Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Maritime Piracy and its Implications on Security in the Gulf of Guinea

Ken Ahorsu — 2024-09-18

The purpose of the study is to determine how piracy poses security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. Document analysis method was used to analyse literature related to piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. The theory employed is the securitization of pioneered by Barry Buzan, Ole Waever, and Jaap de Wilde (1990). Also, a retrospective cohort design is used for the study. The findings of the study revealed that the domestication of the Code of Conduct and other legal frameworks will ensure that national laws align with international maritime laws and provide a legal basis for addressing maritime crimes, including piracy. The proffered recommendation is that the government should actively engage pirates and other stakeholders in dialogue and contribute significant resources to ameliorate the environmental and economic damage caused by the oil industry.

Determinant Factors of Antenatal Clinic on Female Sex Workers Attendance within Nairobi County, Kenya

Lonah Tunya — 2024-09-18

Globally antenatal care (ANC) initiation is at 58.6% but varies in different continents. Sub-Sahara has the lowest level of ANC care where women attend at least four times during pregnancy. Recent survey in Nairobi County found out that majority of women attends only one antenatal visit during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to explore determinants of antenatal clinic attendance among female sex workers in Nairobi County. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study among FSWs (18-49years) was carried out. Simple random sampling and self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that 132 (32.8%) FSWs were aged 30 to 34years, 242 (60.0%) were not married. 346 (85.9%) had unplanned pregnancy. Late ANC initiation was due to 42.4% (171) attitude of HCWs, 67.6% (215) distance to the healthcare facility and 86.1% (347) longer waiting time. On inferential analysis, there was an association between occupation of respondent vs number of ANC attendance which was significant = 22.525, df 12, P = 0.032 at P < 0.05. Marital of respondent vs number of ANC attendance was significant =29.058, df 15, P=0.016 at P<0.05. The income level of respondents vs number of antenatal care visits was significant =17.557, df 6, P=0.007 at P<0.05. Thus, pregnant FSWs face discrimination during ANC visits. These research findings will form a basis for future studies as well as guide the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to develop policies that will guide ANC services among FSWs. Outreach programs on ANC among FSWs should be implemented and there should ANC services that only target FSWs.

The Influence of Protecting Leadership Voices from Below Behaviour on the Digital Transformation of Insurance Firms in Kenya

John Odindo — 2024-09-18

This research investigated the impact of protecting leadership voices from below behaviour on the digital transformation of insurance firms in Kenya. This study, grounded in adaptive leadership framework, adopted a positivist approach and a descriptive research design to study a target population of 392 supervisors from the 56 registered insurance firms listed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. The final sample of 127 respondents, represented a response rate of 63%, was drawn using a stratified random sampling technique. Protecting leadership voices from below behaviour was operationalized through the dimensions of employee voice, employee engagement, and work environment, while digital transformation was assessed using metrics such as digital innovation, customer experience, and returns on assets. Inferential statistical analyses, including correlation analysis, chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, ordinal logistic regression were adopted to test the research hypotheses. The findings from the ordinal logistic regression analysis, indicated by the Nagelkerke Pseudo R-square coefficient, demonstrate that protecting leadership voices from below behaviour explains 37% of the variance in digital transformation (Nagelkerke Pseudo R² = .37). Moreover, the parameter estimates obtained from the ordinal regression analysis revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship between protecting leadership voices from below behaviour and digital transformation, β6 = -18.647, p≤.05. In conclusion, this study establishes a substantial connection between protecting leadership voices from below behaviour, and the digital transformation of insurance firms in Kenya. Specifically, when leaders create a conducive work environment that encourages employees voice and engagement, this adaptive leadership behaviour significantly and positively influences digital transformation. Consequently, leaders are recommended to proactively embrace protecting leadership voices from below behaviour by implementing policies and practices that promote employee voice, enhance employee engagement, and establish supportive work environments. These efforts will facilitate and enhance the prospects of achieving successful digital transformation within the Kenyan insurance industry. Further studies on the adaptive leadership framework in the broader financial services industry are recommended.

Influence of Customer Intimacy Strategy on Organisations’ Competitiveness in Tier III Category of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Alfayo Odongo Wamburi — 2024-09-18

This study investigates how customer intimacy strategies influence the competitiveness of tier-III commercial banks in Kenya. Utilising a pragmatic research philosophy, it employs a mixed-methods approach and a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected from middle and senior management across 21 tier III commercial banks, with a sample size of 288 respondents determined using Yamane's formula. Proportionate stratified random sampling ensured representativeness based on management staff functions. Regression analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (R = 0.822) between the Customer Intimacy Strategy and Organisational Competitiveness, explaining 67.5% of the variability. ANOVA results were highly significant (F (1, 238) = 494.589, p < .001), indicating the superiority of the regression model. The strategy showed individual significance with a t-statistic of 22.239 (p < .001) and a standardised beta coefficient of 0.822. Despite limitations, such as the focus on Kenyan tier III banks and potential response bias, the study provides actionable insights for banking sector decision-makers, emphasising the importance of prioritising customer intimacy for sustainable competitive advantages.

Rules of the Game and Efficacy of Public Microcredit Schemes: Evidence from Selected Borrowers in Malawi

Richard Zidana — 2024-09-18

This paper contributes to the scholarly debates that question the efficacy of microcredit schemes in development programming. Dominant political economy debates posit that microcredit schemes have failed to achieve the envisaged financial inclusion and smallscale enterprise development outcomes because the nature of the intervention itself is an imposition by neoliberal promoters on global south economies. It is also argued that local political elites use microcredit programmes as a tool for advancing patronage. Motivated by this foregoing school of thought, we contend in this paper that informal credit management rules that dominate the administration of these schemes, at the expense of clearly spelt-out formal rules made known in the public domain, also contribute to this mission drift. Thus, our aim was to assess how prevailing microcredit-lending rules contribute to non-achievement of development outcomes. Guided by Douglas North’s conceptualisation of rules of the game as our analytical framework, we employed Q methodology to generate key themes that emerged from primary qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with purposively recruited microcredit clients of the National Economic Empowerment Fund, a public microcredit scheme in Malawi. Findings revealed that microcredit schemes were dominated by informal rules regarding turnaround time, credit appraisal processes, political interference, and misplaced borrower perceptions about the objectives of microcredit schemes. These rules were misaligned to what was promised to potential microcredit borrowers as reflected in the public microcredit’s credit management procedures. We concluded that unless the apparent pervasion of these substitutive informal rules that distort outcomes is curtailed, public microcredit schemes risk becoming an irrelevant strategy for driving small-scale enterprise development agenda in countries like Malawi.

Banditry Implications on Socio-Economic Development in Baringo South Sub-County, Kenya

Dickson Chemase — 2024-09-18

Banditry incidents affect people in various ways like displacement from homes, cause poor health, disrupt education, increase poverty, and create unfavourable business environment. At Baringo South Sub-County in Kenya, many lives have been lost and several injured in banditry incidents. National and County governments have invested in measures to enhance security and contain livestock theft, but challenges still exist. In this study, purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used. The sample size was 364 residents. Mixed research methods of quantitative and qualitative were used in the study, with instruments for data collection being closed-ended question questionnaires and open-ended structured interview schedules. The study found that banditry negatively affects the average income levels of locals through its outstanding effects on aspects such as poverty, destruction of business activities, displacements from homes, creating an unfavorable climate for investors, unemployment, and professionals’ avoidance of banditryprone areas due to insecurity. Further, the findings of this study demonstrated that banditry has notable implications on literacy levels through its serious impact on the closure of schools, instilling fear in learners and teachers besides being one of the causes of school dropouts.

The Moderating Effect of Inspirational Motivation on the Relationship between Succession Planning and Stability of Evangelical Churches in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Kepha Nyamweya Omae — 2024-09-18

Leadership in churches has gained traction in recent years across
the globe, particularly with regard to how decisions are made, and
what leadership models to adopt that would both promote
ministerial work and build a strong congregation. This study aimed
to establish the moderating effect of inspirational motivation on the
relationship between succession planning and the stability of
Evangelical churches in Nairobi, Kenya. The study employed the
use of a pragmatic research philosophy. The target population for
this study constituted 300 Evangelical churches in Nairobi County,
Kenya, with a total of 1200 leaders. Each church has a Presiding
Bishop or General Overseer, the General Secretary, the Senior
Pastor and a Senior Deacon from the various church organizations
who formed the respondents for the study. A sample size of 20%
of the target population of 300 registered church organizations
giving a total of 60 church organizations. In the 60 church
organizations, there were 60 Presiding Bishops / General
Overseers and 60 General Secretaries. Besides, there were 2 Senior
Pastors and 2 Senior Deacons or elders conveniently sampled from
each of the 60 church organizations, making a total of 360 leaders.
Data was collected using a questionnaire that contained both
structured and semi-structured questions. Correlation analysis and
linear regression analysis were performed to assess the moderating
effect of inspirational motivation on succession planning and
Evangelical church stability, using SPSS version 27. The findings of
the study indicated the existence of a positive and significant
correlation between leadership succession planning, inspirational
motivation, and church stability. According to the study,
inspirational motivation has a moderating effect on the relationship
between succession planning and the stability of the Evangelical
Churches in Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Temporal changes in Rainfall and Temperature influence on Solid Waste Generation in Bungoma County Urban Centres, Kenya

Godfrey Wekesa Wafula — 2024-09-18

Globally, temperature and rainfall play an integral role in the management of solid waste in urban areas. This is because many countries especially, the developing countries conventionally rely on both variables in the management of waste. However, the urban environment faces many threats as a result of challenged waste management practices due to these climate stressors. This research aimed to assess how temporal changes in temperature and rainfall influence solid waste generation. The study was carried out in Bungoma county urban centres, specifically Bungoma town, Webuye, Kimilili, Kapsokwony, Chwele, and Sirisia townships. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select the urban and peri-urban centres while random sampling was used to select respondents in residential dwellings, business people, urban residents, and officers from government institutions including public health and environment, water, and natural resources were interviewed. Ancillary data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules while historical data was obtained to validate observed data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and summarized using tables, charts, and graphs. The findings of the study indicated that rainfall and temperature significantly influenced the generation of solid waste.

The Christian Contested Socio-Religious and Cultural Aspects of Idumi Ritual: A Catholic Perspective among Tirikis of Hamisi Sub-County

Bonface Wanjala Ifire — 2024-09-18

This study explains the Catholic perspective of the Christian–contested socio–religious and cultural aspects of Idumi circumcision rituals among the Tirikis. In some African communities, male circumcision rituals have persisted because of cultural beliefs. Christianity has struggled to discourage some of these cultural practices that contradict the Christian message in vain. This study aimed to explore the question; how has the Catholic Church perceived Idumi circumcision ritual? The study was guided by Niebuhr’s Consultative/Dialogical Critical approach to cultural transformation. Particularly, one of the five approaches, Christ against culture was used to identify the contested aspects of Idumi rituals. Purposeful sampling was used to select twenty – four (24) respondents for the study. Twelve (12) key informants were interviewed, and twelve (12) respondents participated in two focus group discussions of six (6) members each. Data collected was analyzed qualitatively using the thematic method and presented by reporting key findings using appropriate verbatim quotes as narrated. The study revealed that there has been an effort by the Catholic Church to identify some of the Christian - contested Aspects of Idumi that cause challenges to evangelization.

The role of gender-based factors on the levels of student participation in eLearning in select universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Josephine Nyambura Thua — 2024-09-18

eLearning is an attractive mode of learning that provides easy access to education to students who would otherwise be disadvantaged by social, economic and geographic impediments to educational advancement. There is limited information on the role of the digital gender divide and gender-based factors in participation in eLearning in universities. The study aimed to assess the gender disparities in learner participation whose indicators were defined as login frequency, breaks within a session, study location, and student-instructor interaction. This was a descriptive study using multistage sampling with a sample size of 395 students and 32 KII. A questionnaire, key informant interview guide and content analysis were used as the data collection tools. Data was quantitatively and qualitatively analysed. The study found that men’s frequency of login to LMS was higher than women’s. Women (71.7%) were observed to have fewer breaks than men (65.9%). The reasons for the breaks were poor or unstable internet, caregiving, and work-related engagement. Women spent more time per session (119.06 minutes) compared to men (109.74 minutes). Based on the findings, strategies were proposed to mitigate these factors. The importance of this study is it provides baseline data that can be used to formulate policies that are gender responsive and will contribute to the promotion, enhancement, and sustenance of eLearning for educational advancement. This study was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic which required most data to be accessed virtually. There was reluctance to fully disclose information by universities which treated the information as confidential.

Predictors of Violence against Women in African Christian Marriage in Kenya: A Case of ACK Cathedral Voi

Raymond Manyoki — 2024-09-18

Recent events suggest that women in Christian marriages in Kenya may be at risk of experiencing violence, despite the belief that such marriages are less violent. This research examined predictors of violence against women in Christian marriages at ACK Cathedral Voi. The main aim of this research was to investigate violence against women in Christian marriages at ACK Cathedral church in Voi. The research was guided by the social learning theory. A design of descriptive research was utilized. The study employed stratified simple random sampling. A structured survey was given to the participants and the Likert scale was employed to evaluate their answers, with data analysis performed using SPSS-26 software and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The study reveals violence against women in Christian marriages is primarily physical, verbal, and sexual, influenced by poverty, lack of education, cultural practices, gender discrimination, and economic instability. It suggests religious leaders provide mediation, counselling, mentorship, coaching, seminars, and team-building programs to address these issues. The church should also collaborate with the government for educational programs.

Climate-Driven Innovations: How Rainfall and Temperature Influence Pasture Technology Adoption in Isiolo County, Kenya

Linus Ireri — 2024-09-18

Pastoralism is the primary livelihood in Isiolo County's arid and semi-arid regions, but severe droughts and climate change frequently disrupt this way of life, causing food shortages for vulnerable communities. This study explored how pastoralists in Isiolo County adopt Technological, Innovation, and Management Practices (TIMPs) to boost pasture production, reduce land degradation, and enhance resilience to extreme weather. It specifically examined the impact of climatic factors on TIMP adoption, guided by Diffusion of Innovation Theory, which focuses on the adoption process of new technologies. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study sampled 382 heads of households and field extension officers from a population of 48,514. Data was collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A pilot test involving 20 household heads and 1 extension officer was conducted, achieving a reliability coefficient of 0.86 using the Cronbach Alpha formula. Data analysis was performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 2x, employing Multiple Linear Regression models. The results indicated that temperature had a positive correlation coefficient of 0.791 with TIMP adoption, showing that higher temperatures encourage technology adoption for survival, with a significant effect (p<0.05). Rainfall also had a positive correlation with TIMP adoption, but the relationship was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Policymakers should therefore prioritize temperature-related interventions and reassess rainfall-related strategies to improve local resilience to extreme climatic conditions.

Improving work in garment design and production among secondary school students: A case study of Textiles Technology Design subject at Advanced Level in Zimbabwe

Sindisiwe Dube — 2024-09-18

The purpose of the study was to find strategies for secondary school students in Zimbabwe to improve their work in garment design and production. Maximum variation sampling was employed to select 26 schools, whilst 52 students and 26 teachers were randomly and conveniently selected for the study respectively. A time study was done for a basic skirt to estimate the time taken to complete specified operations in design and production. Data was analysed through descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The result showed that the observed average time to make a skirt when students were in their normal school environment was 2014 minutes. Further, the results showed that the average time taken in an improved environment was 449 minutes and 167 minutes using the whole-garment and sectionalisation methods of production respectively. It was concluded that the work output of secondary school students can be improved from a minimum of one to a maximum of 6 clothing items per term within the curriculum time provided and in a well-resourced learning environment. It was concluded that the whole garment method of production would be the best to use in schools as students would need to practise all garment design and production operations to acquire the necessary skills useful to start their own tailoring work or for employment in the clothing industries. The findings imply the Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe on the transformative impact that comprehensive improvements in the practical learning environments could have on improving the work output of students in garment design and production.

Prospective Interventions for reducing vulnerability of communities in post-disaster resettlement, a case of Bunambutye camp, Eastern Uganda

Harriet Cherotich — 2024-09-18

This study explored the prospects of reducing the vulnerability of communities in post-disaster resettlement, a case of Bunambutye camp in Eastern Uganda. Using a participatory research approach, 20 participants were engaged in mini-Delphi iterative meetings that determined and validated relevant livelihood skills necessary to reduce vulnerability. The world indicator of skills for employment theoretical framework was used to understand and identify various skills needed by resettled communities. This was coupled with the livelihood programming model which provided a conceptual lens into livelihood capitals that survivors utilize to produce various livelihood characteristics. Both Interpretive and descriptive research designs were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data. A Delphi tool containing structured interviews was utilized to gather the views of the participants on the objectives of the study which included: - skills possessed by the survivors, current skills valued, and needed but missing in the resettlement and prospective mitigation strategies to bridge the skill gaps. Results from exploratory data analysis done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 20 revealed survivors possessed limited livelihood skills thus exposed to socio-economic and livelihood vulnerability. Lack of skills training institutions was sighted as a contributing factor. The survivors considered reskilling, cross-skilling, or up-skilling on relevant livelihood skills. There is a projection of entrepreneurship, project-based work, products, and services being profitable sectors in the future. The study concludes that though the survivors possess farm-based skills, there are gaps in other crop and animal husbandry practices. We recommend the establishment of a skills-based training institution within the resettlement that should train survivors using content customized to address current and future needs hence ensuring self-sufficiency, reliance, and livelihood sustainability through outcomes like increased disposable incomes and wellbeing of the survivors in the resettlement.

Dynamics of the Protracted Chieftaincy Conflict in Nkwanta of the Oti Region of Ghana

David Suaka Yaro — 2024-09-18

The study examines the dynamics of the Nkwanta conflict from the lens of the causes, the effects of the conflict, and the measures that militate against the management of the protracted conflict in the Oti Region of Ghana. It draws the theoretical insights from Azar’s “extended societal conflicts" which postulates that conflicts or disputes in society are because of interlinked networks of insufficient development, structural deficiencies, and divisions in identity among other factors. The study utilizes largely a qualitative research design in which 23 interviewees shared their views, opinions, and perspectives on the Nkwanta conflict in the Oti Region of Ghana. The Nkwanta area is also closer to the Togo border which makes the area strategic and could make the conflict have a spill-over effect on Ghana and Togo due to the close ethnic relations of the Nkwanta people of Ghana and those in Togo. The study found that chieftaincy and land ownership are the main causes of the conflict. Other factors that contribute to the conflict include partisan politics and the vested interest of some individuals in the area. In terms of the effects of the conflict loss of lives and properties are the main effects while effective conflict resolution stems from the involvement of all the parties through respect, compromise, and forgiveness from the parties involved in the conflict. The study recommends the involvement of unbiased external mediators with a high sense of professionalism toward the resolution of the protracted Nkwanta conflict in the Oti Region of Ghana.