Masters Thesis and Dissertations

EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS ON EX-OFFENDERS’ SOCIAL RE-INTEGRATION IN KEIYO NORTH SUB-COUNTY, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA.

2026-03-28T11:58:57Z

EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS ON EX-OFFENDERS’ SOCIAL RE-INTEGRATION IN KEIYO NORTH SUB-COUNTY, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA. TARAKUS, MERCY NACHUCH Community Service Orders (CSOs) serve to enhance safety in the community by improving relationships between ex-offenders and community members. They have also been verified to be successful in ensuring ex-offenders’ social re-integration by helping them to take responsibility of their deeds and change, provide an opportunity for them to learn new skills, thoughts, and new approaches to deal with problems. However, Community Service Orders have experienced difficulties in ascertaining ex-offenders’ social re-integration. It is in this regard that the current study was designed to determine effectiveness of Community Service Orders on ex-offenders’ social re-integration in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine effectiveness of counselling on social re-integration of ex-offenders serving Community Service Ordersin Keiyo North Sub-County, to determine effectiveness of supervision on social re-integration of ex-offenders serving Community Service Ordersin Keiyo North Sub-County, to assess effectiveness of family support on social re-integration of ex-offenders serving Community Service Orders in Keiyo North Sub-County and to analyse effectiveness of community support on social re-integration of ex-offenders serving Community Service Orders in Keiyo North Sub-County. The theories that informed the study purpose and specific objectives included; The Rehabilitation Theory, Strain Theory and Social Control Theory. In order to effectively achieve these objectives, the study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design with an accessible population of a total of 745 respondents. A sample size of 258 participants was determined using the Yamane formula and stratified random sampling applied to select the ex-offenders, ex-offenders’ families and village elders. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions that were administered by the researcher with the help of two research assistants while secondary data was gathered through document review. Validity was assured by submitting the questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion questions to the supervisors for quality control. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics via the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings indicated that Community Service Orders were effective on ex-offenders’ social re-integration in Keiyo North sub-county, Elgeyo Marakwet county, Kenya. Counselling was effective on ex-offenders’ social re-integration as indicated by an average mean of 3.669 and SD (Standard deviation) of 0.633. This relationship is also evidenced by correlation coefficient(r) of 0.421 which shows that the association between counselling and ex-offenders’ social re-integration is positive, moderate and significant. The study concluded that supervision of ex-offenders in form of office reporting and home visits was fruitful in ensuring ex- offenders’ social re-integration while insufficiency of resources was noted as a hinderance in ascertaining ex-offenders’ social re-integration. Family members support was also successful in social re-integration of ex-offenders serving CSO as exemplified by an average [mean =3.63, SD = 0.770]. However, community support was generally observed as being ineffective on ex- offenders serving CSO social re-integration as shown by an average [mean =2.09, SD=0.713]. Despite this, spiritual and recreational support were gathered to be effective in ex-offenders’ social re-integration. From the findings and conclusions, it was recommended that all relevant stakeholders who contribute to the social re-integration of ex-offenders on CSO need to continue playing their active role, regular counselling training of Community Service Officers should be adopted, family members need to continue coming on board in support of ex- offenders’ social re-integration while community support should be strengthened. In future, there is need to understand how other forms of supervised non-custodial sentences apart from CSO are effective on ex-offenders’ social re-integration.

ANALYSIS OF ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN SELECTED CULINARY SPICES SOLD IN TWO OPEN-AIR MARKETS IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA

2026-03-09T13:55:28Z

ANALYSIS OF ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN SELECTED CULINARY SPICES SOLD IN TWO OPEN-AIR MARKETS IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA CHORE, EUNICE AKINYI Culinary spices are used to augment flavor and impart colour to dishes and additionally furnish vital components to the living organisms. Some essential elements found in culinary spices are important for building metalloproteins, enzymes and ensuring that they function in living cells. This study analyzed the concentrations of crucial macro- and micro-elements in Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Allium sativum (Garlic), Capsicum annuum (Red chilies), Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom), Piper nigrum L. (Blackpepper), Cuminum cyminum (Cumin), and Syzygium aromaticum (Cloves), compared the levels of the selected elements in the selected spices and to compare the levels of the elements with the recommended WHO standards collected from two open-air markets in Kisumu City. The essential elements concentrations were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), statistical analysis included descriptive statistical analyses (mean and standard deviation, n = 2). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significant differences in metal concentrations among the various culinary spices. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Factor and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed using the Ward's linkage method to establish the relationships between the macro and micro elements in the culinary spices. K in ginger and garlic both from Jubilee open-air market had the highest and lowest concentrations of 5767.86 ± 30.71 mg/kg and 1611.56 ± 143.15 mg/kg respectively among the macro elements. Ginger possessed the highest mean concentration of most micro elements, Mn (365.29 ± 2.22 mg/kg) and Zn (70.44 ± 0.85 mg/kg). However, the culinary spices from Kibuye open-air markets showed that Al was highest in red chilies, 116.43 ± 3.76 mg/kg and lowest in cloves 39.87 ± 0.79 mg/kg. Cumin possessed the highest concentration of Ca 5290.44 ± 147.34 mg/kg while garlic possessed the lowest 1424.43 ± 24.45 mg/kg. Ginger exhibited highest concentration of K, 5755.36 ± 46.97 mg/kg while garlic exhibited lowest concentration of 1599.06 ± 205.98 mg/kg. The highest concentration of Mg was exhibited in ginger, 4605.36 ± 76.27 mg/kg, while cloves exhibited the lowest concentration 856.50 ± 14.85 mg/kg. Lastly Cumin possessed the highest concentration of Na, 1356.88 ± 41.01 mg/kg while turmeric showed the lowest concentration 175.43 ± 9.29 mg/kg respectively. The concentration of micro elements in culinary spices from kibuye open-air market showed that Co was highest in cloves, 13.85 ± 2.28 mg/kg and lowest in red chilies 4.62 ± 0.21 mg/kg. Black pepper possessed the highest concentration of Cu 20.37 ± 0.93 mg/kg and lowest in red chilies 8.71 ± 0.35mg/kg. The highest concentration of Mn was highest in ginger 360.29 ± 2.22 mg/kg and lowest in red chilies 18.06 ± 0.04 mg/kg. Zn level was highest in cumin, 65.44 ± 0.85 mg/kg and lowest in garlic 10.52 ± 0.56 mg/kg which therefore, exceeded the WHO‘s recommended daily intake of 11mg/kg for adults, and finally black pepper exhibited the highest concentration of Fe, 275.52 mg/kg and lowest in turmeric 98.60 ± 5.01 mg/kg respectively. The concentration of macro elements in the culinary spices from the Kibuye open-air market was slightly higher than those from the Jubilee open-air market; nevertheless, the variances were not statistically significant (p˃0.05). The research found out that culinary spices are relatively nontoxic and have high levels of useful macro-and microelements supports their usage. The high concentrations of macro and micro elements and the low toxicity of the culinary spices justify that they are rich in essential elements that provide substantial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects which are accountable for managing and preventing diet-related diseases.

STAFFING IN THE PROVISION OF QUALITY EDUCATION IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BUNDA DISTRICT, TANZANIA

2026-03-09T13:11:02Z

STAFFING IN THE PROVISION OF QUALITY EDUCATION IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BUNDA DISTRICT, TANZANIA ARENDE, ERASTO GEORGE This study dealt with staffing in the provision of quality education in primary schools in Bunda district, Tanzania. Despite the efforts by the government, NGOs, parents and other stakeholders, in promoting quality education, the quality of education in Bunda primary schools in particular, is still below average. The study was guided by the following objectives to: establish the contribution of pupils enrollment on the provision of quality education in Bunda District primary schools; assess the effects of community involvement in staffing on the provision of quality Education; determine the attitude of parents towards staffing on the provision of quality Education; examine the influence of staff motivation in the provision of quality Education. It employed descriptive survey research design. The Target population was 109 primary schools, 1290 teachers, 2450 parents and 1 District Education Officer. The researcher used 30% to get a sample size of 28 out of 109 head teachers. The researcher also considered using Saunders, Philip, Adrian (2003) table to get a representative sample of 278 teachers from the population of 1290 and 370 parents from 24650 respectively. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and interview schedule. Validity was established by giving the instruments to the experts in the department of Education Administration Planning and Economics of Kisii University. The reliability was ascertained by a pilot study conducted in the same district among the head teachers who were not included in the final study population. From the schools where the five head teachers were stationed and 10 teachers were randomly selected for the pilot study and 13 parents were also randomly selected. Split-Half technique was employed for the test. Pilot questionnaires were divided into two equivalent halves and their correlation co-efficient for the two halves were computed using the Spearman Brown prophecy formula, describing the internal consistency of the test then shown that the instrument was reliable. A correlation coefficient of 0.70 was obtained and recommended as reliable. The researcher sought permission from the National Council for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) through Kisii University as required. The researcher equally got permission from the Bunda District Education Officer. The respondents were assured of the strict confidentiality. The researcher acknowledged all sources referred to so as to avoid plagiarism. The findings showed that the head teachers 15 (53.6 %) responded that high enrolment affects few resourses which are available in schools. It was also found that the head teachers 16 (57.1 %) revealed that members of the community influence provision of quality education by building classrooms which are important for learning. Findings reported that 24 (85.7 %) BOM chairpersons indicated that parents make decisions regarding school staffing while only 4 (14.3%) reported that parents do not make decisions regarding school staffing. The findings revealed that 16 (57.1 %) of headteachers reported that pupils are motivated by the provision of certificate whenever they do anything exemplary while 12 (49.9 %) indicated that they are motivated by the providing them with a special meals. The study concluded that high enrolment affects few resourses which are available in schools, members of the community are actively involved in staffing of teachers especially in soliciting funds to pay the BOM teachers, parents make decisions regarding school staffing and motivation was done by rewarding performing head teachers and staff in various ways. Study recommended that government should to liase with the education stakeholders to add more resourses in schools, to take care of high eonrolment; members of the community are highly encouraged to be actively involved in the provision of quality education; education stakeholders to make decisions regarding school staffing and motivation by rewarding performing head teachers, staff and pupils be encouraged in various ways.

Selected Education Stakeholders’ Factors Influencing Transition Rate from Public Preschool to Primary in Kapseret Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2025-12-19T08:04:26Z

Selected Education Stakeholders’ Factors Influencing Transition Rate from Public Preschool to Primary in Kapseret Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Njuguna, Mary Muthoni The jtransition jof jchildren jfrom jpublic jpreschool jto jprimary jschool jis jnot ja jsingle jevent jbut ja jdevelopmental jprocess jwith jfar-reaching jconsequences jfor jlearners’ jacademic jsuccess, jretention, jand joverall jeducational joutcomes. jIn jKenya, jdespite jtargeted jgovernment jinitiatives, jmany jlearners jin jrural jand jperi-urban jareas jcontinue jto jexperience jchallenges jin jthis jtransition. jThis jstudy jassessed jthe jfactors jinfluencing jthe jtransition jrate jfrom jpublic jpreschool jto jprimary jschools jin jKapseret jSub-County, jUasin jGishu jCounty, jKenya. jSpecifically, jit jexamined jthe jimplementation jof jgovernment jpolicies, jlearner jreadiness, jteachers’ jroles, jand jparental jinvolvement jin jhome jlearning. jThe jstudy jwas jguided jby jconstructivist jtheory, jwhich jemphasizes jthe jinteraction jof jchildren jwith jtheir jenvironment, jteachers, jand jcaregivers jin jshaping jschool jreadiness jand jadjustment. jA jdescriptive jsurvey jdesign jwas jadopted, jtargeting j306 jparticipants jcomprising j102 jpreschool jteachers, j153 jlower jprimary jteachers, jand j51 jheadteachers. jA jsample jof j171 jrespondents jwas jselected jthrough jstratified jsampling, jincluding j57 jpreschool jteachers, j86 jlower jprimary jteachers, jand j29 jheadteachers. jData jwere jcollected jusing jquestionnaires jand jinterview jschedules. jTo jestablish jvalidity jand jreliability, ja jpilot jstudy jwas jcarried jout jin jMoiben jSub-County. jThe jinstruments jyielded ja jreliability jcoefficient jof j0.82, jconfirming jtheir jinternal jconsistency jand jsuitability jfor jthe jmain jstudy. jData jwere janalyzed jusing jSPSS jversion j25.0, jwith jquantitative jresults jpresented jthrough jdescriptive jand jinferential jstatistics, jwhile jqualitative jdata jfrom jinterviews jwere jthematically janalyzed jand jpresented jin jprose. jThe jfindings jindicated jthat jgovernment jpolicy jimplementation j(β=0.204, jp=0.034), jlearner jreadiness j(β=0.210, jp=0.044), jteacher jsupport j(β=0.201, jp=0.024), jand jparental jengagement j(β=0.331, jp=0.001) jall jhad jsignificant jpositive jeffects jon jlearners’ jtransition. The study concludes that effective enforcement of education policies such as the Early Years Education Policy, adequate teacher training, and strengthened parental involvement are essential in promoting successful progression. The practical implications are multifold: policymakers can refine interventions to address transition gaps; teacher training institutions can integrate transition-focused capacity building; school administrators can create child-friendly environments; and parents can reinforce learning continuity at home. The study recommends that education stakeholders embrace a collaborative approach in supporting transition practices to enhance learning outcomes. The results are expected to benefit policymakers, curriculum developers, teachers, parents, and community leaders by providing evidence-based strategies for improving transition. Importantly, jthe jstudy jcontributes jto jthe jbody jof jknowledge jon jEarly jChildhood jEducation j(ECD) jand jsets jthe jstage jfor jfurther jresearch jon jtransition jdynamics jin jother jcounties jand jmarginalized jcontexts jin jKenya.