Institute of Women Gender and Development Studies

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Participation of Men and Women Non-Producer Actors in the Dairy Value Chain: A Case Study of Sirikwa Dairy Hub in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
(2024-09) Odhiambo Martin Sam
Dairy farming has the potential to increase household income and improve food and nutrition security globally. Estimates from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) reveal that about 40% of smallholder farmers‘ income in Kenya can be attributed to dairy farming. Studies focusing on dairy farming and its entire value chain indicate that women and men participate across the nodes, although in varying capacities. While the presence of women at the production node of the dairy value chain is well-documented, it is generally on terms deemed different from and unequal to men‘s. There is an immense knowledge gap on the gender dynamics that influence men‘s and women‘s participation in dairy post-production activities. The main objective of the study was to assess participation of smallholder women and men non-producer actors in Kenya‘s dairy value chain with a focus on Sirikwa Dairy hub in Uasin Gishu County. A gender-based analysis of the non-producer actor categories within the dairy value chain is vital to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by both women and men, their perceptions and relationships, their participation in different actor categories, and the critical constraints that hinder full participation and, consequently, the competitiveness of smallholder male and female actors in the non-producer categories. The specific objectives were to identify the socio-economic factors influencing women‘s and men‘s participation as non-producer actors in the dairy value chain, to identify the sociocultural factors influencing women‘s and men‘s participation in the non-producer actor categories in the dairy value chain, and to identify the perceived benefits for women and men in the non-producer actor categories in the dairy value chain with a focus on Sirikwa dairy hub in Uasin Gishu County. The Gender, Agriculture and Assets framework was employed to identify the socio-economic and socio-cultural factors at play. The study and its pretest were conducted in Sirikwa dairy hub. It was purposively selected and 39 respondents were identified through snowballing. Of the 39 respondents, 30 were male respondents and 9 were female smallholder farmer respondents. Key informant interviews were used for data collection. In analyzing dominant themes on perception of women and men participation, NVIVO software was used. Women‘s limited agency and their triple role in the family were results that featured as negative shocks that adversely affected women‘s participation across the value chains. Male managers indicated that farmer organizations are predominantly male and there is a skewed preference for male candidates for managerial positions. The study provided policy recommendations that include incentivizing women to participate in non-traditional economic activities across the post-production nodes of the dairy value chain through more targeted approaches by various stakeholders in the post-production nodes of the dairy value chain
Socio- economic factors influencing welfare of hiv-positive women in Manyatta slums, Kisumu County
(Egerton University, 2024-09) Lugalia, Fillet
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have been in existence for more than forty years and women account for nearly half of the 40 million People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). HIV/AIDS has devastating challenges on the infected women, and it is worse if they are staying in the slums. HIV/AIDS has economic implications on the infected and her family. Earlier studies done in Kenya have largely concentrated on transmission and prevention of HIV. However, there are limited studies that have been conducted on socio-economic challenges faced by women living with HIV in slums especially those living in Manyatta slums, more detailed information is required on low income earning women living with HIV and how socio-cultural and economic challenges affect them. The study aimed to determine the socio-cultural and economic factors affecting welfare of HIV-positive women in Manyatta slums, Kisumu County. The specific objectives included; determining the socio-cultural challenges of women living with HIV, assessing the economic situation of women living with HIV as well as examining access to services by women living with HIV in Manyatta Slums, Kisumu County. The study used descriptive research design and out of the target a population of 1100 women living with HIV in Manyatta slums, 110 were sampled using purposive sampling technique. The respondents who included key informants were served with questionnaires for quantitative data, while Focus Group Discussion were used for qualitative data. The Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics being facilitated by the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 for windows. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study are; statistical significance in understanding socio- cultural and economic factors that affect WLWHA, most of the women living with HIV-Positive reached only primary school (80.9%), age of 26-30years (43.6%), too high cost of transport to health facilities (mean of 3.48) and nutrition cost was too high as well. The findings of this study illuminate the socio-cultural and economic factors that hinder adherence to ART among WLWHA. The findings of this study would be useful to the guidance and counselling professionals for the improvement of their helping relationship with women living with HIV-Positive.
Gender roles in tea farming and its effect on gender equity in Singorwet Ward, Bomet County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2024-09) Chepkirui, Agnes
Studies in various parts of the world inclusive of Vietnam, India, and China indicate that men and women have certain roles in agriculture. In many developing countries assignment of these responsibilities in agriculture are based on social and cultural norms. In Africa and Kenya women take most of the roles that involve spending long hours and using a lot of energy. Their work receives less recognition and value. The main objective of the study was to examine gender roles in tea farming and its effect on gender equity. The specific objectives were to examine the effect of access and control over land, assess the effect of access to financial services, analyse the effect of traditional division of labour and evaluate the effect of access to agricultural extension services in tea farming on gender equity in Singorwet Ward, Bomet County. The study was based on the theories of social change. A cross-sectional study design was used since it enables the understanding of the prevalence of gender inequity issues through a study of a large group of people at the same period. A sample size of 532 tea farmers’ respondents (comprising of 431 male tea farmers and 101 female tea farmers), 2 directors and 10 farm labourers were involved in this study. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling was employed to get five zones based on sub-locations within two director zones in Singorwet ward and then tea buying centres were randomly selected within the two zones- Singorwet Zone and Mugango Zone. The two Zones were used because of their existence within Singorwet Ward, the area covered by the study. A pilot study was done in one tea buying centre in every sub location, and the centres were picked purposively- those that have the largest number of registered tea farmers. This was to get variety of respondents in terms of educational level, age, marital status among other factors. A combination of these sampling techniques was employed due to the segregated respondents to allow for an understanding of each case per gender and age among other demographics. Questionnaire, interviews and observation schedule were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS V.25) for quantitative data and QDA Miner lite for qualitative data. All major decisions on tea farming rest with the men, as well as all gender equity indices and access to and control of financial services in tea farming. The overall gender parity ratio stood at 0.2 which was in favor of men. The study recommends to all tea farming stakeholders to invest in programs to reduce time pressures for women and support joint decision making and ownership of income and resources at the community and household level to attain gender equity.
Economic resources distribution and women welfare in polygynous muslim families in Likoni Sub-county, Mombasa County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2024-09) Mwallau, Asha Omar
The Muslim community embraces polygyny as a form of marriage because it is allowed by the Islamic religion. As a result, polygyny is rampant among the Muslim community in Kenya. While the Islamic religion allows men to marry up to four wives, the impact of this on the welfare of the women has not been studied. This study sought to assess the influence of polygyny on distribution of economic resources to wives in the families. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the distribution of economic resources; analyse the living standard of women, and investigate the psychological welfare of women in polygynous Muslim families in Likoni Sub-County. This is important in understanding gender equality in polygynous marriages. The study utilized data that was collected through a survey with wives in polygynous Muslim families and interviews with Muslim religious leaders in the study area. Clustered and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the sample of polygynous families. The population was subdivided into four clusters in line with the four wards in Likoni and 10 polygynous families selected from each ward using the snowball sampling technique to form a total sample of 40 families. Data was collected from wives in these families using semi-structured questionnaires. One Muslim religious leader was selected purposively from each of the four clusters for interviewing purposes. Analysis of the data using the Cronbach alpha method showed that the questionnaire was reliable with an alpha value of 0.729. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the survey data and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to perform the analysis. The thematic content analysis technique was used to analyse the interview data. Results showed that more than 50% of women in polygynous Muslim families are subjected to unfair distribution of economic resources. Results also showed that women in polygynous union suffer from psychological challenges such as loss of self-esteem and anxiety due to financial difficulties, conflicts with other wives, and reduced intimacy with husbands. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers strengthen policy that gives women equal rights to own property. Programmes that encourage women participation in economic activities and interventions for addressing the psychological challenges of the women are necessary.
Gender disparities in adoption of climate smart agriculture among potato producers in Ol-Kalau Sub County, Nyandarua County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2022-07) Thuo, Wamaitha Betty
This is a cross-sectional study on gender disparities in adoption of climate smart agriculture practices among potato producers in Nyandarua County, Kenya. The study speciﬁcally sought to investigate how gender disparities has led to non-adoption of Women to climate smart technologies like the men. The study objectives were: to examine how men and Women participate in decision making on choice of CSA technologies, to detennine how men and women adopt CSA technologies, to analyze how men and women access to extension information and to detennine how men and Women participate in supply of labour in implementation of CSA technologies on seed potato production in Ol-kalau sub-county, Nyandarua county. A case study research design was used, data Was collected using closed ended questionnaire and Kll. Stratiﬁed random sampling was used to select sample size of 130 men and women respondents. The instrument was piloted in Njoro sub-county. A coefﬁcient of 0.82 was obtained indicating the instrument was reliable as it was above the required threshold of 0.7. Data Was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study ﬁndings indicated that male farmers dominated in decision making more than female fanners. This was because in Africa men are the head of households and thus, they make decisions more than Women with mean difference of 0.918. There was a signiﬁcant gender difference in the farmers adoption of CSA technologies with male faimers dominating in almost all activities. Male farmers sought extension information through the media more than their female farmers counterparts. Financial services are major reasons Why most Women farmers have not adopted CSA practices. Women farmers were signiﬁcantly more involved in the supply of labor during planting, harvesting, sorting and grading. While male farmers dominated in the supply of labor dLu"ing land preparation, pest and disease control, soil and water conservation, packaging and transportation. The study recommends that Women farmers should be empowered to participate in decision making by supporting them access capital, knowledge and take part in CSA capacity building activities. Government, NGOS, should support both gender in adoption of CSA practices. Information on CSA should be made more accessible to both genders Without bias through the mass media with consideration of women’s triple gender roles. Women should be encouraged to contribute more in the provision of labor supply in CSA seed potato practices (i.e. use of mechanization).
Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Widows’ Participation in Small Scale Farming, Nyaribari Masaba Sub- County, Kisii County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2021-05) Mangoa, Lydia
The agriculture sector supports the majority of livelihoods in Kisii County. However, the community is largely patriarchal which thus brings about conflicts on land use, ownership, and labor provisions. Women and widows are thus largely affected by these patterns of ownership which eventually affect their farming practices. Despite its vital importance, the sector is highly susceptible and sensitive to climate change and variability were small scale farmers more so the widows are disproportionately affected since their access to land, labor and credit are highly inhibited. Studies on widows in the agricultural sector have been inadequate and hence the need for this study. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of land, labour, and credit facilities on widows participating in small scale farming. The study was carried out in Nyaribari Masaba Sub- County, Kisii County. The area was selected because of data from the government agencies showed that there was a high number of widows practicing small scale farming. The study was grounded on Structural Functionalism and the Symbolic Interactionism theories. The study employed a mixed methods research design. The study population was 1749 widows who were practicing small scale farming. A sample size of 144 respondents was obtained using a proportionate stratified sampling procedure. Data was collected using key- informant interview schedules and semi-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings of the study were represented using narratives, text boxes, bar graphs, and frequency tables. From the study findings, majority of the participants agreed that their access to land was under threat. Further, the study found out that labour was available as it was provided mainly by household members and if they had to hire labour services, they were cheap and adequate. From the study findings, most of the participants agreed that there are significant numbers of micro-finance institutions that offered soft loans and credit for farming. The study therefore concluded that land access, labour access, and access to credit among widows was influenced by other factors such as access to collateral, education levels, culture, and government land policies. This study recommends that it is important to have land title policies that include the marginalized groups in society such as the widows to ensure their security in land ownership. Thus, this will, in turn, affect their access to labour and credit
Factors Influencing Academic Performance of Girls in Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Njoro Sub-County Nakuru County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2015-11) Muandu, Josephine Nthenya
Trends in academic performance show that girls’ performance is low compared to that of boys. This has been reflected in the low number of girls who qualify to join tertiary institutions and later reflected in the job market. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing academic performance of girls in mixed day secondary schools in Njoro Sub-County Nakuru County, Kenya. The poor performance of girls at KCSE level in the Sub-County prompted the study. The study was both quantitative and qualitative and it adopted descriptive survey research design. The study targeted form four girls (900), class teachers (30) and form four parents’ representatives (45) in mixed day secondary schools in Njoro Sub County. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 mixed day secondary schools, 10 class teachers and 20 parents. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 200 form four girls making a sample size of 230 respondents. Three questionnaires were used to collect data and were pilot tested in 2 schools in the Sub-County outside the study area. Reliability coefficient was 0.700 for form four girls’ questionnaire (GQ), 0.907 for class teachers’ questionnaire (TQ) and 0.722 for parents’ questionnaire (PQ). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) aided the data analysis. The results showed that school related factors and parents economic status were the most influencing factors whereas, socio-cultural factors and personal factors were the least factors influencing performance of girls in mixed day secondary school in Njoro Sub-County; Nakuru County, Kenya. The study recommended establishment of boarding facilities for girls in mixed day secondary schools, empowering the parents with income generating activities to support girl-child education, involving the community in curbing negative socio-cultural practices and equipping teachers and parents with skills in guidance and counseling. The findings may be of great help to the Education Policy makers and stakeholders in improving the academic performance of girls in mixed day secondary schools.
Participation of male spouses in mothers’ utilization of antenatal care in Njoro town, Nakuru County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2019-08) Rotich, Barnabas Frank
This study investigated the low participation of male spouses in mothers’ utilisation of antenatal care, as a gender role, which is rare in many African communities. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the level of male spouse participation in mothers’ utilisation of antenatal care; to assess the influence of male spouse participation in mothers’ utilisation of antenatal care, Kenya; to identify the challenges associated with male spouse participation in mothers’ utilisation of antenatal care. The study was carried out in the two health centres in Njoro town, Kenya. A total of 279 respondents participated in the study. Convenience sampling was used in carrying out the study. Structured interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used in data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, at a significant level of p< 0.05. The findings of the study indicated that in overall seventy nine percent of the male spouses gave financial support and twenty eight percent making decision on the health facility to visit for delivery. Male spouse support in maternal nutrition during pre and post-partum was forty three percent, in breastfeeding twenty eight percent among other maternal support. The study findings show the age bracket of the male spouse affected their participation differently, for instance males spouse in the age bracket of 25-34 years were mostly affected by lack of finance and time at while those of ages, 35-54 and 55-60 years were least affected. The findings of this study would be useful in addressing some of the financial challenges, time from work and socio-cultural support, which were among the factors affecting male spouse participation in the mothers’ utilization of antenatal care. The findings can also be useful in encouraging more male spouse participation on the mothers’ utilization of antenatal care. Moreover, GoK, policy makers, NGOs and other stakeholders can use the information to increase the number of health care workers, and the expansion of existing health facilities. Health workers need to put more effort to encourage the willingness of male spouse participation in utilisation of antenatal care; and encourage spouse participation at their health facility especially at the County level. At the family level this would call for all the family members to participate in supporting the mother to utilise the
Influence of Gender Mainstreaming in Livestock Management on the Socio-Economic Status of Turkana Pastoralists, in Turkana County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2019-07) Asunta, Lokia A.
Turkana women have experienced gender discrimination in livestock management for a long time. Male dominance in decision-making, control and access over resources prevent women from participating and benefiting from livestock activities. This is attributed to factors such as cultural beliefs, illiteracy levels, and insecurity among the Turkana pastoralists. These factors cause low livestock productivity and income earning to both men and women. The result is endemic food insecurity among Turkana pastoralists’ women and children. Nevertheless, with proper gender mainstreaming policies in place, issues pertaining to food insecurity, poverty, ignorance, and education will be addressed thus allowing both genders to rear and manage livestock in a more equitable and productive manner. Gender mainstreaming strategy has not been successful in Turkana County, despite interventions by the Kenya government. This study examined the influence of gender mainstreaming in livestock management on the socio-economic status of Turkana pastoralists, in Turkana County. The respondents who took part in the study are all livestock keepers from the Turkana communities, in Loima district. The district has a total population of 40,278 people. The estimated number of pastoralists fully engaged in Livestock keeping in Turkana County was 3800, a sample of 136 pastoralists were selected using simple random sampling technique, while 5 key informants (livestock officers and community leaders) were selected using purposive sampling. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The data was collected by the use of a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The instruments were piloted using a sub-sample of 11 pastoralists from Loima district who did not participate in the main study. The Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.704 which was greater than 0.7 and thus adapted. Quantitative data collected was then analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Qualitative was analyzed using textual analysis and presented in narrative form. The findings showed that the factors that inhibit gender mainstreaming in livestock management include: lack of technical skills among women, socio cultural beliefs, distant and risky location to water sources and market places for access by women, the traditions governing animal species ownership, unfavorable perception towards control of cash resulting from selling of milk products, and unfavorable perception towards equal participation in livestock production activities. The study also established that Turkana men play a major role in livestock management in their community. They are the key decision makers in regard to livestock production activities. The findings show that pastoralists’ perceptions towards gender roles in livestock production and management are that men continue to dominate the decision making the process in production activities, animal species ownership, and insecurity issues. The findings from this study helps in improving gender mainstreaming in livestock and help the pastoralists understand the benefits which accrue when men and women are allowed to participate more equitably in livestock management decisions.
Perception on use of contraceptives among households’ heads in low-income families in Kuresoi North Sub-County, Nakuru county, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2019-08) Macharia, Joseph Gathinji
Family planning is widely acknowledged as an important intervention towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) as it has proven to reduce maternal and child mortality. Family planning has also been found to promote gender equality as well as educational and economic empowerment for women and men. Despite the enormous benefits of family planning services, the uptake of these services among men in Kuresoi North Sub-county still remains low in. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception on the use of contraceptives among households’ heads in low-income households of Kuresoi North Sub-County in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was carried out in Kamara and Sirikwa wards in Kuresoi North Sub County. The study used planned behaviour and social radical feminism theories. It employed cross-sectional survey research design. The study population was 251 households’ heads in low income households. Simple random sampling procedure was used to obtain a sample size of 143 respondents. Data was collected using interview schedule and semi-structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. Findings of the study were presented using quotes, narratives, pie-charts, bar graphs and frequency tables. From the study findings, 75% of the respondents obtained information on the use contraceptives through social workers in health care facilities and friends. The findings indicated that 65% of respondents used condoms, making it most popular contraceptive among various types of contraceptives available. About 70% of respondents agreed that partners in stable relationships preferred to know their HIV status, and this would determine their use or non-use of a condom. The use of long term contraceptives such as hormonal contraceptives exposed women to sexually transmitted diseases. From the findings concludes that having knowledge of contraceptives and their benefits does not necessarily lead to favourable perception towards their use. This study recommends that policy makers should deal with the attitudes and perception on the use of contraceptives based on gender differences. This will improve the use of contraceptives in low income households.
The effects of gender on the economic status and social interaction of hiv/aids infected youth in kamptembwo location, Nakuru County
(Egerton University, 2015-11) Kamande, Francisca N.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that damages cells of the body‟s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a collection of symptoms and infections resulting from damages caused by HIV in the immune system. HIV/AIDS affects both the young and the old regardless of their gender, economic or social status. It is a killer disease which has continued to pose a grave threat to the health, economic, social and living standards of the community and more so to the young people living with HIV/AIDS. The social and economic wellbeing of young men and women living with HIV/AIDS is in one way or the other influenced by their status. The core aim of the study was to establish the effects of gender on the economic status and social interaction of HIV/AIDS infected youth in Kaptembwo Location. It further aimed to establish the social, demographic and economic characteristic of HIV/AIDS infected youth as well as to determine the social interaction pattern of the said youth in Kaptembwo Location. The location has an estimated total of 36,404 households out of whom 80 infected persons were sampled. The research instruments used to collect primary data were interviews where 30 people living with HIV/AIDS were interviewed, face to face interview was done to 10 people, and focus group discussions comprised of 10 while questionnaires were administered to 30 people of which 25 came back comprising a good sample. Secondary data was used to supplement primary. Snowball method was used to identify the sample whereby the researcher made contact with two cases in the population with the support of medical personnel and community social workers who later linked the researcher to the members to get the desired sample. This study adopted the social action theory which explains the way an individual reacts to phenomena that affects them. Data analysis was done using both interpretations of raw data, critical analysis and inferential statistics with the help of statistical package for social scientist (SPSS). The study found out that majority of the male respondents had poor social interaction as compared to females. Further the females felt less appreciated and loved than the male counterparts. The results of this study shows there is a need for the government and relevant stakeholders to develop strategies that enhances interaction activities for youth living with HIV/AIDS.
Perception on factors influencing the rate of primary school girls drop out in the Eastern zone of Nakuru Municipality
(Egerton University, 2015-10) Namiinda, Justine Shimuli
The UNESCO report of 2013/2014 shows that fifty seven million adolescents were out of school globally of which 55% were girls. Africa is the home of more than a half of the world’s children between six and eleven years who do not go to school. About thirty million children are out of school from this region. The Sub Saharan and Arab countries have the highest percentages where girls are also much more affected. The report observes that twenty two million adolescents are out of school within the Sub Saharan Africa region. According to the same report, Kenya is among the ten countries in the world with the highest number of children out of school, with a total population of one million and ten thousand children of school going age who are out of school. The government of Kenya is keen on attaining gender equality and this commitment is evident in various National and International legal and policy documents. Recent data from the County Education office of Nakuru Municipality, Eastern Zone reveals that the number of girls completing grade eight is much smaller than the number of girls at the entry point. This study sought to find out the factors that lead to the drop out of the girl child from primary school in the Eastern Zone of Nakuru Municipality despite the provision of Free Primary Education. The study used ex post facto research design. The target population of the study was the pupils and teachers of the Eastern Zone of Nakuru Municipality. There are ten thousand and six pupils in the zone of study. This includes five thousand one hundred and three boys and four thousand nine hundred and three girls. There are two hundred and twenty two teachers. The researcher used purposive sampling to select two schools, one within the urban area and the other within the peri-urban area. The sample size was 500 students and 29 teachers. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data on the various factors that influenced the dropout rates of girls. The results of the study are presented using frequencies, percentages, graphs and charts. The study results revealed that household characteristics such as education level of parents and household size were factors perceived to have an influence on primary school girls dropout rates in Eastern Zone of Nakuru Municipality. In addition, community level factors such as, long distance between schools and home, poor sanitation infrastructure in schools had influence on primary school girls’ dropout rates. The study concludes that despite Nakuru municipality Eastern Zone being in an urban setting, factors such as attitudes and education levels of parents, communities’ cultural perceptions and traditions towards the girl child are factors that still influence dropout rates of primary school going girls. Thus the study recommends more awareness and campaign on the importance of girls’ education by the National Government of Kenya and the County Government of Nakuru.
Women’s contribution to urban livelihoods through informal sector activities in Kisii Town, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2017-05) Rugutt, Mercy Chepkurui
Women in urban areas draw from a wide range of activities in the informal sector to secure livelihood needs for urban households. Their contribution to urban livelihoods continues to facilitate the development of assets and capabilities, supporting them to move beyond basic income generation towards increased economic resiliency. However, the significance of women‟s involvement in informal sector activities has largely been generalized with limited information on their contributions to urban livelihoods. The study sought to establish women‟s contribution to urban livelihoods through their involvement in market based activities, street based activities and their participation in social support networks within the informal sector in Kisii Town. This study reviewed literature on current debates on women‟s engagement in informal sector activities for urban livelihoods. The sustainable livelihood framework was used to guide the study as it focuses on how households construct their livelihoods within the broader social economic and physical context. The study population was drawn from the women population in the informal sector in Kisii town. Simple random sampling was employed for selection of the study sample size of 347 respondents. Data was collected using an interview schedule and direct observation, while data analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative methods to produce both descriptive and analytic findings of the study. The study findings established a statistically significant relationship between women market based activities and urban livelihoods Kisii town, as demonstrated by lower values of significance at 95%. It was also established that women street based activities within the informal sector had a statistically significant effect on urban livelihoods in Kisii town. Findings revealed that 63.4% of the street based activities were for the purpose of urban livelihood provision. Further, the study found that women participation in social support networks within the informal sector had a significant effect on urban livelihoods in Kisii town. The current study recommends that urban authorizes should put in policies to serve the needs of women traders operating in market and street spaces as well promote more accessible credit facilities. In addition, the informal sector be protected and promoted through enactment of supportive legislation as well as formulation of appropriate polices to safeguard the sector given its overall contribution to livelihood of many urban residents.
Gender implications of household inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation in Kaptembwo, Nakuru County
(Egerton University, 2017-05) Ngina, Judy
Inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation widens the gender gap since it takes a heavy toll on households and especially women and children. This study aims at determining the gender implications of household inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation in Kaptembwo of Nakuru County. Specific objectives of this study include determining the implications of household inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation on children. This study also seeks to analyze the extent of household exposure to Gender Based Violence (GBV) while accessing safe water and improved sanitation. Also, this study aims to establish household economic implications of inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation. Kaptembwo, the study area, is a multicultural, low income, urban informal settlement located West of Nakuru with a total of approximately 150 dwellings. Data was collected using questionnaires then analyzed using quantitative methods. The findings of the study revealed the children are heavily affected by household inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation both health wise and their consistency in school attendance and performance. The girl child is more at risk because the boy child is favoured at her expense. Also, women, men and children are exposed to GBV while collecting domestic water and improved sanitation facilities especially after dark. Although inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation is not the main cause of GBV, it increases the risk of exposure. Physical violence is the most frequently experienced form of GBV and this can be attributed to the high number of fights, scratches and biting that occur in queues while collecting domestic water and waiting to use improved sanitation facilities. Sexual violence is reported to happen though not as frequently. The findings reveal that inaccessibility to safe water and improved sanitation also has great impact on the household economy. A lot of time spent on queues waiting to access safe water and improved sanitation could otherwise be used for productive works aimed at economic growth. Children have to stay out of school either due to water borne diseases or have to collect domestic water. A lot of resources are devoted to the treatment of diarrhoea in households, money which could have been used productively for the benefit of the household and the nation as a whole.
Effects of alternative rite of passage on girls’ education among the Keiyo community of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya.
(Egerton University, 2015-03) Gitagno, Julieth F.
Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) is an interventionist programme that was introduced in the 1990’s in different communities that still practice female initiation rites of passage to adulthood as a viable alternative to the controversial Female Circumcision (FC) also known as FGM. ARP simulates the traditional rituals as closely as possible without the physical operation of the genitals. Despite massive awareness about the harmful effects of female circumcision on women’s and girls’ reproductive health, education and human rights violation, and the law prohibiting the practice being in place, to date girls still undergo female circumcision within the Keiyo community. This study examined the emergence, success and failures of Alternatives Rite of Passage in light of girls’ education in Keiyo district. The study focused on the Keiyo people of Kenya, who have interacted with ARP since 2003. The study used a cross- sectional survey. One of the division was purposively chosen. A sample of 155 girls who had undergone the Alternative Rite of Passage were identified through the purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion conducted among community’s leaders and elders. Validity and reliability of the instruments, in a pilot study, were established through expert opinion and Cronbach reliability test, respectively. The data obtained were analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS Software, version 22.Statistics were tested at 5% level of significance while descriptive data were presented in percentages and frequency. The results showed that ARP approach has been accepted in Keiyo community as a rite of passage to replace the traditional rite of passage, it has also contributed positively in fostering girls’ education in Keiyo community and the community has a positive perception of ARP approach. However, interviews of community’s leaders and elders indicated that the mechanisms that sustain the practice of Female Circumcision are still firmly rooted in the culture. This study is significant in that the outcome may guide the expansion of existing approaches to FC eradication. One of the recommendations is that ARP crusaders should reach to the people who still practice female circumcision through education and awareness campaign with respect and understanding of community’s customary beliefs.
Correlating family income with sexual violence against children A study of Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County
(Egerton university, 2015-11) Oando, Samwel Odhiambo
Over time, children are presented to have borne the brunt of offensive cultural practices and conditions that perpetuate sexual violence especially in Kenya. Research gap shows existing uncertainty on the determinants of sexual violence and how the challenge is manifested in the dynamics of the changing economic conditions. This study examines the correlation between incidents of sexual violence and family income as an indicator of socio-economic inequalities at micro level. The study therefore broadly aimed to explore the ultimate relationship between family income levels and prevalence of sexual violence. Specific objectives sought to explore the prevalence of sexual violence against children with respective family income differences; determined the correlation between sexual violence experienced by children to the associated family income factors; and assessed the outcomes of sexual violence based on children’s family income backgrounds. The study is based on Resource theory of violence at family, which suggests a relationship between wealth and violence at community level. Descriptive survey design was used with a mixed paradigm approach to combine quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Cluster sampling method was then used to select the study schools as the participants who were chosen randomly in each sampled school. Data was collected using questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key informant interviews. Scope of the study targeted teenage children aged 13-17 years in six secondary schools. General findings show that there is an association between worse economic conditions exhibited by low family income levels and high levels of sexual violence against children. Results from regression analysis demonstrated that there is a correlation between violence and socio-economic inequality in terms of family income disparities which points to possible wider structural causes of violence. It is therefore concluded that the prevalence of violence against children have indirect relationship with the family income endowment, and direct relationship with income disparities.
Factors determining women’s participation in the management of co-operative societies in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County
(Egerton University, 2015-04) Lugaga, Xavier Okado
A lot of strategies have been formulated both nationally and internationally to ensure women participate in leadership. There is a constitutional provision in the 2010 Kenya Constitution requirement of two-thirds gender representation that institutionalizes direct gender-specific measures and continued efforts to empower women. There are also international instruments such as Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and article 9 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, known as the Maputo Protocol that guarantees comprehensive rights to women to participate in the political and decision-making Process. Women are underrepresented as leaders in elective office. The Study set to investigate why women are fewer in management positions in Co-operative societies in Njoro Sub-County despite their huge share holding. The reliability of the instrument was tested. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods and 353 officials and members of sampled Co-operative societies were interviewed through open and close ended questionnaires. 37 extension officers who were key informants provided views through In-depth interviews and 21 focus group discussions were conducted. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Application by way of chi square test was used. Data is presented in table form of frequencies; percentage, means, mode, and range were used to present findings. The specific objectives were to find out the influence of education, age, sex, and marital status, the influence of economic and social factors in women’s participation in leadership and the influence of cultural factors including patriarchy in women’s participation in management of Co-operative societies in Njoro Sub-County. The study established that only 30 per cent of women are in management of Co-operative societies despite them being more than 75 per cent in numerals as members and shareholders. The study established that gender disparities in decision making positions in these enterprises exist due to social, cultural, demographic and economic factors and attitudes in patriarchal oriented structure. The study concludes that women are disadvantaged due to their dual roles of production and reproduction therefore deters their chances of ascending to office. Cultural factors such as marital status also determine women’s participation in leadership. Patriarchy and public opinion repress women and prevent them from participating in leadership. In addition gender based electoral violence in form of psychological harm directed at women as they campaign for office discourages women from running for elective office. It is hoped that the outcome of the study will persuade comprehensive policy formulation and women empowerment to ensure that women ascend to leadership in Co-operative societies. Most significantly the 2010 Kenya Constitution gender rule of should be implemented. The study also suggested possible areas of future study based on the findings.
The effects of obstetric fistula, impact and coping strategies of women in Kaptembwa – Nakuru, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2014-10) Kimani, Zipporah Muthoni
Obstetric fistula is complication of pregnancy that affects women following prolonged obstructed labor. Most instructive in this respect, is the continuous leakage of urine as well as the far reaching effects on, physical, emotional, economic and social suffering associated with it, which has a profound impact on women and men’s livelihoods. Therefore it was found imperative to evaluate the causes of obstetric fistula on affected women of Kaptembwa Nakuru, and appraise the impact on the well-being of women and how their experiences have shaped their identities and families. The study was conducted with qualitative and quantitative components to explore the causes, experiences and impact of obstetric fistula. Social, Psycho-Social, Medical and Demographic traditional theories were used to investigate and evaluate the root cause of the social problem that has affected women and their families, assisting in exploring the impact and coping strategies, hence explaining the relationship of the variables and other factors that moderate the same. The sample population was 74 confidently selected samples and 10 interviewed during pilot testing, inclusive of key informants and case studies of 3 women (depth interviews) as the rest of the women responded to the questionnaires. Focus group discussion was done with husbands who have experienced effects of obstetric fistula. The interview schedules and questionnaires were used in collection of data. Data was analyzed using content data analysis framework and Statistical package for the Social Science. (SPSS). Obstetric fistula prevails amongst women aged between 25 -39 years. The difficulty of assessing the exact numbers of women affected with obstetric fistula was attributed to it being an embarrassing and humiliating medical condition, leading to isolation. The foul odor emanating from affected women leads to humiliation; sever social-cultural stigmatization and thus, inability to perform their gender roles. Hindrance from participating in gainful income activities has led them into despair and begging. In order to combat this debilitating disease, community education that informs on the potential risks of obstetric fistula particularly amongst people residing in rural and informal settlements areas is a must. Essential information includes danger signs during delivery and rapid access to caesarean section delivery for cases of obstructed delivery. Access to affordable fistula repair must also be provided in the County Health facilities. The findings of this study may assist these women to seek better ways and means to address their problems. The knowledge will help them improve their self worth and maintain their identity as women, wives, friends, and community members. The findings will also assist medical practitioners and community in making recommendation to policy makers, implementers, and relevant stakeholders in strategizing, planning and implementing appropriate ways to address the problem.

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