Policy Briefs

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Teaching language and literacy in Grade R: The value of oral storytelling.
(Wordworks, 2024) O'Carroll, Shelley
The low early grade reading levels of South African children have been well documented (Van Staden & Gustafsson, 2022), and recent PIRLS results highlight challenges with reading comprehension at Grade 4 level. Recent research indicates that these reading challenges begin long before Grade 4. Many children are not acquiring alphabet knowledge early in their reading trajectory, and these children are more likely to struggle with reading fluency and comprehension in later years (Wills, Ardington & Sebaeng, 2022). In addition, we know that reading comprehension has a strong base in oral language which develops from the earliest years of a child’s life (Dickinson & Tabors, 2001; O’Carroll & Hickman, 2012; Snow, Burns & Griffin, 1998). Although young children are too young to read, “reading comprehension has an oral language complement, and oral language can be addressed at very early ages before children can read” (Spencer, Weddle, Petersen & Adams, 2017, p. 2). Drawing on research and best practice for teaching young children, this paper highlights the key principles that underpinned the development of materials to strengthen oral language teaching in Grade R. These materials were developed as part of a story-based Home Language programme for the Gauteng Grade R Language Improvement Project, a provincial teacher training programme targeting all Grade R teachers in public ordinary schools, special needs schools and registered ECD centres in Gauteng. This materials-development project provided a unique opportunity to develop an affordable, open-source, evidence-based programme for South African children and their teachers in the 11 official South African languages. The development team needed to ensure that the teaching and assessment activities for the project were curriculum aligned and covered the content in the CAPS Home Language for Grade R.
Teaching language and literacy in Grade R: A focus on letters and sounds within a story-based programme
(Wordworks, 2023) O'Carroll, Shelley
The low early grade reading levels of South African children are well documented (Van Staden & Gustafsson, 2022). Recent PIRLS results highlight challenges with reading comprehension at Grade 4 level, but studies also show that many children are not acquiring alphabet knowledge earlier in their reading trajectory, and that these children are more likely to struggle with reading fluency and comprehension in later years (Wills, Ardington & Sebaeng, 2022). But why is learning about letters and the sounds they make proving to be such a difficult task for the majority of children in South Africa? When is the optimal time to be learning about letters and would it make a difference if alphabet knowledge had a stronger focus in Grade R? Local and international research is clear: letter–sound knowledge is critical for learning to read and write in an alphabetic language (Snow, Burns & Griffin, 1998; Castles, Rastle & Nation, 2018). What remains controversial is when and how best to support children to learn about letters and the sounds they make. Drawing on research and best practice for teaching young children, this paper highlights the key principles that underpinned the development of materials to teach letter–sound knowledge in Grade R. These materials were developed as part of a story-based Home Language programme for the Gauteng Grade R Language Improvement Project, a provincial teacher training programme targeting all Grade R teachers in public ordinary schools, special needs schools and registered ECD centres in Gauteng.
Nurturing Rural Resilience: Coping Strategies and Collaborative Initiatives in South Africa’s COVID-19 Response
(2023) Okem, Andrew Emmanuel; Mubangizi, Betty Claire; Adekanla, N.,; John, S. F.
The susceptibility of rural areas to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic is readily apparent, particularly given the pre-existing conditions of poverty and resource limitations within these communities. Consequently, rural populations confront considerable adversity amid the pandemic. The capacity of these communities to withstand such challenges hinges upon their adeptness in managing the resultant impacts. This policy brief emanates from a research inquiry conducted within two distinct local municipalities in South Africa, namely Matatiele and Winnie Madikizela Mandela (WMM). It delineates the coping mechanisms employed by these municipalities to contend with the exigencies imposed by the COVID-19 crisis. Notably, strategies encompassing the mitigation of food insecurity, the diversification of income streams, the enhancement of emotional well-being, and the curtailment of expenditures assume primacy among individuals endeavouring to secure alternative means of sustenance. This observation underscores the fundamental role of coping strategies, often centred around the satisfaction of elemental requisites such as income generation and food provision. To fortify these communities against potential disruptions, cultivating resilient local institutions and implementing efficacious collaborative endeavours emerge as indispensable. Such measures empower communities to identify and adopt alternative livelihoods, concurrently facilitating the establishment of a supportive infrastructural framework.
Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Health Workers in Malawi (Policy Brief)
(2024) Kainja, Jimmy; Maliwichi, Limbika; Kondowe, Fiskani; M'manga, Chilungamo; Nyamali, Simunye; Mchenga, Martina; Ndasauka, Yamikani
Mental health or psychological well-being is integral to an individual's capacity to lead a fulfilling life, including forming and maintaining relationships, studying, working, or pursuing leisure interests and making day-to-day decisions about these issues. Disturbances to a person's mental well-being can adversely compromise their capacity to make the right choices, leading to diminished functioning at the individual level and broader welfare losses for one's household and society. A recent analysis by the World Economic Forum estimated that the cumulative global impact of mental disorders in terms of lost economic output would amount to US$ 16 trillion over the next 20 years. The estimate marks mental health as a significant concern for public health, economic development, and societal welfare. The current study by Covid-19 and Mental Health in Malawi project has also highlighted the importance of mental health and the effects of neglecting it.
Effect of Covid-19 on Mental Health of Adolescents in Malawi (Policy Brief)
(2024) Kainja, Jimmy; M'manga, Chilungamo; Maliwichi, Limbika; Kondowe, Fiskani; Nyamali, Simunye; Mchenga, Martina; Ndasauka, Yamikani
COVID-19 has profoundly affected life as COVID-19 measures requiring social isolation, movement restrictions, and economic shutdowns change the psychosocial environment worldwide. These measures can significantly threaten the mental health of children and adolescents, especially as the closure of schools meant minimal social contact and out-of-home leisure activities for adolescents. School routines are essential coping mechanisms for young people with mental health issues. When schools are closed, they lose an anchor in life, and their symptoms could relapse. Although others turned to home school with the support of their parents, the challenge was that parents were also required to work from home. The COVID-19 mitigating measures mean the absence of external support by other family members, and social support systems have fallen away. Besides worry and anxiety related to COVID-19, the economic situation has worsened with high and rising levels of unemployment worldwide. These factors have put much pressure on children, adolescents and their families, resulting in distress, mental health problems and violence. For some children with depression, there will be considerable difficulties adjusting to everyday life when school resumes. (Lancet, 2020). The Covid-19 and Mental Health in Malawi project conducted a study to assess the effects of Covid-19 on adolescents' mental health in the country. Specifically, the study looked at Covid-19-related depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study used quantitative and qualitative methods. It collected quantitative data through a survey (n=320) and qualitative data through focus group discussions (n-4), and key informant interviews (n=12) with guardians and caregivers of adolescents in Malawi. The data were collected from four districts: Blantyre, Mangochi, Lilongwe and Karonga.
COVID-19 and Domestic Violence against Men in Kenya: Issues and Policy Directions
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Ondicho, Tom; Mwanyuli, Sharon
Since the outbreak of COVID- 19 in Wuhan, China in December 2019, multiple media outlets around the world have reported an increase in the rates of domestic violence (DV). In part, this is the result of the stringent measures imposed by governments to reduce the spread of this deadly disease. Factors associated with DV have been exacerbated by the effects of restricted movements, increased time spent at home, financial hardships, increased parental stress, and rising unemployment linked to COVID-19. DV is defined in Kenya’s Protection Against Domestic Violence (PADV) Act 2015, as ‘any form of violence against a person, or threat of violence or of imminent danger to that person, by any other person with whom that person is, or has been, in a domestic relationship’. DV can manifest socially, psychologically, physically, sexually, emotionally, and financially (Obegi et al, 2017; Mangare et al, 2018). While DV affects both genders, more is known about male-perpetrated than female-perpetrated DV, and it is not clear whether what is known about male violence also holds true for female violence. Preliminary and anecdotal evidence suggests that domestic violence against men (DVAM) in Kenya has been on the increase in recent times (MAWE, 2017). While the true levels remain unknown, recent media reports show a significant increase in DVAM since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
System Approach and Implementation of the Education Programme in Kenya
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Mwaura, John; Gikonyo, Naomi; Kanjugu, John
Education policy in Kenya, has been under review through various commissions since independence. Nevertheless, none of these attempts have provided a panacea to issues and challenges facing the education system. Sessional Paper Number 1 of 2005, recommended a Sectoral Wide Approach Planning, focusing on access, equity, quality, retention, and completion rates both at the primary and secondary level of education (MOEST, 2005). Though the approach is referred to as sectoral-wide, the policies focused more on two levels of education, disregarding early childhood and university.
The Future to Conservation of Ramsar Sites: Environmental Education And Awareness
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Shah, Parita; Atisa, George
Kenya signed the Ramsar Convention on October 5, 1990, and ratified it on June 5, 1991. Today, Kenya has six Ramsar sites, namely Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, Baringo, Bogoria, Elementaita and River Tana. To successfully implement the RC goals, the country has developed several legal frameworks and policies that are designed to create awareness and educate communities on the value of protecting wetlands. These include the Wetlands Conservation and Management Policy (GoK, 2015), Wetlands Conservation and Management Act (GoK, 2013b), Environment Policy (GoK, 2013a), Sessional Paper No. 6 on Environment and Development (GoK, 1999), the National Constitution of Kenya (GoK, 2010) and the Environmental Management and Coordination (Conservation and Management of Wetlands) Amendment Regulations (GoK, 2017). By 2012, when CoP 12 was held in Romania, Kenya had developed a national plan, including sub-national plans, basin-level plans and site-related plans, in line with the CEPA programme.
Enhancing Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among the Youth
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Maina, Angela; Mwangi, Naomi
Mbagathi District Hospital in Nairobi has approximately 300 youth (15- 24yrs) on ART. Viral load suppression for this group was 63 percent for the year 2016. Between 2016 and 2017, 40 percent of the youth initiated on care were lost to follow-up. The youth do not feel free to share their issues with clinicians and counsellors who are much older than them for fear of being condemned. Similarly, the counselling approach used is ‘old school’ and fails to attract the youth who would prefer interactive modern sessions that are more appealing to them (MacCarthy et al., 2018). The youth also lack peer mentors/counsellors and exposure to peer advocacy campaigns to encourage them in their journey towards viral suppression. Ignorance and poor attitude to ART also contribute to non-adherence as well as a lack of disclosure of their HIV status to their families and friends.
Mitigating Engineering Profession Regulatory Gaps
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Ndiba, Peter
Regulation of the engineering profession is critical in developing and safeguarding the nation’s infrastructural systems. The regulation of engineering education through separate legal provisions of both the Commission for University Education (CUE) and Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) resulted in uncoordinated and sometimes contradicting directives. The attempt by the University (Amendment) Act No. 48 2016, which was upheld by the High Court ruling of 2020, to resolve the duality by vesting the mandate for accreditation of programmes on CUE has created gaps in the regulation of the engineering profession. This policy brief traces regulation of university education in Kenya, identifies the regulatory gaps and suggests mitigation measures.
Cowpea Leaves: Feasible Solutions to Overcome Seasonal Availability
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Owade, Joshua; Abong', George; Okoth, Michael; Mwangombe, Agnes
Cowpea leaves (Figure 1) is the most produced ALV in the country and has been promoted as a food security crop due to its rich micronutrient content (Owade et al., 2020). However, seasonal availability of the crop constrains its extensive utilization. Moreover, during the long and short rains in ASALs, the vegetables is in abundance but this is followed by scarcity in the off-season. The leafy vegetable has been promoted over the grains of the crop as a cheap alternative source of micronutrients (Mamiro et al., 2011). Value addition of fresh produce is deployed for product diversification and postharvest management of produce. Without postharvest management, Gogo et al. (2017), reports economic losses of 12.6–34.4%, further limiting vegetable availability for household utilization and commercialization. Policy gaps with regards to cowpea leaves in the country are evident due to limited policy focus of this value chain as there is limited documentation of the postharvest losses of any vegetable in the African Postharvest Losses Information System.
Improvement of Coconut Production in Kenyan Coast for Income Generation
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Oyoo, Maurice
The potential value of the coconut sub-sector is estimated at US$180.6 million. But the actual value is only 25 percent of that (US$44.5 million) annually and consists of nuts (mature and immature-madafu) accounting for about 24 percent, coconut wine (60 percent), Makuti roofing materials (12 percent), brooms (3.3 percent) and coconut wood (1 percent). The low level of productivity is due to old and unproductive orchards – the East African Talls (EAT) with no designed improvement programme since they were introduced in Kenya, inadequate quality planting material, lack of fast means of generating clean planting materials, unavailability of improved varieties and a general lack of value addition (Muhammed et al., 2013). Slow growth and long pre-breeding period of palm is also a factor (Rajesh et al., 2008).
Using Flexible Loans to Improve Access to Credit for Farmers in Kenya
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Onyango, Fredrick; Upadhyaya, Radha
ending to the agricultural sector in Kenya is low. According to a report by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), only four percent of commercial banks’ lending goes into agriculture (KBA, 2018). Most of these loans go to large farmers as smallholder farmers are unable to meet banks’ requirements as well as the stringent repayment terms demanded by banks. Thus, smallholder farmers have to rely on other sources of finance for farm financing. As Kenya seeks to achieve the food security goal as enshrined in Vision 2030, it is increasingly important to finance smallholder farmers in order to improve agricultural production and productivity and transform the rural economies. Given that farmers do not have regular incomes, making regular repayments from agriculture is untenable. Some lenders, especially microfinance lenders, have designed loan products that offer farmers some flexibility in repayment. Such loans mostly contain features such as grace periods and flexible repayment schedules. Other features include bullet/balloon payments, loan refinancing, loan rescheduling, and credit lines. Flexible loans are expected to be attractive to farmers given that they usually match the cash flows of farmers. Thus, access to credit is expected to improve when loan products are designed with flexible terms. This has been a subject of debate among scholars.
Role of Fintech in Enhancing Credit Usage Among the Un(der)-Banked
(Academia Kenya, 2021-07) Ntwiga, Davis
The un(der)-banked lack financial histories and financial strength to be attractive to financial institutions, and this limits their ability to access credit. In 2015, around 36.1 percent of Kenyans were classified as poor. Access to micro- credit loans through financial technology (Fintech) can promote individual outcomes while contributing to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (Hove and Dubus, 2019). Some of the un(der)-banked perceive technology to be risky and not easy to use. A study in 2016 found that M-Pesa had lifted 2 percent of Kenyans out of poverty and reduced the unbanked population (Hove and Dubus, 2019). A Financial Access Household Survey in 2016 noted that individuals seek financial products that cater to their small and inconsistent incomes, offer better tools for managing day to day transactions and risks, while supporting them to face major life transitions (FSD, 2016). This profile of consumers requires an innovative approach, for example, through the use of big data and artificial intelligence deployed by Fintech firms, to cater for their lack of financial histories in the credit lending process. The availability of soft information means that Fintech can cater for this market gap to further enhance financial inclusion if vibrant, competitive and sound credit market practices are introduced and enforced.
Transformational Leadership in Adopting Online Learning
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Gikonyo, Naomi; Ndiritu, Anne
More than 1.725 billion learners across the globe are currently affected due to the closure of their learning institutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (UNICEF June 2020). Over 98% of the world's student population have found themselves out of school due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This population includes university students who were aspiring to complete their academic years. Schools and colleges are making every effort to ensure that teaching and learning are going on even during lockdown occasioned by COVID-19. Examples of postponed examinations include Cambridge International Examination and Kenya National Examinations. The closure of learning institutions has impacted not only the students but also the teachers and school leaders. In response to school closures, the use of online, e-learning and distance learning platforms have remained a key option available for the continuation of learning. Until the COVID-19 pandemic threatened university education, adoption of distance education and in particular, online learning in public universities in Kenya, has been very slow. Online learning provides access to higher education without physical contact in response to the COVID- 19 crisis.
Oxygen Access and Affordability in Health Facilities in Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Ogot, Madara; Ayah, Richard; Muriuki, Rita; Nyangaya, James
Medical Oxygen can represent a significant cost to hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Contributors to the high cost include logistical challenges in transporting oxygen that also lead to intermittent availability. The high oxygen cost to the patient can limit use or lead to early discharge. Even where oxygen is in government health facilities and hospitals, its high cost often leads to periods of unavailability. Oxygen concentrators are portable devices that remove nitrogen from the air and are able to produce oxygen at concentrations of 85%-95%. Although the use of concentrators could solve the supply chain problems of oxygen cylinders, concentrators come with their own host of challenges. These include the need for a continuous, reliable supply of electricity (often not available in LMICs), a robust system for monitoring, maintenance and repair, and a clinical staff trained in their use.
Managing Fragmentation of Agricultural Land for Livelihood Security in Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Mugo, Fridah; Ndegwa, Elijah; Mwangi, Isaac
Kenya’s rural population. As the population increases, per capita land available for farming reduces as more land is used for homesteads. This threatens the livelihood of those who depend on agriculture. Kenya's population has increased from 10.9 million in 1969 to 47.6 million in 2019 (KNBS, 2019). As a result, arable land per person has reduced by 71.4% from 0.42 ha. (1.04 acres) in 1961 to 0.12 ha (0.30 acres) in 2016, and the trend is continuing (World Bank, 2020). The free- hold land tenure system that allows landowners to utilize their land without user and use restriction, sub-division of land for inheritance among heirs, scattered patterns of rural settlement that rests on inefficient utilization of the land resource and unplanned agricultural production are worsening human problems from land fragmentation. Overall, these are a threat to food and livelihood security. Fragmentation of agricultural land is associated with the decline of production in the sector. This study examined the relationship between the inter-generational subdivision of agricultural land and its impacts on food and livelihood security in fifteen rural farming sub- locations covering eight counties: Kisii, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tranzoia, Nyandarua, Machakos and Makueni.
Integrated Social Safety Nets: Building Community Resilience for Sustainable Food Security
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Ekiru, Mark; Mulwa, Angeline; Kyalo, Dorothy
In Kenya, several social safety net programmes have been initiated to support lives and livelihoods and to enhance resilience to shocks. The existing social safety net programmes in the Country include the Hunger Safety Net Programme, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Cash Transfer, Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme, People Living with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer Programme, and the Urban Food Subsidy Cash Transfer Programme (NGEC, 2014). These are per Article 21 of the Constitution of Kenya, which puts forward that it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that the economic and social rights of citizens are met (Constitution of Kenya, 2010). Government ownership of social safety net initiatives has shown some hope for the implementation of the programmes. However, the sustainability of the programmes is a major worry due to their dependence on donors' funding and technical support (Barrientos and Hume, 2009). Despite the approval of the National Social Protection Policy in 2011, Kenya has continued to record a high incidence of poverty coupled with food insecurity and malnutrition, made worse by disasters and stresses (Ministry of State for Planning and National Development, 2012). The purpose of this study, therefore, focused on the current social safety nets in Turkana County, primarily on the use of cash transfer programmes and its role in community resilience and food security. Turkana County is among the semi-arid lands of Kenya prone to drought and suffers from historical marginalization, struggling with weak infrastructure as well as high rates of illiteracy (OPM 2011). The County is among the four ASAL counties where the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) was piloted as a viable solution to the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition in the longer term.
Enhancing Our Care for the Urban Air We Breathe
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Muthama, Nzoika
Living in a city or a metropolitan area is a great promotion for human well-being, given its convenient mode of life and efficient way of working. This is so for Kenyan cities, Nairobi included. However, concerns are emerging from residents and scientists that the unprecedented development of cities has caused a range of environmental problems and exerts huge pressure on natural ecosystems that we rely on (UNEP, 2016; Asian Coalition for Housing Rights 2004; Muthama, 2019a). Several parts of Kenyan cities continue to experience overwhelming solid waste challenges and air pollution impacts among other environmental concerns. The 2017 Kenya Economic Survey estimated that 19.9 million Kenyans, representing 38.3% of the population, suffered from respiratory ailments that are exacerbated by poor air quality. The 2019 Kenya Economic Survey estimated that 21.8 million Kenyan, representing 39.3% of Kenyans, suffered from the respiratory ailment, indicating a 1% increase of the ailments at the national level. This is a pointer that the air pollution problem may be increasing.
COVID-19 Impacts on Water Burden among Households in Turkana
(University of Nairobi, 2021-01) Ong'ech, Denis; Olago, Daniel; Dulo, Simeon; Opondo, Maggie; Ouma, Gilbert; Mumma, Albert; Hope, Robert; Charles, Katrina
Following confirmation of the first case of the novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Kenya in March 2020, the Government issued an advisory in ensuring high standards of hygiene through regular handwashing using soap and water. A national protocol on COVID- 19 was launched, which among others, underscored handwashing and high levels of hygiene maintenance. These required an increased household water demand that caused elevated household water bills, leaving poor households vulnerable to water insecurity. The pandemic has severely modified the patterns and behaviour of the economy of water (Vammen and Guillen, 2020). Water service providers (WSPs) have also been adversely affected. The Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company (LOWASCO), for instance, finds it hard to effectively supply clean water due to decreased revenues from non-payment (LOWASCO official, pers. comm.). With the government's directive that WSPs should not disconnect water supply for 3 months (March-May 2020) including households in default, WSPs faced challenges in meeting some of their operational costs such as power bills and staff wages (Senkwe and Gakubia, 2020). The directive is far from adequate, largely temporary, and unsustainable (Senkwe and Gakubia, 2020).

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