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Gender Disparity and Diplomatic Service in Kenya: a Case Study of Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora affairs in Nairobi
(2026-06) Stephen Muthoka Ngala
The study sought to examine the Gender Distribution and Foreign Services at Kenya Diplomatic Service. The study objectives were; to analyze the effect of Male Representation on Foreign Services at Kenya Diplomatic Service, to examine the effect of Female Representation on Foreign Services at Kenya Diplomatic Service and to assess the effect of Gender Disparities on Foreign Services at Kenya Diplomatic Service. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design, chosen for its efficiency in gathering data from a large sample at a single time point. Additionally, a mixed-methods approach were employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This combination enabled a thorough investigation into the impact of Gender Distribution on Foreign Services at the Kenya Diplomatic Service. The target population was 140 participants and these included; Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya, Current and Former Diplomats, Officials Gender Equality and Women's Rights Organizations, Delegates from International Organizations (United Nations, regional bodies, and foreign embassies), Delegates from Kenya Diplomatic Corps, Kenya Diplomatic Service Union staff and Kenyan Citizens. Higher female representation in leadership is associated with improved decision-making, innovation, and overall diplomatic performance. This aligns with Rwanda’s experience, where policies promoting women in leadership have strengthened the country’s diplomatic effectiveness, with women holding 61% of parliamentary seats and occupying key roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Out of 140, 77 respondents were issued questionnaires and the remaining 26 were interviewed. The study findings reveal strong positive correlations between gender representation and disparities within the Kenya Diplomatic Service and their impacts on foreign services. For Male Representation and Foreign Services, a correlation coefficient of 0.885 (p < 0.01) signifies that as male diplomats' influence increases, there is a corresponding enhancement in policy direction, negotiations, and overall effectiveness in diplomatic missions. This underscores the significant role of male diplomats in shaping diplomatic outcomes and suggests that their presence influences decision-making and policy within the service. The study revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.760, p < 0.01) between gender promotion rates and the effectiveness of diplomatic services. Fair promotion practices that elevate qualified women contribute to diverse perspectives, better negotiation strategies, and enhanced organizational performance. New Zealand’s MFAT demonstrates this, with policies supporting female promotions resulting in women holding approximately 50% of leadership roles. The study concluded that the crucial role of male diplomats in shaping policy outcomes and operational effectiveness, underscoring the need for strategic initiatives to maintain gender balance and inclusivity in diplomatic roles. The study also recommended that, to address the strong positive correlation between male representation and foreign services effectiveness, it is crucial to implement policies that promote gender diversity at all levels of the diplomatic hierarchy. This includes actively recruiting and promoting qualified female diplomats to ensure a more balanced representation within leadership roles.
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Work Environment and Employees’ Performance in National Water and Sewage Corporation, Wakiso District-Uganda
(2026) Nakiriza Eunice
The study explored the relationship between the work environment and employees’ performance at the National Water and Sewage Corporation (NWSC) in Wakiso District, Uganda. Grounded in Goal-Setting Theory, the research aimed to assess how various factors such as performance feedback, job aids, and supervisor support impact employee performance. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data through surveys and interviews from a sample of 137 respondents out of a total of 208 employees and customers. Key findings revealed a strong positive correlation between performance feedback and employee performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.958 (p < 0.01). Approximately 48.2% of employees reported receiving regular feedback, but a neutral mean score of 3.23 indicated inconsistencies in its delivery. While 51.8% felt motivated to advance their skills through feedback, 36.6% disagreed, highlighting gaps in the feedback's motivational impact. Job aids were found to significantly enhance task performance, with a correlation coefficient of 0.721 (p < 0.01) and a mean score of 3.67, demonstrating their effectiveness in improving efficiency. Supervisor support also emerged as a critical factor influencing employee satisfaction and performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.953 (p < 0.01). Despite some employees feeling supported, many expressed concerns regarding supervisors' approachability and resource provision, signaling a need for improved support systems. The study emphasized the necessity of structured performance feedback, user-friendly job aids, and supportive supervisory practices to bolster employee performance at NWSC. The study recommended that NWSC management implement regular performance reviews and 360-degree feedback processes to ensure that feedback is timely and constructive. Additionally, enhancing the accessibility and relevance of job aids is crucial, along with providing comprehensive training programs for supervisors. This training should focus on interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to improve supervisory support. Establishing clear communication channels will further foster a supportive environment, ensuring employees feel valued and empowered. These initiatives are essential for creating a work environment that encourages employee engagement and ultimately enhances productivity at NWSC. The findings underscore the importance of structured performance feedback, effective job aids, and supportive leadership practices in driving employee performance. By focusing on these areas, NWSC can cultivate a motivated workforce aligned with organizational goals, leading to improved service delivery and overall performance in the water and sanitation sector
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MROP-Mesh versus Desarda technique for short-term surgical outcomes in open inguinal hernia repair at Kampala International University Teaching-Hospital: A randomized controlled trial
(Kampala International University, 2021-07) Lauben Amagara Kyomukama
Introduction: Surgical outcomes of open Inguinal hernia repairs dictate the best technique to use and tension free repair is the current standard of care. Mesh repair and Desarda techniques are tension free techniques and their outcomes are comparable. The dearth of data comparing affordable mesh and Desarda techniques limits choice in developing countries. This study compares short term surgical outcome of open inguinal hernia repair of MROP mesh with Desarda techniques. Methods: The study adopted a double blinded randomized clinical trial at KIUTH that followed up 66 Males aged 18-65 years with primary inguinal hernia who were recruited and randomly assigned to M-arm (32) and D-arm(34) for open inguinal hernia repair for 14 days for surgical outcomes. Data was recorded using a questionnaire and analysed by Stata 14 . The difference in mean operative time, pain scores-(VAS) and complications were compared using unpaired-student t-test, Fisher’s exact, Mann-whitney(U) and Kruskal-Wallis(H) tests as appropriate. The study was approved by KIU-REC-(Nr.UG-REC-023/202020), UNSCT (UNCST/RC1/94812205) and Clinical trial registry-(PACTR202105846681553). Results: The mean age of 66 males was 46±11 years, 4 years greater in M-arm and majority were illiterate (74.8%). There were risks of familial hernia (36.4%), smoking and alcohol (38%), moderate pain and average long duration of inguinal swelling of 83 months. The mean operative time (minutes) was longer for M-(M=60.78, SD=22.93) than D (M=51.44, SD =30.36) with a variance of 9.3 and p = 0.16 indicating no statistical significance between the two arms. There was moderate pain (D=2.86±0.4,𝑀 = 2.87 ± 0.4) for first two days and mild to no pain at day 7 and 14. while many had acute pain (D-arm 80%, M-arm 74%), 5% (M) had haematoma, scrotal swelling (D=6%, M=18%), and only 2 (3.0%) respondents had surgical site infection with majority 53-(D=49%, M=47%) returning to work by end of day 14 follow up. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in mean operative duration, pain, immediate and intermediate complications, and quality of life after hernioplasty between Desarda and Mesh repair. The null hypothesis of this study is henceforth accepted. Recommendation: Desarda-technique and MROP-mesh should be adopted as standard of care in hernia surgery in low-income countries.
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Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia among Pregnant Teenagers in the Third Trimester Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Western Uganda
(Kampala International University, 2021-11) Sadiq Mohamoud Hassan
Background: Globally, anemia is public health problem leading to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. An estimated 41.8% of pregnant women are diagnosed with anemia at some point in their gestation with special groups such as teenagers noted to be most affected. Aim: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant teenagers in the third trimester attending ANC at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Methods and Materials: This was a cross-sectional study done from August 2021 to October 2021. A total of 288 pregnant teenagers aged between 13 and 19 years attending ANC at HRRH were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and laboratory report forms were used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted. All data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS statistics version 23. Results: We enrolled 288 participants, (The prevalence of anemia was 26%; with 53% having mild anemia, 40% moderate anemia, and 7% severe anemia. The majority 40 (53.3%) had microcytic anemia, followed by normocytic anemia 25(33.3%) while 10(13.3%) had macrocytic anemia. The factors independently associated with anaemia among pregnant teenagers at the multivariate stage of analysis were uneducated level education (aOR=17.39, CI:4.655-64.988; p=<0.001), nulliparity (aOR=0.47, CI:0.225-0.989; p=0.047) and ANC visits < 4 (aOR=8.80, CI:2.888-26.811; p= <0.001). Conclusions and Recommendations: This study found that anemia prevalence among pregnant teenagers at HRRH was higher than the estimated national anemia prevalence in the reproductive age group. Microcytic anemia remains the most common morphological type affecting pregnant teenagers at HRRH. No formal education and poor ANC attendance is associated with increased risk of anemia among pregnant teenagers at HRRH while nulliparity was protective. There is a great need to strengthen ANC attendance for all pregnant teenagers by the health care authorities at all levels at the hospital, local area, district, and the MOH to reduce the risk of anemia among pregnant teenagers.
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Prevalence, Factors Associated and Susceptibility Profile of Group B Streptococcus Anogenital Colonization Among Third Trimester Antenatal Mothers at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital
(Kampala International University, 2021-11) Charles Muniu Kang’ethe
Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS), or Streptococcus agalactiae, are catalase negative gram-positive cocci which are recognized as part of the normal flora colonizing gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. It is a normal component of the normal vaginal bacterial microbiome, but pregnancy offers good conditions for GBS multiplication in the vagina, sometimes leading to serious complications to the newborn including pneumonia, sepsis and death. The mother may suffer from chorioamnionitis, endometritis, wound infection, sepsis and death. The biggest risk factor for invasive GBS infection is rectovaginal colonization whose worldwide prevalence stands at 5-30%. Locally, data is sparse concerning the prevalence, associated factors and antibiotic susceptibility profile of rectovaginal colonization in pregnant mothers with this lethal organism. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, factors associated and sensitivity profiles of anogenital GBS colonization among third trimester antenatal mothers at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH) Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the antenatal clinic and maternity ward of KIU-TH between August and October 2021. 348 women were recruited and rectovaginal samples taken. Culture for GBS was done and antibiotic susceptibility determined for positive cultures. Logistic regression was used to analyze data. Results: The prevalence of GBS colonization among third trimester mothers at KIU-TH was 10.1% (95%CI, 7.3-13.7%). In multivariable analysis, being overweight (aOR 2.5 95% CI 1.11-5.64, p=0.028) and having hypertensive disease in pregnancy (aOR 4.97 95% CI 1.03 24.06, p=0.046) were found to be independently significant. All isolates in this study were resistant to ampicillin 10µg, ceftriaxone 30 µg and cefazolin 30 µg. Only 1 isolate (2.86%) was sensitive to clindamycin 2 µg and 3(8.57%) to erythromycin 15 µg. 8 isolates (22.86%) were sensitive to penicillin G 10 µg, 12 isolates (34.29%) to vancomycin 30 µg, while the highest sensitivity;29 isolates (82.86%) was to imipenem 10 µg. Conclusions: GBS colonization in third trimester mothers at KIU-TH falls within the worldwide prevalence of 4-30%. Being overweight or having hypertensive disease in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of GBS colonization. Isolates show high resistance to antibiotics commonly used in pregnancy