https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7323 2026-10-14T23:52:34Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8453 Developmental evaluation in complex governance systems: Learning and adaptation in policy implementation Awere, Bildad; Masetu, Daniel M. This paper discussed how Developmental Evaluation (DE) may be used to improve the responsiveness and resource distribution by governance in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objective of the research was to evaluate how DE can be effective in improving policy flexibility, resource allocation, and economic sustainability of the governance systems in Nairobi. The paper also cited impediments of DE implementation whereby political opposition and institutional inertia were identified as the barriers to the efficiency of DE. The research was based on the Systems Theory which stipulated that complex systems such as the urban governance system needed feedback and lifelong learning in order to adjust. The mixed-method strategy was adopted and entailed a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews using 100 respondents who were government officials, policymakers, and DE experts. The results showed that DE was far more effective in terms of governance responsiveness, with 72 percent of the respondents agreeing that quicker adjustments in policies could be made with the help of real time feedback. On the same note, DE strengthened the allocation of resources, with three-quarters of the respondents claiming to have increased efficiency in allocation of resources. Nevertheless, the issues of inter-sectoral coordination inhibited the maximum potential of DE, as 60 percent of the respondents have indicated. The major barriers to the implementation of DE were political resistance and institutional barriers with 62 percent and 59 percent of the respondents indicating the same respectively. Nevertheless, DE yielded positive results in the long-term governance and 68 percent of the respondents affirmed its long-term effect. The research highlighted the necessity of capacity-building and political commitment to the need to overcome such barriers in making DE successful in the long term. It was concluded that DE had a huge potential of enhancing governance in Nairobi but it needed more institutional structures, cross-sector partnership, and continued training in order to maximise its advantages. The research suggested the inclusion of DE in policymaking and strengthening of community involvement to achieve the best in governance in Nairobi. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000060 2025-11-03T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8451 The influence of whatsapp use on spousal abuse among married women in Kwale County, Kenya Mbula, Bernadine; Anne, Sande; Mutukaa, Samuel K. This paper explores the association between WhatsApp use and spousal abuse among married women in Kwale County, Kenya. A mixed-methods correlational design was employed, combining survey data from 263 respondents with insights from key informant semi-structured interviews. Independent variables included duration of WhatsApp use, hours spent daily, number of messages exchanged, group membership, and purposeful use (work/family). Dependent variables measured physical injuries, spousal threats, and control of phone/social media. Results indicate that while general duration of WhatsApp use is not significantly associated with physical injuries, purposeful use and group membership are strongly correlated with threats and controlling behaviours. Qualitative findings suggest that women’s visibility and economic use of WhatsApp sometimes provoke jealousy and conflict. The study recommends digital-safety interventions, privacy awareness campaigns, and training for community leaders on recognising the role of social media platforms in spousal abuse. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000133 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8440 Uchanganuzi linganishi wa usawiri wa wahusika wa kiume katika riwaya ya Kiswahili Kimondiu, Dorcas K.; Musyoka, Francis; Chomba, Esther N. Makala haya yanakusudia kuchanganua na kulinganisha wahusika wa kiume katika riwaya teule za Kiswahili ambazo ni: Mwisho wa Kosa,(1987) iliyoandikwa na Zainabu Burhani, Siku Njema(1996), iliyoandikwa na Ken Walibora, Taswira za Mawingu, (2011) iliyoandikwa na Sinjiri Mukuba na Nguu zaJadi,(2021) iliyoandikwa na Clara Momanyi. Makala haya yanaegemea nadharia ya Mwanamume Mpya. Nadharia hii iliasisiwa na Beynon (2002). Nadharia ya Mwanamume Mpya inajaribu kueleza kwa nini baadhi ya wanaume hukaa na wake zao kwa usawa bila kuonesha tabia za mfumo dume ambazo huashiria kuwepo kwa taasubi ya kiume. Mihimili ya nadharia ya Mwanamume Mpya iliyoongoza makala haya ni kusaidia wake zao na wanawake wengine katika jamii kujiendeleza kielimu na kikazi, kukubali majukumu yoyote ya kiuana bila kujali jinsia au watu wanaomzunguka, kutoonesha udikteta katika familia zao pamoja na jamii inayowazunguka, kuwaona wanawake kama viumbe sawa na wanaume kwa kuwaheshimu na kuwapenda katika kila nyanja wanazokuwepo na kukosoa nafsi zao na mazoea yao kama wanaume. Mbinu ya Fasihi Linganishi imetumika kulinganisha na kulinganua usawiri wa wahusika wa kiume katika riwaya teule. Data iliyotumika katika Makala haya ilitolewa maktabani. Maktabani, tasnifu, makala na vitabu vinavyohusiana na mada vilisomwa kwa kina. Uwasilishaji wa matokeo umefanyika kwa njia ya maelezo na michoro faafu. Matokeo yameonesha kuwa waandishi wa kike wamemsawiri mwanamume kwa mtazamo chanya ikilinganishwa na waandishi wa kiume. Kwa hivyo, kulingana na waandishi wa kike mwanamume ni mpya. Kulingana na mpito wa wakati waandishi wa karne ya ishirini wamemsawiri mhusika wa kiume kwa mitazamo chanya ikilinganishwa na waandishi wa karne ya ishirini na moja. Kwa hivyo mwanamume ni mpya kulingana na waandishi wa karne ya ishirini. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8435 Coping mechanisms for children of incarcerated parents Embu County, Kenya Katiwa, Mary; Muriu-Ng’ang’a, Felista; Maithya, Harrison M. Parental incarceration exposes children to financial, emotional, and psychological difficulties that disrupt their development and well-being. Despite these challenges, many demonstrate resilience by adopting various coping strategies. This study explored the coping mechanisms of children with incarcerated parents at Embu Main Prison, Kenya. A concurrent mixed-methods design was employed, guided by Attachment Theory and Stress and Coping Theory. Data were collected from 384 children aged 13–17, and 20 key informants through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26) and presented as frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically and reported through narratives and quotations. The findings showed that children primarily relied on problemfocused, emotion-focused, and avoidance-based coping mechanisms. Common strategies included engaging in extracurricular activities, seeking family support, withdrawal, and keeping the incarceration a secret. While many demonstrated resilience, others experienced stigma, isolation, and in some cases engaged in risky behaviours such as early marriage and substance abuse. Coping was influenced by financial stability, emotional support, school environment, contact with the incarcerated parent, and the child’s understanding of the situation. Qualitative findings highlighted the additional impact of poverty, school transfers, and limited psychosocial support. This study contributes context-specific evidence from Africa, where such research remains limited. The findings reveal critical policy and program gaps and emphasize the need for structured psychosocial interventions and Strengthened collaboration among communities, correctional institutions, and schools to safeguard the well-being of children and promote their long-term adjustment. DOI: 10.9790/0837-3009043743 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z