Journal Articles

Teacher’s Perceptions on the Availability and Adequacy of Resources in the Implementation of Competency-Based Education in Junior Schools in Trans-Nzoia West Sub County, Kenya

2026-02-20T13:13:05Z

Teacher’s Perceptions on the Availability and Adequacy of Resources in the Implementation of Competency-Based Education in Junior Schools in Trans-Nzoia West Sub County, Kenya Mochama, Nyangaresi Denis,; Oseko, Agnes; Orao, Remi The transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE) in Kenya marks a significant shift from a content-heavy, exam-oriented system to a learner-centered one. This new approach requires not only well-prepared teachers but also adequate teaching and learning resources. Yet, in many schools, the sufficiency of these resources remains in question. Teachers, as the frontline implementers of the curriculum, directly shape how learners experience CBE, and their perceptions strongly influence both the delivery process and learning outcomes. In Trans-Nzoia West Sub-County, as in other parts of the country, the transition to CBE and the establishment of junior secondary schools have brought about new demands and challenges. This study examined teachers’ perceptions regarding the availability and adequacy of infrastructure and instructional resources in supporting CBE implementation. The adequacy of facilities and materials not only affects teachers’ perceptions but also determines the teaching approaches they adopt. The study was grounded in constructivist learning theory, which emphasizes student-centered learning where teachers act as mediators who organize materials and foster a supportive environment that values learners’ experiences. The study adopted a concurrent mixed methods design. The study targeted 60 junior secondary schools in Trans-Nzoia West Sub-County, comprising 288 teachers involved in CBE implementation. From this population, the study sample comprised 15 schools, including 64 teachers and 15 head teachers. Data collection involved teachers’ questionnaires and observation checklists for first-hand information. Content validity of the items was reviewed by experts, while a pilot test confirmed reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.73. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of SPSS version 22, while chi-square tests were applied to assess associations between categorical variables. The study found that most teachers viewed competency-based education as necessary and reported moderate competence in developing tasks aligned with CBE skills (M=3.75, SD=0.600). While teachers acknowledged applying varied lesson planning approaches (M=3.52, SD=0.676), their teaching strategies were only moderately aligned with learner-centered CBE requirements (M=3.28, SD=0.691). However, perceptions of infrastructural facilities were largely negative, with very low mean scores (M=1.86, SD=0.551), indicating dissatisfaction with available classrooms, materials, and resources for effective CBE assessment. Chi-square tests confirmed significant associations between teacher perceptions of both instructional resources (χ2=24.9, p=0.002) and infrastructural facilities (χ2=79.0, p=0.000) with CBE implementation. Therefore, to develop positive teacher perception, one of the determinants for successful implementation of CBE, adequate infrastructure and instructional materials should be prioritized. The study recommended that the government through the ministry of education should provide adequate infrastructure and instructional facilities for effective implementation of CBE.

SUICIDE IDEATION: AGE AND CORRELATES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA

2025-05-21T08:33:53Z

SUICIDE IDEATION: AGE AND CORRELATES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA Odhiambo, Winnie Awuor; Simiyu, John; Nyabuto, Esther Suicidal behaviors have been on the rise among university students in the recent past. The aim of this paper was to examine suicide ideation in relation to age category and correlates among university students in the Nyanza region with the aim of preventing occurrences of completed suicide. The objectives of the study were to determine the difference in age category in relation to suicide ideation and to examine the correlates of suicide ideation. The study was based on the Three Step Theory of Suicide (3ST) by Klonsky, May and Saffer. The research design employed was a correlational research design. Purposive sampling was used to select four public universities from the Nyanza region as well as university counsellors. Stratified sampling was thereafter used to select undergraduate students depending on their year of study. Simple random sampling was finally used to select 1477 students from the four universities with the guidance of a sample size table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). Student questionnaires, interview schedules as well as counseling records were used to collect data. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V20). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used. Quantitative data was thereafter analyzed using chi-square and linear regression at a .05 level of significance, and qualitative data was analyzed using themes. The study findings revealed that suicide ideation was not related to the age category of the students. The results from linear regression analysis indicated that sexual abuse, romantic break up, alcohol addiction, HIV/AIDS, elections and cyber suicide are predictors of suicide ideation, while financial crisis and COVID-19 are not predictors of suicide ideation. The study recommends that the ratio of student to counsellor at the university should be increased to allow for easy access to counselling services. The study also recommends that during orientation, the counselling department should create awareness of some of the stressful life events students are likely to encounter on campus and equip them with coping skills, as well as encourage them to visit the counselling department whenever they feel like talking to someone.

SUICIDE IDEATION: GENDER AND VARIATION OF CORRELATES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA

2025-05-21T08:28:33Z

SUICIDE IDEATION: GENDER AND VARIATION OF CORRELATES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA Odhiambo, Winnie Awuor; Simiyu, John; Nyabuto, Esther The prevalence of suicide behavior among university students has been an issue of great concern because of its upward trend. This paper examines suicide ideation in relation to gender and the variation of correlates in different universities among university students in the Nyanza region, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine gender differences in relation to suicide ideation and how the correlates vary among individual universities. A correlational research design was employed. Four public universities and university counselors were selected using purposive sampling. Stratified sampling was thereafter employed to select undergraduate students based on their year of study. A sample size table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) was used to select 1477 undergraduate students randomly. Data collection instruments included: a student questionnaire, interview schedule and counseling records. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V20). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used and thereafter, quantitative data was analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings revealed gender differences in relation to suicide ideation. The findings further revealed that there is variation in sexual abuse, romantic breakup, COVID-19, alcohol addiction, HIV/AIDS, elections and cyber suicide experiences across the universities. However, there is no variation in financial crisis across universities. The study recommends that the university counseling department should equip female students with skills on how to adjust to campus lifestyle without engaging in activities which might end up stressing them. The university should also develop prevention strategies as well as organize follow-up for suicide survivors.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Clinical Intervention Strategies for Addressing School Refusal Behavior Among Primary School Pupils in Keiyo North SubCounty, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

2025-05-21T08:13:01Z

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Clinical Intervention Strategies for Addressing School Refusal Behavior Among Primary School Pupils in Keiyo North SubCounty, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya Toroitich, Pamella Jemutai; Kisilu, Kitainge; Oseko, Agnes Several cases in Kenya have been reported on school refusal behavior among primary school pupils and in Elgeyo Marakwet Country the cases are higher. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical intervention strategies for addressing school refusal behavior among primary school pupils in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The study was guided by Psychoanalytic Theory by Sigmound Freud. Positivism philosophy and descriptive research design guided data collection. The study target population was 5806 pupils which comprised of grade 7 and 8 pupils in public primary schools in Keiyo North SubCounty. A sample size of 357 pupils was arrived at using Gill et al. (2010) sample size table. The data was collected using structured questionnaires which was first subjected to pilot study to determine its validity and reliability. Ethical consideration was applied during data collection. Collected data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 23. Results indicated that majority of learners (83.8%) stated that their teachers never recommended hospital visits when they complained of being sick at school. Further, 81.6% of the pupils reported being taken to the hospital for somatic symptoms, though the symptoms were often mild. Also, majority, 97.8%, stated that they did not use medication to address their anxiety related to school refusal, indicating that clinical interventions for such behavior are rarely employed. Results further indicated that there was a significant relationship between effectiveness of clinical intervention strategies and school refusal behavior among pupils in public primary schools in Keiyo North sub-county (χ²=33.096, N=38, p<0.05). The study concluded that the clinical intervention strategies have not been effectively used by teachers and particularly in primary schools who mostly resort to one strategy of punishment to correct school refusal. The study recommends that Teachers, Service Commission should post trained school counsellors to primary schools and not secondary schools alone and also ensure that school counseling programmes are functional.

Effects of Counselling on Stress Management Among Student Mothers in Secondary Schools in Kimilili subcounty, Bungoma County, Kenya

2025-05-20T07:45:48Z

Effects of Counselling on Stress Management Among Student Mothers in Secondary Schools in Kimilili subcounty, Bungoma County, Kenya Wasike, Anne; Oseko, Agnes; Simiyu, John Teenage pregnancy has been recognized internationally as a major concern. Furthermore, it hampers the chance of a student mother from going back to school or to complete her education. In Kenya, teenage pregnancy impedes achievements in education of the girl child. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of counselling on stress management among student mothers. The study was guided by William Glasser’s Psychological Reality Theory on Maladaptive Behaviour. The study employed cross-sectional research design. The target population was 5,069 Form three and Form four female students from public secondary schools in Kimilili Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. The study also targeted 23 school Guidance and Counselling teachers. The sample size table proposed by Krejcie & Morgan, 1970 was used to arrive at 381 female students from girls’ schools as well as mixed schools, 19 Guidance and Counselling teachers. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Instruments of data collection were piloted to establish their validity and reliability using Cronbach alpha value greater than 0.7 and indication of higher reliability. Both descriptive and inference statistics was analyzed using SPSS package version 23 and presentation done in frequencies and percentage tables. Descriptive data were analyzed using means, percentages and standard deviations, while inferential data were analyzed using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient (r). The study findings indicated a significant positive strong relationship between counselling and stress management (r=0.836, p<0.000). The study concluded that counselling, have a significant effect on stress management among student mothers in public secondary schools in Kimilili sub-county, Kenya. Consequently, this study recommends that schools should prioritize and enhance counseling services for student mothers. Also, there is need for comprehensive sex education from parents, guidance, school and religious leaders.

Inclusive Peer Communication Coping Methods for Promoting Free Peer-To-Peer Counseling in Selected Universities in Kenya

2025-02-19T07:10:53Z

Inclusive Peer Communication Coping Methods for Promoting Free Peer-To-Peer Counseling in Selected Universities in Kenya Kutto, Naomi; et. al... The mental health of university students in Kenya is a pressing concern, with a rising prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges impacting their academic performance, personal development, and overall well-being. This study aims to establish inclusive peer communication coping methods for promoting free peer-to-peer counseling in selected universities in Kenya. The objective of the study was to establish inclusive peer communication coping methods for promoting free peer-to-peer counseling in selected universities in Kenya. Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (CBT) was initially proposed and developed by Aaron T. Beck, an American psychiatrist, in the 1960s. Beck’s work in psychotherapy and mental health led to the formulation of CBT as an effective approach for understanding and treating various psychological disorders. Cognitive-Behavioral Theory offers a comprehensive framework to understand the link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Anchoring self-destructive habits within this Theory allows for developing effective peer support interventions to challenge negative thought patterns and promote adaptive behaviors. The target population for this study is 8945 individuals. Descriptive statistics including means, percentages, frequencies, and standard deviation were used to analyze the quantitative data. Data was presented using tables. Qualitative data that was generated from openended questions, was categorized into themes and patterns of content analysis to determine the adequacy of usefulness, consistencies, and credibility of the information examined. The analyzed data was presented in narratives and direct quotes. Several coping methods were used to provide mental health solutions. Peer–to–peer student counseling adopted approaches such as problem-solving, emotional expression and validation, relaxation techniques, cognitive framing, social support, and creative self-expression. Other coping methods included journaling, exercising, sleeping, and meditation, sleeping was mentioned was seen as counterproductive. The study recommended that the importance of peer– to–peer counseling in driving the successful implementation of mental health solutions through technology. Acknowledging peer counselors’ readiness to manage mental health solutions underscores the need for targeted professional development programs. These initiatives should focus on enhancing peer counselors’ expertise in utilizing smart phones there by bridging the gap in the provision of mental solutions. Ongoing training and support can empower peer counselors to harness effective coping methods for students being affected mentally.

Effectiveness of Psychosocial Intervention to School Refusal Behavior among Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

2025-02-14T07:24:30Z

Effectiveness of Psychosocial Intervention to School Refusal Behavior among Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya Toroitich, Pamella Jemutai; Kitainge, Kisilu; Oseko, Agnes Despite the many efforts by parents, teachers, and counselors to curb school refusal behavior, there is much evidence that the problem has persisted from times immemorial. The objective of the study was to determine psychosocial intervention strategies to school refusal behaviour among pupils in public primary schools. The current study aimed to determine the Effectiveness of Psychosocial Intervention in reducing school refusal behavior among pupils in public primary schools in Keiyo North sub-county, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The study was based on a positivist philosophy and Hirschi's control theory, which explains how attachment to a given school can be a means for a learner to make positive academic and social life choices. The research design employed was descriptive, and a survey was used. The targeted population was grade 7 and 8 pupils in public primary schools who were absent from school or class for at least 10% or more days in their previous academic year. They were identified with the assistance of their class teachers. Keiyo North Sub-County has a total of 5806 pupils in both classes. Purposive sampling was used to select the public primary schools participating in the research. Gill et al. (2010) used a sample size determination table to calculate the sample size, and a sample of 357 learners was derived. Four schools from each of the four zones in the sub-county were used for piloting and did not participate in the actual research. Data was collected using document analysis, which included attendance registers, records from guidance and counseling departments, discipline books, and pupils' questionnaires. To determine the validity of the research instrument, piloting, correlation analysis, and consultation with supervisors who are experts were done. Cronbach alpha was used to ascertain the reliability of the instruments, which resulted in an alpha value of 0.7. This was considered high enough and was thus accepted and used. Data from questionnaires were validated, coded, and tabulated, then analyzed with the help of the SPSS computer package for social science version 23. Descriptive statistics used were charts and percentages to present demographic data and inferential statistics (chi-square) to determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. It was concluded that there is a relationship between psychosocial interventions and school refusal behavior and that the psychosocial support given to school refusers is not sufficient, thus making the problem of school refusal persist. The study recommended that urgent measures should be put in place to enhance the Effectiveness of intervention strategies to curb school refusal behavior. Also, all stakeholders should utilize intervention strategies that best suit their learners, collaborate to understand the underlying reasons for the problem of school refusal and create warm and friendly school and home environments for learners. Additionally, further studies should be carried out on other intervention strategies to curb school refusal behavior.

Psychosocial Intervention Strategies for Stress Management among Student Mothers in Kenyan Public Secondary Schools in Kimilili Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya

2025-02-14T06:56:05Z

Psychosocial Intervention Strategies for Stress Management among Student Mothers in Kenyan Public Secondary Schools in Kimilili Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya Wasike, Anne N.; Oseko, Agnes; Simiyu, John Teenage pregnancy is a significant international concern, with the lack of family support affecting the emotional well-being of pregnant teenagers and their babies, thus reducing the likelihood of student mothers returning to school. This survey, therefore, using William Glasser’s Psychological Reality Theory on Maladaptive Behaviour adopted a cross-sectional research design. The target population was 5,069 female students in form three and form four in all the public secondary schools in Kimilili Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. Another population of the study composed of 23 school Guidance and Counselling teachers and 23 school chaplains. From the sample size table developed by Krejcie & Morgan (1970), the target sample encompassed 381 girls from interviewed girls’ schools and mixed schools, 19 Guidance and Counselling teachers and 19 school chaplains. Instruments for data collection were used to determine the level of validity and reliability; the Cronbach alpha value was used and it was higher than 0. 7 indicating high reliability. It was made conspicuous that stress levels are positively associated with academic performance in a strong manner (r=0. 702, p<0. 000). The study thereby established that the level of stress determines the extent of stress in student mothers of the public secondary schools in Kimilili Sub- County, Kenya. This led to the recommendation that school focus and improve on the counselling service for student mothers to reduce stress.

Prevalenceof Suicide Ideation among University Students: A Case of Nyanza Region, Kenya

2025-02-14T06:24:47Z

Prevalenceof Suicide Ideation among University Students: A Case of Nyanza Region, Kenya Odhiambo, Winnie Awuor; Simiyu, John; Nyabuto, Esther Cases of completed suicide have been on the rise among university students in recent past. The study focused on the prevalence of suicide ideation among university students in Nyanza region with an aim of preventing ideation from reaching completion. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of suicideideation among university studentsand to compare the prevalence of suicide ideation in relation to university and year of study. The study was guided by Three Step Theory of Suicide (3ST). Correlational research design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select four public universities from Nyanza region. Stratified sampling was used to select undergraduate students and thereafter simple random sampling was used to select 1477 students with the guidance of sample size table by Cohen, Manion and Morrison. Data were collected using student questionnaire, interview schedule and existing counseling records and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V20, 2023). Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were generated and quantitative data were analyzed using chi square at .05 level of significance. The study findings indicated that suicide ideation is prevalent among university students (23.6%). The prevalence differs depending on the university (x2=p<.05) but the prevalence was not related to the year of study (p>.05). Thestudy recommends that university counselling department should create more awareness on the issue of suicide, its effects and how students can cope with challenges so as to prevent suicidal thoughts

Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorders among the secondary School Students in Turkana West Sub County

2024-07-18T09:19:19Z

Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorders among the secondary School Students in Turkana West Sub County Ekal, Erot Wycliffe; Oseko, Agnes; Zigama, Jean Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is multiplicity of dysfunctional behaviours exhibited by students who are not conforming to the societal norms, morals and code of ethics. Oppositional Defiant Disorders among secondary school students has remained a global concern that requires urgent intervention especially in the twenty first century. The causes and detrimental effects have remained elusive for parents, teachers and other stakeholders working with educational sector. It has therefore, remained a great challenge as education partners continue to work hard to determine the causes not only regionally, nationally but also locally as in the case for Turkana West Sub County. This study was conducted with an aim to determine the causes of ODD among the secondary school students. The study was supported by instinct theory of aggression that explains the sources of students’ oppositional defiant behaviours, which originate from Eros and Thanatos. The study target population was 1800 secondary school principals, guidance and counselling teachers of the sampled schools, parents and secondary school students, MoEST and child protection officers. The sample size of 328 was arrived at using Yamane Taro formulae. Simple random, convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the respondents in the study. The data was collected using the questionnaire and interviews among other tools of qualitative data collection. Collected data was descriptively analyzed using SPSS (version 21). The findings of the study revealed that poor caring environment, poor socio-economic background, poor relation between students and teachers, peer pressure, parental ignorance was the leading ODD cause. The study recommends that there is need to establish guidance and counselling sections in schools while empowering teachers. Education stakeholders to establish Conducive environmental systems (bio-ecological model) in which individuals work towards ODD management and positive academic performance through reinforcing positive students behaviours in schools.