2020 IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC)
Globally, mobile technology plays a significant role connecting and supporting people with disabi... more Globally, mobile technology plays a significant role connecting and supporting people with disabilities. However, there has been limited research focused on understanding the impact of mobile technology in the lives of persons with disabilities in low or middle-income countries. This paper presents the findings of a participatory photovoice study looking at the role that mobile phones play in the daily lives of 16 persons with disabilities in Kenya and Bangladesh. Participants used a combination of pictures and voice recordings to capture their own stories and illustrate the impact that mobile phone use has on their lives. Through thematic analysis, we categorized the benefits of mobile phones captured by participants as 1) Improved social connection; 2) Increased independence and 3) Access to opportunities. While mobile phones are ubiquitously used for communication, for persons with disabilities they become essential assistive technologies that bridge barriers to opportunities which are not accessible otherwise. Our paper adds evidence to the need for mobile phones for persons with disabilities to enable communication and connectivity in support of development.
Capital structure is an important aspect of financial management however the influence of macroec... more Capital structure is an important aspect of financial management however the influence of macroeconomic factors in the determination of capital structure is to some extent underresearched. This article analyzes the influence of the macro economic factors on the capital structure of selected listed companies in Kenya. The article through analytical and descriptive research design aimed at determining the magnitude and the direction of the relationship between selected macroeconomic variables on corporate capital structure of listed companies in Kenya. An econometric model of multiple linear regressions was used where leverage (debt ratios) was regressed against GDP growth rate, inflation and interest rate. The study revealed that indeed macro economic factors have pronounced influence on the capital structure of the listed companies. GDP growth rate was found to have a positive influence on long term debt ratio and a negative influence on total debt ratio and short term debt ratio. Inflation on the other hand had a negative influence on the short term debts while interest rates as measured by the treasury bills have a positive influence on the long term debt ratio and total debt ratio and a negative influence on the short term debt ratio.
DESCRIPTION In Kenya there have been sporadic calls for tougher laws against sexual minorities wh... more DESCRIPTION In Kenya there have been sporadic calls for tougher laws against sexual minorities which culminated with a parliamentary question on the implementation of existing anti-gay laws in April 2014, as well as a draft anti-homosexuality law by the Republican Liberty Party. This document discusses the economic risks Kenya would incur if it were to enact Uganda-like anti-gay laws. The use of economic language is quite suitable because it can be measured, valued and financial costs apportioned accordingly.
2020 IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC)
Globally, mobile technology plays a significant role connecting and supporting people with disabi... more Globally, mobile technology plays a significant role connecting and supporting people with disabilities. However, there has been limited research focused on understanding the impact of mobile technology in the lives of persons with disabilities in low or middle-income countries. This paper presents the findings of a participatory photovoice study looking at the role that mobile phones play in the daily lives of 16 persons with disabilities in Kenya and Bangladesh. Participants used a combination of pictures and voice recordings to capture their own stories and illustrate the impact that mobile phone use has on their lives. Through thematic analysis, we categorized the benefits of mobile phones captured by participants as 1) Improved social connection; 2) Increased independence and 3) Access to opportunities. While mobile phones are ubiquitously used for communication, for persons with disabilities they become essential assistive technologies that bridge barriers to opportunities which are not accessible otherwise. Our paper adds evidence to the need for mobile phones for persons with disabilities to enable communication and connectivity in support of development.
Capital structure is an important aspect of financial management however the influence of macroec... more Capital structure is an important aspect of financial management however the influence of macroeconomic factors in the determination of capital structure is to some extent underresearched. This article analyzes the influence of the macro economic factors on the capital structure of selected listed companies in Kenya. The article through analytical and descriptive research design aimed at determining the magnitude and the direction of the relationship between selected macroeconomic variables on corporate capital structure of listed companies in Kenya. An econometric model of multiple linear regressions was used where leverage (debt ratios) was regressed against GDP growth rate, inflation and interest rate. The study revealed that indeed macro economic factors have pronounced influence on the capital structure of the listed companies. GDP growth rate was found to have a positive influence on long term debt ratio and a negative influence on total debt ratio and short term debt ratio. Inflation on the other hand had a negative influence on the short term debts while interest rates as measured by the treasury bills have a positive influence on the long term debt ratio and total debt ratio and a negative influence on the short term debt ratio.
DESCRIPTION In Kenya there have been sporadic calls for tougher laws against sexual minorities wh... more DESCRIPTION In Kenya there have been sporadic calls for tougher laws against sexual minorities which culminated with a parliamentary question on the implementation of existing anti-gay laws in April 2014, as well as a draft anti-homosexuality law by the Republican Liberty Party. This document discusses the economic risks Kenya would incur if it were to enact Uganda-like anti-gay laws. The use of economic language is quite suitable because it can be measured, valued and financial costs apportioned accordingly.
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Papers by charles mutuku