MPPM Theses and Dissertations (2016)

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An assessment of male participation in maternal health care as a strategy to contribute to the deduction of maternal mortality rate in Ugenya Sub-County
(Strathmore University, 2016) Musira, Lucy
The Government of Kenya has shown commitment in delivering health facilities to the doorsteps of common people through, among others, innovative approaches such as Kenya’s First Lady-led Beyond Zero Campaign; free maternity services; devolving of health services; and facilitating the joint communiqué by 15 Governors whose counties were found to have the highest burden of maternal mortality rate. Despite this commitment, the high rate of maternal deaths in Kenya remains a concern. Cairo’s 1994 International Conference on Population and Development recommended that special efforts should be made to emphasize men’s shared responsibility in maternal health, among other areas. The Conference’s findings increased interest in male involvement in maternal health initiatives. It is therefore necessary to establish whether this recommendation is being implemented to contribute to the improvement of the formula for tackling the high maternal mortality rate globally, and what factors are influencing such adoption. This study covered Ugenya Sub-County, in Siaya County. The study observed that strategies to tackle the large number of maternal deaths in the Siaya County Health Policy, as well as in the Siaya County Integrated Development Plan did not include male participation in maternal health care. This study aimed to examine male participation in maternal health care as a strategy to contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality rate in Ugenya Sub-County. Specific objectives were to establish the effects of socio-economic; health facility; cultural; and perceptions/attitudes factors on male participation in maternal health care. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The population of interest included 48,105 households in Ugenya Sub-County’s four wards, West Ugenya; Ukwala; North Ugenya; and East Ugenya. A sample of 150 respondents from the population was selected, and the study used a self-administered questionnaire using face-to-face method. Quantitative data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS, and Qualitative data analyzed using content analysis. The study established that male respondents were aware of most pregnancy complications, though this awareness was from information shared within the community after death had occurred. The respondents’ level of knowledge on the importance and benefits of antenatal care, including the World Health Organization recommended number of visits for antenatal care, and importance of birth spacing was low. Most respondents cited Malaria as the highest cause of maternal deaths in the sub-county. The study found that pregnancy support was regarded as a female role; and it was a taboo for male to go into delivery rooms or labour wards. Negative attitude by healthcare workers and the community towards men who accompanied their partners to the clinics was found to impede male participation in maternal health care. Health care facilities were found to be not easily accessible, operating hours not conducive for men, and male friendly services and waiting areas lacking. Male participation was found to be generally low, and non-participation was not intentional, but influenced by these factors. The study recommends further studies in other Kenyan counties to establish the level of male participation, and what influences said participation. Also recommended for future research is whether male participation reduces maternal mortality rates. The findings of this study aim to contribute to the enhancement of health policies and strategies employed in tackling maternal deaths, and maternal health care. There is a need to undertake wider community sensitization on the importance of supporting men participating in their partners’ maternity care; addressing infrastructural health service issues; and improving comprehensive plans to overcome informational barriers by increasing men’s knowledge and awareness on the importance of their participation. This will entail planning and budgeting for such activities. Human Resources for Health also need to be looked into as this may influence health workers’ attitude toward their work and subsequently how they handle clients.
The Effectiveness of the Nyumba Kumi initiative as a police reform strategy in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2016) Muchangi, Nancy
Since the Reform Agenda began in the police service in Kenya, little effort has been made to look at the contribution the reform processes and the strategies employed have made to performance in security. The study focused on examining the effectiveness of the Nyumba Kumi Initiative, as a police reform strategy, in the County of Nairobi. This dissertation was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the extent of awareness of the Nyumba Kumi Initiative in Nairobi, assess the nature of training of police officers in the improvement of the security situation through the Nyumba Kumi Initiative in Nairobi and to evaluate various legal frameworks available. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study was all the general public residing in Nairobi. Random sampling was used to get a sample of 200 respondents. The study used primary and secondary data to answer the specific objectives of the study. Data collected using self-administered questionnaires were coded, verified for completeness and accuracy and were analyzed using a quantitative approach to derive descriptive statistics and outputs. The study used the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) to generate reports and the descriptive statistics for various variables in the study. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected from in-depth interviews. The research produced a number of findings: that accountability, Information and awareness, specific training of police officers and a legal framework were necessary to significantly improve performance in security through the Nyumba Kumi Initiative as a strategy in Police Reform. The main conclusions drawn from this research were that lack of awareness and readiness by the general public and public authorities to understand urban set-ups and technologies become a significant barrier and that majority of city dwellers do not have much confidence in the Nyumba Kumi Initiative. The study recommends for more investment in the Nyumba Kumi Initiative as it can offer positive contribution to improved performance in security. Also recommended are constant publicity, training and sensitization to improve public and neighborhoods awareness on the Nyumba Kumi Initiative.
Effects of mergers and acquisitions on market equilibrium performance measures for processed milk market in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Chege, Patrick Nderitu
The evaluation of the mergers and acquisitions effects on the main equilibrium performance measures is essential to the understanding of the competition policy dynamics in a market with few players. There is need for adoption of a robust mergers analysis model to address the shortcoming of the traditional SSNIP model which only focuses of prices and leaving out other important aspects of mergers and acquisitions. This study aimed to determining the effects of the mergers and acquisitions on market prices, consumer welfare, and aggregate profit of the merging firms and those of the non-merging firms and therefore answering the question on the overall effect of mergers and acquisitions on the equilibrium performance measures on milk market using data from all the 34 licensed and active milk processors in Kenya. A new model of analysis as developed from the Canadian Competition Policy maker i.e. The Canadian Competition Policy Merger Simulation Model was used. The study found that mergers and acquisitions lead to increase in market shares of the merging firms. Their non-merging counterparts also record a significant increase in their market shares after mergers and acquisitions have taken place even though they are not directly involved in the merger or acquisition. Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, or HHI which is a measure of the size of the firms in relation to the industrial and an indicator of competition and the concentration ratio (CR4) of the four largest firms in the industry increased. The study also found that mergers and acquisitions have a significant effect on product price. From the findings, the study concludes that mergers and acquisition not only leads to increase in market shares of both merging and non-merging firms but also creates market dominance due to reduction in the number of market players in the industry. This firms ends up dictating major terms of trade affecting different equilibrium measures such as product prices, volume of output released in the market, quantity produced and the social welfare. Therefore there is need for all competition policy practitioners to carry out robust analysis for proposed mergers or acquisitions before approval. However, due to the short-comings of the Canadian Competition Policy merger Simulation Model where only companies with a market share of one percent and above can be used, a mixed model approach can be used to help arrive to near accurate conclusions.
An examination of the effect of Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme on performance of youth owned enterprises in Nairobi County in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Gichuhi, Monica
Through Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), the government seeks to unlock the potential of the youth by empowering and giving them more opportunities to do business with the government. Out of 30,000 youths, People with Disabilities (PWDs) and women owned companies, only 6,000 have benefited from government procurement opportunities between 2013 and 2014. Empirical evidence on AGPO and its influence on performance of youth owned enterprises in Kenya are non-conclusive as it fails to clearly link the effect of preferential procurement policy, capacity building component of AGPO and availability of information on AGPO to performance of youth owned enterprises in Kenya. This study sought to investigate the influence of access to government procurement opportunities programme on performance of youth owned enterprises in Nairobi County in Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to; establish the effect of preferential procurement policy on performance of youth owned enterprises in Nairobi County in Kenya; establish the influence of capacity building component of AGPO on performance of youth owned enterprises in Nairobi County in Kenya; and determine the effect of availability of information on access to government procurement opportunities programme on performance of youth owned enterprises in Nairobi County in Kenya. This study used an exploratory research design. The target population was 1000 youth owned enterprises in Nairobi County that have registered with AGPO program. Stratified random sampling and proportionate sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 150 youth entrepreneurs. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect primary data while secondary data was obtained from AGPO related publications. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics; nonparametric test (Chi-test) and correlation analysis. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Reliability of the instrument was estimated using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient after pilot study. Findings indicated that preferential procurement policy, capacity building component and availability of information on AGPO have a significant effect on performance of youth owned enterprises in Nairobi County in Kenya. The study recommends that the government should scale up capacity building by AGPO to be carried out nationally and make it mandatory for all its agencies to publicize tenders through channels that are easily accessible to the general public particularly the youths. There should be monitoring of AGPO programme to ensure that government agencies set aside 30% tenders for the youths and other special interest groups. Youth entrepreneurs should actively build their skills and knowledge on how to participate in public procurement to fully benefit from the 30% government tenders allocated for them. The study recommends for formulation of new theories to guide public procurement meant for special interest groups that do not follow the classical theories of procurement but seem to contradict them.
Examining Islamic banking models in Kenya: a comparative study between First Community Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank
(Strathmore University, 2016) Abdulkadir, Jaafar Sheikh
Islamic banking is based on the principles of Islamic law (Shariah) and guided by Islamic economics. The basic principles of Islamic banking are the sharing of profit and loss and the prohibition of the collection and payment of interest. The Shariah principles also prohibit investments in non-permissible (haram), excessive risk taking that stems from speculative behaviour, businesses that carry uncertainty and instead promotes profit and risk sharing, financing on the basis of underlying assets as well as upholding sanctity of contracts. The concept of Islamic banking is generally getting into the mainstream global financial system as an alternative business model that enhances financial inclusion. Diversification of investment portfolio through Islamic banking models captures three perspectives: Customer (compliance to faith or religious believes), government (enhance foreign direct investment) and business community (access to source of revenue). The aim of the study was to compare Islamic banking models and assess the appropriate model for providing Islamic finance products and services to enhance financial inclusion. The study was carried out through a qualitative approach and multi-case study strategy where data were collected through semi-structured interviews from two banks that offer Islamic banking in Kenya using different models namely First Community Bank (FCB) (using the fully- fledged bank model) and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) (using the window model). Data collected through face to face interviews were coded and analysed using thematic synthesis approach The findings indicated that window and full- fledged models were not different based on the challenges and coping mechanisms but were different on operational scale and size. Window model had better reach and significantly larger operational scale. Considering the cost of setting up a bank and the need for economies of scale, the window model was a more viable business model and was a good platform to have a better market reach. This is because the window model leverages on the existing infrastructure of conventional banking. Nonetheless, low market awareness, weak regulatory framework, technological inadequacy, lack of adequate experienced human capital and capacity challenges were common irrespective of which model was adopted. The key policy recommendations of the study were, providers of Islamic products and services should partner to continuously develop new strategies to enhance marketing of Islamic banking, lobby necessary arms of government to develop better regulation and supervisory framework and enhance research, training and development through consultation with academic institutions to build capacity of the banks in offering Islamic banking products and services.
Examining the adequacy of the regulatory framework for mobile payment services : milestones, challenges and solutions
(Strathmore University, 2016) Wamicwe, Andrew M.
Kenya’s mobile payment services sector has over the last few years been revolutionised with the introduction of innovative products such as M-Pesa, Airtel Money, M-Shwari amongst others. With a customer base of over 20 million users, the sector has grown despite the lack of a standalone legal and regulatory framework. The position has since changed with the introduction of a new standalone regulatory framework that came into effect in 2014. Further, the role of various regulators and in particular the Central Bank of Kenya, Communications Authority and Competition Authority is critical in providing the sector with the necessary support for it to flourish. The purpose of this study was to examine the adequacy of this new legal and regulatory framework both from the perspective of the regulator and the key market participants. Being a dynamic sector, the existing regulatory framework was examined on its capacity to overcome present day challenges such as cyber-crimes, coordination failure between commercial banks and telecommunication firms and on its capacity to provide a favourable business environment for telecommunication companies to operate. A qualitative research methodology approach was utilised. The respondents from amongst the regulators were the Central Bank of Kenya, Communications Authority and Competition Authority of Kenya. Respondents from the mobile payment services sector were Safaricom and Airtel, who account for more than 90% of market share. In terms of the legal and regulatory framework, this was found to be adequate though it was fairly new in the market. Mobile payment service providers proposed that trial run periods be introduced to allow for testing of innovative products. In terms of cooperation and interoperability, some progress had been made interconnecting systems though tangible positive results were yet to be realised. The dissertation concludes that the regulatory framework be implemented in full to allow the regulations to be tested across the sector. Licensing processes should be time bound and published in widely available service charters. For purposes of competition, the setting up of an industry-led mobile payment services management body or institution that can facilitate collaboration efforts was viewed as the best possible option. This would drive self-regulation as well as handle the complex challenge of network effects posing an advantage for one firm over another. Specific recommendations point to the requirement to the provision of insurance cover for funds held in a fiduciary position and the creation of an emergency special fund. These recommendations are key to providing the required support should the mobile payment services system suffer from systemic shocks such as receivership of the custodial bank or wide spread cyber-crime attack on the system.
An investigation of healthcare systems and institutional performance vulnerability and variance to leadership and governance interventions : a case of the IPPF Ghana and Kenya chapters
(Strathmore University, 2016) Kiragu, Esther M.
There is a growing recognition that the global health agenda needs to shift from an emphasis on disease-specific approaches to strengthening of health systems. Building leadership, management and governance capacities within the healthcare systems provides an opportunity to strengthen healthcare workforce, improve program performance, develop relationships with target populations and enhance the ability of the health system to respond quickly and effectively to change. The objective of this study was to investigate healthcare systems and institutional performance vulnerability and variance to leadership and governance interventions in IPPF Ghana and Kenya Chapters. In order to achieve this main objective, the following specific objectives were laid down; to identify health leadership and governance vulnerability and variance facing the IPPF Ghana and Kenya chapters, to describe the variations in the implementation process in IPPF Ghana and Kenya Chapters and to describe potential contributors to the disparity in performance between the Ghanaian and Kenyan chapters of IPPF.. The study used a survey research design (survey monkey) to target 90 participants, 57 senior management staff and 33 national governing board members in IPPF Ghana and Kenya Chapters. Data was collected from 67 respondents (74.5%) out of a total of 90 participants in both IPPF Ghana and Kenyan Chapters using the administration of a questionnaire which had closed and open ended questions. An analysis of the data was conducted using descriptive method and the coding was drawn from the USAID/MSH/IPPF methodology (Yes=2), (No=1) and (N/A=0). Particular attention focusing on strong management systems as highlighted in the USAID/MSH leading, managing and governing for results conceptual framework and further, an exploration on how these interactions contributed towards strong healthcare systems was brought to light.
The role of rules of procedure in mitigating against unintended consequences of public interest litigation: the case study of standard gauge railway
(Strathmore University, 2016) Kibui, David Njogu
This study examines the role of rules of procedure in mitigating the un intended consequences of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with reference to the Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya as a case study. In other jurisdictions, PIL has arguably brought about social transformation and protection of social and economic rights. In Kenya, the Chief Justice formulated the Constitution of Kenya (Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice and Procedure Rules 2013 that will make it possible to implement Article 22 of Constitution. PIL therefore offers a real opportunity to advance, shape and implement policies in the public sphere as expounded in the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. These include the national values under Article 10 and which binds all State Organs, State Officers and Public Officers whenever any of them applies or interprets this Constitution, enacts or applies or interprets any law, makes or interprets public policy decisions. Article 258 allows individuals to bring actions in public interest while Article 259 allows a person to contemplate any type of litigation as long as it promotes values, rule of law, development of the law and good governance. The thesis reviews the role of rules of procedure in other jurisdictions such as United States of America, India, South Africa and Kenya for comparison purposes. Despite many positive outcomes of PIL, this paper argues that there are occasions where the objectives of PIL are outweighed by its un intended consequences. With reference to the development of the Standard Gauge Railway, it will be illustrated that the un intended consequences of PIL can be injurious to public good. Twenty one legal suits in a span of two years from 2014 have been filed against SGR. To determine the adequacy of the rules to mitigate on the un intended consequences, the Constitution of Kenya (Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice and Procedure Rules 2013 applicable to PIL in Kenya were investigated to determine their adequacy as applied in SGR Cases. These rules of procedure as applied in the SGR case form the basis of this study. A review of these rules has revealed that there is need to amend the rules to include timelines, vetting potential PIL, placing of a bond before filing PIL, punishing petitioner among others in order to mitigate on the un intended consequences of PIL.
Single customs territory implementation ; its effect on revenue collection and trade facilitation : case of Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Bifwoli, Thomas W.
In June 2013, the presidents of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda decided to fast track the full implementation of East African Community’s Customs Union by launching a Single Customs Territory which is a form of a Customs Union. Its implementation and envisaged benefits have been documented. This study explores the details of aspects of SCT that could be having an effect on Kenya customs objectives which among others are revenue collection and trade facilitation. Data was obtained from Kenya Revenue Authority and analyzed. This data was for goods on transit from Mombasa through to Malaba exit point and of import data through Malaba. The period of the data under consideration was from January 2013 to December 2015. The defining date for this study is July 1 2014, when Single Customs Territory came in force. Analysis of the data was conducted to determine the effect of Single Customs Territory on trade facilitation and revenue collection before and after implementation of Single Customs Territory. Correlation analysis and a paired t-test ware done to compare extend of variance between the two periods, before and after SCT. The analysis showed that there has been significant increase in trade volumes of transit goods from Mombasa port through Malaba exit point. Similarly there has been an increase of goods imported through Malaba border point to Kenya. The increase in trade volumes is indicative of better trade facilitation by Kenya Revenue Authority after implementation of Single Customs Territory. Secondly the analysis showed that customs value reduced for both transit, and import goods through Malaba. Customs value is the basis for taxation. This means that with low customs value (tax base), revenue collection has also reduced. Based on this study, it is recommended that a review of the Single Customs Territory regime be undertaken by Kenya. The relevant government department should consider having an in-depth look into the observed negative effects of SCT in this case effect on revenue collection. Secondly necessary steps for implementation of a Customs Union needs to be completed including harmonizing of internal tariffs, common collection point of revenue among others. This will make it possible for the achievement of the SCT objectives.
Stakeholders’ perception of the implementation of the Supreme Court of Kenya’s advisory opinion on gender representation: policy lessons and perspectives.
(Strathmore University, 2016) Otieno, Oketch William
The study examined stakeholder perceptions’ of the implementation of the Supreme Court of Kenya’s advisory opinion on gender representation. It aimed to establish the stakeholder perception of the implementation based on four variables of government policies, capacity, satisfaction and implementation tracking. The opinion of stakeholder groups that either affected or were affected by the advisory opinion was sought through a descriptive cross-sectional study in which the researcher conducted a survey using questionnaires to interview then collecting the necessary data. The study collected data from 90 respondents representing different groups interested in the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion on gender representation. The research adopted a descriptive research design where respondents were identified using purposive random sampling approach. Data from the respondents was collected through use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Ten open-ended questions were also included on the survey to capture participants’ own views on the implementation of the advisory opinion. To better understand and complement analysis of the quantitative survey data, qualitative analysis of the ten open-ended questions was also conducted. Data was coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study reveals that significant differences exist in the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the four variables under study. No considerable differences in their perception of the government’s commitment to the implementation of the advisory opinion. Other findings reveal that various stakeholder perceptions in the study supported the view that the judiciary has a significant role influencing public policy through its advisory opinion such as the one under study. The study also assessed the stakeholder perceptions of the implementation progress and challenges deriving policy lessons and perspectives. However, a majority felt that little had been achieved on implementation of the advisory opinion which was due to lack of stakeholder consensus. Based on these findings, it was recommended that government sets up formal institutions or mechanisms for stakeholder negotiations towards securing legislative consensus. The government to support the process and also fast-track legislation that would provide a formula for realizing the two-thirds threshold as well as put in place a monitoring mechanism to track the implementation steps of the advisory opinion in Kenya. Lastly, government agencies should be allocated adequate resources to enhance their compliance to policy reforms that will realize the gender representation principle.

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