Master Theses and Dissertations
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Item The Effect of Implementation of Selected Government Education Policies on Girls’ Participation In Primary School Education In Samburu Central Sub-County, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2014-09) Kanjogu, Magdalene WanjiruDespite the fact that primary education in Kenya is free, Samburu Central Sub-County experiences low enrolment and high rate of dropout among girls. This renders the status of girls‟ participation, especially in primary schools, very low. Children in Samburu Central Sub-County and especially girls do not fully participate in primary school education. This has occurred in the face of numerous past and present initiatives in terms of implementation of Government education policies to ensure that all children in Kenya access primary school education. This study, therefore sought to investigate the extent to which selected implemented government education policies have impacted on girls‟ participation in primary school education in Samburu Central Sub-County. The study used survey research design. This study was based on the muted group, the social learning and perennialism theories. The study targeted 70 primary school headteachers and 515 assistant teachers in Samburu Central Sub-County. Data were collected from a sample of 21 head teachers and 155 teachers using a self-delivered questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency counts, means and percentages. This was accomplished through Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) computer programme version 11.5 for windows. The study revealed that girls drop out rate was higher than that of boys between 2003 and 2011. The same scenario was observed with regard to completion rates by pupils‟ gender. It also emerged that policy initiatives that had the higher impact on girls participation rate were the free primary education programme and school feeding programme. Additionally, the major risk factors in regard to girls‟ participation and completion rates were teenage pregnancy, forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM) and household poverty. The study recommends that to enhance girls participation rate in primary schools in the study area, there is a need to increase the number of low-cost primary schools in addition to stamping out negative cultural practices specifically FGM and early marriages. The study further recommends a replication of the current investigation in other arid and semi-arid regions with a view to determining whether similar findings will be generated. The study may assist the government and stakeholders in Samburu Central Sub-County to identify ways in which girls‟ participation in primary education can be enhanced in the county.Item An Assessment of The Relationship Between Service Quality Dimensions, Performance Benchmarks And Customer Satisfaction In Eldoret Law Courts(Laikipia University, 2016-09) Cherere, Thripsisa WanjikuUsers of the justice system supply chain have the right to receive high levels of quality service. The 9093 service delivery received by the Judiciary between June 2012 and June 2013 are an indicator that the public is generally dissatisfied with the quality of services offered by the Judiciary. The general objective of this study was to assess the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction in Eldoret law courts using the SERVQUAL model. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction, to investigate the moderating effects of performance benchmarks on the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction and to examine the joint effects of service quality dimensions and performance benchmarks on customer satisfaction at Eldoret Law Courts. Major theories used in this study include the assimilation - contrast theory to explain the relationships among the service quality and customer satisfaction variables, Contrast theory to provide insights into customers post usage evaluations and equity theory to effectively address the major objective to customer satisfaction through the legal reforms in the country. Data was collected from a population of 1815 respondents made up of 140 convicts, 83 remandees, 23 advocates and 82 parties with pending children cases obtained using stratified random sampling. Primary data was collected using on-the-spot-administered structured questionnaires developed on a five Point-Likert type scale and a questionnaire. Secondary data was used to compare the findings in the primary data. The instrument’s content validity was assessed using Cronbach's coefficient alpha reliability test which ranged from 0.823-0.920. Data was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. This study established that, all the service quality dimension factors are useful measures of satisfaction. This study found that all the respondents were not satisfied with the quality of services rendered at Eldoret law courts and especially the remandees who were least satisfied. The results from ANOVA provide the p value of .000 at 95% confidence level and therefore the study rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that there was a significant relationship service quality dimensions, performance benchmarks and customer satisfaction. The study findings may contribute significantly to the development of strategies by policy makers in the judiciary, reduce the levels of dissatisfaction by providing quality services and enhance service delivery in the Judiciary.Item The Influence of Selected School Characteristics on Principals' Perception on The Role of Non Governmental Organisations In Enhancing Access To Secondary Education In Laikipia County, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2015-10) Waiganjo, P. GikonyoKenya’s 2010 constitution provides that every child has a right to free and compulsory basic education. In view of the fact that secondary education is a critical sector of basic education in Kenya, the Government introduced Free Secondary Education (FSE) in January 2008. While access to state schooling improved with the introduction of FSE, some disadvantaged children, especially girls, street children, children from pastoralist communities, those with disabilities, orphans and other vulnerable children, continue to be excluded from this learning opportunity. This has resulted in large regional and gender disparities and low Gross Enrolment Ratios (GERs) in the provision of secondary education in the country. To arrest this situation, the government has continuously encouraged non-governmental organizations to come on board in regard to provision of secondary education in the country. However the extent to which NGOs are playing their role expectation in enhancing secondary education in Laikipia County has not been documented. This is what informed the study. The purpose of this study, therefore was to explore principals’ perception on the role of NGOs in enhancing access to secondary education in Laikipia county Kenya and the extent to which these perceptions could be influenced by selected school characteristics. Using ex-post facto research design, data was collected from a sample of 63 principals in the county. The principals were selected through simple random sampling technique from a total population of 75 public secondary schools principals in the county. Data was collected through a selfdelivered questionnaire whose validation was done by two experts (supervisors) in the department of Curriculum and Educational Management, Laikipia University. Using Cronbach’s alpha, the instruments reliability stood at .940. Collected data was analysed through frequency counts and percentages with respect to nominal scale data while hypotheses were tested using ANOVA and the t - test statistics at .05 level of significance with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme version 20.0. The study established that NGOs in Laikipia County were concentrating their efforts towards students’ empowerment and lowering of financial burden of secondary education to parents. NGOs also appeared to be paying more attention to boarding schools, county schools and schools located in urban areas. The study recommends that NGOs should pay more attention to capacity building in schools. The study further recommends that NGOs should pay increased attention to day schools and district schools to benefit the local communityItem Influence Of Counselling Services On Emotional Stability Of Adolescent Orphans In Public Secondary Schools Of Upper Nyakach Division, Kisumu County, Kenya.(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Were, Tom C. M.Following the ban of corporal punishment in Kenyan schools and the enactment of the Children’s Act Cap 586, the Ministry of Education has been emphasizing the use of guidance and counselling as a way of addressing the needs of children in schools. Even though some progress has been made towards this end, many adolescent orphans learning in public secondary schools in Upper Nyakach Division continue to exhibit behavioural problems that manifest emotional difficulties. It is therefore imperative that lot more needs to be done in the public secondary schools in order to tackle the emotional challenges of adolescent orphans. During this crucial developmental stage, orphans may find it difficult to cope with the life stresses, loss of their parents as well as their studies, thus exhibiting emotional problems. The research was carried out to determine the influence of counselling services on emotional stability of adolescent orphans in public secondary schools of Upper Nyakach Division in Kisumu County, Kenya. Moreover, the study also investigated the effects of co-variates such as age and gender of the adolescent orphans on their emotional stability. To achieve this aim, the study adopted ex-post facto research design since the schools already had established guidance and counselling departments which carried out the service. A total population of 2875 adolescent orphans from 22 public secondary schools whose data was available at the Divisional Education Office in Upper Nyakach division was targeted. A sample of 338 orphans worked out using the sampling formula given by Kathuri and Pals was studied. Data was collected using questionnaires from the sample population. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data collected using R-Script and SPSS version 22.0 computer programmes. Report findings were based on respective p-values. The study revealed that there was a positive correlation between counselling services and emotional stability among adolescent orphans in public secondary schools in Upper Nyakach Division. It also revealed that there was no statistically significant gender and age difference in emotional stability among the adolescent orphans. The study concluded that adolescent orphans benefited from counselling services offered in public secondary schools with most of them indicating that they were more emotionally stable after going through counselling. The study therefore recommended that the Teachers Service Commission should appoint teachers with expertise in guidance and counselling to provide the services in public secondary schools and that the adolescent orphans should be encouraged to seek the counselling services.Item Tathmini Ya Uyakinifu Wa Sifa Tabia Za Wahusika Katika Riwaya Teule Za Ken Walibora(Laikipia University, 2015-10) Nyachoi Ombeng’i EvansKen Walibora amewaumba wahusika wa kiutopia katika riwaya zake. Utafiti huu ulikusudia kubainisha ikiwa wahusika katika riwaya za Walibora wanawakilisha uhalisia wa jamii. Lengo kuu katika utafiti lilikuwa kubainisha upekee wa baadhi ya wahusika katika riwaya teule za Ken Walibora. Utafiti uliongozwa na madhumuni matatu. Kwanza utafiti ulidhamiria kudadavua uhalisia wa baadhi ya wahusika katika riwaya teule za Ken Walibora. Maudhui ya pili yalikuwa kupambanua mbinu za utunzi zilizohusika katika kuwajenga wahusika wa kipekee, na ya mwisho kufafanua jinsi maudhui anuwai yalivyojenga sifa tabia za wahusika. Sababu kuu ya kuchagua mada hii ni kuwa, baadhi ya watunzi wa riwaya za Kiswahili huumba wahusika kwa njia ya kipekee na kuwafanya waonekane viumbe wasio wa kawaida. Utafiti huu ulitathmini ikiwa wahusika hao huakisi hali halisi katika jamii. Utafiti huu ulikuwa wa maktabani. Nilifanya uteuzi wa sampuli kimaksudi na kusoma riwaya teule za Walibora kwa upekuzi na kunakili data iliyokusudiwa. Data iliyohusiana na utafiti huu kutoka makala mbalimbali ilikusanywa kutoka maktaba ya vyuo na intaneti na kutumika katika uchanganuzi wa data kwa mbinu ya kimaelezo. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na nadharia za mwitikio wa msomaji iliyoasisiwa na Stanley Fish, James Tompkins, Robert Jauss, Rosenblatt na Wolfgang. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yalibainisha kuwa Walibora amewasawiri wahusika wakiwa viumbe wasio wa kawaida na kwa njia ya kipekee kuakisi hali halisi ya jamii. Matokea ya utafiti huu yatakuwa ya muhimu katika kuwaelewesha wasomaji namna wahusika huumbwa na kutumiwa na waandishi kupitishia ujumbe, kwa njia ya kipekee. Matokea ya utafiti huu yatakuwa ya manufaa kwa wasomi wa fasihi ya Kiswahili hasa utanzu wa riwaya. Pia yatakuwa daraja kwa wale watakaofanya utafiti kama huu baadaye.Item The Social And Political Portrait Of Taaitta Arap Toweett, 1925– 2007(Laikipia University, 2024-10) Sitonik,Chepkoech FancyTaaitta Toweett emerges as a prominent and influential political figure in Kenya's historical landscape, attracting scholarly attention due to his noteworthy contributions and intriguing life trajectory. With a commanding presence, Toweett is characterized by his insightful and earnest demeanor, infusing his life story with a nearly mythical quality that showcases its uniqueness and intricacy. Researchers in contemporary discourse focus on Toweett's formative years, educational pursuits, political engagements, and personal attributes, examining these aspects in depth. Born in 1925 and passing away in 2007, Toweett's life spans significant historical periods, enriching his experiences with both temporal and socio-political relevance. His rise from relative anonymity to political prominence illustrates the intricate paths that leadership takes in Kenya's socio-political context. Toweett's life story presents a fascinating subject for scholarly analysis, inviting exploration of themes such as social advancement, dynamics of leadership, and the interplay between individual will and structural limitations. Through academic investigation, Toweett's legacy emerges as a part of broader socio-political dynamics, enhancing our understanding of Kenya's historical trajectory and the multifaceted nature of its leadership landscape. The study traced the life and times of Taaitta Toweett, assessed his contribution to creating a Kalenjin nation identity, and also explored Taaitta Toweett’s contribution to Kenya’s Socio-political development. The main aim of this study was to examine the social and political portrait of Taaitta Toweett from 1925–2007. To achieve this, the historical research design was used to evaluate and analyze data that was obtained from both primary, secondary, and archival sources. Preliminary data for this study was sought from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi and the National Parliament Archives. This was complemented by data from oral interviews with informants, including his existing lifetime friends, relatives, family members, Members of Parliament whom he worked with, and local administrators. The informants were identified through purposive sampling. Secondary data was sought from the internet, Laikipia University Library, the British Institute of East Africa in Nairobi, the University of Nairobi Library, Macmillan Library in Nairobi, and Kenya National Library Services. Three analytical frames were used to analyze the collected data. They included theoretical reflection, documentary review, and content analysis. The study employed the Subaltern Theory and Great Man Theory. Subaltern theory, introduced by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, presents a valuable framework for analyzing biographies, particularly those centered on individuals from marginalized or oppressed communities. Taaitta Toweett's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent leader in Kenya can be analyzed through the lens of the Subaltern theory, which explores the interplay between his experiences as a member of a marginalized group and the larger social, political, and historical forces at play. Being the son of a Kisii war captive, who was assimilated to the Kipsigis Community, Taaitta Toweett belongs to a marginalized group within Kenyan society. The Subaltern theory places a strong emphasis on the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, shedding light on how their identities and histories influence their interactions with power and authority. On the other hand, in the 19th Century, historian Thomas Carlyle popularized the concept known as the Great Man Theory. According to this theory, history is primarily molded by the actions and choices of extraordinary individuals, commonly referred to as "great men." Toweett was indeed a great leader based on his successes in his various political endeavors in the country, and the study explains in detail the role that society played in nurturing Toweett to his political peak. This analysis of TaaittaItem Uhakiki Wa Maudhui, Sifa, Ishara Za Mazimwi Na Fani Katika Ngano Za Mazimwi Za Jamii Ya Gĩkŭyŭ(Laikipia University, 2016-09) Kamau,Kiarie MosesThe ogre narratives are common among many African communities. The Gῖkữyữ oral narratives employ complexsymbolism of ogres and stylistic devices and the area has not been researched on. This research therefore aimed at investigating the symbolism of ogres and the stylistic devicesused in Gῖkữyữ ogre oral narratives. The objectives of the study were to look at the symbolism of ogres in the Gῖkữyữ community as portrayed in the Gῖkữyữ oral narratives, examining the characteristics of these narratives based on the stylistic devices and their roles in the community.The research was guided by structuralism and post structural theory. The proponents of the theory includes: Roman Jacobson Rene Wellek and later influenced by Ferdinand de Saussure. The Post Structuralists are associated with Jacques Derrida among others. Structuralists mainly look at the different parts that form the whole structure. They argued that one symbol can have more than one meaning depending on the social context. The Post-Structuralists emphasized on the role of the language use in analyzing the social structure, meaning and their interpretations in terms of selfconsciousness where language is taken as the main axis in giving both the real meaning and the derived one. The data was collected in Nyandarua County. The Oral narratives were first collected from the field fromkey informantswho were elderlyand had experiencein narratingby Snowball sampling. The narratives were taperecordedusing a tape-recorder then transcribed for analysis. A purposeful sample of five narratives whose main characters are the ogre and those that were different from each other with and used various stylistic devices were then chosen from the collected narratives. The data collected finally was analyzed descriptively by studying the themes, character traits and symbols of ogres that they portray in the Gῖkữyữ oral narratives. Thefindings of the study will be usefulto the students, teachers and researchers of oral literature.They will also be useful in preserving oral narratives in literature and therefore contribute towards understanding of the significance of the ogre oral narratives.Item Influence of Human Resource Policies on Employee Retention In A Public Organisation: A Survey of Kenya Wildlife Service(Laikipia University, 2015-11) Tallam, Chelimo FelisterEmployee retention is critical to the long-term health and success of any organization. It is a known fact that retaining your best employees ensures high performance, job satisfaction and employee motivation. For the past 5 years ,Kenya Wildlife Service as a public organization has experienced employee turnover rate of 17%.It is not clear why Kenya Wildlife Service employees are shifting to competitors such as group Ranchers, Sanctuaries, Farms, Non- Governmental Organizations and other organizations. Employee retention has remained a major challenge to many public organizations due to salary scale, working environment and other factors as indicated by high turnover rate. Due to employee turnover the organization faces direct and indirect costs of recruitment, selection and training of the new staff to replace those who are leaving. The departure of knowledgeable and skilled workers has many costs implications including disruption of the work process, recruitment and training of new employees, and low productivity of new employees during the training period. The study investigated the influence of human resource policies on employee retention in a public organization through a survey conducted at Kenya Wildlife Service. The study sought to investigate the influence of employee training on employee retention, the influence of employee reward on employee retention, the influence of company culture on employee retention and to examine the influence of work environment on employee retention at Kenya Wildlife Service. The study was based on motivation theories including Herzberg’ Motivator- Hygiene, Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, and Stacey’s Equity Theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design to investigate the influence of human resource policies on employee retention. A sample size of (230) employees was drawn from the target population of 540 permanent employees using stratified random sampling technique. Primary data was collected by using structured questionnaire while secondary data was collected through review of literature. The instrument was tested for reliability using Cronbach alpha (α), and found to be 0.879 hence confirming reliability of the instrument. Data analysis which involved both descriptive and inferential statistics was carried out with aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0.The hypotheses were tested using P-value approach at 95% significance level. The study found out that employee training, company culture and work environment had a significance influence on employee retention while employee reward was insignificant in influencing employee retention in the organization. The findings of this study are important to other public organizations since it provides information of human resource policies and its influence on employee retention. The study concluded that human resource policies are the most important and valuable means that influence employee’s retention in any organization it therefore recommends that Kenya Wildlife Service should craft strategies of employee retention and monitor turnover rate, in order to help management retain their employees.Item Changamoto Za Vijana Katika Riwaya Teule Za Ken Walibora(Laikipia University, 2015-10) Ogutu, Onyango HarrisonThe question of challenges encountered by the youths in any society is very critical. It is estimated that the youths represent a big percentage of the population in the society and therefore they cannot be ignored, Kenyan Constitution (2010). Nevertheless, the youths are faced with numerous challenges in their daily lives. Although many scholars have written much on Walibora‟s literary works, not much has been done on the challenges facing the youths as characters in his novels. This research therefore dealt with how the author exposed the challenges facing the youth characters as well as the impact of those challenges on the lives of the youth and the society. The researcher critically analysed how various language devices were used by the writer to expose those challenges as depicted in Kufa Kuzikana, Ndoto ya Almasi and Kidagaa Kimemwozea.This research was guided by the theory of realism whose function is to portray the truth as it is. Realism theory deals with real and true presentation of issues in literary works. A realist believes that any literary work should place the members of the society in their ordinary environment. Two pillars of realism theory were applied in this research, that is; the pillar that emphasizes on direct imitation of the reality in the surrounding environment and secondly, the pillar that examines how language devices are used to portray realism in character and theme exposition. Research design in this research was purely descriptive. Youth characters and the challenges encountered by this group in Walibora‟s novels was the target population. The main place of research was the selected novels which were read intensively and extensively and data collected in written form. The methodology used in data collection was perusal and content analysis. A descriptive qualitative analysis was used in analyzing data based on research objectives. The selection of the study novels was done purposively on the basis of the fact that they were likely to be embedded with current themes on challenges facing the youth since majority of the characters were youths.. It was hoped that the outcome of this research will be a reference point by the critiques, scholars and researchers of literary works, language and linguistics and also help create awareness in the society on the challenges faced by the youths. The challenges exposed included tribalism, oppression, poverty, corruption and drug abuse. Those challenges had effects such as: school drop-out, early-unwanted pregnancies, death and injuries. The researcher recommended inclusivity of real challenges faced by the youths and the subsequent solutions to such challenges in the education system so as to enlighten both the adults and the young on this challenges.Item Investigation of Institutional Factors Affecting Integration of Pupils With Physical Disabilities in Public Primary Schools Embu West Sub-County, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2016-10) Wachira, Susan N.Development of education has been given great emphasis all over the world. Declaration of Education For All was meant to ensure that every child’s right to education is protected and respected. The free primary education policy in Kenya is meant to provide education to all pupils including those with disabilities. The introduction of Universal Primary Education, accompanied by establishment of Educational Assessment and Resource Centers in the county was expected that pupils with disabilities would meaningfully access quality integrated education. However, this objective has not been realized as planned due to institutional factors such as: physical facilities, support services and teacher behaviors that bar them from obtaining an adequate education and opportunity for full social life. The purpose of the study was to investigate institutional factors that affect integration of pupils with physical disabilities. This was a case of integrated schools in Embu west Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted the Ex-post facto research design. Target population for the study was three hundred and one respondents who included: two head teachers, two S.N.E teachers, forty one pupils with physical disabilities and two hundred and fifty six non-disabled pupils. A sample of two hundred participants was drawn composed of one hundred fifty five pupils from standard five, six, seven and eight, two head teachers, two special needs teachers and forty one pupils with physical disabilities. The sample of non-disabled pupils was selected by use of stratified random sampling, while pupils with physical disabilities, teachers and head teachers were purposefully sampled. Three sets of questionnaires were used in the collection of data from the special needs teachers, pupils with physical disabilities and non-disabled pupils. An interview schedule was used to collect data from the head teachers. Pilot study was carried out at Embu urban primary school to determine reliability of the instruments. The following reliability indices were obtained; Questionnaire for pupils with disabilities obtained 0.81, questionnaire for none disabled obtained 0.74 while questionnaire for the teachers obtained 0.78. To determine validity of the instruments a pre-test was done during the pilot study they were then verified by the supervisors and other experts in the department of Psychology, Counseling and Educational Foundations from Laikipia University. Descriptive statistics which includes frequencies and percentages was used to present the study findings. The study found out that physical facilities and support services were inadequately provided and therefore pupils with physical facilities did not gain academically and socially from integrated education. The study concludes that physical facilities, support services and teacher behaviors in teaching highly affect integration of pupils with physical disabilities in public primary schools and that the inadequate facilities for pupils with physical disabilities is a barrier to integration. The study will benefit educational planners as it will be a reference to feed into their development plans of successful implementation of integrated education. The study therefore recommends that adequate physical facilities and support services should be provided to enhance integration. Regarding the training of the special needs education teachers, the ministry of Education should enhance further training of all the teachers in integrated schools in order to enhance and update their skills.