Abstract:Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) is a process of self¬-assessment, collective knowledge generation, and cooperative action in which stakeholders in a program or intervention substantively and collaboratively identify the monitoring and evaluation issues, collect and analyse data, and take-action as a result of what they learn through this process. In the development context, PM&E strengthens and deepens contribution of primary stakeholders by honouring their perspectives, voices, preferences and decisions. Five key pedagogical principles underpin PM&E including participation (involvement in and influence in decision making), negotiation (working through different views), learning (gaining knowledge from initiatives), flexibility (modification of strategies to achieve desired change) and methodologically eclectic (utilization of wide variety of methods). PM&E focuses on monitoring (tracking and feedback), on evaluation (valuing and performance review) as well as strengthening and deepening participation (shared learning, joint decision making, mutual respect, co-ownership, democratisation and empowerment). This article provides an overview of PM&E, five pedagogical principles underpinning PM&E, and some gains that come with the application of the principles in development.

Abstract:Water is a basic need of life, the most precious and important of all natural resources, without which the human species cannot survive. Governments, NGOs, local and international organizations from all over the globe have implemented water projects to encourage safe rural water supply and sanitation in the past few years. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing performance of community water projects in Bomet County. It was guided by the following objectives; investigate the effect of technical competence, stakeholder involvement projects, governance structures and monitoring and evaluation influence performance of community water projects. The researcher used descriptive research design. Stratification and simple random sampling technique was used to obtain 2 Community water projects from each location which will yield 18 water projects. Morgan’s table for sample size was used to determine the sample size from the targeted households. A sample of 398 was selected. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews schedules and was analyzed and interpreted both quantitatively and qualitatively using statistical tools such as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was presented using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings will be useful to stakeholders in the water sectors such as the County government, NGOs, donors, community members and other interested stakeholders in coming up with sustainable interventions to improve water access. It was found out that there was a significant relationship between technical competence and the performance of community water projects (P=0.04). A weak positive relationship between stakeholders’ involvement and performance in community water projects (r=0.224, p=0.081) which confirmed insignificant relationship between stakeholders’ involvement and performance in community water projects. A two-tailed paired t-test indicated a strong significant relationship between governance and performance in community water projects. Further results indicated a positive relationship between governance and performance in community water projects (r=0.318, p<0.05). It was concluded that, among the four independent variables under investigation, technical competence is the factor that had the most influencing effect on the performance of community water projects in Bomet East sub-county. The study suggest that community water projects should increase the involvement of key stakeholders such as relevant government agencies, financial advisers, and other professionals in order to enhance the success of  projects  x.

Abstract:This study sought to ascertain determinants of sustainability of the projects funded by The National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities (NDFPWD) in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design.The target population for this study was a total of 3300 beneficiaries of the fund from 100 groups in Mombasa that have been funded by The NDFPWD between the period between 2012 and 2016. Using Yamane’s formula for sample calculation and purposive and stratified sampling, the study sample was 330 respondents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire.The study established that organizational capacity building and training was found to affect the sustainability of projects run by NDFPWD. Operational project office, project integration into the operations of the organization office, awareness and documentation of the projects’ vision and mission statements, leadership efficiency in management of staff and other resources and presence of organizational systems that are available to support the needs of the projects affect the sustainability of projects. Monitoring and evaluation was also confirmed to affect the sustainability of projects. Implementation of the planned activities as stipulated in quarter plans, reporting of short term and intermediate outcomes, evaluation results serve as a basis for project planning and implementation. Further, the application of the evaluation results in demonstrating progress and success to funders and other key stakeholders affects sustainability of the projects. Further analysis revealed that beneficiaries and community participation affect the sustainability of the projects. Community members were found to be involved in project identification, planning and implementation while varied community organisations are involved in the project success. Further, aspects like if the project communicates with and involves community leaders and if members are passionately committed to the project and development of project goals, sustainability of the project is affected. Analysis also established that sustainability is determined by aspects such as when a project hasmanagement support from within the organisation and outside of the organization. In return, the project emphasises on increased community awareness of the implementation and projects demonstrate their value to the public. Utilisation of locally available material was also found to positively affect the sustainability of the projects. Analysis of the findings revealed that when a community can afford to purchase adequate materials to sustain the project without assistance from external donors and tap these resources with the skills they have without external help then the project can be sustained. In addition, when a project exists in a supportive economic environment and it pursues and undertakes policies which ensure continuous funding then it can be deemed sustainable. Further findings showed that when the project has sustained funding which is both stable and flexible, sustainability can be guaranteed. The study made several recommendations. One, all projects should ensure that their leadership effectively articulates the project vision to external partners for sustainability. Two, the projects should build capacity for quality project monitoring, evaluation and control to ensure that the process is periodic. Three, project leadership should develop communication strategies that can secure and maintain public support. Four, the project should exhaustively utilise locally available material and skills from the community around because it’s more affordable.

Abstract:The purpose of this research was to extend into the existing body of knowledge on the causes, and psychosocial effects of rape in Kilifi North Sub County. Present research increases our understanding regarding one of the social issues which has profound effects on the society through various corners.The purpose of the study was to establish the causes and psychosocial effects of rape. The study was guided by the following objectives; to find out the common rape cases, the causes of rape, and the psychosocial effects of rape. The intervention measures that would be taken by the community and the government to reduce rape cases and effects in Kilifi North sub county. The answers to the formulated questions was to bring out the importance of the study to the local community; Kilifi County Government and Non-Governmental Agencies that help in the fight, against rape cases around the world and particular here in Kenya. The study area was Kilifi North Sub County of Kilifi County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. This design was appropriate for the study since the researcher was able to determine the perceptions of local community and survivors of rape on the causes, psychosocial effects of rape and intervention measures to reduce the cases and effect of rape. The target population comprised of 300 in which a sample of 30 cases of rape and 20 respondents include the police officers, trauma counselors and local community was drawn through the use of purposive sampling techniques. Primary data was gathered using self-administered questionnaires and face to face interviews. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive staticstics. The data was analyzed through the use of statistical package for social science (SPSS) and Microsoft excel to generate quantitative reports through tabulation, percentages, and measure of central tendency. The analysis of face to face interviews was open to emergent concepts and ideas. The findings of the study; the common rape cases reported were defilement, women rape, attempted rape, incent and anal rape. The causes of rape in Kilifi North Sub County were due to; high poverty rates, unemployment, disco at night during funeral ceremony, failure to report the cases of rape to the authority in case the perpetrators were close people and African culture. The psychosocial effects of rape were; intense feeling of anger, insomnia, low self esteem, night mares, panic attack or anxiety and flash backs of the event. The rape cases were linked with social issues such as unemployment, substance abuse, HIV and early pregnancy. The study found the recommendation as intervention strategies for rape cases; to encourage community dialogue on issue of gender based violence, sensitization on how to prevent and deal with rape cases, introducing child protection unit at police stations and hospitals to provide good services to survivors of rape or sexual assault. 

Abstract:Participatory monitoring and evaluation have conveyed knowledge thus effectively introducing new ways for strengthening learning at project and institutional level. PME is instrumental in different capacities such as: project planning and management, strengthening an organization’s internal functions and performance thus enabling sustainability, analysis of stakeholder interests and understanding to develop a broad consensus on envisaged initiatives, and the joint assessment of project outcomes and impacts. In the same spirit this study topic was identified, and its main purpose was to determine effect of participatory based monitoring and evaluation approach on implementation of projects; the case of Trademark East Africa development projects. The aim of the study included: - to ascertain the influence of collaborative decision-making and problem-solving on project implementation at TMEA, to determine the influence of beneficiary ownership & participation on project implementation at TMEA, to determine the influence of transparency and accountability structures on project implementation at TMEA and, to determine the influence of institutional factors on project implementation at TMEA. The study used a descriptive survey design targeting all the 107 individuals who included 7 Project managers 15 Project coordinators, 5 Beneficiaries (Indirect Employees), 30 Project implementation and coordination team members and 50 other Stakeholders from KPA and other agencies based in Mombasa. This study used the Krejcie & Morgan sample table of 1970 to sample 86 respondents for the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that had both closed and open-ended questions. Qualitative data was analyzed using descriptions and elaborative explanations while, the quantitative data obtained was analyzed through inferential and descriptive statistics and presented through frequency tables, percentages and means. Results indicated that: majority of the respondents (45) supported the idea that collaborative decision-making and problem-solving has an influence on projects implementation; 55 respondents who represented 84.6% supported the idea that beneficiary ownership and participation has an influence on project implementation, 60 respondents supported the idea that transparency and accountability structures have an influence on projects implementation. Finally, majority of the respondents (mean of 4.5) agreed that institutional factors have an influence on projects implementation at Trademark East Africa. The study suggested future studies as follows:, similar studies can be done in other bureau and by extension in the whole country with specific focus on the direct beneficiaries; research can be re-done again (This is because the time spent in this study was not enough to cover all the massive information available in the organisation); and a study can be done to investigate the determinants of sustainability of projects implemented by TradeMark Company limited.
Keywords:projects implementation, collaborative decision-making and problem solving, beneficiary ownership and participation, transparency and accountability, and institutional factors.
Title:EFFECTS OF PARTICIPATORY BASED MONITORING AND EVALUATION APPROACH ON PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION: A CASE OF TRADEMARK EAST AFRICA
Author:Valerie Moraa Obegi, Mr. Johnbosco Kisimbii
ISSN 2394-9694
International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences
Novelty Journals

Abstract:Universal basic education for all has been adopted across the globe and is classified as one of the basic needs that children should be allowed to access irrespective of their socio-economic background. However, it is evident that there are over 1 billion children across the globe who don’t access universal basic education, worst hit of them being countries in Africa and south Asian Countries (AsDB, 2017). This has called for various children advocacy groups and well-wishers to come up with very urgent interventions of addressing this issue. This has led to the intervention of NGOs and other community-based organizations in providing education to these needy children who have not been fully reached by their respective governments by running a number of education projects. However, despite the fact that these NGOs have been running a number of educational projects in various countries (Kenya inclusive), a number of them have failed to fully address the issues surrounding education needs or have basically failed. Due to the importance of accessing universal basic education, this study was carried out. The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of Free Primary Education projects implementation funded by non-governmental organizations in Kenya; a case of Kilifi County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the influence of budgetary allocation on the implementation of Free Primary Education Projects funded by NGOs in Kenya’s Kilifi County; to establish the influence of stakeholders’ involvement on the implementation of Free Primary Education Projects funded by NGOs in Kenya’s Kilifi County; to find out the influence of organizational culture on the implementation of Free Primary Education Projects funded by NGOs in Kenya’s Kilifi County; to examine the influence of financial accountability and transparency on the implementation of Free Primary Education Projects funded by NGOs in Kenya’s Kilifi County. The study adopted a research design that was descriptive. The target population of the study was 124 employees who were attached to the 12 NGOs and who had been actively involved in running basic education enabling projects that range from wash programmes, school feeding, school construction as provided by the NGO Council, 2017. 96 respondents made the sample size of the study. The primary data in the study was collected by use of a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was presented using descriptive statistics such as means and percentages, frequency counts, and standard deviations. To test the hypothesis, a regression analysis was employed. Findings indicated that: majority of the respondents (93.75%) supported the idea that budgetary allocations to their NGO influenced their ability to implement a number of projects; majority of the respondents (97.5%) agreed that the stakeholders had some effects on the implementation of the various projects; majority of the respondents (89.7%) supported the idea that the organizational culture in their NGO had some influence on the projects they implement in the various primary schools in the county; and majority of the respondents (90%) agreed with the idea that financial accountability and transparency influences the implementation of projects in the various public primary schools in the county. All the null hypotheses were rejected and the alternative hypotheses accepted in the study. Thus, Budgetary Allocation, Stakeholders’ Involvement, Organizational Culture, and Accountability and Transparency significantly influence the Implementation of FPE Projects funded by NGOs.

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of Women participation in Community based Water Development projects in Homa Bay County. The study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the influence of gender policy on the participation of women in community water projects in Homa Bay County, to assess how the level of education influenced the participation of women in community water projects in Homa Bay County, to evaluate the extent to which Socio-Culture influences participation of Women in Community based Water projects in Homa Bay County and to examine how project financing  influences women participation in community water projects in Homa Bay county. The study used descriptive Survey. The study targeted 2000 members of registered water projects in all the eight sub counties of Homa Bay County, according to Ministry of Water and Irrigation report on inventory of water projects. The sample size was 200 women members of the entire committees of the registered water projects. 20 women from Suba Sub County were used for piloting. The data from the field were edited for accuracy, consistency and analyzed using descriptive statistical tools (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences V.17.0 and Excel). The findings of the research showed that women participation in water project was determined by gender of the people, level of education of women, culture and Financing of the projects.  Therefore, it was concluded that: gender, level of women education, culture, and project financing promoted women involvement thus negatively determine women participation in the water projects in this study area. The study, therefore, recommended that, the level of education should be enhanced, cultural barriers be removed and allow women access and control of resources so as to have collaterals to borrow money to fund projects.  The result of this study may be used by the development agencies, County Governments and communities in selecting and developing strategies to achieve full women participation that will ensure sustainability of rural water projects in Homa Bay County. This research was limited to women participation in the rural water project in Homa Bay County; therefore, the study recommends future studies to focus on other rural areas within Kenya with varied political, cultural and environmental contexts.

Abstract:Diagnosing HIV positive children after screening for the eligibility and facilitating enrollment into care and initiation of lifelong anti-retroviral drugs is just the beginning. Supporting and sustaining the lifespan of these children requires lifelong tracking at the facility level, including age-disaggregate and sex appropriate support including drug, dietary changes as the child catch up with age. The study was conducted in Longisa county hospital which is the biggest facility in Bomet county and the study focused on children living with HIV below the age of 15 years old. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing retention among HIV positives paediatrics in Longisa County Referral Hospital in Bomet, Kenya. Its core objectives included to determine how the demographics factors influencing retention rates among HIV positive paediatric in care and treatment e.g. age and gender, to assess how the type of caregiver influence retention among HIV positive paediatric retention in care and treatment and finally to explore how the HIV status of the caregiver influences HIV positive paediatric retention in care and treatment. Since the target population was not very big (320), a census was used. Primary data will be collected by use of the questionnaires with both open ended and closed ended questions which will be administered to the respondents in the selected institutions. The close-ended questions provide more structured responses to facilitate tangible recommendations. The open-ended questions provide additional information that might not have been captured in the close-ended questions. The questionnaires will be dropped to the selected institutions and collected after two days which will be considered enough time for the respondents to fill them in. The study will employ descriptive analysis technique on both primary and secondary data. In both cases, the study will use SPSS (Version 21) in the analysis and data output will be tabulated and on the secondary data, the study will apply Ordinary Least Squares (OLS).The study revealed that most of the respondents 170 (56.6%) either agreed or strongly agreed that the type of caregiver influenced HIV positive children in care and treatment. The study found that the majority of the respondents 165 (55%) either agreed or strongly agreed that HIV status of the caregiver has influence on HIV positive retention on care and treatment. Considering the marital status of the caregivers, the study showed that 156 (52%) of the caregivers were single. They were either widows/widowers, divorced or were unmarried .The study found that the majority of the respondents 165 (55%) either agreed or strongly agreed that HIV status of the caregiver has influence on HIV positive retention on care and treatment. The study recommends that there is need for a positive social support system that will encourage sharing of responsibility for remembering medication within households if optimum adherence level is to be attained.

Abstract:According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (2017), there are around 2.1 billion people who are still struggling to acquire clean and safe drinking water. The Sustainable development goal six aims at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Target 6.1 further explains that by the year 2030, it should achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable water for all. The purpose of this study is to identify the determinants of timely completion of water projects in Tana River County, Kenya. The researcher was guided by the following objectives: First, to determine how availability of finances influences timely completion of water projects in Tana River County. Secondly to establish how monitoring process influences timely completion of water projects in Tana River County and finally to assess how community participation influences timely completion of water projects in Tana River County. The target population of this study is 240. The population includes officers of the county department of water, contractors and end users. The study will employ mixed methods of research which are generally intended to complement one information source with another, or triangulate on an issues by utilizing different data sources to approach the research problem from different points of view. Data was gathered using questionnaires and interviews, as well as, other secondary sources. To enhance reliability of the instruments, pilot study was conducted. Data from the questionnaires was coded, tabulated and entered in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software for windows program to enable analysis. Quantitative data was analysed by means of various statistics as well as measures of central tendency and dispersion.  Frequency and percentages statistics were used. Chi square was used to test the hypotheses. Confidentiality of the information that respondents provided was upheld. The response rate was 60%. From the findings, it is evident that the alternative hypothesis which stated that there is significant relationship between availability of finances and timely completion of water projects was accepted. This means there is high collaboration between finances and timely completion of projects. The study revealed there is a significant relationship between monitoring process and timely completion of projects. The alternate hypothesis for this was accepted. Lastly, the alternative hypothesis that stated that there is significant relationship between community participation and timely completion of water supply projects was accepted. This means that community should be involved in infrastructure projects in decision making in order to take ownership of the projects.

Abstract:The management and disposal of solid waste has become a challenge in Bomet town, Bomet County. This is evidenced by the persistent stockpiles of uncollected waste found on almost all back streets and other open spaces or illegal dumps all over the town. The purpose of this study was to establish determinants of effective management of solid waste in Bomet town. The study focused on technology, availability of financial resources, community participation and the policies on solid waste management by the County government of Bomet. The target population was 1407 household heads and the sample of the study consisted of 160 respondents; 140 of whom were randomly selected household heads from the core urban population of Bomet town while key informants were purposively selected as follows; 10 from Bomet County government’s waste management office, 5 from National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and 5 from public health office. Data collection was done through questionnaires and interviews respectively. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics which included frequencies and percentages. Cross tabulations was done by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software and Coefficient of internal consistency of the questionnaire calculated using the Cronbach’s alpha formula to show the relationship between various variables and test the significance of the solid waste management variables respectively. The study came up with recommendations as follows; the government should allocate enough finances for provision of SWM services within the urban area of Bomet town and increase the SWM's capacity to manage waste from residential and business areas, hire more employees for collection, sorting, composting and management. Educational activities such as the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops, publication of training manuals, case studies and best practices, and provision of technical and financial assistance should be conducted. The study suggests further research on other social factors affecting the performance of Sustainable solid waste in Bomet town which may not have been identified in this study. Another suggestion is a study on the treatment of the solid waste at the final stages and its effects on human health.

Abstract:The growth of firms is something inherent to their actual existence. Throughout their life, firms must grow continuously if they want to sustain their competitive position within an environment where other rival firms may be growing at a faster pace. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of strategic management practices on sustainable performance of Automobile Parts Industries in Kenya. The specific objectives are to determine the effect of corporate vision on sustainable performance of Automobile Parts Industries in Kenya; to examine the effect of strategic resources on sustainable performance of Automobile Parts Industries in Kenya; to establish the effect of competitive positioning on sustainable performance of Automobile Parts Industry in Kenya and to examine the effect of strategic synergy on sustainable performance of Automobile Parts Industries Kenya. To strengthen the conceptual framework the researcher used theories such as resource dependency theory, competitive advantage theory and organizational growth theory. The study used primary data which was collected through use of questionnaires with respondents at the Automobile Parts Industries in Kenya. The target population was 124. The sample size was 95. A modified Likert scale questionnaire was developed divided into three parts. A pilot study was carried out to refine the instrument. The quality and consistency of the study was further be assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Data analysis was performed on a PC computer using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 23) for Windows. Analysis was done using frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviation, regression, correlation and the information generated was presented in form of graphs, charts and tables. The study found out that strategic resources significantly and positively affected sustainable performance. This study highlighted the importance of strategic resources to the performance of Automobile Parts Industries in Kenya. The study found out that competitive positioning had a significant and positive influence on sustainable performance of Automobile Parts Industries in Kenya. It was therefore recommended that automobile parts companies needed to identify the best strategies that would enable them to stay above their competitors. The study found out that strategic synergy significantly and positively affected sustainable performance. It was concluded that automobile parts companies needed to embrace strategic management practices in order to achieve sustainable performance. The results obtained from this study were important in terms of reflecting the situation on the usage and performance levels of strategic management practices of sustainable performance in automobile parts companies. The results further revealed a positive relationship between the individual strategic management practices and sustainable performance.

Abstract:Despite the importance of G&C in schools in the modern society, there are a number of institutions that are using the outlawed corporal punishment; undermining the role of guidance and counseling programme. Equally, there are a number of challenges facing guidance and counseling programmes in secondary schools in developing countries that need to be addressed for the programme to achieve the intended objectives. For example did a study in south Africa and found out that issues like: lack of competency of the teacher-counsellor, lack of resources and facilities for the guidance and counselling department, double role of teacher counsellor, lack of appropriate time set aside from the school curriculum for guidance and counselling and fear of staff members were among the factors that hindered students from seeking guidance and counselling services. This has an overall negative impact on the performance of guidance and counseling programme. It is in this foundation that the study was car ried out. The study was carried out with the aim of examining the influence of students’ attitude and readiness to seek guidance and counseling on the performance of guidance and counseling in secondary schools in Kwale County. The study was sought to: Determine the students’ attitude towards guidance and counseling services in secondary schools in Kwale County, and determine the relationship between students’ demographic characteristics and attitude towards guidance and counseling services in public secondary schools in Kwale County. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The actual target population of this study was 7, 101 students in the upper classes. Since the population was homogeneous in nature (being students), a simple random sampling was applied to pick the 710 students. 54.9% of the students were male students, while 45.1 % were female. Results indicated that majority (58.72%) of the students had a negative attitude towards guidance and counseling programme in their schools. The negative attitude influences the performance of guidance and counseling negatively.  On average, focused group discussion indicated that over 59.5% of the students in their groups had a negative perception towards the programme and had an overall negative effect on the performance of guidance and counseling in the schools. Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that students’ attitudes towards guidance and counselling influenced their ability to seek the services; thus influencing the performance of guidance and counselling in public secondary schools in the county.

Abstract:Co-operatives have long been recognized to play an important role in societies that translate into the improvement of living conditions of their members. Being voluntary, democratic and self –controlled business associations, cooperatives offer institutional framework through which local communities gain control over the productive activities from which they derive their livelihoods. The goal of this study was to find out the determining factors that jinfluence the performance of cooperative societies in Bomet Central Sub County in Bomet County. The following were the guiding objectives; to investigate the influence of management competencies on the performance of cooperative societies, to examine the extent to which organizational structure affect the  performance of cooperative societies, to establish how Monitoring and Evaluation influence the performance of cooperative societies and to determine how corporate governance affect the performance of cooperative societies in Bomet Central. Descriptive research methodology was adopted in the research while stratified sampling was used to draw samples from selected active cooperative societies within the county. The target population was 1,356 members of active cooperative societies and a group 135 was sampled to represent the entire target population. The response rate was 88%. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 in order to present it in descriptive form while qualitative data was analyzed by use of the content analysis. The study found out that 76.4% of the respondents agreed that Management Competencies influenced performance of cooperative societies whereas 23.6% were for the contrary opinion 70% of the respondents were in agreement that Organizational Structure influence the performance of cooperative societies while 30% were of the contrary opinion. 72% of the respondents were of the agreement that Monitoring and Evaluation influenced the performance of cooperative societies while 28% went contrary to the opinion. A majority of 66% of the respondents agreed that Corporate Governance affected the performance of cooperative societies while 44% went contrary to the statement. The study recommends that cooperative societies should have well trained personnel who understand their roles effectively so as to facilitate and enhance the growth and sustainability of cooperative societies. It also recommends that cooperative societies should organize their operations in a manner that it can easily cope with the prevailing business environmental conditions and seize any opportunities that come forth with. Recommendations are also made to cooperative societies to establish strong Monitoring and Evaluation units where they do not exist, and strengthen them where they are already in existence. Another recommendation made was that cooperative management boards be provided with regular trainings trough seminars and other capacity building activities to help them better understand their roles so as to boost the performance of cooperative societies in Bomet Central, Bomet County.  

Abstract:This study set to assess determinants of access to microcredit products among women entrepreneurs in Rachuonyo South Sub County. The study was guided by the following objectives; influence of the cost of credit, credit servicing history, collaterals and credit processing procedures on access to microcredit products among women entrepreneurs in Rachuonyo South Sub County. The study will be significant to women entrepreneurs by being informed of the most viable strategies for accessing credit from commercial lending institutions. Besides, the commercial financial sector will also gain by identifying the unique features of the business entrepreneurs and develop credit products that suit their financial needs. Moreover, the study will also be significant to the government agencies in entrepreneurship to formulate financial policies that are favorable to the disadvantaged groups so that they may also get active in entrepreneurship for job creation and subsequent enhanced economic development. The study operated on the basic assumptions that data collection instruments was valid and reliable in taking the desired measures, the study sample was representative of the target population and that the respondents gave information honestly and objectively. The researcher delimited the study to registered women entrepreneurs engaged in the five distinctive business areas; hawking, green grocers, retail, service and production which are spread in the five wards in the sub county. The researcher embraced descriptive survey research design in methodological aspects, targeting a population of 1142 women entrepreneurs from where a sample size of 228 respondents, being 20% of the target population, was selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaire, whose items were both closed ended and open ended to allow for collection of maximum information necessary in addressing the research questions. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, generating information in the form of frequencies and percentages and the analyzed information presented in frequency distribution tables.

Abstract:The year 2003 is known as the time prison department experienced positive changes in administration and treatment of prisoners in Kenya. As the new organization came to control, correctional department have experienced significant changes in arrangement of administrations, for example, food, clothes and even entertainment, for example, TV, videos, computers and educational facilities. The standard of food has been improved as far as quality and quantity, balance diet and Sanitation has improved and general neatness is up to the standard. The individuals who are debilitated are taken care of and officers are more human than previously. The general condition in jail for the most part has enhanced including yet not constrained to staff houses, their compensation and the general terms and state of administration simply like their partners in police and military. The researcher will go out to establish the determinants of the successful implementation of rehabilitation program of male inmates that leads to the achievement in changing drug addicts, alcohol drinkers, attackers, criminal conduct, rapists, and killers, without essentially hurting the guilty culprits. The primary purpose behind every one of these activities is to reduce or stop totally the number of convicts from returning to jail again after they are discharged. The research will be guided by the following objectives; establishing how chaplaincy and welfare services help in rehabilitating male inmates in Kericho main prison. Examining how vocational training help in rehabilitating male inmates in Kericho main prison. How literacy and education assist in rehabilitation of mail inmates in Kericho main prison. How reintegration program assist in rehabilitation of male inmates in Kericho main prison. How government policy help in rehabilitation of male inmate in Kericho main prison. The researcher will utilize descriptive research design due to the conduct of the respondent. Kericho main prison has a population of 600 the researcher used simple random sampling technique of 60 respondents for oral interviews and questionnaires. Tables were utilized to show the findings. Measurable Packages was utilized to examine information (SPSS 17.0) was used to analyzed data. The study found that that the re- integration program or remote parenting is one of the determinants of successful rehabilitation of male inmates in Kericho G.K prison. It is evidenced that strongly agree accounts for 28%, agree 42%, neutral 20%, and disagree 10%, this further shows that strongly agree and agree combined accounts for 70%. This clearly shows that education and literacy classes determine a successful implementation of rehabilitation program of male inmates.72%  of the respondents are of the idea that government policy and administration is behind the success of implementation of rehabilitation programs of male inmates in Kericho main prison. The study recommends that prisons be well funded so that issues on rehabilitation can be availed and operations on rehabilitation can proceed without any shortage of funds. Officers need to undergo training so that they can handle offenders in a professional manner for most of the program to be successful.

Abstract:Infrastructure implementation at the grassroots level has been neglected over the years thus putting more pressure on the already available infrastructure. The foundation for growth of a place hinges on the quality of infrastructure development of the area. Quality infrastructure with good maintenance attributes to improved trade, better transport and communication, improved education and socio-economic status, better healthcare and by extension improve living standards of the citizenry. This in turn contributes to economic growth and development of the devolved units and by extension the whole country. To this end therefore, implementation of infrastructure projects and specifically the determinants of success in its implementation is worth examining. The purpose of the study was to examine the determinants of successful implementation of infrastructure projects in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives. Objective one was to determine the influence of budgetary allocation on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Objective two was to examine the influence of stakeholder participation on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Objective three was to assess influence of human resources on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects and finally, to establish influence of project design and specification on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. The study targeted a population of 738 and a sample size of 259 respondents. Descriptive research design method was applied. Data collection was achieved through the use of a questionnaire and a pilot test for the questionnaire was conducted in the neighbouring Tana River County to enhance reliability of the instrument. In conducting the study, a total of 259 questionnaires were administered. Hypothesis was tested by use of chi-square. Of the administered questionnaires, 133 were retuned representing a response rate of 51.35%. The male respondents were the dominant ones at 74.4% (99) compared to their female counterparts at 25.6% (34). Findings of the study reveal that majority of respondents 115 (86.47%) significantly supported the idea that adequate budgetary allocation influences successful infrastructure project implementation. 123 respondents representing 92.48%, were in agreement that stakeholder participation influence the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Similarly, 102 respondents equaling to 76.69% of respondents, supported the proposition that human resources influence the success of infrastructure projects. Finally, a majority of respondents are in agreement to the idea that project design and specifications does influence the successful implementation of infrastructure projects 96 (72.18%). The researcher recommends for the timely release and accountability of budgeted funds to enhance successful completion of projects within time, involvement of stakeholders right from inception of project to foster project uptake, adequacy in trained and skilled manpower to enhance usage of emerging and modern technology in infrastructure project and appropriate feasibility studies on designs and specifications of infrastructure projects to ensure durability of infrastructure.

Abstract:Despite investment by donors respective governments and different agencies in private clinics globally, most private clinics are not able to sustain themselves and continue to receive funds for operations. There are global progress and challenges in expanding private sector involvement with the strategies to bring about behavior change among the private partnerships and those for better governance and sustainable financing of private interventions. Africa as a region lacks the infrastructure facilities and trained personnel to provide and deliver even minimal levels of health care services and goods. Healthcare financing accounts for roughly half the investment opportunity with the remainder split across distribution and retail pharmaceuticals and medical products. It is therefore imperative that private sector intervention strategies employed in improving the private healthcare be interrogated for their effectiveness or else more funds will be spent. A case study of sustainability of privately owned clinics in Kilifi County Kenya supported by donor funding. Four strategies have been employed to see how they influence the performance of the private clinics post donor funding. The study is delimited to sustainability of private clinics in Kilifi, Kenya and studies the four variables. Empirical literature of the works of widely published scholars is reviewed in the study and the gaps in the literature documented. A conceptual model that shows the nexus of interrelationships between study variables is demonstrated through a conceptual framework. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a target population of 90 individuals who are the owners of the clinic. Nevertheless73 individuals were selected to constitute the sample size for the study. Data collection questionnaires of structured questions will be used in collection of data. A five level data collection questionnaire structured questions with a 5 point likert scale was used in data collection. Content and construct validity were determined through review of the data collection questionnaire by private clinic owners and professionals to ascertain that it was comprehensive for the proposed study. Data was collected, coded categorized and analyzed using SPSS software version 20. It was found that all the four sustainability strategies studied had a positive correlation on the performance of privately owned clinics in Kilifi County. It was also established that there was a significant relationship between all four independent variables with the dependent variable with p value of 0.0005<0.05 and spearman correlation coefficient of 0.465, 0.000<0, 05 and 0.485, 0.0002<0.005and 0.484and 0.000<0.05and 0.585for financial management, stakeholder involvement, technology adoption and donor policies respectively. The entire four hypothesis tested in the study were therefore not rejected.

Abstract:This study was carried out in order to examine the determinants of the implementation of sustainable food security programmes in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. The study was guided by the following four research objectives: to examine the extent to which peace building influences the implementation of sustainable food security programmes in arid and semi-arid regions Kenya; to determine the influence of Education on the implementation of sustainable food security programmes in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya; to establish the extent to which crop diversification influences the implementation of sustainable food security programmes in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya; and to assess the extent to which integrated water management influences the implementation of sustainable food security programmes in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. This study was guided by two theories i.e the development theory and the post development theory. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was 46, 123 farmers and 11 employees in the department of agriculture at the county level. In this study, the sample size was calculated by use of the Krejcie and Morgan table of 1970. A sample of 391 was used. The primary data from the field was obtained by use of a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics such as means and percentages, frequency counts, and standard deviations. The hypothesis (relationship between the various variables) was obtained by use of the Chi-Square. Based on the findings, the research concluded that peace building significantly influences the availability, distribution and production of food thus enhancing food security. When there is peace, communities are engaged in productive activities that can lead to food production thus sustainability of the food security programme. Education is another major factor influencing food security in the county. Well educated individuals are able to use modern methods of food production, add value and use technology which in turn leads to sustainable food security. Crop diversification influences the sustainability of food security programme in the county significantly. This includes growing a variety of crops, intercropping, adoption of hybrid crops and moving to horticultural agriculture. Finally, integrated water management influences the sustainability of food security programme. This includes harvesting water during the rain seasons, using modern technology in irrigation, exploring underground waters and preservation of water catchment areas.

Abstract:Studies have shown that despite the fact that women empowerment is directly proportional to their participation in community development and the general performance of community development projects, little is still being done to empower these women in the society. In countries where women are empowered, they have been said to be very instrumental in implementing a number of development projects. It is in this realization that this study was carried. The study sought to examine the influence women empowerment on the implementation of community development projects in marginalized regions in Kenya. This study was guided by the following four objectives that included: to examine the extent to which labour providence capacity by women influences the implementation community development projects in marginalized regions in Kenya; to determine the extent to which decision making capacity by women influence the implementation community development projects in marginalized regions in Kenya; to examine the extent to which asset creation capacity by women influences the implementation community development projects in marginalized regions in Kenya; and to examine the extent to which peace building capacity by women influences the implementation community development projects in marginalized regions in Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive case study design. The total target population of the study comprised of 47,425 respondents. The total sample population was 392 respondents. The main tool of primary data collection was the use of a questionnaire. The received questionnaires were sorted to check for completeness and relevance in the study. Quantitative analysis was employed both descriptive and inferential statistics. The data was then presented by use of frequency tables representing the means, standard deviations, and percentages. The relationship between the variables (hypothesis) was tested by use of the chi-square formula. From the results: over 95% of the respondents who made the majority supported the idea that labour providence capacity by women influences the implementation of community development projects. Over 80% of the respondents who made the majority supported the idea that decision making capacity by women influences the implementation of community development projects. Over 70% of the respondents who made the majority supported the idea that asset creation capacity by women influences the implementation of community development projects. Over 95% of the respondents who made the majority supported the idea that peace building capacity by women influences the implementation of community development projects. The researcher recommended that: Women should be considered as either skilled or non-skilled employees at all the steps of the project cycle; should also be involved in all the levels of projects decision making irrespective of their education background or any other socio-cultural classification factor; women also should be allowed to have rights and access to both communal and individual properties: Finally, women should be involved in all the strategies that are aimed at creating peace, resolving conflicts and ensuring reconciliation.

Abstract:For economic development to be achieved in any community then the indicators of performance should be tied to the number of development projects that have been funded and implemented successfully and transferred to the relevant bodies for use. Project implementation is a concept that has taken the center stage of government plans in Kenya today. Despite the fact that has seen large amounts of funds directed towards the implementation of construction projects with an aim of making Kenya an industrialized country by 2030, many projects have dragged in completion while others have been abandoned altogether. The situation is not different in the counties where construction projects have been dragged in completion, stalled, abandoned while others are failing to kick off. This therefore necessitated such a study. The study was therefore carried out with the purpose of examining the determinants of the implementation of construction projects funded by county governments in Kenya; a case of Kilifi County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the influence of funding on the implementation of construction projects funded by county governments in Kenya; to examine the influence of manpower on the implementation of construction projects funded by county governments in Kenya; to examine the influence of socio-political factors on the implementation of construction projects funded by county governments in Kenya; to determine the influence of feasibility study on the implementation of construction projects funded by county governments in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population was 230 respondents comprising of county project managers, finance officers, county design staffs and contractors who were availed by the county human resource personnel head contained in the county service board. 196 respondents were considered as the sample size for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach’s alpha. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics such as means and percentages, frequency counts, and standard deviations. The hypothesis was tested by use of the Chi-Square. The study achieved response rate of 76.5%. Male respondents dominated the study at 66.6% compared to the female who made 33.4%. From the results: majority of the respondents supported the idea that funding significantly influences the implementation of construction projects in Kilifi County; Majority of the respondents agreed with the concept that manpower significantly influences the implementation of construction projects in Kilifi County; majority of the respondents strongly supported the idea that socio-political factors influence the implementation of construction projects in Kilifi county; Majority of the respondents supported the idea that feasibility study influences the implementation of construction projects. Researcher concluded that: funding, manpower, socio political factors, and feasibility study have an influence on the implementation of construction projects in Kilifi county.

Abstract:E-banking has become an invaluable strategic business tool for commercial banks in emerging nations. Studies indicate that there is an increase of e-banking services, mobile money usage and awareness by most people from these countries. This awareness must be followed by a commercial bank’s management and designing strategies and implementing them to attain its competitiveness. The aim of this review paper was to evaluate the role of e-Banking technology as a strategic tool for increasing banks’ competitiveness and customer satisfaction in Kenya. The study reviewed empirical literature from various journals, articles, case studies, survey studies, and thesis and project reports. The paper sought to bring to full understanding the role of e-Banking technology as strategic tool for increasing a company’s competitiveness and customer satisfaction. The objectives of this study were, to evaluate the extent to which e-banking technology as a strategic tool has increased commercial banks competitiveness and customer satisfaction and to ascertain the relationship between customer knowledge level of mobile usage and increase in e-banking services by commercial banks. This qualitative research intended to build one comprehensive model related to the antecedent and outcome variables of customer satisfaction with the various literature publications. While the study model adds knowledge to the current existing literature, it forms a basis for future studies. Research findings showed that most commercial banks in Kenya have switched to e-banking technology and are using it as a strategic tool to maintain their competitiveness. Other result showed that most people have access to mobile money usage, awareness and knowledge. Commercial banks can use e-banking as a competitive tool. They can utilize the benefit of customer mobile money awareness to increase their business competitiveness through e-marketing.

Abstract:I decided I would like to research the correlation between increase in wealth and lyrical content among the five wealthiest rappers in the world. I would study their wealth year by year from the inception of their career (i.e. their first album), and then analyze their lyrical content and how it develops over time as their net worth rises (or falls). I would do this by creating a spreadsheet of the most common topics in songs (love, money, alcohol/drugs, ego, family, etc.) and keep track of which songs and lyrics correlate with each category. My hypothesis would be that over time, their lyrics would change to be more self-centered, egoistic, and aggressive given their wealth and social status and how it changed them over time. My focus draws aspects from social hierarchy, and it is very important to understand the relationship between empathy and social status. This could help shed light on global issues such as the plight of the poor and what happens psychologically when an individual becomes wealthier. My project would study a concept related to the psychology behind social status and behavior through the analysis of lyrical content.

Abstract:Different styles of argumentation require different methods of writing and proving claims. Academic argumentation requires the author to provide strong evidence to support their claim on any subject. In doing so the author has to find, understand and decide which evidence to use. Other forms of argumentation are toulmin, debate, Rogerian, satire and persuasive. In debate form of argumentation the author must take a stand if they are for and against the claim. They must also prepare strong arguments for counterclaims and need to finish the debate with a strong and impactful conclusion. In Toulmin argumentative essay the author needs to provide evidence to state their claim with the help of data and numerical statistics. In Rogerian argumentative essay, the author needs to find the strengths and weakness for the claim, for this argumentation the conclusion asks for a change or action. In persuasive essay, the author needs to persuade the readers for a change or new idea. In order to do so the author needs to present strong arguments and make impactful conclusion. In satire argumentative essay, the author takes up a claim and tries to make argument with the help of satire. For this reason the essay has an ironical tone underlying its arguments. One of the biggest issues that have been identified over time is the acceptance of humanities as a concept. Even though it is common knowledge that humanities forms the basis of most cultures. Humanities have however become one of the underrated issues in the new era or generation, where money, status and wealth is given more importance. Even though there are talks about how culturally aware the new generation is, it does not surpass the importance of making money. Nowadays it seems that education, art, religion and culture as well have taken a second seat when it comes to money. This has not only led to conflicts and debates but has also created disinterest and unrest among people.

Abstract:Due to scarcity of freshwater available for humanity use like domestic, agriculture and industrial, It is the desire of every country and community to implement water project and ensure their sustainability so as to improve the quality of life through improved access to that precious resource. Given the fact that only 1% of water is available for all humanity need, there is need for all stakeholders in both private and public sectors to join hands to ensure that such projects are implemented and maintained. Therefore the purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing implementation of such water projects specifically by the Coastal Water Services Board. This study was guided by four objectives that sought to: examine how project mission influences project implementation, examine the influence of resources on project implementation, examine how good management influences project implementation and examine the influence of budget allocation on project implementation. The study was guided by three theories namely; Theory of management, Resource based theory and project mission theory. A descriptive research design was employed during this study. The target population was 203 respondents from which stratified random sampling was employed to sample 134 respondents randomly. The reliability and validity of research instruments was checked through pilot study. Data was collected through questionnaires which were self-administered via enumerators, drop and pick techniques and through e-mails. Coding and analysis of data was done using SPSS version 20. After coding the descriptive data was analyzed using descriptive techniques while quantitative data was analyzed using quantitative statistics comprising of frequency tables and percentages. From the study data analysis and interpretations, the following summary, conclusions and recommendations were drawn; project mission, project resources, management and budget allocation were found to play a big role in factors influencing implementation of water projects in Coast Water Services Board. Thus Coast Water Services Board should deploy project mission, project resources, management and budget allocation in implementing water projects in Coast Water Services Board.

Abstract:Project risk management is an essential part of project management. As with life, projects are risky and every organization should strive to have an effective project risk management process in order to identify and manage risks. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing project risk management in state corporations. The study based its research on three specific objectives which sought to; To determine how project schedule influences project risk management in state corporations, to examine how technical expertise influence project risk management in state corporations and to establish how communication influences project risk management in state corporations. The theories that support this study were discussed are the Agency theory, contingency theory and communication theory. These theories have hast knowledge that supports the study. Other studies that have been carried out by other researchers were also discussed. A descriptive research design was employed during this study. The study was carried out at the Kenya Pipeline Company. The primary data for the study was collected using the questionnaires. The results of the study were presented using frequency tables. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and regression statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. For this study, the survey design was preferred because surveys are relatively less costly, easily accessible and also useful in describing the characteristics of a large population and making the results statistically significant even when analyzing the variables. The study selected a sample of 202 respondents from the different segments of the population in KPC to determine the factors influencing project risk management in state corporations. The data collected was tabulated and analyzed. This study employed simple random sampling technique in selecting respondents. This type of sampling is none biased because each member of the subset has an equal probability of being chosen. From the study data analysis and interpretations, the following summary, conclusions and recommendations were drawn; Project schedule, technical expertise and communication were found to play a big role in influencing project risk management in state corporations. Thus the Kenya Pipeline Company Authority should encourage the use of project schedule, technical expertise and communication practices in in project risk management in state corporations. The study found out that there was a statistically significant influence of the three variables i.e. project schedule, technical expertise and communication on project risk management. The study therefore concluded that risk management at KPC should be managed taking into consideration the three factors which were the study variables of this research. A recommendation was made to the effect that the management of KPC should deploy risk schedule, technical expertise and communication in the management of project risks.

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of budgeting strategy on the performance of public universities in Kenya. Although a number of empirical studies have given a different view on the weak financial performance of public Universities, research evidence of the impact of budgeting strategy on performance of public universities in the Kenyan context is insufficient. The study used descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 1480 employees comprising of the top and middle-level management drawn from twenty-nine charted public universities by October 2016. The study used a sample size was 391. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze data with the assistance of statistical package of social science (SPSS) software. Inferential statistical techniques were adopted to test the strength of the relationship among and between the variables and interpret the results. Simple linear regression analysis was applied to test the strength of the relationship and establish the level of significance (r=0.231, Ar2=0.051, F=18.313, P<0.05). The study results showed a weak positive significant relationship between budgeting strategy and performance of public universities in Kenya. The study created knowledge by establishing that budgeting strategy attributes to the performance of public universities in Kenya (5.1%). The study recommended to universities management councils to ensure that all the budgeting strategy attributes are fully implemented in their universities. The study recommended for further research to be conducted on other financial management strategies and future research should include other cadres not included in this study.

Abstract: This paper explores the issues of race, gender and social class in the TV series Scandal. Patterns of repetition, pronominal reference and refraction, in terms of deflection and the contrast of white/light and black/darkness, are examined. The representation of race, gender and social class on TV is first discussed diachronically, then the language of the TV series Scandal is analyzed. Our findings show that pronominal reference is exploited by one character in the series to distinguish race issues, while refraction, in all its forms – although very prominent throughout the series – is used by only one character to distinguish issues of race, and by the main character to deflect issues of race. Patterns of repetition are found to be the most important linguistic expedient in the series in terms of creating and upholding thematic bonds concerning race, gender and social class.

Abstract:When the world of knowledge is knocking the doors of Indian Higher Education, it is time to warmly welcome and accept. Where India can be the knowledge generator according to the needs of Indian students, why to just stay back and be the user of the information and knowledge from the foreign land. Following this a study was conducted of designing an online course for undergraduate students of family and community sciences discipline. An experimental study was conducted using pre-post experimental design. Blended learning method was used to teach 95 first year students of faculty of family and community sciences, the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. The major finding of the study revealed that there was significant difference in gain in knowledge of the students studied through the designed online course.

Abstract:This rearch was conducted in Tana River County Kenya. Early warning communication is a branch of crisis communication that has been adopted into community knowledge and practice for disaster preparedness. There are, however,  concerns that in many cases, early warning on impending disasters has not translated into appropriate and timely actions towards saving lives and livelihoods.  While early warning is known to be necessary for reducing disaster losses, studies indicate that early warning communication does not necessarily lead to early and appropriate response from the target communities.The objective of this study was to evaluate the dissemination strategies used to communicate the messages to the community and their adequacy in communicating early warning to the community. Qualitative approach to the research was used where interview schedules and focus group discussions were adopted in data collection method. A sample of 25 respondents were interviewed, three focus group discussions were held and seven key-informant interviews were carried out. The study used purposive and snow ball sampling procedures. The data obtained was transcribed and analysed for themes relevant to the topic. The study found that there are considerable weaknesses in dissemination strategy by institutions charged with the early warning communication, The study recommends that there is need for communicators of early warning messages to look at the design of the messages on flood warnings and to take into consideration the three elements of early warning communication, which are forecasting, dissemination and response. It is envisaged that the findings of the study will be helpful to the communicators of early warning messages to reconsider strategies of communication. The findings will also assist in guiding the formulation of future disaster management policy.