Low and middle-income countries have extended state sponsored Social Health Insurance (SHI) to people outside the formal sector to enhance access to healthcare. However, in spite of the relatively low costs of signing up and the benefits offered by SHIs, uptake rates are very low among the informal sector populations. The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting participation of people in the informal sector in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme in Kakamega County, Kenya. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kakamega County in Western Kenya. The study employed a mixed methods designs approach. In the first phase of the study, 400 participants were recruited using both probability and non-probability sampling methods; 400 persons engaged in informal sector activities were recruited through random sampling. In the second phase of the study, 24 key informants and 5 groups consisting of 8-12 persons were purposively selected for in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions respectively. The study established that people in the informal sector with higher income (> Kshs.10, 000) are more likely to enroll (odds ratio 2.21 with 95% CI: 1.07 to 4.03) compared to those with low incomes and similarly, higher level of education was significantly associated with enrolment in NHIF scheme (odds ratio 31.07 with 95% CI: 17.19 to 87.94). Rigid scheme design features create difficulties for people in informal sector to participate. In conclusion, policy decisions should focus on interventions directed at educating poor populations, people with low educational levels and those working outside formal employments on the benefits of subscribing to the NHIF scheme in Kenya. The study recommends subsidies or waivers to increase affordability of participation in the NHIF scheme, particularly for people with low monthly incomes.

Social Health Insurance (SHI) has been preferred form of financing health care to reduce out of pocket expenditure on health care. Most countries are extending SHI programmes to people outside the formal sector in an effort to increase access to healthcare. However, this approach faces challenges of enrolment of sufficient numbers of people into a common risk pool and collection of contributions. The objective of this study was to evaluate strategies to enhance participation of people in the informal sector in Kakamega County in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Scheme for access to health care. This was a descriptive qualitative study with sample units purposively selected. Ten Focus Group Discussions were conducted and several Key informants interviewed. Data obtained was scrutinized for emerging themes. The study established that people in the informal sector in Kakamega County were aware of the value of the NHIF cover for accessing health care but lack accurate information on the insurance function of the NHIF cover. Rigid scheme design features also discourage subscription. Major recommendations included policy review of rigid scheme conditions, making the scheme attractive and increasing registration centers. Policy decisions should focus on educating people working outside formal employments on insurance functions of the NHIF cover.

The purpose of this study was to assess levels of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection of community members of Navakholo in Western Kenya. This was a cross-sectional study that used quantitative data collection methods. Three hundred and eighty four (384) Household Heads randomly selected from the study area were interviewed using a questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS computer software program Version 18. ANOVA was used to check for probable differences between core variables of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, and perceptions against gender, education and age. Study findings revealed that the level of knowledge was high (92% of the respondents had high levels of knowledge, although some gaps in knowledge and misconceptions about HIV infection and AIDS were also evident). Attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection were varied with 34% of the respondents displaying stigmatizing attitudes. The study concluded that gaps in knowledge, misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission as well as negative attitudes are an impediment to the community's efforts to control the spread of AIDS. The study recommends intensive HIV/AIDS education to members of the community to fill the gaps in knowledge and to correct the misconceptions noted. The education should be tailored to help improve on attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection.

Women are still underrepresented in positions of political leadership despite making up half of the world’s population. Numerous conventions, protocols, and international agreements exist for gender mainstreaming, along with advancements in tactics to boost women’s political engagement, but all must demonstrate their efficacy in achieving gender parity in political representation. The state of affairs is especially appalling in developing nations. The lack of equal representation of women in leadership positions creates deeper, non-gender-based disparities that prevent women from participating in decision-making, participating in governance, and devising policies that address women’s issues. Kenya has made efforts to establish gender equity in political leadership, although little progress has been made.This study sought toexaminehowselected contextual factors influence women’s participation in political leadership in Kakamega County in Kenya.The study adopted a cross-cultural study design with a mixed methods approach.Structured Questionnaires were used to collect data from 160 respondents randomly selected from the study area. 16 key informants purposively selected for the study were also interviewed using Key informant interview guides. The data collection tools were pretested in Bungoma County and a reliability coefficient (r) of 0.78 attained. Quantitative data obtained was analyzed using the Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 23. Both descriptive statistics (means, modes, medians, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Chi-Square and ANOVA) were used to analyze the data.Qualitative data obtained was analyzed thematically. The results revealed that the predominant patriarchal culture and the electoral system were un favorable to women in electoral politics and attainment of political leadership. Additionally, unfriendly rules at formal institutions of Political parties, limited access to financial resources for political campaigns for women political aspirants, biases in the selection processes from political party candidatesand the media were all an impediment for women political aspirants. The study recommends that the government and civil society launch civic education campaigns emphasizing the importance of women’s participation in political leadership and representation. The government and civil society organizations should also organize tailored training and capacity building for female candidates on effective strategies for raising funds, as well as effective ways to use those funds. The media professionals should also be sensitized on the importance of equality in media coverage, as well as the need to portray women as capable leaders. Finally, the government should enforce electoral laws governing political violence, campaign spending limits, and the conduct of political parties.

The purpose of this study was to assess levels of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection of community members of Navakholo in Western Kenya. This was a cross-sectional study that used quantitative data collection methods. Three hundred and eighty four (384) Household Heads randomly selected from the study area were interviewed using a questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS computer software program Version 18. ANOVA was used to check for probable differences between core variables of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, and perceptions against gender, education and age. Study findings revealed that the level of knowledge was high (92% of the respondents had high levels of knowledge, although some gaps in knowledge and misconceptions about HIV infection and AIDS were also evident). Attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection were varied with 34% of the respondents displaying stigmatizing attitudes. The study concluded that gaps in knowledge, misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission as well as negative attitudes are an impediment to the community's efforts to control the spread of AIDS. The study recommends intensive HIV/AIDS education to members of the community to fill the gaps in knowledge and to correct the misconceptions noted. The education should be tailored to help improve on attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection.