{"title":"Reorienting Teacher Professional Development in Kenya: Professional Learning Communities Paradigm","authors":"Damaris Kariuki, Florence Itegi, Wilson Mutuma","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.110","url":null,"abstract":"Continuous teacher professional development is critical in the wake of the rapidly changing dynamics of the teaching and learning environment. Effective teacher professional development is one that is collaborative and embedded in teachers’ daily practice in schools. In Kenya, The Teachers’ Service Commission(TSC) rolled out a Teacher Professional Development Program(TPD) for teachers and instructional leaders in December, 2021. It is envisaged that through the program teachers will acquire requisite professional skills and competencies to ultimately improve learner outcomes. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the level of formation and utilization of Professional Learning Communities among the first cohort of the Teacher Professional Development Program. Objectives of the study: to find out the extent to which Professional Learning Communities have been established; to establish the extent to which teachers are utilizing the Professional Learning Communities; to establish the role of the instructional leaders in teacher Professional Learning Communities. The paper was based on review of literature on Teacher Professional Development worldwide, documentation of best practices and lived experiences of authors as facilitators in the TSC-TPD program. The paper will contribute significant information on the status of teacher collaboration through Professional Learning Communities and bring to the fore lessons learnt and areas of improvement to enhance teacher collaboration, a vital characteristic of effective Teacher Professional Development. The review concludes that the program offered an opportunity for enrolled teachers to engage in online professional learning communities at the national level using a variety of online platforms. The engagements however need to be sustained beyond the online session time and be cascaded to the school level to enhance continuous collaboration and impact on learning outcomes. There is need for more advocacy on the program and its benefits to the teacher and the learner.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 32","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Head teachers’ Instructional Training and Instructional Supervisory Challenges in the Implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools in Kisii Central Sub-County","authors":"George Areba, Ezekiel Okeyo, Enock M. Obuba","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.108","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of the study was to analyse Head Teachers’ Instructional Training and Instructional Supervisory Challenges in the Implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kisii County. The specific research objectives were; to determine the head teachers’ instructional training and instructional supervisory challenges in the implementation of the competency-based curriculum in public primary schools in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kisii County. A descriptive survey was utilized. The target population involved 74 head teachers and 228 lower public primary school teachers. A stratified random sampling approach was utilized in a selection of 30.0% of the sample size. Interviews for head teachers and questionnaires for teachers were used as instruments. Data was analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data was coded, entered, and analysed using SPSS (Version 22.0) with frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was thematically analysed as per study objectives. The study established supervisors’ competency, and training effectiveness as key challenges. It is concluded that all stakeholder training is necessary to create awareness of the demands of the new curriculum. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders develop a training programme framework to equip stakeholders, provide continuous training to instructors on ICT knowledge and skills which are essential in the implementation of CBC. Significantly this study will contribute to policy formulation on administrators’ orientation and training.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141825763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Climate Variability and Livelihood Vulnerability of Maasai Pastoralists in Amboseli Ecosystem, Kajiado County, Kenya","authors":"F. R. Oloitipitip, E. Ndunda, C. Gichuki","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.101","url":null,"abstract":"The pastoral Maasai community living in Amboseli Ecosystem are facing serious challenges originating from climate variability. The ecosystem has been made fragile by climate related challenges causing household vulnerability. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of climate variability on livelihood vulnerability at the household level. The study used a mixed method, which focused on descriptive and correlational research designs. It targeted a population of 47, 058 residents from which a sample of 374 households was selected. Cluster and convenient sampling were used for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. A questionnaire with open and closed ended questions and with Likert scale format were used to collect quantitative data while interview schedules were used for qualitative data. In addition, secondary data were collected from different sources, including Kenya Meteorological Department and Kenya Wildlife Services. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse qualitative data while quantitative data were analysed using inferential statistics.. Results showed that climate variability is indeed causing livelihood vulnerability and therefore policy intervention in needed at the national and county levels. Majority of households were found to moderately vulnerable with female headed households being mostly vulnerable. This study therefore recommends that adaptation strategies at the household level to community level should be put in place so as to reduce vulnerability such as crop farming, livestock diversification, small scale businesses and employment In addition there is need to empower women through education, offering of small loans and grants for businesses as well as involvement in decision making on matters pasture and water management.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141825930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Training Influence on the Performance of Mental Health Professionals in Selected Public Psychiatric Hospitals Kenya","authors":"Fredrick Wambu, Musa Oluoch, Tenambergen Wanja","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.113","url":null,"abstract":"Public hospitals have been struggling with issues related to low general performance and personnel productivity. Concerns have been raised about differences in study leave and training received by employees at public health facilities, which explain why employee performance is low. There are serious consequences when employee well-being is not addressed through good training. Failing to prioritize their training can result in increased rates of disengagement, absenteeism, and turnover. The objective of this study is to evaluate how training influence performance of mental health professionals. The study adopted mixed methodologies in a cross-sectional descriptive research design. About 146 mental health professionals, were sampled using stratified random proportionate sampling. Purposive sampling was used to select ten key informants. Content analysis was used on qualitative data, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The study findings show there is a correlation between training and employee relations (r=0.584, p<0.001), between training and appraisal (r=0.529, p<0.001), between training and remuneration (r=0.415, p<0.001) between training and performance (r=0.280, p < 0.001). This study recommends that in order to maximize employee performance, hospital management should prioritize the ongoing skill development of their staff. Only via ongoing training and development procedures is this achievable.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 28","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Innovation and Agricultural Cooperative Societies towards Ecological Equilibrium Among Rural Farmers in Kenya.","authors":"C. V. Balongo","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.112","url":null,"abstract":"Agricultural activities contribute heavily on climate change thus, its being challenged to adapt to its effects which involves the application of integrating socio-economic and ecological policies for greater resilience. Through cooperatives and innovations, promotion of agroecology which is the application of the principle of ecology in agricultural production is possible as ecology and agriculture are inter-dependent for global food production. Scientists are working in conjunction with farmers and other stakeholders to get solutions for challenges experienced locally instead of external and non-appropriate solution imposed to the locality. To enhance the resilience of farming system to climate change and improving the flow of ecosystem farmers are being encouraged to form cooperative societies since agricultural cooperatives have great influence on agricultural activities and rural transformation. As a social enterprise, cooperatives are autonomous and voluntary associations for persons united to meet a common social-economic and cultural wants. As instruments, they support small-scale farmers leading to poverty alleviation and food security and could be linked inextricably to protection of ecology by safeguarding environmental domains through appropriate education and technology. Still they are invaluable and efficient for improving members social welfare at the same time combating factors that degrade forested areas that may lead to poverty. The study employs an in-depth desk review based on secondary sources complemented with case studies from informant interviews from farmers in rural Kenya. The conclusion of the study is that agricultural cooperative acts as an umbrella whereby the chain-link of production system like creation of production chains, inclusivity of the marginalized groups in a productive system, self-employment, and local markets vitalization are all enhanced through entrepreneurial affairs in the society. ","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the Role of Local Authorities in Promoting Tourism in Zimbabwe. A Case of Victoria Falls City Council","authors":"Julianos Masimba","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.121","url":null,"abstract":"The paper sought to assess the role of urban local authorities in promoting tourism development within their areas' jurisdiction. Zimbabwe is a country that has tourist destinations that attract tourists from all over the world, including Victoria Falls, Chinhoyi caves, and Great Zimbabwe ruins. There is a literature gap on the role of local authorities as much of the research has assessed the central government's contribution, leaving a literature gap on the role of sub-national governments, given that these sub-national governments operate under delegated power from the centre. The research adopted the qualitative approach, with the case study being the Victoria Falls City Council. Data was collected using interviews and observations. The researcher complemented primary data with secondary data to achieve reliability and validity. Data was presented using thematic and content analyses. The research established that local authorities play a critical role in tourism development through place marketing, efficient and effective service delivery, infrastructure development, and maintenance, to name a few. The research recommends that more should be done amongst them, including the full implementation of the devolution policy, improvement in service delivery, and the formulation of investment-friendly policies at the sub-national government level.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 43","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141827931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of Solute Concentrations on Thermodynamic Properties of Lake Victoria Waters","authors":"E. Kenanda, Ferdinand Isaboke","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.103","url":null,"abstract":"Water help supports life processes and habitats of virtually all organisms. The rivers that flow into Lake Victoria harbor huge amount of solutes which affect its characteristic features and ecological equilibrium. This has affected the distribution of aquatic organisms and led to eutrophication and algal blooms and other invasive species such as water hyacinths. The present study focused on colligative properties (boiling point elevation, freezing point depression and vapour pressure deficit) of waters of Lake Victoria as key parameters in assessment of water quality. Water samples were obtained from five different sites along coastline of the Winam gulf and investigated of their solute properties. As control experiment, the effects of direct addition of selected cations sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc and lead on the samples from the five different sampling sites were also investigated. The samples were refrigerated and later heated for the purpose of determining the effect of salts on freezing point depression and boiling point elevation respectively. Temperature logging carried out using a digital thermometer throughout the experiments. The resulted obtained and subjected to Analysis of Variance revealed that cation concentrations had insignificant effect on vapor pressure deficit and other colligative properties of the waters. Maximum error barely exceeded 2% for the studied parameters was carried out to determine any significant differences. The results also indicated that cation concentrations were significantly different and direct addition of similar molar solute concentrations could significantly and differentially affect solute properties of the waters. These finding can support the production of policy formulation on management of waters of the lake.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 61","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141825212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Urban Green Space Visitation Patterns in Informal Settlement. A Case of Dandora, Nairobi County","authors":"Silva M. Namalwa, Maurice Omollo, Charity Konana","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.98","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.98","url":null,"abstract":"The utilization and visitation patterns of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) by users and visitors are inextricably tied to the satisfaction and willingness derived from these spaces. In essence, the positive experiences and levels of satisfaction individuals garner from UGS significantly influence their patterns of usage and frequency of visits. However, few details of this relationship have been studied on matters UGS in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the relationship between demographic characteristics and visitation patterns of residents to UGS in slum dwelling areas using Dandora as case study. Survey research design was adopted as a method of investigation using a sample frame of 100. Stratified and simple random sampling technique was used in issuing the household questionnaires. The demographic information analysis reveals a gender-balanced respondent pool, with a predominant youth population thirty to forty years (30-40 years old), largely educated up to secondary level, and primarily self-employed. The majority of respondents have been residents for one to ten years (1-10 years), mainly in Phase two (II) and four (IV) of Dandora. A significant proportion eighty-four percent (84%) of respondents visit UGS, citing weekly visits forty-one percent (41%) and daily visits thirty-four percent (34%) as the most common frequencies. In contrast, sixteen percent 16% do not visit UGS primarily due to concerns about insecurity and other reasons. The study employs a multinomial regression model to examine the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and frequency of UGS visitation. The results indicate a significant relationship, with place of residence being a key factor influencing visitation frequency. Specifically, residents in Phase II show a significant impact on daily and weekly visitation, while residents in Phase III and IV influence monthly visitation. The findings suggest that socio-demographic factors especially place of residence where there are accessible UGS and also resident’s occupation, play a crucial role in influencing residents' UGS visitation patterns. Understanding these relationships can inform urban planning strategies to enhance accessibility and engagement with green spaces in Dandora.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceived Effects of Land Use Changes on Household Livelihoods in Peri-Urban Areas of Nakuru City, Kenya","authors":"Jackline Cherotich, H. Obulinji, A. Karanja","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.120","url":null,"abstract":"High rates of population growth in cities is a global phenomenon. Nakuru City is one of the fastest growing cities in Eastern Africa. The city, performs administrative, educational, tourist, industrial, commercial, medical and transport functions. These diverse functions of the city attract an influx of people that impacts on the growth of Nakuru City, causing notable changes on land use patterns in its peri-urban zones. It in turn affect households’ livelihoods. The study sought to find out the perceived effects of land use changes on households’ livelihoods in peri-urban areas of Nakuru city. A household survey research was conducted where three hundred and eighty five households were selected for study. Purposive sampling was used to select 3 study locations, Kiamaina, Lanet Umoja and Ngata out of seven locations, Barut, Lanet- Ummoja, Kiamaina, Ngata, Kiamunyi, Viwanda and Mbaruk which surround the city council of Nakuru. Random sampling was used to select three hundred and eighty five households from the study areas. Cross tabulations and calculation of percentages were used to determine the perceived effects of land use changes on households’ livelihoods. The results disclosed that the expansion of built-up area and agricultural land has a positive influence on livelihoods as perceived by the households of peri-urban areas of Nakuru city. However, it also has negative effects on natural resources such as reduced access to water and healthy living environment. This study contributes towards achievement of the Kenya’s vision 2030 which aim at providing high quality life, clean and secure environment to all through inclusive and participatory stakeholder consultative process involving all Kenyans. Appropriate measures need to be employed to reduce the rapid change in land use and to integrate environmental conservation with human livelihoods.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fostering Culture and Creative Industries and the Need for Indigenous Peoples’ Responsibility to Act in their Own Interests","authors":"I. T. Mabasa","doi":"10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v4i2.114","url":null,"abstract":"While the term industries is exciting because it points to development, progress and sophistication, it can be a problem if it is harnessed together with culture and creativity because industries can be disruptive, bringing in a world system of exploitation, expansion, commodification and profiteering at the expense of the non-commercial modes of production and the indigenous traditional role of creativity and culture. This paper argues that when the logic of capitalism – markets and monetization drive creativity and culture, the ceremonial and ritualistic value and meaning of art can be sacrificed and the custodianship of cultural spaces and practices by indigenous people can be prostituted. The result can be a new type of creativity and culture that does not serve the interests of indigenous people, but of corporates.","PeriodicalId":516705,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO","volume":" 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141824643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}