Masters Theses

Attitudes, preferences and barriers to E-Learning among open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) orthopaedic medicine students at the Kenya Medical Training College

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Attitudes, preferences and barriers to E-Learning among open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) orthopaedic medicine students at the Kenya Medical Training College Okedo, Robert Ataada Background: Medical education is undergoing a global shift toward technology-enhanced learning. In KMTC, the Orthopaedics and Trauma Medicine program incorporates the Open, Distance, and e-Learning model. Understanding students’ attitudes, preferences, and barriers to e-learning is critical for optimizing digital strategies and sustaining quality training in resource-limited settings. Objective: This study aimed to assess the attitudes, learning preferences, and barriers to e-learning among ODeL othopaedic students at the Kenya Medical Training College. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was used. Quantitative data was used to determine the relationship between variables, while qualitative data contextualized the research problem in a detailed context. The sample consisted of 156 participants drawn through stratified random sampling for the quantitative arm, and 8 FGD participants purposively sampled for the qualitative arm. Quantitative data were collected using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, and qualitative data using an interview guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative elements, complemented by thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: The findings reveal a predominantly positive student attitude towards e-learning (68%), with a significant majority (70%) expressing a clear preference for a blended learning model. Prior e-learning exposure exhibited a statistically significant association with e-learning participation (OR = 3.845, p=0.001), underscoring the importance of early exposure. Critical barriers identified included internet access limitations (60%), insufficient training on e-learning platforms (45%), and the prohibitive cost of internet data bundles (35%). Conclusion: While ODeL orthopaedic students have a positive attitude towards e-learning, they prefer a balanced blended instructional approach. Recommendations: To augment ODeL orthopaedic student attitude and participation in e-learning, early exposure to e-learning should be adopted in a blended learning context. Campus internet strength and coverage should be enhanced as a key enabler for e-learning.

Analysis of climate change impacts on plant biodiversity and livelihoods among Maasai women in Narok County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Analysis of climate change impacts on plant biodiversity and livelihoods among Maasai women in Narok County, Kenya Sinteria, John Kishoyian Climate change poses critical threats to plant biodiversity and pastoral livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, yet knowledge gaps persist regarding gender-differentiated impacts of climate-biodiversity interactions on women's livelihood vulnerability. This study assessed climate change impacts on plant species diversity and implications for Maasai women's livelihoods in Narok County, Kenya. A mixed-methods convergent design was employed, integrating quantitative climate data analysis (1990-2020), systematic botanical surveys, structured questionnaires (n=100 Maasai women), and qualitative assessments through focus group discussions (n=24 groups) and key informant interviews (n=15 traditional experts). Climate data from Kenya Meteorological Department and NASA POWER database were analyzed using Mann- Kendall trend tests and Sen's slope estimators. Ethnobotanical surveys utilized systematic transect-quadrat sampling across eight locations. Vulnerability assessment employed Hahn's Livelihood Vulnerability Index framework. Results revealed statistically significant warming of 0.35°C per decade (Mann-Kendall τ=0.312, p<0.01) with extreme temperature events reaching 2.35°C above baseline. Precipitation showed high inter-annual variability (coefficient of variation=31.2%) with significant seasonal shifts including September increases (τ=0.338, p=0.009) and February decreases approaching significance (τ=-0.251, p=0.054). Botanical surveys documented 89 plant species across 33 families, with medicinal uses dominating (36% of species), followed by construction materials (13%) and fodder (11%). Diversity indices indicated moderate levels (Shannon-Weiner H'=1.335; Simpson's D=0.421). Critical conservation concerns emerged with 31 species (35%) occurring in single locations and 25 species at critically low densities, indicating high extinction risk. The Climate Vulnerability Index (4.4) demonstrated moderate vulnerability, with strong adaptive capacity (10.4) buffering high plant-based sensitivity (3.8) and moderate climate exposure (2.2). Climate awareness was exceptionally high (91% of respondents), with strong correspondence between women's perceptions and meteorological data validating traditional ecological knowledge systems. The study conclusively demonstrates that climate change significantly impacts plant biodiversity with direct implications for Maasai women's livelihoods. Despite strong traditional knowledge and social capital through cooperatives, communities face climate risks and biodiversity loss that threaten healthcare access, food security, and cultural practices. Key recommendations include establishing community conservancies with women as primary managers, implementing climate-smart plant management integrating traditional and scientific knowledge, strengthening women's cooperatives for economic resilience, developing integrated climate information systems, and creating intergenerational knowledge transfer programs. These findings advance understanding of the climate-biodiversity-gender nexus and inform evidence-based policy interventions for pastoral communities navigating climate uncertainty.

Influence of conflict management strategies on service delivery at public universities: a case of university of Eldoret, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of conflict management strategies on service delivery at public universities: a case of university of Eldoret, Kenya Mulwa, Christine Chemtai Service delivery in public universities is critical, however the frequent go-slows, strikes, and riots disrupt academic calendars and undermine teaching and learning. Management of conflict in organizations is one of the major tasks facing managers today in public universities. The study addresses the persistent problem of conflicts in public universities in Kenya, particularly at the University of Eldoret. The research problem, therefore, is to determine how different conflict management strategies (avoidance, collaboration, compromise) affect service delivery in public universities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of conflict management strategies on service delivery at University of Eldoret. The objectives of the study were to establish the effect of avoidance strategy of conflict management on service delivery, explore the effect of collaborative conflict management strategy on service delivery, investigate the effect of compromise conflict management strategy on service delivery and assess the measures for enhancing conflict management and their likely influence on service delivery. The study is guided by contingency theory and Theory of Human Service Delivery, which holds that there is no one best way to manage an organization; rather, strategies should be contingent on situational factors. Methodologically, the use of an explanatory mixed-method approach reflects a pragmatist research philosophy, where both qualitative and quantitative data are combined to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The target population was 718 employees comprising of top management, a middle cadre and junior staff/ support staff from which a sample size of 256 respondents was selected using Yamane’s formula. The sample size was selected using purposive, stratified and random sampling procedures. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the results presented in figures and tables. The qualitative data collected was thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that avoidance, collaboration and compromise conflict management strategies account for 64.4% (R 2 =.644). The collaboration (β=0.568, p<0.05) and compromise strategy (β=0.684, p<0.05) conflict management strategy had the significant positive effect on service delivery. Moreover, avoiding strategy (β= -0.160, p<0.05) had the significant negative effect on service delivery. The study concludes that collaboration and compromise as conflict management strategies are essential for improving service delivery at the University of Eldoret. In contrast, the avoiding strategy was found to have a significant negative impact on service delivery. Consequently, the study emphasizes the need to focus on collaboration and compromise while recognizing the adverse effects of avoidance on organizational performance. It is recommended that the management of the University of Eldoret consistently adopt these conflict resolution approaches, as they are effective in managing disputes and enhancing employee productivity. Collaboration and compromise strategies positively and significantly improve service delivery while avoidance strategy negatively affects service delivery. A comparative study across different universities in Kenya to assess whether similar patterns hold in other contexts.

Building a comprehensive sickle cell disease program in Western Kenya: a decade of experience and growth

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Building a comprehensive sickle cell disease program in Western Kenya: a decade of experience and growth NJUGUNA, FESTUS; KILACH, CAROLE; NJUGUNA, CYRUS; AYAYE, ERICK; WANJIKU, CHRISTOPHER; KORIR, RACHAEL; BOR, CONSOLATA; MIDIWO, NANCY; ALIWA, EVERLYNE; OBURAH, ELVIS; MBUNYA, SAMUEL; KIPKOECH, JOSEPH; ANN ETLING, MARY; SEVERANC, TYLER; NATHANIEL NESSLE, CHARLES; VIK, TERRY; KUMAR, MANJUSHA; ROBERSON, CHRIS; GREIST, ANNE Background: Globally, approximately 515,000 infants with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) are born every year. Approximately 80% of these cases occur in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) annually, including 14,000 newborns in Kenya. In SSA, 50%–80% of children will die before the age of 5 years due to a lack of comprehensive SCD care compared to 3% in better-resourced settings. The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) SCD Program started in 2010 as a partnership between Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (IHTC) with a goal to improve access to comprehensive SCD care by increasing capacity through training, clinical care, research, and advocacy. Findings: The program has trained over 5,000 healthcare workers on different aspects of SCD through face-to-face instruction, virtual training and one-on-one mentorship programs. Early infant screening and support for access to medications like hydroxyurea and antibiotics have been key in improving clinical care. The program has also participated in several research projects and has been a strong advocate for the provision of comprehensive SCD care by the health facilities within the high SCD burden areas in Kenya and the Ministry of Health. Conclusion: The strategies implemented by the program can serve as a template for establishment of SCD care programs in similar resource-limited settings