Theses and Dissertations (TD)

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SPECIFIC HELICOBACTER PYLORI VIRULENCE AND HOST GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY FACTORS: THE POTENTIAL ROLE IN GASTRODUODENAL DISEASES
(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2015-06-01) HUSSEIN, ALI OSMAN
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common human pathogens and affects over 50% of the world population. H. pylori is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The interaction of several factors like environmental, bacterial virulence and host genetic are believed to determine the severity and final outcome after H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of H. pylori virulence genes (cagA, babA2, SabAand dupA) and its correlation with clinical outcomes. This study also assessed the pattern of H. pylori cagA EPIYA motifs, EPIYA-A, -B, -C, or -D among different ethnic groups and its association with gastroduodenal disease. The current study also explored the presence of SNPs as genetic variants in the host genome which may be associated with susceptibility or protection to H. pylori infection. This was a cross-sectional and case-control study conducted between May 2012 to June 2014 among dyspeptic patients of different ethnicities (Malay, Indian and Chinese) at the Endoscopy Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Genotyping of bacterial and host genome was performed using PCR and Affymetrix SNP 6.0 microarray. This study consists of 2 phases; in phase 1, a total of 105 patients who were confirmed positive to have H. pylori infection were recruited into the study. The mean age and SD were 54.48 ±12.94 years and age range of 26 to 86 years old. Fifty seven (54.3%) of the infected patients were males while forty eight (45.7%) were females. Based on the endoscopic findings, 78 patients had gastritis, nine gastric ulcer, five duodenal ulcer and 13 normal. The prevalence of H. pylori cagA, babA2, sabA and dupA genes in H. pylori dyspeptic patients were 69.5%, 41.0%, 43.8% and 22.9% respectively. cagA is more common in Indians (39.7%), babA2 is common in Malays (39.5%) and dupA detection is more in Indian and Malay at the same rate (37.5%). The Chinese have the lowest prevalence of the four genes. Majority of Chinese patients were predominantly infected with cagA type A-B-D East Asian strain (88.9%) while cagA type A-B-C Western strain (82.8%) was predominantly detected in the Indians while the Malays have mixed strain. There were statistically significant difference (P<0.001) between ethnicity and cagA EPIYA motifs, although we could not find significant difference between H. pylori virulence genes and EPIYA types and clinical outcomes. In phase II, a total of 80 (42 H. pylori positive and 38 H. pylori negative) third generation patients with a mean age of 49.87 ± 12.335 years (age range 20-75 years) were recruited. The present study identified SNPs rs3770521 (P=1.33 x 10-5) of XRCC5 gene, rs7042986 of SMARCA2 (P=0.0001) and rs10860808 (P=0.0002) of DRAM1 gene as the susceptible SNPs to H. pylori infection among the Indian, Malay and Chinese gastritis patients respectively. This study also identified two protective SNPs rs1809578 (P=9.85x 10-6) of gene BANK1 and rs3776349 (P=0.0001) of gene ARHGAP26 among H. pylori the Indian and Malay gastritis patients respectively. In conclusion, the lower prevalence of virulence genes and variations among the different ethnic groups suggest that the bacterial strains are geographically and ethnically dependent. No significant difference was observed between virulence genes and clinical outcome. This study also shows that EPIYA A-B-D and A-B-C are predominant in the Chinese and Indians respectively, while the Malays have mixed strain. Finally, the current GWAS study revealed five novel SNPs that may be associated with susceptibility and protection of H. pylori gastritis in the three ethnic groups.
HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES AND MUSLIM MINORITIES IN KENYA (2001-2013): A CASE OF MOMBASA CITY
(2016-07-01) Mwamburi, Adam Mwenda Hamisi
This study analyzes the human rights issues affecting Muslim minorities in Kenya after 9/11, with special reference to Mombasa City. The study is based on both primary and secondary sources, content analysis of several documents and in-depth interview of11 knowledgeable persons selected through snowball method. Among the interviewees were Muslim community leaders, defense lawyers, and human rights activists, representatives of human rights organizations, Muslim youth activists and victims. The study focuses on the various forms of human rights violations suffered by Muslims in Kenya and the factors which account for these transgressions. Its framework relates human rights violations (HRV) to the internal and external factors contributing to human rights violations against Muslim minorities in Kenya. The research identifies a number of pertinent indicators of human rights violations faced by them, such as cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions, extra judicial killings, illegal extradition outside Kenyan jurisdiction, forceful disappearances and torture. In addition, the study identifies the following indicators of the internal factors facilitating human rights violations: the absence of regulating and monitoring of police work and security, a biased judiciary, repressive regime policies, ineffective NGOs and unchecked acts of impunity on the part of government officials. The study draws attention to the linkage between human rights violations against Muslim minorities and anti-terror measures introduced after 9/11 as part of the Bush administration‘s " Global War on Terror‘‘ and related counter-terrorism financial assistance programme.
EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON THE GROWTH OF MICRO FINANCE INSTITUTIONS BASED IN NAIROBI, KENYA.
(Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture, 2017-11-01) WAINAINA, ALICE WANJIKU
Despite the impressive growth evident in the microfinance industry, its outreach still remains severely constrained. This study sought to examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions on the growth of microfinance institutions as a strategy of capturing the large unexploited microfinance market. The specific objectives of the study were; to analyze the effect of risk taking propensity on the growth of microfinance institutions, to examine the effect of proactiveness on the growth of microfinance institutions, to examine the effect of autonomy on the growth of microfinance institutions, to examine the effect of innovativeness on the growth of microfinance institutions and to analyze the effect of competitive aggressiveness on the growth of microfinance institutions. The study examined a target population of 56 formal Microfinance institutions operating within Nairobi. It employed a census inquiry and collected data through questionnaires and face to face interviews. The target respondents were Chief Executive Officers, Owners, Branch managers, operational managers and Relationship managers. The study used mixed research design which involved the application of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Cronbach’s alpha was used as a measure of reliability and multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The regression coefficient shows that the EO dimensions (independent variables) are positively and statistically significant in explaining the growth of MFIs. The regression coefficient shows that innovativeness is the most important variable. The study recommends the utilization of entrepreneurial orientation dimensions as a competitive strategy. It recommends the development of internal strategic measures that will promote innovation, proactiveness and autonomy in the management practices. The study recommends further research on effect of entrepreneurial orientation on Microfinance Institutions at different stages of growth. It also recommends a study on the impact of commercialization of microfinance institutions on alleviation of poverty.
A MODEL OF NURSING CARE FOR CANCER PAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG ADULT PATIENTS AT GARISSA COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL
(2018-09-01) Affey, Fatuma
Cancer pain is a complex feeling due to sensory and emotional hostile experiences linked with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. More than 50% of patients with cancer complain of pain hence the need for nursing care model for pain management. Cancer pain in Garissa is a concern due to the limited access to pain management in healthcare facilities. The pastoral lifestyle of the communities exacerbates it.The nursing care model is tailored for such a unique lifestyle in the provision of holistic pain management that is assumed to cultivate care of patients at Garissa County. Phase one was a descriptive exploratory study design. A mixed method approach was utilised to recruit participants that include 94 cancer patients, 84 clinical nurses and 15 critical informants for this study. Various sampling procedures, including random, purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit all study participants voluntarily. Modified Brief Pain Inventory (MBPI) tool combined with focus group discussion was used to obtain data from cancer patients. ECOG performance status was also utilised to assess the functional disease progress. Questionnaires were randomly administered to all clinical nurses and Key informants caring for cancer patients to ascertain their knowledge, practice and availability of pain control medications. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and linear regression, analysed the quantitative information while qualitative data was analysed through the categorisation of themes, a cluster of themes and direct quotes of participants. The sample population was 188 participants. Cancer patients had mean age 51year with composition of 44.7 % (42) male and 55.3% (52) female. Prevalence of cancer pain was at 78 % (73) with intensity ranging from moderate to severe. A total of 78 % (66) of clinical nurses indicated had no tool for pain assessment, 83.2 %( 70) of them did not know how to utilise WHO analgesic ladder. Majority of patients 82 %( 78) were on incorrect WHO analgesic ladder for pain management with negative PMI (p-value < 0.05) of under treatment. Majority of patients considered alternative treatment for cancer pain such as Quran recitation and Somali herbs accounting for 65% (61) and 77.6% (73) respectively. Almost all KI 93% (14) indicated the inadequate availability of pain medication. Phase two entailed the development of “Xanuun” nursing care model for pain management and pre-testing of the same from expert opinion and nurse managers GCRH. Findings from experts showed that 80% of respondents agreed that the developed model captured the challenges of cancer pain management and 60% of them predicted that the model could be utilised. However, 100% of the experts suggested that the model will bring a positive change, though 90% of them upheld that there will be potential challenges of implementing such a model. This study revealed a high prevalence of cancer pain due to under treatment and inaccessibility of pain medication associated with the dynamic of a nomadic lifestyle. The study found limited knowledge and negative attitude among clinical nurses at GCRH. Thus, recommends the need to implement contextual “Xannun” Nursing Care model at GCRH, for a better approach of cancer pain management
MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES AND STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE A CASE OF NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
(Umma University, 2023-01) SAAD, ZAITUN
Nairobi Stock exchange (NSE) is playing a vital role in the growth of Kenya's economy by encouraging savings and investment, as well as helping local and international companies’ access cost-effective capital. NSE operates under the jurisdiction of the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya. Presently, NSE’s market capitalization closed at Sh1.976 trillion compared to the Sh1.986 trillion value in December 2022, representing a 0.49 per cent depreciation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of macroeconomic variables on stock market performance a case of Nairobi securities exchange. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to find out the effect of changes in exchange rates on stock market performance at the NSE; to examine the effect of inflation rates on stock market performance at the NSE; to establish the effect of economic growth rate on stock market performance at the NSE; to determine the effect of changes in interest rates on stock market performance at the NSE and to establish the moderating effect of savings on the relationship between the macroeconomic variables and stock market performance. To conduct the study, the researcher adopted a correlational research design and relied on secondary data collected from the annual reports of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Nairobi Securities Exchange, and Central Bank of Kenya for the period 2000-2021. The collected data was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and time series multiple regression analysis. E-Views version 9.0 software was utilized for the analysis. The Pearson correlation matrix was used to assess the strength of the relationship between stock market performance and macroeconomic variables. Additionally, a time series data model (ARDL-ECM) was employed to determine both short term and long-term effects of macroeconomic variables on the NSE's stock market performance. The study also examined the moderating effect of gross domestic savings through Baron and Kenney stepwise regression. Furthermore, classical linear regression and ARDL bound tests were performed to establish the existence of a long-term co-integration relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock market performance. The study results finding show that the R-squared value of 0.948827 suggests that the independent variables explain about 94.9% of the variation in market capitalization, which is a strong fit. The adjusted R squared value of 0.861103 is lower than the R-squared value, suggesting that some of the independent variables may not be adding significant explanatory power to the model. The findings of the study indicate that interest rates, inflation rates, and economic growth rate have significant effects on stock market performance, as represented by market capitalization, in the long run. However, no statistically significant impact was found for exchange rates. On the moderating variable Gross domestic savings was found not to be a significant predictor of stock market performance on the NSE in Kenya. These findings highlight the crucial role played by macroeconomic factors in shaping the NSE's stock market performance. In conclusion, the study suggests that interest rates, inflation rates, and economic growth rate are important determinants of stock market performance at the NSE. Policymakers are advised to consider the interplay between macroeconomic variables and stock market performance, and implement appropriate policies and measures to manage exchange rates, inflation rates, economic growth, and interest rates. This will create a stable and supportive environment for the NSE and foster sustainable stock market growth. The study also suggests that future research could explore the effects of other macroeconomic variables on stock market performance.
EFFECT OF MOBILE BANKING ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL & MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA
(Umma University, 2023-06) OKELLO, VALENTINE JUMA
Despite the widespread availability and adoption of mobile banking technology, research on its specific impact on the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is lacking. The effective utilization of mobile banking by SMEs to enhance financial performance and the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mobile banking adoption and the financial performance of SMEs. Objectives included determining the effects of mobile banking service costs and accessibility on financial performance, as well as assessing the extent of mobile banking adoption among SMEs in Kajiado County. A descriptive research design targeted a population of fifty-eight (58) licensed SMEs in Kajiado County. Primary data from questionnaires and interviews were coded for analysis. Normality tests confirmed a normal distribution of the data. Statistical analyses, including regression analysis and ANOVA, were conducted. The findings indicated a strong negative correlation (-0.974, p = 0.000) between mobile banking service costs and SME financial performance, demonstrating a significant relationship. The rejection of three hypotheses (r=0.351, p<0.05), (r=0.321, p<0.05), and (r=0.246, p<0.05) suggested a positive association between mobile banking service adoption and improved financial performance, including revenue growth and profitability. Specifically, mobile banking service costs had a positive and significant association with financial performance (r=0.665, p<0.05), while mobile banking service accessibility showed a positive and significant correlation (r=0.751, p<0.05). The study recommends collaboration between financial institutions and mobile network operators to reduce service costs and expand coverage, thereby encouraging greater adoption by SMEs in Kajiado County and enhancing their financial performance.
INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AND HUMAN CAPITAL PARTICIPATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
(KENYATTA UNIVERSITY, 2025-02-06) WANJAU, JACKSON
Numerous extant studies linking strategic planning and organizational performance abound, but non- focused on the effect of human capital participation in such a relationship. Moreover, none of the studies focused on the Kenya’s banking industry context. Thus a study towards determining the nature of relationship among the three constructs in Kenyan banks was thoughtful. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of strategic planning and human capital participation on organization performance in Kenya’s commercial banks. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: Establish the relationship between strategy formulation and performance of Kenya’s commercial banks, establish the relationship between strategy implementation and performance of Kenya’s commercial banks, to ascertain the effects of control systems on performance of Kenya’s commercial banks, to investigate the effects of leadership and management participation and involvement in the strategic planning process on performance of commercial banks in Kenya, and to investigate the effects of employee participation and involvement in the strategic planning process on performance of commercial banks in Kenya. In this study descriptive research design, was used as the framework for analysis of data. The population of the study comprised of all 43 commercial banks in Kenya. Stratified random sampling technique was used because Kenyan banks are in different stages of development and exhibit high level of diversity in aspects such as ownership and leadership. The researcher used a questionnaire as a primary data collection instrument. Data for this study was quantitative hence descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. To establish the relationships between variables the researcher used Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r), and multiple linear regressions. Performance of the banks is done through the use of both financial and non-financial measures with the inclusion of the employees in strategy evaluation and has indicated improvement in the banks’ profitability. Currently, the management’s efforts in controlling the strategic implementation strategy have resulted to the banks’ assets growth, growth of the bank’s market shares and launch of new products. Above 90% of the banks’ performance can be explained by the influence of the strategic planning and human capital participation in strategic planning. These variables have shown strong positive correlation with the performance of the banks. Thus, increasing either of the variables will result to a corresponding increase of the banks’ performance. However management and leadership participation and involvement was found to have very minimal influence on the strategic planning process. The study recommends a need to implement a system of corporate governance for banks, in the form of a template on which banks should base the development of their own control systems. The banking supervisors should provide guidance to banks on sound strategic planning and proactive practices that should be in place. The researcher recommends further studies to be undertaken focusing on influence of management and leadership participation and involvement in strategic planning process and their influence in the performance of the banks to validate these findings.