The general objective of the study was to establish the role of stakeholder participation in electoral process in Kenya. In order to achieve the general objective this study was guided by the following specific objectives: To establish the role of media participation in Electoral Process in Kenya, to examine the role of Citizen Participation in Electoral Process in Kenya, to determine the role of election observers participation in Electoral Process in Kenya, to assess the role of the civil society organizations participation in Electoral Process in Kenya and to evaluate the moderating role of constitutional framework in Electoral Process in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey design that targeted respondents from various selected institutions participating in electoral process. Questionnaires were used as research instruments to collect data. The study tested the null Hypothesis that media participation, Citizen Participation, election observer participation; civil society organization participation and moderating variable constitutional framework have no significant role in Electoral Process in Kenya. The study tested the null hypothesis that there is no moderating effect of constitutional framework in Electoral Process in Kenya. Target population was 519 officials drawn from different election stakeholder institutions in Kenya and the sample size was 199. The study used stratified sampling technique to select its subjects. A pilot test was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the data collection instrument. A sample of 199 respondents was fused to collect data. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The study also used bivariate regression analysis and moderated multiple regression to analyze the relationship between media participation, Citizen Participation, election observer participation, civil society participation and constitutional framework in Electoral Process in Kenya. Quantitative data was also analyzed statistically yielding frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations while inferential statistics tools such as correlation and regression were used to determine and explain variable relations by use of SPSS version 21 program. Analysis of variance was also used to test for significant differences and data were presented in form of tables, figures and charts. The study conducted various tests including multi collinearity, auto correlation tests, normality tests and heteroscedasticity tests. The entire null hypotheses were rejected. The study concludes that media participation, Citizen Participation, election observer’s participation, civil society organization participation and constitutional framework have a positive and significant relationship in Electoral Process. The study recommends that policy makers should consider the many factors involved in a complex and dynamic situation before making decision in Electoral Processes that will influence the effectiveness, efficiency and ultimately the political stability of Kenya. Further the study recommends future studies introducing moderating variable in their models.

Abstract

Dog bite is a prevalent but, underreported problem in the developing world. It’s almost always associated with rabies. Rabies, a disease of ancient times, continues to cause untold suffering and death in most of the developing world. Control efforts of the disease have largely been unsuccessful. Part of the reason for control failure is lack of data to inform policy on control. The objectives of the present study were to 1) Estimate human cases of dog bites and and 2) Assess the public health burden of dog bites in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study was a survey of randomly selected households in three sub-counties of Homa Bay County. Within each selected sub-county, two wards were randomly selected. A transect walk was done within each ward and every 4th household selected until the required sample size was achieved. Two sets of data were collected:- retrospective study of hospital records from 2016 to 2018 and Survey (prospective study) of households in Homa Bay County in 2018. The latter method employed simple and systematic random sampling and data collected through questionnaires administered via personal interviews. There were 291 dogs found in the 198 households visited converting to 1.5 dogs per household. The dog population in the county was large and estimated at 192,000 dogs. The dog to person ratio was 1:6. Dog ownership in the county was common with 71% of the surveyed households owning dogs. The dog population in the county was inadequately protected from rabies through vaccination – only 27% of survey dogs were reportedly vaccinated against rabies. The annual animal bites of humans were 1,571/100,000 population i.e. 1.57% of the population. A large proportion (82%) of xii bites were inflicted in the lower extremities (feet and legs). Children especially those under 15 years of age, were the most affected. Compliance with the recommended five-dose vaccination regimen in humans was low. Only four of the 28 human bite cases reportedly completed the five doses of anti-rabies vaccinations. Reasons for non-compliance included, the prohibitive cost of antirabies vaccines, its non-availability at time of visit and the transport cost to health facility by the victim. The average cost of post exposure prophylaxis (vaccination) was estimated at KES. 3,450 with a range of KES 1200 to 6000. Further, transport cost to hospital was between KES60 and 500 with an average of KES 300. With the requirement of five hospital visits, the cost of transportation alone was approximated at KES 1500. In conclusion, this study has shown that dog bites had an incidence of 1.57%, and is a major public health problem in Homa Bay County. Control of rabies in dogs has not been adequate as shown by the low vaccination levels of dogs in the county which was only 27% as revealed by the study. There is a need to scale up rabies control efforts in the county with public participation being a major component of those efforts. These efforts are essential if the ancient and terrible disease - rabies- is to be controlled and eradicated.

Abstract

The concept of Inclusion in education refers to the stakeholders’ efforts to have every child have access a learning institution with a conducive environment to the learner to facilitate personalized learning. Inclusion in education is in line with international policy positions summarized by the Salamanca statement “No Child is Left behind”. The Government of Kenya has made efforts to ensure that learners with special needs in education in public primary schools are included in education. Nevertheless, inclusion has been a major challenge to stakeholders in education sector in Kenya since independence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of headteachers’ administrative practices on inclusion of learners with special needs in education in public primary schools in Mbooni East and West sub-counties, Kenya. The study therefore sought to determine the influence of headteachers’ instructional supervision, communication, co-ordination of donor support services, involvement of parents in planning and creation of conducive learning environment on inclusion of learners with special needs in education in public primary schools in Mbooni East and West sub-counties, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design and mixed research designs which puts together components of qualitative and quantitative techniques to provide more comprehensive understanding of the research challenge than each individual design. The targeted population was (N=1896) who included 204 public primary headteachers, 1632 public primary school teachers, 60 parents from units only, and 2 Education Officers. A total of 196 respondents participated in the study that included 163 teachers, 23 headteachers, 6 parents and 2 Education Officers. Data that was obtained from questionnaires for headteachers and teachers were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS version 23 while data obtained from interviews with parents and Education Officers were analyzed qualitatively. Hypothesis was tested using Independent t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The study analysis done indicated that for all the five objectives, there was no statistically significant mean difference between headteachers’ administrative practices and inclusion since all the calculated p-values were greater than standard p-value 0.05 thus rejecting the H0.The results corroborated the results of tests of hypothesis using One-Way ANOVA Output from coordination of donor support services (P=0.054>P=0.05).Results from Instructional supervision (P-value=0.047< P-value= 0.05),Pearson’s correlation at 0.01 level(2-tailed)(P value=0.001<P=0.05);(P value=0.682>P=0.05)was analyzed communication (P is 0.001<P=0.05), Involvement of parents (P value=0.0025<P=0.05) and creation of conducive learning environment (P-value=0.001<P=0.05)showed statistically significant mean difference between headteachers’ administrative practices and inclusion in public primary schools. The results therefore conclude that teachers do not approve the headteachers’ administrative practices hence the poor implementation of inclusion in Mbooni East and West sub-counties, Kenya. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, the Teachers’ Service Commission, the Kenya Education Management Institute, the various Boards of Management and other education stakeholders, the national and county government levels consider issues on infusion of instructional supervision in SNE training, communication models, INSETS on role of donor funding and coordination, parents with SNE learners representation in BoM, headteachers’ training on procurement and creation of conducive learning environment for implementation of inclusion.

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THEREQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE MASTERS DEGREE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Hypertension is a public health problem and a term used to describe HBP. It is a condition that occurs as a result of repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg whereby a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. However, normal blood pressure is below 120/80; readings between 120/80 and 139/89 is called pre-hypertension. Flow of blood is based on the beat at which the heart pumps blood. The pressure of the heart does not stay at constant level at all times. It varies based on activities an individual do at a particular point in time. Hypertension occurs as a result to long duration of abnormal pressure of the main arteries (Cunha 2011.)Prevention of high blood pressure across all age groups is recognized as the controlling key to hypertension especially in developing countries. Identification of factors associated with hypertension is, an optimum steps to prevention. The purpose of the study was to determine factors associated with hypertension or high blood pressure at Africa Renewal University. Community based cross section survey was conducted so as to get baseline data on the factors associated with hypertension at Africa Renewal University. A total of fifty participants answered both closed and open ended questionnaires. The results of this study suggested that general knowledge of high blood pressure is inadequate at Africa Renewal University. Participants lacked of understanding in the etiology of high blood pressure. For instance: majority of the respondents’ lacked basic understanding of hypertension which was at a total frequency of 32, making 64% of the total respondents. Focus should be on public education in understanding high blood pressure by helping to control it. Findings from this study can assist in health planning programs on factors Associated with hypertension. Health workers need to educate the public on the effects of high blood pressure disease. Awareness must be created that early detection of hypertension is only by screening. The effects of salt reduction can be emphasized on preventing high blood pressure that may intend prevent other cardiovascular diseases. Health workers should increase the individuals control over own health through self-empowerment tool and educational approach.

On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern requiring global attention and action by heads of state. On the 30th, of March 2020, Uganda confirmed its first SARS-CoV-2 infection in a traveller from the United Arab Emirates. By April 15, 2020, 54 cases had been reported in the country, (Migisha, R., Kwesiga, B., Mirembe, B. B., & Amanya, G., et al…2020). In Uganda, a lockdown was announced by President Yoweri Museveni on 1st April, and it entered into force a few days later after the announcement the lockdown also involved the closure, among others, of universities, and recreational spaces (including sports clubs). To investigate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown effects on behavior change among students of Africa Renewal University. Data collection was collected using both qualitative and quantitative/ methods; quantitative approach was used in order to allow the researcher to gather more accurate and measurable information on the behavior of university students during C-19 lockdown. Qualitative method was used in order to allow respondents to express their thoughts on the effects of Covid-19 lockdown effects on the behavior change. Finding from this study indicate that, during Covid-19 lockdown, majority of students were badly affected by stress, suicidal thoughts and this was at the total frequency of 40, (64%) of the total respondents. Stress is a major risk factor for trauma and behavioral change, when one is stressed, they can do anything in search for happiness and peace of mind. This research reveals that, some students were engaged in uncontrolled sexual activities and this was at the total frequency of 11, (18%). More government intervention and NGOs should be of a crucial factor so as better mechanisms that can be put in place to up lift lockdown policies for example, movement restrictions should be up lifted with strict rules to the use of Masks and washing hands that can allow students to move and associate with families freely. This can reduce on the level of stress, trauma and performance of students.