School of Education, Arts & Social Sciences
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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.Item The impact of birth order on the personality traits of kca university Students in Nairobi county, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Wagema, Newton T.Personality is the culmination of an individual's thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Research has indicated that some factors influence the environment, including birth order. This study aimed to examine the impact of biological birth order on personality traits among university students in Nairobi County. The study objectives were to find out the impact of birth order on the agreeableness of university students in Nairobi County, to determine the impact of biological birth order on the openness of university students in Nairobi County, to find out the impact of biological birth order on the conscientiousness of university students, to find out impact of biological birth order on extraversion of university students in Nairobi county and to determine the impact of biological birth order on neuroticism of university students in Nairobi county. This study was guided by the use of the Big Five model, a personality theory upheld by psychologists at the time. The research targeted 200 university students in Nairobi County, specifically at KCA University. The study employed a survey research design, with the targeted respondents and sample size including university students enrolled in KCA University within Nairobi County, totaling 200 respondents. A stratified sampling technique was used, and the data collected were analyzed using the SPSS package. Findings were presented in tables and figures. Studying the impacts of birth order on personality was essential, as it helped young adults understand and appreciate the differences in personality within their family setups. The study found significant variations in personality traits among university students, particularly when considering their birth order. Firstborns were generally found to score higher on traits such as conscientiousness and openness, while laterborn children displayed higher levels of agreeableness and extraversion. The research also revealed that birth order played a subtle but important role in shaping key personality aspects, influencing how students interacted with others and approached academic and social challenges. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of how family dynamics might influence individual personality development and provided valuable insights for both personal growth and family relationships.Item Impact of teenage pregnancies on adolescents’ mental health after covid-19: A case of Kakuma Turkana west sub-county, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Misoi, Wendy J.This research studied the impact of teenage pregnancies on adolescents' mental health after COVID-19: a case study of Kakuma Turkana West Sub-County, Kenya. The purpose of the study was to identify the impact of teenage pregnancies on adolescents' mental health after COVID-19 in Turkana West Sub-County to provide evidence to guide preventive and targeted mental health services for adolescent mothers in similar settings. Teenage pregnancy was already a public health crisis, but the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the issue and also mental health issues among adolescents, especially in marginalized regions. Minimized access to education, healthcare, and social support systems precluded during lockdown increased psychological distress and placed adolescents who were pregnant at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and intimate partner violence. The study aimed to achieve four objectives: to find out the socio-demographic factors associated with teenage pregnancies, to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, to establish the role of social support systems in mitigating mental health issues, and to find out the prevalence of common mental health disorders among adolescent mothers. The study was guided by two theories: the Social Cognitive Theory by Albert Bandura and the Theory of Planned Behavior by Icek Ajzen. The study purposefully selected a target population of 62 teenage mothers who re-enrolled in twelve schools in Kakuma Town, using a mixed methodology and a descriptive survey design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants. A pilot study was conducted to test the reliability and validity of the tools before the actual study, and items were adjusted to address this study’s objectives. The researcher obtained ethical clearance from the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee from KCA University, an introduction letter from the Postgraduate School, and a NACOSTI license. To ensure no harm the researcher obtained consent from the study participants. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires and focus groups were filled out by 54 teenage mothers and 15 informants from the local ministry of education, healthcare providers, and community structures, with a return rate of 93%. Data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and thematic analysis and was presented through tables showing sample characteristics and variable-wise data, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages. The findings informed that 77.8% of the adolescent mothers were aged between 18-19 years, which aligned with common trends in teenage pregnancies. The COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable negative impact on mental health, with a mean score of 4.3 for difficulty accessing mental health services and 4.5 for increased feelings of isolation. This informed that the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing mental health challenges among the participants. Though it showed that family and peer support reduced stress levels, the study recommends the formulation of policies that will integrate adolescent mental health care into reproductive health and maternal health services to assist in mental health being prioritized. The findings will benefit school managers, parents, teenage mothers, and education and health policymakers, as the statistical data collected through the study identified the prevalence of common mental issues and risk factors experienced by adolescent mothers, which may lead to the development of psychological interventions and policies.Item Examining parental mental health as a mediating factor between family dysfunction and school-aged children’s mental health in Malindi, Kenya(KCA University, 2025) Were, Mercy A.Mental health is essential to the cognitive, emotional, social, and psychological development of children. Existing literature highlights that early childhood mental health challenges can lead to poor developmental outcomes, impaired academic performance, and reduced quality of life. In Kenya, mental health disorders among school-aged children—such as depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and suicide—are on the rise. This study examined parental mental health as a mediating factor between family dysfunction and the mental health of school-aged children in Malindi, Kenya. Specifically, it investigated the direct effect of family dysfunction on children’s mental health, the impact of family dysfunction on parental mental health, and the combined predictive influence of both variables on child mental health outcomes. Guided by Structural Family Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design targeting children aged 6 to 18 years attending public schools. Stratified and systematic random sampling was used to select households, and data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires administered to parents and primary caregivers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, applying Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed that the relationship between family dysfunction and children’s mental health was statistically insignificant (F = 1.552, df = 1, 328, p = .214). Similarly, family dysfunction showed no significant impact on parental mental health (B = -0.053, p = .188), and neither variable significantly predicted children’s mental health outcomes. The study recommends interventions focused on family role clarification, counseling, and community-based mental health support. These findings offer valuable insights for parents, educators, mental health practitioners, and policymakers, and underscore the need for longitudinal research to explore causal relationships and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of family-centered interventions.Item Analysis of Teaching-learning Resources and Hidden Educational Cost on Hundred Percent Transition to Secondary Schools: A Case of Westlands Sub County, Kenya.(KCA University, 2022) Odhiambo, PeterIn spite of the hundred percent transition policy being in existence for the past four years, some learners do not access secondary education. The study sought to analyze the effect of physical infrastructure, teaching and instruction materials and hidden education cost on a hundred percent transition to secondary school in Wetlands Sub County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to; examine the effect of school infrastructural facilities on a hundred percent transition to secondary school, determine the relationship between the availability of teaching and learning resources and one hundred percent transition to secondary school and to establish the effect of hidden educational costs on a hundred percent transition to secondary school. The study was guided by the Classical Liberal Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population for the study was all the 14 public secondary schools, 14 secondary school principals, 649 teachers, and 4411 secondary school students in Wetlands Sub County. Purposive sampling was used to sample the principals while simple random sampling was used to sample the teachers and students. The sample size for the study consisted of all the principals, 247 teachers and 367 students. The main data collection tools were questionnaires. Data collection instruments were piloted in 5 schools in Langata Sub County, part of the larger Nairobi County. Test re-test technique was used to ascertain the reliability of the research instruments. The validity of the instruments was ascertained by the experts in Educational Leadership and Management in the School of Education at KCA University. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, namely; frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics. Chi square test was used to test the hypothesis. Findings of the study were presented using frequency tables, bar graphs and pie chart. The study revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between school infrastructural facilities, teaching and learning resources, hidden costs and a hundred percent transition to secondary schools in Westlands sub-county, Kenya. The study recommended that to improve a hundred percent transition to secondary schools; school infrastructure, teaching and learning resources and hidden educational costs should be put into consideration. The government ought to allocate more funds for infrastructural development and provision of adequate teaching and learning resources.Item Influence of Principals’ Preparedness on Adoption of Digital Teacher Performance Appraisal Tool in Public Secondary Schools in Kiambu County(KCA University, 2022) Muema, Rose K.This study assessed the influence of principals’ preparedness on adoption of Digital Teacher Performance Appraisal Tool in public secondary schools in Kiambu County. The specific objectives of the study included: To evaluate the influence of principals training; provision of ICT resources and principals perceptions towards TPAD System on the adoption of the Digital Teacher Performance Appraisal System. The study was grounded on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The study adopted a descriptive research design using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample size of 164 principals from a target population of 278 principals in public secondary schools in Kiambu County. Purposive sampling was used to identify the TSC Sub County directors as key informants. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the principals while interview guides were conducted with TSC sub county directors. The SPSS software was used to conduct data analysis to generate descriptive statistics; correlation analysis; and regression analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging patterns and themes from the interview transcripts and presented in verbatim quotes and narrative form. Results of regression established that principal preparedness accounts for 65.9% variation in adoption of the digital teacher appraisal system. The Co-efficient of correlation established that principals training has a positive and significant effect on adoption of the TPAD System (β1= 0.720; p=0.000); ICT resources have a positive and significant effect on Adoption of the TPAD system (β2= 0.812; p=0.000); and principals perceptions have a positive and significant effect on Adoption of the TPAD system (β3= 0.690; p=0.000). Results of the Pearson’s Correlation Co-efficient established that principals preparedness increase the their readiness and willingness to adopt the TPAD system as there is a very strong positive correlation between: principals training and adoption of the TPAD system (r=0.700; p-value=0.000); ICT resources and adoption of the TPAD system (r=0.597; p-value=0.000); and principals perceptions and adoption of the TPAD system (r=0.720; p value =0.000). This study found out that 92.9% of principals in public secondary schools in Kiambu County had undergone 3 day training on the digital teacher appraisal system to familiarize with the TPAD system prior to its adoption and utilization in appraising teachers. However due to the short period of training all the critical aspects were not adequately covered. As a result only 25% school principals were able to identify all of the seven performance competence areas used to evaluate teachers and indicate the appropriate rating scale. The study also found out that principals had access to all the ICT resources required to adopt the TPAD system; principals’ perceptions towards the TPAD system influenced their preparedness in adopting TPAD system; and principals have successfully adopted the TPAD system in appraising teachers in public secondary schools in Kiambu County. However the principals’ limited knowledge and understanding on the performance competence areas and the rating scale may adversely affect their ability to produce appraisal reports that accurately reflect the teacher’s performance. Therefore, this study recommends that TSC; organizes a second training that will comprehensively and extensively cover all the critical aspects required to equip the principals with skills on how to use the TPAD system; provides principals with training to enhance their level of ICT competency; provides feedback to the teachers; and provide training to teachers to enhance their skills and competence in areas identified as requiring improvement during the appraisal process.Item An Investigation Of Factors Influencing Students’ Low Achievement In Chemistry In Public Secondary Schools In Athi River Sub- County, Machakos County, Kenya(KCA University, 2023) Kalani, Duncan N.Chemistry is a crucial scientific discipline for any nation and is essential for various curricula, including medicine, pharmacy, architecture, and dental care, among others. Despite Kenya's efforts to advance and modernize academia, chemistry performance in public secondary schools has remained low. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing students' low achievement in chemistry in Athi River Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya. The theory that guided the study is the production function theory. The study had four objectives including; to establish the students factors that influence the performance in chemistry in KCSE in public secondary schools in Athi River Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya, to identify the teacher’s factors that influence students’ performance in chemistry in public secondary schools in Athi River sub county, Machakos County Kenya, to find out whether the performance of chemistry is influenced by resource access in public secondary schools in Athi River sub county, Machakos county Kenya, and to identify the methods used by teachers in public secondary schools, to raise chemistry performance levels in public secondary schools in Athi River sub county, Machakos County, Kenya. A total of 168 respondents participated in the study, including 14 principals, 14 teachers of chemistry, and 140 Form 4 students, with 10 students selected from each school. The sample selection utilized stratified sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires to obtain feedback from the respondents. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Findings were presented using frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study focused on production integrals, where various inputs from students' factors, teachers’ factors, and school environment interact to produce the output of student accomplishment. The study was conducted in Athi River Sub County, where chemistry achievement among students has consistently been low. The findings indicated a positive perception of using ICT materials and methods for education and learning, as well as the recognition of the benefits of ICT in education. However, some students felt they needed further instruction and skills development to utilize ICT effectively. Interestingly, despite being interested in careers that require chemistry knowledge, students displayed a negative attitude towards the subject. Inadequate reference textbooks in the library also hindered individual revision by students. To address these issues, the study recommended providing more instructional resources, such as a variety of chemistry textbooks in the libraries. Schools should also invest in adequate resources and infrastructure to facilitate practical learning experiences and enhance students' understanding and performance. Besides, the study recommended that schools should work to improve students’ attitudes towards chemistry through methods such as organizing talks to dispel negative perceptions, creating a positive learning environment and arranging visits for real-world inspiration to learners. The study recommended further research on, why teachers prefer demonstration over individual practicals in schools with equipped laboratories, impact of teachers’ intrinsic motivation on performance of chemistry in public secondary schools and an assessment of teacher student ratio on performance of all examinable subjects in both private and public secondary schools in Kenya.Item The Relationship Between Parental Marital Status And Anxiety Levels Among University Students: A Case Of Kca University(KCA University, 2023) Okoth, Emilly A.High prevalence of anxiety continues to be reported among university students. For this reason, this research aimed to investigate the potential impact of parental marital status on anxiety among students of KCA University, Nairobi, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the prevalence of anxiety among university students at KCA University, to analyze the causes of anxiety among University Students at KCA University, to investigate the impact of parental marital status on anxiety among university students at KCA University and to assess coping strategies for anxiety among university students at KCA University. The theories adopted were the attachment theory and family systems theory. The study adopted the mixed method research design. The study targeted 1230 undergraduate students at KCA university. The systematic random sampling was used to select 123 second-year students. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using both the Microsoft excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27). The analysis followed the objectives of the study where data on prevalence rates was presented using descriptive statistics of means, frequencies and percentages. For the objective involving finding relationships, inferential statistics was utilized. Correlational analysis was used to determine the association between the variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the impact of parental marital status on anxiety in university students. The findings from this research had the potential to inform interventions and support services for university students, particularly those affected by parental marital disruption. The study revealed that the students at KCA University experience low levels of anxiety by a score of 0-21. This implied that parental marital status had a significant influence on anxiety among university students at KCA University. The study also found that variables were strongly correlated as shown by correlation coefficient value of 0.619. It was also noted that avoidance is a way of coping with anxiety. The study concluded that parental marital status significantly influences anxiety among students. It was concluded that a change in the parental marital status would result to a change in anxiety among university students at KCA University. The study recommends that the university should create a counselling office that would help to deal with mental health issues among the students. Further, the students should be made aware that they can seek help from the university in case they feel they have a meant problem. Students should be assured that their shared problems would be kept confidential, this would help students to feel more confident. The study recommends that the university should provide education about mental health to the students. The subject about mental health should be common to all students. This would help students to understand what mental health is.Item The Role Of Inclusive Education In Enhancing Special Needs Learning Experiences In Public Secondary Schools In Nairobi City County(KCA University, 2024) Otieno, Joab O.This study evaluated the state of inclusive education in public secondary schools within Nairobi City County, Kenya, with an emphasis on assessing the current status, identifying associated challenges, and proposing practical solutions. The research aimed to explore instructional strategies employed by teachers to enhance inclusive teaching and learning for students with physical disabilities, assess the role of available resources in promoting inclusive educational outcomes, examine the implementation of inclusive education policies, and determine the challenges faced in implementing inclusivity for students with physical disabilities. Used a theoretical framework of Universal Design for Learning and Social Constructivism. The study was conducted across 15 schools in five purposively selected sub-counties within Nairobi City County. The study used a descriptive research design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample size of 98 respondents was selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions, with descriptive data presented through tables, charts and graphs. The findings revealed that while there was a foundational understanding and some level of implementation of inclusive education policies, significant challenges persisted. The study found that while there was general support for ongoing professional development and clearer policy guidelines, gaps remained in effective policy application and resource allocation. Insights from the study highlighted the need for policy refinement, increased resource support, and enhanced training for educators. The results can provided valuable guidance for future educational policy and practice, underscoring the necessity for targeted strategies to improve the effectiveness of inclusive education and promote equitable learning opportunities for all students in Nairobi City County's public secondary schools.