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Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Women’s Identity in Post-Colonial Kenya: An Interrogation of Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye's Coming to Birth and the Present Moment
(2024-07-20) Firdous Nwanyidinma Ongere1* & Prof. Albert Mugambi Rutere, PhD1
Published two decades after Kenya's independence, Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye's Coming to Birth and The Present Moment are post-colonial writings that explore the struggle for both national and personal identity. Through the eyes of Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye, the mentioned texts explore the construction of women's identity through social and cultural dynamics. Leaning on the Feminist Theory that seeks to provide an understanding of the women's and girls' situations, roles and responsibilities in the societies they live in, within the cultural and societal dynamics and expectations, this paper seeks to analyze the social and cultural dynamics in the post-colonial societies the two texts are set in, in relation to the individual identity of the female characters. The paper has the objective of interrogating how the social and cultural dynamics work to shape the identity of female characters. Consequently, this paper concludes that the identity of the female characters in Coming to Birth and The Present Moment is shaped by societal social and cultural dynamics and norms. The female characters, through self-autonomy and active participation in societal aspects, reassert themselves in a bid to reconstruct and accord themselves a new image, different from that which had been shaped and distorted, given the patriarchal socio-cultural dynamics. The paper concludes that the female characters in Coming to Birth and The Present Moment remain resolute to eventually egress from the subjective societal demands and dictates to attain cultural and social independence.
The Educational Needs of Displaced High School Students: The Case of Olposimoru Forest Evictees in Narok County, Kenya
(Journal of Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, 2024-07-21) Gilberd Langat
Climate change is a worldwide debate affecting humanity. The Kenyan government is evicting people who have encroached on forests, thereby leading to internal displacement. The condition of displacement affects governments’ ability and willingness to provide basic protection and services such as education. The study sought to investigate the schooling experiences of displaced high school students, with a case of the Olposimoru forest evictees. Based on a current study carried out, this paper discusses the findings on the educational needs of displaced high school students. The target group for this study was displaced high school day-scholar students. Hermeneutics phenomenology theory guided this research. The research was carried out in Olposimoru District of Narok County. Displaced students were the key participants in this research, while class teachers and head teachers were the key informants. The snowballing technique was used to select the students for study, while class teachers were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. The study was conducted using a descriptive case of Olposimoru forest evictees. Five schools were selected through purposive sampling. The researcher used questionnaires and oral interviews to collect data. The raw data from the students’ responses was organized, coded, and keyed on the SPSS program. The study found that displaced students have varied educational needs in addition to their normal adolescent growth and development challenges. They mostly need psychological motivation and support. They also need money to pay school fees. Students also have other material and sociological needs, such as teaching and learning materials, housing, and a sense of family.
Compositional Elements of Photographic Coverage of the Westgate Mall Terrorist Attack
(Lu, 2024-07-27) Benjamin Mbatia Kinyanjui, Dr. Pauline Nasesia Ndoro and Prof. Wendo Nabea
Purpose: Terrorism is a global threat that has prompted extensive research, with mass media playing a crucial role in reporting such events. This study investigated the compositional elements of photographic coverage of the Westgate Mall terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 21, 2013. Methodology: Photographs from the Daily Nation, Standard, and New York Times were analysed. Using qualitative descriptive research and content analysis through MaxQDA software, the study identified patterns and themes in the images, focusing on denotative, stylistic-semiotic, connotative, and ideological representations. Findings: It was found that camera angles, shot proximity, and image sizes were strategically used by photojournalists to convey messages and emotions. Large images on front pages provided visual appeal, while medium and small images added content and facilitated sensationalized storytelling. Shot proximity varied to deliver specific messages, with few close-ups used to avoid evoking sombre emotions or aiding terrorist propaganda. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study contributes to the existing mass media research by highlighting the importance of thoughtful image selection and composition in responsible photojournalism to balance accurate reporting with mitigating potential harm.
Evaluation of the determinants of uptake of oral rehydration salts with zinc in the management of childhood diarrhea in Kakamega County
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-15) Irene K. Muhande, Job Mapesa, Benard Ouna
Background: Diarrhea remains a significant public health concern, contributing to high child mortality, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Approximately 1.5 million cases of childhood diarrhea are reported annually in Kenya, with a prevalence of 16%. Despite the availability of affordable interventions like oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc supplementation, their utilization remains suboptimal in Kakamega County, where child mortality is 45 per 1,000. The combined impact of ORS and zinc in reducing childhood diarrhea and its consequences has not been adequately studied in Kakamega County. This study aims to assess the utilization of ORS and zinc in diarrhea management in Kakamega County. Methods: We utilized a cross-sectional design to evaluate current practices and outcomes in managing diarrhea among children under five years old. A random sampling approach was applied to ensure a representative sample. Key variables assessed included the frequency of diarrhea episodes, the use of ORS and zinc, and nutritional status. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and descriptive methods, were used to examine the relationships between the variables in SPSS version 26. Results: Of the 246 children surveyed, 47.4% were under 10 months old. The study found that 26.8% of children had not received rotavirus vaccinations, and diarrhea was significantly (p<0.05) associated with poor nutritional outcomes. ORS had strong support (69.4%), but zinc supplementation showed moderate support (54.3%). Conclusions: The study highlights the need for increased uptake of ORS and zinc supplementation, as well as enhanced vaccination coverage to prevent diarrhea-related deaths and malnutrition in Kakamega County.
The role of joining words and hashtags techniques in advancing ideological constructs and identity formation in women's magazines: A critical analysis
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-16) Maoncha Job Nyamamba (1) ; Evelyn Mahero (2) ; Florence Mwithi
This journal article explores hashtags and joining words as linguistic tools in women's magazines to advance ideologies and identities. Drawing upon findings from the study on the discourse of ideology and identity among women, the study identifies a gap in the analysis of linguistic strategies in women's magazines and addresses this gap using data from The Parents Magazine in Kenya. This magazine focuses on issues of Kenyan women's lives, and its content includes stories on relationships, inspiration, family, health education, real-life experiences, spiritual guidance, social heroes and models, and financial management. Data from the study revealed that this magazine employed various linguistic strategies in their textual content. Therefore, this paper explored hashtags and joining words and their impact. Through a qualitative research design and utilising Critical Discourse Analysis and Multi-modal Discourse Analysis theories, the research focused on articles highlighting movements addressing femicide in Kenya and environmental activism. It analysed the use of movement names, hashtags, and joining words. Findings highlight the strategic use of joining words and hashtags in constructing ideologies within the context of activism, environmentalism, and mental health, making complex narratives accessible, engaging to broader audiences, forming collective identities, and framing issues. The research underscores the transformative potential of joining words and hashtags in advancing ideological agendas and fostering collective action. It recommends further interdisciplinary exploration of linguistic features in media, emphasising their sociocultural implications and potential for driving social change.
Impacts of Landslides on Residents Living in The Disaster-Prone Areas of Murang’a County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) John M. Njiraini
Landslides are projected to increase in the future due to population pressure and associated land use changes exacerbated by climate change in the tropics. Studies about the impacts of landslides pay much attention to the negative effects at the expense of any positivity. This qualitative study seeks to fill the gap by focusing on both the positive and negative impacts of landslides in Murang’a County through descriptive statistics and narrative analysis. Primary data was collected through Household (HH) questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and Interview schedules. The sample size is 393 proportionate HHs in the study area, with a total population of 85,895 people distributed over 26,201 HHs. A total of 8 key informant interviews were conducted alongside 6 FGD. An overwhelming count of 97 percent of local people considered landslides as disasters, and 88.7 percent said that there has been an increase in cases over time. Importantly, 80.8 percent of those who testified to have experienced a landslide (94.3%) reported a landslide at close proximity of less than 1 kilometre from their homes. A significant 92.3 percent of the landslide cases were reported to have caused damages ranging from destruction of properties, displacements, loss of human life and animals, and psychological stress, among others. Prominent negative impacts of landslides are psychological effects reported by 63.4 percent of the affected respondents. Other adverse effects included loss of properties, displacements, deaths, and loss of animals and crops. The positive impacts include monetary gains for the affected residents, income for absentee house owners, and rebuilding resilient infrastructures. The study concludes that landslide disasters in the prone areas of Murang’a County result in both negative and positive impacts. The impacts of landslides on residents living in prone areas indicated more pronounced negative effects compared to the positive ones. Therefore, the study concludes that efforts by different stakeholders should be put in place to minimize the adverse effects of landslides. Both county and national governments should have an all-inclusive disaster management programme involving the residents who are directly impacted.
A study on the effectiveness of (+)-usnic acid as oral toxic sugar bait against adult male and female Anopheles gambiae
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Arthur Macharia Muhoro1,2*, Eric Odhiambo Ochomo2, Isaac Njangiru Kinyua3, Jackline Jeruto Kosgei2, Laide Abbas Rasaki4 and Edit Farkas5
Background Despite the application of various tools for the control of vectors of Plasmodium falciparum, malaria remains the major killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa accounting for up to 90% of deaths due to the disease. Due to limitations of the useage of chemical insecticides such as resistance, negative impact on the environment and to nontarget organisms, the World Health Organization (WHO) requires that affected countries find alternative vector control tools. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ( +)-usnic acid (UA) as an insecticide through oral admin istration to male and female Anopheles gambiae as an alternative or additional active ingredient to be used in toxic sugar bait. Methods ( +)-usnic acid was diluted using acetone at 5, 10, and 15 mg/ml concentrations in three replicates. A 5 ml mixture of 2% food dye and 10% sugar using chlorine-free water mixed with the dilutions of the ( +)-usnic acid and negative control was made containing 2% food dye and 10% sugar solution. The preparations were soaked on a ball of cotton wool and placed over the net of a cup. 5 male and 5 non-blood-fed female newly hatched starved An. gambiae Kisumu strain were introduced together into a cup and monitored for knockdown and mortalities after 4, 24 48, and 72 h. The data were analysed using a multiple linear regression model using the lm function, a base R func tion and a posthoc test were conducted on the significant main effects and interaction terms using the emmeans function from the emmeans R package. All analyses were performed in RStudio using base R (version 4.3.3). Results There was high mortality of both male and female An. gambiae after ingestion of the toxic sugar bait. 15 mg/ ml usnic acid caused the highest mortality (50%) within the first 4 h compared to 5 and 10 mg/ml ( +)-UA. There was a decline in the mortality rate with increased exposure time from 24 to 72 h, however, there was a significant difference in mortality at 5, 10 and 15 mg/ml. Acute toxicity was associated with ingestion of 15 mg/ml after 24 h. 72 h post-mortality was lower in all concentrations than in the control. High mortality was observed among females over the first 4 h (60%) compared to males (40%) due to higher feeding rate of the toxic agent. The proportion of dead males and females was equal after 24 h while after 48 h, the proportion of dead males was high.There was a signifi cantly lower mortality rate after 72 h for both males and females (0 to 13.3%). Compared to all the treatments, high mortality of males was observed. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that ( +)-UA when administered as oral sugar bait to An. gambiae has insecticidal properties and is a suitable ingredient to be used as a toxic agent in the novel attractive toxic sugar bait for the control of malaria vectors. ( +)-UA may be an alternative active ingredient as toxic bait in the effort to reduce and eliminate the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum in Africa.
Women and Patriarchy in Post-colonial Kenya: A Critical Interrogation of Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye's Coming to Birth and The Present Moment
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Firdous Nwanyidinma Ongere1* & Nicholas Kamau- Goro1
Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye's Coming to Birth and The Present Moment, published just over two decades after Kenya's independence, explore the country's post-colonial inclination towards patriarchy. This paper is hinged on the premise that the post-colonial Kenya is replete with patriarchal tendencies, these tendencies permeate all spheres of its political and economic structures, thus leading to gender inequality. Contextualizing patriarchy within the socio-economic and political structure of the post-colonial Kenya, this paper seeks to highlight the challenges to women’s women's participation in Kenya's public sphere as depicted in Macgoye's novels. Informed by feminist theory, the paper seeks to demonstrate the various ways women seek to claim their agency as active participants in the society despite the challenges. The paper concludes that female characters in Coming to Birth and The Present Moment rise above the limitations brought about by the post-colonial patriarchal constructs.
Hybrid Crank-Nicolson-Du Fort and Frankel (CN-DF) Scheme for the Numerical Solution of the 2-D Coupled Burgers’ System
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Kweyu Cleophas1, Nyamai Benjamin2 and Wahome John3
The two dimensional coupled Burgers’ equations constitute an appropriate model for developing computational algorithms, for solving the incompress ible Navier-Stokes equations. Moreover, they are generally used as transport equations because they model a number of fluid flow phenomena, for example, turbulent flow, shock wave formation and boundary layer formation. In this paper, we develop a hybrid Crank-Nicolson and Du Fort and Frankel (CN DF) scheme. The hybrid CN-DF is developed by introducing the Du Fort and Frankel (DF) properties into the Crank-Nicolson scheme (CN). This is a three level scheme and is also unconditionally stable. Numerical solutions from the hybrid scheme are obtained by the use of MATLAB software. By use of L1 error, it is determined that the hybrid scheme is fifth order accurate in space and produces better results in comparison to the pure Crank-Nicolson and the pure Du Fort and Frankel schemes.
An Account of Growth, Development, Impact, and Decline of Pan Paper Mills, 2000-2009
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Ruth N. Tenge*, Peter Waweru, Babere Kerata Chacha
Over the last two decades, Webuye Pan Paper Mill, the nation’s leading paper producer, came to an unholy ending. While its decline and its economic and labour history are largely unknown outside of Kenya, this event shook many observers and the locals who depended on it for livelihood and survival. The company faced ongoing issues, possibly related to financial instability (worsening liquidity position), management, operational challenges, and post governmental collaboration agreements. This study provides important information on the post-colonial, political, and socio-economic development in western Kenya and the country as a whole. From its inception, the industry had dominated the state’s economic, social, and physical landscape, building mighty in western Kenya and extracting millions of pounds of ‘pulp’ wood from its impressive forests. For many generations, thirty thousand people or more worked in the paper mills and in the harsh forest fringe from which raw materials were extracted. Small and big communities emerged around the mills as logging sustained the otherwise declining agricultural areas. These industrial communities were tightly knit, and each company and its workers built their own labour relations systems, including workers’ unions. A historical study of labour and paper mills shows how new technologies were incorporated into the industry and how workers and management were often at loggerheads over work processes, work conditions, and work compensation. The theory of modernization was adopted in this study to assess the relationship between policing and post modernity. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to account for a detailed account of the growth, development, livelihood impact, and decline of pan paper mills, 2000-2009. The study adopted an ex-facto approach, applying snowballing and purposive sampling techniques. Data collected was organized, edited, and coded, and information was analysed through two analytical frames: documentary review and content analysis. The results were arranged according to historical periods for comparison and correlation. The study used descriptive interpretation and a chronological approach.
Uchanganuzi wa Mikakati ya Lugha katika Diskosi ya Kigaidi katika Magazeti ya Kenya na ya Kimataifa
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Gichohi M. Kiguta1*, Ogola J. Onyango1 na Wandera S. Simwa1
Utafiti huu ulinuiwa kuchanganulia mikakati ya lugha katika diskosi ya kigaidi kama ilivyotumiwa katika mashambulizi ya kigaidi kati ya kundi la Al-Shabaab dhidi ya serikali ya Kenya na kuripotiwa na wanahabari. Sababu kuu ya kuteua kipindi hiki ni kwamba Serikali ya Kenya na raia wake wameendelea kushuhudia mashambulizi mengi ya ugaidi ambayo yamesababisha kuzuke diskosi ya ugaidi iliyojikita katika ubishi wa kundi la ugaidi dhidi ya serikali ya Kenya. Ili kupata data ya uchanganuzi, utafiti huu ulihusu uteuzi wa diskosi ya kigaidi kupitia mashambulizi mawili makuu yaliyofanyika nchini Kenya katika duka la kibiashara la West Gate Mall mjini Nairobi na shambulio la kigaidi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Garissa mwezi wa Aprili, 2015. Kikundi lengwa kiliteuliwa kutokana na magazeti ya Daily Nation na The Standard yaliyohusu kipindi hicho cha kihistoria. Gazeti la NewYork Times liliteuliwa kutokana na upana wa mkabala wake wa mtazamo wa kimataifa. Jumla ya magazeti 145 yalikusanywa na nakala 102 zikateuliwa za mwanzoni mwa kipindi cha miezi miwili kabla na baada ya mwaka 2013-2015. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na nadharia mbili, ambazo ni nadharia msingi wa Diskosi Mkabala wa Historia ya Wodak iliyotumiwa kuchanganulia mkakati wa lugha katika vitengo vya unominishaji, urejelezi, ubishi, mkabala, uzidishaji na ufifizaji. Uchanganuzi wa mikakati ya lugha ulihusu matumizi ya kijazanda, semi, virai, vishazi na sentensi. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yalibainisha kuwa kulikuwako na tofauti za kimkabala zilizozua diskosi ya ubishi kati ya kundi la kigaidi dhidi ya serikali ya Kenya. Tofauti hizi zilibainishwa kupitia mikakati ya lugha na itikadi kutokana na mashambulizi ya ugaidi yaliyotekelezwa nchini Kenya
Utambulishaji wa mada za kigaidi katika diskosi ya ugaidi katika magazeti teule ya Kenya na ya kimataifa
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Gichohi M.Kiguta (1) Ogola J. Onyango (2) Wandera S. Simwa
Utafiti huu ulilenga kutambua mada mbalimbali zilizojitokeza katika mashambulizi ya kigaidi na kuripotiwa na wanahabari wa Kenya na wa Kimataifa katika mashambulizi ya kigaidi nchini Kenya kati ya mwaka wa 2013- 2015. Sababu kuu ya kuteua kipindi hiki ni kutokana mashambulizi makuu nchini Kenya yaliyosababishwa na kundi la Al-Shabaab dhidi ya serikali ya Kenya. Mashambulizi mawili makuu yaliyotekelezwa nchini Kenya yalikuwa ni ya Westgate mjini Nairobi na katika Chuo Kikuu cha Garissa. Ili kupata data ya uchanganuzi kuhusu mada za kigaidi, magazeti mawili makuu nchini Kenya yaliteuliwa ambayo ni Daily Nation na The Standard. Gazeti la New York Times liliteuliwa kutokana na mkabala wa jukwaa la kimataifa. Jumla ya magazeti 145 yalikusanywa na nakala 102 kuteuliwa. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na nadharia ya Ubishi iliyojikita katika nadharia ya Pragmadeiletiki ya mhakiki ubishi Houtlousser na Frans Van Eemeren. Uchanganuzi huu wa ubishi ulipitia vitengo vya kipragmatiki. Mada za kidiskosi zilihusu, ufisadi, utetezi wa haki za kibinadamu, umoja na utangamano, umwagikaji wa damu, athari za matokeo ya vita, ulipizaji kisasi, uzalendo, nafasi ya vijana katika jamii na usalama. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yalibainisha ya kuwa kulikuwepo na tofauti za kimkabala kati ya kundi la kigaidi dhidi ya serikali ya Kenya. Ilipendekezwa kuwa mada za kigaidi katika eneo la kimataifa kama vile mashambulizi ya ugaidi kati ya Waisraeli na vita vya Gaza zinastahili kutiliwa maanani katika tafiti zijazo kwa kuwa matokeo yake yangeliweza kuwa mchango mkubwa katika kuendeleza utafiti wa diskosi za kisiasa
Ideology and Disabling of Patriarchy in Emecheta’s Joys of Motherhood and Second-Class Citizen
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Philip Mwangi Muhia1*, Albert Mugambi Rutere1, Stephen Muthoka Mutie2
The voice of feminists in subverting patriarchy is critical in understanding women’s expedition for social justice. The knowledge constitutes the philosophy of human intellect as the African woman hankers for dignity through emancipation. This paper examines Emecheta's concerns in her two literary texts, ‘The Joys of Motherhood and Second-Class Citizen’. Emecheta is one of Africa’s literary elites who drummed support for disabling patriarchal domineering on women. The texts highlight ideology and subversive practices that can help answer the question of how a woman can transcend patriarchal injustices. The study is located within feminist and deconstruction theories, emphasising Emecheta as a writer who produces knowledge about African women. The selected texts, therefore, are important tools in understanding African women, which is critical for the development of the society. The textual analysis method was used to help understand the women writer’s view on the emancipation of the African woman as seen in ‘Joys of Motherhood and Second-Class Citizen.’ The paper argues that Emecheta ideology and disabling patriarchal practices are worthwhile lessons for postcolonial African women in their expeditions for social justice.
Community Volunteers as Ambassadors of Peace: Strategies for Conflict Resolution and Management in Laikipia West Sub-County
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Sarah Rölker
This study investigates the role of peace ambassadors in conflict resolution within Laikipia West, Kenya, where inter-ethnic tensions have historically been exacerbated through drought and resource scarcity. Utilizing qualitative methods, this study involved in-depth interviews with peace ambassadors and local chiefs to understand their motivations, community perceptions, conflict challenges, and resolution strategies. Findings reveal that peace ambassadors are distinguished community leaders driven by a profound commitment to peace. Peace ambassadors use their local knowledge and cultural understanding to mediate disputes. They adopt a proactive, directive approach to conflict resolution, focusing on calming tensions, listening to both sides and guiding parties toward mutual understanding and forgiveness. The study highlights the importance of integrating traditional conflict resolution methods with contemporary practices, suggesting a hybrid model that preserves cultural integrity while fostering effective legal accountability. Furthermore, it recommends replicating the model in other areas and advocates for a multi-level approach that addresses issues such as structural and cultural violence, intending to promote positive peace and address the symptoms and root causes.
From Reproductive Rights to Sexual Rights: Contesting Abortion Politics in Kenya, 1963-2015
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Patrick Michael Ogeto*, Babere Kerata Chacha
The abortion debate in Kenya has been a contentious issue for decades, with the recent lifting of a ban on Marie Stopes, a global charity offering abortion services, highlighting its urgency. This paper examines how transnational advocacy and local narratives have shaped the discourse around legalizing safe abortion in Kenya. It explores the historical trajectory of this struggle, from the post-independence period to international milestones such as the 1975 International Decade for Women, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, the Beijing Plus 5 conference, and the Maputo Protocol. The analysis underscores the role of foreign influence, particularly from Britain, the USA, and Scandinavian nations, in introducing new models of sexual governance and nationalism. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, this study investigates how abortion discourses have been constructed, contested, and transformed, navigating the tensions between tradition and modernity. The findings argue that external advocacy and local efforts have been pivotal in advancing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Kenya.
Historical Analysis of Post-Colonial Food Security Policies in Kenya, 1963-2020
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Thomas Njiru Gichobi,1* John Ndungu Kungu2
This paper analyses Kenya’s food security policies since independence in 1963 to 2020. The country has faced persistent food insecurity due to volatile harvests, corruption, and poor roads, which lead to poor food distribution in some parts of the nation. While initial policies favoured large-scale export farming, the 1980s National Food Policy shifted focus to sustainable agriculture and smallholder support through fertilizer subsidies, irrigation programmes, and a keen focus on improving road connectivity in Kenya. Despite these interventions, challenges persist. These include inadequate infrastructure, climate change impacts, limited smallholder financing, and inequitable land ownership. COVID-19 further exposed supply chain vulnerabilities. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of government interventions in irrigation, subsidies, and road infrastructure development and proposes new strategies for Kenya’s food security.
Udhalilishaji wa Asasi Kuu za Kijamii katika Muziki wa Kisasa
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Lucy Mugo
Muziki wa Kisasa ni mojawapo wa muziki maarufu sana kwa vijana nchini Kenya. Licha ya kuwa kitumbuizo kwa vijana, muziki huu hutumika kama nyenzo ya kuwazindua vijana ambao wako kwenye shinikizo zito kutokana na matatizo yanayowakumba katika jamii. Tangu miaka na mikaka, binadamu amekuwa akitoa hisia zake: za uchungu, kero, mafadhaiko au furaha kupitia muziki ambao husawiri mazingira yake. Mintarafu ya hayo, makala haya yalichunguza jinsi muziki wa kisasa unatumika kudhalalisha asasi kuu za kijamii ambazo badala ya kutoa suluhisho la matatitzo chungu nzima yanayowakumba vijana, asasi hizi ndizo chanzo kuu cha matatatizo hayo. Mawazo ya Jean-Francois Lyotard katika nadharia ya usasaleo kuhusu udhalilishaji wa tamaduni na asasi kuu zinazokandamiza maisha ya watu kwani haziakisi hali halisi ya maisha yalikuwa dira katika uchunguzi huu. Muundo wa utafiti huu ulikuwa wa kiuthamano na kimaelezo na ulifanyika maktabani. Data ya msingi katika utafiti huu ilikuwa nyimbo tano za Genge ambazo zilipakuliwa mtandaoni. Makala haya yanaonyesha kwamba Muziki wa Kisasa umewapa vijana jukwaa la kudhalilisha asasi kuu kama vile dini, lugha na vyombo vya dola kwani vinawasababishia vijana mahangaiko mengi. Udhalilishaji wa asasi kuu katika tungo zao umewapa vijana njia salama ya kujikomboa kutokana na mifumo ya awali ambayo haikuwapa nafasi ya kujieleza wala kuruhusu mabadiliko. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yatakuwa malighafi katika taaluma za isimu na fasihi pamoja na uchanganuzi diskosi matini Aidha matokeo ya utafiti huu yatotoa mwanga kuhusu maswala yanayowakumba vijana hivyo basi ni marejeleo muhimu kwa washika dau wote wanaobuni sera na mikakati kabambe ya kuwainua vijana ambao ni nguzo muhimu katika jamii.
Masjid Musa Mosque and The Narratives of Radicalization of School Children in Mombasa, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Patrick Michael Ogeto*, Babere Kerata Chacha, Salyne Nyongesa
Not long ago, a number of research findings linked Muslim pupils and students in boarding schools and colleges that are considered more likely to be indoctrinated by extremists to join terrorist groups such as Al-Shabab-that children living away from their parents were easier to mislead and indoctrinate. While acknowledging that violent extremists have no direct relationship with nor represent Islamic teachings, this study argues that whereas it is true that most Madrasas are peaceful and serve a constructive role in societies where education is often a privilege rather than a right, this overlooks the fact that Madrasas have been vitally important in furthering the mission of some of the most volatile terrorist groups. Therefore, this study intends to explore these competing claims and address how the Madrasa question is systematically linked to radicalization by using examples of the Masjid Musa Mosque that became a centre of international scrutiny in a similar case.
The role of language and culture in conceptualisation of climate change
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Nelson Ng’arua Ndiritu
Climate change communication often occurs in multicultural settings using certain common lingua francas to reach the wide diversity of the linguistic groups that inhabit the globe. The effectiveness of these languages is subject to the diverse cultural contexts of those involved. Different cultural contexts could give rise to various conceptualisations of climate change-related phenomena, and hence, different responses to this pressing global issue. This could have implications for the success of the efforts to grapple with the problems arising from climate change. The paper ponders the question: How do culturally situated meanings of climate factors affect the supposed common understanding of climate change concerns? It reviews literature on culture and communication and samples adages from six languages spoken in Africa and the West The paper applies insights from the Neo-Whorfian hypothesis to examine the communication barriers in cross-cultural communication through content analysis.The analysis of the sayings reveals multiple opposing culture-based values on climate issues. This leads to the conclusion that the great diversity of the cultural groups involved, as well as their unique viewpoints on climate causes, pose a substantial obstacle to communication about climate change. The situation militates against the development of a common understanding of the climate change problem and the quest for solutions. It recommends that culture-specific values and intercultural training be taken into account if a truly common understanding of the climate change phenomenon and its solutions is to be developed.
Budget Control on Capital Project Delivery in Samburu County Government
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Nelson Joseph Lesorogol, Dr. Clement Achimba & Dr. Florence Opondo
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of budget control on delivery of capital project delivery in Samburu County-Kenya. Methodology: This study examined the effect of budget control procedures on the completion of capital projects using a descriptive research design. A total of 52 employees who were department heads and routinely took part in the budgeting process, belonging to the J, K, and L job groups, comprise the research sample. To effectively represent the intricate dynamics at work and to offer insightful information about how budget control affects the efficacy and efficiency of capital project delivery within the framework of the Samburu County Government, data was provided in linear regression models. Findings: The findings of this study can assist county governments in better understanding the factors that affect county budget management systems and performance as well as what needs to be changed to enhance the aforementioned budget performance. The findings can also be helpful to academics while looking into how budgetary control affects the provision of public services. Finally, it may offer politicians and other decision-makers new insights into the delivery of capital projects and the management of public resources. The study's results demonstrated that budget control significantly impacted capital project delivery in Samburu County, accounting for 77.3% of the variance with P ˂ 0.05. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study investigated how capital project delivery and budget control interact using the agency theory. Kenyan county governments and legislators should tighten budget control to address issues. The primary finding of the study was that counties can accomplish their financial and quantitative objectives with the aid of budget control. Additionally, it can help the county meet its goals, identify the operating activity items in the budgets, and fortify the relevant accounting structures.