In Kenya, interest rates were determined by the market forces without any government intervention for several years. The government's attempt to impose interest rate caps in 2001 failed. For a long period of time Kenyan banks enjoyed higher interest rates and made great profits from interest rate margins, in which banks charged inflated loan rates while reimbursing low savings rates. The law limiting the maximum lending rate to 4% above the central bank rate (CBR) and the minimum deposit rate to 70% received presidential assent and went into effect in September 2016. Proponents of interest rate caps argued that lowering interest rates would increase the economy's money supply, create financial inclusion for lower-income groups, and result in increased economic growth. The goal of this study was to assess the role of interest rate caps on key macroeconomic variables with a specific focus on economic growth rate, unemployment rate, and inflation rate. Data was collected on a quarterly basis and analyzed for a total of 28 quarters, 14 before the interest rate cap (Q1 2013 to Q2 2016) and 14 during the interest rate cap (Q3 2016 to Q4 2019). Data was sourced from the Central bank of Kenya, World bank and the Kenya National Bureau of statistics portals. The study employed a descriptive research design, and the ttest of paired samples was applied in the analysis. The study was undertaken to determine whether there was a significant difference in the means of the chosen variables before the law was implemented and during the time it was in place. SPSS analysis program was applied in the data analysis. The outcomes of the investigation indicated that there was a considerable difference in the means of unemployment rate between the two time periods. However, the difference in the means of the economic growth rate and the inflation rate for the two time periods studied was not statistically significant. The conclusion drawn from these observations is that the government's interest rate regulation was ineffective because it resulted in increased unemployment while economic growth and inflation rates changes were negligible. As evidenced in 2019, the failure of the interest rate ceilings led to the repeal of the law, so the government and Central bank policy makers should learn from the experience and in future should find alternative strategies for regulating the performance of these macro-economic variables.

Lead (Pb) is used in many manufacturing processes due to its useful properties. It is an important component in the manufacturing and recycling of lead batteries, manufacturing of paints and production of glazed pottery among others. However, Pb has no biological function; it is toxic, accumulates in biological systems and persists in the environment. The World Health Organization acknowledged that Pb is among the ten most toxic elements to human health. Pregnant women are vulnerable to the toxic effects of Pb as lead passes via the placenta to the developing fetus. As a result, it negatively affects the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the fetus since there is no brain barrier. Previous studies have indicated high levels of Pb in soil, water, and house dust in informal settlements. There is nonetheless scarce data on Pb exposure levels of mother-child pairs in Kenya despite the concerted efforts of phasing out leaded fuel and recently Pb in paint. The study was aimed at assessing the levels of lead in mothers and their newborns and potential sources of Pb exposure in selected informal settlements in Kenya. Blood from a total of 100 newborns (umbilical cord blood) and their mothers living in informal settlements was collected at the Pumwani Maternity Hospital and analyzed for levels of Pb using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method of analysis was validated using ClinChek® Whole Blood Control, lyophilized, for Trace Elements, at different concentrations of Level I, II, III, procured from RECIPE Chemicals +instruments GmbH. A questionnaire was used to capture the likely sources of Pb exposure in the mother‟s environment. The median blood lead levels (BLLs) in newborns and their mothers were 2.1 and 26.7 µg/dL respectively. A high proportion of mothers (97%) had BLLs that exceeded the center for disease control (CDC) reference value of 5 µg/dL whereas, 25% of their newborns had BLLs above the 3.5 µg/dL reference value in children. A positive correlation (rs=0.65, p=0.000) between maternal BLL and newborn BLL, was observed which deduces that maternal BLL may be an important indicator for prenatal lead exposure. Proximity to dumpsite and residence in painted houses were significantly associated (p=0.004 and p=0.000 respectively) with elevated BLLs. The study has highlighted BLLs in mothers and their newborns and the key contributing factors that urgently call for interventions and strategies to reduce these exposures in informal settlements.

Regulatory policy aim at ensuring that regulations uphold social, economic growth and development of a nation in order to achieve broader societal objectives for instance environmental sustainability, social welfare and strengthening of the rule of law (OECD, 2021). Regulatory policies therefore address permanent needs to guarantee that regulations and regulatory frameworks are warranted, are of acceptable quality and aim to achieve set and expected policy objectives. Regulatory policy also aid policy makers in reaching informed decisions on what to regulate, whom to be regulated, and how to regulate. As an integral part of effective public governance, regulatory policy also helps to smoothen linkages among state, citizens, businesses and the civil society (SeMarzo, Michaele, & Matk, 2015). Transport industry is a very vital element in any nation. The industry contributes significantly to economic growth and development of nations as most major investments are routed through this industry. As such, the industry calls for well thought public policies to align the activities and bring order in this crucial sector. The importance of public transportation especially for cities, aims at ensuring attainment of a sustainable mode of transportation for the citizenry (Mordi & Razzaque, 2019). However, regulation of the matatu sector is also a contested field of competing socio-economic interests in public transport. In countries that are in developing phase particularly those in Asia, Africa and Latin America where rail transit is inadequate to meet transportation needs, the use of road transportation is the common mode (Kenworthy, 2007). In Brazil for instance, buses are a popular mode of transportation which serves the needs of commuters majorly from poor backgrounds in Northeast Brazil to areas such as the Amazonia (Piva da Silva, 2017). In a way, public transit has made it possible for those who do not own vehicles to move from their residence to their places of work. This 1is mainly the case in developing countries that have not capitalized on sustainable modes of transportations such as the rapid bus transit system. Intervention through public policy formulation and proper implementation is necessary to eliminate urban transport systems inadequacy that hider them from functioning effectively to serve the citizenry. This inadequacy especially within cities and big towns adversely affect daily life thus making it more unpredictable and complicated and translates to social disorder in the public transport. In such scenarios, the true economic potential of a country and its people becomes unrealizable. A reliable transport system is particularly crucial in developing countries, where large proportions of the people are poor. To ease access to cities and big towns where greater economic opportunities exist is essential both for individual mobility convenience and for economic growth (Oira & Makori, 2015). Analysis from Alup (2017) and Chitere (2006) past experience in regard to public transport indicate that if the system is promoted correctly and rationally regulated, it can play more imperative roles in addressing mobility needs through reduction of the need for unprofitable conventional public transport services. Adequate support of this industry in major policy issues can increase safe travelling public options, income and employment generating activities. In most developed economies, government controls structural arrangements and infrastructure in the public transport. Whereas in some cities such as those in China and Vietnam that are prone to heavy traffic of vehicles, concerted efforts have been directed towards the full adoption of the bus rapid transport system, in others, such as those in Cambodia where bus services are yet to operate optimally, not much has been done to meet the needs of urban commuters (Choocharukul & Ung, 2011). In the United States of America, public transportation is monopolized by the government which has greatly enhanced the efficiency in the sector. However, for Japan, the majority of the transport services both 2rail and road are offered by private firms. The reason for this is that the provision of transport services in Japan has been a daunting task especially for the government policy makers and regulators. In the Sub-Saharan African, success in transport has been negligible (Rizzo, 2017). This is demonstrated in African cities that are yet to institute a comprehensive transport policy to address the concerns of the citizenry. Particularly in South Africa, there is a chaotic informal transportation system in the form of minibuses which operate without route management. The minibus industry constitutes 60% of the commuters’ public transport in South Africa and is characterized by regular strikes from service providers which makes it unsafe and unreliable. Other than that, the minibuses are known for their disregard for traffic laws as most of them carry excess passengers (Ayodele, 2009). In the context of Nigeria, road transport is the most popular which makes up 90% of the movement of both passengers and freight (Adebambo & Adebayo, 2009). The road network is managed by the local government

The family function plays a critical role in determining one’s psychological and behavioural state (Akrami & Kazemi-Zahrani, 2020). A number of studies have been done to establish the possible link between family of origin function and academic performance, romance related violence between partners, and child delinquency. However, few studies have established the associations between dysfunctional family type and the dating relationship patterns among young adults in campus and specifically among members of Christian Unions. As such, this study sought to establish the association between family dysfunction and the dating relationship patterns among young adults in campus- a case of Christian Union members in the University of Nairobi Main and Kikuyu campuses. The study objectives were to establish the association between parental conflicts, alcoholism, separation/divorce and dating relationship patterns among young adults in Christian Unions (CUs) in the University of Nairobi Main and Kikuyu campuses. The research employed descriptive survey design and data was collected using questionnaire. The analysis of data was done using SPSS version 26. From this, descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages, averages, and the Chi-Square test (at 95% level of significance) was done to determine the association between family dysfunction (parental alcoholism, parental conflict, and parental separation/divorce) and dating relationship patterns. On parental divorce/separation, the study established no statistical significance in the association between parental divorce/separation and dating relationship patterns. However, there was a noted variance on individuals’ doubt for their partners’ love (an aspect of relationship anxiety). Parental alcoholism had no statistically significant association with dating relationship patterns such as dating relationship status, period in the relationship, number of partners dated before, relationship satisfaction, and commitment in relationship. The study also showed no statistical significance in association between parental conflict and the following dating relationship patterns; dating relationship status, period in the relationship, number of partners dated before, and commitment in relationship.

Dairy goat farming is rising globally as an alternate climate smart livestock. This rise is attributed to its high drought and heat resilience, less methane emission and better disease resistance. According to KNBS (2019), the goat population in Kenya stands at 15 million with close to 400,000 being dairy goats mainly bred using rotation bucks thus predisposing them to reproductive challenges. This study was carried out to determine farmers attitudes and perception on artificial insemination (AI) in goats and to determine the optimal dose of prostaglandin (PGF2α) required for estrous synchronization in goats. A baseline survey was undertaken on 200 goat rearing households in Mukurwe-ini Sub County in Nyeri County using a structured questionnaire. This was followed by a controlled experiment at the Ol Magogo sheep and goat farm which involved 45 healthy cycling, non-pregnant dairy goats aged 1.5 to 3 years using a control randomized block. They were randomly allocated into three groups of 5 goats each, the control group received 500µg, group 2 received 250µg and group 3 received 125µg of Cloprostenol (estroPLAN) intramuscularly (IM) replicated three times. Double injection protocol of 11 days apart was used. The heat response, onset, intensity and duration were observed and recorded. Questionnaire data were analyzed using R software version 4.03 and comparisons done using Pearson chi-square test at 95% confidence interval. Experimental data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using R software and means separated using least square differences (LSDs). The results revealed that a majority of farmers use natural mating (98%) and a significant (p-<0.05) number of farmers were willingness to pay for AI. 71.4% of farmers though willing to pay, perceived this technology to be expensive. Whereas the heat response for group 1 and 2 were similar, a majority of group 2 goats had milky vaginal mucus between 60 and 72 hours and highest pregnancy rates (84.6%). It is concluded that goat rearing Goat rearing in Nyeri was through small scale practice involving 2-5 goats and xiimost farmers were not members of goat associations. Breeding was done through rotation bucks and this practice was leading to inbreeding and reproductive venereal diseases. Goat AI practice was significantly low and mostly practiced by younger generation. Lowered dosage of PGF2α by half (250µg) was effective and efficient in synchronizing goats. It is recommended that Farmers be encouraged to join the goat associations for better management of goat farming. It is suggested that farmers do away with the use of rotation bucks to decrease venereal diseases and in breeding in goat farming. The other suggestion is that synchronizing of goats be done using 1ml (250µg) instead of 2 ml of PGF2α. It is suggested that the results of this study be used to inform policy that allows lower synchronizing dose be applied for synchronizing goats across the country and also to be part of the protocol to be integrated within the goat AI Centre in Ndomba for enhanced delivery of goat AI services in Kenya and beyond. Key words: Artificial inseminations, goats, prostaglandins, synchronizatio

Organizational structure is a system that outlines how specific activities are handled to fulfill a strategic mission in an organization. Organizational performance comprises the actual output or results of an organization as measured against its intended outputs (or goals and objectives). The specific dimensions of Organizational Structure were centralized, decentralized structures, hierarchical structures, formal meetings, communications, power and lines of authority. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. Financial sector in Kenya faces many organizational challenges like unsatisfactory working conditions, high staff turnover, lack of organizational involvement in decision-making, and fear of going under, among others. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of organizational structure on organization performance among Commercial banks in Kenya. The population of the study was 41 Commercial Banks in Kenya. Primary data was collected using questionnaires while secondary data was collected from financial and operational reports of the banks. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistical was used to determine the strength of the relationship between organization structure and performance of the banks. the study found out that the management systems of the banks have adopted different dimensions of organizational structures and concluded that organizational structure impacts organizational performance positively. It is recommended that commercial banks should adopt appropriate organization structures that are appropriate to their needs and stakeholder needs. It is recommended that further studies are done using other research designs and on other factors that influence performance of commercial banks in Kenya.

Background: Adolescence is a time of considerable physical and emotional changes, and cancer diagnosis during this time can have a profound impact on a child's psychological and physical developmentand complicates the experiences typical to this life phase. Unfortunately, much of the focus in most of the oncological care settings is on disease management and hence adolescent cancer patients’ readiness and psychosocial and emotional experiences often remain largely overlooked. Objective:To assess the psychosocial experiences of adolescents receiving oncology care at Kenyatta National Hospital as they transition from pediatrics to adult wards. Methods:This was a sequential mixed-methods study conducted among 60 adolescents on cancer care in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) oncology unit. Bothquantitative and qualitative data were collected using a questionnaire administered by the interviewer and a focus group discussion (FGD) guiderespectively. The study tools were pre-testedat Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital. The study’s quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive measures that included percentages and frequencies using SPSS version 25.0. Association between variables of the study was evaluated using chi-square test at 95% CI. Results were shown in tables and figures. Qualitative data from the FGDs was thematically analyzed using content analysis and presented in narrative form. Results:Majority (88.3%, n = 53) of the respondents shared the view that their level of preparedness for transition from pediatrics to adult wards was inadequate. Being mentally depressed (66.7%), anxiety (100%), helplessness (63.3%), low self-esteem (81.7%) and guilt (76.7%) were the leading psychological experiences of adolescents receiving oncology care at Kenyatta National Hospital as they transitioned from pediatrics to adult wards. Sadness (93.3%), emotional pain (98.3%), anger (93.3%) and fear (96.7%) were the leading emotional experiences of adolescents receiving oncology care at Kenyatta National Hospital as they transitioned from pediatrics to adult wards. Social isolation (95%), self-pity (85%), loneliness (100%) and lack of or inadequate social supports (53.3%) were the leading social experiences of adolescents receiving oncology care at Kenyatta National Hospital as they transitioned from pediatrics to adult wards. Conclusions: Adolescents receiving oncology care at KNH underwent a wide range of psychological, emotional and social experiences as they transitioned from pediatrics to adult wards. They also perceived their preparedness for transition from pediatrics to adult wards as being inadequate. Recommendations:To address the challenge of adverse psychosocial and emotional experiences of transition from pediatrics to adult wards among adolescents on oncology care at KNH, age-appropriate patient tailored psychosocial support systems and services should be initiated prior to, during and in the post transition period for these patients.

Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) are an important subsector for any nation and a determinant of any nation’s success. Small businesses generally outnumber large organizations and create vast amounts of employment opportunities. At the helm of these businesses, the majority are women who defy odds to set up small businesses to contribute to their economies, in Kenya and the world over. This study focused on access to financial resources on implementation of women owned income generating projects. The research was directed by four study goals; to analyze the effect of cost of loan, collateral, financial literacy, and small business assistance on the implementation of women operated income generating enterprises in Ongata Rongai. The research was founded on two different hypotheses, namely the Pecking Order theory and the Financial Literacy hypothesis. Utilizing the Yamane formula, the researcher calculated that 134 people would be a sufficient sample size for our descriptive survey using a 5point Likert scale. A total of 152 female company owners made up the intended audience. Cronbach's α was used to examine the instruments' reliability after the split-half approach had been used to establish it. Pearson's technique of correlating variables was used to determine the degree of association. The results revealed that the strength of the relationship between access to financial resources and implementation of women run income generating projects were as follows; cost of credit (r=-.382), financial literacy (r=0.616), business support services (r=0.530) and collateral(r=0.507). The study found that business support services, collateral, and financial literacy all had a significant and favorable impact on the success of revenue-generating ventures led by women. Revenue-generating businesses managed by women had challenges in getting off the ground due to the high cost of financing. As a result, a suggestion has been made to policy makers and practitioners that they should make use of the results of the current research to improve the long-term viability of SMEs. The results of this research may also be used by the government to design policies and methods that will assist small and medium-sized businesses in realizing their full potential.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of public relations in enhancing the corporate image in government institutions, a case drawn from Kenya Films and Classifications Board (KFCB). The objectives of the study were to determine the PR strategies used for enhancing the corporate image at KFCB, to find out the effectiveness of KFCBs stakeholders’ engagement on its corporate image and to investigate the channels of PR employed or used by KFCB to enhance its corporate image. The study employed a descriptive research design. 90 KFCB employees, both staff and academics, made up the study's population. Ninety respondents in total were chosen using the stratified sampling technique. A questionnaire was employed by the researcher to acquire the necessary data from the participants. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results suggested that effective public relations as a PR strategy strengthened the ideology of relations, which was a determinant of corporate identity, by discovering a strong relation between PR and PR. The positive and strong correlation between effective involvement of stakeholders and PR channel utilization showed that there was a causal link between the two that would impact the institution's corporate image. The study found that KFCB had successfully used public relations strategies through internal communication systems, the involvement of important stakeholders like other public institutions, actors in films, buyers, and the public at large, and also expert knowledge and reliability. The company also used interaction with clients, media through a variety of channels that it truly understood quite well, and media relations to improve its corporate reputation. According to the report, KFCB should enhance its publicity tactics, particularly those that target engaging users, broaden the scope of such initiatives, and promote widespread use of alternative PR platforms.

The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which the Jade Collections retailing store uses predictive data analysis to gain competitive advantage. This study used a case study research design and collected qualitative data from the ICT manager and head of marketing through in-depth interviews. Among the study findings, it was established that predictive data analysis is carried out on a large scale, and this analysis is done at the head office and results cascaded downwards, that is to the branches through the branch managers. Key predictive data at Jade Collections is from sales data. The company also collects social media data though is done on a fairly low scale. The data collected is reviewed by a team of analysts working in the operations department under the Head of the Consumer Department and findings are used to inform business decisions in the company like the introduction of new items, or getting rid of dead stock. The company has improved customer experience by arranging products systematically at the stores and created differentiation by introducing variety of products; as a result Jade Collections has gained competitive advantage. Concerning cost leadership, the findings show that predictive data analysis has had a relative advantage on the sales at Jade Collections because the management makes decisions based on the data collected and analysed, this has improved the clothing apparels understanding of customer trends and customer‟s behaviour. The data collected and analysed also helps them decide on when and how to introduce a new product and make decisions on slow-moving items. Among the study conclusions; competitiveness at Jade Collections and in the clothing retail business at large can be examined from the dimension of cost reduction through the use of technology, high efficiency of the business in terms of service delivery, quality products, and superior customer service and client management. Among others, the study recommends that there is the need to channel more resources towards the utilization of technology. The study suggests that the clothing apparel store should continue to utilize creative online marketing strategies to engage consumers directly and more personally with the clothing brands. Jade Collections should also keep abreast of new developments in the technological front so as to maintain or gain a competitive advantage in the industry