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Adolescent Motherhood in Kenya
(IISTE (International Institute for Science, Technology and Education)., 2014) DR. Omedi Gilbert
This paper sought to find out the factors associated with adolescent motherhood in Kenya. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out on the 2008/09 Kenya demographic and health survey women file. Out of the 1,767 women adolescents, 301were already mothers at the time of the survey. Results of bivariate analysis showed that motherhood in Kenya begins as early as age 13, and that it is high among girls of primary education qualifications, rural residents, those from low wealth index households, and who have never used contraception. Majority of the fathers to these children (80 percent) are aged between 20 and 29. Logistic regression analysis revealed that girl’s educational qualification, type of place of residence, household wealth index, region of residence, ever use of contraception and the partner’s education qualification are statistically related to adolescent motherhood in Kenya. There is need therefore to invest substantial efforts to understand the individual social and cultural factors affecting adolescents’ reproductive health outcomes and design policies that address them appropriately. Keywords: adolescent, motherhood, Kenya, contraceptive use
Determinants of Infant Mortality in Rural Kenya
(IISTE (International Institute for Science, Technology and Education)., 2014) Dr. Omedi Gilbert; Wanjiru Gichuhi
Findings of 2008/09 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveal that one in every 19 live births dies before age one. The most striking observation is the reversal in infant mortality based on type of place of residence. The report indicates that, unlike what preceding surveys reported, infant mortality is high in urban than in rural Kenya. This study used Cox regression analysis to examine the determinants of infant mortality in rural Kenya. Analytical results show that region, maternal age, birth order/preceding birth interval, and source of drinking water are significantly related to post-neonatal mortality in rural Kenya. Further, occupation of the mother, region, birth order/preceding birth interval, and source of drinking water were found to be significantly related to infant mortality in rural Kenya. Unlike in the case of post-neonatal mortality where births in Nyanza were found to be 154 percent more likely to die relative to those in Central, the study found Nyanza residence not to be significantly related to infant mortality. The study findings indicate that health policy initiatives meant to kindle family planning methods that shall result in increased birth spacing and reduced higher order births are welcome in the quest to reduce infant mortality further. Seemingly, maternal education is losing grip on early childhood mortality. Future research should focus on bringing out an understanding of the role of maternal education on infant mortality. Key words: post-neonate, infant, mortality, rural Kenya
Functional Heads in the Dholuo Determiner Phrase
(Journal of Advances in Linguistics, 2018) Dr. Jackton Otieno Midigoa 2; Jerry Agalo
This paper focuses on functional heads existing in a Dholuo DP. The notion of functional heads in the extended Projection of the CP (Complementizer Phrase) has led to a new approach in the analysis of projections in syntactic theory. The objective was to identify the functional elements in the Dholuo DP, analyze the functional elements and explain their occurrence. The study used Government and Binding theory which enables us to analyze the functional heads. The study also used descriptive research design to analyze collected data. The data was collected from 40 informants aged 35 years to 50 years; which was a sample from population of Dholuo speakers living in Homa Bay County around Lake Victoria. Data collected had sentences with Dholuo DPs. The study found eleven elements commonly occurring in Dholuo DP. These elements form the structure of Dholuo DP and can be categorized as lexical and functional heads. The lexical elements identified in the Dholuo DPs are: Nouns, Adjectives, prepositional phrases and genitive phrases. The functional elements identified included: Pronouns, article affixes, demonstratives, possessives, quantifiers, numerals, and relative clauses. In Dholuo, genitive phrases have prepositions acting as possessives. Relative clauses on the other hand, contain relative word, verb, pronoun, preposition and demonstratives. Keywords: Functional Head, Dholuo Determiner Phrase, Lexical Items, Genitive Phrases, Relative Clauses, Relational Features, Agglutination, Co-Occurrence and Functional Projection
Influence of Family Cohesion on Substance Use Disorders among the Youth in Selected Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |, 2021) Dr. Joel Kiambi; Alice Wangui Gikandi; Joyzy Pius Egunjobi (PhD),
This study investigated family dynamics and substance use disorders among the youth in selected rehabilitation centers in Nairobi County, Kenya. Using Yamane (1967) formula, a sample of 172 clients was obtained and selected randomly to take part in quantitative study. Another 12 clients who had stayed in rehabilitation centers for the longest time were purposively selected in order to provide qualitative data. Similarly, 10 parents were conveniently selected in order to provide qualitative data. Therefore the total sample size comprised of 196 respondents. Quantitative data was collected using FACES-IV, AUDIT, and DAST-10 questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using interview guides. Cronbach Alpha technique was run to test the reliability of FACES-IV, AUDIT, and DAST-10. FACES-IV scale was found to have a reliability coefficient of .723, AUDIT had reliability of .861while DAST-10 scale had a reliability coefficient of .812. Quantitative Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analysed thematically backed by narratives from respondents. The study had the following findings, most respondents came from families with unhealthy cohesion (disengaged family cohesion (Mean= 25.4545; SD= 9.3575), there was a strong negative and significant correlation between disengaged family cohesion and drug use disorder (r=-0.527; P= 0.000).
Parents' academic expectations and psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2021) Dr. Joel Kiambi Muriithi; Angeline Kalondu Kiamba; Dr. Florence Wamahiga Githuthu
The increase in levels of psychological distress among adolescents due to different factors are alarming, however since most adolescents are attending school. This study worked to establish the relationship between academic expectations and psychological distress experienced by adolescents in private secondary schools in Nairobi County Kenya. Specific objective was to determine if teachers’ academic expectations contribute to psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary schools in Nairobi County. Ecological Systems Theory founded by Urie Bronfen brenner in 1979 and General Strain Theory founded by Robert Agnew in 1992 anchored the study. A convergent parallel mixed method design was adopted, which involved descriptive survey and phenomenological methods for quantitative and qualitative enquiries respectively. A total sample of 387 respondents from 28 private secondary schools was used which included 380 students and 7 guidance and counseling teachers sampled through simple random, proportionate, and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential analysis specifically chi-square and correlation using SPSS version 22 .The qualitative data from guidance and counseling teachers was analyzed using content analysis. The results were then presented using tables for quantitative data, and data collected through semi-structured interviews was presented through quotes and narrative descriptions. The findings showed that adolescents experienced academic expectations from teachers. Teachers’ academic expectation was significantly influenced by age and mothers’ educational level. In relation to psychological distress, teachers’ academic expectations had a weak positive relationship with anxiety, stress and depression symptoms. Key Words: Academic expectation, psychological distress
Relationship between Family Flexibility and Substance Use Disorders among the Youth in Selected Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2021) Joel Kiambi Muriithi; Alice Wangui Gikandi; Dr. Joyzy Pius Egunjobi
This study investigated family dynamics and substance use disorders among the youth in selected rehabilitation centers in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was guided by the family structure theory. The research design was mixed method embedded research design. Using Yamane (1967) formula, a sample of 172 clients was obtained and selected randomly to take part in quantitative study. Another 12 clients who had stayed in rehabilitation centers for the longest time were purposively selected in order to provide qualitative data. Similarly, 10 parents were conveniently selected in order to provide qualitative data. Therefore the total sample size comprised of 196 respondents. Quantitative data was collected using FACES-IV, AUDIT-10, and DAST-10 questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using interview guides. Cronbach Alpha technique was run to test the reliability of FACES-IV, AUDIT-10, and DAST-10. FACES-IV scale was found to have a reliability coefficient of .723, AUDIT-10 had reliability of .861while DAST-10 scale had a reliability coefficient of .812. Quantitative Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analysed thematically backed by narratives from respondents. The study had the following findings: Most families recorded unhealthy flexibility with majority of respondents coming from families which had chaotic family flexibility (Mean= 24. 4015; SD= 10.001) followed by Rigid flexibility (Mean= 17.4167; SD= 5.1244), there was a weak negative and significant correlation between balanced family flexibility and drug use disorder (r=-0.299; P= 0.001)
An Ngram-Based Approach to Determine Trends and Patterns in the Social Networks
(IEEE AFRICON, 2023) Constance Mukina Ngila; Waweru Mwangi; Michael Kimwele
The recent progress in computing has made it easier to collect and store huge amounts of information in a text. The growing size of text datasets in text mining and the high dimensionality associated with knowledge discovery is a great challenge that makes it difficult to classify documents into various categories and sub- categories. This paper focuses on how text can be mined from social networks and then categorized using n-grams to determine specific trends and patterns. The main aim of Knowledge Discovery is to extract knowledge from data in the context of large databases. The volume of information that is available is increasing every day. This data ranges from that used in business transactions to scientific data, sensor data, pictures, videos, etc. There is, therefore, a need for a system capable of extracting the core of available information and automatically generating reports, opinions, or summaries of data to aid organizations in better decision-making. Knowledge Discovery is a repetitive process where evaluation measures are often enhanced, mining done on data can be refined, there is an integration of new data, and the data is transformed to get accurate and more appropriate results. The data collected from social networks need to be filtered to capture specific text that will be useful to a PR brand following what clients say about their products online. There is a need for a technique that will provide a quick and precise way of fetching specific text from huge amounts of data on social networks to help analyze the feedback. This research analyzes the use of ngrams to fetch specific text from near-real-time customer feedback that is in the form of large data on Twitter to help Public Relations agencies determine the trends and patterns that will help them align their brands with customer preferences. Keywords—knowledge discovery, data mining, trends, and patterns.
Commercialising Indigenous Pottery Industry to Support Economic Empowerment among Indigenous Akamba Women
(The Technical University of Kenya, 2024) Pascaline Ndila
Commercialising is introducing products or services to the market for profit making. Pottery was an indigenous industry that supported pre-colonial societies’ social, cultural, and economic activities. For some reasons, such as colonisation, pottery industries waned in most indigenous societies. The Akamba community, a subset of Bantu communities, practised pottery as one of their economic activities in the pre-colonial period. Today, the community has a significant number of women who engage in unpaid domestic labour and live in abject poverty. The study was conducted to identify the economic potential of the indigenous pottery industry and identify strategies to commercialise the industry and convert it into an economic hub for indigenous Akamba women. The study was a survey that used non-probability sampling techniques to select the sample. Questionnaires were used to gather data that was analysed descriptively with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). A regression analysis was conducted to test the study hypothesis. The findings of the study indicated that the pottery industry has economic potential in Ukambani, and thus, commercialising the industry would lead to the economic empowerment of the indigenous Akamba women. If the findings above are actualised, society will achieve SDG No. 5, which seeks to empower women economically and give them financial independence. This paper contributes to the literature because limited information exists on how to commercialise indigenous industries. The paper is relevant to policymaker’s keen on implementing SDGs supporting financial empowerment for indigenous women. Keywords: Traditional pottery manufacturing, economic mobility, financial independence, native women
Delayed Completion of Graduate Studies: An Assessment of the Growing Academic Demands
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS), 2025) Dr. Omedi Gilbert; Wanja Sarafina; Wanja Sarafina
Graduate programmes are necessary in training and equipping graduate students with skills relevant to the current and emerging demands of life. As much as a number of students enroll for graduate studies, graduation rates in these programmes are generally lower than expected. This study used survey research design to establish reasons behind the delayed completion of graduate studies amongst graduate students, at Masters and PhD levels, enrolled in Kenya’s universities. The study established the average fee to be Ksh. 412,456 and Ksh. 771,031 for Masters and PhD studies, respectively. Some students: were not assigned supervisors; could not submit their theses for examination; and differed coursework due to inability to raise school fees, all contributing to a stall in their academic journeys. About 34.5% of the respondents reported that completion of their graduate studies was affected by work-related demands. Some students opined that they took unpaid leaves so as to create time for studies; others indicated that they had little time for data collection and theses writing; while others found it a tall order to obtain study leaves from their employers. About 52% and 32% of the respondents met their academic supervisors on rare and irregular basis, respectively, thus delaying their graduation. Majority of students with multiple supervisors indicated that they met them separately (72%), with the rest meeting them jointly. Attempts to jointly meet supervisors escalated the cost of study to some students. Some students delayed their graduation because of: supervisors wanting them to take up topics of the supervisor, and not student, interest; helping supervisors with their errands as their academic work stayed on halt; supervisors not responding to their communication; and disagreements between the supervisors. Clearly, completion of graduate studies is, to an extent, affected by financial constraints, work-related obligations, and academic supervisor demands. There is need to lay down support mechanism for students who are in dire need for academic funding, conduct refresher courses on the role of academic supervisors, invest in hybrid academic supervision, and stick to supervision guidelines in case of disagreement between supervisors. Keywords: Graduate studies’ completion; Financial constraints; Work-related demands; Academic supervisor(s) demands
Influence of Information Literacy Skills Policies on Kiswahili Language Instruction in Kenya: A Case of Fourth-Year Kiswahili Students at Lukenya University
(Eastern Africa Journal of Contemporary Research (EAJCR), 2025) Dr. Peter Karanja,; Dr. Evans Motari; Emily Ng’eno
Information literacy skills (ILS) have emerged as a critical competence in the knowledge economy, essential for academic success and lifelong learning. In the context of language training, especially in Kiswahili—a national and official language in Kenya—information literacy skills play a pivotal role in enhancing students’ engagement with linguistic, literary, and cultural resources. This paper examines the influence of information literacy skills policies on Kiswahili language instruction at Lukenya University, a case of fourth-year Kiswahili students as a case study. The ability to identify information needs and formulate them as researchable questions in Kiswahili, search for information from a variety of sources, such as databases, digital repositories, and Kiswahili texts, and interpret and synthesize information using suitable Kiswahili grammar and vocabulary are all made possible by information literacy skills. This improves their critical thinking skills and linguistic ability, particularly in academic writing and communication. The research investigates the extent to which ILS policies have been implemented, their impact on pedagogical practices, and how they influence students' academic performance and research capabilities. A mixed-methods approach involving questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis was employed. The findings reveal that while IL skills policies exist, their implementation is inconsistent, affecting students’ ability to effectively engage with Kiswahili academic content. The study recommends institutionalizing comprehensive ILS programs integrated into the Kiswahili curriculum and fostering collaboration between academic departments and libraries to support language learning. Keywords: Information Literacy Skills; Language Training; Kiswahili; Policy Implementation; Higher Education; Kenya, Academic Libraries
AI-Powered Innovations for Documenting and Revitalizing African REVIEW Languages
(Japan Bilingual Publishing Co. - Cultural Arts Research and Development, 2025) Dr. Jackton Otieno Midigo
The documentation and revitalization of African languages are crucial for preserving the continent’s linguistic and cultural heritage amid increasing threats of language endangerment. This study presents a systematic review of existing literature on artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approaches to language documentation and revitalization, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were collected from twenty academic digital repositories and peer-reviewed journals specializing in computational linguistics, AI applications in language preservation, and African linguistics. Four major databases were specifically searched: Google Scholar, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, and African Journals Online (AJOL). Peer-reviewed articles from established repositories were analyzed to explore key AI applications such as speech recognition, machine learning for transcription, neural machine translation, and digital archiving. The findings reveal that AI significantly enhances language preservation by enabling automated transcription, corpus development, and the creation of interactive learning tools. Nonetheless, challenges remain, including limited data availability, ethical concerns over language ownership, and technological accessibility in marginalized communities, which hinder widespread implementation. The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among linguists, AI developers, and local communities to ensure culturally sensitive and effective AI solutions. Ultimately, this review highlights the transformative potential of AI in supporting the sustainable revitalization of indigenous African languages and contributing to global linguistic resilience. Keywords: African Languages; Artificial Intelligence; Language Documentation; Revitalization; Systematic Review; Linguistic Resilience

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