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    Gamification on Social Media to Enhance Library Services in Kenyan Private Universities
    (Journal of Science & Technology, 2025-09) Naisula, Segel Winner; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Murugi, Edith
    This study examined the application of gamification strategies on social media as an innovative approach to enhance student interaction with library services at Strathmore and Riara Universities, Kenya. Guided by the Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes competence, relatedness, and autonomy as intrinsic motivators, the study explored how game elements such as contests, quizzes, and digital badges influence engagement. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 2,100 individuals (1,800 students and 300 librarians). Stratified random sampling yielded 300 students, while purposive sampling selected 36 librarians, resulting in a final response of 255 students (85%) and 20 librarians (55.6%). Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with reliability confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.7. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v26 (descriptive statistics), while qualitative insights were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that gamification significantly improved interaction with library services, with 50.6% of students reporting motivation from contests, 48.2% from digital badges, and 60% from quizzes. Despite these benefits, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate training, and access to gamification software constrained scalability. The study concludes that gamification offers a practical framework for bridging the student-library engagement gap in Kenyan private universities. It recommends investing in affordable gamification tools, training librarians in digital engagement strategies, and conducting regular audits of library social media initiatives. Adoption of such measures would enhance both the visibility and utilization of library services in resource-constrained academic environments.
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    Assessing Financial Investment and Maximization of Electronic Resources Usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University
    (EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers: Journal of Information and Technology, 2024-09) Kochumba, Teresia Atieno; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Nkoroi, Lilian
    Purpose: Academic libraries, such as those at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) and Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), have invested heavily in electronic resources to enhance academic performance and research output. These investments, funded by parent institutions, partners, and donors, are costly, prompting libraries to justify their spending and develop strategies for maximizing resource utilization. This study assessed financial investments and the maximization of electronic resource usage by analyzing budget allocations, user perceptions, utilization patterns, and benefits derived from these resources. Methodology: Guided by Edward Freeman’s 1984 Stakeholder Theory, the study employed a descriptive survey design with a target population of 23,039 and a sample size of 426, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty, and library staff. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, with pretesting conducted at the University of Nairobi’s Mombasa campus. Results: The findings revealed that TUM and KeMU collectively spent $124,320.12 on electronic resources, with 83.8% of library staff expressing satisfaction with the budget, while users reported low perceptions of budget allocations. However, 75.8% of users actively utilized these resources and reported substantial academic benefits. Conclusions: Financial investments significantly impact resource maximization, and involving users in the acquisition process could improve budget alignment with user needs. It recommended increased investment in electronic resources, staff training, user engagement in acquisition, and user involvement in resource reviews to enhance satisfaction and resource utilization. Further research is suggested to explore factors like user needs assessments, technological infrastructure, and information literacy programs to develop comprehensive strategies for optimizing electronic resource management in university libraries
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    Digital Resources Accessibility as A Strategy for Enhancing User Engagement in University Libraries in Meru County
    (EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers: Journal of Information and Technology, 2024-09) Mutuma, Martin Muthomi; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Nzioka, Catherine M.
    Purpose: The engagement of users in university libraries is defined by the interactions between students, faculty, and staff with library resources, services, and facilities. Digital resource accessibility serves as a critical strategy to enhance user engagement in university libraries by removing barriers to access and facilitating remote access. The study investigated the challenges and opportunities of enhancing user engagement in university libraries through digital resource accessibility, focusing on Meru County, Kenya. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital resource accessibility as a strategy to increase user engagement in Meru County's universities. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, targeting 13,000 undergraduate students, 665 postgraduate students, and 25 library staff from Meru University and Kenya Methodist University. A sample of 716 participants was selected using stratified and simple random sampling for students, and purposive sampling for library staff. Data was collected via questionnaires and interviews, with qualitative data analyzed thematically and quantitative data processed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics. Results: The findings revealed that while students generally engaged well with online databases and public access catalogues, they struggled with e-journals and institutional repositories due to usability challenges and the poor quality of digital resources. These issues hindered effective engagement, as the resources also often failed to meet academic needs. Conclusion: The study concludes that improving the quality and user-friendliness of digital platforms is critical for enhancing user engagement. It recommends that university libraries in Meru County collaborate with publishers to improve digital resource quality and provide students with targeted training to navigate digital platforms more effectively. This study contributes to the field by offering actionable insights into how universities can optimize digital resource accessibility to boost user engagement, thus providing a valuable framework for libraries in similar educational contexts.
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    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 Maku
    In 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.
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    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 Maku
    Cancer 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.
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    Tangibility of digital institutional repository service provision to postgraduate students at universities in Meru County, Kenya
    (KLISC Journal of Information Science and Knowledge Manageme, 2023) Tsenga, Sophia Mjeni; Gichohi, Paul Maku
    Institutional repository services in libraries essentially determine the quality of the scholarly output of postgraduate students. Subsequently, this demands a multi-skilled workforce, facilities, and ICT infrastructure. Tangibility in this context is demonstrated when the staff in charge are decent, premises are neat, resources are easily retrievable and ICT technologies are available. Demonstration of tangibility usually heightens user attractiveness to a place. It may also be reinforced by a user experiencing satisfaction through an easily navigable institutional repository, visually attractive arrangement of the contents, and easily downloadable research materials. Nevertheless, incidences of users getting disinterested and losing patience with institutional repositories have continued to be reported. This paper assesses the tangibility of repository service provision to postgraduate students at universities in Meru County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The SERVQUAL model was also adopted to underpin the research. The sample population consisted of 91 students and 10 library heads of sections. Post-graduate students filled out questionnaires while the library heads of sections participated in the interviews. Purposive sampling was used to get librarians and simple random sampling for students. The findings of the study indicated that the tangibility of institutional repositories at universities in Meru County was moderate. To improve it, the respondents recommended the provision of policies guiding the security of information, the repository section being operational during working hours, providing a functional website as well as shelving and classification of information materials be done regularly. There was a need to acquire modern reading tables, student computers, and provision of resources in full texts, and upgrade the earlier version of the repository management system with the current one. The paper recommends the heads of libraries liaise with university management to support and finance the acquisition of new and refurbish existing facilities, technologies, infrastructure, and additional resources. It is also recommended that the directorate of research to revise the postgraduate policy to include all postgraduate levels’ research in order to achieve inclusive service provision.
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    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 Maku
    Principals’ 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.
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    How Training in Scholarly Writing by University Libraries Supports Postgraduate Research at University of Embu and Kenya Methodist University in Kenya
    (International J ournal of Professional P ractice (IJPP), 2023-08) Mwangi, Maina Antony; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Nzioka, Catherine Mueni
    Academic dishonesty is a significant challenge facing postgraduate research in universities. While this challenge persists, students across the globe continue to enroll in postgraduate studies. Universities employ various measures to mitigate academic dishonesty, including using anti-plagiarism software, creating academic dishonesty awareness, and training students on scholarly writing. However, academic dishonesty continues to persist in postgraduate research, lowering research quality. The current study sought to investigate how training scholarly writing supports postgraduate research at the University of Embu (UoEM) and Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) in Kenya. The research used a survey research design. The target population was 1008 participants, consisting of postgraduate students, Directors of Postgraduate Studies, and librarians. Using Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) formula, the study used a sample size of 208 participants, including 195 postgraduate students, two directors of postgraduate studies, and 11 librarians. The research used stratified random sampling to establish the research sample and simple random sampling within each population stratum. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze research data. The study established that training in scholarly writing is an effective approach in mitigating academic dishonesty. The findings indicated that postgraduate research is vital in academics. Therefore, the use of scholarly writing training as a mitigation measure against academic dishonesty among postgraduate students is necessary. The training approaches used by many universities to introduce postgraduate students to scholarly writing concepts include practical training and orientation of new students. The research recommended inclusion of training in scholarly writing to the curriculum. Further, it recommended collaboration of all stakeholders to identify areas that need more emphasis and training, and to incorporate social media platforms and student university portals in the training.
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    The Role of Information Searching Proficiency in Shaping E-Resource Utilization among Graduate Students in Christian Universities: A Nairobi County Perspective
    (International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2023-09) Mwaki, Kinoti Dennis; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Gatimu, Winfred
    The global shift to virtual libraries and widespread e-learning in tertiary institutions has notably increased electronic resource adoption in university libraries and information centers. To optimize e-resources use, the proficiency to effectively search for information remains a crucial factor in facilitating the research, learning, and scholarly accomplishments of graduate students. However, empirical investigations indicate that e-resources continue to experience suboptimal utilization. This study examined how the proficiency to search for information impacted the utilization of e- resources by graduate students in Christian universities in Nairobi County. The descriptive survey research design was used. The target population comprised 843 graduate students and 8 librarians. A 20% sample was taken for graduate students, resulting in 168 graduate students being selected using a stratified and systematic technique. All librarians were purposively picked for this study. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis and thematic presentation. The quantitative data, which was presented using tables, was analyzed using measures such as mean, frequencies, standard deviation, percentages, linear regression, and Pearson correlation. The findings indicated that graduate students demonstrated a high level of familiarity with search databases. Additionally, they exhibited considerable expertise in formulating search strategies and proficiently applying various search techniques. Furthermore, the findings revealed a positive association between searching for information and the utilization of e-resources. The results of the regression analysis confirmed that the proficiency to search for information significantly predicts 81.9% of the variation in the utilization of e-resources. The study concluded that the proficiency to search for information significantly shapes e-resource utilization among graduate students in Christian Universities. The study recommends prioritizing information retrieval training, enhancing the acquisition of e- resources, involving librarians in pedagogy, incorporating and evaluating Information Literacy (IL) courses into the curriculum, and facilitating academic and professional development.
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    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, Mary
    The 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.