9th International Research Conference of Chuka University 2022

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17589

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 55

Strategies Enhancing Community Development: A Case of Anglican Development Services in Kenya
(Chuka university, 2023-11-24) Wambugu Kagema D. K. and Micheni S.
The dynamics of Anglican Development Services (ADS) of the Anglican Church necessitated an investigation of the aspects that contribute to the enhancement of Community Development (CD) in Kenya. Despite mitigation strategies by ADS in enhancing CD in Kenya, to improve the people's livelihoods, community has consistently experienced forms of under-development. This study, sought to investigate the strategies employed by ADS in enhancing CD in Kenya. The study targeted four ADS regions in Kenya namely; Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). A descriptive survey design was used with a sample of 330 respondents drawn from a target population of 1,827. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages while thematic analysis was done on qualitative data. The findings illustrated that the ADS has an array of strategies for enhancing CD in Kenya. However, the strategies must be implementable on the ground to improve the sustainability of CD within the targeted areas. Strategies employed by the four ADS regions in enhancing CD in Kenya include mobilizing for food production and security in community, partnership and networking for community capacity building, promotion of health care, training and mobilizing farmers to form groups to promote Agri-business. It is recommended that for the effectiveness of ADS strategies, the target recipients should be expanded through a conscientization process, biblical and theological interventions, transformation participatory approach, and goal-oriented empowerment with the most vulnerable members of the community receiving priority. For ADS to be effective and efficient, it has to focus on transforming individuals, communities and systems without fully being dependent on donor funded activities.
Effectiveness of the existing strategies in enhancing gender responsive wildlife management and conservation in Narok county, Kenya
(Chuka university, 2023-11-24) Mercyjoy Karoki Mugambi
Gender equity and women’s empowerment are prerequisites to effective biodiversity conservation, climate action and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. In view of its ecological, social and economic value, wildlife is an important renewable natural resource. Its significance is felt in areas such as rural development, land-use planning, food supply, tourism, scientific research and cultural heritage. A better understanding of the different roles, knowledge, needs and aspirations of women and men with regard to wildlife management and conservation can help us achieve the twin goals of better conservation outcomes and increased gender equity. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the existing strategies in enhancing gender responsive wildlife management and conservation in Narok County, Kenya. The study was carried out in four Maasai Mara wildlife conservancies. Descriptive survey and sequential explanatory mixed method approach were adopted for the study. A sample size of 167 respondents comprising of wildlife managers, conservancy landowners and conservancy rangers participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires, Focused Group discussion and interviews. The data collected quantitatively was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the findings were presented using percentages, graphs and tables. The findings showed that the measures put in place to enhance gender responsive wildlife management and conservation in Maasai Mara conservancies by the wildlife stakeholders were inadequate. The strategies have failed to penetrate the cultural glass ceiling that has greatly impeded these strategies from taking root. The wildlife stakeholders have also failed to embrace and implement the existing strategies in order bring out the required change. The study recommends that the wildlife conservancies, institutions and managers should find ways of incorporating more women into wildlife management and conservation as well as employ gender advocacy and empowerment programmes to facilitate gender equity and sustainable wildlife ecosystems.
influence of improvised instructional resources on teaching of early childhood development and education literacy skills in kiambaa sub-county kiambu county kenya
(Chuka university, 2023-11-26) Wambui M. W. Kangara H. W. Ogembo J.O.
The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of improvised instructional resources on teaching of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) literacy skills. This was as a result of limited empirical evidence on the extent and influence of use Improvised Instructional Resources (IIR) on instructional process generally and among ECDE learning specifically. This is particularly important for developing countries such as Kenya with limited financial resources for provision of standard resources. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. A census survey was conducted to collect data from 130 ECDE teachers using questionnaires and classroom observation checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data with the aid of SPSS version 25.0 while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings indicated that most teachers engaged leaners to interact freely with improvised instructional resources (IIR), the most commonly used IIR being charts and flash cards which are visual aids. Chi-square results χ2(1) = 33.69, p < 0.001 indicated a significant influence of IIR on teaching of literacy skills, Contingency Coefficient measure of association (CC) illustrating a 48.1% variation in teaching of the literacy skills based on use of IIR. The study therefore recommends that ECDE teachers utilize a variety of IIR during teaching and learning of literacy skills to provide multi-sensory learning experiences to the young leaners. Keywords: Literacy skills, Improvised instructional resources and Early Childhood Development and Education.
Biblical and theological basis for church involvement in community development: a case of the Anglican development services in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2022-11-24) Wambugu P. M. , Kagema D. N. and Micheni S.
The study sought to establish the biblical and theological basis for church involvement in Community Development (CD). The Anglican Development Services (ADS) of the Anglican Church was used as the case for this study. The study targeted four ADS regions namely; Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). The theory of Reconstruction Theology (RT) advanced by Jesse Mugambi as a paradigm for CD was employed. A sample of 330 respondents gotten from a target population of 1,827 was used. Descriptive survey design was employed. Utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group discussions data was gathered. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 computer software was used to analyze quantitative data in frequency and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed thematically and narrative formats in accordance with the study objectives. The findings showed that biblical and theological basis for church involvement in CD were highly valued. This compels the church to engage community in socio-economic and political development through conscientization, transformational participatory and goal-oriented empowerment. The study recommends more effort be made to disseminate biblical and theological teachings to educate communities about wholistic mission of the church. Implementation of CD be based upon proper biblical hermeneutics and contextual theologies as a demonstration of service to the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable in community. Key Words: Community Development, Anglican Church of Kenya, Anglican Development Services, Biblical and Theological Basis, Church Involvement
Effect of contract cost control on operational efficiency of commercial state corporations in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Njue F.K.; Thogori M; Galo N
Commercial state corporations are formed to offer essential goods and services to the general public. Despite governmenteffortstoimprovetheireffectiveness,commercialstatecorporationshavecontinuedtoperformdismally characterized by poor resource utilization leading to massive losses, increased customer complaints and frequent bailouts by the government over defaulted loans. Some studies have associated this with poor contract cost control howeverthemagnitudeofitseffectonoperationalefficiencyhasnotbeenestablished.Theobjectiveofthestudywas toestablishtheextenttowhichcontractcostcontrolaffectsoperationalefficiencyofcommercialstatecorporationsin Kenya.DescriptiveCross-sectionalresearchdesignwasused.Thetargetpopulationofthisresearchcomprisedthirty- three commercial state corporations in Kenya and a census was undertaken. The study utilized primary data. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data among the thirty-three commercial state corporations in Kenya. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between variables and t-statistic at 5% significance level was employed in testing hypothesis. The overall significance was tested using F-test. The study established a positive significant effect of contract cost control on operational efficiency with regression coefficient of0.181 withap-value of0.006. Corporationsthatimplementcontractcost controlare ableto preventcostoverruns and complete contracts within the agreed budget thus providing rational utilization of resources and minimizing wastage thus increasing operational efficiency. The study recommends that to ensure effective contract cost control andguaranteethatcontractsarefulfilledwithinthesetcontractprice,anticipatedcostsshouldbeassessedandincluded in the budget.
Influence of Flexible work arrangement on organizational performance in the E Banking Industry In Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Mungania A.K; WaiganjoE.W; KihorJ.M
Customer satisfaction and customer service being the prime work in the banking sector has evoked changes which consequently have brought changes in work setups. For example, employees in the banking sector in Kenya are more involvedintheirjobs,workinglongerhoursmorethan48hours(ILO2020)hencemakingitdifficultforemployeesto keep a balance between job, family and other personal issues. This has resulted in work life conflicts which has been found to be associated with mental health issues like stress and depression. The study objective was to determine the influence of flexible work arrangement on organizational performance in the banking industry in Kenya. This study adoptedacrosssectionalsurvey.Thetargetpopulationcovered43banksfocusingonbranchesinNairobi.Primarydata was collected using questionnaires that had both structured and unstructured questions. On data analysis, multiple regression analysis was used to regress relationship between flexible work arrangements and organizational performance.Itwasfoundthatworkplaceflexibilityinitiativesareincreasinglyseenasacriticalcomponentofaresult- driven workplace.Moreand moreorganizationsarerecognizinghowflexible workarrangementscanbeused to meet their business objectives and facilitate employee effectiveness on and off the job. The study concluded that consideration of flexible work arrangement aspects that pertains to employees, can greatly influence organizational performance in banks in Kenya. Child care issues, dependent care and employees having more time with the family had a positive and significant linear relationship on organizational performance which were customer satisfaction, target standards, employee satisfaction. The study recommends that managers should provide flexible work arrangements considerationssuchasgivingemployeesflexibilityonwhentobeginandendworkaslongastheymeetthetargetsince this influences organizational performance
Effect of contract costcontrol on operational efficiency 0f commercial state corporations in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Njue F.K; ThogoriM; GaloN.
Commercial state corporations are formed to offer essential goods and services to the general public. Despite governmenteffortstoimprovetheireffectiveness,commercialstatecorporationshavecontinuedtoperformdismally characterized by poor resource utilization leading to massive losses, increased customer complaints and frequent bailouts by the government over defaulted loans. Some studies have associated this with poor contract cost control howeverthemagnitudeofitseffectonoperationalefficiencyhasnotbeenestablished.Theobjectiveofthestudywas toestablishtheextenttowhichcontractcostcontrolaffectsoperationalefficiencyofcommercialstatecorporationsin Kenya.DescriptiveCross-sectionalresearchdesignwasused.Thetargetpopulationofthisresearchcomprisedthirty- three commercial state corporations in Kenya and a census was undertaken. The study utilized primary data. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data among the thirty-three commercial state corporations in Kenya. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between variables and t-statistic at 5% significance level was employed in testing hypothesis. The overall significance was tested using F-test. The study established a positive significant effect of contract cost control on operational efficiency with regression coefficient of0.181 withap-value of0.006. Corporationsthatimplementcontractcost controlare ableto preventcostoverruns and complete contracts within the agreed budget thus providing rational utilization of resources and minimizing wastage thus increasing operational efficiency. The study recommends that to ensure effective contract cost control andguaranteethatcontractsarefulfilledwithinthesetcontractprice,anticipatedcostsshouldbeassessedandincluded in the budget
Influence of innovativeness on performance of food and beverage manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi City County
(Chuka University, 2023-04) ThuitaT.M; MiritiG.; Mwirigi R
Increase in global competition, ever-changing technologies and unstable business environment as a result of globalization, market liberalization and Covid 19 impact on businesses, have made firms search for other means of survival and growth. Food and beverage manufacturing enterprises are also experiencing these challenges. This is demonstratedbythedecreaseincontributiontoGDP,rangingfrom13.6%intheearly1990sto7.6%in2020,thereby raising doubt on whether the sector is capable to meet the goals of Vision 2030. Different studies around the world havesuggestedtheadoptionofentrepreneurialpracticesaspartofthesolution.However,thefindingsofthesestudies have been inconclusive. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of Innovativeness on performance of food and beverage manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi City County. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was one hundred and thirty-eight food and beverage manufacturing firms registered underKAMby2020.Acensuswasconductedanddatawasobtainedusingaquestionnaire.Datawasanalyzedusing simpleand multipleregressionanalysis withthehelpofSPSSversion25.0.Hypothesiswastestedusingt-statisticat 5% significance level. The study found that innovativeness had a positive influence on performance (regression coefficient0.446,p-valueof0.000).Thestudyrecommendsthatfirmsshouldassesstheirabilitytoembracenewideas andprocessesthat willleadtodevelopmentofnewproducts,services,marketsortechnologies.Innovativenessplays an essential role in doing away with challenges associated with businesses.
Influence of employee commitment on retention in private security firm sin Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Mustafa N.K; Kaimenyi C.; Mwirigi R.
Thechallengeofemployee retentionisa globalproblemthat affectsorganizationsinboth developinganddeveloped countries. Even though a lot has been done towards addressing the problem, the situation has continued to be experienced among private security firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The main objective of this study was to determinetheinfluenceofemployeecommitmentonretentioninprivatesecurityfirmsinNairobiCityCounty,Kenya. Theworkenvironmentwasusedasamoderatingvariable.Thestudyadoptedadescriptiveresearchdesign.Thetarget population of this research was 50 private security firms in Nairobi City County registered with Kenya Security Industry Association. Primary data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire. Data was analyzed with the aid ofSPSSversion25.0andpresentedusingdescriptiveandinferentialstatistics.Simpleandmultipleregressionanalysis wasused toestablishtherelationship betweenvariablesand thet-statisticata95%significance level wasadopted in testing the hypothesis of the study. The overall significance was tested using F-test. The studyestablished a positive significanteffectofemployee commitmentonretentionwitharegressioncoefficientof0.799andap-valueof0.000 implying that employee commitment affected retention. The interaction between work environment and employee commitment had aregression coefficientof2.330 and ap-valueof 0.025 implying that workenvironment positively altered the relationship between employee commitment and retention. The study recommends that private security firms ought to put strategies that encourage employees to be committed to their work, to ensure increased retention. The findings of the research will contribute to theory, policy
Production Planning and control module and performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Chepkonga J.J; Mwangi P; Nyang’ara D
The performance ofthe manufacturingcompanies over the past few years has beendecliningand inorder to address this trend, firms have focused on using information and communication technology in manufacturing process to innovate, increase productivity and improve resource efficiency. Enterprise Resource Planning system integrates business activities that allow for a smooth flow of information and interaction across all divisions. Previous studies have linked Enterprise Resource Planning system to firm performance and found diverse results.The objective of this study was to establish the effect of production planning and control module on performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi County. Descriptive research design was used. The population of the study consisted of 533 manufacturingcompaniesinNairobiCountythatweremembersoftheKenyaAssociationofManufacturers.Krejcie and Morgan’s formula was used to obtain a sample size of 223 firms and stratified random sampling was adopted. Data was analyzed using simple and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 25.0. Multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis were performed to examine the association between variables and hypothesis was tested using t-statistic at 5% significance level. With a regression coefficient of 0.709 and a p-value of 0.000, the studyfound that the production planning and control module had a favorable and significant impact on firmperformance.Thisinferredthattheusageofproductionplanningand controlmoduleimprovedtheperformance ofthefirm.Thestudyrecommendsthatfirmsshouldendeavortoacquireanduseenterpriseresourceplanningsystems, to promote organizational survival, efficiency, and overall performance.
. Influence of need assessment on procurement performance in public universities in Eastern Region Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Nyaga A.N; Thogori M; WabwireJ.M
There has been effort by the public institutions in Kenya to improve performance of the procurement function. However, poor procurement performance interms ofdelays and poor qualitygoods received isstilla challenge. The objective of the study was to investigate need assessment on procurement performance in public universities. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study was 324 participants, the sample size was 102 and stratified sampling was adopted. Data which was collected by means of questionnaires. Multiple linear regressionmodelsaidedinanalysistobringouttheinfluenceofindependentvariablesonthedependentvariablewith thehelpofStatisticalPackagesforSocialSciences(SPSSVersion28.0).Thesignificanceoftheindependentvariable was tested using t-test. The t statistics and significance level established a statistically significant positive effect of needsassessmentonprocurementperformanceofpublicuniversitiesinEasternregionata5%significancelevelwith coefficientof0.059,andp-values0.405.Thestudyconcludedthatpublic universitiesshouldencourage effective use of need assessments to impact positively on the effectiveness of the procurement process of public universities in Eastern region. The findings of this study are expected to be useful to; public universities, as it would provide complementary knowledge useful in formulation of policy and a regulatory framework on procurement planning in thePublicUniversities.Thestudywillbeakeyingredientinthe;planning,designingandimplementationofasound public procurement planning that will align itself to the overall economic strategy.
The impact of micro finance on the Poor in Kenya:A Systematic review of evidence from Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Huzaifa Mustafa Shakir
This study aims to review qualitative & quantitative researchontheimpactofmicrofinance(especiallymicro-credit) onthepoorpeopleinKenyatoenablepolicy-makers,donors,andpractitionerstounderstandthenatureoftheevidence available.DespitesomeexistingstudiesreviewingtheevidenceoftheimpactofmicrofinanceinSub-SaharanAfrica, asystematicstudyoftheeffectsofmicrofinanceservicesinKenyadoesnotexist.TheKenyanmicrofinanceindustry isconsideredthemostvibrantinAfrica, withapproximatelyKshstwohundred fiftybilliontotalindustryassetsasof 2021.Therefore, this study seeks to find whether or not the microfinance innovation has been a success. To identify relevant literature, a systematic search for evaluations of micro-credit or microfinance in Kenya was conducted on fouronlinedatabases,JSTOR,ScienceDirect,GoogleScholarandEBSCOhost,whichwasthensystematicallystudied andclassified.Keywordswereidentified,andtheinclusion/exclusioncriteriaweredefinedforidentifyingpapers.The findings of these studies were then synthesized byidentifying whether micro-credit had positive, negative, varied or no effects on poverty, along with a narrative synthesis of qualitative findings. The study concluded that rather than makingrich,somepoorweremadepoorerbymicrofinance.Somestudiesestablishedapositiveimpactofpovertyon the poor; however, the effect is not constant and universal across the country. With the commercialization of microfinance,theobjectiveofreachingthepoorestofthepoormaybeflawed.Cashtransferswithnostringsattached might be an impactful intervention against poverty.
Frugality:the missing piece ininnovation at the bottom of the pyramid jigsaw puzzle
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Mwangi P.G; Ogollah K.O.
Given, the changing business landscape globally, innovation is increasingly getting focus as a panacea for economic downturn. However, innovationcannot be a one size fitsall solutionacross the globe since different economies operate at different levels. To achieve economic development, innovation must take into account the constraints within which thisstrategyispursued.Thebottomofthepyramidconsistsofpeoplewholiveonlessthan$2/daywhoarecrosscutting intermsofcultures,literacy,capabilitiesandneedsandtoprofitfromthesemarkets,focusmustbeplacedontotalvalue delivery. This creates an innovation opportunitythat requires reframing the ‘normal’ rules of the game and challenging coreassumptions.Innovationatthebottomofthepyramid requirescommitmentto awareness,access,affordabilityand availability as fundamental constraints for creating business models. Specifically, business models in these markets capture total value through high volumes and low margins unlike those higher up the pyramid. This article presents a conceptual discussion on how firms at the bottomof the pyramid economies can exploit frugal innovation to overcome constraints withinthese economies. Throughanalysisofliterature, the article argues that the scarcityofresources at the bottom of the pyramid can confer frugality advantages. To capture value from frugal innovation, firms must take into account the specific constraints facing the firm and the market. This requires recognizing that bottom of the pyramid markets are dissimilar with different challenges and so frugal innovation must be tailored to the challenges they intend tosolveinordertobesustainable.Thisarticleisinformativetomanagersandpolicymakerspursuinginnovationinthese markets.Italsoprovidesafoundationtostrategyandentrepreneurshipscholarsinreviewingtheconditionswithinwhich innovation captures value especially in the bottom of the pyramid markets
Influence of wellness programs on performance of the banking industry in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Mungania A.K.,; Waiganjo E.W; Kihoro J.M
As employees increasingly find themselves in the midst of work-family conflict due to the emerging work demands, the effect of these conflicts may affect employee commitment decisions which in turn may affect organizational performance depending on the manager’s role in supporting the employee to attain a balance. Due to simultaneously longorunprecedentedworkinghoursandupwardtrendofnonstandardworkschedulessuchasworkingintheevenings at night or weekend as a spread of a more globalized 24/7 economy, this has also put considerable strain on workers. Notably satisfaction and customer service being the prime work in the banking sector has evoked changes which consequently have brought changes in work setups. The study objective was to establish the influence of wellness programs on performance of the banking industry in Kenya. This study adopted survey research design using both quantitativeandqualitativeapproaches.Thetargetpopulationwas36,212employeesfrom all43commercialbanksin Kenya focusing on branches in Nairobi. Primary data was collected using questionnaire that had both structured and unstructured questions. The researcher also used descriptive statistics including frequency distribution tables, percentagesandmeasuresofcentraltendencysuchasmean.Inadditiontothis,advancestatisticaltechniqueswerealso consideredparticularlymeasuresofvariationssuchasstandarddeviationandotherslikeregressionanalysistoestablish relationships among variable. The study found that wellness programs were strongly related to performance of the bankingindustry.Thiswasthroughpreventivecare,educationandtrainingonimportanceofwellnessonemployeesas well as through supportive manager. The study recommends that organizations should focus on the use of wellness programs practices as they are necessary to ensure that employees support their objectives.
Effect of procurement planning on service delivery at public universities in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Kinyua J.K; Thogori M.N; Wabwire,J.M.
Procurement in Kenyan public universities has been recognized as essential in.service deliverysince it affects how goods are procured and ensures tenders are awarded at the right time to ensure smooth running of the university. However, this has not been the case because even though most of the public procurement reforms have been achieved and procurement policiesandinstitutionsareinplace,thelevelofqualityservicedeliverybytheuniversitiesisstilllow.Thisstudytherefore soughttodeterminetheeffectofprocurementplanningonservicedeliveryamongpublicuniversitiesinKenya.Thisstudy wasanchoredbyagencytheory,resource-basedtheoryandknowledge-basedtheory.Descriptiveresearchdesignwasused. Primary data was collected using questionnaire. The target population of the study was 31 public universities in Kenya. The study adopted census technique since the population is small in size. A total of 31 Head of procurement department were the respondents. A multiple regression model was employed to bring out the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The hypotheses of the studyweretestedusingt-testwhiletheoverallsignificanceofthemodelwastestedusingF-testat5%levelofsignificance. The studyestablished a positive significant effect ofprocurement planningon service deliverywithregressioncoefficient 0.591witha p-value 0.000.The studyconcluded that procurement planninghad a significant effect onservice deliveryof public universities in Kenya and recommends that firms should do timely procurements. This study contributes to procurement discipline by providing a model that captures procurement planning aspects and measuring their effect on service delivery. Based on the study findings it is recommended that companies should encourage implementation of procurement planning for the business needs at an early stage
Effect of information sharing practices on performance of food processing firms in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2023-11) Perez L. M; Thogori M. N; Wabwire J. M.
The information sharing practices account to about fifty percent of the profitability and better performance of any firm. The food processing subsector performance has been declining thus its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product has reduced to 10% thus leading to operation inefficiency. The objective of the study was to probe the effect of information sharing practices on performance of food processing firms in Nairobi County. The study was premised on the Complexity theory in logistics. Descriptive research design was employed. A population of 172 food processing firms and a sample size of 120 firms was determined. Stratified and simple random sampling were used to select specific firms while data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics aided in describing the primary characteristics of the data. Regression analysis aided to ascertain the effect of information sharing practices on performance of food processing firms with the aid of SPSS version 28. T-statistics were used to gauge the significance of individual objectives at 5% confidence level while F-statistic was used to establish the overall significance of the model. The study established information sharing practices was found to be positively correlated to performance, (regression coefficient regression coefficient 0.247, p-value 0.029). The study concluded that information sharing practices had substantial impact on performance on Food processing firms and recommends that food processing firms should firms should invest more in information sharing platform such as the EDI to enhance free flow of information. Keywords: Information Sharing Practices, Performance and Food Processing Firms.
Ubabedume katika tamthilia ya bembea ya maisha (2022)
(Chuka University, 2023-11-24) Musyimi D. M. and Nyagah S.K .
Mfumo-dume humpa thamani kubwa mwanamume huku ukimdhalilisha mwanamke kwa sababu ya jinsia yake. Imani hii dunishi imo katika itikadi na tamaduni zinazohimiliwa na mfumo wa muundo wa kijamii ambao mwanamume anapewa nguvu na uwezo zaidi dhidi ya mwanamke katika nyanja zote za maisha hususan kiutawala, kiuchumi, kidini, kisiasa na kijamii. Basi, makala hii ililenga kuchunguza jinsi mwandishi wa tamthilia ya Bembea ya Maisha (2022) alivyomsawiri mhusika wa jinsia ya kiume katika kazi yake ili kuweka wazi shughuli za ubabedume zilizojengwa katika mila, itikadi na utamaduni wa jamii husika. Data ya makala ilipatikana kwa kuisoma tamthilia teule kisha kuichanganua kwa kutumia Nadharia ya Ubabedume ambayo hulenga kubainisha nguvu na mamlaka yanayomilikiwa na jinsia ya kiume, hasa kutokana na utamaduni wa jamii husika. Matokeo ya utafiti yalibainisha kuwa mhusika wa jinsia ya kiume amesawiriwa kama mtegemezi, mrithi wa mali, ameruhusiwa kupata mtoto nje ya ndoa, haruhusiwi kujishughulisha na kazi za nyumbani, anaitwa gumba kwa kutopata watoto na anayejitwika majukumu yote ya nyumbani. Masuala haya yamekithiri katika jamii za leo. Ikiwa nchi zinazoendelea zitapiga hatua katika maendeleo, basi usawa wa kijinsia unahitaji kutiliwa maanani na jamii zote. Istilahi Muhimu: Usawiri, Mfumo-dume, Taswira, Ubabedume, Jinsia
Flash fiction as a new avenue to address social vices: a case study of Vincent de Paul’s flashes of vice, Volume 1
(Chuka University, 2023-11-24) Owino H. O., Muriungi C. and Mukasa A
Advancement in technology and the internet age has given rise to new platforms of sharing ideas thus leading to the rise and development of flash fiction. This paper analyzes flash fiction as a new avenue for addressing social vices in the digital age. Some of the vices addressed in the selected mini-fictions resonate with the Sustainable Development Goals showing how writers rely on global trends in their creative processes. Marxist literary theory was adopted to examine the social vices that the selected texts address. The article argues that these exemplary flashes are used to develop and propagate complex themes with a long literary history and a wide contemporary relevance. It therefore avers that flash fictions of East Africa have a literary significance just like other genres of art. It is a new avenue to addressing human challenges with wide readership. Flash fiction and the new media are therefore seen as new frontiers in fostering education, research and economic recovery. Keywords: flash fiction, social vices, short stories, readership, new media
Sociolinguistic competence of a trilingual at age five
(Chuka University, 2023-11-24) Mbaka, N. W.
Being Trilingual is no longer a strange phenomenon as it may have been sometime back. In fact, in urban settings in Kenya, children are learning English as a third language (L3) rather than a second language (L2). Canale and Swain (1980), propose that communicative competence comprises four language competencies namely: linguistic, sociolinguistic, strategic and discourse competencies. Of concern in this study is sociolinguistic competence of trilingual children at age five. Purposive sampling and snowballing were used to select six children: three boys and three girls. Data was collected through conversational technique where the children were prompted to express themselves in three languages: English, Kiswahili and Mother Tongue. It was found out that the children exhibited three main sociolinguistic competencies: code-mixing, use of colloquial Kiswahili and use of politeness forms. Lexical code mixing was the commonest and the children code-mixed two languages in their utterances. The findings of this study reveal that Kenyan children are on the path of trilingualism at age five and it affirms the current language in education policy which encourages the use of three languages at different levels of education. These findings are relevant to language policy makers today and in the future. Keywords: Sociolinguistic competence, Trilingualism, Code-mixing, Communicative competence, Age five
Social networks influencing effective utilization of YEDF in Isiolo County.
(Chuka University, 2023-11-24) Njuguna J. K.1*, Sande A.2 and Miriti G.3
The Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) was founded in the year 2006 with the aim of enhancing the wellbeing of youth in Kenya. Although Isiolo County is among the counties with the highest targeted number of youth beneficiaries (78,526), there is evidence of low levels of economic empowerment among them. The purpose of this study was to assess the social networks influencing effective utilization of YEDF in Isiolo County, Kenya. The study integrated correlational research and descriptive survey designs. The total study population was 9,602 people. This included a target population of 1,919 youths who have benefitted from YEDF in Isiolo County as at December 2021. These youths were obtained from the 288 youth groups whose members have benefited from YEDF. The population also included 7 YEDF officials in Isiolo County and 7,676 community members. A sample of 384 respondents consisting of 277 youths who have benefitted from YEDF in Isiolo County and 100 community members was obtained proportionately and purposively respectively. All the 7 YEDF officials in Isiolo County participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interview schedule. The questionnaires were self-administered. An interview schedule for the key informants was filled by the respondents. Research assistants were hired to assist in the process. The respondents were given time to respond to the questionnaires and those who were not able to read or write were be assisted. Piloting was carried out in Tharaka Nithi County to establish reliability of data collection instruments. Reliability of the instruments was estimated using Cronbach Alpha Coefficients. Descriptive statistics used included frequencies and percentages. The inferential statistics used in the study was linear regression. It was evident, from the study that social networks had significant effects on effective utilization of youth enterprise development fund. The study recommended the necessity of integrating YEDF entrepreneurship trainings with IT through inclusion of digital financial transaction technology experts in the training programmes such as M-pesa and the banking sector. Research findings and recommendations could be used to guide further research as well as policy makers in relation to YEDF KeyWords: Social Networks, Effective Utilization, Entrepreneurial Partnerships, Financial Training, Information Technology Training.

Browse

Recent Submissions