http://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/26 2026-03-14T12:50:29Z http://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3308 EFFECT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING PRACTICES ON SCHOOL KCPE PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NAMBALE SUB-COUNTY, BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA ORONDA, WESONGA WILLIAM Kenya is experiencing low performance in KCPE according to recent research. If it were not for the government directive that all KCPE candidates transit to the next level of education, many could not due to poor KCPE performance. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of teaching and learning practices on KCPE performance in public primary schools in Nambale sub-county. To attain the purpose of the study, three objectives were addressed; to establish how early syllabus practice contribute to KCPE performance in public primary schools in Nambale sub-county, determine how homework assignment contribute to KCPE performance in public primary schools in Nambale sub-county and to establish how testing contributes to KCPE performance in public primary schools in Nambale sub-county. The study adopted the theory of KCPE performance by Elger. A correlational research design was adopted in the study. The study was conducted in Nambale sub-county, Busia County involving 48 public primary schools. The target population of the study consisted of 336 teachers and a sample size of 210 respondents were selected. The sample included 43 head teachers and 167 class eight subject teachers. The selection of participants in the study followed the Taro Yamane formulae. The data was collected using questionnaires. The instruments were tested for reliability using Cronbach alpha coefficient. Content validity of the questionnaires was established by seeking the opinion of the study supervisors. The data was analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. The results were presented in tables. The study found out that early syllabus practices was statistically significant in explaining the variation in KCPE performance in public primary schools in Nambale Sub-County. The regression coefficient for Early syllabus practices (0.032), was statistically significant (t=0.555, p=0.032). The regression coefficient for homework assignments given (0.002), was statistically significant (t=1.805, p=0.002) and the regression coefficient for testing (0.004), was statistically significant (t=0.606, p=0.004. The study concludes that early syllabus practices, use of homework assignments and testing was an effective strategy in achieving positive, appropriate and improved school KCPE performance. This study recommends that the head teachers, teachers and board of management to prioritize policy on early syllabus practices, encourage the use of homework assignments and testing as effective strategies to improve KCPE performance 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3307 UTILIZATION OF CULTURE IN PEACE-BUILDING AMONG THE POKOT AND MARAKWET COMMUNITIES OF ELGEYO MARAKWET AND BARINGO COUNTIES, KENYA PUNDO, MICHAEL ODHIAMBO Sustaining peace is essential for the advancement of any nation or region, and it also fosters cohesion among individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Cultural practices and festivals, while sometimes contributing to conflicts, also hold significant potential as tools for peace-building among the Pokot and Marakwet communities. The persistent conflict between these communities has resulted in loss of life, displacement, and trauma, and traditional response by security agencies alone has proven insufficient in addressing the root causes of the conflict. Therefore, there is a compelling need to explore the role of cultural practices and festivals in contributing to and managing these conflicts, with the aim of fostering lasting peace at the grassroots level. The general objective of this study was to examine the utilization of cultural practices and festivals in peace-building among the Pokot and Marakwet communities of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties in Kenya. The specific objectives were to interrogate the nature of cultural practices and festivals among the Pokot and Marakwet, Kenya; Assess the effectiveness of cultural Practices and Festivals as Peacebuilding Mechanisms among the Pokot and Marakwet; and Examine the challenges and opportunities faced in using cultural practices and Festivals as Peacebuilding strategy. Research questions complement the research objectives. The study had both policy and academic justifications. The study was anchored on a theoretical framework guided by the principles of Conflict Transformation Theory. The research employed a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Tiaty Sub-County of Baringo County and Marakwet East Sub-County of Elgeyo Marakwet County, both found within the volatile Kerio Valley region. Senior police officers (Sub-County Police Commander), Assistant County commissioners, sub-county administrators, MCAs, Religious leaders and Chiefs. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including Faith-Based Organizations with study specifically targeting World Vision Kenya (WVK), Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. The population also included opinion leaders such as elders and peace committee members. Moreover, the study involved selecting a sample comprising 384 individuals who were heads of households. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, interview schedules, and focus group discussions, supplemented by the use of secondary data sources. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 25, producing descriptive statistics represented as percentages and frequencies. Meanwhile, the qualitative data underwent content and narrative analysis. The quantitative findings were presented through tables, charts, and graphs. The findings indicated that several prevalent cultural practices in the study area included oath-taking rituals (muma) 66.5% of respondents), witchcraft, also known as (Muma/Mutaat)(87.3%), cleansing ceremonies (Barpara) (77%) of respondents, and consulting traditional seers through methods like throwing shoes or viewing sheep intestines (91.1% o). Furthermore, the research revealed that these cultural activities were effective in contributing to peace-building efforts, with practices like marriage (77.94%), oath-taking (58.8%), respect for elders (69.1%), negotiations (86.8%), traditional pacts (97.1%), and the traditional role of women as mothers (73.5%) all playing a positive role in promoting peace. However, various conflicts were exacerbated by factors such as banditry (75.4%) and the ready availability of small arms and light weapons (97.1%). Despite these challenges, peace-building initiatives led by religious leaders and faith-based organizations have yielded positive results, even in the face of issues like banditry, low levels of literacy, and limited educational attainment. In conclusion, the study underscores the critical role of cultural practices and festivals in the peace-building process between the Pokot and Marakwet communities. As a recommendation, the study advocates for the formal adoption and utilization of these cultural practices and festivities as strategic tools for promoting peace in Kerio Valley. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3303 Utilization of Simulation Models in Clinical Teaching at Medical Training Colleges, Kakamega County, Kenya Wamalwa, Benjamin Koroboi 2023-04-04T00:00:00Z http://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3272 LINKAGE BETWEEN GUT HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 12-15 MONTHS WITH COMPROMISED WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE ACCESS IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA JAIKA A, SILVESTER NDORI The Kenyan government has implemented programs to improve child nutrition, yet malnutrition persists in Siaya County, where stunting affects 19% of children, higher than in other regions. Poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in these areas exposes children to enteric pathogens, leading to environmental enteric dysfunction (EED). Characterized by gut inflammation, impaired absorption, and increased permeability, EED significantly impacts nutritional status, contributing to persistent undernutrition, particularly in rural areas. Despite the critical role of gut health, it is often overlooked in managing childhood malnutrition. This study investigated the relationship between gut health and nutritional status among children aged 12-15 months compromised access WASH in Siaya County, Kenya. The study assessed the WASH situation, gut health and nutrition status among the children. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 100 children at Siaya County Referral Hospital, selected purposively for its referral role. Children were recruited via simple random sampling during child clinics. WASH data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while nutritional status was assessed through anthropometric measurements. Gut health was evaluated using the lactulose and rhamnose sugars ratio and the 13-carbon sucrose breath test to diagnose EED. Descriptive analysis employed percentages, means and standard deviations while inferential statistics used chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlation, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and simple linear regression analysis were used for inferential statistics. Most respondents were married (80%), with 19% single. Education levels showed concerning trends with 40% having only primary education, 42% secondary, and with smaller proportion (18%) attaining tertiary level. Overall, 76% of the households had improved sources of water indicating some access to safe and protected water sources. However, 22% utilized surface water, increasing the risk to enteric infections. Further, sanitation was the major concern with 90% having unimproved toilet facilities. Additionally, 62% had no separate room as kitchen, and 69.2% lacked a handwashing facilities, with only 30% using soap. The prevalence of EED was high at 53%, with a mean lactulose and rhamnose ratio of 3.03 ± 4.32, indicating significant gut impairment. The 13-carbon sucrose breath test further revealed intestinal damage, with a mean change of -0.45 in the 13-carbon recovered between baseline and 90 minutes, suggesting impaired intestinal mucosa. High rates of malnutrition were observed, with 45% of children affected by wasting, 20% by stunting, and 14% by underweight. Significant negative correlations were found between soap use (p=0.02), handwashing stations (0.029), and gut health status, implying that availability of these sanitation facilities in households reduced risk of gut impairment. Regression analysis indicated significant link between water sources for households and impaired gut health (p=0.039). However, gut health was not significantly related to nutritional status indicators (p>0.05), indicating a brush border effect on the gut. In conclusion, poor WASH contributes to impaired gut health, affecting children's nutritional status. Nutrition interventions by stakeholders and policy makers should consider gut health in developing guidelines for management of undernutrition. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z