International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation

A Conceptual Analysis of Dholuo Insults

Joseph Rotumoi, Cellyne Anudo — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Swearing is a universal phenomenon shared and normalized in everyday conversations; it plays a pivotal role in the
management of feelings and emotions. Though tabooed in many societies, insults are frequently used in daily interactions
moreover, they provide a platform upon which linguistic analyses can be conducted. Insults, a sub set of swearing, cover a
variety of topics and play different roles for example, some insults help language users get relief from anger and tension in
certain situations. Others are used to humiliate or belittle while some are used to challenge the existing social power. Insults
are context and culture dependent as such, what may be considered an insult in one society may not be in another. Insults
take varied forms, there are those that are direct others indirect. Additionally, there are those that are short consisting of
just a word while others consist of two or more sentences. This study sought to classify Dholuo insults and describe the
images used therein; examine the image schemas in Dholuo insults and explain the functions of Dholuo insults. The study
employed the Conceptual Integration Theory by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) which helped in the construction of meaning
of conceptual metaphors used in Dholuo insults and the Image schema theory by Johnson (1987) which helped unravel the
meanings portrayed in the varied metaphors used in Dholuo insults. The data which was collected using an interview schedule
was analyzed qualitatively. The study revealed that Dholuo insults are not only used to release pent up emotions but also for
humour.

Students’ Academic Performance in STEM Subjects and Related Factors: A Case of a STEM Model Boys’ School in Nandi County, Kenya

Peter Kibiwot Ngeny, Rose Atoni — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed at establishing students’ academic performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and Related Factors in a STEM-Model Boys’ School in Nandi County, Kenya. The purpose of this study was to examine how students perform in internal examinations and during National examination, with more emphasis on STEM subjects (Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics). The objectives of the study were to establish: the extent of students’ academic performance in a STEM-Model Boys’ school in Nandi County, Kenya; the relationship between students’ discipline and their academic performance; the relationship between students’ performance in internal examination and their performance at National Examination and the relationship between students’ performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and their academic performance at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in a STEM-Model Boys’ school in Nandi County, Kenya. This study was guided by Causal Comparative Ex-post Facto Research Design. The target population of the study was: 239 students who were at form four in 2020 academic year; the Director of Studies (DOS) and the Deputy Principal. A sample size of between 5 and 30 students was used, depending on the analysis that was done. The sample was obtained by use of simple random sampling technique. The DOS and the deputy principal automatically participated in the study. A questionnaire, an interview schedule and a document analysis schedule were used to collect data. Piloting of the instruments was done to validate them while test-retest method was used to test for the reliability of the research instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found out that the school averagely performs well as the mean-score of form 4 class was above 7.0 (KCSE 2020) and that no A (plain) grade has been achieved for over five years. Quality grades are yet to be achieved as the school had the leading student with grade A- (minus), with average grades in STEM subjects. Majority of the students scored between grades C+ (plus) and D+ (plus) in examinations. Students’ performance in STEM subjects are below a mean of 6.0 and this indicate that most learners are not able to secure STEM careers at post-secondary levels of education. From the hypotheses tested, it was established that students’ discipline also goes proportionally with academic performance; a linear relationship was found to exist between students’ performance in internal examinations and their performance at KCSE; students’ performance at KCPE and KCSE were found to have an inverse relationship where it was established that a student who scores high at KCPE tends to relax at high school and scores low at KCSE. The findings of this study will inform the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) and Ministry of Education (MoE) on the extent of performance of STEM-model schools in Kenya. Teachers and students too will get informed on their performance and have a projection to careers.

THE EFFECT OF ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS ON PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NAKURU AND KISII COUNTIES, KENYA

Emily C. Keter — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of organizational systems on performance of banking institutions in
Kenya in selected commercial banks in Nakuru and Kisii Counties, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the
effect of organizational systems on organizational performance of the banking institutions. The study design employed was
a cross-sectional using a sample of 257 employees from a population of 776 employees. A questionnaire was used to collect
data from the selected respondents. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The R value
was 0.656 indicating that there is a positive relationship between organization systems and organizational performance. The
coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.430 shows 43% of organizational performance is explained by organizational
systems, the remaining 57% is explained by other dimensions enhancing organizational performance of the banking sector
in Kenya. The study recommends that effective systems should be put in place as stipulated in the strategic management of
the banking institutions and the sustainability of the competitive damage relies on the ability of the institutions to demand for
the same. Therefore, it is very important for these organizations to implement competitive strategy despite the challenges that
they can encounter such as increased number of competitors and they should adopt market penetration using various ways
such advertising and promoting their products/services. The institutions should also ensure product improvement, product
replacement, product range extension and introduction which will ensure the organizations remain competitive in the market.
The study further recommends that the organizations should adapt the new technology which enhances flow of information.
This means that there should be adequate financial resources and required infrastructure to ensure efficient adoption of
technology innovation strategies

VITAL RELATIONS IN DHOLUO CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS

Joseph Rotumoi, Cellyne Anudo — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Our conversations are laced with conceptual metaphors which are pivotal in meaning construction. These
metaphors are embedded in our conceptual systems. This study sought to examine vital relations in Dholuo
conceptual metaphors limited to human body parts, animals and food. Vital relation is a pivotal principle in the
Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) initiated by Fauconnier and Turner (2002); it plays a key role in the
conceptualization of metaphors in Dholuo. Data was collected using an interview schedule which was augmented
with a tape recorder. A total of one hundred and fifty metaphorical expressions were collected and analysed
qualitatively. The study revealed that vital relations such as Analogy, Part-Whole, Similarity, Disanalogy and
Category are registered in Dholuo conceptual metaphors limited to human body parts, food and animals.
Additionally, the study found out that although vital relations are significant, not all of them are manifested in a
single Dholuo conceptual metaphor. The study further revealed that Analogy and Part-Whole were the most
pervasive vital relations in Dholuo conceptual metaphors.

Benefits and Environmental Impacts of Growing Eucalyptus Species

Thomas Matonyei — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering plants with over 900 species. It belongs to the family Myrtaceae and
subfamily Myrotideae. Majority of the species are native to Australia and Tasmania with a few species originating
from New Guinea, the Philippines and Indonesia. Eucalyptus was introduced into Kenya in 1902 to provide
fuelwood for the Kenya-Uganda railway. The species has many uses making it a multipurpose species including;
Fuel wood, charcoal making, electricity transmission poles, posts, rails, source of essential oils, industrially used
as timber, source of plywood, paper and pulp manufacture, ecologically provides honey flora, shade, and wind-
break, ornamentals and for aesthetic enhancement of landscapes. Eucalyptus has many positive effects to the
environment; among them are fast production of biomass which benefits the environment by using up large
volumes of carbon IV oxide and emitting oxygen, thus regulating greenhouse gases. The species also have many
perceived negative effects on the environment. These include; implication on depletion of soil nutrients required
by crops thus causing poor crop yields, although it adds organic matter, it produces allelo-chemicals which
influence negative performance of agricultural crops. Many species of this tree and in particular, E. globulus
sheds its bark continuously and produces enormous leaf litter which could offer an innovative venture in
harvesting of these components for commercial use. Few species (E. globulus) are prone to beetle attack with E.
regnans hardly coppicing which may discourage farmers from its growing. KEFRI has however, attempted to
provide guidelines on selecting and matching sites in Kenya with potential species to encourage farmers to grow
the tree species.

Effects Of Stem Education Programme On Chemistry Performance Among Students In Extra County Secondary Schools In North-Rift Region, Kenya

Peter Kibiwot Ngeny, Rose Atoni — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the effects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education programme on Chemistry performance among secondary school students in North-Rift Region, Kenya. The study was anchored on Social Learning Theory. Causal comparative ex post facto research design guided the study. The target population was 3550 form four students and 175 teachers of Chemistry. Simple random sampling was used to select six Counties in North-Rift Region. Stratified random sampling was used to separate schools to STEM and Non-STEM schools and simple random sampling technique was then used to sample out students and teachers. The sample size consisted of 1092 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaire, a document analysis schedule and a Chemistry achievement test. Reliability of the evaluation instruments was examined using test-re-test method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses were tested using t-test for independent groups. The study findings revealed that chemistry performance among students was good and was associated to STEM education programme. Study findings established that students’ performance in Chemistry in STEM schools (Mean 21.68, SD 6.17) was higher than in Non-STEM schools (Mean 19.06, SD 7.15). The difference in mean scores in STEM and in Non-STEM schools was established to be statistically significant implying that students’ performance in Chemistry was dependent on the school where a student studied whether STEM or Non-STEM. The Chemistry performance in both categories of schools was greatly associated to STEM Education programme under implementation, which was more effective in STEM schools than in Non-STEM schools. The number of Chemistry projects presented by students was higher in STEM (173) than in Non-STEM schools (144). The study also established that students lacked adequate space to design projects and hence it was recommended that an innovation room (makerspace) be constructed in each school to enhance creativity and innovation and allow students to expand on the number of Chemistry projects

100% TRANSITION POLICY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

,Mercy Chebet, Joshua G. Manduku, Dorothy C. Soi — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kenya’s 100% transition policy from primary to secondary education aims to guarantee universal access to basic
education. While enrolment rates have improved, implementation faces challenges including inadequate facilities,
teacher shortages, and socio-economic constraints. This study investigates how school-related factors influence
the policy’s effectiveness in public secondary schools. A descriptive research design was employed, gathering
data from teachers, administrators, and education officers through questionnaires and interviews. Results
indicate that infrastructure, staffing, leadership practices, and parental involvement significantly affect policy
outcomes. Strengthening resource allocation, enhancing leadership capacity, and fostering community
participation are recommended to improve the policy’s sustainability and impact.

INTEGRATION OF ICT IN INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Wesley Koros Kiprono — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in instructional supervision is increasingly seen as an
important way of improving how teaching and learning are managed. Yet, in Kenyan public secondary schools, uptake has
been relatively slow, a concern frequently raised by education stakeholders. This study set out to examine how ICT
utilization influences instructional supervision in public secondary schools in Sotik Sub-County, Kenya. Framed by the
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Open Systems Theory, the research focused on three elements in particular: the
availability of ICT resources, the perceptions of supervisors, and the competence of principals in using ICT. In conclusion,
the study argues that strengthening ICT infrastructure, fostering positive attitudes among users, and ensuring school leaders
have the necessary digital skills are all vital to improving supervisory practices. It recommends greater investment in ICT
facilities, targeted capacity-building for principals, and policy support to embed ICT use into supervisory processes. These
findings not only feed into ongoing debates on educational reform in Kenya but also resonate with the global push toward
achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 by 2030

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF LAND TENURE AND OWNERSHIP IN THE MANAGEMENT OF WETLANDS: THE CASE OF OKANA WETLAND ECOSYSTEM IN THE LOWER NYANDO RIVER BASIN, KENYA

D. O Odaro — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Wetland ecosystems, like any other natural resource, have been exploited by the adjacent communities so as to sustain
their livelihoods. The ecosystems have supported millions of livelihoods of the riparian communities and even beyond
since time immemorial through their socio-cultural and economic values as well as ecological functions. The ecosystems
should therefore be well planned and managed through wise use for sustained livelihoods hence sustainable development.
However, the planning and management of the ecosystems is impeded by land tenure and ownership which is not clear
in most wetland areas. The phenomenon has impacted negatively on the planning and management initiatives of the
wetland ecosystems thereby compromising their quality and quantity hence sustainability. The situation has been
exacerbated by the climate change phenomenon. The paper sought to assess the impacts of land tenure and ownership in
the planning and management of wetlands with specific reference to Okana in the lower Nyando River Basin, Kenya. The
study used techniques such as photography, surveys and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tool in collecting data.
Field data was analyzed using SPSS. The survey revealed that community participation in the planning and management
initiatives is quite minimal due to unclear land tenure and ownership of the wetlands. The results therefore form basis in
addressing land tenure and ownership issues, which enhance degradation of the wetland ecosystems thereby putting the
livelihoods of the riparian communities who depend on the wetland resources at stake. The paper recommends enhanced
sensitization and awareness of land tenure and ownership of wetlands taking cognizance of the National Environmental
Management Authority (NEMA) regulations on buffer zones

Evaluation of The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in Improving User Experience in Academic Libraries

Brian Mogambi, Lawrence Mwenda, Patrick Kinoti — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Academic libraries are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance user experience
and streamline access to information. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an AI-powered chatbot prototype
in improving user interaction with academic library services. A mixed-methods approach was employed,
integrating quantitative data from structured Likert-scale questionnaires with qualitative insights from semi-
structured interviews. The study involved 120 respondents, including students, faculty, librarians, and ICT staff.
Quantitative analysis using SPSS revealed high user satisfaction, with strong ratings for chatbot accuracy, user-
friendliness, response time, and ease of access to academic materials. Regression analysis indicated that available
resources and existing technological infrastructure were significant, though modest, predictors of chatbot
effectiveness (R² = 0.082, p < 0.05). Qualitative findings highlighted the chatbot’s role in providing faster
responses, improving resource accessibility, and enhancing overall user experience, particularly for open and
distance e-learning (ODEL) students. However, participants suggested enhancements in personalization and
advanced natural language processing to deliver more tailored interactions. Overall, the findings demonstrate
the potential of AI chatbots to significantly improve academic library services and underscore the need for
continuous refinement and scalability to meet evolving user needs.