https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7325 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:09:04 GMT 2026-04-04T15:09:04Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8268 Title: Socio-economic impact of women enterprise fund in Kitui Central Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya Authors: Njeri, Nzuki Evaline Abstract: This study assessed the socio-economic impact of the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) in Miambani Ward, Kitui County, Kenya. WEF was introduced to expand women’s access to affordable credit and promote empowerment, yet its effectiveness at the community level has not been fully established. The study was guided by the following objectives; to describe the socio-demographic status of women who access the Women Enterprise Fund, to examine the effects of the fund on women socio-economic status and to identify the challenges women, face in accessing and utilization of Women Enterprise Fund. The study was justified by the need to generate localized evidence to guide policy and improve women’s access to finance in rural areas. A cross-sectional research design within a mixed- method approach was adopted. The target population comprised 152 women in 8 women groups, from which 64 were sampled using probability proportional to size. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Additional insights were obtained from a WEF officer, a local bank officer, and a spouse of a beneficiary. Findings indicated that WEF improved women’s ability to pay school fees, meet household needs, and initiate small businesses, enhancing welfare, confidence, and participation in decision-making. However, small loan amounts, strict repayment schedules, and group defaults limited outcomes. Education, age, and marital status strongly influenced access and utilization. The study concludes that WEF positively contributes to women’s socio-economic empowerment but faces structural and socio-cultural barriers. It recommends larger loans, flexible repayment terms, and enhanced training and monitoring. The study was limited to Miambani Ward, which may constrain generalizability, but it provides valuable insights into WEF’s role in similar rural contexts. Description: Master of Arts in Gender and Development Studies, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8268 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8199 Title: Social context of ageing in Matinyani Ward, Kitui County, Kenya Authors: Nzenge, Fridah K Abstract: The number of people over 60 years is on rise across the globe. As the aged population increases, so are the concerns that accompany old age care. Aging occurs within the context of family, community and society and these have been documented in the West, Asia, Africa and parts of Kenya. Empirical studies in Kenya and Kitui County indicate that socio-economic concerns, challenges and support mechanisms are key aspects of aging context. However, research and discourse has not explored the social context of aging in Matinyani Ward, but have looked at perceptions of aging and factors influencing life of the aged persons. Consequently, this study sought to investigate the socio-context of aging in the study area. The specific objectives of this study were to: assess the socio-economic concerns among the aged; identify the challenges faced by the aged population; and, to evaluate the social support mechanisms for the aging population. The research was guided by Cummings and Henry’s (1961) disengagement theory. The study adopted a concurrent mixed research design which lends itself to qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study population was 3,444 with a sample size of 189 comprising 105 women and 84 men, where 29 key informants were purposively sampled and 160 respondents were determined using Kothari (2004) formula. Quantitative data were analyzed with Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 to generate descriptive statistics in frequencies and percentages which were presented in tables and charts. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in form of narratives and verbatim reports. Findings on the study indicated that gender, family, age, religion, education and income level social economic factors influenced the lives of the aged in rural areas. Challenges like dependency (93.8%), poor health (83%), abuse (81.3%), and neglect (50.6%) affected the lives of the aged. Further, the study noted that family and relatives were major source of support for the aged, at 62.5% of the respondents while the government, NGOs and churches contributed by 18.75%, 12.5% and 6.25% respectively. The study recommends setting up of an updated register for the aged persons. Secondly, proper social support policies should be set up to support the aged persons. Further studies need to be done on the life experiences of aged women living and taking care of their grandchildren. Description: Master of Sociology, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8199 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7730 Title: Usawiri wa vipengele vya kiuhalisia katika fasihi ya watoto: Mfano wa riwaya ya kijana mpelelezi, wamitila k. w (2007) na usiku wa manane, Kobia J. (2010) Authors: Mboya, Rose Ndanu Abstract: Mada ya utafiti huu ni kuchunguza uhalisia wa maudhui ya usalama katika fasihi ya watoto mfano wa riwaya ya Kijana Mpelelezi (Wamitila, K.W.2007) na Usiku wa Manane (Kobia, J 2010). Hadithi hizi za watoto zimejikita katika fasihi ya watoto. Madhumuni ya utafiti huu yalikuwa ni kutathmini uhalisia wa maudhui yanayohusu usalama na yanayonuiwa watoto kama hadhira lengwa, kubainisha maudhui ya usalama yaliyodhihirishwa na waandishi na kueleza jinsi wahusika watoto wanaohusishwa na maudhui ya usalama wanavyosawiriwa na waandishi wa riwaya teule. Nadharia za Uhalisia wa kijamaa na Soshiolojia ya fasihi zilizotumiwa katika utafiti huu zilitoa msingi madhubuti kuwa maswala ya usalama yanayobainika yanafungamana na hali ilivyo katika maisha ya jamii ya karne hii ya ishirini na moja. Vita vya kikabila na ukosefu wa usalama katika jamii yapaswa kuondolewa na kusahaulika kabisa. Hadithi za watoto za waandishi hawa ziliteuliwa kimakusudi kwa kutumia sampuli lengwa kutokana na upekee wa kimaudhui uliodhihirisha uhalisia. Hadithi zilizoteuliwa zilisomwa, data kuhusu uhalisia wa maudhui ya usalama kwa mujibu wa maswali ya utafiti zilioneshwa. Data iliyopatikana kuhusu maudhui ya usalama katika kila hadithi ilichanganuliwa. Mwisho, matokeo na mapendekezo ya utafiti yaliwasilishwa kimaelezo. Matokeo yalionesha kuwa siasa za kikabila zinazoenezwa katika nchi hii kipindi baada ya kipindi, vitisho vinavyoleta migogoro katika jamii na maudhui mengine mengi yanayosabababisha ukosefu wa usalama ni hatari kwa vizazi na vizazi na kuna haja ya kuchukua hatua za dharura kuwafahamisha watoto kupitia hata maandishi kuhusu umuhimu wa amani katika taifa ili wakikua wawe na uwezo wa kueneza maridhiano baina ya makabila yote. Utafiti huu unatarajiwa kuwa muhimu kwa wasomi na waandishi wa fasihi ya watoto. Utafiti huu unaongeza maarifa katika uhakiki wa hadithi za watoto kwa kuangazia mielekeo ya uhalisia wa kimaudhui ya usalama katika jamii. Mwishowe, tumetoa pendekezo la utafiti zaidi. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7730 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7709 Title: Knowledge, attitude and practices on pre-exposure prophylaxis among HIV infected and aids discordant couples in Kitui west sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya Authors: Wambua, Gladys Ndunge Abstract: Human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are worldwide pandemics that affect people, households, and economies all over the world. There is a wealth of evidence showing that HIV/AIDS discordant couples use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of subsequent exposure and infection. Research has focused on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) as a crucial component of PrEP management in discordant couples. The specific objectives of this study were to: (i) examine awareness levels of serodiscordant couples towards the use of PrEP in HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission (ii) explore attitudes and perceptions held by these serodiscordant couples towards acceptance and adoption of PrEP as an HIV/AIDS prevention method and (iii) describe practices employed by serodiscordant couples in the study area in mitigating HIV/AIDS transmission to the non-infected partner in a sexual relationship. The study was guided by Health Belief Model theory. The study adopted mixed method research design and focused on serodiscordant couples in Kitui west Sub- county with a target population of 28 individuals, out of which, 28 participated in the study. Data was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 to generate descriptive statistics, presented in tables, charts and graphs. Data obtained from Key informants was analyzed thematically and presented in form of narratives that were used to provide answers to the studies research questions. The study findings indicate a moderate PrEP awareness level among the target population in addition to erroneous knowledge which instead of aiding PrEP implementation and administration is used to create myths and conspiracy theories against the drug. Secondly, the therapy is cumbersome- the requirement for regular testing and refilling creates drug fatigue and the fear of PrEP initiated toxicity is real among the study populations. In conclusion, PrEP implementation in Kitui west Sub County has not been fully adopted by the eligible clients and the findings of this study confirm that there is need for concerted effort including involvement of Public Private Partnership to achieve successful PrEP program. The study recommends that for the future of PrEP administration and implementation within Kitui county; (i) there is need for urgent correction of the prevailing erroneous information among the study population by adopting a PrEP promotion strategy which targets provision of correct, free and easy to understand information to debunk the prevailing myths and theories; (iii) PrEP content should be translated and presented in local Kikamba language; (iv) PrEP should be available in all health centers without branding some centers as HIV- centers where one can access PrEP. Description: Master of Arts in Sociology, 2024 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7709 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z