Journals & Articles (JA)

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Open Access
Childhood theology and implications for pedagogy
(Nathan Chiroma, 17-02-22) Chiroma, Nathan H.; Chiroma, Jane A.
This article argues for a childhood theology informed by systematic theology, which enabled the researcher to mould the concepts of childhood theology to understand in order to use it. Child theology has been a neglected study in most African scholarship. Systematic theology guided the analysis of data as objectively as possible and contributed to the development of a childhood theology model that best accounts for all the data, showing that how childhood theology can be constructed in the African setting. The philosophy of Christian education aided the analysis of childhood theology and to assess the pedagogical relevance towards maximising a child’s potential in learning. Considerations of African theological perspectives, western perspectives and biblical evidence for childhood theology are explored to configure its significance to African childhood theology and the implications for pedagogical practices that are holistic, God-centred and transformative.
Open Access
Predicting the Longevity of Finger Millet and Vegetable Amaranth Seeds During Storage Under Controlled Temperature and Moisture Content Conditions
(Association of Official Seed Analysts and the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, 2001-01-31) Mutegi, E.; Misra, A. K.; Kiambi, D.K.
Seeds of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. var. KAT/FM-1) and those of Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus (L.) ssp. cruentus (L.) Thell.) were stored in hermetically sealed, laminated aluminum foil packets, for up to 252 days at different constant conditions, which included combinations of temperatures ranging from 15° C to 40° C and moisture contents ranging from 5.3% to 17.3% (fresh weight basis). Seeds were sampled from storage for viability determination at different intervals depending on the storage regimens. Viability decline during storage was generally rapid at higher temperature and/or moisture content combinations. The effect of storage conditions on viability was quantified using viability equations. For each of the two species, the estimated periods for viability to fall to 50% (p50 value) decreased with an increase in the storage temperature and/or moisture content. Viability constants for each of the two species were obtained and used to predict longevity at various non-extreme hypothetical storage conditions. At comparative storage temperature and moisture content combinations, seeds of the two species differed considerably in longevity. The constants obtained in the present study could be applied in predicting storage life of seeds of the two species, especially under short to medium-term storage conditions.
Open Access
The demands of a changing society: English in education in Kenya today
(2001-03-01) Kioko, Angelina N.; Muthwii, Margaret J.
English plays a key role in Kenya's educational system, not only as an important subject but especially as the medium of instruction. It has been claimed that the model and the norm of the English used in Kenya, apart from pidgin varieties, is the British Standard variety and in particular, Received Pronunciation (RP) (Schmied, 1990; Zuengler, 1982). Is this indeed the case? If not, what are the actual norms of correctness and appropriateness with regard to pronunciation, grammar, semantics, or pragmatics within the Kenyan community? There exists a discrepancy between the theoretical norm and the actual language behaviour, what challenges does this state of affairs present to an education system that relies heavily on the use of the English language? In examining these issues the paper adopts a historical perspective and discusses the factors that indicate the presence of a discrepancy between a theoretical norm and the actual language behaviour and then explores the consequences of such a situation. It also considers the valuable lessons that could be learnt, firstly from local creative writers' adaptation to the sociolinguistic/sociocultural reality, secondly from the move towards the democratisation and Africanisation of education in Kenya's history, and thirdly from what is happening in other non-native English contexts
Open Access
English variety for public domain in Kenya, speakers' attitudes and views
(Multilingual matters Ltd, 2004-01) Muthwii, Margaret J.; Kioko, Angelina N.;
The study sought to establish the attitudes of Kenyan speakers (n=210) towards 3 varieties of English: 1) ethically marked Kenyan English, 2) standard Kenyan English and 3) native speaker English (British, American, Australian etc) of the three varieties, the most preferred by both rural and urban respondents for use in the media and education was standard Kenyan English. Most of the respondents also considered this as the variety used by successful professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers and successful business people. Contrary to expectation, intelligence, ambition, expertness are attributed to speakers not when they use native varieties of English but when they use the non ethnic marked variety of Kenyan English. The study suggests that further research should be less concerned about the deviation of Kenyan English from native speaker norms and concentrate more on the formal description of the variety of English that Kenyan speakers overwhelmingly prefer
Open Access
Socio-cultural and gender issues in substance abuse in Kenya
(Association of third world studies-Kenyan chapter, 2004-11-01) Njoroge, Martin C.
In the global scene, today substance abuse is said to contribute to many social problems, including the break-up of family structures, decreased productivity, injuries and automobile accidents. Criminal activity is often the result of substance abuse or the desire of money to purchase drugs. There are many factors that lead members of a specific society to abuse drugs. These could be religious, curative, cultural, social or recreational. However, some questions do arise: are there any gender disparities in substance abuse? Are there socio-cultural factors that, for example, push a man to substance abuse and leave out a woman or vice versa? What socio-cultural and gender issues do children, adults and the elderly face that predispose them to substance abuse in Kenya? What does the current literature on substance abuse say as regards gender disparity in the field? In this paper, we purpose to address the problem of substance abuse in Kenya and discuss how socio-cultural and gender disparities interplay in pushing both male and female members of society into substance abuse den. There is also a review of literature on gender and substance abuse specifically highlighting any disparities in how society generally view men and women who abuse drugs. In our discussion, the term social denotes all that relates to human society while culture summates the total range of the inherited ideas, beliefs and knowledge which constitutes the shared basis of social action. In discussing gender issues, we take account of special pre-dispositions or strengths that come about because of being male or female.
Open Access
Translator training: The on-going search for relevance and appropriateness in anglophone Africa
(The bible translator, 2006-04-02) MUTHWII, MARGARET J.
The term “Anglophone” is misleading because many languages are spoken in each of the nations of “Anglophone Africa.” The people are not English speaking or Anglophone. A high percentage of them often are not proficient in English. Rather, in most speech domains, they speak their native tongues or local regional languages of wider communication. What makes these nations “Anglophone” is that they are countries in which English was the former language of the colonial power. And my colleagues would agree that the same can be said about both “Francophone” and ”Lusophone” Africa as well (see the two articles to follow). So in this case, whether we talk of “English-speaking” or “Anglophone” to refer to these nations, both are a misnomer. However, since the term “Anglophone” is widely used in UBS literature, it is also used in this article for ease of discussion. There are several Bible translation agencies in Anglophone Africa but the work done by Bible Societies exhibits the longest tradition and most varied products. Often there is collaboration and fellowship among these agencies in the training of translators. Some agencies work with the smaller language communities while the Bible Societies traditionally tend to work with larger language communities. Initial translator training needs vary from one community to another depending on the education level of the members of these communities. The small language communities have often been marginalized while larger groups have enjoyed more advantages, such as early exposure to schooling and literacy. Today, there are more openings for higher education in most of these English-speaking nations than in the past. What does this mean for training of translators? It means that increasingly Bible Societies no longer need to give potential translators a “basic higher education.” There are many Christians with training in theology, linguistics, and related fields. It is important to note also that theological training in Africa has expanded tremendously over the last few decades in keeping with the growth of the church on the continent. Biblical studies are taught in most of the theological institutions; however, many of them have not yet seen the need to include Bible translation components. A few universities and colleges have designed programs that focus on Bible translation. This is a great move in the continent, but these programs must be evaluated in terms of relevance of the course content itself, and the way they respond to the needs on the ground. More specifically, we need to ask whether these programs are flexible enough to meet the needs of translators who work with Bible Societies. Is the philosophy by which they were designed and structured still applicable to the African communities of today? Since in some cases a basic higher education is no longer an adequate prerequisite for translation, are the training institutions sensitive enough to run programs that equip graduates to produce diverse products as the church may have need of? In this article, we will suggest that when the recruiting and training process is sensitive to local conditions, not only as perceived by foreign agencies but by informed local leadership as well, then the road to adequate training of translators need not be that long.
Open Access
A Response to the Biblical Question: “How many Times Shall I Forgive My Brother?” (Matthew 18:21– 22): Its Implications on Kenyan Communities.
(PACU, 2008) Moenga, Micah Onserio
One of the questions that has become of a major concern among political and religious leaders is: How can we build strong community bonds? Shockingly, Kamaara notes, “While Christian values are expected to foster national cohesion and identity, more often than not Christianity has provided a convenient rallying point around which ethnic conflicts are mobilized.” It is true that national cohesion in Kenya remains a challenge five decades after independence. This is due to a number of factors such as political, economic and socio-cultural challenges. These factors have hampered efforts towards building one nation as was envisioned by the founding fathers. Hence, the theological question: How many times shall I forgive my brother? This question needs an investigation in order to address the problem of disintegration of the Kenyan community. The subject of forgiveness has attracted the attention of scholars in the recent years. Schaeffer-Duffy, for instance, writes “forgiveness began to attract attention of researchers in academia. Prior to 1985, the total number of forgiveness studies completed was five. Today there are approximately 55, and research continues, according to A Campaign for. Forgiveness Research, a non-profit organization directed by Worthington.”3 This was, then, three decades ago. I am sure studies on forgiveness have burgeoned. The world today is in dire need of forgiveness. This is because forgiveness, peace and reconciliation constitute the very essence of community existence and cohesion. While forgiveness, peace-making and reconciliation are fundamental for the wellbeing of any society, they still remain a challenge in many societies. This paper, therefore, assesses Kenya’s history since independence to ascertain some of its challenges to national cohesion. As a response to the identified challenges, the paper examines relevant biblical passages related to the subject of forgiveness. This is done within the biblical exegetical framework. Thus, the study is a historical, exegetical and theological one aimed at providing possible applicable solutions to the challenge of cohesion in the Kenyan context and Africa at large.
Open Access
The question of the standard English model in the achievement of universal primary education in Kenya
(Journal of language, technology and entrepreneurship in Africa, 2008-09-01) Njoroge, Martin C.; Nyamasyo, Eunice A.
English language is not only one of the official languages in Kenya but also a medium of instruction in Kenyan schools. The assumption is that at all school levels, the teachers, who are also the main linguistic models to the learners are excellent in their command of the language. There is need to investigate the reality of the English classroom in Kenya since this assumption may not necessarily be a representation of the actual reality. With variation in the Kenyan classrooms mainly because of other international languages spoken in Kenya and the fact that the ethnicity variable impacts on the spoken English used by the teachers within their classrooms, it is a requirement to determine an exact model that learners can be presented with when their teachers are speaking the language in classroom. The second millennium development goal targets the achievement of universal primary education by 2015. In order to achieve this, better education is crucial since it enhances economic and social development of a country as one of the ways of ending poverty. Kenya's ministry of education has implemented the Kenya Education Sector Support program as a road map to universal primary education, yet other issues such as language in education are yet to be addressed. For instance, the English syllabus used in Kenyan schools states clearly that the model language to be used in schools should be the commonwealth variety derived from British standard English.
Open Access
Christian Assurance and Crippling Introspection
(Testamentum Imperium, 2009) Chiroma, Nathan H.
This paper discusses the idea of Christian assurance and crippling introspection. It is quite common for Christians to look back at their supposed time of salvation and because they did not have some dynamic emotional experience wonder whether they were genuinely saved. Furthermore, the various uncertainties in life often make believers to question the factuality of their assurance. It is true that abeliever does experience problems, tragedies, dejection, discouragement and sometimes even depression; and this makes him or her to wonder if he or she is still saved. This paper argues that Christian assurance is based on God’s character, on God’s promises, and on the completed work of Christ on the cross; hence and encouragement to the believer to forge ahead in the Christian race. The paper also highlights the need for perseverance in the midst of crippling introspection.
Open Access
CONTRIBUTORS TO STUDENTS’ USE OF COUNSELLING SERVICES IN KENYAN UNIVERSITIES
(Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2010) Kamunyu, Ruth N.; Ndungo, Catherine; Wango, Geoffrey
Transition to university life can be stressful for all students. In mitigation, most universities including those in Kenya offer social support to students in form of counselling, financial assistance, health and academic support. Despite this it has been documented that only a minority of university students who experience psychological distress seek professional counselling. This paper looks at contributors to students’ use of counselling services in Kenyan universities. These are classified into four: the social and behavioural issues, academic issues, psychological issues and economic issues. The study applied descriptive survey research design guided by Person Centred and Social Learning Theories. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The study findings indicate that both male and female students are faced with many counselling issues such as academic, psychological, social, personal, economic, health, physical, vocational and spiritual. It can be concluded that the threat to masculine ideology encourages males to have more positive attitude towards seeking help for academic issues and that female students seek social psychological counselling to help them gain understanding of root causes of their problems.
Open Access
REASONS WHY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DO NOT SEEK COUNSELLING SERVICES IN KENYA
(Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2010) Kamunyu, Ruth N.; Ndungo, Catherine; Wango, Geoffrey
Transition to university life can be stressful for all students. In mitigation, most universities in Kenya offer social support to students in form of counseling, financial assistance, health and academic support. Despite this it has been documented that only a minority of university students who experience psychological distress seek professional counseling (Khan and Williams, 2003, Raunic and Xenos, 2008) a situation that is the same in Kenya. According to university counselors, university students undergo tremendous stress from personal issues, academic pressure, career emphasis and social problems. Counseling is meant to provide linear paths for students to address their problems. However, some students are reluctant to seek help from counselors. This paper is a report on a study that sought to establish the reasons why university students in Kenya do not seek counseling services.
Open Access
PREVALENCE OF COUNSELLING SERVICES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN KENYA
(Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2010) Kamunyu, Ruth N.; Ndungo, Catherine; Wango, Geoffrey
Transition to university life can be stressful for all students. In mitigation, most universities both private and public, including those in Kenya offer social support to students in form of counselling, financial assistance, health and academic support. Despite this it has been documented that only a minority of university students who experience psychological distress seek professional counselling. This paper aimed at establishing the prevalence of counselling services among university students in Kenya. The study applied descriptive survey research design and guided by Person Centred and Social Learning Theories. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. Findings reveal that university students are faced with various life challenges such as academic, psychological, social, personal, economic, health, physical, vocational and spiritual. However, only 35% of students with issues in both private and public universities seek counselling services, either frequently or rarely, majority of which are females. The study recommends that university counsellors should initiate vigorous campaign to encourage male/female students to seek for counselling services.
Open Access
Plant Genetic Resources in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges and Priorities
(AGRA, 2010-07-19) Kiambi, D K; Attere, F.; Mgonja, M.
Africa’s strength lies in its natural resources, including the genetic resources that are the foundation for growth and stability in agriculture, forestry, adaptation to climate change and environmental conservation in its entirety. Africa’s economies, cultures and political systems are primarily dependent, albeit precariously, on how well plant genetic resources are conserved and utilized. In the light of this, the continent’s economic transformation and its ability to integrate itself into the evolving global system, to a large measure, depends on agricultural transformation that is based on plant genetic resources (PGR). Plant genetic resources are a key component of global biodiversity and it lends itself as a resource to be tapped as human needs and economic demands change. Humanity derives most of its food, many medicines and industrial products from both wild and domesticated components of plant genetic resources. However, the reduction of this biodiversity has been an inevitable consequence of human development as species-rich forests and wetlands are converted to relatively species-poor farmlands and plantations. It is now believed that 17 million hectares of tropical forests are being cleared annually and scientists estimate that at this rate roughly 5-10% of the tropical forest species may face extinction within the next 30 years (IUCN, 1990). Overall, scientists believe that about 60,000 of the world’s 240,000 plant species that have been described could be lost within the same time unless deforestation is slowed. This may lead to the loss of vital genetic resources especially wild relatives of crops and other economically important species. The many values of plant genetic resources and its importance for agricultural and economic development are sufficient incentives for development of articulate conservation measures. Their conservation entails a shift from protection to efforts that seek to meet people’s needs and economic development from biological resources while ensuring the long-term sustainability of this important biotic wealth and heritage. This involves not only the conservation of natural habitats and wild plants but also safeguarding the genetic diversity of economically important plants. Plant genetic resources are the biological basis of the world’s food security and directly or indirectly support the livelihoods of every person on earth. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGR) defines plant genetic resources as “any genetic material of plant origin that is of actual or potential economic value”. They consist of the diversity of genetic material contained in traditional varieties and modern cultivars grown by farmers as well as crop wild relatives and other wild plant species that can be used as food, medicines, essential oils, gums and resins, fodder and forages, fibres, shelter, wood, timber and fuel wood among others. The conservation and utilization of this vital component of biodiversity is therefore imperative for people’s sustainable livelihood, agricultural productivity and economic development. Today, access to food around the world is not secure Eight hundred million people are undernourished and 200 million children under five years of age are underweight. In the next 30 years, the world’s population is expected to grow by over 2,500 million to reach 8,500 million. Reliable and sustainable improvements in yield will be needed to meet the demands of this growing population. The conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources are the keys to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, thereby contributing to national development, food security and the alleviation of poverty. As the worldwide loss of plant genetic resources accelerates, awareness has grown of the potentially disastrous consequences of this trend for the earth’s ecological functions and the fulfillment of basic human development needs. This trend is especially important in sub-Saharan Africa where people depend on plant genetic resources to a far greater extent than most other parts of the world. However, ways must be found to raise production and incomes while at the same time developing better biological resources management options.
Open Access
A linguistic analysis of HIV/ AIDS messages in Kenyan Primary school textbooks
(Egerton journal of Humanities, social sciences and Education, 2011-03-02) Kinuthia, Jane Wanjiku; Chai, Furaha; Yieke, Felicia Arudo
In Kenya, government agencies, line ministries and non governmental organizations have for several decades now made concerted efforts aimed at prevention of HIV/AIDS through increased awareness about the risk of transmission and promotion of positive behavior change. One such effort was the introduction, in 2003, by the Kenya Institute of Education, of the integrated HIV/AIDS syllabus in both primary and secondary schools. This study was conceived with the objectives to identify and analyse the language used in primary school textbooks in order to determine its suitability in communicating the HIV/AIDS message, and to provide empirical data on the kind of language used. Six class seven textbooks used in three compulsory subjects in six percent of primary schools from Nakuru municipality, and the views and comments of ten class seven teachers yielded the data. The data was analysed according to the Mills (1995) model of stylistic analysis. The findings were that most of the HIV/AIDS related concepts feature in science textbooks, and that of all stylistic forms, transitivity choices are the most popular with textbook writers. The study also established that the stylistic forms used have a bearing on how the readers process and interpret the information presented in the text. The study recommends that to make the integration of HIV/AIDS messages a successful venture, textbook writers need to consider what is the appropriate amount of information on HIV/AIDS in each subject and the suitable stylistics (style of language usage in different contexts) for the level of the reader. It is hoped that the implications of the study will be useful to teachers, textbook writers and the general society.
Open Access
The Effect of Burnout on Teacher Counselors Work Engagement
(Kenya Journal of Guidance, Counselling and Psychology, 2011-12) Kiarie, J.M.; Sirera, Merecia A. M.; Mwenje, Margaret K.
School teacher counselors are at higher risk of burnout than individuals in other occupations due to individual. interpersonal. and organizational factors. Burnout teacher counselors are a liability to the school. students. colleagues. and themselves. On the contrary, engaged teachers feel strong and vigorous at work. are enthusiastic and optimistic about the work they do and are very often immersed in that work. Using Utrecht (2003) Work Engagement Model and the Maslach and Leiter (1997) Model of Burnout, the study explored the effect of teacher counselor burnout on their work engagement. The research design adopted was a cross sectional survey employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The target population included all the 102 teacher counselors in secondary schools in Thika West district Kiambu County in Kenya. Data was collected using two main questionnaires adapted from Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Data analysis utilized the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 15.0 to explore significant relations among the research variables. using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The Pearson Product Moment of Correlation Co-efficient was used to determine the extent of association between burnout and work engagement. at alpha level of 0.05 (a. = 0.05). The study generated empirical evidence on the effect of burn out on the work engagement of teacher counselors within Kenyan secondary schools. There was a strong significant inverse correlation (r=-0.508, p<0.05) between work engagement and burnout. The regression model suggests that burnout is a significant predictor of work engagement among teacher counselors and explains 25.8% of the variation in work engagement. The findings could benefit school head teachers. policymakers as well as teacher counselors and form a basis for future research in this field.
Open Access
Molecular Diversity among Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Landraces in Uganda
(International Journal of Botany, 2012) Mbeyagala, Emmanuel K; Kiambi, Dan D; Okori, Patrick; Edema, Richard
The variability in sorghum germplasm is an invaluable input for sustaining and improving sorghum productivity. A wide range of variability in phenotypic traits exists among landraces in Uganda. However, the diversity of the germplasm at the molecular level is not described and therefore not known which hinders its use in modern plant improvement programs. This study was therefore undertaken to classify 241 sorghum accessions collected from different agro-ecological regions based on genetic distances estimated using 21 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR primers were highly polymorphic with average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of 0.65 ranging from 0.09-0.89. A total of 205 alleles (9.8 alleles per locus) as well as a number of rare alleles were observed across all the accessions and this provides an opportunity for generation of a comprehensive fin' gerprint database. Gene diversity ranged from 0.09-0.90 with an average of 0.68. The average heterozygosity detected was 0.18 ranging from 0.00-92%. Analysis of molecular variation showed that variation was higher within races and agro-ecologies than among races and agro-ecological zones, respectively and this indicated the significance of gene flow. Cluster analysis delineated the accessions into to two distinct clusters each with seven sub-clusters main' ly according to agro-ecological zone. Clusters IA and IB had the most distill' ct accessions and these could be utilized in. pre-breeding programmes aimed at overcoming yield barriers. The results confirm the ability of SSR markers to discern variability and also serve as guide for germplasm collection and conservation strategies.
Open Access
Relationship Between Locus of Control and Criminal Behaviour Among Inmates at Thika Prison, Kenya
(Kenyan Journal of Guidance, Counselling and Psychology, 2012) Ouma, Caroline A.; Musili, Phelista M.; Mwenje, Margaret
The rate of crime in the country is increasing tremendously. Most criminals relapse back to crime once they are released after serving their jail term. This trend only shows that there is need to make Kenya prisons a transformative environment for prisoners. The study was based on Rotter's locus of control model to identify control orientation of prisoners. It is through such a process that a classification can be made of which prisoners have a disposition that is liable to transformation of attitudes and those who believe that what happens to them is not under their control. It is against this background that the present study was designed to explore the Locus of control of male and female inmates at Thika prison. A descriptive survey was adopted. The study sample comprised of 250 inmates (213 male and 37 female). Stratified random sampling was used to select participants. The survey was directed at identifying the Locus of control of inmates using the Locus of Control scale (I-E scale). Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings established that majority of inmates manifested an internal Locus of Control, with the recidivists manifesting an external control orientation. Since internals are people who believe they can introduce order in their lives and their destiny, it can be deduced that the prison has an inability to empower and support the positive direction of inmates. The prison may also have support services which are not strong enough to redirect psychological attitudes, beliefs of recidivists. In light of these, there is there is need to incorporate professional counselling to assist recidivists to redirect their beliefs and attitudes, as a result transform their control orientation.
Open Access
The impact of HIV/AIDS message in selected Kenyan primary school texts: A linguistic perspective
(International Journal of Linguistics, 2012-06-01) Kinuthia, Jane Wanjiku; Tchai, Furaha; Yieke, Arudo Felicia
In Kenya, HIV and AIDS education has been integrated into the school curriculum as an effort to curb transmission of HIV and AIDS. The current study identified the phrases with HIV and AIDS message in selected textbooks of English, Science and Social Sciences in primary schools which were classified according to Mills (1995). Standards of textuality in the phrases were then examined and their impact on the readers evaluated as per Beaugrande & Dresseler classification (1981). The target population were class seven pupils and their teachers, in five randomly selected primary schools in Nakuru Municipality Division, Kenya Oral interviews and elicitation tests were used as data collecting tools. Evaluation of 39 phrases identified from 6 textbooks showed that none of the standard of textuality was upheld 100%. However, acceptability scored the highest (71.7%) while informativity scored the least (29.2%). Cohesion & Coherence, Intentionality, Situationality and Intertextuality had average scores ranging between 45 to 67.8%. It was concluded that the extent, to which each standard of textuality is upheld, correlates to a text’s appropriateness. Therefore, text book writers should design material that upholds all the standards of textuality to enhance effective communication. Such a move would ensure that the education system achieves its objectives.
Open Access
The inferior stone in the language hearth: The quest for recognition of indigenous african languages in the global arena
(Yale university, Language in African performing and visual arts, 2012-07-01) Njoroge, Martin C.
This paper discusses the language situation in an African setting considering that there are marginalized languages found in the continent. It highlights the imbalances in status and functions of different language categories in the country and explains why indigenous African languages continue to be marginalized. The paper also argues for the need to preserve, promote and develop these indigenous languages since. It observes that every unique language plays a vital role to the global village in its uniqueness hence, losing a language would mean losing a lot, more than just its basic function as a tool of expression. The paper concludes by pointing out the way forward for Kenya to address equitability of all languages within her sociolinguistic environment.
Open Access
Co-occurrence of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Among Secondary School Students in Kiambu and Nairobi Counties Kenya
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2013-03) Oteyo, John S.; Kariuki, Mary; Mwenje, Margaret K.;
Secondary school students engage in behaviors like use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs that compromise their health and future potentials. However, these behaviors are preventable. The current study was designed to establish the prevalence of single and concurrent use of these drugs among students of Kiambu and Nairobi Counties of Kenya. Multi-stage, stratified proportionate, systematic and simple random sampling and purposive methods were used to select participating counties (n=2), district (n=8) schools (n=71) and students (n=1389). However 1088 students were included at analysis as some were eliminated due to inconsistent responses and non responses. Self administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics and alcohol, tobacco and other drug behaviors. Frequency, percentages, Chi Square and logistic regression were used to analyze data. Alcohol was the most used drug (23.5%) followed by khat, cigarette, smokeless tobacco and bhang in that order. Of the current alcohol drinkers, 47.6, 33.1, 28.7 and 26.6% had also used khat, bhang, smokeless tobacco and cigarettes respectively. From logic regressions analyses, alcohol drinkers than abstainers were 6.198 times (95% C.I: 4.146-9.266) more likely to be khat users whereas cigarette smokers than non-smokers were 15.264 times (95% C.I: 8.170-28.519) more likely to use smokeless tobacco. These results provide empirical evidences for a comprehensive prevention and intervention programs that target multiple risk behaviors to promote global health among secondary school students.