Journal Articles

Factors Influencing the Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescent Girls in Humanitarian Crises: A Case Study of Bor County, South Sudan

2026-05-29T15:43:37Z

Factors Influencing the Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescent Girls in Humanitarian Crises: A Case Study of Bor County, South Sudan Areet, A. A. Khang; Masinde, Lily J. A.; Kyulu, Teresia M. Humanitarian crises in South Sudan, characterized by conflict, displacement, and disrupted health systems, severely limit adolescent girls' access to SRH services. The study employed a mixed-methods design. This study aimed to examine factors influencing the uptake of SRH services among adolescent girls aged 15-19 in Bor County, South Sudan. The target population included adolescent girls aged 15-19, with a sample size of 225 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected via semi-structured questionnaires for quantitative insights and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) for qualitative perspectives. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and regression analysis) with SPSS Version 25.0, and results were presented in tables, pie charts, and graphs. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software to identify key patterns and themes. The study found that accessibility was the most significant barrier (Beta = 0.311, p = 0.021), with long distances to clinics, poor transportation, and lack of youth-friendly services limiting uptake. Awareness and knowledge (Beta = 0.219, p = 0.032) were constrained by inadequate school-based SRH education. Psychosocial factors (Beta = 0.201, p = 0.001), including stigma and trauma, significantly deterred service utilization. Socio-cultural and economic factors (Beta = 0.156, p = 0.002), such as cultural taboos and poverty, had a notable but lesser impact. This study enriches the literature by providing context-specific insights into SRH service uptake in humanitarian settings, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in Bor County. It recommends youth-friendly mobile clinics, comprehensive sexuality education, and community-based stigma reduction programs to align with South Sudan’s adolescent health policies and global humanitarian SRH standards

Health System Factors that Influence Hpv Vaccine Uptake in Kiambu County

2026-05-29T15:15:40Z

Health System Factors that Influence Hpv Vaccine Uptake in Kiambu County Mwangi, Solomon Maina; M’mayi, Consolata; .Masinde, Lily J.A. Human papillomavirus HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer infection, however, HPV vaccine uptake among the targeted groups (ages 9-14) remains suboptimal in many regions, including Kiambu County, Kenya. Across sectional design sought to assess the relationships between health system factors and vaccine uptake. The study targeted parents with daughters aged 9–14 years. A sample of 400 respondents was included to provide a robust representation of the target population, ensuring comprehensive and reliable insights. Key findings indicate that health system factors such as absence of health provider’s, access to vaccination services and communication by healthcare providers to parents emerged as critical determinants of vaccine uptake. From the findings the study concluded that there is a significant impact of health system factors on vaccination decisions. Based on the findings the study recommended that the County Government of Kiambu through the department of Health should improve Communication among Health Care Providers and when training healthcare providers they should use recommended communication strategies to engage parents in discussing HPV vaccination.

Effect of Employees’ Training Content Relevance on Service Quality in Public Catering Institutions in Nairobi County

2026-05-29T13:03:38Z

Effect of Employees’ Training Content Relevance on Service Quality in Public Catering Institutions in Nairobi County Yegon, Erustus Kibet; Muchai, Peter; Cherono, Vivian This study sought to assess the effect of employees’ training content relevance on service quality in Public Catering Institutions in Nairobi County. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, the study employed a descriptive research design. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 327 respondents from a target population of 2,211 staff members, including Heads of Catering Units, catering managers, and operational staff. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods such as correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data were evaluated thematically. The findings revealed that training content relevance had a statistically significant positive impact on service quality. The study concluded that effective and strategically designed employee training is a key lever for improving service quality in public catering institutions. Merely conducting training is not sufficient; the training must be responsive to job realities, tailored to institutional goals, and structured to ensure practical application and skill adaptability. These insights affirm that service excellence in the public sector depends not just on resource allocation, but on the relevance and execution of employee development initiatives. Going forward, institutions must integrate modern training techniques such as blended and experiential learning, and foster a culture of ongoing skills enhancement. These measures will not only elevate service standards but also strengthen public confidence in government-run food service programs.

Influence of Strategy Implementation on Performance of Water Service Providers in the Lower-Eastern Counties of Kenya

2026-05-28T13:47:38Z

Influence of Strategy Implementation on Performance of Water Service Providers in the Lower-Eastern Counties of Kenya Miriti, Erastus Mwongera; Kihara, Peter; Miluwi, Joshua Water scarcity continues to constrain socioeconomic development in Lower-Eastern Kenya, with water service providers struggling to address high Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels, weak coverage expansion, and financial sustainability concerns. This study examined the influence of strategy implementation on the performance of licensed water service providers in the region. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), which emphasizes effective deployment of valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable resources for competitive advantage, the study assessed how strategic processes translate into organizational outcomes. A positivist philosophy and descriptive survey design guided the research. A stratified purposive sample of 183 respondents was drawn from a population of 758 staff across ten providers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, pre-tested for reliability, and analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Descriptive statistics established existing practices, while regression analysis tested the hypothesized relationship. Findings revealed strong leadership engagement and organizational capacity but highlighted gaps in employee support, particularly inadequate training, motivation, and resource provision. Inferential results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between strategy implementation and performance (R = 0.526, R2 = 0.277, β = 0.491, p < 0.001). This indicates that strategy implementation explains 27.7% of performance variation, confirming that providers with robust implementation processes achieve superior efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial outcomes. The study concludes that strategy implementation is a critical driver of performance but must be complemented by broader reforms and capacity-building initiatives. It recommends strengthening employee support systems, enhancing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, building implementation capabilities across organizational levels, prioritizing financial sustainability, and investing in research and innovation to foster adaptive strategies for long-term water service improvement.

Influence Of Strategy Formulation On Performance Of Water Service Providers In The Lower-Eastern Counties Of Kenya.

2026-04-16T14:38:35Z

Influence Of Strategy Formulation On Performance Of Water Service Providers In The Lower-Eastern Counties Of Kenya. Miriti, Erastus Mwongera; Kihara, Peter; Miluwi, Joshua Kenya's water service providers face significant performance challenges, with Non-Revenue Water exceeding 45% and water coverage at only 60%. These inefficiencies result in annual revenue losses of approximately Kshs 15.8 billion, significantly constraining agricultural productivity in an agriculture-dependent economy. This study examined the influence of strategy formulation on performance of water service providers in the Lower- Eastern counties of Kenya. The study aimed to determine the influence of strategy formulation on performance of water service providers in the Lower-Eastern counties of Kenya. The research was anchored on four complementary theories: Resource Based View theory, which emphasizes strategic application of distinctive organizational resources; Dynamic Capabilities Theory, focusing on adaptive capacity development; Agency Theory, addressing principal-agent relationships in state-owned water resources; and Stakeholder Theory, recognizing diverse interests in water resource management. The study adopted a positivist philosophy using descriptive survey design with mixed-methods approach. The target population comprised 758 staff across ten licensed water service providers. Stratified purposive sampling yielded 183 respondents determined by Yamane's formula. Data collection utilized self-administered questionnaires with pre-testing confirming reliability (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.73-0.86). Analysis employed SPSS Version 21 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Bivariate regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between strategy formulation and performance (r = 0.426, p < 0.001). Strategy formulation explained 18.2% of performance variation (R2 = 0.182). The regression equation Y = 2.077 + 0.365X1 + ε demonstrated that each unit increase in strategy formulation resulted in 0.365 unit improvement in performance (β = 0.365, t = 5.771, p < 0.001). The F-statistic (33.302) confirmed model significance. Strategy formulation significantly influences water service provider performance.. Water service providers should establish comprehensive stakeholder engagement frameworks, invest in strategic planning capabilities, implement balanced performance measurement systems, and prioritize research and development investments for sustainable competitive advantage.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Diplomacy and its Impact on National Security, A Case Study on Banditry Attacks in Kenya

2026-04-16T13:56:31Z

Alternative Dispute Resolution Diplomacy and its Impact on National Security, A Case Study on Banditry Attacks in Kenya Mutuma, Lillian Kagwiria; Riungu, Festus; Miluwi, Joshua Communal conflict has been a global challenge that has hampered state of national security in many countries across the globe and SubSaharan has been mostly affected. In Kenya, communal conflicts has been a great threat to peace and stability, the Kenyan government has therefore invested a lot of resources to mitigate the problem. The wave of banditry attacks have spread recently to other neighbouring counties, Meru County and in particular the Igembe region being the most recent county to suffer from this wave. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of alternative dispute resolution, as a diplomatic avenue of enhancing national security. The study specifically investigate the influence of mediation, negotiation, conciliation and traditional dispute resolution mechanism in resolving banditry in the Igembe north subcounty of Meru County. The study was underpinned by theory of conflict, process of pluralism theory and the general theory on conflict and dispute. The study adopted mixed research methods where qualitative and quantitative results were triangulated. The study engaged national administration officers, religious leaders and village elders at the location level in the subcounty, thus census was appropriate as members from each location was represented by selected leaders. The study collected primary data using open ended questionnaire. The study undertook pilot from a selected location in the subcounty to test reliability and validity of research instuments. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and generated in form of descriptive and inferential statistics. Negotiations findings significantly affected national security enhancement. Conciliatory mechanisms has positive and significant effect on enhancing national security, focus on banditry attacks in Igembe North subcounty. Traditional dispute resolution has a positive and significant effect on enhancing national security, focus on banditry attacks in Igembe North Subcounty. The study concluded that mediation process and principles are fundamental in realizing cohesive society. The traditional dispute resolution provide homegrown solutions that is paramount in resolving conflict attributed to banditry attacks. The study recommended strengthening policy and legislation framework to harmonize the existing formal regulation to collaborate with this mechanism.

Effect of liquidity risk on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya.

2026-05-20T08:39:45Z

Effect of liquidity risk on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Nyagah, Derebia; Kithinji, Moses; Mutegi, Doreen The objective of the study was to assess the effect of liquidity risk on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The theory reviewed was the pecking order theory. The study adopted descriptive research. The target population was 47 senior management, 128 middle management and 303 lower management employees working in the Commercial Banks’ headquarters in Nairobi. The study used stratified sampling technique. To learn more about the interest rate drivers and financial performance of commercial banks, the study used primary data. The reliability and validity of the study tools were examined using a pilot group of 22 participants. With the use of descriptive statistics like means, medians, standard deviations, and proportions, as well as the response rate, quantitative, data was evaluated using SPSS version 28, the statistical tool for the social sciences. To find out what mathematical model revealed the association between variables, multiple linear regression analysis was performed. It is common practice to conduct parametric tests that make assumptions about the data. The study showed that the independent objective namely liquidity risk, positively influenced financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The following recommendations were made; enhance liquidity management and strengthen regulatory frameworks for liquidity.

Asset liability management and financial performance of microfinance banks in Nairobi County.

2026-04-16T13:36:08Z

Asset liability management and financial performance of microfinance banks in Nairobi County. Otieno, Beryl Akoth; Kithinji, Moses; Miluwi, Joshua This study investigated the effect of asset liability management on the financial performance of Microfinance Banks in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was guided by Liquidity Preference Theory. Adopting a descriptive correlational research design, the study targeted senior managers, financial analysts, credit officers, and internal audit personnel from large, medium, and small MFBs in Nairobi County. Stratified random sampling ensured representativeness across these categories, while data collection combined structured questionnaires and secondary data sheets. Analytical methods included both descriptive and inferential statistical tools, with SPSS version 29 utilized for robust data processing and hypothesis testing. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between asset-liability management and financial performance, demonstrating the criticality of aligning assets with liabilities to mitigate risks. The study underscores the importance of tailored asset liability management for enhancing financial sustainability in the microfinance sector. The study recommended that microfinance banks strengthen asset liability using advanced tools and dynamic forecasting. Future research could investigate how incorporating machine learning and blockchain into asset management affects financial performance. Additionally, research could examine the long-term impact of macroeconomic factors (inflation, interest rates) on asset management strategies and the influence of ESG factors on these practices, considering the growing importance of sustainable finance.

Effect of online billing process on revenue collection performance of county government of Kajiado.

2026-04-16T13:28:15Z

Effect of online billing process on revenue collection performance of county government of Kajiado. Saigilu, Jonathan Rayiani; Kithinji, Moses Muriuki; Mutegi, Doreen This study examined the effect of online billing process on revenue collection performance in the County Government of Kajiado. Guided by the Optimal Tax Theory, the study employed a descriptive research design to investigate the relationship between the independent variable and revenue collection performance. The study targeted 195 respondents, including Executive Committee Members, Finance Personnel, and Revenue Officers, using stratified sampling to ensure representation. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, validated through pilot testing, and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings revealed that online billing had substantial influence on revenue collection performance in the County Government of Kajiado, demonstrating its importance in ensuring accurate billing and effective taxpayer engagement. Correlation analysis further supported these findings, with strong positive relationships between online billing system and revenue collection performance. The results indicated that improving online billing systems can significantly enhance revenue collection by reducing inefficiencies, increasing transparency, and fostering taxpayer compliance. The study concluded that adopting and optimizing online billing systems is critical for achieving better revenue collection performance in county governments. The study recommended strengthening the online billing through continuous technological upgrades and robust taxpayer engagement mechanisms. Future research could explore the long-term impacts of electronic payment systems, their scalability, and inter-county comparisons to identify best practices. This study provided actionable insights for county governments aiming to improve revenue collection efficiency through digital transformation.

Influence of educational attainment on women's participation in politics in Baidoa, Somalia.

2026-04-16T13:14:48Z

Influence of educational attainment on women's participation in politics in Baidoa, Somalia. Mohamed, Abdimajid Ali; Riungu, Festus Kinyua,; Ochieng, Fredrick This study examined the influence of educational attainment on women's political participation in Baidoa, Somalia, where women face significant barriers to political engagement despite national and international calls for greater inclusion. In Somalia's patriarchal society, with its complex clan-based politics, women's representation in governance remains below 25%, with even lower rates in rural and conflict-affected regions like Baidoa. Educational disparities compound these challenges, with women disproportionately underrepresented in both primary and secondary education. Using a descriptive research design that integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study collected data from 86 respondents including voters, political leaders, community leaders, and local authority representatives. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with regression analysis revealing a strong positive relationship between educational attainment and women's political participation (β = 0.421, p = 0.000). The findings indicated that education serves as a catalyst for breaking down barriers to women's political participation (mean = 4.2674) and empowers women to engage confidently in political activities (mean = 4.419). Educational attainment explains approximately 69.5% of variation in women's political participation (R² = 0.695), suggesting its critical role in equipping women with the necessary skills, confidence, and awareness to effectively engage in politics. The study recommended increasing women's access to quality education in Baidoa, particularly in rural areas, implementing policies to remove barriers to education for women, and conducting community awareness campaigns to challenge socio-cultural norms that hinder women's political participation.