Indexing

Abstract: External actor involvement in peace building processes has historically been global. In contemporary times, this has happened in Europe namely in Kosovo, Bosnia and Yugoslavia. It has also happened in Asia, Latin America and Africa. In Africa, such cases were witnessed in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Somalia. Somalia has experienced one of the longest civil wars attributed to the collapse of the state in 1991 which resulted into the destruction of social fabrics and institutions necessary for governance making Somalia the most insecure and chaotic country in the world. In spite of its homogeneity of using the same language and adhering to the same religion, Somalia has remained an area with widespread lawlessness, insurgency, terrorism and human rights abuses topping the list of failed states index in the world. The study investigated the external actor involvement influencing peace building processes in Somalia. It explored to find out whether external actor involvement in peace building have been successful or not and the challenges facing it. The general objective was to evaluate the external actor involvement including state and non-state actors influencing peace building processes in Somalia. The study specifically undertook to explore the nature, assess the role and examine the challenges facing external actor involvement in Somalia peace building processes. This study was anchored within the power relations theoretical framework which brought out the different perspectives in state behaviour and interactions in the international system. It utilized a conceptual framework in analyzing power relations in external actor involvement in Somalia with emphasis on AMISOM, IGAD, Kenya and Ethiopia. The study was mainly conducted in Gedo area in the Southern parts of Somalia that borders with Kenya and Ethiopia and employed the questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion and semi-structured interview methods of data collection. The study was justified due to the fact that Somalia conflict has had major implications to global terrorism and regional insecurity affecting Kenya and Ethiopia directly as frontline states. In the conceptual framework, the study borrowed key tenets from the theory of realism and the neo functionalism theory. The study utilized the explanatory research design to obtain information concerning the current status of external actor involvement in peace building processes in Somalia. It used the purposive, stratified and snowball sampling techniques. A total of 392 people out of targeted 425 population participated in different ways in the information gathering processes for the study. The findings were presented descriptively. Ethically, the questions were framed in consideration of the willingness of respondents with regard to sensitivities associated with the conflicts and terrorist groups that have exploited the Somalia peace buildings. The study found out that the external actor involvement influencing peace building processes in Somalia are either military or civilian with uncoordinated and shared mandates. Their activities are ineffective because they are reconstruction oriented rather than recovery. This study has identified and addressed these gaps by way of recommendations to policy makers and scholars. The study recommends adoption of a lead agency in an integrated peace mission and multidimensional mission planning approach that would incorporate all the different actors characterizing the Somalia peace building context. This would ensure effective planning, coordination and execution processes by different external actors interested in a addressing the interdependence.

Abstract: As we all know that today, how the women are facing the various problem in the functioning of panchayats. After getting the reservation in the panchayats, they are still depending on their husband or other male members of their family. So for knowing the status of women in the all level of panchayats in India, this paper which based on the secondary data is deal with the political participation and representation of the rural women in the panchayats in India. The theoretical perspective of the evolution of the panchayati raj system in India and the journey of the women in the local governance has also been explained in the study. The analysis of the required reservation for women in the all level of the panchayats in India, is also done in the study and some necessary steps for empowering the women in the panchayat level are also suggested.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the factors affecting implementation of e-procurement in Nzoia Sugar Company. The Implementation of e-procurement in the public sector has been affected by several factors and it being one of the new technologies, most of the private organizations have already taken full advantage of the value of e-procurement systems. The overall objective of this study was to examine the factors affecting e-procurement implementation in Nzoia sugar company limited being one of the public organizations in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: To determine whether lack of employee competency is a challenge in e-procurement adoption among staffs of Nzoia Sugar Company, to investigate whether inadequate legal framework is a challenge in e-procurement adoption in Nzoia Sugar Company and to establish whether inadequate technological infrastructure is a challenge in e-procurement adoption in Nzoia Sugar Company. The research design that was used in this study was a descriptive research design. The target population was staffs of Nzoia Sugar Company Limited who are 1091.The sample size of this study were 164 respondents which was equivalent to 15% of the staff working at Nzoia Sugar Company. The study adopted a stratified random sampling method to obtain a sample of the respondents. The process of data analysis involved several stages; the completed questionnaires were edited for completeness and consistency, checked for errors and omissions and then coded. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis was used to determine factors affecting implementation of e-procurement in Nzoia Sugar Company. Tables were used to present the data collected for ease of understanding and analysis. The study found out that employee competency was a challenge in e-procurement implementation; this study recommends that due to continuous turnover of the employees', continuous training for the incoming and current staff is required. The employees should also be informed on benefits of e- procurement over manual procurement systems. The suppliers also need to be trained on e – procurement usage and how it works and the benefits it will accrue to them as suppliers.

Abstract: Insurance industry in Kenya has faced numerous challenges from the volatile market environment, high interest rate to encroachment of the market by foreign insurance firms with the resultant liquidity crunch, decline in the stock market, heightened inflation, depreciation of the Kenya shilling and insecurity mostly from emerging terrorism. The poor performance was manifested in the numerous profit declines. Global insurance industry emerged from the combination of financial turmoil and economic uncertainty of the economic meltdown in 2014. In Asia-Pacific, rising individual wealth and aging populations are influencing revenue growth. Latin America continued to offer substantial growth potential to insurers. In the United States, Europe and Canada, many insurers have rebuilt their capital positions hence poised for growth. The purpose of the study was to establish influence product planning strategies (PPS) on sales of insurance products / services and to suggest specific recommendations to make positive improvement. Case of Pan Africa Insurance Holding Limited (PAIHL) in Kisumu.  The study was guided by the following specific objectives: i) establishing influence of market penetration, ii) market development, iii) product development and iv) product diversification on sales of insurance products / services. The target population was 200 respondents comprising of 100 PAIHL staff and 100 PAIHL customers. Sample size was 132 respondents of which 66 were PAIHL staff and 66 were PAIHL customers. The study enabled PAIHL and other insurance companies to appreciate the significance of product planning strategies. It was demonstrated how PPS enhanced sales. The study also formed a basis for further research. This study used questionnaires and interview schedules to obtain data. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were also used to sample the respondents. The questionnaires were tested on a sample of respondents to check on their reliability and validity. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that product planning strategies increased products / services competitiveness, market share, sales volume and customer satisfaction. Based on the finding, the study concluded that product planning strategies played a vital role in products / services competitiveness, increased market share, increased sale volume, and increased customer satisfaction.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between pre-marital counselling and marital conflict among Christian couples in Sameta Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya.  The sample size of the study was 400 respondents based on total population of 8000 married couples in the study area.  Descriptive, correlational and cross sectional research designs were used. Structured questionnaires and an interview guide were used as research instruments.  Data was analyzed using both descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and Pearson correlation and multi-regression analysis. The findings showed that premarital counselling and marital conflict among Christian couples were significantly associated.  Dimensions of premarital counselling i.e., communication, financial counseling, sexuality and biblical counselling are significant contributing factors that control marital conflicts in the study area.  The dimensions (in-laws), parenting and, anatomy & physiology were not significant contributing factors to marital conflicts in the study area. The implication of the findings is that there is need to step up and encourage young people aspiring to get married to undergo premarital counselling so as to mitigate marital conflicts.

Abstract: Man is basically political and religious. He is variously described as homo politicus and homo religious. In the course of the Millennia, he has also proved these affirmations to be true to his nature. However, the problem is often with the manner of man’s application of these attributes. He is either too zealous with his religious obligations or he is brutal in the use of his political power. In the combination of these extremes, man renders both politics and religion a problem and often obstacle to human progress and development. In Africa and in Nigeria, particularly, the struggle to attain independence and autonomy from colonialism led to nationalist movements and eventual regionalization of such motif. In the long run, it has become difficult to differentiate between politics and religion in Nigeria leading to the question of how successful the struggles of the fathers of independence like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo have been in the course of Nigeria’s history. The paper uses a historical, expository, and analytical method to view the politico-religious evolution of Nigeria and arrives at the conclusion that after fifty-five years of Independence from Colonialism much has not happened to de-tribalize the myopic attachment to religious sentiments in order to cling to selfish manipulation of power and economic dissipation of the country. There is therefore need for further and consistent research and enlightenment of the masses to achieve better development and progress. 

Abstract: Majority of pre-school teachers are leaving their jobs for different professions in recent years. The problem of teacher migration is evident in both developed and developing countries. In Kenya, ECDE teaching profession has not been accorded the same status compared to primary, secondary and tertiary professions. This has led to many ECDE teachers seeking opportunities in other fields for better working environment, pay and even motivation. With this problem in mind, the study sought to establish whether pre-school management style and interpersonal relationships influenced teachers’ job performance in public ECDE centres in Kenya with focus on East Karachuonyo Division, Homa Bay County. All public ECDE centres in Kenya are under the county governments with teachers receiving their pay from the county coffers. The respondents for this study involved preschool teachers and head teachers. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview schedule. The analysis of data was conducted using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study established that management styles practices in pre-schools affected teachers job performance to a great extent. The study also found out for effective learning to take place, inter-personal relationships need to be developed between teachers, parents, school administrators and pupils. The study recommends that there is need to develop positive interpersonal relationships at the work place to enhance emotional stability and facilitate maintenance of life-work balance and there is a need to sensitize the Schools Board of Management on the rationale of working closely with the pre- schools teachers to enhance their job performance.

Abstract: Shakespeare should be studied in every age and by every men of genius. The present research paper is a sincere tribute to this great Bard whose might with the pen needs no oracular debate. The more we read Shakespeare, the more layers of meaning we get. Although innumerable works have been done on him, yet a new study on Shakespeare always means something new. It is propelled by pure joy of reading and appreciating Shakespeare. Without doubt, Shakespeare has been extensively read and commented upon. As pointed by T.S. Eliot, ‘the volume of creative criticism on Shakespeare’s original writings far outweighs any other conceivable domain of English Literature.’ Literature is a fruit of imagination, an ecstasy of the heart, the revelry of a mind steeped in the high floods of passion. Every great author has a special point or message to communicate. ‘The critic’s primary job, is to make the reader understand, to make him delve into the deeper recesses of the author’s mind, to throw light on those hidden treasures which lie buried beneath the dusts of anonymity.’ Works of criticism on Shakespeare are themselves inexhaustible, simply because of the reason that, Shakespeare; the man; is the man of a ‘genus’; he is one in whose revelry mankind would continue to sing for all time to come.
The present research paper is a different study in the sense that the researcher here has not kept himself confined to the traditional way of studying the nature of evil in Shakespeare, rather he has tried sincerely to explore the realms of critical adventures by keeping within the margins of literary scholarship and at the same time his effort has been to let imaginative instinct have free play. This is not an easy task because to work on a writer traversed by innumerable critics and to bring a special point in focus – one requires an intellectual blessing and also his originality in thought and approach. The four major tragedies – King Lear, Hamlet, Othello & Macbeth, have been critically analyzed and the different forms of evil have been strategically dealt with. A conscious attempt has been made to concentrate on the text with special care by alluding relevant speeches wherever it was felt needful. In this regard the researcher consulted ingeniously the commentaries of distinguished critics which served only as guiding points towards the research paper. However, emphasis has been made to correlate and present their time tested ideas and theories to be best of the researcher’s ability. This certainly gives a new dimension in approach of the researcher and his thought, enabling him to present an original treatment of the major focus areas.
The present research paper deals with Shakespeare’s treatment of evil, its working and its inimitable presence in life as a constant principle of the universe. Shakespeare being a man with kaleidoscopic vision could easily perceive that the forces of darkness are more venomous and they strive persistently to overrun the palisade of light and virtue. This constant war or in other words, the conflict of evil and good is a concept dealt with in all major religions, and Shakespeare deals with the quality of evil in his plays, and more so in his major tragedies with an acute awareness that man is a helpless creature battling it out with the elements. Evil is predominant,  say the least, but a single ray of goodness and virtue is enough to dispel the gloom and the ghastliness of all-pervading evil.
Shakespeare is interested in human-beings; his characters are creatures of feeling and emotion; they think and are capable of growth and change. The study of how Shakespeare’s characters change in the course of the development of the action provides an interesting perspective to his profound insight into human psychology. The characters created by Shakespeare are not, as in Moliere, types of this or that vice, but living beings, filled to overflowing with many passions and many vices: circumstances mould their varied and many-sided characters before the eyes of the audience. Shakespeare’s situations nor his characters and their actions are true to life, but full of inconsistencies and impossibilities and he knew that such “artifices” would never be noticed in a theatre. Shakespeare was not concerned with an image of life but with an illusion, and real life is not to be confused with dramatic art. The world of Shakespeare is not the world of reality but a world of mirage; it is the magic of his sublime imaginative poetry that gives the mirage the resemblance of reality.

Abstract: The main objective of the study was to examine the strategic humanitarian interventions by state and non-state actors during the ethnic conflict period in Sigowet and Nyakach sub counties of Kenya from the perspective of primary school pupils. The descriptive research design was adopted. The target group was primary school pupils in Sigowet and Nyakach sub counties of Kenya, parents of sampled pupils, Education Quality Assurance Officers, NGO and Community leaders. The researcher used questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observation checklists in collection of primary data. The completed questionnaires were coded and entries converted into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21 version). Secondary data was obtained from the university library, public offices, offices of non-governmental organizations and faith based organizations. The research used both descriptive and inferential statistics in data analysis and interpretation. The conclusion is that humanitarian interventions during the period of ethnic conflict had significant gaps in Sigowet and Nyakach sub counties of Kenya. The study recommends that there is need to have a more coordinated approach in offering humanitarian response to victims of ethnic conflict; that involves both state and non-state actors. The study further recommends that humanitarian interventions should put in consideration the needs of school going children who form the bulk of the population affected by armed ethnic conflict. This study is expected to benefit the government and humanitarian organizations in formulation of policies regarding children in emergencies.

Abstract: The research paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of decentralization policy on service delivery in the education sector in the Namibia. The findings revealed that there is a little understanding of decentralization policy among research participants. The paper found that the insignificant changes noticed mostly on handling and processing of financial matters as well as decision-making on finance issues. Meanwhile there are still a delay in providing educational good and services in the regions.  Regarding that capacity building is important for keep people up to date of any development. The paper revealed that many respondents did not attend any training on decentralization system.        
The findings from the paper revealed that planning of activities in these regions is done completely separately by two different offices such as Directorate of Education and Regional Council.  The result of the findings further revealed the dual reporting lines and communication among staff members are both found to be problematic areas during the delegation phase. The findings revealed that education services delivered through different means of communications.  Various issues were revealed which considered as the main contributing factors and major challenges that impacting the effectiveness of service delivery in the regions.  Issues as such as functions are not yet decentralized, better performance, insufficient funds, shortage of transport, lack of monitoring of planning activities, unavailability of regional council staff members as well as involvement of stakeholders to executing their functions.  Also lack of clear guidelines on decentralization, lack of commitment from central government, planning process which done separately, overlapping in terms of reporting system, lack of human resources, poor time management, lack of coordination of activities, no follow-up trainings, misunderstanding of educational issues, resistance to change. 

Abstract: The acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most dreaded entities that modern medicine has ever had to tackle. Depression is the most frequently observed psychiatric disorder among HIV/AIDS patients. It interferes with all aspects of living and may have a severe negative impact on quality of life. An HIV positive diagnosis is a life changing event and may induce shock, a sense of helplessness, denial, and occasional self blame. Belonging to a support group may be of assistance in preventing depression. PLWHA should be advised to belong to a support group. To improve the role of support groups their sizes should be limited.          
Methodology: Aim of the Study: To determine the prevalence of depression among HIV positives and to find out the role Support group in reduction of depression.
Study Setting & Design: A tertiary care hospital, and Positive networks, Cross sectional study.
Sample Size: Study constituted of 100 HIV positive patients, depression was assessed using BDI, The data was collected using a pretested semi structured preformed, after obtaining written informed consent.
Sampling Method: Random Sample
Statistical analysis: Data was be analyzed using SPSS version 11.5, statistical test ANOVA and CHI-SQUARE will be used and P less than 0.05 taken as significant. 
Exclusion criteria: people below the age of 18 years and above 65 years patients, who are not given consent.
Study Duration: 6 Months
Data Collection: The data was collected using a BDI –Beck Depression Inventory Scale (annexure 1) The HIV positive subjects were invited to participate in the interview and those who presented for treatment, People were invited to participate in the interview and after obtaining a written informed consent the subjects were recruited in the study. The study details were explained to them that this procedure would not affect the scheduled times of their consultation. The interviews were conducted in medical consultation rooms by the investigator. Each interview lasted an average of 1 hour.
Results: The result showed was that statistically significant (p=0.002) depression among urban area.69.5% were depressed among primary education, 59.4% were depressed among 8-12, 100% were depressed those who are education above 12 standard. There is no statistically significant in education and depression.
62% were depressed daily waged, 61.1% were depressed among salaried, 83.3% were depressed among business, 84.6% were depressed among unemployed
There is no statistically significant depression based on their education.
Unmarried 100% were depressed, 67.3% married were depressed, 100% depressed among divorced, 100%were depressed among spouse, 64.1% were depressed among widowed. There is no statistically significant between depression and marital status.

Abstract: Thematic teaching approach is a strategy which connects all subject areas using a common theme hence making learning integrated and meaningful. The purpose or this study was to investigate the effectiveness of thematic teaching approach on developing reading skills among preschoolers in Manga Sub-County, Nyamira County, Kenya. The target population for the study included 120 ECDE teachers and 800 preschoolers. The study used cluster and simple random sampling techniques in obtaining a sample size of 36 pre-unit teachers and 240 preschoolers. Data was collected by means of questionnaires and observation checklists. The findings indicated that thematic teaching approach was the common approach which was used to develop reading skill among pre-school children. The study also found that pre-schools in which their ECDE teachers always used thematic approach to develop reading skills performed relatively better than those where teachers rarely or never used the approach. However, reading skills still remained below average. Findings of this study could help Kenyan pre-school teachers to evaluate their instructional practices in the teaching of reading and also aid the Ministry of Education to carry out in-service training courses on appropriate methodology in developing reading skills in pre-school children.

Abstract: Procurement of vast amounts of goods and services by public secondary schools in Kenya is increasingly raising concern over the products’ impact on the environment. The schools control huge budgets approximated at Kenya shillings 120 billion annually. Thus their impact on the environment cannot be underrated. However, it remains a matter of serious concern that green public procurement has not been embraced by the public secondary schools. It is in this regard that it became imperative to undertake a research to investigate effects of knowledge of green procurement on implementation of green public procurement in public secondary schools in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was 1032 public secondary schools procurement personnel in various procurement committees. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample size of 278 respondents. A closed ended questionnaire was used for data collection. The study attained a response rate of 65%. Using the mean, the variables of interest, that is, knowledge of green procurement and implementation of green procurement was scored below average by the respondents. The study found a significant positive correlation between knowledge of green procurement and implementation of green public procurement (r = .723, p˂.05) at 95% confidence level. In conclusion, the study endorsed the validity of using knowledge of green procurement, as interventions in the implementation of green public procurement. Further study was recommended on the factors affecting implementation of green public procurement using more rigorous inferential statistics.

Abstract: Conflict remains common place in the modern world with little clear distinction between war and peace. Even localized conflicts may have implications for world peace, stability and trade. Therefore, many nations who are not directly engaged in conflict are involved in efforts to monitor, manage and resolve actual or potential conflicts. If conflict is protracted, it will affect and transform a society and, therefore, a return to the situation prior to the conflict may not be possible or desirable. In many instances, these conflicts start because of the old regimes and the ways of dealing with its citizens by not representing them and oppressing or forcing them to a minimal standard of living. Conflicts can be classified in different ways depending on the nature and root cause as seen in the sub sections bellow. This paper Assess the nature and influence of the conflict in Kibera and Mathare divisions during the 2007/8 Post Election Violence. Methodologically, the study utilized secondary sources with major emphasis on primary data collection.

Abstract: Studies in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya shows a worrying trend in children’s academic achievement at preschool level, therefore the current study established how academically and professionally preschool teachers are prepared to effectively implement ECDE curriculum. This study was guided by descriptive survey design and Fullan (1991) Curriculum Implementation Model. The population sample included 58 primary head teachers and 52 preschool teachers. The validity of the instruments was determined through the expert judgement by the university lecturer. Reliability was established by calculating internal consistency using cronbach’s alpha formula and reliability of 0.826 was reported. The questionnaires and interview schedule were administered to collect data, for a period of 3 months. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data from interviews was analyzed thematically. The study findings were; that most preschool teachers had the necessary academic qualification as a foundation for training in ECDE curriculum implementation. The study also found that there was low extent of professional training among preschool teachers in Kisii Central Sub-county. The Kenyan Ministry of Education should design policies and programs that encourage preschool teacher training and in-service training of the preschool teachers to enhance their service offering techniques for effective implementation of the ECDE curriculum.