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PublicationOpen Access
Reducing neonatal infection rate among the neonates born at Remera Rukoma hospital: a report of quality improvement project
(Research Square, 2024-08-19) Uwimpaye, Diane; Nzeyimana, Philemon; Nizeyemaliya, Leonille; Ahishakiye , Albertine; Hagenimana, Celestin; Twagirumukiza, Emile
Background Neonatal infection is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality globally, significantly higher mortality rates are observed in Lower and middle-income countries, where Rwanda is located. Remera Rukoma District Hospital reported an increasing rate of neonatal infection necessitating assessment of the contributing causes and urgent intervention. Methods The project was conducted from January to June 2024. The Fishbone diagram was adopted to conduct a comprehensive root cause analysis. A multidisciplinary team of a quality improvement officer, clinicians, and different stakeholders identified contributing factors across multiple domains were categorized into healthcare practices, equipment, hospital environment, and patient factors. Interventions were implemented and monitored using monthly Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to track progress and make necessary adjustments. Results There was a downward trend from a high rate of neonatal infection of 22.9% in January to 13% in June 2024. Despite not meeting the ambitious target of 10%, the results indicated a significant improvement. The systematic approach, involving targeted training of all hospital personnel, and fostering infection control measures, contributed to this progress. Conclusion The project demonstrated that a structured, data-driven approach to quality improvement can reduce neonatal infection rates. Key lessons include the effectiveness of comprehensive root cause analysis and the importance of continuous staff engagement and education. While the initial target was not met, the reduction achieved lays a foundation for continued efforts to improve neonatal outcomes at Remera Rukoma Hospital. Sustained commitment and further refinement of strategies are essential for ongoing progress in infection control and overall patient care. Lessons learned include the value of staff engagement, continuous education, and data-driven decision-making in infection control efforts.
PublicationOpen Access
Strategy determinants on organizational growth among savings and credit co-operative societies in Kisii county
(Journal International of Business Management, 2024-06-22) Amoro, M. Florence; Gathiru, Martin Kimemia
Numerous institutions establishments are currently facing the imminent risk of closure as a result of mismanagement, which has placed them in a precarious financial situation. The SACCOS, totaling 2,200 in number, were declared dormant or unknown by SASRA due to their failure to meet the required criteria. The aforementioned circumstances led to the initiation of a research investigation into strategy determinants on theSACCO growthin Kisii. The mainaiminthis study was to examine the effect of strategic fund mobilization, strategic investmentsand strategic information dissemination. The study was founded on Efficiency Structure Theory, Neoclassical Theory of InvestmentandModern Portfolio Theory. A total population fromstaff members in the SACCOS was 342. The sampling methodology was stratified random sampling. The sample size was 68 respondents, which corresponds to 20% of the target population. Data collectionwas collected usingquestionnaires. The questionnaire waspilot testedwith a sample of six respondents from selected Sacco in Kisii town. The reliability tests were conducted by assessing its Cronbach alpha value. The research employedboth descriptiveanalysisand inferential statistical analysessuch as regression and correlation analysis.The SPSS software was utilized to compute percentages, frequencies, mean values, and standard deviations.The study's results showed that SACCOSbenefited from strategic fund mobilization, and that this benefit was statistically significantas shown by (β) 0.224,t=1.859, p value 0.05).Based on the findings of the the analysisin Saccos in Kisii County, afavourable and statistically significant correlation (β)=0.849, t=4.438,p0.05) was found between Strategicinvestmentandorganizational growth.Still,there was negative as well as notable importance amongst Strategicinformationdisseminationand organizational growth (β) -.161, t=-.664, p value 0.05).The study concluded that high member default rates do hurts Sacco growth. Thus, high default rates indicated inadequate financial planning by members, which hampered Sacco expansion. Sacco invests in service diversification to boost SACCO’s growth by producing new financial products and entering new markets with stronger growth prospects. The study recommends thatauthorities shoulddevelop mechanisms to help SACCOS access capital for expansion and liquidity management
PublicationOpen Access
Determinants of utilisation of the clinical practice guideline in acute management of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury in Nsih, Kenya
(IBOM MEDICAL JOURNAL, 2024-12) Eke, CI; Odongo AO; Mungai S
Background: Spinal cord injuries have severe implications for public health all around the world. As a result, there is an urgent need to evaluate variables that influence the utilisation of the clinical practice guidelines for their acute care management. Objective: The study’s objective was to assess the determinants of the utilisation of the CPG in the acute management of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injuries among healthcare workers at NSIH, Kenya. Material and methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed in this study. A census sampling with a sample size of 40 was employed in the study. A semi-structured research questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis and binomial logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. The cutoff for statistical significance was p<0.05. Results: The level of utilisation of the clinical practice guideline was low(22.5%). The presence of trained healthcare workers was a determinant of the level of utilisation of the CPG while years of working experience and the presence of adequate healthcare providers among others were not associated with the level of utilisation of the CPG. Conclusion:The study concluded that the level of utilisation was low (22.5%) and further concluded that training on CPG influenced its utilisation by the healthcare providers. There is a need for CPG training programmes, the development of guideline implementation tools, and feedback mechanisms for CPG performance assessment.
PublicationOpen Access
An evaluation of the concept of masculinity in African feminist literature by two male and two female writers
(African Journal of Emerging Issues, 2024-08) Kiritu, Esther Wanjiku; Mwihia, Margaret Njoki; Mwangi, Peter Muhoro
Purpose of Study: In this study, the researcher examined how male and female authors have presented societal expectations, the idea of masculinity, and the underrepresentation of male characters. Problem Statement: The area of literature and cultural studies has continued to address gender inequality and feminist arguments. While similar studies have been done, it seems the identities of male characters have frequently been disregarded in favor of the portrayal of female characters, particularly in feminist literature. Methodology: The study was limited to four African feminist texts, two by male authors and two by female authors. Textual analysis was applied in analyzing the thematic concerns related to the study objectives. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the four texts; Margaret A. Ogola’s The River and the Source, Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood, Nuruddin Farah’s From a Crooked Rib and Imaginings of Sand by André Brink. The researcher was interested in analyzing the ways in which writers were inspired by different waves of feminism globally, gender, and writing style, have depicted male identity in their works. Finding: Despite the fact that literary authors have portrayed male characters in their works, this study focused on how feminist African writers perceive masculinity, the underrepresentation of male characters in their works, and how this representation is influenced by societal expectations. The research study also planned to mobilize social agents, such as the government, educators, parents, and society, to promote gender equality in contemporary society. For the purpose of research analysis, this study combined the feminism theory and the deconstruction theory. Conclusion: From the research findings, it is evident that; the concept of masculinity has been portrayed with less emphasis. Similarly, male characters have also been underrepresented and this is because, while the male characters remain constant, the female characters have continued to be presented with progressive characteristics. Additionally, the feminist authors have been influenced by the social ideologies, which permit male dominancy over the female characters. Recommendation: From the conclusions made from the analysis of this research data, not only have the male characters been overlooked in these feminist texts but also, they have been negatively stereotyped. Hence, the feminist authors should address the issue of gender as a concern to both men and women in today’s society.
PublicationOpen Access
Effectiveness of community leaders on conflict resolution among pastoralist communities in Samburu county, Kenya
(International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities, 2024-06-01) Ekiru, Lawrence Lorunyei; Munene, Ruthwinnie
This study investigated how effective community leadership had on conflict resolution among pastoralists in Samburu County, Kenya. Over the last decade, Samburu County has continued to manifest unabated intercommunity conflicts. This is attributed to many factors, including the availability and misuse of small arms, inaccessible terrain, ungoverned spaces, struggle for scarce natural resources, intercommoned raiding, revenge and retaliatory attacks, harsh climatic conditions, and political incitements, among others. The purpose of this study was examined how effective community leadership had on conflict resolution. The objective of the study was to establish the early warning indicators of conflict. The study adopted descriptive survey design to achieve the research objective from a population of 93240 community leaders through purposeful sampling with a sample size of 168. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through questionnaire while secondary will involve document analysis. The research data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data using statistical package for social scientist (SPSS). To collect data introductory letter was obtained from Mount Kenya university post graduate school. Research permit from National Council of science and technology (NACOSTI) was also obtained and clearance of ethical review committee. This study concluded that there was a positive significant (r=.217, p=.002) relationship between early warning signs and conflict resolution. This study recommends that more studies should be done on sustainable conflict resolution in Samburu County in Kenya and among other conflict affected a region in Kenya.
PublicationOpen Access
Images of women in Agikuyu Mwomboko poetry: a selection from performing artists from Mount Kenya region
(The Journal of Literature and Performing Arts, 2024-03-01) Mwangi, Peter Muhoro
The position of women in African societies has been contested in terms of their treatment in social and poetic discourse in contemporary society. The case of traditional and modern poetic dances is spelt out in the composing and rendition of Mwomboko poetry of the Agikuyu people of Mount Kenya Region. The objectives of this study are: (a) To assess how select compositions of Mwomboko poetry spell out treatment of women in Mount Kenya region community; (b) To analyze how figurative language is applied in select compositions of Mwomboko poetry to approximate images of women in Mount Kenya region community, and (c) To explore the innovativeness of oral poets’ poetic architecture in charting out the position of women in contemporary society. Popular artists in Africa have tended to be the mouth pieces of revealing the societal structures that spell out the relationship between men and women as shown through poetic discourse. The place of performance has emerged as a central pivot for linking up members of the community in their efforts to understand their worldview. The emergence of modern performers has created a new forum for capturing the imagination of target recipients in an open multi– ethnic audience. The audience has been mainly in hotels, motels and bars, social halls, wedding reception halls/grounds, political rally grounds, and church service halls among others. The current work hinges on the level of deconstruction theory as seen through feminist and gender lens in contemporary times. The images of women revealed in Mwomboko poetry are constructions by architects of the traditional cum modern poetic genre, and the findings reveal a move towards balanced portrayal of both genders in emergent renditions. The study uses descriptive techniques in analysis of figurative language applied by traditional and modern singers to approximate old meanings to new meanings in their performances as far as images of women are represented.
PublicationOpen Access
Influence of promotion of teachers’ professional development on students’ academic performance among public secondary schools in Athi river sub-county in Machakos county, Kenya
(Mount Kenya University, 2024-06-28) Mavindu, James; Nyakundi, Gilbert; Ogal, Joshua
This study examined the influence of the promotion of teachers’ professional development on students’ academic performance among public secondary schools. The research used a concurrent triangulation design. Using a mixed-methods approach, the target population for this study consisted of 247 respondents, with 23 principals and 224 teachers. A representative sample of 9 principals and 87 teachers was selected through a combination of stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Structured questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis were used to collect quantitative data, with their validity and reliability confirmed through pilot testing and test-retest methods. Data was processed, with means and percentages used to describe the distribution of variables among respondents. The findings were visually presented using frequency distribution tables and bar graphs. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was applied to test the relationship between the study variables. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23), with a significance level set at 0.05. The research results reveal significant findings. Principals exhibit a propensity to encourage staff professional development, evidenced by a correlation coefficient (r) of .59. The study concluded that the majority of principals in public secondary schools within the Athi River sub-county actively supported and embraced strategies and programs aimed at enhancing the professional development of their teaching staff. In light of these findings, pertinent recommendations emerge. Government bodies, such as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education, should orchestrate targeted training for school principals in effective instructional leadership practices.
PublicationOpen Access
Evidence of partial artemisinin resistance in malaria endemic lake region, Busia county, Western, Kenya
(Research Square, 2024-07-03) Makau, Mark; Kanoi , Bernard N; Mgawe, Calvin; Maina, Michael; Too, Edwin; Naruse, Taeko; Abkallo, Hussein; Waweru, Harrison; Adung’o , Ferdinand; Kaneko , Osamu; Gitaka, Jesse
Malaria remains a key health and economic problem particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The emergence of artemisinin resistance (ART-R) parasite strains poses a serious threat to the control and elimination of this scourge. This is because ART remains the first-line treatment drug in the majority of malariaendemic regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. P. falciparum ART resistance has been linked to mutations in the Kelch – 13 propeller gene (k13) of the Plasmodium falciparum. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the K-13 region have been associated with delayed parasite clearance in vivo and in vitro. These mutations serve as vital molecular markers for tracking the emergence and dispersion of resistance. Recently, there have been increasing reports of the emergence and spread of P. falciparum ART-R parasites in the Eastern Africa region. This necessitates continued surveillance to best inform mitigation efforts. This study investigated the presence of K-13 mutations in the parasite population in Busia County, Kenya, a known malaria-endemic region. Two hundred twenty-six participants with microscopically confirmed uncomplicated malaria were recruited for this study. They were put under directly observed treatment with Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL), and microscopy repeated after 24 hours. P. falciparum DNA from samples showing the lowest 24-hour relative parasite clearance underwent targeted amplification of the K-13 gene using a semi-nested PCR approach, followed by Sanger sequencing. The recently validated ART-R nonsynonymous mutation C469Y was identified in 3% (n = 3) of the samples suggesting it could have had an impact on clinical parasite clearance 24 hours post-AL administration. Our findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of AL resistance in western Kenya and the region to determine the spread of ART-R and inform containment.
PublicationOpen Access
Influence of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students: A case of Egerton and Kabarak main campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya
(Journal of Education and Learning, 2024-06) Kiptiony, Gladys Jerobon; Langat, Julius Kiprono
This study aimed to examine the effect of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students of Egerton and Kabarak main campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya. Social media contributes to risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students. Risky sexual behaviours have become a predicament all over the world, affecting youth and may lead to sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. The study adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 18570 undergraduate students. The accessible population was 8456, whose sample was 367. A simple random sampling approach was employed, and the research included a sample of 10 peer counsellors and 2 student counsellors from Egerton, and Kabarak main campuses selected through purposive sampling. Data were obtained using an interview schedule, a questionnaire and a focus group discussion. The research tools were validated through peer and expert review and pilot testing. Quantitative data were evaluated using SPSS Version 25 with both descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas the qualitative data was evaluated thematically. The analysed data was presented in narratives, graphs, and tables. The findings show that the majority of students perceive that it’s not okay to watch pornography or send or receive sex messages to or from friends on social media. They perceive that it's not their hobby to enjoy cybersex and do not perceive that online dating is the best way to get a sexual partner. It was recommended that the government should enhance censorship of the kind of information being sent or received through social media platforms.
PublicationOpen Access
Factors affecting retention of academic staff in selected private chartered universities in Kiambu county Kenya
(Int Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship, 2024-05) Mugo, Mercy Njoki; Siagi , Ayub
Universities in Kenya have continued to experience interruption in their academic delivery and resource availability as a result of various factors, key among them being academic staff retention. A significant number of academic staff are leaving for greener pastures (seeking newer employment opportunities). This may have led to costly recruitment processes, disruption of curriculum delivery, loss of human resources and at times, resentment among remaining staff due to increased workload before adequate replacements are identified. It is on this basis that the current study, aims to assess the relationship between work assignment, remuneration, on employee retention among academic staff in private chartered universities in Kiambu County. The study targeted 2074 academic staff at three private chartered universities (Mount Kenya University, St. Paul’s University and Gretsa University in Kiambu County). Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 309 staff from three stratum (tutorial, lecturers and professors). Semi-structured questionnaires was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data collection was by drop and pick method with the aid of research assistants. Data analysis was carried out thematically for qualitative and descriptively (mean and standard deviation) for quantitative data. The findings from the study informed policy makers in three private chartered universities in Kenya and the entire higher education sector, in reducing staff turnover and manage talent within their universities. The study concludes that work assignment has a positive and significant effect on employee retention in Kiambu county, kenya. Finding revealed that effective, behavioural, and cognitive influence in employee retention in Kiambu county. In addition, the study concludes that remuneration has a positive and significant influence on employee retention in Kiambu county, Kenya. Findings revealed that remuneration scale promote strategy and openness influence employee retention in Kiambu county, Kenya. The study findings revealed that work assignment has a positive and significant influence on employee retention in Kiambu county, Kenya. This study therefore recommends that the management of private chartered universities should formulate strategies to enhance better work assignment practice in the private chartered university in Kiambu county. In addition, the study findings revealed that remuneration has a positive and significant influence on academic staff retention in Kiambu county. Management in the private chartered universities should formulate and implement an effective framework for employee remuneration and ensure fairness and transparency in the promotion progress.