http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/6 Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:20:01 GMT 2026-11-10T14:20:01Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19864 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN KENYAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES: ARE THEY PREPARED FOR THE SHIFT? AWARENESS, READINESS, AND EMERGING TRENDS AMONG LIBRARIANS Rahab Koech, Paul Kibet Maina, Faith Masinza Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming academic library services globally, requiring librarians to adapt to emerging technologies. This study examined Kenyan university librarians' awareness and readiness for AI integration in library services. The study used a descriptive survey design and targeted professional librarians at accredited public and private universities. Researchers collected data through online questionnaires distributed via librarians’ WhatsApp groups. Of the 63 universities targeted, 45 librarians responded, yielding a 71% response rate. Findings showed high AI awareness: 76% were aware of AI initiatives, 82% actively followed AI developments, and 78% were familiar with AI benefits. Additionally, 73% felt confident discussing AI-related issues. However, only 44% had attended AI-related training, highlighting a gap between awareness and practical preparedness. The study concludes that although librarians demonstrate positive attitudes toward AI, greater investment in training, infrastructure, and institutional support is needed to enhance AI readiness. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19864 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19863 Multivariate analysis of social and contextual drivers of gender-based violence among child survivors in South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya Orucho Justine Amadi, Erick Ater Onyango ,Crispinous Iteyo Gender-based violence (GBV) against children is shaped by interconnected social, economic, cultural, familial, and institutional conditions. Anchored in Feminist Theory, this study examined the social and contextual drivers of GBV among child survivors in South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. A quantitative explanatory research design was employed. Data were collected from 145 child survivors using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent-samples comparisons, binary logistic regression, and exploratory factor analysis were used to examine patterns, associations, predictors, and underlying dimensions of perceived GBV drivers. The findings showed significant gender differences in children’s perceptions of cultural norms and community beliefs as drivers of violence (χ² = 14.26, p = .006, V = .27), poverty and household substance use (χ² = 16.84, p = .002, V = .30), and gendered differences in harm (χ² = 18.22, p = .001, V = .32). Girls reported significantly higher perceptions of cultural and socioeconomic drivers than boys. Logistic regression further showed that gender and socioeconomic status significantly predicted higher perceptions of GBV drivers. Girls had higher odds of reporting high perceived severity (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.11, 2.08], p = .012), while children from low socioeconomic households had higher odds (OR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.15, 2.30], p = .008). Exploratory factor analysis identified structural-cultural and family-context dimensions. The study recommends strengthening gender-responsive child protection, addressing harmful gender norms, and integrating household socioeconomic support and community-based prevention into GBV interventions targeting children. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19863 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19862 Lived realities of gender-based violence among child survivors in South Mugirango sub-county, Kisii county, Kenya Orucho Justine Amadi, Erick Ater Onyango, Crispinous Iteyo Gender-based violence (GBV) against children remains a major global and local concern with serious implications for child protection, human rights, and social development. Although existing studies have largely focused on prevalence and determinants, less attention has been given to how child survivors experience and interpret violence within their everyday lives. This study examines the lived realities of GBV among child survivors in South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya, with focus on patterns of occurrence, reporting practices, and coping responses. The study was anchored in a phenomenological orientation within a quantitative-dominant explanatory design, allowing integration of statistical patterns with survivors’ lived experiences. The study targeted 1,534 reported child survivors of GBV, 1,030 parents or guardians, and actors within the child protection system. A proportionate sample of 154 child survivors was derived using Cochran’s formula, alongside 103 parents or guardians. The study further included 2 Sub-County Children Officers, 2 Probation Officers, 4 Gender Desk Police Officers, 1 Deputy County Commissioner, 2 Chiefs, 3 Assistant Chiefs, 13 Clan Elders, 3 Social Workers, 3 Community Health Promoters, 3 Child Protection Volunteers, and 3 Kenya Children’s Assembly (KCA) officials. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews and open-ended responses and analyzed thematically to capture how children perceive and respond to violence. Findings show a high prevalence of GBV, with children reporting moderate to high exposure (M = 3.95), indicating that violence is a common part of their daily environments. Many cases are handled informally (M = 3.65), contributing to under-reporting. Gender differences were evident, with girls more exposed to sexual and emotional violence, while boys experienced more physical and peer-related violence. Survivors reported coping through silence, avoidance, and peer support, influenced by fear, stigma, and low trust in formal systems. The study concludes that GBV among child survivors follows recognizable patterns shaped by social and environmental conditions. It recommends strengthening reporting systems, enhancing community awareness, and promoting child-centered interventions. The study contributes to social work by informing policy and practice using evidence grounded in survivors’ experiences. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19862 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19861 Gendered differences in the experience and perception of gender-based violence among child survivors in south Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya Orucho Justine Amadi, Erick Ater Onyango, Crispinous Iteyo Gender-based violence (GBV) against children remains a significant child protection concern, yet gender differences in children’s experiences and perceptions of violence are not always sufficiently examined at localized levels. This study examined gendered differences in the experience and perception of GBV among child survivors in South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. Guided by Feminist Theory, the study employed a quantitative explanatory research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 145 child survivors and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), binary logistic regression, and exploratory factor analysis were applied. Chi-square results showed significant associations between gender and perceived threats or harm (χ² = 12.02, p = .017), reported experiences of sexual, physical, or psychological abuse (χ² = 15.27, p = .004), and awareness of non-reporting or informal handling of GBV incidents (χ² = 10.62, p = .031). ANOVA further showed significant gender differences in perceptions of GBV prevalence (p = .013) and threats or harm (p = .043), with girls reporting higher mean scores. Logistic regression indicated that girls had higher odds of perceiving GBV as severe (OR = 1.42, p = .014), while low socioeconomic status was also significant (OR = 1.55, p = .012). Factor analysis identified two dimensions: prevalence and abuse, and reporting culture. The study concludes that gender and socioeconomic conditions shape children’s experiences and perceptions of GBV, underscoring the need for gender-responsive and context-specific child protection interventions. Recommendations include strengthening gender-responsive prevention, reporting, and support mechanisms within schools, households, and community child-protection systems. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19861 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z