International Journal of Professional Practice

Communal Training in Spiritual-Economic Projects and the Growth of the Methodist Church in Kaaga Synod, Kenya

2026-04-01T17:53:29+00:00

The physical and spiritual aspects of an individual in society are equally important, so the church emphasizes their training. Despite these efforts, most Methodist church members in Kenya live below the poverty line and cannot meet even basic needs, making it difficult for them to attend or afford training fees. The study examined the role of community-based training in spiritual and economic projects and its effect on the growth of the Methodist Church in Kaaga Synod, Kenya. It was based on resource-based theory and used a descriptive survey design, targeting 25 circuits within Kaaga Synod, where the church has historically received strong community support. The study involved 53 project managers and 196 project members, selected through purposive and simple random sampling, respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics in SPSS version 24. A pre-test was also conducted in Nairobi Synod. Results showed that 77% of respondents strongly agreed that the church’s creative engagement strategies attracted more members and increased attendance. However, 73% disagreed that there was a strategic plan to guide project implementation. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.404, p < 0.000) indicated a significant positive link between communal training and church growth. The study found that financial management courses were often left unfinished because members lacked financial literacy or expected compensation. Leadership resistance also hampered the training, with concerns about timing and priorities. The study recommended that church leaders strengthen sensitization programs to emphasize the importance of financial literacy. These programs should provide members with basic financial knowledge to prepare them before enrolling in courses, ultimately promoting both spiritual and economic growth within the church community.

Evaluating the Current State of E-Learning at KeMU TVET Institute and Developing a Framework for Scalable, Inclusive Adoption

2026-04-01T17:53:46+00:00

E-learning has revolutionized education worldwide, yet its adoption in Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is hindered by infrastructure deficits, insufficient training, and policy gaps. This study evaluated e-learning adoption at the Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) TVET Institute across its Nairobi, Mombasa, and Meru Town Centre campuses. It developed a framework for scalable, inclusive implementation. Using a mixed-methods descriptive survey design, the research targeted 1000 stakeholders, including trainers, trainees, and administrators. A stratified random sample of 279 participants yielded a 95.7% response rate (n=267). Data were collected using questionnaires with both closed- and open-ended questions, and analyzed using SPSS Version 27 for quantitative data and NVivo 12 for thematic coding of qualitative responses. Findings indicated moderate e-learning adoption (42.1% integration rate), with significant disparities: Nairobi led with 64.3% LMS usage, followed by Mombasa (41.6%) and Meru (38.8%). Major barriers included infrastructure limitations (70.8%) and inadequate training (62.5%), while strong institutional commitment (78.3%) offered opportunities for progress. The proposed framework emphasizes infrastructure upgrades, comprehensive capacity building, and robust policy development to overcome barriers and ensure equity. Recommendations include enhancing connectivity in peripheral campuses, implementing tailored training programs, and establishing clear e-learning policies to support sustainable adoption, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and digital education objectives.

Human Resources Factors and Management of Health Products and Technologies

2026-04-02T17:58:07+00:00

Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) are fundamental to realizing Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, which emphasize high-quality medical services and minimized financial barriers. Despite efforts to improve HPT management, several counties face inefficiencies that hinder the consistent availability of affordable essential HPTs, undermining equitable access. This study investigated the impact of human resource for health (HRM) factors on the management of HPTs in selected Kenyan counties. Guided by management theory and the pragmatism paradigm, the research employed a mixed-methods design, using a descriptive survey for quantitative data and an exploratory approach for qualitative data. A census sampling technique encompassed 141 personnel responsible for HPT management at level 4 and 5 public health facilities, supplemented by key informant interviews with County Health Management Teams. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The research revealed a correlation between human resource factors and HPT management of r = .509 (n = 106, P = .000). Human resource factors stood out as the most impactful predictor of HPT management (\beta = 0.251; t = 3.213; P = .002). Improving human resources for health enhances the availability of quality, affordable HPTs, advancing UHC. The study recommends a multidisciplinary Health Products and Technologies management Units (HPTUs) approach to foster collaboration among pharmacy, nursing, and clinical laboratory professionals for integrated, comprehensive HPT management.

Influence of Digital Loan Repayments on Loan Performance of Microfinance Banks in Kenya

2026-04-02T17:58:24+00:00

Microfinance banks promote financial inclusion by serving underserved populations but face challenges of poor loan performance, with NPL ratios reaching 32.9% as of June 30, 2023, compared to 14.5% for commercial banks. To address this issue, they are increasingly adopting digital innovations such as digital loan repayments. The objective of the research was to examine the influence of digital loan repayments on the loan performance of microfinance banks in Kenya. The research adopted an ex post facto design and a pragmatist research philosophy. The target population was 348 loan officers from all 13 licensed microfinance banks in Kenya. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to select the sample from the target population. The study utilized both secondary and primary data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Thematic analysis was employed for analyzing qualitative data. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data using SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistics included the mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involved logistic regression and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings indicated that digital loan repayments had a statistically significant impact on loan performance among Kenyan microfinance banks. The study recommends that microfinance banks expand digital repayment options by integrating mobile money, internet banking, and agency networks, along with borrower awareness programs to encourage their use. Regulators should promote efficient and accessible systems with multiple channels to improve repayment rates, lower costs, and reduce defaults.

Effectiveness of Various Monetary Incentive Structures in Influencing Staff Productivity at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS)

2026-04-05T18:00:36+00:00

This study investigates the effectiveness of various monetary incentive structures in influencing staff productivity at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS). Despite implementing different incentive schemes, KNLS has experienced a persistent decline in productivity among library staff, prompting an examination of how these incentives affect motivation and performance. The primary objectives of the study were to examine the impact of salary increases on staff productivity at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) and to assess the effectiveness of salary bonuses in enhancing staff productivity at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS). The significance of this research lies in its potential to inform strategic decision-making within KNLS, offering insights that can enhance staff motivation and overall library services. The research is grounded in Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory and Vroom's Expectancy Theory, which emphasize the need for incentives to align with employee motivations and expectations. This study contributes to the field of library and information science by providing a framework for understanding the relationship between incentive structures and staff productivity, ultimately guiding organizations in enhancing workforce performance and service delivery. The study used a mixed methods research design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to collect data from a target population of 85 public librarians, yielding a 96% response rate. Findings revealed varying perceptions of monetary incentives, with profit-sharing plans rated most positively, while performance based pay was viewed as less effective. The study's conclusions indicate that while the current incentive framework has a moderate impact on productivity, it requires refinement to better align with employee expectations. Recommendations include developing tailored incentive programs, revising performance based pay structures, and increasing focus on non-monetary incentives to enhance motivation.

Evaluating the Impact of Online Learning Systems on Institutional Performance in Kenya’s Public Universities

2026-04-05T18:00:19+00:00

The study examined how online learning affects the performance of public universities in Kenya, focusing on how Learning Management Systems (LMS), institutional readiness, and implementation efficiency influence academic and institutional outcomes. Although online learning has been globally recognized for expanding access and flexibility, evidence from developing countries, including Kenya, shows inconsistent adoption and limited effectiveness due to infrastructural and pedagogical challenges. The study addressed this gap by analyzing the relationship between online learning systems and university performance. Specifically, it sought to: (i) examine the effect of online learning systems on academic performance, and (ii) assess institutional readiness and efficiency in implementing online learning. The study covered seven purposively selected public universities, involving 537 respondents (384 students and 153 staff). Using a descriptive quantitative research design, guided by pragmatism and deductive reasoning, data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, supported by secondary documents. Stratified and simple random sampling ensured representativeness. Reliability testing using Cronbach’s alpha yielded values between 0.762 and 0.778, confirming strong internal consistency, while expert review and factor analysis validated the instruments. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive and inferential techniques, including correlation, ANOVA, and logistic regression. The research was anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theories, which explain user adoption behavior and the institutional diffusion of educational technologies. Findings revealed that LMS improved openness, communication, and institutional visibility, though efficiency and resource sharing remained inconsistent. The study concludes that online learning has positively influenced university performance but recommends greater investment in ICT infrastructure, staff training, and innovation-driven learning environments.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Sarcopenia among the Elderly Population in Mandera County, Kenya

2026-04-05T18:00:01+00:00

Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, is a significant public health concern among aging populations. Limited data exist in resource-constrained settings like Mandera County, Kenya. This study assessed socioeconomic determinants of sarcopenia among the elderly in Mandera County. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design targeting individuals aged 65 years. A sample size of 186 participants was determined using the Cochran (1953) formula, with a multistage sampling approach to ensure representation across sub-counties, wards, and villages. Data collection involved non-structured questionnaires and physical measurements including handgrip strength, calf circumference, gait speed, and MUAC. Findings revealed that 60.7% of participants had confirmed severe sarcopenia. Socioeconomic factors significantly influenced status; 86% of those without health insurance exhibited confirmed or severe sarcopenia, compared to 14% with insurance (p = 0.019). Education was a key determinant (p< 0.001): 38.0% of those with no formal education and 49.0% with primary education had confirmed or severe sarcopenia, compared to 9.9% with secondary and 4.4% with tertiary education. Marital status (p = 0.261), living arrangement (p = 0.184), source of income (p = 0.879), and profession type (p = 0.141) showed no significant correlation. In conclusion, socioeconomic disadvantages contribute to severe sarcopenia. The study underscores the need for enhanced healthcare access for the elderly. It is recommended that county governments integrate routine sarcopenia screening into healthcare programs alongside community-based nutrition and physical activity initiatives. Further research should explore additional biological and environmental factors in similar low-resource settings.

Development of an ISMS Maintenance Tracking System for Security Firms in Nairobi County

2026-04-05T17:59:43+00:00

The increasing reliance on integrated security technologies in Kenya’s private security sector has intensified the need for effective maintenance of Integrated Security Management Systems (ISMS) to ensure operational continuity, compliance, and resilience. This study examined current ISMS maintenance practices, identified recognized best practices, and developed a digital ISMS Maintenance Tracking System tailored for private security firms in Nairobi County. Guided by the Design Science Research (DSR) paradigm and theoretically grounded in General Systems Theory (GST), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), the research followed a two-phase process, including a diagnostic quantitative survey to assess existing and best ISMS maintenance practices and the design, development, and validation of an ISMS Maintenance Tracking System via User Acceptance Testing (UAT). Using a descriptive and developmental research design, structured questionnaires were administered to 90 sample respondents, yielding a 70% response rate. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results show that current maintenance practices are weak and negatively associated with system effectiveness (B = -0.893, p < 0.001; R² = 0.423), while best practices, including preventive scheduling, SLA monitoring, and real-time logging, positively predict effectiveness (B = 0.815, p < 0.001; R² = 0.350). The combined model (F(2,60) = 89.812, p < 0.001; R² = 0.750) explains 75% of the variance in effectiveness. UAT demonstrated high usability and functionality (over 90% satisfaction across modules). The study concludes that replacing fragmented, reactive procedures with an automated, standards-aligned tracking system substantially improves ISMS reliability, accountability, and compliance. The study recommends adopting ISO/IEC 27001-aligned maintenance frameworks and deploying the developed system in phases. In practice, the study provides a validated maintenance tool; for policy, it offers evidence to inform regulatory frameworks; and theoretically, it extends DSR applications to context-driven ISMS solutions that support Kenya’s Private Security Regulation Act (2016) and SDG 9.