DISPARITIES IN ACCESS TO PUBLIC OPEN SPACES FOR CHILDREN IN NAIROBI CITY, KENYA

DISPARITIES IN ACCESS TO PUBLIC OPEN SPACES FOR CHILDREN IN NAIROBI CITY, KENYA

Everlyne Amile Okubo
Department of Spatial and Environmental Planning, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Prof. Caleb Mireri
Department of Spatial and Environmental Planning, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Dr. Paul Aloyo
Department of Landscape Architecture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Public open spaces are essential for children’s health, learning, and social interaction, yet their provision and quality remain uneven in rapidly urbanising cities. This study examines disparities in the availability, safety, and usability of public open spaces for children in Nairobi, Kenya. The study sampled three Nairobi neighbourhoods to represent different socioeconomic contexts: high-income (Loresho), middle-income (Nairobi West), and low-income (Kibera). A mixed-methods approach included surveys, FGDs, KIIs, field observations, and spatial analysis, engaging 417 respondents (198 children, 61 parents, 158 other open space users). Purposive sampling identified key institutions based on their relevance, including Nairobi City departments (Talents, Skills Development and Care; Green Nairobi; Built Environment and Urban Planning), sports subcounty officers, ward managers and local user groups. Results show that all three areas fall far below the World Health Organization benchmark of 9 m² of open space per capita. Provision is lowest in Kibera and Nairobi West, where population density, poverty, poor infrastructure, and weak enforcement of planning laws limit access. Safety risks include overcrowding, poor lighting, lack of fencing, proximity to traffic, and encroachment of informal activities. Usability is further reduced by poor maintenance, competition from organised groups, and the exclusion of children from available facilities. In Loresho neighbourhood, private amenities compensate for the limited public open spaces but do not eliminate exclusion. These disparities constrain physical activity and social development, particularly for children in the low-income areas, and highlight gaps in urban policy implementation. The paper calls for stronger planning, investment, and management to create equitable, safe, and inclusive open spaces, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 and Kenya’s Vision 2030.

Full Length Journal (PDF)

THE EFFECT OF PRINCIPALS' SUPERVISION OF PROFESSIONAL RECORDS ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KILUNGU SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

THE EFFECT OF PRINCIPALS' SUPERVISION OF PROFESSIONAL RECORDS ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KILUNGU SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Colleta Ngami Kumonya
Masters of Education in Administration, Machakos University, Kenya

Prof. Kimiti Richard Peter
Department of Education Management and Curriculum Studies, Machakos University, Kenya

Dr. Francis Mutua
Department of Educational Communications and Technology and Early Childhood Education, Machakos University, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Kilungu Sub-County has faced ongoing challenges in students' performance in Mathematics, despite various interventions to improve educational outcomes. This study aimed to explore the effect of principals’ supervision of professional records on students' academic performance in Mathematics in public secondary schools within Kilungu Sub-County, Kenya. The research was framed by instructional leadership theory, which emphasizes the pivotal role of principals in shaping educational outcomes through direct engagement with instructional practices. Using a correlational research design, the study focused on 20 public secondary schools in Kilungu Sub-County, Makueni County, with a target population of 20 principals, 66 Mathematics teachers, and 800 students. A stratified random sampling method was used to select six schools, and simple random sampling was used to select 21 Mathematics teachers and 249 Form Three students. Data were collected through questionnaires for teachers and students, and interviews for principals. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that principals' active supervision of professional records was significantly associated with improved academic performance in Mathematics. Regular monitoring of lesson plans, attendance, and assessment records by principals promoted accountability, ensured instructional alignment with curriculum standards, and facilitated early identification of areas needing attention. These practices contributed directly to better student performance. The study concluded that effective supervision of professional records enhances teaching quality and supports improved learning outcomes for students in Mathematics. Based on these findings, it is recommended that principals strengthen their supervision of professional records, integrate digital tools for efficient record tracking, and provide timely feedback to teachers. Furthermore, the study advocates for policy support to reduce administrative burdens on principals, allowing them to focus more on instructional leadership..

Full Length Journal (PDF)

WORKPLACE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR SINGLE PARENTS: REMOVING BARRIERS TO CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND EDUCATION IN KENYA

WORKPLACE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR SINGLE PARENTS: REMOVING BARRIERS TO CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND EDUCATION IN KENYA

Joy Igoki Njiru
A Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education student at the University of Nairobi

Professor Paul Odundo
Department of education, Early Childhood Education, University of Nairobi

ABSTRACT

Single parenting has a heavy influence on people’s career development. Contrary to two-partner families where parents usually support each other for childcare and financial needs, single parents face a greater need in order to combine their work with their childcare responsibilities. Since the vast majority of single parents are mothers, they have also to deal with the additional difficulties that women face in the labour market. The present chapter aims at presenting the major career issues that arise regarding the career development of single parents in western countries. The most common barriers that obstruct or limit their career growth are presented, along with parent-style typologies that have been proposed in the relevant literature in order to describe their career behaviour. Although the proposed typologies and categorizations are very helpful in understanding single parents’ career development, it is stressed that the factors that influence each individual’s career development are much more complex and intercorrelated and each case should be viewed individually. Major factors that contribute to this perplexity are examined. In order to better understand the obstacles single parents face, their main career-related characteristics are also examined. Finally, good practices that have been implemented in various countries to reduce the impact of these barriers are discussed.

Full Length Journal (PDF)

MODELLING EFFECTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY COMMUNICATION FRAMEWORK FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN LAIKIPA COUNTY, KENYA

MODELLING EFFECTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY COMMUNICATION FRAMEWORK FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN LAIKIPA COUNTY, KENYA

Anthony Gitonga Maina
A Doctor of Philosophy candidate, University of Nairobi

Prof. Silas Odongo Oriaso
Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi

Prof. George Odera Outa
Technical University of Kenya & Associate Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi

Prof. Alfred Owuor Opere
Department of Earth & Climate Science., University Of Nairobi

ABSTRACT

The study sought to model effective communication framework for climate change policy implementation to promote climate change adaptation and food security among smallholder farmers in Laikipia County Kenya. It was believed that national and county governments and other stakeholders communicate climate change policies to enhance adaptation, but such communication does not impact farmers to promote policy implementation. Using household surveys, focused group discussion and key informant interviews as well as several validation workshops, results show that participatory and integrative communication models were more effective in promoting policy implementation for adaptation to promote food security. Though not systematically practiced, stakeholders believed that this was a game-changer in policy implementation.

Full Length Journal (PDF)

OPTIMIZING EARLY CHILDHOOD NUTRITION: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS IN ILLERET WARD, MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA

OPTIMIZING EARLY CHILDHOOD NUTRITION: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS IN ILLERET WARD, MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA

Joy Igoki Njiru
A Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education student at the University of Nairobi

Professor Paul Odundo
Department of education, Early Childhood Education, University of Nairobi

ABSTRACT

In Kenya, particularly in arid areas, early child nutrition has remained a challenge especially in Marsabit County. Illeret ward, one of the administrative units of Marsabit County has reported the highest incidences of malnourishment especially in children classified in the early childhood status. This raise concerns on the role played by caregivers and parents in this County to optimize early childhood nutrition and the same has remained unclear and unexplored. Thus, this study sought to establish the effect of food diversity, nutrient dense foods, healthful eating and adequate hydration on early childhood nutrition as a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers in Illeret Ward, Marsabit County, Kenya. Descriptive survey design was adopted targeting 900 mothers with children aged 1-8 from Illeret Ward, Marsabit County. Stratified random sampling was used to select 269 respondents with their respective gender as strata. Information in its primary form was gathered guided by questionnaire and the analysis was through SPSS guided by means correlation and regression and tables guided presentation. It was noted that nutrient dense foods (β=0.439) had the greatest positive effect on early childhood nutrition as a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers in Illeret Ward, Marsabit County, Kenya then followed by food diversity (β=0.322), adequate hydration (β=0.198) and healthful eating (β=0.185) respectively. It was recommended that parents and caregivers in Illeret Ward, Marsabit County, Kenya should enhance early childhood nutrition by providing their children with foods having different nutritional contents. Different types of food being proteins, carbohydrates and fruits should be provided to children by caregivers and parents in Illeret Ward, Marsabit County, Kenya to create balanced diet and thus eliminating possibility of malnutrition. Adequate and healthful foods should be provided to children in Illeret Ward, Marsabit County, Kenya by their parents and caregivers to ensure healthful growth and development.

Full Length Journal (PDF)

More Articles ...

  1. EFFECT OF RESOURCES ON PROVISION OF HUMANITARIAN SERVICES BY NGOS IN TURKANA, KENYA
  2. WOMEN’S WELFARE IN JUJA SUBCOUNTY, KENYA
  3. OUTCOME MAPPING AND QUALITY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMS MONITORING AND EVALUATION SEMINAR PAPER
  4. FACTORS INFLUENCING WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN THE POLICY PROCESSES IN KILIFI COUNTY, KENYA