Journal Articles
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Item Co- creating human- centred climate solutionsthrough challenge- based learning: Insightsfrom Kenya–UK learning and design lab(British Educational Research Association., 2025) Mwangi, Renson Muchiri.; Muthuri, Judy N.; Kutuk,Gulsah.; Muriithi,Betsy.; Kamere, Grace.; Faßbender, Karina.Abstract The global climate crisis calls for innovative educational approaches that empower individuals to critically engage with its complexities and inequalities. Climate change education (CCE) is a key strategy to foster the knowledge, agency, and action needed for such engagement, particularly within higher education. Yet, traditional content- driven approaches often fail to address the dynamic and context-specific nature of climate change impacts. This article explores the potential of human- centered challenge-based learning (HCCBL) to promote equitable and inclusive CCE through transdisciplinary co- creation and Global North–South dialogue. We draw on findings from the UK- Kenya University Partnerships: Learning and Design Lab, a British Council project that involved undergraduate and postgraduate students from universities in Kenya and England in the United Kingdom. Sixty (60) university students collaborated in intercultural teams across three labs to co-create solutions for real-world climate resilience challenges identified by three (3) industry partners in Kenya. The findings highlight HCCBL's value in bridging theoretical knowledge and real-world application as well as enhancing students' problem-solving and intercultural competencies. However, challenges such as cultural dynamics, time constraints, and asymmetric travel opportunities underscore the need for adaptive and equitable facilitation. This study positions HCCBL as a transformative pedagogy in CCE that supports co- creation, knowledge exchange, and sustainability leadership among university students in high-vulnerability contexts. It also discusses implications for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders who are committed to inclusive, justice-oriented climate action through educationItem Capital adequacy, risk absorption, and operational efficiency of Islamic in sub-Saharan Africa(University of Turin, 2026) Njogo, Michael Njoroge.; Korir, Fiona Jepkosgei.; Dallu,Abdallah Mambo.Abstract This study examines how capital adequacy shapes the operational efficiency of Islamic banks in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with particular emphasis on its role as an internal risk-absorption mechanism rather than a purely prudential stability buffer. Despite its central role in Islamic banking regulation, the efficiency implications of capital adequacy, particularly in developing and institutionally constrained Islamic finance markets, remain largely unexplored. Based on a balanced panel of fully-fledged Islamic banks in SSA from2010to 2024, the paper employs a two-step empirical approach. Bias-corrected operational efficiency scores are estimated in the first stage using the Simar–Wilson two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework. In the second stage, we explore the non-linear effects of capital adequacy on efficiency using panel regression techniques, controlling for bank-specific and institutional factors. To address endogeneity, persistence, and reverse causality, a dynamic panel model is estimated using System GMM as a robustness check. The findings indicate non-linear relationship between capital adequacy and operational efficiency. Moderate capital buffers are associated with improved efficiency through higher loss absorption capacity and stabilisation of operating costs, while excessive capitalisation is accompanied by scale inefficiencies and less effective intermediation. These results indicate that Islamic banking exhibits an efficiency trade-off in capital adequacy, as prudential strength beyond an optimal level may limit productivity in resource allocation. The study makes an important contribution to Islamic banking literature by reframing capital adequacy as a channel of structural efficiency and by providing rare dynamic evidence from SSA. This raises policy implications and suggests the need for commensurate capital calibration that balances prudential resilience against operational efficiency for emerging Sharīʿah-compliant banking systems.Item Scale efficiency and technical efficiency in Islamic banks: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa(SSBFNET, 2026) Njogo, Michael Njoroge.; Korir, Fiona Jepkosgei.; Dallu,Abdallah Mambo.Abstract This study investigates whether inefficiencies in Islamic banking in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are primarily driven by managerial limitations or by suboptimal scale of operations. While existing studies largely report aggregate efficiency scores, limited attention has been given to decomposing efficiency into its underlying components in emerging Islamic banking systems, particularly within the SSA context. The study employs a balanced panel of 35 fully fledged Islamic banks operating in SSA over the period 2010–2024. Operational efficiency is estimated using a bias-corrected Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model under an input-oriented Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) framework. To enhance statistical reliability, the Simar–Wilson bootstrap procedure with 2,000 replications is applied. Efficiency scores are decomposed into pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency to distinguish between managerial inefficiencies and structural scale constraints. The results indicate that overall efficiency levels remain low, with inefficiencies largely driven by scale factors rather than managerial performance. A significant proportion of banks operate under increasing returns to scale, suggesting suboptimal size linked to structural constraints such as limited market depth, fragmented regulatory environments, and underdeveloped financial infrastructure. Although pure technical efficiency shows moderate improvement over time, managerial gains are insufficient to offset these systemic limitations. The findings highlight the need for regulatory harmonization, market integration, and strategic expansion or consolidation to enable Islamic banks to achieve optimal scale and improve operational efficiency in SSA. This study provides one of the first comprehensive efficiency decomposition analyses of Islamic banks in SSA using bias-corrected DEA, offering new insights into the relative importance of structural versus managerial sources of inefficiency in emerging financial systems.Item Catch-up or divergence? Operational efficiency convergence dynamics of Islamic banks in SSA(SSBFNET, 2026) Njogo, Michael Njoroge.; Korir, Fiona Jepkosgei.; Dallu,Abdallah Mambo.Abstract This study examines whether Islamic banks in SSA exhibit convergence in operational efficiency or whether performance disparities persist over time. Specifically, it evaluates whether less efficient banks catch up with more efficient peers within the region’s emerging Islamic banking sector. The study adopts a two-stage empirical framework using panel data from 35 Islamic banks across SSA over the period 2010–2024. In the first stage, operational efficiency scores are estimated using a bias-corrected Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model following the Simar and Wilson two-stage approach. An input-oriented specification under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) is employed to reflect cost minimization behaviour and heterogeneity in bank size. Bias correction is implemented using a bootstrap procedure to obtain consistent efficiency estimates. In the second stage, convergence dynamics are analysed using sigma (σ) and beta (β) convergence models, alongside conditional convergence regressions incorporating bank size, age, and market concentration. The results reveal significant β-convergence, with the baseline model yielding a coefficient of −0.267 (p < 0.01), while the conditional model confirms robust convergence (β = −0.2836, p < 0.01), indicating that banks with lower initial efficiency improve at a faster rate than more efficient institutions, consistent with catch-up dynamics. However, σ-convergence results show that efficiency dispersion declined between 2010 and 2019 but increased after 2020, indicating that convergence was time-varying rather than uniform. This suggests that while convergence forces exist, structural differences and external shocks continue to sustain efficiency gaps across banks. The findings highlight the need for stronger regulatory harmonization, improved financial infrastructure, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to accelerate efficiency convergence across Islamic banks in SSA.Item Effect of Teacher Professional Development and the Implementation of Integrated Science in Competency Based Curriculum: A Case Study of Junior Schools in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi City County(International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2025) Irungu, Francis; Munuku, Anne W.; Ndung’u, JacksonThe purpose of the study was to examine the effect of teacher professional development on implementation of integrated science in competency-based curriculum in junior schools in Westlands Sub-County. The study was guided by the social development theory. A descriptive research design was used. The target population were teachers, principals and heads of departments in the 30 junior schools in Westlands Sub County. A census was conducted for the integrated science teachers while 30% of heads of departments and principals were purposively selected. Data were collected through mixed methods. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the teachers in the selected schools. Interviews were conducted with heads of departments and principals. A pilot study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the data collection tools. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29, employing correlation and regression analysis techniques. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results showed that teacher professional development positively correlated with implementation of integrated science in the CBC in JSS(r=0.923, p=0.000). This study concludes that, despite teachers' strong understanding of integrated science, they face challenges due to a lack of resources, such as teaching materials and laboratory equipment. There was an increase in teacher workload, yet few received sufficient job training or continuous education opportunities in integrated science. The study suggests that JSS should encourage greater involvement in research activities and professional organizations to promote continuous professional growth.Item Matumizi ya Lugha katika Mimu (memes) kwenye Mitandao ya Kijamii Nchini Kenya(InternationalJournal of Linguistics, 2022) Munuku, Anne W.Makala hii imeangazia lugha ya mawasiliano katika utanzu mpya wa mimu ambao ni aina ya fasihi kidijitali katika mitandao ya kijamii ya Facebook na WhatsApp nchini Kenya. Matlaba ya makala hii ni kufafanua utanzu huu katika muktadha wa matumizi ya lugha nchini Kenya. Uundaji mimu ni jambo ambalo limeanza kufanyika kwa wingi katika mitandao ya Kijamii na kwa hivyo kuna haja ya kulifanyia utafiti. Makala hii ina malengo matatu: kutoa mifano ya jumbe za mimu zinazoundwa na Wakenya katika mitandao ya Facebook na Whatsapp; kubainisha sifa za jumbe hizo kimuundo na kimtindo; na kuchunguza dhima ya utanzu wa mimu katika jamii. Mbinu ya utafiti iliyotumika katika kazi hii ni usanifu taaradhi na data ilichanganuliwa kwa kutumia Uchanganuzi maudhui ambapo data ilitambulishwa kwa kuiweka katika kategoria maalum. Mimu 51 zilizorejerelewa katika makala hii zilikusanywa kupitia kwa makundi ya Whatsapp anayoshiriki mwandishi na katika kurasa za Facebook za mtafiti na "˜marafiki' wake wa mtandaoni pamoja na kurasa za wasanii mashuhuri wa mimu. Mimu zilizorejelewa katika makala hii ziliundwa kati ya mwaka 2017 na 2021.Mimu hizo zimechanganuliwa kiisimu kwa kurejelea mawazo ya nadharia ya Uchanganuzi Hakiki wa Kilongo ya Fairclough (1995). Nadharia hii imeafiki Uchanganuzi wa data husika na imefaulu katika kudhihirisha sifa na miundo ya mimu. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yanadhihirisha kuwa mimu zinazoundwa na Wakenya huwa na dhima maalum katika jamii na pia huwa na sifa za kipekee kimuundo, kimsamiati, kisemantiki na kipragmatiki.Item The Role of Teacher knowledge on implementation of Integrated Science in Competency Based Curriculum in Junior Schools: A case Study of Westlands Sub-County(International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2024) Munuku, Anne W.; Irungu, FrancisThe purpose of the study was to examine the effect of teacher knowledge on implementation of integrated science in Competency Based Curriculum in junior schools in Westlands Sub-County. The social development theory underpinned the study. A descriptive research design was used. The target population were teachers, principals and heads of departments in the 30 junior schools in Westlands Sub County. A census was conducted for the integrated science teachers while 30% of heads of departments and principals were purposively selected. Data were collected through mixed methods. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the teachers in the selected schools. Interviews were conducted with heads of departments and principals. A pilot study was conducted to establish the validity and reliability of the data collection tools. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29, employing correlation and regression analysis techniques. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results showed that teacher knowledge positively correlated with implementation of integrated science in the CBC in JSS(r=0.926 p=0.000). This study concludes that, despite teachers' strong understanding of integrated science, they face challenges due to a lack of resources, such as teaching materials and laboratory equipment. There was an increase in teacher workload, yet few received sufficient job training or continuous education opportunities in integrated science. The study concludes that, while the types of resources provided are relevant for instructional teaching, there is inadequacy in the provision of teaching resources. The study recommends that JSS should encourage greater involvement in research activities and professional organizations to promote continuous professional growth.Item Diffusion of COVID-19 Misinformation in Kenyan X Conversations(International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 2025) Munuku, Anne W.; Ndavula, John O.Purpose: The study set out to explore the role of X conversations in the spread of misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Methodology: The study was guided by the Rumor Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design which allowed the researchers to collect data without interacting with participants. Data was collected from existing online records of conversations on X and other relevant websites such as the Ministry of Health. The data was sourced from hashtags and tweets related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, posted in the period from March 2020 to April 2021. The hashtags and tweets were mined using the free API tool for geolocated tweets. 16 hashtags and 200 tweets were selected for the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis under classified themes. Findings: The findings of the study indicate that none of the hashtags created by Kenyans was framed to spread misinformation but the tweets under the different hashtags analyzed contained misinformation. Findings also indicate that verified X handles were involved in either creating or spreading COVID-19 misinformation. Additionally, false claims were found to diffuse faster than partially false claims as observed in the tweets with misinformation. Compared to a background corpus of COVID-19 tweets, tweets with misinformation were more often concerned with discrediting other information on social media. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: We recommend that the government and stakeholders in health ought to counter COVID-19 misinformation online, and equip users with basic digital literacy skills regarding consumption of online information while continuously monitoring online discourses. A policy on online health communication needs to be developed and implemented.Item Digital Tides in the Media Industry: Navigating the Impact of Digitization on the Kenyan Media Landscape Post Covid-19 Pandemic(AJPO Journals Limited, 2025) Munuku, Anne W.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish different ways in which Kenyan media practitioners are coping with the rapid transition from legacy media platforms and practices to new digital technologies as audiences’ transition to online spaces moreso after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was informed by the Media Ecology Theory. The study aimed to meet three objectives: to establish the of the rapid digital shifts on the Kenyan media landscape after the COVID-19 pandemic; to find out if there were any notable paradigm shifts in the Kenyan media professional practice post COVID-19 pandemic; and to determine challenges experienced by stakeholders in the media industry as a result of rapid digitization of the Kenyan media. Materials and Methods: The research adopted a descriptive survey design. The research population comprised media professionals and media content consumers. Sampling was done purposively with the researcher selecting work-based and social WhatsApp group members as respondents. Qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, that is, interviews and questionnaires, were used. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and narration. Presentation of the data was done through a description of qualitative data while quantitative data is presented in pie charts and graphs. Findings: Findings of the study indicate that digitization of Kenyan media landscape became more visible and unavoidable after the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of digital media platforms was also found to have expanded after the pandemic causing a shift in audience behaviour, audience engagement, and media revenue management and sourcing as well as job losses among media professionals. The study also provides insight into steps taken by media practitioners who had to quickly adopt digital innovations and practice more collaboration through digital spaces even as they grapple with various ethical issues. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study provides recommendations that would help media professionals and regulators adapt better to the new trends while maintaining the principles and ethics of journalistic practice.Item The Role of Cultural Empathy in Conflict Management Among Culturally Diverse Work Teams in Universities in Kenya(Journal of Marketing and Communication, 2025) Masindano, Peter W.; Mutua, Joan; Munuku, Anne W.Globalization has reduced geographical and cultural boundaries, making culturally diverse work teams necessary. Furthermore, due to basic disparities in the opinions of team members, culturally diverse work teams often lack cohesiveness, which can result in subgroup formation and conflict. This study aimed to explore the role of cultural empathy in managing conflicts among culturally diverse work teams in universities in Kenya. This study used a descriptive study design, and the target population included permanent employees of three universities: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kirinyaga University, and Daystar University. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. In addition, quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The study established that there was a weak positive and significant relationship between cultural empathy and conflict Management among culturally diverse work teams in Universities in Kenya. The study implications are that leaders should not be biased or prejudiced, should demonstrate objectivity, acknowledge and appreciate diversity, be open-minded, and listen to the members. Leaders in culturally diverse work teams have the potential to make or break a group. Effective leadership, especially during conflict management, requires skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and negotiating with a focus on interests. Such leaders should be recruited based on their cultural empathy skills or trained in the job to become proficient in cultural empathy to deliver on their responsibilities as managers.