parental involvement in school activities. Majority of the children born after the first child portrayed antisocial behaviours; hence the further the birth position in the family the higher the engagement in drug abuse Based on these findings, there is need to give all children as much supervision as that given to the first born children. Thus, the schools should organise sessions for parents and educate them on effective ways of parenting adolescents. Parents need to be encouraged to take active role in schools. Therefore, schools must create partnerships by providing an open and accommodative environment with their wider community. This would help in forminga link between the school and the home as well as the school and the family.
Describing Diversity in University Enrolment in Kenya
(2016) Gitonga, Pius; Gatere, Ruth; Mwaura, James
The identifiable benchmarks that showcase description of ‘diversity’ in enrolment or admission for university education in Kenya were described. Universities encourage multiethnic student and staff populations purely based on merit. In achieving “a globally competitive and prosperous nation with a high quality of life by 2030” (GOK, 2007), institutional attention to meritocracy and promotion of national cohesion through diversity and unity for success is essential. The overall quality of education in the universities is affected to a larger extent by large number of students against limited resources. Diversity focuses on demographic variety of student’s social and religious background but not tribal affiliations. A systematic and brief review of available evidence was used to describe diversity of enrolment for university education in a fast growing university and higher education system. The professional practices of scientific research were adhered to as stipulated in the Declaration of Helsinki (Maltby, McGarry, William, & Day, 2010). Expansion of universities is rapid due to increasing number of students who are interested and want to pursue university education. In both public and private universities enrollment is a serious exercise for both the university and the ‘freshmen’. Literature reviewed pointed at increasing complexity of forces in university education system, dynamics and diverse enrolment options, reputation and social positioning of universities in the society, diversity as humanistic patterns were found significant. Enrollment trends and impacts showed increase in demand for university education, and the risk of decreasing quality and predictability of outputs and results. This description proposes that all human need to equivocally advocate for and ensure equitable distribution of merit and opportunity for a sustainable future in university education. There is need however to determine national diversity index for university enrollment in Kenya.
Indicators of Professional Competence for Sustainable National Development in Kenya
(2016) Gitonga, Pius; Gatere, Ruth; Wakapa, Eddah
The indicators for professional competence in university education are desirable for assessment and prediction of sustainable national development. The goal was to create an evidence based focus between Kenya’s national development strategies (educational) and the learner’s professional competence in achieving sustainable development for themselves and for their country. The indicators of the professional competence for university students were reviewed using a modified Competencies Assessment Tool (CAT) adapted from American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE, 2014). The indicators were identified as; effective communication and relationship management, leadership skills, professionalism, knowledge of the practice environment, and business skills and knowledge. Professional competence education and training has not kept pace with these challenges, largely because of fragmented competence development strategies that produce ill-equipped graduates. young professionals, however, will develop sustainable competence if they will be empowered but not micromanaged, sponsored to serve as role models, allowed to manage their own scale of innovation, trusted without being prejudiced, and be positively challenged rather than being marginalized. We recommend that the university should: develop ethical values among all university students, encourage competence development to match theory in the university education, promote responsibility and interest among learners, decide on strategies for sustaining professional competences, and formulate tests to assess competency level for employability of all final year university students.
The Aesthetic Function of the style of Masking as used In V.S. Naipaul’s Collection of Sketches, Miguel Street
(2016-06) Weche, Michael O.; Kagwira, Stella P.
The study is based on the assumption that literary style is paramount to literary communication and the meaning we derive out of a work of literature. Literary meaning cannot therefore be divorced from literary style. The purpose of the study is to examine how the style of masking communicates meaning in V.S. Naipaul’s collection of sketches, Miguel Street. The technique of masking is analyzed to show its aesthetic function in the text. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the text and show how the technique is used by the writer to communicate meaning and artistic vision. The rationale of the study is based on the recognition of Naipaul as one of the best world writers and more important that though his works have received extensive literary attention, little has been done on the aesthetic function of the style of masking in the text under study. The study therefore gives a new direction of reading Naipaul’s works and thus contributes not only to the understanding of Naipaul’s idiocyncratic manner of artistic communication but also to the richness of his literature. The sampled text was purposively chosen based on the aim of the study. The study is grounded in the New Historicism literary theory and more specifically the theory’s tenets that emphasize the study of literary works from a historical context.
The Aesthetic Function Of The Calypso Style In V.S. Naipaul’s Collection Of Sketches, Miguel Street
(2016-07) Weche, Michael O.; Kagwira, Stella P.
The study is based on the assumption that literary style is paramount to literary communication and the meaning we derive out of a work of literature. Literary meaning cannot therefore be divorced from literary style. The purpose of the study is to examine how the style of calypso communicates meaning in V.S. Naipaul’s collection of sketches, Miguel Street. The technique of calypso is analyzed to show its aesthetic function in the text. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the text and show how the technique is used by the writer to communicate meaning and artistic vision. The rationale of the study is based on the recognition of Naipaul as one of the best world writers and more important that though his works have received extensive literary attention, little has been done on the aesthetic function of the calypso in the text under study. The study therefore gives a new direction of reading Naipaul’s works and thus contributes not only to the understanding of Naipaul’s idiosyncratic manner of artistic communication but also to the richness of his literature. The sampled text was purposively chosen based on the aim of the study. The study is grounded in the New Historicism literary theory and more specifically the theory’s tenets that emphasize the study of literary works from a historical context.
Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Primary Dysmenorrhea Among Female University Students
(2017-09) Nyaga, Milcah Njoki; Muriithi, David
Primary Dysmenorrhoea is a condition that has attracted attention among the stakeholders in education and health professions. Primary Dysmenorrhea is chronic cyclical pelvic pain associated with menstruation in the absence of an identifiable pathological condition. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints and gynaecological problem worldwide among young females. Many females use pain killers such as paracetamol and Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) to treat primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study is to investigate effectiveness of physical exercises on primary dysmenorrhea among University female students. The study adopted a descriptive research approach. It involved fifty students who had enrolled for gym at the University and had participated in regular exercise. The control group involved 50 students who had not enrolled for gym. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. The findings revealed that majority of the students were aware that exercise treats the symptoms of dysmenorrhea but they continued using painkillers. The study found out that majority of the students would consider exercise as an alternative therapy in treating the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. The study further revealed that the experimental group had late onset of menstruation and they took a longer time to menstruate as compared to controlled group. Overall the results of this study indicated that participating in exercise is a likely alternative approach to reduce the effects of primary dysmenorrhoea symptoms especially pain and improve the quality of life in young females.
Youth Radicalisation in Kenya University Perspective
(2017-11) Nyaga, Milcah Njoki
The aim of this research is to investigate the youth radicalisation in Kenya. The study sought to investigate recruitment of youth to the unlawful groups, sponsors of unlawful groups, gender prone to unlawful groups, level of education and preventive measures against radicalisation among youth in Kenya. The study observed that radicalisation was going on in Central, Nairobi, Eastern, Nyanza, North Eastern, Coast, Western and Rift Valley regions in Kenya. The study revealed that the politicians were the leading sponsors towards radicalisation of the youth. Further, the study observed that politicians heavily sponsored the youth during the last year before election. The study revealed that males were more prone to radicalisation than females. In addition, the study reported that university students were the most prone learners towards radicalisation. Therefore, it was evident that the higher the level of education the more students were prone to radicalisation while the employed youths were least prone to radicalisation. The study revealed that the potential determinants to radicalisation were unemployment and poverty. The study observed that tobacco, bang and alcohol were the most abused drugs among the members of the unlawful groups. In absence of traditional reference groups the youth may be magnetically be attracted to a cult, gang, or subversive group. This may be as result of looking for a sense of love and belonging, sense of self-acceptance or sense of approval. . It is the obligation of the government and society to build Ego and Psychic strength for the youth. This can be done through effective mentorship programmes, guidance and counselling, as well as involving the youth in decision making.
Untangling the Complex Training and Qualifications System in Kenya
(2018) Mukhwana, E. J.
A national qualification framework (NQF) is an instrument used to classify a country’s qualifications at different levels. Each level is defined by a set of learning outcomes expected at that level. NQFs are an extremely useful tool when carrying out educational and training reforms as they are vital reference points for lifelong learning and comparing qualifications across different levels in the same country and across borders with other countries. The Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) is an instrument that has been used to classify Kenya’s’ qualifications following enactment of the KNQF act in 2014. The Sessional Paper of 2005 and the Policy framework for education of 2012 highlighted the urgent need both to better coordinate and clarify Kenya’s qualification system. The current multiplicity of qualifications and awarding bodies (over 300) makes it difficult for employers to understand what competences they can expect the holder of a qualification to possess. The KNQF is intended to address this situation by establishing a common regulatory system for the development, assessment and award of qualifications. The KNQF is a central register of Institutions that have been accredited to award Qualifications, the qualifications that they award and the learners that are awarded the qualifications. The Framework sets out clear criteria for all qualifications and aims at developing and implementing a harmonized national accreditation, quality assurance, assessment and examination systems to ensure that qualifications awarded meet the national standard and are internationally benchmarked. The system is also used to develop and implement national policies on recognition and equation of local and foreign qualifications (REQs), recognition of prior learning (RPL) and a credible and reliable credit accumulations and transfer (CATs) system; in order to create an efficient and effective training and qualifications management system that meets the needs and requirements of local and international employers as well as industry. This paper enumerates the important role that qualification frameworks play and shares Kenya’s experience in developing and implementing the KNQF with lessons for Africa and the rest of the world.
People’s perception on climate change and its effects on livelihood in Kitui County
(ISDS LLC, 2018-07) Khisa, Gladys, V.
This paper examines people’s perception on climate change and the effect of the changing climate on their livelihood in Kitui County. Kitui County is a semi-arid region which experiences long dry spells that make a large section of the land almost unutilized most of the year. Majority of the farmers practice small scale farming with a large percentage owning less than five acres of land. The size of the farm is one of the factors that determines the amount of food produced which subsequently affects their livelihood. Food production can be improved by increasing the land under crop cultivation which will eventually increase food production and availability. Normally, for subsistence agriculture, farm holding size plays a major role in determining a household’s food production and security. In this study, a total of 400 small scale farmers were interviewed on their perception of the changing climate with a view of gauging its effect on their livelihood. Structured questionnaires, oral interview, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and direct observation were employed in data collection. The results indicate that the changing climate has led to higher temperatures and more frequent and longer droughts which have resulted in less food production which negatively affects their livelihood. In this study, many of the farmers owned small farms and relied on rainfall for their agricultural activities. The over reliance on rainfall made it difficult for the farmers to put their farms into productive use all year round especially during the dry season due to the unpredictability of the rainfall.
Influence of Value Based Management on Strategic Renewal of Insurance Firms in Kenya
(Strategic Journals, 2018-08) Karani, Frida W.; Gachunga, Hazel
The objective of the study was to determine the effect of value based management on the strategic renewal of insurance firms in Kenya. Two dimensions of strategic renewal were studied: the insurance firms’ deliberate decision to imitate strategic renewal and strategic renewal by introduction of new product lines and rebranding. The target population was operative managers in 53 insurance firms. The sample size was 5 operative managers in 47 insurance firms resulting to a sample size of 235 respondents. The study used simple random sampling in the determination of respondents and used the Cochran’s formula to determine sample size. The Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics which were spearman’s correlation and linear regression. Results of ANOVA, goodness of fit were used to make findings and conclusions about the study. Kuder-Richardson (KR21) and Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research instrument. The results of regression showed that value based management had a statistically significant influence on strategic renewal of insurance firms in Kenya. The study therefore recommended that insurance firms’ managers should pay more attention to value based management since it is a major contributor to strategic renewal. The study was grounded on the dynamic capabilities theory which explains the link between a firm’s inward abilities such as research and development, automation and creativity and innovation and its ability to work within those capabilities to initiate strategic renewal.

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