Reviewed Journal of Science & Technology

CYBER SECURITY MEASURES AND PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA IN PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA

STANLEY KIPKIRUI KOECH — 2026-02-19

In Kenya, government agencies face growing cyber-attack complexity as they quickly adopt digital systems for service delivery. Handling large amounts of sensitive data, such as biometric, financial, health, and identity info, increases their vulnerability. Kenya has enacted laws and policies like the Data Protection Act (2019) and the National Cyber security Strategy. Yet, government organizations find it hard to implement them. This paper reviews current cyber security practices in Kenyan public sector bodies. It evaluates the performance of government policies and laws. It also synthesizes recent research to find out how public institutions protect personal data. Based on existing policy papers, legal documents, institutional reports, and research papers, this study finds a gap between policy goals and actual practice. Despite relevant regulations, cyber security measures and their enforcement are underdeveloped and inconsistent, causing vulnerabilities and raising the risk of data breaches. The study suggests improvements to management and institutions to help grow cyber security and data protection in Kenya's public sector.

IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF KEY CHALLENGES HINDERING EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH) ACT 2007 IN MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

SILAS PETER KHASINDU — 2026-05-13

This study was an investigation into the factors hindering effective implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act 2007 in maritime training institutions in Mombasa County, Kenya Despite the existence of comprehensive occupational safety legislation, maritime training institutions continue to experience elevated workplace incidents and suboptimal employee performance. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a target population of 250 employees across four maritime training institutions. A sample of 152 respondents was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling based on Krejcie and Morgan's formula [1], yielding a response rate of 87.5% (n=133). Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that inadequate funding for OSH programs (Mean=4.21, SD=0.93), inconsistent access to personal protective equipment (Mean=4.12, SD=0.89), weak enforcement of safety policies (Mean=3.94, SD=1.19), and limited training on OSH provisions (Mean=3.87, SD=1.11) were the most significant implementation challenges. Compliance with OSH procedures enhanced employees' ability to work safely and efficiently (Mean=4.18, SD=0.92), while institutional commitment to safety demonstrated strong positive impact on job satisfaction and work output (Mean=4.17, SD=0.88). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between employee performance and implementation challenges (r=0.613, p<0.01), existing OSH practices (r=0.559, p<0.01), and institutional safety culture (r=0.647, p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that these three factors jointly explained 72.5% of the variance in employee performance (R²=0.725, F=79.42, p<0.001). The study concludes that resource constraints, weak enforcement mechanisms, and low management commitment significantly undermine OSH Act implementation, thereby affecting employee performance. Recommendations include increased budgetary allocation for OSH programs, regular training, consistent provision of PPE, strengthened safety culture, and enhanced leadership commitment to improve compliance and employee outcomes in maritime training institutions.

AVAILABILITY AND ADEQUACY OF ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES USED IN PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA

JOASH OKINYI — 2026-05-27

Pediatric critical care requires reliable access to essential medications, functional equipment, adequate supplies and dedicated care space. This article assessed the availability, adequacy and functionality of essential medications, equipment and supplies used in pediatric critical care in public hospitals in Siaya County, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design was used. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to healthcare professionals and facility-level personnel in eight public health facilities. The study targeted 60 respondents, and 57 complete responses were obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize Pediatric Intensive Care Unit space, availability and adequacy of equipment and supplies, functionality of equipment and availability of selected essential medicines. The findings showed that dedicated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit space was almost absent, with only one facility reporting availability of such space. Although some equipment was available, most respondents reported that it was inadequate or poorly functional. Basic medicines such as ceftriaxone, inotropes, antipyretics and oral rehydration salts were more consistently available, while specialized critical care medicines were less reliable.