The Relationship between Selected Psychological Factors and Female Students’ Choice of Career in Science TVET in Technical Training Institutes in Siaya County, Kenya.

This study aimed at establishing the relationship between selected psychological factors and female students’ choice of career in science TVET in technical training institutes in Siaya County, Kenya. Social Cognitive Theory postulated by Bandura (1986), and Holland's Theory of Occupational Choice (1959, revised 2017) guided the research. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. It is based on the conceptual framework whereby the choice of careers in TVET by female students is assumed to depend on social-cultural, economic, psychological and institutional context factors. The test-retest method was used to test the reliability of the instruments. Cronbach alpha method was also used to test internal reliability. The research instruments were questionnaires for lecturers, female and male students. Piloting was done in the village polytechnics. The sample size was 316 female students sampled using census method. In addition, 291 male students from a total target population of 1136 determined using Krejcie and Morgan Table of Sample Size Determination (1970). Proportionate sampling technique was used to sample respondents in different strata and TTIs. Tools in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 were used to analyse data. Frequencies, percentages and means were computed. Inferential statistics, namely; regression coefficients, T-statistics, F-statistics, correlation of coefficients, were derived. The findings were presented in tables. Further, a negative and non-significant relationship between psychological factors and female students’ career choice in science TVET Programmes (r=- -0.163*; p<0.01) was established. The researcher recommends that principals should institute measures for changing students’ attitudes towards TVET courses.

The Relationship between Birth Order and Marital Communication Patterns in Conflict Resolution among Women in Nakuru West Constituency, Nakuru County, Kenya

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between birth order and marital communication patterns in conflict resolution among women in Nakuru West Constituency, Nakuru County, Kenya. The research adopted an eclectic theoretical approach using attachment and standpoint theories to address the aspects of the study. The research utilized the survey research design. The study targeted a population of 152,257 women from which a sample of 384 respondents was drawn by stratified random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data, while secondary data was obtained from on-line County records. The researcher applied descriptive (finding and tabulating the mean, standard deviation, internal reliability scores and cross-tabulation) and inferential statistic on the quantitative data collected. To test the set parameters the researcher calculated some series of equations like Chi Square and Karl Pearson Correlation to test the assumed prediction of birth order. Statistical Package for Social Sciences - SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyze collected data. The study yielded 85.4 per cent response rate. All posited hypothesis were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study indicated that there was a strong positive relationship between Birth-order and marital communication patterns in conflict resolution among women that is significant at 5 per cent levels of significance. Therefore, the researcher accepted the alternative hypothesis stating that Birth-order has a statistical significant relationship to marital communication patterns in conflict resolution among women in Nakuru West Constituency, Nakuru County, Kenya. The researcher recommends that adequate parenting should be given when raising children so as to raise responsible individuals who can be responsible and considerable partners in the future. Parents should be fair when distributing responsibilities and offering opportunities to their children irrespective of their birth order.

Relationship between Implementation of Safety Standards and Guidelines for Drug and Substance Abuse, and Student Safety in Public Mixed Boarding Secondary Schools in Kenya

The objective of this paper was to find out the relationship between implementation of Safety Standards and Guidelines for Drug and Substance Abuse and student safety in public mixed boarding secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The target population was made up of 16 principals, 18 deputy principals and 2130 Form 4 students drawn from all 16 public mixed boarding secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample size for students comprised of 327 Form 4 students. A census approach was used whereby, all the 16 principals and 18 deputy principals were used for the study. The population of the study was clustered into 9 sub counties. Stratified sampling technique was used to categorize the population into three strata namely principals, deputy principals and Form 4 students. The principals and deputy principals were selected using purposive sampling technique, while the students were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data from students was collected using questionnaires and observation checklist, while that from principals and deputy principals was collected using interview schedules. Prior to use, the instruments were subjected to validity checks with the help of university supervisors and reliability tests guided by the 0.7 Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability Coefficient level. Data analysis was done using tools in the SPSS version 22. Analysis involved computation of descriptive statistics: frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics: Pearson Correlation and Regression coefficients. The data was then presented in tables and textually.

Influence of Psychological Demands on Job Satisfaction among the Employees of the National Hospital Insurance Fund in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of psychosocial demands factors on job satisfaction among employees at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Kenya. Psychological demands refer to job aspects that are physical, social, or organizational that required for physical and psychological effort to be sustained. A descriptive research design was adopted and all the 1918 employees at NHIF were targeted for this study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain 330 respondents from the study population. To collect primary data on psychological demand, the study used the demand-control-support questionnaire while job satisfaction was measured using the Warr-Cook-Wall questionnaire. While 330 questionnaires were distributed, only 301 questionnaires were duly filled and returned. Descriptive and inferential statistics encapsulated the data analysis and the results were presented in the form of tables. Analysis of the data was done through the use of SPSS version 24. The findings of the study showed that psychological demand had a statistically significant influence on job satisfaction at NHIF Kenya (p<0.05). The study recommends the need to reduce psychological demands at NHIF Kenya as well as ensure that the reduction of conflicting demands at the place of work. For future researchers, the study recommends that a similar study be conducted in other public sector organizations in Kenya. The results of this study add to the body of knowledge on psychological demand and job satisfaction.

The link between Internet Usage and Addiction to Online Gambling Among Undergraduate Students in Kenya

The study sought to examine the role of problematic internet usage in the risk of addiction to online gambling among undergraduate students in universities in Kenya. The study utilized Behaviourist Theory and Social Learning Theory. Ex-post facto research design was used for this study. The target population for the study was 97284 comprising all the undergraduate students in four universities and the accessible population was 2nd and 3rd year students comprising of 18911. The sample size comprised of 391 undergraduate students, 16 peer counsellors and four (4) student counsellors making a total of 411 participants. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire, an in-depth interview schedule and focus group discussion. Each focus group discussion comprised of four participants. Purposive sampling was used to select the universities of study. Purposive and simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. One university with similar characteristics with the sampled universities was purposively selected for piloting to ensure reliability of the research instruments. Descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyse data. Chi square was used to test the null hypotheses while t-test was used to compare the study variables. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23. Qualitative data was coded and thematically analysed. The pre-test was administered to and the instruments were modified accordingly. According to the study findings, problematic internet usage was significant to online gambling the reliability coefficient of problematic internet usage was 0.829, online gambling was 0.875.

Influence of Sexual Norms on Risky Sexual Behaviours among Undergraduate Students from selected Universities in Nakuru County, Kenya

This study’s purpose was to examine the influence of sexual norms on risky sexual behaviours on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students of main campuses in Nakuru County. Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura and Person-Centred Theory by Carl Rogers guided the study. The study was carried out among 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th-year undergraduate students from main campuses in Nakuru County. The study adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 18570 undergraduate students. The accessible population was 8456 constituted of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th-year undergraduate students whose sample was 367. Respondents were selected by applying the simple random sampling technique. The study included a sample of 10 peer counsellors and 2 student counsellors from the Egerton University and Kabarak University main campuses who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were obtained using a questionnaire for undergraduate students, focus group discussions guide for peer counsellors and interview schedule for student counsellors. Validation of research instruments was done through peer and expert review and also through pilot testing, which was done in Mount Kenya University (MKU) - Nakuru Campus. Quantitative data was analysed by both inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS Version 25, whereas the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The analysed data was presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The findings indicated that the majority of the respondents were of the view that sexual norms influence risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students.

Effect of Women Economic Empowerment on Family Stability in Imenti North Sub-County, Kenya

This study focused on the effect of economic empowerment for women on family stability among families in Imenti North Sub-County. This study used the quantitative method for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. The descriptive design helped to describe, explain and validate the findings. The data collected was both primary and secondary data by use of a questionnaire. Data from questionnaires was analyzed using the descriptive techniques and inferential statistics with the help of data analysis software -Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). The study found out that a majority of the career women were working full-time and they have been engaged in their careers for a period of 5-10 years. Economic empowerment of women was found to reduce their reliance on their husbands and be able to take care of their needs and enjoy their rights. However, it was reported that there are instances of arguments among spouses over finances. Career women should seek professional counselling services to equip them with adequate skills of managing psychological stress emanating from their careers as well as family commitments. This will help them deal with the situations, thus reducing occurrences of depression and extreme stress that would lead to health complications as well as family stability.

The Relationship between Emerging Forms of Bullying and Self-Esteem among Secondary Schools Students in Bungoma County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between emerging issues of bullying and self-esteem among Secondary School Students in Bungoma County, Kenya. The Social-Ecological Theory and Psychosocial Theory guided the study. The research population was 29,040 Form 3 students, Deputy Principals and Guidance and Counseling teachers from 360 secondary schools participated in the study. A sample size of 399 students was drawn from boys, girls and co-education schools. Form Three Students were randomly selected from the sampled schools. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using mixed-method approaches and correlational design. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected concurrently. Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling was used to sample schools and students, respectively. A pilot study was conducted on the 30 Form Three students selected from three categories of secondary schools in Bungoma County. Data was collected using a self-response questionnaire and interview schedule guide. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to analyse and describe data quantitative data. Inferential statistics such as Pearson Correlation statistics, ANOVA was used to test the significance of the stated hypothesis at the alpha level (α = 0.05). The qualitative data was thematically analysed based on the objectives and presented through texts. All analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The findings revealed that there was a relationship between emerging forms of bullying and self-esteem R2 =.388 (38.8%).

Effects of Family Financial Management on Marital Stability of Persons in Lanet/Umoja Ward in Nakuru-North Sub-County, Nakuru County

This study investigated the effects of Family financial management on marital stability of married persons in Lanet/ Umoja Ward in Nakuru-North Sub-County, Nakuru County. The study used the theories of Functioning Family Systems mainly by Murray Bowen, which focuses on patterns that develop in families in order to defuse anxiety. A target population of 498 married persons was randomly selected featuring those who have been in marriage for ten years or less. A smaller sample of 50 married persons (representing 10%) was randomly extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to describe how the dependent variable related to the independent variables in terms of percentages. The study indicated that management of family finances significantly affected marital stability. This is because some married persons dedicate most of their time in pursuit of wealth and in the process, literally forget their families. They seek to invest for their family at the expense of investing in their families. The study recommends that spouses intending to get married should undertake premarital counseling regarding financial management to guarantee marital stability.

The Influence of Public Perception of Institutional Efficacy to Provide Care for the Elderly on the Uptake of Institutionalized Care for the Elderly in Nakuru County, Kenya

This study’s purpose was to investigate the public perception of institutional efficacy to provide specialized care for elderly people and its influence on the uptake of institutional care in Nakuru County, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined perceived institutional efficacy in taking care of the aged and socio-cultural factors on the one hand and their influence on the uptake of institutional care for the elderly. A pilot study was carried at Kericho County to determine the validity and reliability of the study. The study engaged 400 respondents, who were selected through purposive and stratified random sampling. Data for the study was collected with questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The results indicate that uptake of care homes is positively influenced by physical facilities and negatively affected by staff. Thus, the availability of proper physical facilities for accommodation and physical exercise was a positive factor. It was, however, unexpected to find that the availability of competent staff negatively influenced the uptake of institutionalized care. The legality of the care homes was not a non-issue for the society in terms of influencing their decision to enroll their relative to the care homes. It is, therefore, necessary to sensitize the society about the efficacy of staff in the care homes as well as the importance of the legal status of the care homes.