Faculty of Education and Community Studies

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A study of the self-concept of children with visual handicaps in integrated and special schools in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2000-09) Muola, James Matee
A knifeless rite: Influence of selected characteristics on the Marakwet of Kenya’s perception of the counselling-based alternative rite of passage and levels of awareness of effects of FGM
(Egerton University, 2008-10) Kiptiony, Gladys Jerobon
The Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) is an intervention programme sponsored by NGOs as an alternative to female circumcision (FGM). FGM is a cherished rite of passage in many communities in Kenya. ARP mimics the traditional rites aspect by putting the initiates in seclusion and counselling them while avoiding the physical operation of the genitals. There is a gap in the analysis of the Marakwets‟ perception of ARP and their level of awareness of effects of FGM as it has not been empirically investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether selected personal characteristics and socio-economic background factors influenced perceptions of ARP and levels of awareness of effects of FGM. This study focused on the Marakwet people of Kenya, whose population is 152,000, and have interacted with ARP from the year 2000. The study employed the ex post facto research design. Two purposively chosen locations were used in the study. A sample of 415 males and females from different age brackets were identified through quota sampling. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire while qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted among Marakwet Elders and ARP Graduates. Validity and reliability of the instruments, in a pilot study, were established through expert opinion and Cronbach reliability test, respectively. The data obtained was analysed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics using the SAS System, Version 9.1. The analysis of variance tests were done at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The content analysis for the qualitative data was done by identifying the key points. The results showed that differences in gender, age, education, religion, wealth and status influenced perceptions of ARP and awareness levels of effects of FGM. In addition, qualitative data on experiences of ARP Graduates indicated that the mechanisms that ensure women undergo FGM are still firmly rooted in the culture. This study is significant in that the outcome may guide the expansion of existing approaches to FGM eradication. One of the recommendations is that ARP proponents should ensure that ARP Graduates are given enough support to sustain their resistance to FGM pressure.
The role of career guidance and counselling in career awareness and planning among public secondary school students in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2008-12) Ndung’u, Owen Ngumi
Guidance and counselling programme has become an important integral part of the school system in Kenya. Career guidance and counselling services which are components of the guidance and counselling programme are vital activities because one of the long-term goals of education is career placement. If education is to realise this goal, then learners should have appropriate career information and undertake career exploration before making career choices. This aspect of learning can only be effectively handled under the context of guidance and counselling; to create career awareness and career planning that will then influence learners’ career decisions. The purpose of this study was to assess the career awareness and planning among secondary school students and the role that career guidance and counselling plays in their career decision-making process. Further, the study looked into the perceptions of students, school counsellors, and class teachers about the role of career guidance and counselling. The study was a descriptive survey, and adopted the ex-post-facto research design. The study was conducted in Nyeri District, Nakuru District, and Nairobi Province of Kenya. The target population was 22,746 Form Three students in the 290 public secondary schools in the study areas. Stratified random sampling was used to select 392 students from 31 schools, for the study. In addition, purposive sampling was used to select 62 school counsellors and 62 class teachers to be included in the sample. The data was collected using three different questionnaires and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.0 computer programme. Descriptive statistics (frequency tables, percentages and cross tabulations), and inferential statistics (One-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and Chi-Square test) were used in data analysis. The findings of the study showed that students, school counsellors, and class teachers perceived that career guidance and counselling played a significant role in the career awareness and career planning of secondary school students. Majority of the students in Kenya’s secondary schools were found to have high levels of career awareness and career planning. From the findings it was observed that demographic characteristics such as category of school and setting of the school did not influence the career awareness and career planning of students. There were no gender differences in students’ career awareness, but female students had higher levels of career planning than male students. The results were expected to be significant in enriching the national human resource development process, through provision of appropriate career guidance and counselling services to secondary school students and beyond.
Influences of creativity teachings strategy on students performance and motivation in the topic energy in secondary school physics in Nakuru District, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2009-10) Samuel, Hungi K.
Agricultural extension is a critical agent for transforming subsistence farming to modern and commercial agriculture through the dissemination of agricultural information to farmers. Despite this, extension services are still limited in most parts of the Kenya. This has necessitated a move towards more innovative methods of extension service delivery for effective coverage by the Government of Kenya through the introduction of ICT-based e- Extension programme. The adoption and usage of ICTs in accessing agricultural information among farmers remain low. This has been attributed to socio-economic, cultural and technological factors. The overall objective of this study therefore, was to establish the inﬂuence of technology-related factors on usage of e-Extension services among smallholder farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study whereby questionnaires and focus group discussion guides were used to collect data from l30 smallholder farmers, 25 extension agents and three focus group discussions held with eight participants each. The face and content validity of the instruments were examined by ﬁve experts from the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, Egerton University.The questionnaires were piloted and reliability coefﬁcients were 0.87 and 0.71 respectively. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, namely frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation were used to describe and summarize qualitative data. Ordinal logistic regression and Chi square tests were used to test the hypotheses at or = 0.05 level of signiﬁcance. Results of hypotheses testing indicated that access to ICTs and ICT skills of farmers’ inﬂuences usage of e- Extension services among smallholder farrners. Furthermore, the study established that availability and characteristics of digital content had an inﬂuence on usage of e-Extension services. In addition, the ﬁndings of the study indicated that the type of e-platforms had a signiﬁcant inﬂuence on the usage of e-Extension services. This study therefore, concludes that e-Extension services can be used to complement other extension methods in dissemination of agricultural information to smallholder farmers. The study recommends that for this to be achieved there is need for national and county governments to invest in the development of ICT skills of farmers as well as coordination and regulation of available agricultural digital content. It also recommends partnership between the national government, county governments and other stakeholders in the provision of e-Extension services. The County govemment of Nakuru should also create awareness and sensitize of farmers on the availability of e-Extension services through the Nakuru Farmer Call Center (NF CC).
Selected factors determining secondary school teacher demand in Kenya: Trends, effects and projections
(Egerton University, 2011-10) Wamukuru, David Kuria
Teachers are an important human resource in the teaching and learning processes and their training and utilization therefore requires critical consideration. The education sector in Kenya faces many challenges, including escalating teacher wage bill, teacher shortages in schools alongside surpluses in the labour market, inequitable distribution and inefficient utilization of teachers. There is therefore the need for a framework for projecting and relating demand to the supply in order to avoid imbalances in the future. The purpose of this study was to establish the trends and effects of factors that determine the demand for trained secondary school teachers in Kenya. The study also aimed at developing a model that embraces a framework for projecting future teacher demand. A cross-sectional research design was adopted in this study. The population of this study included all the 4236 public secondary schools in Kenya in 2007, graduate and diploma teachers who have been teaching in the public secondary schools in Kenya between 1990 and 2007 and sixteen Teacher Service Commission (TSC) provincial staffing officers. Simple random sampling was used to select 351 public secondary schools. Data on all graduate and diploma teachers who have been teaching in public secondary schools between 1990 and 2007 were obtained from the TSC records. A purposive sample of eight provincial staffing officers at the TSC Headquarters was also included. The data were collected by use of two document analysis profoma and one interview schedule. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, trend data analysis, Pearson’s product moment coefficient and Dagostino Pearson test, Shapilo-Wilk W test for normal data and Poisson regression. The study established that the main factors determining secondary school teacher demand in Kenya include: number of teachers on duty, secondary school enrolment, class size and number of newly employed teachers each year. The study also concluded that if the current trends in teacher demand factors in public secondary schools are maintained, there will be a shortage of eight teachers, on average, at the school level and a shortage of 79,901 teachers at the national level in 2030. The study developed a framework for projecting secondary school teacher demand as well as generating pertinent information on the factors related to secondary teacher workforce dynamics and its planning. By understanding these factors and their plausible future trends the policy makers, including the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would take proactive policy reforms that would help reduce the level of teacher shortages in secondary schools in Kenya.
Influence of ICT integration on quality of instruction, students' records management and intra university communication in Nairobi Metropolitan Universities in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-10) Gitonga, Rhoda Karimi
Relationship between occupational factors, individual characteristics and burnout levels of student affairs personnel in public and private universities in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-11) Adeli, Scholastic Nangila
Job burnout is a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion resulting in job dissatisfaction, lowered productivity, absenteeism and high turnover at the workplace. Student Affairs Personnel in universities are often required to spend considerable and intense time with students facing psychological, social and physical problems coupled with feelings of frustration, anger, embarrassment, fear, and despair. Such an environment can easily lead to burnout if not checked. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Occupational factors, Individual characteristics and levels of Burnout among student affairs personnel in universities. The study was guided by Maslach‘s Multidimensional Theory and Holland‘s Theory of Career Choice. The causal – comparative (expost-facto) study design was used. The target population was drawn from randomly selected 6 public and 6 private universities in Kenya. This population constituted personnel working in the student affairs departments who were involved with students on a daily basis to provide guidance and counseling services. Purposive sampling was used to select 179 respondents to form the required sample for the study. A Burnout Questionnaire for Student Affairs Personnel (BQSAP) and Dean‘s Interview Schedule (DIS) were the instruments used for data collection. The instruments were piloted for reliability and validity in one public and one private university. Percentages, frequencies and means aided in the analysis of descriptive statistics while the Pearson product - moment for correlations, t-test, one way ANOVA and multiple linear regression were employed in analyzing inferential statistics. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 19 computer programme was used in data processing and analysis. All hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Results revealed that occupational factors (workload, Role conflict and Role ambiguity) positively made the largest unique contribution to burnout levels of the student affairs personnel (r=0.709, P=0.001). The results of the study can be used to help in the creation of burnout awareness, coupled with adoption of relevant counselling models among the affected staff. The assumption is that if one is aware of the burnout level then he/she can adopt relevant interventional measures and/or coping mechanisms. It is concluded from the study that occupational factors have a direct relationship with burnout among student affairs personnel. This study therefore recommends that in designing interventional measures, the individual, the organization or other stake holders should take note of occupational factors.
The Origin, Spread and Impact of Islam on Nandi Traditional Religion and Culture in Nandi County, Kenya from 1850 To 2012
(Egerton University, 2013-11) Murgor Kiprotich Abraham
Relationship between occupational factors,individual characteristics and burnout levels of student affairs personnel in public and private universities in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-11) Adeli, Scholastic Nangila
Effects of science process skills teaching approach on secondary school students’ achievement and self-concept in chemistry, Nyando District, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2014-03) Abungu, Hesbon Elly Odhiambo
Science education is crucial for the understanding of our environment and an essential tool for technological development in any society. Hence nations all over the world continue to ensure that the teaching of science subjects should be done in a manner that enhances the achievement of intended objectives. Science process skills are central to the acquisition of scientific knowledge which is useful in solving problems in our society. In Kenya, students’ achievement in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Chemistry is poor. The poor performance could probably be attributed to lack of exposure to science process skills, which may affect students’ achievement and self-concept in chemistry. This study was intended to investigate the effect of the science process skills teaching approach (SPSTA) on students’ achievement and self-concept in chemistry. It was also intended to find out the effect of gender and group composition on students’ achievement and self-concept in chemistry when they taught using SPSTA. The study involved quasi-experimental research where the Solomon Four-Group Non Equivalent ControlGroup Design was employed. The target population consisted of students in the secondary schools in Nyando District. Purposive sampling was used to obtain four district secondary schools in Nyando District to ensure that the number of boys and girls in each school was about the same. The samples consisted of 153 Form Three students drawn from four district secondary schools located in Nyando District. The Form Three classes were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The study covered two topics selected from the KCSE Chemistry syllabus, that is, Volumetric analysis (Titration) and Qualitative analysis. To determine students’ entry point in terms of knowledge on the selected topics and chemistry self-concept, Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) consisting of calculations, True and False items, Fill in blanks and SSCS questionnaire were used as pre-test. After the administration of treatment, which lasted five weeks, the same test (CAT) was administered to the four groups as post-test. Students’ Self-Concept Scale (SSCS) questionnaire was also used to measure students’ chemistry self-concept. The CAT and SSCS were adapted from the KCSE Chemistry practical past papers and Self-Descriptive Questionnaire II (SDQ) scale respectively. The reliabilities of the CAT and SSCS were estimated using Kuder-Richardson (K-R21) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient formulae respectively. The reliability coefficient of 0.88 (CAT) and 0.95 (SSCS) were established for the instruments and indeed were accepted as suitable. The instruments were validated by experts from science education and psychology areas of specialisation. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and Multiple Regression. The level of significance for acceptance and rejection of the hypotheses was at  = 0.05. The results revealed that SPSTA had significant effect on students’ achievement and self-concept in chemistry. However, gender and group composition had no significant effect on students’ chemistry self-concept.The outcome of this study may provide an insight for designing instructional strategies that aim to enhance students’ performance and contribute to the improvement of teaching and learning of Chemistry in secondary schools in Kenya. This will be shown by achievements made by the students in practical activities. It is expected that the findings of the study may be used by Kenya Institute of Education, Education Administrators and Quality Assurance Standards’ Officers, who are major stakeholders of the Ministry of Education to re-examine the instructional methodologies of teaching chemistry in the secondary school curriculum.
Perceptions of students and career counselors about the influence of career guidance on the choice of training programmes in public secondary schools in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2014-04) Thuranira, Mercy Nkatha
The choice of a career is very important because it affects one’s entire life. To enable students make this crucial decision, career guidance is offered in secondary schools in Kenya to help the students realise their potential and select training programmes that will lead them to appropriate careers in future. Despite the fact that students are given career guidance, many students try to change the training programmes they had chosen immediately after admission or after a period of study in the university, indicating a dissatisfying choice. Since the influence of career guidance depends on how career counsellors and students perceive it, this study was carried out to establish the perceptions of students and career counsellors about the influence of career guidance on the choice of training programmes in public secondary schools. The study areas were Mombasa, Meru and Kiambu counties of Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 31,145 form four students in 394 public secondary schools. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 395 students from 33 secondary schools. In addition 33 career counsellors were purposively sampled. A pilot study was carried out in 3 public secondary schools in Embu County. The data was collected using two questionnaires and was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics (mean, percentages and frequencies) and inferential statistics (Chi-square) were used in data analysis. The findings of the study were that career guidance was perceived to be useful in influencing the students’ choice of training programmes by the career counsellors and students. However, majority of the students had not sat for the career test hence they were not certain if it would influence the choice of training programmes or not. It was observed that demographic characteristics did not influence the career counsellors’ and students’ perceptions about the influence of career guidance on the choice of training programmes. The results were expected to inform career counsellors to evaluate their career guidance practice and improve on it. The students may review their perceptions about career guidance to ensure that it enhances their choices of training programmes, while other education stakeholders may utilise the results in the process of human resource development through provision of appropriate career guidance. The study recommended that career guidance be empowered in secondary schools to increase the students level of self-awareness as well has enable them to relate the subjects, training programmes and careers.
Women’s perception on marital violence and its influence on wives staying in violent marriages: a study of Nairobi county, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2014-08) Gachoka-Gichuki, Rose Njeri
Violence against women in its various forms is endemic in communities around the world cutting across class, age, religion and national boundaries. It is one of the most pervasive human rights violations. It denies women equality, security, dignity, self-worth and their right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. It destroys a woman’s sense of self, and undermines healthy families and communities. Violence poses serious mental and physical health risks on the victims. This has far-reaching consequences on the stability of the family, wellbeing of the children and society by extension. Despite the consequences of violence, some women have opted to stay in marriages in which violence exists. This study explored women’s perception on marital violence and its influence on wives staying in violent marriages. It was conducted in Kileleshwa and Kawangware locations within Nairobi County, Kenya. It was a descriptive survey employing ex post facto causal comparative research design. The accessible population constituted thirty two thousand seven hundred and thirty one (32731) women from Kawangware location and fourteen thousand nine hundred and ninety five (14995) women from Kileleshwa location. A sample of nine hundred and eighty (980) women was used in the study. Purposive and systematic random sampling methods were used to select respondents for the study. The validity and reliability of the instruments were determined before the instruments were used to collect data. A Pilot study was carried out with a sample from Dik Dik and Kongo areas in Nairobi. Cronbach’s alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instruments. A reliability coefficient of 0.77 was obtained. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer program. The study found out that psychological violence was the most prevalent type of violence in Kileleshwa and Kawangware locations; that the women’s perception on marital violence was negative and therefore the women did not think that violence from a spouse is a crime against their rights; that lack of economic independence was the major factor that contributes to women staying in violent marriages in the two locations and that cultural practices and religion influences women’s perception on marital violence. The researcher recommends that government and Non-Governmental Organizations involve men in awareness campaigns and public education programs. This will help to challenge misconceptions on marital violence. There is also need for creation of a strategy aimed at perceptions and behavior change towards marital violence.
Influence of selected alternative extension approaches on the acquisition of knowledge and skills for improved farm productivity and household food security in the Lake Victoria region, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2015-03) Akuno, Walter
The role of agricultural extension is vital to the diffusion of new technologies, but extension is currently not very effective in many African nations, with conventional extension approaches having minimal impact. In Kenya, there have been gaps on the availability of studies and documentation of the specific extension approaches and their influence on the acquisition of knowledge and skills for improved farm productivity despite the various extension efforts and resources put in place in many parts of the country. This study therefore investigated the influence of three selected alternative extension approaches namely: Farmer Field Schools, On-Farm Research and Focal Area approaches on the acquisition of knowledge and skills for improved farm productivity and household food security in the Lake Victoria Region, Kenya. The purpose of the study was to compare the individual and collective influence of each approach on the acquisition of knowledge and skills and their contribution farm productivity and household food security in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya. A cross sectional survey design was adopted in order to develop a detailed account of the effect of the three approaches. The total population of the study area was 188,661 households from which a random sample of 396 was selected comprising of small-scale farmers from three Sub -Counties: Bondo, Rachuonyo and Nyamira. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 18.0) at 5 percent level of significance. Findings revealed that Farmer Field Schools contributed most to the acquisition of knowledge and skills in various agricultural production activities and an increase in farm productivity. Results on On-Farm Research revealed that it contributed to knowledge and skills as well as improvement of farm productivity, especially on livestock based technologies; however, a hypothesis test showed that the approach had no significant influence on knowledge and skills for improved farm productivity and household food security. Findings about Focal Area approach revealed that it contributed to the acquisition of knowledge and skills for improved farm productivity followed by Farmer Field Schools and lastly On-Farm Research. The study recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture and research organizations use Farmer Field Schools and Focal Area approaches in technology development and transfer; however On-Farm Research should be used in combination with other approaches.
Prevalence of secondary traumatic stress, its predictive factors and coping strategies among psychotherapists in Nairobi and Nakuru counties of Kenya
(Egerton University, 2015-04) Nyagaya, Lillian A.
Kenya has experienced many traumatic events in the recent past in which psychotherapists have been called upon to do trauma counseling. A review of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) literature indicates that engaging in therapeutic work with trauma victims can and does, impact on the therapists. Reactions may include avoidance, arousal, and numbing of trauma and may possibly lead to STS. The psychotherapist if secondarily traumatized may engage in behavior that impedes the therapeutic process and interventions crucial for client recovery. Most studies have however focused on the victims and not psychotherapists. The purpose of the study was to examine prevalence of STS, its predictive factors and coping strategies among psychotherapists in Nairobi and Nakuru counties of Kenya. The study was descriptive in approach. The population of study consisted of 752 practicing psychotherapists registered with Kenya Counseling and Psychological Association (KCPA). A sample size of 302 psychotherapists was selected using simple random sampling. Sixteen supervisors were purposively sampled too as key informants since they directly oversee the clinical work of psychotherapists. Data collection tools included a questionnaire and modified Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) for psychotherapists that displayed internal consistency with Cronbach Alpha reported for STSS at 0.91 and an interview scheduled for supervisors. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test and chi -square) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. Findings of the study indicated high prevalence of STS among psychotherapists. Age, years of counseling experience, marital status, education level, and exposure to traumatic material were found to have a significant association with STS at 0.05 significant levels. History of trauma, personal life stressors, unresolved trauma, supervision, debriefing and empathy were found not to be predictive of STS. Further, the findings indicated that social, physical, emotional and professional coping strategies were a buffer to STS. However maladaptive and organizational strategies were not a buffer to STS. The conclusion made was that STS is prevalent among psychotherapists. The main recommendations were that strategies such as quality supervision and diffusion from qualified and experienced therapists, diversifying therapist’s caseloads, limiting the number of trauma clients seen and hours spent with trauma clients to be put in place to address the high prevalence of STS among psychotherapists.
Influence of 2007 post election violence level on emotional wellbeing and academic performance among secondary school students in Nakuru County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2015-05) Muchai, Lydiah Njeri
Political violence has negative influences on peoples’ wellbeing. The emotional wellbeing of people is of great significance if they are to remain healthy. This is particularly so with the 2007 Post-Election Violence (PEV) that was experienced in Kenya. Nakuru County was oneof the areas that were affected by 2007 PEV. The study aimed at establishing the influence of PEV level on emotional wellbeing and academic performance of secondary school students in Nakuru County, Kenya. Molo, Njoro and Kuresoi districts were adversely affected. The 2007 PEV claimed about 1,200 lives, others got injured and over 350,000 got displaced while property of unknown value was destroyed. Among the displaced were 1331 students from Molo, Njoro and Kuresoi. An ex-post-facto causal comparative research design was utilized in this study. Nakuru County had 210 secondary schools with a population of 12,189 form four students and 210 teacher counsellors. Molo, Njoro and Kuresoi had 75 secondary schools and a population of 6,380 form four students and 75 teacher counsellors. Purposive sampling was used to select the 3 districts that were adversely affected by PEV. Simple random sampling was used to select 187 boys and 173 girls for the study. Two questionnaires were used to collect data from the students and teacher counsellors. The instruments were pilot tested using 30 students and 30 counsellors from Naivasha District, that experienced similar events. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to establish the reliability coefficients of the research instruments. The instruments were considered reliable after they yielded reliability coefficients of 0.72 and 0.76 respectively. Frequencies, percentages and mean were used to analyse descriptive statistics while ANOVA was used to establish the influence of PEV on emotional wellbeing and academic performance of the students. The t-Test was used to determine gender differences in emotional wellbeing and academic performances. All the hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Data was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0 for windows. The study reported that the 2007 PEV led to increased emotional concerns such as anxiety, low selfesteem and lowered academic performance among the secondary school students. It was established that the female students were more affected emotionally than their male counterparts. There were no statistically significant gender differences in academic performance. The research recommended that the secondary school students who experienced PEV be provided with more enhanced counselling services. There is need for the Ministry of Education to avail more finances for guidance and counselling departments and enhance security.
The influence of social support, gender and self-concept on development of post-traunatic stress disorders in chilren exposed to 2007 -2008 post election violence in Eldoret, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2015-09) Njoroge,Margaret Wanjiku
When exposed to traumatic events such as violence, without proper psychological intervention and care thereafter, children like adults can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kenya experienced severe violence after the 2007 general elections with Eldoret Municipality being one of the hard hit areas. Both children and adults in Eldoret were exposed to a wide range of traumatic stressors. During this period of great difﬁculty, displaced persons, religious groups, as well as other community groupings came together in support of each other as they dealt with the adversity. This study examined the inﬂuence of social support, gender and self-concept on the development of PTSD among children exposed to the post-election violence. The study was a descriptive survey that adopted ex post facto research design. The study drew its population from the 121 Sclass eight children and 201 teachers from 8 purposively selected public schools in Eldoret Municipality. Stratiﬁed random sampling method was utilised to give a sample of 192 pupils and according to their gender as well. Further, 32teachers were purposively selected to participate in the study, giving a total sample of 224 participants. The instruments for data collection used in this study were the Impact of Event Scale Revised Version for the screening of PTSD in children, a Self-appraisal and Social Support Questionnaire for children and a Child Behaviour Checklist for teachers. Data was analysed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows Version 17. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mode and means) and inferential statistics (ANOVA, t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefﬁcient) were used for statistical analysis. All hypotheses tests were conducted at 0.05 level of signiﬁcance. The ﬁndings of the study showed that children exposed to post-election violence in Eldoret were still exhibiting PTSD symptoms at a prevalence of 45.50%. The study further found that social support was inadequate and it inﬂuenced development of PTSD, with those with adequate social support exhibiting lower scores of PTSD than those without adequate social support. Gender and self- concept were found not to inﬂuence development of PTSD. Consequently, the study recommended that life skills programmes and child-centred supportive therapy be enhanced in schools as well as formation of social support groups not only in schools but also in the community, in order to reduce the prevalence of PTSD on exposure to traumatic events.
Occupational stress: Level, causes, effect and coping strategies based on demographic characteristics among drugs and substance abuse rehabilitation counsellors in selected Counties of Kenya
(Egerton University, 2015-10) Mutai, Alice Chemutai
Occupational stress is a common phenomenon among drugs and substance abuse rehabilitation counsellors. Though occupational stress and coping strategies have received increased attention, apparently the current level of attention attributed to level, causes, effects and coping strategies among drugs and substance abuse rehabilitation counsellors still remains a point of concern. This study therefore sought to establish the level, causes, effects of occupational stress and coping strategies among rehabilitation counsellors working in drugs and substance abuse rehabilitation centres in selected counties in Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised of 204 rehabilitation counsellors who were drawn from 44 drugs and substance abuse centres that are distributed in 14 counties in Kenya. Simple random sampling technique was used to select five counties that participated in the study and all counsellors and administrators in the five counties formed the sampled population. A total of 112 (85%) drugs and substance abuse rehabilitation counsellors completed the occupational stress questionnaire and 13 administrators were interviewed in five counties. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and percentages) were used to analyse the data. A two way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the significance and determine whether to reject or accept the study hypotheses. All tests were based on the 0.05 level of significance. The data was analysed using a computer programme, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. An analysis of the findings indicated significant difference in the level of occupational stress across age, marital status and educational level of the rehabilitation counsellors who participated in this study. Furthermore, causes of occupational stress were found to be workload, clients’, organisational and interpersonal demands. Analysis of the findings indicated that the causes of occupational stress varied according to age. The findings revealed that there existed significant difference in the effects of occupational stress across gender, marital status and educational level of the rehabilitation counsellors who participated in this study. The study established that a significant difference existed in the coping strategies across gender, marital status and experience of the rehabilitation counsellors who participated in this study. From the findings of the study, it was recommended that regular assessment of occupational stress for preventive measures be done among substance abuse rehabilitation counsellors in order to manage and treat the increasingly complex needs of clients.
Influence of secondary school students’ gender, academic achievement and chemistry self-concept on scientific creativity in chemistry education in Nairobi, Muranga, Kiambu and Kajiado counties
(Egerton University, 2016-03) Kamonjo, Florence Wanja
Education is the most critical ingredient in a country’s development process in the social, economic and political realms. Kenya in its vision 2030 hopes to be transformed into a newly- industrialised, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens in a clean and secure environment by the year 2030.To realise this vision, the country needs to develop through its education system, manpower that is trained to think creatively. The role of Chemistry in the development of the scientific base of a country cannot be over emphasized and Kenya is no exception. Kenya’s secondary school chemistry, physics and biology syllabi recommend the acquisition of creative skills by students. Few studies have been carried out in Kenya with regard to scientific creativity in secondary schools. Studies in Physics and Biology have shown that the level of scientific creativity is low and is influenced by such factors as gender and knowledge. If creativity skills in science education amongst secondary school students remain low, it will be difficult for Kenya to become industrialised by the year 2030. It is not clear whether the low levels of scientific creativity found in Biology and Physics also apply to chemistry hence, there was need to determine the level of scientific creativity in chemistry and factors influencing it. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether learner’s chemistry self-concept, academic achievement, and gender influence the level of scientific creativity in secondary school chemistry. The study involved Ex Post Facto research with causal-comparative and correlational designs. The target population was secondary school students in Nairobi, Muranga, Kiambu and Kajiado counties in Kenya. The accessible population of the study was all Form Three students in National Secondary Schools in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties and all Form Three students in County Secondary Schools in Muranga and Kajiado Counties in Kenya. A sample of 16 schools (4 Boy’s and 4 Girl’s National schools and 4 Boy’s and 4 Girl’s District schools)} were involved in this study. National schools were selected through random sampling, while the county schools’ selection was through purposive random sampling. Participating Form Three streams (classes) in the schools were selected through stratified random sampling. A total of 672 students, (398 boys and 274 girls) were involved in the study. Data were collected using three instruments; the Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT), the Chemistry Scientific Creativity Test (CSCT) and Chemistry Self-Concept Questionnaire (CSCQ). The test items were piloted in two schools; a National and a County school in Nakuru County. Quantitative data from CAT and CSCT were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and t-test. Tests of significance were done at 0.05 alpha level. Multiple regressions were also used. The findings of this study indicated that the level of scientific creativity in chemistry education is low. Scientific creativity level was found to be influenced positively by learners’ chemistry self-concept and academic achievement. The findings further indicate that the level of scientific creativity in chemistry was not gender dependent. The results of the study are likely to be helpful to secondary school chemistry teachers as they seek to enhance creativity in students. In addition, the results may be useful to chemistry curriculum developers in Kenya as they seek to enhance scientific creativity in chemistry education in secondary schools.
Influence of selected background factors on students levels of self-esteem and academic achievement in public secondary schools in Kericho County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2016-03) Sang, Cecilia Chepngeno
Secondary school students’ background factors are important in the students’ life and may determine the academic outcomes and the levels of self-esteem. The students’ family SES, family type and home location are varied and may influence the academic achievement and levels of self-esteem. In Kenya, academic achievement is a key factor in determining the future career of the students and their success is measured by the level of academic achievement. It is therefore important to establish the influence of students’ background factors on their self-esteem and academic achievement. This study sought to establish the influence of students’ selected background factors (home location and socio-economic status and family type), on their self-esteem and academic achievement in public secondary schools and the implication on Guidance and Counselling in Kericho County. A correlational research design was used to determine whether the students’ selected background factors influenced their self-esteem and academic achievement. The target population of the study was 9048 form four students enrolled in public secondary schools in the Kericho County from which a representative sample of 384 students was obtained. Out of the 200 class teachers 17 were selected to participate in the study. The teachers were purposively sampled to include all the class teachers of the classes participating in the study. A stratified sampling technique was used to select the study units to ensure all strata (single sex and mixed schools) in the population were represented. A sample of 384 students was obtained using a proportionate sampling technique which ensured that the distribution of respondents was proportionate. The research instruments were validated with the help of supervisors and experts from the Faculty of Education and Community Studies. The instruments were then piloted in two secondary schools which were not part of the study units. The reliability was established using the Cronbach’s alpha technique and a reliability coefficient of 0.74 which was considered acceptable was obtained. The interview schedule was validated with the help of Egerton University supervisors. A structured questionnaire and an interview schedule were used to collect information on the students’ background factors. A self-esteem inventory was used to collect data on self-esteem of the students. The academic achievement was based on the scores obtained by students in KCSE Mock Examinations. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected. The significant level was set at α =0.05. The data was analyzed using the latest version of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. The findings of this study indicate that there was no statistically significant relationship between students’ levels of self-esteem and the selected background factors. The study also established that the greatest predictor of academic achievement was Socio Economic Status. The study further established that there was no significant relationship between students’ gender and their academic achievement. The study concludes that the family SES is important in determining the students’ academic achievement. The results of this study may provide information to policy makers, teachers and parents about the importance of the background factors in shaping the secondary school students’ self-esteem and academic achievement. Further these findings may be used to determine the Guidance and Counselling strategies required to ensure background factors do not negatively influence the students’ self-esteem and academic achievement.
Utilization and effectiveness of pastoral counselling in the management of conflicts in mainstream and Pentecostal churches in Nakuru County, Kenya.
(Egerton University, 2016-04) Nabwire, Christine Julie
The church is supposed to be a vehicle for crusading and enhancing peace, yet the occurrence of conflicts within the Kenyan church has become a regular occurrence. Efforts have been made to ensure that these conflicts are resolved and part of the strategies is the utilization of pastoral counselling as a way of managing conflicts in the church. However, the effectiveness of the pastoral counselling utilized has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate how pastoral counselling was being utilized by pastors and how effective it has been in managing conflicts in mainstream and Pentecostal churches in Nakuru County of Kenya. The study used ex post facto’ approach and causal-comparative research designs. The target population was all pastors and their assistants in the selected Mainstream and Pentecostal churches totalling to 219, together with all the congregants in the selected mainstream and Pentecostal churches who totalled to; one million two hundred and thirty seven thousand and ninety one, (1,237,091). A total of 219 pastors and their assistants and a sample of 364 church members from mainstream and Pentecostal churches were selected for this study from the accessible population of (6900). Self-scoring questionnaires were used to collect data from all the respondents (pastors/priests and congregants), these were also complimented by use of focus group discussions. The reliability of the instruments using Cronbach’s Coefficient alpha was 0.81 for the congregants’ questionnaire and 0.85 for the pastors’/priests, questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (t-test and chi-square) with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Results indicated major types of conflicts as: interpersonal, intrapersonal, financial, health, and ideological. The average number of conflicts affecting the church members varied between 1 and 5, with majority of the members experiencing at least three types of conflicts. The research also revealed that pastors utilized eight different counselling techniques: prayers, negotiation, diplomacy, conflict management workshops, concession, arbitration, and mitigation to manage conflicts in their respective churches. Within the Pentecostal churches, prayers were the most common technique utilized, while negotiation was commonly utilized within the mainstream churches. However, methods involving professional counselling techniques were rated the most effective in resolving conflicts by more than half of the members. The study therefore concluded that; professional pastoral counselling was utilized more effectively in managing conflicts by mainstream priests than the Pentecostal church pastors; while biblical was utilized mostly by Pentecostal pastors than their mainstream counterparts. The study recommended that there is an urgent need for pastors in Pentecostal churches in Nakuru County to undergo professional pastoral counselling training to improve on the quality of their professional counselling knowledge and skills.

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