AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND INDUSTRY (AJOBEI)

UTILIZATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM AMONG THE MAASAI COMMUNITY IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA

Guto R., Wasike J., Karani J — 2025-09-28

Disputes and conflicts are ubiquitous occurrences with both negative and positive effects on social and economic development of societies and nations in Kenya. Numerous cases are outstanding in the formal court systems, despite the alternate dispute resolution mechanisms. There are numerous indigenous dispute resolution (IDR) mechanisms; hence the need for studies seeking to evaluate the positive contribution of the IDR mechanisms in dispute resolution among communities in Kenya. This paper examined use of indigenous knowledge system in dispute resolution among the Maasai community in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study employed a mixed–method research design. The target population was 5,202 individuals aged 75 years and above (including 55 locational chiefs, and 116 assistant chiefs) from four Sub-Counties of Kajiado County. 371 individuals were sampled through multi–stage sampling criteria. Data was collected using focus group discussions and questionnaires. Qualitative data was collected and analysed thematically while quantitative data was analysed descriptively. Results showed that indigenous knowledge was used in resolving land disputes, matrimonial disagreements, Livestock theft cases and interpersonal conflicts with elders arbitrating the cases.

SUPERVISION MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE INFLUENCES EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN ORGANIZATION;

E.N. ONSONGO — 2025-09-28

Universities in Kenya face management shortfall due to failure to meet the set goals and adhering to the laid down procedures. The situation calls for the need to equip management employees with skills, knowledge; capabilities and abilities to perform in the organization. The study was a comprehensive literature and theoretical review. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and targeted top management both in academic and administrative divisions in the universities. Sample size comprised 400 management employees. Respondents were grouped into two strata; teaching and administrative. Respondents in each group were chosen using simple random sampling method. Data was analysed using simple and multiple regression, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA =F test) and t-test were used to analyze the data. The test results indicated that variation in employee performance in Kenyan Public universities could be explained by variation in supervision management development practice. The β was significant (β =5.858, t= 15.377, p > 0.05). The evidence therefore indicated that the model could be used in explaining the influence of supervision management development practice on employee performance in Kenyan public universities. There was a profound influence of supervision on employee performance.

REDEFINING PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN COMPETENCY BASED CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN KENYA. A CRITICAL REVIEW

Cherui R., — 2025-09-28

Kenya has made significant strides in implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum. However, there have been challenges, which the s government has been trying to address. Parents have raised concerns about their involvement in their children’s academic work and their increased role in the implementation of the new curriculum. The purpose of this study was to review literature on and redefine parental involvement in implementation of Competency Based Curriculum. The study was guided by the Structural Functionalism Theory by Emile Durkheim guided the paper. Desktop critical review of various journal articles and other secondary sources was carried out. The study established a great concern of parents that the new curriculum is resource expensive and demands of them to be involved in the implementation of the curriculum. Parental involvement includes helping learners in the entire learning process and in doing assignments. The new curriculum does not only focus on academic work but also non-academic work and therefore, forcing parents to assume roles in holistic development of their children. Since the focus of the curriculum is on the competencies, feedback from parents is very vital in complementing teachers’ role especially in guiding their children to choose the right pathway in senior school. There is a need for constant communication between the teachers in the process. The expanded role of parents in implementation of the new curriculum should be explained well so as to overcome the teething problems that are being associated with the Competency Based Curriculum.

AN EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED PARENTING STYLES AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN MURANG’A EAST SUB-COUNTY.

Wagura A.W., Dr. Waithima C.W., Mwangi P. — 2025-09-28

This study evaluated the relationship between perceived parenting styles and symptoms of depression among secondary school adolescents in Murang’a East sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational design where a sample of 369 students aged 14–18 was selected from rural, peri-urban, and urban mixed-gender secondary schools using stratified random sampling. Parenting styles were assessed using the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), while depression symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Descriptive and inferential statistics data analysis were used. Authoritative parenting was the most dominant parenting style (M= 33.63), followed by authoritarian (M= 33.22) and permissive (M= 25.21). Majority of participants under authoritative parents, reported minimal depression symptoms (38.3%), and least severe symptoms of depression (14.9%), a higher proportion of participants from authoritarian parenting reported moderate symptoms (31%), while those from permissive parenting households reported the highest levels of severe depression symptoms (27.5%). Chi-square test revealed no statistically significant relationship between parenting styles and depression symptoms χ² (6, N = 357) = 8.794, p = .188. Results suggest that while parenting styles collectively were not associated with symptoms of depression, descriptive analysis demonstrated that authoritative parenting style had a buffering effect against symptoms of depression among adolescents. This study highlights the influence of parenting approaches in adolescent mental health, and emphasizes the need to strengthen authoritative parenting practices, along with school-based psychosocial support systems to mitigate depression symptoms among adolescents. To ensure holistic mental health care, other key factors such as, learning environment and peer dynamics need be considered as key areas in mental health intervention strategies. The study fills a gap in adolescent mental health research by generating evidence that can inform context specific mental health interventions and support policy formulation focused on promoting adolescent mental health.

BABIES AND BOOKS: INFLUENCE OF STUDENT-MOTHERHOOD ON THE CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT MOTHERS IN KIRINYAGA UNIVERSITY, KENYA

Ngunyi H., Muiga M., Irungu C. — 2025-09-29

Female students who conceive during their studies at the university face challenges balancing between motherhood and studies. These challenges can affect their ability to successfully accomplish academic goals. This study investigated the challenges faced by student mothers and adopted the role conflict theory as the theoretical framework. The objectives of the study were to determine the academic challenges, establish financial challenges, to examining the child-care challenges, and identify coping mechanisms used by student mothers at Kirinyaga University, Kenya. Cross-sectional research design undertaken using snowballing sampling technical data collected using questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. 69.2% of respondents’ indicated their children had experienced health problems, 41% had missed class since having a child. 25.6% of the respondents disagreed with the perception that they are unable to concentrate on their studies. 53.9% were unable to access school facilities. These findings will be used by the Medical Department and the Guidance and Counseling Department to advise interventions for student mothers as they continue with their studies.

BURNOUT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG NURSES IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY.

Wairimu J.K., Nyagwencha S., Maina N.R. — 2025-09-29

Burnout is a major health hazard that puts the general wellbeing of nurses at risk. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between burnout and psychological wellbeing of nurses in Murang’a County public hospitals. The aim of this study was to examine the interplay between burnout and psychological wellbeing of general ward nurses in government hospitals. The study was informed by the multidimensional theory of burnout and the theory of psychological wellbeing. The study applied a correlational design as the framework of operation and was conducted in Murang’a County. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling methods was used to select 230 participants for the study. Ethical approval was obtained and data collected from the sampled facilities using the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Medical Personnel and the Psychological Wellbeing Scale. Data was analysed using mean, percentages, standard deviation and Pearson product moment correlation. The study adhered to ethical standards in order to protect participants from any harm. There was a significant correlation between burnout and psychological wellbeing (r[205]= -0.384, p = .000), implying that high levels of burnout translated to low levels of psychological wellbeing and vice versa. The study findings may inform policies on burnout management among nurses in public hospitals and county health boards. Predictive studies may be conducted to ascertain the causal relationship between burnout and psychological wellbeing.

IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORK STRUCTURES ON KNOWLEDGE SHARING DYNAMICS FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT:

Kimote Z., Wasike J., Mageto V., Mutunga D. — 2025-09-29

This study examines the crucial role of social network structures in empowering mango farming communities in Makueni County, Kenya, by fostering enhanced knowledge-sharing dynamics. It examines how social network structures (formal and informal) are utilized to facilitate the dissemination of agricultural knowledge, improve market access, and strengthen community resilience, and assesses the role of digital platforms (e.g., WhatsApp, SMS groups) in enhancing knowledge exchange and collaboration among farmers, and finally to evaluate the contribution of social capital (trust, reciprocity, and collective action) in building resilience and economic empowerment among mango farming communities. The study was anchored on Social Capital Theory (SCT). The study employed a survey as a research design. The target population was 12622 registered mango farmers. The sample size of the study was 292 individuals who were sampled using multi-criteria and calculated using Andrew Fisher's formula of 2023. Data collection tools were interviews, questionnaires, document reviews, and observations. The instruments were validated by piloting and reviewed by a panel of experts. Analysis was done through thematic narrative, which includes descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that these networks serve as powerful enablers of collective learning, joint resource mobilization, and economic coordination. Cooperatives and farmer groups not only enhance bargaining power but also provide vital access to inputs, training, and infrastructure, such as centralized processing and storage. Informal digital networks further accelerate the flow of information, enabling timely decisions on pest control, market prices, and climate adaptation. The study underscores the importance of social capital—trust, reciprocity, and shared norms as a foundation for effective knowledge exchange and sustainable development. Barriers affecting participation in social networks should be addressed, especially exclusion of small-scale farmers in the dominant networks, the need to promote trust building and transparent governance in networking where the networks should operate with clear leadership structures, regular meetings, and fair despite resolutions processes to sustain farmers’ confidence and long-term participation. There is need to set up local mechanism to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the social networks and how farmer groups are functioning, sharing knowledge and livelihoods, and strengthening areas with weak penetration of internet connections.

INFLUENCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS’ WEIGHTED INTEREST RATE ON CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY GROWTH RATE IN KENYA

Mbusi, E.T. — 2025-09-29

The importance of construction industry in any economy cannot be overemphasized. This is due to the major role played by this industry in building construction, dam construction and many other major infrastructure developments in the economy. In Kenya, this industry is indispensable. Over and above the above-stated roles, it is also a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). In line with this, this study sought to establish whether the industry’s growth rate is affected by interest rates due to its heavy reliance on borrowed funds. To achieve this goal, data was obtained from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Time Series data was collected using an abstraction sheet for two variables; Construction Output Growth Rate (COGR) and Commercial Banks’s Weighted Interest Rate (CBWR) for 48 years (1977 – 2024). Data was analysed using EViews software version 10. Analysis was done in three ways which included graphical, correlation and regression analysis. Results showed that construction industry output growth rate is impacted by commercial banks’ interest rates. Graphically, it is observed that if CBR rises, COGR drops, even though not immediately. Correlation analysis showed that COGR and CBWR are inversely correlated with a coefficient (r) of -0.336. Finally, the first differences of COGR were regressed on the first differences of CBWR and gave an R² value of 0.000074 in the current year of construction. But when COGR is regressed on lagged CBWR by one (1) year up to thirteen (13) years, the R² value changed to 0.365 with a regression coefficient (β) of -0.481438 indicating that COGR is negatively impacted by CBWR, but not in the current year of construction but much later. These findings can be used to inform policy formulation for the construction industry growth in Kenya.