School of Education, Arts & Social Sciences
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Item The role of school management practices on the academic performance of private secondary schools: a case study the Kajiado county Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Mutisya, Christine M.Education is universally acknowledged as a cornerstone for individual empowerment, social transformation, and national development. It serves as the foundation upon which societies build human capital, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable growth. Effective school management, therefore, plays a crucial role in ensuring that educational institutions fulfill their fundamental purpose of nurturing learners, promoting intellectual growth, and shaping responsible and productive citizens. This study examined the role of school management practices on the academic performance of private secondary school students in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County. Specifically, it sought to determine how curriculum implementation procedures, quality assurance mechanisms, availability and utilization of teaching and learning materials, resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluation processes influence student academic outcomes. The research was motivated by the growing concern over disparities in academic performance among private secondary schools despite the availability of resources and qualified personnel. The study was anchored in Instructional Leadership Theory, which posits that effective school leaders enhance student learning outcomes by actively supporting and supervising teaching and learning processes. Leadership activities such as curriculum supervision, classroom observation, teacher mentoring, and data-driven decision-making were emphasized as essential components of effective school management. A qualitative research design was adopted to gain deeper insights into how management practices translate into student achievement. The quantitative analysis was also used to give the existing relationship between school management practices and students performance. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews administered to a sample of 78 respondents, including principals, teachers, and other stakeholders, selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The data collected were analyzed descriptively using percentages and presented alongside detailed narrative explanations to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the findings. Findings from the study contributed to a deeper understanding of how specific management practices influence academic performance in private secondary schools. The results offered valuable implications for education policymakers, school administrators, and consultants by highlighting practical strategies for strengthening instructional quality, teacher motivation, and learner achievement. Ultimately, the study concluded that strong instructional leadership, supported by effective management systems, is a key driver of educational excellence and a crucial pathway toward sustained improvement in student performance within private secondary school.Item Psychosocial predictors of marital satisfaction among newlywed couples, a case study of selected parishes at the archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Maina, Lilian W.Marital satisfaction was identified as a critical determinant of individual well-being and family stability, yet its psychosocial predictors remained underexplored within the Kenyan context, particularly among newlywed couples. This study therefore examined the extent to which psychosocial factors predicted marital satisfaction among newlywed couples in select parishes within the Archdiocese of Nairobi. The main objectives of the study were to determine the level of marital satisfaction among newlywed couples in the Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), to establish the extent to which personality traits could predict marital satisfaction, to assess whether social support predicted marital satisfaction, and to develop an evidence-based intervention model to enhance marital satisfaction. Anchored in the Big Five Personality Traits Theory and Social Exchange Theory, the study explored how individual dispositions—such as extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness—and perceived social support from family, friends, and clergy influenced marital contentment during the formative years of marriage. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and employed a census sampling technique, targeting 108 newlywed individuals from Divine Mercy Kariobangi and Ngarariga Parishes. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and the response rate was 100 out of the 108 targeted. Data was analyzed using the Microsoft’s Power BI and descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to assess the the predictive strength of the identified psychosocial factors. Findings indicated that 63% of the respondents reported moderate marital satisfaction, 22% reported high satisfaction, while 15% fell within the low satisfaction category. This suggested that while most newlyweds experienced relatively stable relationships, a notable portion faced adjustment challenges typical of early marital life. Regression analyses revealed that personality traits significantly predicted marital satisfaction, leading to the rejection of the first null hypothesis (H₀₁). The regression model was statistically significant, F(5, 94) = 7.09, p < .001, with an adjusted R² of .28, indicating that 28% of the variance in marital satisfaction could be explained by personality traits. Specifically, Conscientiousness (B = 10.54, p < .001), Agreeableness (B = 6.10, p = .011), and Extraversion (B = 6.01, p = .018) were found to be positive predictors, whereas Neuroticism (B = -5.23, p = .003) was a significant negative predictor. Openness (B = 0.93, p = .627) was not significant. When social support was added to the regression model, the explanatory power improved considerably, F(6, 93) = 11.03, p < .001, with an adjusted R² of .37. Social support emerged as a significant positive predictor of marital satisfaction (B = 2.02, p < .001), leading to the rejection of the second null hypothesis (H₀₂). Individuals who reported higher levels of perceived support from their families, friends, and faith communities also reported greater satisfaction and emotional stability within their relationships. Additionally, the findings on intervention preferences and support needs showed that 67% of the newlyweds identified financial planning and budgeting as their most desired form of support, followed by spiritual guidance and prayer (58%), premarital refresher sessions (44%), and marital enrichment workshops (39%). The most cited challenges included financial strain (48%), role expectations and household responsibilities (39%), and in-law relations (32%). Faith-based counselling (57%) was the most preferred mode of intervention, and 59% emphasized the importance of integrating spirituality into marital support programs. Based on these findings, a practical and culturally grounded intervention model was developed, emphasizing personality-informed counselling, faith-based support systems, and community-based enrichment programs. The study concluded that both individual personality traits and social support networks play vital roles in shaping marital satisfaction. The findings were expected to inform church-based counselling practices, psychological interventions, and policy strategies aimed at strengthening marital relationships within religious and community settings.Item Assessing the influence of social support and community engagement on emotional resilience after loss among the elderly in Kabete sub-county, Kiambu county, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Wang'ombe, Josephine N.Aging populations around the world face numerous challenges, including urbanization, changing family structures, and the erosion of traditional support systems. As individuals age, they often encounter various adversities, especially the loss of loved ones, which significantly impacts their emotional well-being. This study aimed to explore how community involvement and social support influence emotional resilience in older adults in Kabete Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya, particularly after experiencing loss. The objectives of the study were to examine the role of community engagement in emotional resilience, assess the impact of social support, and identify the challenges elderly individuals face in maintaining resilience after loss. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed to investigate these relationships. The study targeted elderly individuals aged 60 and above who had experienced the loss of a loved one, with a sample size of 98 participants selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including means, frequencies, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis, were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between community engagement and emotional resilience (r = 0.558, p < 0.01), indicating that active participation in religious and social groups significantly enhances resilience. In contrast, social support showed a weak and insignificant relationship (r = 0.027, p = 0.803), suggesting that the support received was often inconsistent or event-based. Challenges such as loneliness, limited access to healthcare, and financial strain were found to negatively affect emotional resilience (r = –0.730, p < 0.01). The regression analysis revealed that community engagement was the strongest positive predictor of resilience (β = 0.514), while challenges had a significant negative effect (β = –0.410). The study concluded that community engagement is a crucial protective factor, strengthening emotional resilience among the elderly, while social and structural challenges continue to hinder their emotional recovery. The study recommends enhancing structured community programs, intergenerational initiatives, and psychosocial support services for the elderly to foster sustained emotional well-being and facilitate adaptive recovery after bereavement. These findings contribute to the development of culturally relevant intervention models for improving the emotional health of senior citizens, particularly in urban and peri-urban African contexts.Item Transformational leadership and its impact on student Outcomes, mediated by teacher motivation in secondary schools In Nairobi county(KCA University, 2025) Ndirangu, Joseph W.This study investigated the impact of transformational leadership on teacher motivation and student outcomes in secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya, addressing persistent challenges such as low student completion rates, high teacher turnover, and socioeconomic disparities despite substantial educational investments. The general objective was to examine transformational leadership's effects on teacher motivation and student outcomes, with teacher motivation as the mediating variable. Specific objectives focused on the roles of idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration in enhancing these outcomes. Guided by Transformational Leadership Theory (emphasizing inspirational behaviors for higher performance) and Self-Determination Theory (focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for engagement), the study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population included principals, teachers, students, sub-county education officers, and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) directors from over 120 public and 200 private secondary schools. A stratified random sample comprised 60 schools, 60 principals, 300 teachers, 240 students for focus group discussions (FGDs), and 10 education stakeholders. Data were collected via questionnaires (for principals and teachers) and FGDs (for students). Analysis using SPSS involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Findings revealed that transformational leadership components enhanced teacher motivation: inspirational motivation directly improved student outcomes (e.g., KCSE scores and attendance); idealized influence fostered trust and teacher commitment; intellectual stimulation promoted innovative teaching with modest effects on performance; and individualized consideration strengthened motivation but required balance to avoid diverting focus from students. Results inform school administrators, policymakers, and teacher training institutions on effective leadership practices to boost motivation and performance in urban Kenyan schools.Item Impact of financial wellness on mental well-being among urban families: a case study of Kiambu township, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Wokabi, Joseph N.This study examined the association between financial wellness and mental well-being among urban households in Kiambu Township, Kenya. Financial instability has increasingly emerged as a significant factor contributing to psychological distress, driven by the high cost of living, urbanization, inflation, and economic uncertainty. The study aimed to determine the level of financial wellness, identify major financial stressors influencing mental health, assess the mental well-being of urban families, and explore the coping strategies they employ to manage financial pressures. Guided by the Family Stress Theory and the Conservation of Resources Theory, the study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design targeting 392 households, of which 348 responded, representing an 88.8% response rate. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that mental well-being had a significant negative relationship with financial wellness (r = -0.466, p < 0.01). This means that better financial management and stability are associated with lower emotional distress. Additionally, mental well-being was positively correlated with financial stressors (r = 0.756, p < 0.01), with the strongest predictive effect (b = 0.693, p = 0.001). This indicates that greater financial struggles, such as debt, income volatility, or unexpected costs, lead to worse psychological outcomes. The results also showed that coping strategies are positively and significantly related to both financial stressors (r = 0.423, p < 0.01) and mental well-being (r = 0.484, p < 0.01). This suggests that households experiencing higher financial stress tend to engage more frequently in coping strategies, which also increase in intensity with greater perceived psychological strain. Coping strategies, including expenditure control, borrowing, prayer, and family discussions, were found to play a moderating role, helping families adapt to financial strain, though they were largely reactive in nature. The study concludes that financial stability and psychological health are closely interconnected, with financial strain remaining one of the strongest predictors of emotional distress among urban families. It recommends promoting financial literacy, enhancing access to affordable credit, and integrating financial counseling with mental health support programs to strengthen resilience and overall well-being. The findings contribute valuable evidence for policymakers, financial institutions, and community organizations in designing interventions that address both the economic and psychological dimensions of urban family life in Kenya, particularly in the unique context of Kiambu Township.Item Social enterprise business development services' programs and business sustainability in Isiolo county, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Abubakar, Hassan F.This study focuses on social enterprise business development services' programs and business sustainability in Isiolo County, Kenya. This study is crucial for understanding the role of social enterprises in the economic empowerment of businesses in Isiolo County, an area facing significant socio-economic challenges. The following specific objectives guide the study: to examine the effect of access to financial resources provided by social enterprises in Isiolo County, to assess the effect of training programs provided by social enterprises in Isiolo County, to evaluate the effect of community engagement initiatives implemented by social enterprises in Isiolo County, and to investigate the effect of technology integration by social enterprises in Isiolo County. Theoretically, the study is guided by resource-based review, diffusion of innovations theory, human capital theory, and dynamic capabilities theory. Each theory provides a framework for understanding the effect of social enterprises on businesses in Isiolo County. The target population consists of business owners, managers, and employees involved in various sectors, including agriculture, retail, tourism, and renewable energy, whom social enterprises in Isiolo County support. This study employed primary data from businesses in Isiolo County and adopt the descriptive design to analyze data. The study took six months and was conducted between December 2024 and June 2025, using structured questionnaires to gather primary data. This study explored the factors influencing business sustainability in Isiolo, focusing on four key areas: financial resource support, capacity-building programs, community engagement, and the adoption of digital technologies. The findings indicate that financial resources (β = 0.75, p < 0.05), training programs (β = 0.68, p < 0.05), community involvement (β = 0.72, p < 0.05), and digital technology adoption (β = 0.70, p < 0.05) significantly contribute to business sustainability. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of robust policies, organizational commitment, and strong community collaboration in achieving sustainability. Recommendations suggest enhancing policy frameworks, supporting social entrepreneurs to integrate sustainability, guiding researchers in studying broader contexts, and increasing community engagement. The study’s limitations include reliance on primary data and its focus solely on Isiolo, which may not fully represent the broader regional dynamics. For future research, expanding to other regions and assessing long-term sustainability impacts would provide valuable insights.Item Determinants of alcohol relapse among middle-aged married men in rehabilitation centres in Kiambu county, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Irungu, Harrison M.Alcohol relapse remains a critical public health concern, particularly among middle-aged married men in Kiambu County, Kenya, where relapse rates exceed 60% despite the presence of multiple rehabilitation centres. This study examined the psychological, social, and structural determinants contributing to alcohol relapse within this demographic. Specifically, the study aimed to: (1) identify psychological factors influencing alcohol relapse among middle-aged married men in Kiambu County; (2) assess social dynamics of alcohol relapse among middle-aged married men in Kiambu County; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of current rehabilitation interventions applied to middle-aged married men in Kiambu County; and (4) provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing long-term recovery outcomes. The study was guided by two frameworks: (1) the Relapse Prevention Model and (2) the Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to capture the multifaceted nature of relapse. The study focused on middle-aged (40-64) married men undergoing rehabilitation for alcohol use disorder in Kiambu County, alongside rehabilitation staff and spouses. A total of 108 individuals participated, comprising 72 recovering men (responded to questionnaire items), whereas 12 rehabilitation staffs, 12 representatives of recovering men, and 12 spouses were involved in focus group discussion. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression, while qualitative data from focus group discussions were subjected to manual thematic analysis. Findings from both methods were integrated through triangulation for a comprehensive understanding of relapse dynamics. The results revealed that psychological factors—particularly stress, emotional distress, low self-efficacy, and craving—had the strongest positive correlation with relapse (r = 0.72), indicating that emotional instability significantly heightens relapse vulnerability. Social determinants such as marital conflict, peer pressure, and limited family support also showed a substantial correlation with relapse (r = 0.64), highlighting the influence of social contexts in recovery outcomes. Conversely, structural factors—especially access to aftercare services, counselling continuity, and rehabilitation follow-up—were negatively correlated with relapse (r = –0.68), demonstrating their protective role. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that psychological distress was the most significant predictor of relapse, followed by social stressors, while structural support acted as a mitigating factor. Qualitative findings enriched these patterns, revealing that most recovering men relapsed in response to financial strain, unresolved marital tensions, and pervasive alcohol availability. Participants emphasized inadequate post-rehabilitation follow-up and minimal family involvement as key contributors to repeated relapse episodes. The study concludes that relapse among middle-aged married men in Kiambu County is best understood as a systemic issue spanning psychological, social, and structural dimensions. Sustainable recovery therefore requires integrated interventions that enhance coping skills, strengthen family and community support, and institutionalize continuous aftercare frameworks. The findings bridge theoretical and practical gaps in addiction counselling by illustrating how intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional factors interact to determine long-term sobriety. The study recommends the incorporation of structured relapse prevention modules, family-inclusive counselling, and robust aftercare systems to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and inform culturally responsive addiction policies and practices.Item Impact of helicopter parenting on self-help skills among young adults: a case of langata sub county, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Mucheke, Frida M.In recent years, the phenomenon of helicopter parenting, characterized by excessive parental involvement in children's academic, social, and emotional lives, has gained global attention. While extensively studied in Western contexts, its emergence in urban Kenyan settings remains underexplored. Langata Sub-County, a diverse and rapidly urbanizing area within Nairobi County, presents a unique socio-cultural landscape where traditional parenting norms intersect with religion and modern pressures. The purpose of the study was to establish the impact of helicopter parenting on the development of self-help skills among young adults in Langata Sub County, Kenya. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the relationship between helicopter parenting and three key developmental outcomes among young adults’ self-reliance, emotional regulation, and problem-solving capacity. The study utilized the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Family Systems Theory in understanding the helicopter parenting. The study employed both structured questionnaires for quantitative data and interviews for qualitative insights. A target population, consisted of 300 young adults aged, between 18 to 30 years, from a population of approximately 1200, drawn from five different churches in Langata sub-county, Kenya. From this population, a sample of 100 participants, was selected through purposive sampling to ensure participants have experienced some form of helicopter parenting. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as Pearson’s correlation and chi-square, while qualitative data was examined thematically. The findings were expected to provide critical insight into the behavioral and psychological outcomes associated with overprotective parenting styles, contributing to more effective parenting approaches and youth empowerment strategies. The findings are significant as they provide insights into how overprotective parenting undermines the development of essential life skills among young adults, offering guidance for parents, educators, and counselors in promoting balanced autonomy. The results revealed that helicopter parenting was highly prevalent among young adults in Langata Sub-County, with an overall mean score of 3.55 on the helicopter parenting index. Approximately 69.5% of respondents reported parental interference in their personal decisions, while 63.1% indicated constant parental monitoring. A significant negative correlation was found between helicopter parenting and self-reliance (r = -0.687, p < 0.01), and between helicopter parenting and emotional regulation (r = -0.621, p < 0.01). Furthermore, young adults raised under helicopter parenting exhibited lower levels of confidence in handling new challenges (Mean = 2.97) and emotional independence (Mean = 2.77). Qualitative findings reinforced these results, revealing patterns of emotional dependency, indecisiveness, and limited problem-solving initiative, as observed by youth leaders and counselors. The study concludes that helicopter parenting significantly undermines young adults’ ability to develop independent life skills, contributing to emotional dependence and reduced self-efficacy. It further establishes that cultural norms, Christian values, and economic dependency exacerbate this pattern by reinforcing parental control well into adulthood. The study recommends that parents adopt more autonomy-supportive parenting approaches that allow young adults to make decisions, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Faith-based organizations and schools should provide mentorship and psychoeducational programs that promote self-determination, confidence-building, and problem-solving competencies among young adults. Future research should explore the long-term psychological and social outcomes of helicopter parenting in diverse cultural contexts across Kenya.Item Relationship between provision of guidance and counseling services and academic performance of student in public secondary schools in kasarani constituency, Nairobi county, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Kiarie, Betty N.Guidance and counseling services are a crucial element in any learning environment and contribute to improved academic performance. The study focused on investigating the relationship between the provision of guidance and counseling services and the academic performance of students in Public Secondary Schools in Kasarani constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was informed by the social learning theory as proposed by Albert Bandura and, the theory of planned behavior as by Icek Ajzen. The study used descriptive research design. Mixed sampling methods were used to draw study sample. The study used Krejcie and Morgan formulae to draw a study sample of 356 from 4,637, form three students. Owing to the small number of school-based counselors, census technique was used to select and include all the 12 head of guidance and counseling departments from 12 selected public Secondary schools in Kasarani constituency and their 12 deputy assistants. Data from students was collected using a questionnaire with open and closed ended questions while interview guide was used with the teacher-counselors. The questionnaire was validated by the supervisors from the department of Education counseling psychology at KCA University. The reliability of the instruments was assessed using the split-half method. A pilot study was conducted at St. Lucie Kiriri Girls Secondary School to ensure the effectiveness of the instruments. Quantitative data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22.0. The findings were presented through the use of pie charts, and tables. The study established that guidance and counseling services play a critical role in enhancing students' academic performance in public secondary schools within Kasarani Constituency, Nairobi County. Pearson correlation results indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between students’ academic performance and the availability of G&C services (r = 0.422, p < 0.01), academic performance showed a significant negative correlation with psychological challenges (r = - 0.438, p < 0.01). of G&C services helped students manage emotional, social, and academic challenges. The study concludes that while guidance and counseling services are present in most schools, their availability and quality vary significantly, affecting their effectiveness. Additionally, psychological challenges such as stress, peer pressure, and bereavement negatively influence academic engagement, and current counseling programs are insufficient to fully address these needs. The study concludes that academic counseling positively influences students’ performance by promoting goal-setting, time management, and motivation. The study recommends the expansion and standardization of counseling services, incorporation of life skills training, and increased policy support to strengthen the role of guidance and counseling in secondary education.Item Determinants of relapse in psychiatric patients discharged from Mathari national teaching and referral hospital, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Mwenda, Agnes K.This study addressed the critical issue of psychiatric relapse following hospitalization at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH) in Kenya. Despite receiving inpatient treatment and clinical stabilization, a significant proportion of psychiatric patients experienced symptom recurrence after discharge, perpetuating a revolving door phenomenon that disrupted recovery trajectories and strained limited healthcare resources. Regional studies demonstrated concerning relapse patterns, with Ethiopia reporting a 37.78% relapse rate among patients with severe mental illnesses and Botswana documenting a 75.0% relapse prevalence at their main psychiatric unit, while Kenya-specific empirical research on psychiatric relapse determinants remained critically limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of relapse among psychiatric patients discharged from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to identify patient-related determinants of relapse, determine healthcare-related determinants of relapse, explore socio-economic determinants of relapse, and develop an evidence-based intervention framework to prevent relapse among psychiatric patients at MNTRH. The study was informed by the Stress-Vulnerability Model and the Health Belief Model, which provided analytical lenses for examining the multifaceted nature of psychiatric relapse. An ex post facto research design with a mixed methods approach was employed, involving 301 family caregivers (92.0% response rate) and 12 healthcare providers (75.0% response rate). Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, then analysed using SPSS version 28.0 and NVivo 14. Results revealed that 61.1% of patients required readmission after discharge, with patient-related determinants (medication non-adherence, poor illness insight) showing the strongest negative correlation with relapse (r = -.612, p < .001). Healthcare-related factors (inadequate follow-up, limited staffing) and socio-economic determinants (unemployment, unaffordable medications, stigma) also significantly predicted relapse. Regression analysis showed that the four predictor variables collectively explained 55.9% of variance in psychiatric relapse (R² = .559, p < .001). The study concluded that psychiatric relapse at MNTRH results from complex interactions between patient vulnerabilities, healthcare system limitations, and socio-economic pressures. The study recommends establishing dedicated relapse prevention units, implementing mandatory family therapy, creating structured telephone follow-up systems, decentralizing psychiatric services to counties, prioritizing depot medications, and expanding insurance coverage for psychiatric care. Future studies explore determinants of treatment adherence among psychiatric patients as well as determine the effectiveness of different intervention models in preventing relapse.
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