School of Education and Social Sciences
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Welcome to School of Education and Social Science collection.This collection contains Journal articles published by faculty affiliated to the school.
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Item How Individual Counselling Impacts the Psychological Well-Being of Cancer Patients receiving Care at Oncology Clinics in Meru County, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2024-09) Magambo, Margaret Ndiah; Wachira, Rebecca; Gichohi, Paul MakuIn spite of effort by the Ministry of Health to support cancer patients by allocating resources and employing qualified personnel, cancer patients still undergo immense physical, emotional, and psychological distress that impacts on their overall well-being. Consequently, their mental health continue to deteriorate, thereby complicating treatment, coping mechanisms, recovery, and healing. This study investigated how individual counselling impacts the psychological well-being of cancer patients at oncology clinics in Meru County, Kenya. The study was guided by person- centered theory. It utilized a convergent survey research design and adopted systematic random sampling and purposive sampling techniques to select participants from a target population of 2580 cancer patients, 2580 caregivers, and 53 clinicians. Out of these, the study sampled 335 cancer patients, 40 caregivers, and six clinicians. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The validity and reliability of research instruments were ascertained accordingly. Percentages, mean, and standard deviation were computed for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings of the study indicate that despite the critical role of individual counselling in lessening cancer stigma, improving decision- making, promoting problem-solving skills, enhancing comprehensive understanding, and fostering preparedness, the optimal impact of individual counselling was curtailed by inadequate infrastructure, weak personalization of psychosocial care and weak flexibility at oncology clinics in Meru County. The study concluded that individual counselling positively impacts the psychological well-being of cancer patients at oncology clinics in Meru County. The study recommends a more tailored and flexible approach to the practice of individual counselling of cancer patients. Further, clinicians and psychologists should customize psychosocial interventions for each cancer patient.Item Impact of Family Counselling on the Psychological Well-Being of Cancer Patients attending Oncology Clinics in Meru County(International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2024-09) Magambo, Margaret Ndiah; Wachira, Rebecca; Gichohi, Paul MakuCancer patients face significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that impact their overall health, indicating unmet need for psychosocial support. Lack of psychological support worsens the well-being of cancer parents, and complicates medical treatment and recovery. Many oncology clinics lack sufficient mechanisms for engaging family members in helping patients navigate psychosocial challenges. Unfortunately, this undermines efforts by the Ministry of Health, which allocates resources and deploys qualified personnel for cancer management. In seeking solutions to this situation, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of family counselling on the psychological well-being of cancer patients attending oncology clinics in Meru County, Kenya. The study was anchored on social cognitive theory and utilized a convergent survey research design. The target population comprised 2580 cancer patients, 2580 caregivers and 53 clinicians; out of which 335 cancer patients, 40 caregivers and six clinicians were sampled. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The study adopted systematic, random and purposive sampling techniques in selecting subjects. Data collection tools were questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Reliability and validity were established accordingly. Descriptive and inferential statistics analyses were applied to quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used on qualitative data. Findings indicated that family counselling significantly reduced stigma, increased cancer knowledge and understanding, and consequently improved the psychological well-being of patients. The study recommended integration of family counselling into oncology clinics owing to its value in addressing family dynamics, enhancing decision-making, harmony, emotional, social, nutritional, financial and spiritual wellbeing, and as well as other dimensions linked to cancer patient welfare. Clinicians, psychologists, and caregivers should prioritize a holistic approach in family counselling, encompassing comprehensive family involvement, continuous family members empowerment, coordinated decision-making, and family-tailored counselling sessions. Policies should prioritize adequate resources, cultural competence training, integrated family-centered services, and inter-professional collaborations to address challenges undermining cancer patients' psychological well-being.Item Influence of Principals’ Innovation on Financial Management in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023-07-23) Mungai, Sarah Njeri; Mwirichia, Severina; Gichohi, Paul MakuPrincipals’ receptivity to innovative ways of running the operations of their institutions should be based on methods that minimize costs, save time and allow excellence. However, there is inadequate financial resources that disallow adequate use of digital resources in secondary schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ receptivity to innovation on financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design, and targeted a population of 389 secondary schools. The study used simple random sampling method to get a sample of 117 secondary schools. It further used purposive sampling method to obtain 117 principals. The study used drop and pick method to administer questionnaires to the respondents. Piloting of research instruments was done in twelve secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test hypothesis. The results revealed that 80(92%) were in agreement on a mean of 4.93 that donors and sponsors were more convinced in investing their financial resources in the schools. However, 66(76%) were not in agreement on a mean of 2.82 that the school had made plans to ensure that all departments adopted various technological and social innovation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was r=0.286** at α < 0.000 and 99% significance level, hence as a positive influence; thereby rejected the null hypothesis. The study concluded that digitalization was only used by the management, while departments required to prepare departmental budgets manually. This slowed the process of decision making for the principals. The study recommended that the ministry of education considers increasing annual funding for secondary schools. Principals should also explain to the management boards the need to digitalize the whole school as opposed to a few departments.Item The Role of Laity in Fostering the Integration of Christian Faith into Daily Living: A Case of the Methodist Church in the Kaaga Synod(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023-09) Justus, Patrick Karani; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Kinoti, MaryThe Church is expected to infuse the world and provide moral compass to her followers.Laity is key in this infusion. However, there is a noticeable gap in laity as regards fostering the integration of faith in daily living. This paper aims to assess the role of laity in fostering integration of Christian faith into daily living within the Methodist Church in the Kaaga Synod.The purpose of the study is to suggest measures for addressing the disengagement of the laity’s lives from Christian teachings. The study proposes a constructivism paradigm, and adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 39,000 members of the 205 churchesin 27 circuits that make upKaaga synod.The sample size was 380 respondents consistingof 339 church members, 32 lay leaders (including men, women, youthand circuit stewards), 8superintendentministers/clergy, and 1 synod Bishop. Data was collectedusingopen-ended questionnairesfor church members, interviewsfor lay leaders, focus group discussionsfor superintendent ministers, and documentary analysis for synod reports and minutes.The quality of data was ensured by checking content, construct, criterion, bracketing, and testimonial validities.Ethical clearance was obtained from the Kenya Methodist University,ethics review committee.Data was analyzed thematically. The study found out laxity among church members to receive Christian teachings, and deficiency of personal responsibility in the practice of Christian teachingsas well as individualism that negatively affected implementation of laity programs. The study recommended laity to focus on their individual spiritual development and also engage in social activities that promote justice, peace, and a balance between their spiritual and social dimensions.Item Implementation of Church Programs in Fostering the Integration of Christian Faith into Daily Living at Methodist Church in the Kaaga Synod, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023-11) Justus, Patrick Karani; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Kinoti, MaryThe Church programs are meant to foster ethical and moral values in the society. However, there is a gap in implementation of church programs. This paper seeks to assess the implementation of church programs for fostering the integration of Christian faith into daily living within the Methodist Church in Kenya, Kaaga Synod. Men, women, and youth fellowships, missions' teams, prayer groups, leadership and mentorship programs, and the children programs lack consistent implementation. If this problem remains unaddressed, it could lead to moral decadence,and render the Church irrelevant in the contemporary society. This study used a descriptive research design, qualitative approach,and proposes a constructivism research philosophy. The researcher establishes their analysis on transformational leadership theory,and leader-member exchange theory. The target population consisted 39,000 church members in205 churches that make up the 27 circuits of Kaaga synod. The sample size was 380 respondents consisting of 339 church members, 32 lay leaders (including men, women, youth and circuit stewards), 8 superintendent ministers/clergy, and 1 synod Bishop. Data was collected using open-ended questionnaires for church members, interviews for lay leaders, focus group discussions for superintendent ministers, and documentary analysis for secondary data. The quality of data was ensured by checking content, construct, criterion, bracketing, and testimonial validities. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Kenya Methodist University,ethics committee and Nacosti. Data was analyzed thematically. Findings showed that Sunday school, youth and adult-member programs were present but lacked proper implementation and consistency necessary for fostering integration of Christian faith. This study recommended the Church leadership to support and oversee progressive implementation of church programs. It is also recommended that the Church leadership trains members on monitoring and evaluation of church structures. Adults were recommended to be role models to the young generation so as to enhance effective implementation of church programsItem Utilization of Listening Assistive Technologies and the Academic Performance in Primary Schools for Learners with Hearing Challenges in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2022-10) Murithi, Sabina; Mwirichia, Severina; Gichohi, Paul MakuThe government of Kenya has established measures such as training and employment of teachers to deliver quality education to learners with hearing challenges. However, the academic performance in primary schools for learners with hearing impairments has been poor. This study investigated the effect of utilizing assistive technologies on the academic performance in primary schools for learners with hearing challenges in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, Kenya. It specifically examined the effect of listening assistive technologies on academic performance. It was guided by the capability theory. The three hearing-impaired special schools in Meru and Tharaka Nithi County were the study's sample. There were 91 pupils, 13 teachers, and 9 technical support personnel. Three school principals and 2 County Educational Directors for Education were interviewed. The study design used was a cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires, an interview guide, a focused group discussion, and document analysis were utilized to collect data. Descriptive statistics and correlation were used to analyze the quantitative data, while the thematic technique was used on qualitative data. The findings were presented using tables, figures and identified themes. To address the validity and reliability of the research instruments, a pre-test was conducted. The study discovered a positive link between the use of listening assistive devices and academic achievement in primary schools for students with hearing impairments. It also noted a low usage of listening assistive technologies, which was ascribed to listening assistive device inadequacy, a lack of skills for utilizing them, poor equipment maintenance, and a lack of appropriate support from schools, government, family, and the community. The Ministry of Education should develop a strategy to acquire all the necessary listening assistive technology equipment for students with hearing impairments in all primary schools. Head teachers were advised to develop training strategies for complicated listening assistive devices to reduce the rate of breakages and breakdowns. The findings have implications on curriculum, hiring of teaching and non-teaching staff, funding, and teaching practices.Item How Utilization of Augmentative and Alternative Assistive Technologies affect the Academic Performance in Primary Schools for Learners with Hearing Challenges in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2022-10) Murithi, Sabina; Mwirichia, Severina; Gichohi, Paul MakuDespite the government of Kenya supporting the training and employment of teachers to deliver quality education to learners with hearing challenges, the academic performance in primary schools for learners with hearing impairments has been poor. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices on academic performance in primary schools for learners with hearing challenges in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, Kenya. The study was guided by the capability theory. The mixed-methods approach and descriptive research design were adopted. The target population was the three primary schools for learners with hearing impairments in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties. It interviewed head teachers and County Educational Directors of Education and issued questionnaires to learners. Staff participated in a focused group discussion. The learners, teaching and non-teaching staff, were selected using simple random sampling technique, while the three head teachers and the two County Educational Directors of Education were selected purposively. Descriptive statistics and correlation were used in the quantitative data analysis, while thematic technique was used on qualitative data. Analysis of data was done by computing inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS. Dismal academic performance was reported in the three primary schools. The study noted inadequate and poorly maintained augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices, inadequate learners’ skills, weak guidelines for using the devices and insufficient support from the government. The utilization of augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices was low. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should purchase all the required augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices, allocate adequate funds for their maintenance and establish a policy that fosters the utilization of augmentative and alternative assistive technology devices in the school. The findings suggest changes in the curriculum, qualification of staff, funding, and teaching pedagogies.Item Neo - Pentecostal Churches Advocacy and Alleviation of Domestic Water Scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Religious Studies, 2021-09) Atheru, Kiambi James Thambura; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Ngige, Father JohnMost neo-Pentecostal churches contravene Luke 4:16-19, Psalms 41 and Exodus 18: 21 by failing to advocate for peoples’ water rights. This stance has of late interested many scholars to do studies on churches and advocacy for water rights. In line with this, this study analyzed such advocacy by neo - Pentecostal churches in alleviating domestic water scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya. The objectives were to: investigate how neo- Pentecostal churches advocated for water rights on their own, assess how Neo-Pentecostal churches partnered with other water advocacy groups, and, investigate how neo-Pentecostal churches supported politicians for the alleviation of this menace. Theological reflection theory, interpretivist philosophy, qualitative approach and phenomenological design guided this study. The sample entailed 22 pastors taken through census, and 59 out of 594 members belonging to these pastors’ 22 churches, taken through 10% in the 10-30 % formula. This was followed by cluster and simple random samplings. Tools used on them were interview schedule for the 22 pastors, documentary analysis for their churches, and focus group discussions for the 59 members held in 4 groups of 12 members each and 1 group of 11 members. Data collected was purely qualitative and was analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated that these churches did not engage in advocacy for water rights. But, they agreed that they supported ‘good’ political leaders to win elections so as to help in alleviating domestic water scarcity. The study recommended that training actors should organize premises to train neo–Pentecostal Churches on advocacy for water rights. This would orient the latter to social gospel and thus push for advocacy for water rights and the best practices in electing political leaders to alleviate water scarcity in the constituency.Item Assessment of School-Based Clinic as a Health Service Provision Model in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Education, 2021-09) Muguna, Mbaabu Silas; Kibaara, Tarsila; Gichohi, Paul MakuThe Government of Kenya has made an effort in facilitating access to healthcare by students through the development of a standard manual on safety and health in schools and introducing a unique NHIF program for students in public secondary schools. However, the same has been marred by the lack of sustainable mechanisms, systems and structures. This state of affairs attests to the absence of a profound model for addressing the healthcare needs of students in public secondary schools in Kenya. This study assessed the school-based clinic as a health service provision model in public secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The specific objective was to examine the efficacy of school-based health clinics in addressing students' healthcare needs in public secondary schools in Meru County. Andersen's model of health service utilization was significant in guiding this study. The study utilized a descriptive survey design. Schools were stratified according to categories, and then, a proportionate systematic sampling technique was used to sample 191 principals and 195 Chairpersons of the Students' Council. At the same time, the County Director of Education was purposively selected. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, where factor analysis, means and standard deviations were computed. Linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic technique. The majority of public secondary schools did not have a school-based health clinic. Where available, they were underutilized, poorly equipped, lacked trained health professionals, had poor infrastructures and were derailed by the lack of funding. Despite these challenges, SBHCs were statistically significant in addressing students' healthcare in public secondary schools. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education develop mechanisms and policy frameworks for establishing school-based health clinics in public secondary schools. It should also carry out capacity building programs for principals to equip them with skills for managing the SBHC facility and writing grants proposals. In addition, principals should exercise prudent management practices, ensure quality assurance of SBHCs, and pursue a concerted effort, collaborations, and partnerships of stakeholders in establishing and running school-based health clinics in public secondary schools.Item Critical Analysis of Personal Medical Health Insurance as an Approach to Managing Student Healthcare in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2021-09) Muguna, Mbaabu Silas; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Kibaara, TarsillaProvision of healthcare to secondary school students is paramount. However, in Kenya, this undertaking is often curtailed by inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, food insecurity, high poverty levels, and unemployment challenges. These challenges complicate the choice of a service model for managing healthcare of students in public secondary schools in Meru County -Kenya. The purpose of this study was to analyze personal medical insurance as an approach for managing students' healthcare in public secondary schools in Meru County. This study is systematic review paper where secondary sources of information were analyzed and synthesized as guided by the main theme. Documentary analysis coupled with systematic review of existing literature from reports, past studies and conference proceedings were central in forming the theoretical foundation and systematic argument developed in this paper. The study established that the adoption of personal medical insurance in secondary schools does not only affect the education outcomes, but it also enhances equity of secondary school education and leads to improved retention and completion rates of students in schools. However, its adoption in public secondary school is not widespread in Meru County, Kenya. This is attributed to shortages of infrastructures, resources, weak structures and mechanisms on health provision, and absence of policy on personal medical health insurance for students in public secondary school in Kenya. These findings raise questions on policies by Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health on provision of healthcare to students in secondary schools. Medical health insurance companies are called upon to remodel and customize their personal health insurance products to fit students in public secondary schools.