African Journal of Education, Science and Technology

Socio-economic factors influencing the conservation of Cherang'any Forest in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya

2023-09-05T05:22:36+00:00

Globally, forests make up an approximately 30% of the world's total land area with an estimated 11% being traditionally managed production landscapes. Presently, Kenya forest cover is about 7.5% which is significantly smaller than the desired minimum of 10.0% land areas. Forest ecosystems face significant challenge from a combination of human – ecological factors arising from the confluence between the andropological and environmental factors. Due to the depletion in the forest cover in Kenya, the study examined the various socio-economic factors influencing the conservation of Cherang’any forest, Elgeiyo-Marakwet County, Kenya. The study targeted 343 individuals from 343 households from which 300 individuals were randomly sampled from the boundaries of the forest zone and purposively sampled 43 key informants. The study instruments comprised of observations, interviews and questionnaires. The qualitative data obtained from the study was analyzed thematically and used to develop a questionnaire from which quantitative data was drawn. Based on a Cronbach’s coefficient value ≥ 0.70, the questionnaire was considered reliable. The findings indicated that socio-political factors that are largely related to the historical colonial legacy of protectionist environmental policies have largely influenced the current conservation policy and this has led to communal conflict and ethnic identification with conservation. The study recommends that the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 of Kenya, should help the Sengwer community in the establishment of Community Forest Associations. The research recommended a further inquiry into the influence of socio-economic variables on the low sense of forest ownership and management among local communities in Kenya.

Environmental conditions and the growth patterns of Acacia melanoxylon in highland humid forests in North Tinderet Forest Block (Kenya)

2023-09-05T05:26:32+00:00

Acacia species represent one of the most important alien invasive species in many forest ecosystems. The number of quantitative studies exploring their response to environmental heterogeneity is few, especially in tropical, equatorial forested habitats. Therefore, this study aimed to determine ecological conditions and growth patterns of Acacia melanoxylon in highland humid forests in North Tinderet Forest Block in Kenya. Three (3) transects measuring 500 m long each were established in each of the sampling sites invaded by A. melanoxylon where three plots of 10 m × 10 m sizes were systematically spaced at 235 m intervals. In each of the 10 m × 10 m sized plots, all tree species of diameter at breast height (DBH) > 1.3 m and height were measured and recorded. The abundance (ind/m) of plant species was calculated for each site. The study established differences in the DBH, height and abundance of acacia trees relative to environmental variables where the differences occurred mainly due to rainfall, humidity and wind, while altitude, slope, and elevation resulted in negative growth response. These findings suggest that the set of selected environmental variables affected the distribution and growth of A. melanoxylon. It is thus recommended that future studies on ecological conditions for the growth of A. melanoxylon should be conducted in a controlled environment through growth response measurements which were not possible under the current study due to the limitation of time and resources.

Antimicrobial properties of medicinal plants against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans bacteria

2023-09-05T05:34:32+00:00

Herbal medicine has been used in Africa for centuries and continues to be an important aspect of traditional medicine in many African communities. While Euclea divinorum, Carissa edulis and Prunus africana has a long history of traditional use in Kenya, more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy for these medicinal purposes. Therefore, this research studied the antimicrobial capabilities of Euclea divinorum Hern (Ebenaceae), Carissa edulis, and Prunus africana against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans bacteria to complement the work of other researchers. Leaves, roots and stem barks of of the three plants were purposively collected from Elgeyo Marakwet County. The samples were analyzed at University of Eldoret Biotechnology Laboratory, Kenya. The samples were ground into powder and successively extracted with hexane, methanol and acetone. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined by agar disc diffusion method. After 24 hours of introducing the roots, leaves and stem bark extracts to the colonies on petri dishes, the inhibitory diameters of the wells were measured to test their antibacterial activity. The roots, leaves and stem bark extracts of E. divinorum, C. edulis and P. africana against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans exhibit varying degrees of antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and E. coli bacterial strain and C. albicans fungal strain. E. divinorum and C. edulis roots extracts exhibited antimicrobial potency against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans while the leaves of E. divinorum and P. africana showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli bacterial strain. Lastly, the methanol stem bark extract of P. africana was only active against E. coli, and C. albicans however, the stem bark extract of E. divinorum and C. edulis were not against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. It is therefore recommended that root extracts of E. divinorum and C. edulis and the stem bark extracts of P. Africana may provide potential sources for the development of alternative antibacterial agents while E. divinorum and C. edulis agents may provide potential sources for further development of antifungal agents for the treatment of diseases.

The nutritional quality of forage grass changes due to changing soil chemistry resulting from different land-use management in the Oroba Valley, Kenya

2023-09-05T06:12:15+00:00

Threats from land degradation may escalate problems of inadequate food supply and poverty that already afflict the inhabitants of the Oroba Valley, Nandi County, Kenya. The steepness and inadequate application of good agricultural management systems expose the area to soil degradation, including erosion, depletion, and leaching of nutrients. Here, forage grass contributes to 60% of animal nutrient intake and this study investigated the macronutrient levels of forage grass from four differently managed farms and their vulnerability to soil erosion. Grass and soil were sampled from four differently managed plots in a randomised block design: plots 1 and 2 contained five sections (blocks), while plots 3 and 4 contained six sections. Grass samples were collected and analysed for five macronutrients (Mg, P, Ca, Cr, and Fe) by ICP-MS. Analysis of soils for characteristics of all soils from the pilot plots were classified as non-calcareous since their pH values range from 5.4 - 6.5. Organic matter (OM) distribution in the pilot plots depends on the amount of available plant reduces; most were cleared for animal consumption, as shown on the lower grounds of all pilot plots. The pH levels across the pilot plots dictated the distribution of macronutrients analysed in this study. Different plants have different optimum pH ranges for macronutrient uptake after considering all others around the plant's environment. Redistribution of macronutrients in the gradient of individual pilot plots majorly depends on the movement of soil by erosion. Results from the study have shown that different land management (erosion mitigated farmland and non-mitigated, newly farmed, and virgin land) affects the soil chemistry, hence changing grass's absorption regime for macronutrients to grass. For example, Mg, P, and Cr distribution variation between the mitigated and non-mitigated plots in the study. Macronutrients are essential for plant growth, health/resilience and yield; land degradation affects the soil chemistry and interrupts the natural balance of macronutrients input into the food chain leading to failure of achieving SDG 2 and 3 (Zero hunger, good health and wellbeing).

Rural water supply in the era of climate change in Kenya; the case of Kapseret Sub County, Uasin Gishu County

2023-09-05T05:45:18+00:00

There is a perception that water supply in Uasin Gishu County is reliable due to the medium to high annual rainfall amounts received in the region. However, this is not the case as rainfall is not evenly distributed throughout the year. Consequently, many rural households experience water shortage in the dry season. The aim of the study was to assess reliability and evaluate the safety of domestic water sources in Kapseret Sub County. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 404 households selected randomly from four wards in the rural part of Kapseret Sub-County and the data subjected to frequency analysisprocedure. The study established that domestic water sources include; shallow wells (92.2%), rainwater (14.4%), river (8.2%), stream (5.2%), borehole (2.0%), piped water (3.9%), dams (2.0%) and springs (1.0%). An average 44.8% of the households experience seasonal water shortage. Distance to main water sources increases from an average of 22.3 meters in the rainy season to an average of 216 meters in the rainy season. As a result, households have adopted various water conservation strategies in the dry seasons including reusing water, cleaning house and clothes periodically, watering animals and cleaning clothes at the water point, and using little amounts of water for the various activities. About 36.6 % of households use water from unprotected water sources in the rainy season compared to 41.1% in the dry season, and therefore the water is prone to contamination. An average 63.6% of the households’ fetch water manually from the source using rope and container, with only 28.7% storing water in tanks. In conclusion, water security is yet to be achieved in the area of study. It was recommended that there is need for sound investment by national and county governments towards reliable water supply in rural areas.

The economic benefits of Yala wetland resources in the Lake Victoria Basin, threats and management strategies for sustainable development

2023-09-05T06:00:03+00:00

Wetlands are the most prolific ecosystems on Earth and provide many vital benefits to humans. Kenya's wetland habitats serve a range of important, interdependent human welfare, ecological, and national development objectives. Many of these are essential for improving human health and well-being and achieving a variety of MDGs and Vision 2030 objectives. The wetland ecosystems of the Lake Victoria basin encompass a vast area and provide a diverse array of economic activities that sustain a considerable proportion of East African people. The Yala wetland is one of the few vast wetland ecosystems found in Lake Victoria Basin. The Yala wetland is the largest freshwater wetland in Kenya. The Yala Wetland is an extraordinarily rich and diversified ecosystem, home to several unique, sensitive, and endangered plant and animal species. The majority of review research has concentrated on the status and challenges of Yala wetland and the wetlands in the Lake Victoria basin. Because of this narrow focus, the major role economic benefits of the Yala wetlands have been given less attention than it deserves. Given this background, the objective of this paper is to review the economic benefits of Yala wetland resources, its threats and its sustainable management. The cconomic benefits of the Yala wetland include fishing, hunting, grazing, agriculture, fuel, and building materials. The threats to the wetland include increasing human population, agricultural activities, encroachment of the wetland, over-exploitation of its natural resources, and climate change. Because of their economic importance to the livelihood of the local populations, Yala wetlands of Lake Victoria need to be conserved and managed in a sustainable manner. Yala Swamp should be restored and rehabilitated wherever possible in conformity with the Ramsar Convention. Value addition on papyrus and its products, practice conservation agriculture including smallholder wetland aquaculture, developing fish value chain with support to hatcheries, local production of fish feeds, and fish processing and marketing. The establishment of an animal sanctuary, commercial tree growing, and integrated organic farming are other initiatives plus several opportunities for sustainable development. In order to promote sustainable wetland management, the study suggests ensuring that wetland use takes into account the various factors outlined in the framework for sustainable use of wetlands; developing and enhancing an appropriate institutional framework; adopting a community-based, multi-stakeholder-based management approach; and enhancing the value of wetlands and their resources by adding value across the entire value chain.

Heavy metals and pathways of incorporation in the soil, sediments and water matrices of River Nzoia, Kenya

2023-09-08T06:04:57+00:00

For prudence in the management of lotic ecosystems, vital information on the degree of pollutant load is required. Several human activities are practiced within the River Nzoia catchment area, most of which result in heavy metals and/or their compounds most of which end up in different matrices of the river’s bio-system. Since metals cannot biodegrade, most of them will therefore exist in forms, thus affecting the biosphere of the river. This study was conducted to monitor spatial and temporal variations in the concentrations of heavy metals in water, soil and sediments of River Nzoia, in Western Kenya. The heavy metals analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) were; zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) from a total of eight stratified sampling stations located along the River Nzoia from Cherangani to Mumias. Sampling was done twice capturing the variability during the dry and rainy seasons in February 2007 and June 2007. Heavy metal levels were Zn [1.7789 ± 0.2982 mg/L], Pb [0.9409 ± 0.0076 mg/L], Cu [0.7041 ± 0.1026 mg/L], Cr [0.917 ± 0.00827 mg/L] and Cd [0.1748 ± 0.00414 mg/L] exceeded the WHO limits (0.05 mg/L for Zn, Pb and Cu, 0.01 mg/L for Cr and Cd), in all the sites sampled. This showed that Nzoia River’s water is dangerously contaminated by these heavy metals. The catchment area was affected by temporal variations with higher values of heavy metals recorded during the rainy season.

Farmers’ perception and adaptation to climate variability in Nandi County, Kenya

2023-09-05T06:21:56+00:00

Climate variability impacts environment social and economic growth. Much of these effects are felt by smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on natural resources. However, smallholder farmers have limited knowledge to link anticipated climate variability impacts at the local levels. In this study, farmers’ perception and level of awareness about climate variability and how it impacts smallholder dairy farming was analyzed. A total of 350 smallholder dairy farmers from eight sub-locations of Aldai Sub-County, Nandi County, Kenya were interviewed and compared farmer’s perceptions about climate variability with trends from Meteorological Data. Analysis was done using a multivariate Probit regression model. Results showed that, on average, temperatures were rising, and this rise was more prominent during the short rainy seasons. Given the rising trends in temperature, the respondents above 50 years were asked to compare the current weather conditions with those observed in the last 32 years ago (i.e., from January 1980 to December 2012) as a way of measuring their perception about climate variability. The majority (70%) of smallholder farmers identified drastic changes in temperature patterns. Only 38.12% with at least one year of farming experience were able to note the rise in temperature levels. These results indicate that smallholder farmers who are considered to have limited information about climate variability were more likely to perceive changes in weather patterns. In conclusion, we found that access to extension services, type of land tenure, and access to credit facilities are important in enhancing the adaptive capacity of farmers.

Optimal urban water allocation strategies under inter-basin water transfer: Case of Nairobi City, Kenya

2023-09-05T06:24:44+00:00

Most urban cities in the world are facing water insecurity as a result of rising water demand while the supply remains uncertain due to climate variability. To curb the growing water demand, most cities in the world have invested in inter-basin water transfers (IBWTs). IBWTs have the ability to balance both the temporal and spatial distribution of water resources. To enhance their reliability, IBWTs are integrated with water storage facilities like reservoirs. The study evaluated optimal water allocation strategies with IBWT for Nairobi City. First, Sentinel imagery using normalized difference water index (NDWI), as a proof of concept, was used to investigate changes in reservoir levels of Thika dam due to IBWT.Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAP) model was used to evaluate water allocation strategies with the new IBWT project (Northern Collector Tunnel Phase 1 (NCT 1)) and planned water sources up to year 2035. NDWI was able to detect changes in reservoir area due to the increased water flows from NCT I to Thika Reservoir. However, the increased flows from NCT I would not meet the city’s water demands in the very dry, dry and normal years which had a supply coverage of 31%, 35% and 47% respectively. While the government’s objective is to increase the supply coverage in Nairobi City to over 70%, this will only be achievable in the wet and very wet years as the coverage increased to 71% and 92% respectively. From the results, even with demand management measures, NCT 1 will still not meet the desired supply coverage in the very dry, dry and normal years. However, additional water sources together with demand management measures provides opportunities of alleviating water shortages by achieving the desired supply coverage under all climatic conditions. Further, the current and future water sources plans are surface water storage which are heavily affect by rainfall variability. Thus, the national and the Nairobi County governments, need to come up with an integrated water resources management system where water resources development is integrated with water demand management. Such may include supplementing centralized storage systems with decentralized ones such as rainwater harvesting, sustainable groundwater use and waste water reuses in order to enhance urban water security for Nairobi residents.

Identification and characterization of some fish breeding areas in Lake Kivu, Bukavu Basin

2023-09-05T06:34:23+00:00

The majority of Lake Kivu’s fish species inhabit the littoral zone, which is regrettably a target of overfishing. In the present study, four bays (Lwacigoli, Nyakadaka, Cigezi and Kwamuzungu) were selected in the northern part of the Bukavu basin, between Birava isthmus, the Gombo and Ibinja islands, in order to evaluate their potential as fish breeding areas. The physico-chemical parameters of the water were measured by using the Hanna HI 9829 multiparameter probe and the Secchi disk was used for water Transparency. Experimental fishing sessions were carried from September to November 2022 using a beach seine net of 350 m long, 6 m wide and 5 mm in mesh size, between 6 pm and 5 am. Sample processing and data analysis continued in the laboratory. These sites were characterized on the basis of ecological variables including the nature of the bottom, the vegetation on the littoral zone, the flora, and the anthropogenic activities. Thus, in addition to the physico-chemistry of the water being conducive to fish breeding activity, the bottom of Lwacigoli bay is characterised by a rocky substrate, that of Nyakadaka by a rocky, gravelly and muddy substrate, those of Cigezi and Kwamuzungu are more dominated by mud, clay, some rocks and detritus, with some vegetation cover on the coastal part. More fingerlings were found at Kwamuzungu (611), followed by Nyakadaka and relatively lesser at Cigezi and Lwacigoli (400-465). In the four bays explored, the predominant size classes for Limnothrissa miodon and Lamprichthys tanganicanus are those between 50 - 80 mm and between 40 - 60 mm for Haplochromis spp. Therefore, sexual maturity stages I and II of the fishes represent 63.5% of specimens and those in stages III, IV and V represent 36.5%. According to the increasing fishing pressure in Lake Kivu, linked with the excessive use of fishing-gear and practices that threaten the survival of the fish species, identification and description of spawning areas should be continued in order to better protect its ichthyofauna. Fishing regulations are also essential for the sustainable management of the Lake Kivu.

Clean water initiative for health and nutrition. A case study of Bungoma County

2023-09-05T06:44:38+00:00

Water, especially in rural areas is normally found contaminated cause of inadequate protection of water points both surface and underground due to poor hygiene practices. Water contaminants contributes to various chronic communicable diseases that affects humanity. Convention methods applied for water treatment remain expensive, unreliable and inaccessible for majority in developing countries. A study was done to determine the potential of hydrogen (pH) and microbial assay of water samples from different sources in Bungoma county. The water samples were collected from various part and obtained from different sources. The parameter used to test water quality were pH instrumentally and total bacterial count for microbial assay done using pour plate isolation technique. The efficiency of ultra violet radiation from natural sunlight as bactericide was determined using WADI equipment. The total bacterial counts in the samples were compared after sterilization with the results showing notable difference between treated and untreated samples. Majority of the treated water samples with exception of one were within allowable limit for non-pathogenic colonies for drinking water of 100 colonies per ml. pH of most the water samples was found to be acidic and values not within the recommended WHO acceptable limits of between 6.5 to 8.6. The values of parameters used to assess water quality from the various samples were analysed using R analytics and found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). The results obtained showed that the quality of most water sources did not conform to the required standard for domestic water hence need for remediation process and public sensitization of the community.

The rodent pest species infesting maize (Zea mays L) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L) farms at University of Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2023-09-05T07:01:32+00:00

Rodents are pests of concern in Kenya, as they cause considerable damage to cereal during pre harvest and post-harvest period and therefore affecting food security by impacting on both food availability, quantity and quality. However, knowledge on rodent pests and cereal crops infested in Kenya is limited. The objectives of the research were to investigate the rodent pest species that infest maize and wheat farms, determine the rodent species, gender (males and females) and population distribution in maize and wheat farms at University of Eldoret. Two habitats (Maize and wheat farms) were selected for the study. Grids of 70mx70m crop cuttings were done in commercial fields of maize and wheat. The grid was subdivided into four quarters each with 4 Sherman’s live traps and 4 locally woven live traps, a total of 32 trapping points were established. Peanut butter and sun dried Omena (Rastrineobola argentea) were used as baits. Rodents captured were identified up to species level using keys for classifying rodents. The SPSS statistical package version 22.0 was used to analyze the data. Chi square test was used to compare the populations of myomorph rodents captured during the cropping period in both farms, independent sample t-test was used to compare the variation in infestation between the two habitats, gender and species distribution, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) [1, 1, 1] [2, 0, 0] Time series model was used to forecast the trend of rodent incidences. The results were presented in tables and figures. Three myomorph rodent species were recorded during the three-year study period. They included Mastomys natalensis (M. natalensis), Arvicanthis niloticus (A. niloticus) and Lemniscomys striatus (L. striatus). A total of 924 myomorph rodents were captured during study period with 50.97%, 19.48% and 29.54% captured in year one, two and three respectively. Mastomys natalensis represented the highest captures 60.61% followed by Arvicanthis niloticus 38.42% and then Lemniscomys striatus 0.97%. There was variation in infestation between the two fields with rodents showing preference to maize than wheat farms. There were more M. natalensis and A. niloticus in maize compared to wheat farms and L. striatus was a rare species during this study. There was a significant variation in infestation in year one (P =.001) and no significant variation in distribution of myomorph rodents in year two (P = .499) and year three (P = .127) cropping period. Species displayed variation in distribution with negative relationship in terms of species incidences and habitat in year two (t = -0.677; P =.499) and positive relationship (t = 1.529; P = .127) for year three. There was a significant difference in distribution of gender (males and females) in second year of study (t = -2.625, P = .009) and overall, no significant variation in distribution of gender (t = 0.525, P = .600) in the two habitats. ARIMA (1, 1, 1) model depicted that there was abundance of the rodent pests between the months of March and July, with decline in the months of November to January for the forecasted year with minimal variations. The findings (t = 3.523, P = .001) also revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in species distribution between the rodents in maize and wheat fields. In conclusion, the three myormoph rodent pests’ species distribution varied in maize and wheat farms and the population varied from year to year with higher incidences of pests in maize than wheat fields. Despite the varying numbers of either species in both maize and wheat, the types of species did not vary in both fields. There was no significant difference between gender (male and female) of rodent species in maize and wheat farms. The abundance could increase to cause loss and therefore needs to determine rodent pest control strategies to minimize the numbers and population of these rodent species in the study area and other regions that grow maize and wheat.

Seed quality of velvet bean seeds (Mucuna pruriens L. Dc) in Western Kenya

2023-09-05T07:08:01+00:00

Farmers in Bungoma County are actively involved in velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. DC) production due to its multiple uses. It can be used to improve soil fertility, nutrition, drought tolerance, pest and disease tolerance, food security and medicinal. Variation in seed characteristics has been reported to be useful for crop improvement programs. However, production of quality seed is a challenge for farmers in this county. The purpose of this research was to investigate the quality of velvet bean seed. Four types of velvet bean seeds were obtained from farmers during a survey. Morphological variability in seed characteristics like seed coat color, hilum color, seed length, width and thickness (IBPGR descriptor) were evaluated in four replications of 50 seeds each. Fifty seeds replicated 3 times were used to determine the electrical conductivity (EC) for each seed type. Germination test of these seeds was laid out in a CRD. To investigate the dynamics and rates of imbibition, thirty seeds replicated 3 times for each seed type were subjected to temperatures of 20, 25, 30, 30/20°C and in ambient condition during a germination test. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT software release 14.1 and the mean separations was done using least significant difference (LSD) at 5%. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze seed traits of the morphotypes. Germination percentage data was analyzed using Microsoft Office (Excel) V.2013. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among seed types in all seed traits measured except seed coat thickness. White seed type recorded a lower electrical conductivity (more vigorous), higher final germination percentage, higher speed of germination index and higher imbibition rate at 30°C for both substratum (sand and filter paper) than other seed types. This study therefore recommends that the barriers to germination in dark colored seed types need to be addressed by seed scientists to improve velvet bean seed quality at farm level hence increase the production. Further study can be done on genetic and physiological properties of velvet bean black seed type in order to improve its germination capacity.

Assessment of weed species traits, germination to flowering duration and crops affected on farms in Kisii Central Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya

2023-09-05T10:03:48+00:00

Weed invasion is one of the greatest challenges affecting smallholder farming in Kenya. Timely and effective weed management needs knowledge on weed species traits and their nature of growth. This study aimed at assessment and documentation of weed species traits and time taken from germination to flowering for effective weed management. Ten plots were selected 1km equidistantly along a transect set across each of the eight randomly sampled sub-locations in the study area. In each plot, a 2m² portion was demarcated for monitoring weed species germination to flowering time. Botanical classification of weed species was carried out through examination of the foliage and reproductive regions with the aid of guide books. Weed species G. parviflora and E. brachycephala had the shortest duration to flowering of 4 weeks while T. minuta and D. stramonium, each had the longest flowering duration of 7 weeks. Majority (14) of the weed species were broadleaved while eight were narrow leaved weed species. Thirteen annual weed species were recorded while only nine species were perennial. Three weed species were grass, 2 sedges, 1 shrub and 16 herbs. Fourteen weed species were eudicot while only 8 were monocots. Four weed species were dispersed by insects while wind dispersal and animal dispersal had 9 weed species in each case. Most farms were infested by a variety of weed species which included Pennisetum clandestinum, Oxalis latifolia, Cyperus rotundus, Amaranthus hybridus and Datura stramonium. Weed species traits and interval from germination to flowering will aid forecast on successive weed invasions and thus guide farmers on the effective time of weed management measures such as adoption of integrated weed management practises to optimize crop production.

Influence of information and crop management practices on productivity among smallholder potato farmers in North Rift Kenya

2023-09-05T10:07:12+00:00

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) tuber is a major food whose demand is increasing worldwide. Its value-chain in Kenya generates employment for approximately 800,000 farmers and 3.3M citizens. Nonetheless, in spite of dissemination of appropriate technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs), Kenya’s productivity has persisted at lows of 9-15t/Ha compared to Netherland’s 36-42t/Ha. Implementation of field-specific decision support system (DSS) has been proposed as a possible intervention. However, no studies exist showing the influence of prevailing information management (IM) practices on crop management practices. Therefore, in the context of precision agriculture (PA) and the theory of the firm, this study sought to assess, subject to farming duration, the influence of information sources on crop spacing and resultant effect on productivity among smallholder potato farmers in Kenya’s North-Rift highlands. Using stratified random sampling, a survey was conducted on 353 households of whom potato was the main crop and whose farms were located at least 2300masl. Descriptive statistics, linear regression and post-estimation data analysis techniques were employed. Extension services, radio, farmer groups, Internet and telephone usage stood at 62%, 45%, 18%, 6% and 3% respectively while 11% possessed an email address. Regardless of farming duration, in decreasing order, radio and Internet (implicitly) showed positive aggregate influence while farmer groups and extension services showed negative aggregate influence. Notably, all information sources were significantly associated with ‘not known’ seed spacing response with corresponding significant negative effect on productivity. The results demonstrate poor IM and imprecise crop management practices thereby validating the necessity for entrenchment field-specific DSS.

Impact of agricultural commercialization on household food insecurity in Kenya

2023-09-05T10:09:18+00:00

Agricultural production in Kenya has remained low with relative food insecurity affecting many citizens in most parts of the country because of the increase in population growth over the past two decades. This study, specifically, examined the impact of agricultural commercialization on household food insecurity in Kenya using Panel data from Kenya’s 2020 Covid-19 Rapid Response Phone Survey. An endogenous switching regression was utilized to establish the impact of agricultural commercialization on household food security and at the same time account for endogeneity and self-selection problems. The endogenous switching regression (ESR) model also controlled for structural differences between the commercialized and the non-commercialized households in terms of food security outcome functions. Particularly, land size had a significant (p<0.01) positive (β_AC=1 = 0.3266) impact on the food security of the commercialized households while it had a negative (β_AC=0 = -0.1805) but significant (p<0.01) impact on the food security of the non-commercialized households. Therefore, households with large land sizes are more likely to improve by a greater extent household food security compared to households with small land sizes when they participate more in the market. However, age (β_AC=1 = 0.1364, β_AC=0 = 0.0992), women empowerment (β_AC=1 = 0.4356, β_AC=0 = 0.1618) and internet access (β_AC=1 = 0.2351, β_AC=0 = 0.0.1174) recorded a significant (p<0.01) homogenous effect on the food security of the households among the commercialized and non-commercialized group of households. The results further suggest that both the observed and unobserved characteristics influence the decision to commercialize and food security outcome give the decision to commercialize. The results reveal that households participating in agricultural commercialization would experience improved food security through increased dietary diversity. The study recommends that there is a need to support agricultural commercialization to increase household food security. This could be achieved by empowering households through adequate online training and education on agricultural commercialization, improving infrastructures and institutions such as internet connectivity, credit and commercial institutions.

Influence of planting materials and land tenure system on mango production in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

2023-09-05T10:19:27+00:00

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is Kenya’s third most important fruit in terms of acreage and total production. Mango is grown in Coastal, Eastern, and Central and in Rift valley dominantly in Kerio Valley belt due to favourable environmental conditions. Recent research, however, has reported a decline in mango production in Endo Ward. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the factors that affect smallholder mango production in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County. A survey was carried out in which a sample population of 281 farmers were chosen from a target population of 937 farmers. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the locations and the respondents. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and interview on key informants. Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that 42.96% of planting materials are obtained by farmers from local private nurseries while 23.47% get from Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) nurseries. Thus, the high cost deterred some farmers from accessing mango planting materials easily hence decline in production. Results also showed that the land tenure system was such that 89.53% of the farmers owned land communally while only 10.47 % owned individual land. This lack of property rights on Land resource did not motivate farmers sufficiently enough to invest optimally in mango production. This study recommends that there is need to assist the farmers to access affordably planting materials and grant tittle deeds to farmers to motivate optimum individual effort.

Emerging role of women in household food access in Nyamira North Sub County, Kenya

2023-09-05T10:23:06+00:00

Food insecurity is a contemporary challenge afflicting a number of households in developing countries. In Kenya for instance, households that have traditionally relied on their farms for food are currently experiencing reduced food production occasioned by reduced land sizes due to successive land sub-division and application of traditional farming methods. With reduced household food production and subsequent household food insecurity, the traditional cultural belief that men are the sole breadwinners in households’ food requirements might not hold water. This is due to the concerted efforts by family members to work towards the realization of household food needs. Therefore, this study investigated the role of women in enhancing household food access in Nyamira North Sub County. Specifically, the study examined the emerging role of women in household food access and how the emerging role has influenced social life in households. Anchored on social role theory, the study employed focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to gather data that was analyzed by qualitative techniques. The study revealed that land-use decision-making, involvement in food production on farms, and engagement in manual work to generate income for household food provision are the emerging roles of women in household food access in the study area. On how the emerging role has influenced social life in households, the study established that women’s role in household food access in the study area has led to the breakdown of families, diminished respect for husbands, and change in household power relations. The study concludes that women have taken an active role in household food provision although this has fueled social change in household social life. The study recommends that policy formulation by relevant authorities is paramount to help upscale and strengthen women’s participation in household food access and foster synergy within households with regard to household food access.

Influence of education levels based on gender on decision-making process in deposit taking Saccos in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.

2023-09-05T11:52:12+00:00

Women in decision-making positions play a crucial role in developing meaningful gender mainstreaming strategies. Gender equity is a major factor in achievement of socio-economic and political development. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of education levels based on gender on decision-making process in deposit taking Saccos in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study used cross-sectional research design and targeted 11 managers and 867 delegates. A sample size of 266 delegates and 11 managers was used in the study. Proportionate and simple random sampling was used to select delegates while purposive sampling was used to select the managers. The study used questionnaires and interviews to collect data. A pilot study was carried out in SACCOs in Trans-Nzoia County which has similar characteristics as the study area. Validity was determined by consulting research supervisors to improve data collection tools. Reliability was determined through the use of Cronbach Alpha. The quantitative data was analysed descriptively by SPSS (version 25) and the findings presented using frequencies and percentages. Pearson Correlation analysis was employed to determine relationship that exists between the independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data was thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between women’s education levels and decision-making process (r = .372; p=.000). The paper concluded that enhanced education levels among women positively affect decision making in deposit taking Saccos. It was recommended that there is need for deposit taking Saccos to recommend women with diverse education levels to be appointed to decision making bodies.

Mode of recruitment and perceived competence levels of mentors: The case of Central Western Zone Colleges of Education in Ghana

2023-09-05T11:58:34+00:00

The study examined the mode of recruitment and the perceived competence levels of mentors of student-teachers of colleges of education in the Central-Western Zone of Ghana. The cross-sectional and the descriptive survey designs were blended to address the objectives along with the mixed method strategy. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 1223 respondents for the analysis. Frequencies, percentages and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for the quantitative analysis while the qualitative analysis was done by thematic content analysis. The findings established that the major requirements for mentors were at least three years of service, professional qualification in teaching and mandatory training. The mode of recruitment of mentors was less formal, mentors’ appointments were mainly verbal from the head teachers of the schools of attachment and majority of the mentors had no certification in mentoring. Also, mentors perceived themselves as competent and their views were supported by their mentees and head teacher though the colleges representatives held a divergent view. It was recommended that the colleges need to invest into mentor training and certify mentors after training, give formal appointment to mentors and move for the introduction of mentoring as full course for the student teachers.

Relationship between psychological abuse and juvenile delinquency among girls in Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation and Training Center, Kiambu County, Kenya

2023-09-05T12:03:55+00:00

Juvenile delinquency among girls has been on the increase all over the world and has variously been attributed to child abuse. The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between psychological abuse and juvenile delinquency among girls committed to Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation and Training Centre (KGRTC). This study was guided by the following research objectives, namely to; establish the extent of juvenile delinquency, prevalence of psychological abuse and find out the relationship between psychological abuse and juvenile delinquency among girls in KGRTC. The study was conceptualized by Attachment Theory and used an ex-post facto research design. The population of the study comprised of 61 girl child offenders. The research used a census inquiry that included all the 61 girls at KGRTC in the study. Questionnaires were administered to the girls in order to collect data for the study. The validity of the tools was established through expert opinion, while reliability was determined using Cronbach Coefficient Alpha and a reliability coefficient of 0.855 was attained which was considered an appropriate threshold. The data was analyzed by means of inferential and descriptive statistics with the assistance of the computer software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. The study established that psychological abuse was positively associated with juvenile delinquency. There was a strong, positive correlation between the psychological abuse and juvenile delinquency (r = + .696, n=57, p < .01). The findings of this research suggest the need to address the problem of juveniles from a holistic perspective including the issue of addressing childhood experiences such as psychological abuse and use of appropriate forums to sensitize parents on appropriate parenting and the consequences of child abuse.

Review on psychological disorder among adolescent students and proposed intervention strategies in Kenya

2023-09-05T12:11:52+00:00

Globally, psychological disorder is a major challenge and in Kenya 1 out of 4 persons who seek healthcare in Kenya have a mental health condition. With all these damning statistics, the country is still struggling with provision of affordable mental health care and treatment. Due to a growing interest in psychological disorder of adolescents in recent years, and especially due to Covid-19 crisis, a review seems timely, to demonstrate the psychological disorder among adolescent students in Kenya but also to identify proposed innervations measures that should be put in place to curb psychological issues among adolescent students in Kenya. This research looked through the databases of Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect in search of articles that had been reviewed by experts and reported on the prevalence of psychological disorders among adolescents in Kenya. The scope of the search was narrowed to include just English-language articles that were published in the last ten years (2012-2022). Results of the study indicated that the most prevalent psychological issue is depression and anxiety. Based on the findings of this study, additional research is required in Kenyan schools to understand the psychosocial risk factors for teenage depression in order to design therapeutic strategies. The Ministry of Education should establish effective interventions and strategies to combat psychological issues among adolescent students. Also, the ministry should implement proposed intervention strategies.

Relationship between Parental Alienation and Interpersonal Relationships: A case of adolescents’ in selected high schools in Kiambu County, Kenya

2023-09-05T12:54:08+00:00

A conducive environment that is associated with thriving of children enhances parental behaviours towards their children. In family environments, where conflicts abound, each parent strives to absolve himself/herself of being in the wrong by providing explanations to children the meaning of the conflict, and obviously blaming the other marital partner. In this regard, post-divorce parental alienation creates an unfavourable environment which may disorganise the adolescents from adaptive living. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between parental alienation and adolescents’ interpersonal relationships among adolescents in selected high schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. PERMA wellbeing theory of flourishing guided this study. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Multistage sampling, comprising of inclusion and exclusion criteria and cluster sampling techniques, which were used to select the 240 adolescents from a population of 3776. Data was collected using Baker strategy questionnaire (BSQ) and the PERMA-Profiler. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square analysis was used to test for the hypotheses. The computer software SPSS version 25 aided in analysis. The findings revealed that post-divorce parental alienation affects adolescents’ inter-personal relationships. The study recommends that intervention measures be implemented in consideration of factors as follows. Firstly, divorcing parents take an interest in understanding adolescence stage and its challenges. Secondly, parents who are intending to divorce ought to seek counselling services for their adolescents from a mental health practitioner. Lastly, marriage and family therapists should spearhead campaigns for the welfare of children coming from divorced families, the context in which parental alienation takes place.

Gender mainstreaming and women development in Bushenyi District, Uganda

2023-09-05T12:57:51+00:00

A lot of interventions have been implemented by the central government, NGOs and District Local Service on gender mainstreaming. The attainment of gender equality has been limited, despite remarkable progress in Bushenyi district. The paper investigates the influence of gender mainstreaming on development of women in Bushenyi district, Uganda. The descriptive survey design using comparative approaches was used. The study used Slovene’s formula to obtain (251) respondents. The study used purposive sampling technique involving 87 Kyamuhunga,61 Kakanju, 30 Kyeizoba and 73 Bitooma, using two sets of questionnaires. Quantitative analysis specifically means and student t-test was used. The study established that (2.306 = Low) revealed that gender mainstreaming approaches were low. The study established that implementation of equity, efficiency, policy, anti-poverty and empowerment approaches was low in the district. The study revealed that (2.385 = low) as the overall mean on women development was low in Bushenyi district. The study also revealed that there was significant difference in the level of Gender Mainstreaming and Development (GMD) of women in Bushenyi district, Uganda. The study concludes that female practical interests were still low as compared to their male counterparts in terms of gender mainstreaming and development in Bushenyi district, Uganda. The male had more powers in the development process in Bushenyi district. The study recommends awareness on changing institutional, structural, and organizational policies affecting gender. The ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development should prioritize increasing gender awareness by engaging on social mobilization and gender sensitization. Gender issues should be incorporated during meetings, seminars and workshops. Women should be involved at any level of developing solutions in society.

Evaluation of instructional strategies used in correction of juvenile offenders in rehabilitation schools in Kenya

2023-09-05T13:04:44+00:00

There are diverse rehabilitation programs that have been developed for use in the correction of juvenile offenders in the world and Kenya in particular. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the instructional strategies used in the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders in rehabilitation schools in Kenya.The study tested the null hypothesis that there was no statistically significant difference in the use of instructional strategies between the different institutional categories from the central region in Kenya. The target population comprised 1500 adjudicated juvenile offenders in 10 rehabilitation schools, 132 teaching staff, 10 managers and 10 guidance and counseling personnel. Stratified random sampling was used to select two low risk and two high risk rehabilitation schools; one girls’ and one boys’ institution from each category to make a total of four schools. The sample comprised xxx Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and a document analysis guide. The findings showed that the rehabilitation schools utilized a variety of psycho-educational strategies such as kinesthetic (75%), still pictures and posters (65%), audio-visual resources (75%), cooperative learning strategies (50%) and the use of resource persons (50%), and gender-responsive methods (90%). The hypothesis test results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in utilization of instructional strategies used in low-risk and high-risk rehabilitation schools (F=3.577, df= 1, 20; p > 0.05). It was therefore concluded that the instructional strategies used for the two cohorts of high-risk and low-risk juvenile offenders were similar. It was recommended that there was need to strengthen the use of psycho-educational strategies by adopting the learner-centered approaches in order to promote behaviour change among the juvenile offenders.

Influence of green distribution on performance of private oil and gas marketing firms in Kenya: Moderating influence of government regulations

2023-09-05T13:12:16+00:00

Globally, the oil and gas industry account for the major environmental tragedies leading to creation of reliability issues from policy makers and trust concerns from the community. Kenya’s carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions increased from 7.82 million tonnes to 16.15 million tonnes, recording the highest levels of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in the country in 2021. Kenya’s private oil and gas sector, churns out 60 million litres of waste oil annually but only 5% of the waste is handled and disposed of properly. The purpose of this research was to establish the influence of green distribution on performance of private oil and gas marketing firms in Kenya. Rationale of the study was to mitigate the adverse effects of private oil and gas activities on the environment through adoption of green distribution. The guiding theories included; the resource-based view and the natural resource-based view. The study was guided by the positivist philosophy. The research utilized a descriptive design. Target population was 1850 employees working for the 72 private oil and gas marketing firms in Kenya. The study used stratified random sampling that gave a representative sample. Primary information was gathered using a sample size of 470 employees, using self-constructed questionnaires which were dropped and collected after two weeks. A pilot test was conducted at National oil corporation of Kenya, using ten percent of the sample size. Validity was ensured by the experts’ review. Reliability of the tools was tested using Cronbach’s alpha value. An alpha value of 0.7 or above gave a suitable and satisfactory reliability. To test the strength of the relationship amongst variables, the Pearson’s product moment correlation was employed. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple linear regression analysis measured direct effects of variables. Hierarchical regression analysis tested the moderation effect of variables. Analyzed information was presented through statistical parameter estimates and tables. The study findings showed that green distribution had a positive and significant influence on firm performance (F=237.992, P<0.05). The results further showed a significant moderating effect of government regulation on the relationship between green distribution practices and firm performance. The study concluded that green distribution positively influenced performance of private oil and gas marketing firms in Kenya. The study recommended that private oil and gas marketing firms should adopt green distribution to improve their economic, environmental and social performance.

Do manager’s or owner’s trust matter? Effect of trust in external accountant and decision to outsource on SMEs performance in Kenya

2023-09-06T07:07:02+00:00

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities around the world. Despite their importance, SMEs often struggle with limited management skills, insufficient capital, and a shortage of human resources. These challenges make it difficult for them to adapt to the constantly evolving business environment. As a result, many SMEs rely on outsourcing services from external providers e.g external accountants to enhance their organizational performance. Professional accountants can provide SMEs with the essential skills and competencies needed to operate effectively by outsourcing non-core services to them. This enables SMEs to focus on their core business operations while relying on external expertise to handle other essential functions. The main objective was therefore to determine the mediating effect of outsourcing decisions on the relationship between trust in external accountants and the performance of SMEs in Kenya. The study was informed by the theory of the Agency. The study population consisted of 335 registered SMEs in Uasin Gishu County. This study adopted an explanatory research design. Multiple regression model was used to test the hypothesis. The findings showed a positive and significant effect of the trust of the owner / manager on the outsourcing decision (β1 = 0.220). The regression model showed that the outsourcing decision had a positive and significant impact on the performance of SMEs, β = 0.4358. Accounting firms should perform their work properly, inform small and medium-sized enterprises correctly, and provide best advice to managers / owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in order to build trust and meet ever-increasing demands of SMEs.

Influence of flexible work practices on employee performance in institutions of higher learning in Kenya: A case of selected universities in Nyeri County

2023-09-06T07:10:08+00:00

Work flexibility offers employees a balance between their professional and personal lives, leading to job satisfaction and high performance and an overall improvement of the organization as a whole. Work flexibility is very important, and with digital advancements and improved technology, employees are able to continue their work anywhere they wish, provided they have an internet connection. The general objective was to examine the influence of flexible work practices on employee performance in institutions of higher learning in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Self-determination theory, Three Stage Model for Talent Management and Spill Over Theory. This study employed a descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 1300 staff of Karatina University and Dedan Kimathi University. The study applied stratified random sampling to sample 260 staff. The study used questionnaires to collect data. A pilot was conducted with 10% of the sample size hence 26 staff. Content validity was tested using factor loadings. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient method was used to check reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean,) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) with the help of SPSS version 28. Data was tabulated and presented in tables. Ethics were observed before, during, and after data collection. Findings show that; there is a strong significant relationship between flexi time and employee performance (r=0.467, p=0.005), a moderate significant relationship between leave and employee performance (r=0.348, p=0.000), a weak significant relationship between tele-working and employee performance (r=0.240, p=0.000), and a strong significant relationship between job sharing and employee performance (r=0.511, p=0.022). The study recommends that; the institutions should embrace flexibility in relation to the work schedules of the staff, the institutions should come up with policies that will guide on how to compensate staff who are recalled to work while on leave, the institutions should organize training for the staff especially on use of technology, the management should also establish a culture that promotes sharing and have proper plans for conducting orientations and inductions to ensure effective onboarding of new personnel.

Influence of lean-green practices on the relationship between innovations and performance of medium hotels in the Kenyan cities

2023-09-06T07:23:58+00:00

Firms are initiated and propelled to profit maximization, necessitating adoption of unique strategies to achieve better performance. Acting strategically can help firms respond to turbulent environment. Studies had revealed high mortality rates of SMEs during early stages globally and previous studies in hospitality have not addressed lean-green practices as a strategy to improve on performance and competitiveness. This article explored the influence of lean-green practices on the relationship between innovations and performance of medium hotels in Kenyan cities. The article is anchored on Natural Resource Based View theory. The article adopted pragmatic philosophical research paradigm and employed mixed method, concurrent triangulation research design. The study population was 534 managers of medium hotels in Mombasa, Nairobi and Kisumu cities and a sample size of 229 respondents was enumerated using stratified random sampling technique. Data collection employed a questionnaire and the data was saved in Ms-Excel for case variable screening and cleaning. Data analysis employed Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). Pearson’s correlation and regression models were used to analyze quantitative data. The findings indicated that innovations had a significant positive influence on performance of medium hotels in Kenyan cities (β=.610, t=10.982, p˂ .05). Lean-green practices had a significant positive influence on performance (β = .664, t = 15.495, p ˂ .05) and moderates the relationship between innovations and firm performance. The study concluded that incorporation of lean-green practices as a strategy can be relied on to improve performance. The study recommends incorporation of lean-green practices in production matrix. These findings are beneficial to; entrepreneurs and managements in hotel industry, academia and government policy makers. The study suggests further studies to be conducted in other sectors other than in the hospitality industry to determine if similar results would be obtained.

Influence of communication flows on project implementation as perceived by staff of The Kenya Rural Roads Authority in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

2023-09-06T07:27:30+00:00

Communication plays a pivotal role in enhancing road project implementation. Consequently, successful project planning and implementation is determined by robust, effective, and efficient project management, leveraging on both physical and human resources. The ability of management to direct work to the goal of a project can be determined through several factors one of them being communication flows. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of communication flows on project implementation as perceived by staff of Kenya Rural Roads Authority in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The study employed the theory of project management, implementation theory and relational theory. An explanatory research design was adopted. The target population for the study was 122 KeRRA staff selected from various departments. Simple random sampling technique was used to pick a sample size of 94 respondents. A Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicate that communication flows had a positive and significant influence on project implementation (β=0.329; p< 0.01). The study concludes that communication flows are critical to successful project implementation. Consequently, this study recommends that Kenya Rural Roads Authority Project managers should integrate appropriate communication flows in their management responsibilities to help them when computing project plan and detailing how to communicate with various groups of people.

Mechanisms used by academic libraries in Kenya to enhance webometrics ranking

2023-09-06T12:11:05+00:00

Libraries essentially provide equal and fair access to information. Thus, they have a significant influence on the Webometrics ranking of universities across the world. Academic libraries affect Webometrics ranking through the generation of scientific publications and other scholarly resources. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms used by academic libraries in Kenya to enhance Webometrics ranking and to analyse the extent to which Webometrics ranking mechanisms in place in university libraries in Kenya have been successful. This study adopted a mixed research design. The target population included staff members of the University of Nairobi, Chuka University, and Kirinyaga University. A total of 73 staff members from the library, ICT, and research departments involved in Webometrics ranking were selected purposively. Semi-structured questionnaires were used as the data collection instruments. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study established that mechanisms put in place to enhance the participation of university libraries in Kenya in the Webometrics ranking include improved use and submission of e-resources as well as promotion of high-quality research in the institutions. Webometrics ranking mechanisms currently in place at the university libraries in Kenya have only been moderately successful. The findings of this study may be used by other institutions of higher learning on the mechanisms they can adopt to increase the capacities of their academic libraries so as to improve the contribution of these libraries to Webometrics and consequently to the overall ranking of the individual universities nationally and internationally.

The Kenya County governments’ trust and evidence in its archives and records management systems: The case of Uasin Gishu County

2023-09-06T12:13:14+00:00

The World Wide Web and widespread use of various systems have made it possible for consumers and businesses to create and distribute information with only the click of a button in the workplace (Lougee 2002). This has resulted in the oft-referred-to exponential growth in the amount of information generated for business purposes, arising from developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs). However, many organizations in Kenya are yet to formally integrate records management programmes into their business operations to efficiently and effectively manage the large body of digital records generated. Consequently, public sector organisations are exposed to risks resulting from poor records management, which impact negatively upon overall organisational objectives. The objective of this study is to examine the business processes of Uasin Gishu headquarters, to assess the state of archives and records management. The study was based on the records continuum model and the service Canada model used by the Canadian Government. Qualitative research approach was used in the study using a case study design. The respondents included 4 records staff in the registry, 4 IT staff from ICT department and 2 heads of departments. Key findings were that Uasin-Gishu County headquarters generated a lot of paper based records: the state of records management at the County headquarters was poor while service delivery practices were of low standards; the study concluded that the poor state of records management had contributed to poor service delivery making the County Government inefficient in delivery services to the citizens. The study recommends that Uasin-Gishu County should adopt a comprehensive records management and service delivery model. The paper ends by putting forth a strategy for aligning records management and risk management with business processes at Uasin Gishu County Headquarters.

Influence of school information flow strategy on internal efficiency in public secondary school in Nakuru County, Kenya

2023-09-06T12:16:25+00:00

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of information flow on internal efficiency in public secondary schools in Nakuru county. The study was guided by System theory by Von Bertanlanffy. Mixed methodology and concurrent triangulation design were used in this study. The target population of the study was 311 public secondary school teachers (3168), principals (311) and sub-county education officers (11) in Nakuru County. The sample frame included teachers (205), principals (30), and sub-county education officers (5), thus respondents were 240. The study applied stratified random sampling to sample sub-counties, schools, teachers, head teachers and sub-county education officers. Questionnaires were used to gather quantitative facts from staff, whereas interview schedule was used to gather qualitative data from principals and sub-county education officers and finally document analysis was employed to collect quantitative data. The reliability was determined by calculating Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, which yielded a satisfactory correlation coefficient of 0.76. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS (version 23). From the findings, channel of communication commonly used in public secondary schools in Nakuru County has not yet improved both strategic plan implementation and internal efficiency, even though there was positive relationship between information flow and internal efficiency. For school improvement on the internal efficiencies in terms of academic performance and graduation rate, this study recommends that the Information flow in the process of implementing strategic plan in order to improve school internal efficiency need to be open (top-down, down-up and horizontal information flow) to allow input of various skills form all stakeholder so that everyone own the strategic plan and implement it fully.

The role of TVET managers in the implementation of real-life project-based learning for competence development of TVET trainees in Uganda

2023-09-06T12:20:43+00:00

Real-Life Project-Based Learning (RLPBL) has long been used especially in developing countries. Various results of RLPBL related studies have also been found to be effective and have a positive impact on trainees. The purpose of this study sought to determine the capabilities of TVET Trainers regarding the implementation of real-life project-based learning for competence development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees in Uganda. The study aimed at finding out the ideal TVET Trainer abilities for implementing Competence Based Education & Training (CBET) in Uganda. The study adopted the descriptive survey design with a mixed methods approach. The sample size of 488 study participants included TVET trainers, heads of institutions and Ministry of Education & Sports officials and trainees. Qualitative sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed; data collection was carried out using questionnaires, interview schedule, observation checklist and a Focus Group Discussion Guide. The data were presented in form of tables employing the use of frequency distribution and percentages and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed the roles of TVET Managers included initiating mobilization of resources including personnel, funds and training materials, planning, directing and coordinating the implementation of real-life project, guiding trainers on the best real-life training strategies, and motivating the trainers morally and materially in addition to monitoring, support supervision and assessing real life projects. It was recommended that they also deal with the labour information management system with required data of trainees and graduates, to tracer studies to reveal where the TVET graduates are and what they are doing as their major roles

Design thinking and learning material utilisation creativity in early childhood teacher education: A case of Kyambogo University, Uganda

2023-09-06T12:24:54+00:00

In the recent past, we have seen a lot of innovations in children’s learning materials, equipment and spaces design due to the work of famous educators like Montessori, 1912 and Froebel, 1837. This has led to the development of a new landscape of how children’s learning spaces look like. Many children’s learning centers have heavily invested in spaces design and space equipment but despite all these developments, teachers in Uganda have registered limited success in the utilization of these facilities to enrich children’s learning experiences. This study was carried out to investigate how design thinking can be used to impact teaching spaces utilization creativity (Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2016; Hakim, 2017 & Masoumi, 2020). A Quasi-experimental with a mixed design approach was used with an embedded Pretest Post-test Design (Bhattacherjee, 2012). Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from a sample of a cohort of 64 in-service teachers studying a diploma in early childhood teacher education. Data was collected using observations, focused group interviews, and entries from the field notes. Using the Art world design thinking process, an experiment was developed to induce material utilization creativity. Alongside was a creativity observation to measure creativity indicators. This was used to measure creativity exhibited at pretest and posttest in both the control and experimental group. Data analysis used descriptive statistics for preliminary analysis and an independent group’s t-test for analyzing the difference between the control and experimental group. Findings showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the control and experimental group at post-test; this was attributed to the art world design thinking process.

Personal interest as a determinant of career choice in home science education programme offered in Kenyan universities

2023-09-06T12:34:03+00:00

The process of choosing a career path has been a difficult task to students. Students pursuing Home Science Education programmes in the universities have faced difficulties of choosing careers. This study sought to establish whether personal interest is a determinant on choice of careers in Home Science Education programmes in the Universities in Kenya. This is because students always face challenges when making their choices. Therefore, this study specifically sought to determine whether students chose their programme as a result of their personal interest. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory that explores how career choices are made by self-efficacy, outcome expectations and personal goals. This study adopted the Convergent Parallel mixed method design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study was conducted in Uasin Gishu and Kiambu counties which have universities with programmes that train Home Science educators. This study adopted purposive sampling technique to select two universities offering the Home Science education programmes where 254 students were selected from a population of 420 students and 2 Heads of Department/Chairs of Department took part in the study. Data for the study was obtained by using questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussion guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and then presented using distribution tables and graphs. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically then used to compare with that of quantitative data. Respondents in this study chose Home Science Education programme because of their personal interest in the programme which emanated as a result of its relationship to their career interests 93.3%, availability of wide careers in Home Science 94.9%, their background in Home Science subject 85.8% and passion of enrolling in the programme at the university 85.8%. The study recommends that personal interest among students and in particular individuals should be cultivated early on in life and in schools right from the onset of schooling. Home science educationist should be at the forefront in nurturing students to help them realize their potential thus developing their interests in the course.

Testing speaking skills through writing and learners’ speaking competence in selected secondary schools in Wareng’ Sub- County Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2023-09-06T12:38:10+00:00

At the end of the secondary English course, all students are expected to have acquired a significant command of English in spoken form to enable them to communicate confidently and competently in all sorts of discourse. However, by the end of secondary school, most learners are not able to speak competently in English language in most real-life situations. Therefore, this study investigated the effects testing speaking skills through writing and learners’ speaking competence in selected secondary schools in Wareng’ Sub- County Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The researcher used both purposive and stratified sampling techniques to select the schools that were investigated. The study employed various data collection instruments, including a questionnaire for students, a questionnaire for English teachers, a classroom observation guide, and a method of assessment guide. English language teachers and their form four students were observed during the listening and speaking English lessons. The reliability of the research instruments tested using test-retest method. The qualitative data collected was analyzed using narrative analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Findings were as follows; on testing speaking skills, 43(62.3%) revealed that testing speaking skills through writing helps in assessment of write proficiency, 15(27.7%) revealed that it not only helps to test or monitor whether students have mastered words spellings but it helps them improve on word spelling and lastly, 11(15.9%) revealed that the when they get the spellings right, then it led to improvement in speech. The study concluded that testing speaking skills through writing helps in assessment of write proficiency. Learners engage in groupwork which improves there speaking competence. The study recommended that a study should be conducted to establish the challenges associated with testing speaking skills orally in all public secondary schools in Kenya.

Teaching strategies in basic mathematical operations for hearing impaired learners at the University Practice Inclusive School -South Campus, Winneba Ghana

2023-09-06T12:42:28+00:00

The study investigates the teaching and learning strategies used in teaching Basic Mathematical Operations to learners who are hearing impaired in the University Practice South Inclusive School, Winneba. This study is a qualitative case study in which a total of 12 respondents were accessed during the study. This comprised five (5) teachers and seven (7) pupils from the upper primary level who were sampled using non-probability census sampling technique. Semi-structured interview guide and work sample analysis of pupils were used to collect data for the study. Data collected was analyzed thematically from the responses of respondents to the two research questions that guided the study. The study revealed that individual, home, school and teacher factors such as inadequate instructional aids and the use of sign language greatly influenced the teaching and learning outcomes of Basic Mathematical Operations to hearing impaired learners. From a summary of findings gathered from the study, it is recommended that school management boards educate parents during Parents Teachers Association meetings on the need to provide adequate support to their wards who fall under the challenge category of hearing impairment to enable them concentrate during instructional periods. Furthermore, the Special Education Unit and the Head-teacher of the school should ensure that teachers vary their pedagogy of teaching Basic Mathematical Operations by employing methods such as heuristic method, group work, repetition method and the use of games. This would improve the understanding of pupils who are hearing impaired in class and enhance the overall teaching and learning outcomes.

Students’ experiences of wearing face masks during teaching and learning at Health Tutors’ College Mulago

2023-09-06T12:45:36+00:00

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO,) recommended that due to the dominant strains of COVID 19 infection, all students, teachers, staff and visitors in all education institutions wear face masks consistently while indoors regardless of their vaccination status as they return to face to face learning. This study sought to establish the experiences of students wearing face masks during the teaching and learning process at Health Tutors’ College Mulago in Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to identify the types of standard operating procedures being observed; establish the benefits and challenges of wearing face masks among students during the teaching and learning processes at Health Tutors’ College-Mulago. This was a qualitative study employing a phenomenological design and the purposive sampling technique was used. A group of 12 participants from different medical backgrounds pursuing the Post Graduate Diploma in Medial Education course were interviewed. Data were analyzed qualitatively using themes and categories in line with the specific objectives. The findings indicated that wearing masks, social distancing and hand hygiene were rated highest among the SOPs being observed; the benefits ranged from protection from the virus and dust to increased attentiveness, while the challenges included poor audibility and physical symptoms resulting into incorrect and inconsistent mask use of face masks. Wearing face masks, social distancing and hand hygiene were rated highest among the SOPs being observed at Health Tutors’ College-Mulago. The benefits of wearing face masks ranged from protection from the virus and dust, to increased attentiveness, while the challenges included poor audibility and physical symptoms resulting into incorrect and inconsistent mask use of face masks. The study recommended that there is need to devise ways to mitigate the identified challenges of wearing face masks and to encourage all members of school communities to adhere to the recommended SOPs against COVID-19.

Research proposal and thesis/dissertation writing course in modern higher education, an emerging issue in sustainable development in the modern world

2023-09-06T12:54:18+00:00

Research and innovation, if properly conducted, are supposedly the spurs/catalysts and/or the basis for initiating and conducting sustainable development in modern society. They have, as well as they do provide and carry the potential for transforming the society. In other words, Research and Innovation (R&I) are the basis of conducting the desired development especially sustainable development in modern society. These two components of education, research and innovation, usually develop and promote the main ingredients needed for the development and sustenance of the desired model of development to embrace for modern society. However, for these two processes of education to play their rightful role in development, they must be properly designed and conducted. This is the basis on which the design and administration of the course on Research Proposal/Thesis Writing in Higher Education was derived from. Therefore, the purpose of designing and presenting this paper is to examine and discuss the nature of this course on Research Proposal and Thesis/Dissertation Writing (RPTDW) in the management of modern research and innovation in Higher education; the importance of the course in the administration of research and innovation for conducting sustainable development in modern world; the main considerations in the design and administration of this course in the management of modern research and innovation and, the challenges of adopting and embracing this course in the administration of research and innovation for sustainable development in modern world. The discussion of each of these aspects of the paper will inform the premise in which King (1961) and Ssenteza – Kajjubi (1969) considered education and, by extension research and innovation, as critical components of the development of modern society.

Influence of school closure on the adoption of digital learning of English language in Kapseret Subcounty, Kenya

2023-09-06T13:04:12+00:00

From time to time, school calendars have suffered disruptions due to a myriad of crises. Recently, COVID-19 led to abrupt and indefinite closure of schools globally forcing most governments and schools to embrace digital learning as a matter of urgency so as to mitigate the adverse impacts of prolonged school closure on learning. This study sought to determine the influence of school closure on the adoption of Digital Learning of English Language (DLEL) in Kapseret Subcounty, Kenya. Based on Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive theory, the study employed descriptive research design to collect the data. The study targeted a total of 2,173 respondents including 2,092 form three students, 49 Teachers of English and 32 head teachers from the 32 high schools in Kapseret Sub County. The schools included 13 private and 19 public with a student population of 458 and 1,634 form three students respectively. 32 schools in Kapseret were stratified as public (19) and Private (13) from which a sample of 11 schools, comprising 7 public and 4 privates, were derived proportionately. The samples size was 327 respondents. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20. Data was analysed descriptively and presented in tables and figures in form of frequencies and percentages. Results revealed that 95% of the respondents had access to some digital devices and 72.3% had access to internet even though 60.2% rarely or never used the accessible internet for academic purposes. Majority of the students, 46.9%, who interacted with their teachers during the school closure did so via social media, specifically WhatsApp, while 31.3% used the school portal. The rest interacted through phone calls and short message services. There is need to equip both teachers and students with the right digital platform and skills for academic purposes for effective content delivery, evaluation and interaction of English language learning.

Primary teacher education trainees’ preparation for integration of information communication technology in their pedagogical practices in Uganda

2023-09-06T13:09:08+00:00

Teacher Trainees’ Information Communication Technology (ICT) competencies influence the application of educational technologies in teaching and learning. ICT has a significant impact on the changing scenario of education. It is a necessity for student teachers. The purpose of this study was to assess Primary Teacher Education (PTE) Trainees’ preparation for integration of ICT in their Pedagogical Practices in Uganda. The objectives of this study were; To assess PTE trainees’ ICT competencies for ICT Integration in their pedagogical practices; To explore the quality of ICT Infrastructure in PTE for trainees’ preparation in ICT integration in their pedagogical practices; To determine instructional modes used by tutors in preparation of PTE trainees for ICT integration in their pedagogical practices. The study used a cross-sectional, correlational survey design to collect data and establish the relationship between variables. For colleges, disproportionate stratified sampling technique and for students per selected college, convenient sampling was opted for. Geographically, this study was conducted in Primary Teachers Colleges, in the Central, Southwest, Western, Eastern and Northern Uganda. Only 2nd-year Primary Teacher Trainees (finalists) participated in this study. Out of 686 teacher trainees targeted, only 627 (91.4%) willingly returned the questionnaire. The study used a questionnaire to collect quantitative data. The data collected from the self-administered questionnaire were sorted, categorized and computerized using the 23.0 version of IBM SPSS for generation of descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlations were run to predict the relationships between the study variables, and moderation analysis was done using multiple regressions. Findings have indicated that there is a positive significant relationship between teacher trainees’ ICT competencies and their pedagogical practices. This relationship was found to be moderated by the tutor’s mode of instruction and ICT infrastructure. Recommendations have been made to all stakeholders in teacher education.

Availability of competence-based teaching/learning materials, tools, and equipment at Kenya's coastal region TVET institutions

2023-09-06T13:23:24+00:00

Competence-based programs aim to equip learners with skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for actual workplaces, so the development of these skills knowledge and attitudes takes into account the needs of businesses and industries. Despite the fact that competency-based curriculum has been introduced in Kenya for over ten years, data from TVET Authority indicate that the acceptance of Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) programmes in TVET institutions has been extremely slow (TVETA, 2021). Therefore, this study evaluated the availability of competence-based teaching/learning materials, tools, and equipment in TVET institutions in the coastal region in Kenya. The study was conducted in technical institutions in Coast region of Kenya which involved National Polytechnic, Technical Training Institutes and Institutes of Technology. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study target population was 870 which includes Principals, Heads of Departments (HOD’s), Industrial Liaison Officers (ILO’s), trainers and trainees from the Kenyan Coast National Polytechnic, Godoma Technical Training Institute and Coast Institute of Technology. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select trainers (22) and trainees (94) and census technique was used to select Principals (3), ILO’s (3), and HOD’s (18). Data collection was carried out using questionnaires, interviews and observations. The questionnaire was tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha to determine the internal consistency of the items. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used to analyze the quantitative data descriptively. The study revealed competence-based teaching/learning materials, tools and equipment is inadequate in our TVET institutions and this impedes the successful implementation of competency-based curriculum. In order to effectively equip training institutions, stakeholders, parents, industries, the government, and donors must contribute to the acquisition of competence-based teaching/learning materials tools and equipment.

Influence of planning on integration of information communication technology in instructional process in public secondary schools in Nandi-East Sub-County, Kenya

2023-09-07T05:20:37+00:00

The objective of the study was to determine the influence of planning practice on integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the instructional process in Public secondary schools in Nandi-East Sub-County, Kenya. participants included 5 principals, 25 Head of department and 57 head of subjects who were purposely sampled. Data collection methods included administering questionnaires and scheduling interviews. In this study, a mixed research approach was utilized, and descriptive statistics was analyzed through the use of frequency distribution tables as well as percentages. The analysis of qualitative data was carried out using thematic analysis through the examination of content, which included the identification of recurring themes. The study findings revealed that planning as a management practice do exist at 74.6% of the sampled schools, however, implementation of the plans into integrating ICT services in delivery of content was still low. In conclusion, most schools had planning and organization practices in place but implementation was still low. The study recommends that for successful utilization and implementation of ICT by teachers, top management must put in place all the functions of management (Planning, organizing, directing and controlling) as advanced by Henri Fayol, specifically directing and controlling functions of management must be mainstreamed.

Ideology, elitism, gender and the evolution of sports management in colonial Kenya, 1923 – 1963

2023-09-07T05:32:45+00:00

Marginalization of women in sports management in Kenya has a long history. However, the existing literature on the subject overlooks the interplay of ideology and elitism in gendering inequality in sports management in colonial Kenya. This article delves into the evolution of sports during the colonial period to understand the impact of the interplay between ideology and elitism on gendering sports management. It examines data preserved in official records, newspapers/magazines and views and recollections of knowledgeable informants. The article established that ideology and elitism combined with evolving social and political meaning of sports to advantage the colonial political class in top decision-making levels of sports management. At independence the white political class in sports management was replaced by an African one, community development officers and, sportspersons transitioning to sports administration. These developments gave Kenyan men long head-starts in the management of sports as the country transitioned to independence.

The effect of COVID-19 on the Ugandan education system: A review

2023-09-07T05:38:16+00:00

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change-related disasters, armed conflict, protracted crises and forced displacement disrupted learning for seventy-five (75) million learners. It is estimated that more than 1 billion and 575 million students in 188 countries worldwide have been impacted by schools and universities being shut-down as a preventative response to contain the pandemic. For instance, more than 17.5 million students in Uganda were sent home during the lockdown. The worldwide consensus was that education is vital and must continue amidst the closing of the learning institutions. As such, e-learning was adopted although how it would be achieved remained more problematic especially in primary-secondary schools. The responses to education by a large-number of citizens and government officials varied from country to country. In Uganda, the government offered the use of online material via the Internet, television or radio. Teachers were required to adapt to new pedagogical approaches for which continuous training is needed. By January 2022, all institutions of learning were fully opened on condition that all students, teachers and non-teaching staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations in addition to adhering to standard operating procedures, such as observing social-distance, washing hands with detergents and wearing a mask. However, vaccine procurement, vaccine hesitation and emergency of new variants like the Delta and Omicron remained a challenge. The number of COVID-19 vaccination dozes administered per 100 people in Uganda from 3rd January 2020 to 17th January 2023 stands at 57.5 percent. This prompts the question: how can education be sustained? In this paper, the authors examined the aspects that distress the feasibility and quality of e-learning in Uganda. The study found that technical-infrastructure and accessibility, remote-learning competencies and pedagogies, and the specific-field of study affect teacher performance, student knowledge, and skills.

Efficacy of teaching chemistry with computer-based laboratory simulations (CBLs) as opposed to traditional methods in acquisition of scientific inquiry skills in Bomet County

2023-09-07T05:47:22+00:00

The aim of this research was to examine the efficacy of teaching chemistry with computer-based laboratory simulations (CBLs) as opposed to conventional methods for acquiring scientific inquiry skills in Bomet County. This study utilized quasi-experimental research design and applying Solomon-Four Non-Equivalent Groups Design. Four secondary schools in Bomet County were purposively sampled on the basis of availability of computers and a total of 369 participants were surveyed. Random sampling assigned four schools to control and treatment groups. All groups learned the same chemistry (electro-chemistry). Experimental groups used CBLs whereas control groups used teacher demonstrations and lecture. Before using CBLs, groups II and I were pre-tested. After 4 weeks, all 4 groups were post-tested using the Students' Chemistry Achievement Test (SCAT), which was pilot-tested to establish its reliability. ANCOVA, one-way ANOVA, and t-test were used to analyse data at a 0.05 significance level. Results revealed that Computer based laboratory simulation was more effective and efficient method as opposed to traditional method. CBLs had significant influence on achievement in chemistry. It assisted in improving students’ creativity and innovativeness compared to traditional teacher centered instructions. CBLs method of teaching chemistry assisted students to manipulate data in chemistry practical. Computer simulations allowed students to view and participate in real-world experiences. CBLs were characterized by ease, exciting and clearer teaching strategy as compared with traditional method. Simulations as an investigative tool increased motivation and curiosity among learners. Consequently, the study recommends that secondary schools should adopt the use CBLs in teaching of chemistry alongside traditional methods. Also, teacher education in university should restructure their curriculum to include the use CBLs in teachers training. This will improve the application CBLs in secondary schools.

State of teacher made classroom tests and testing as continuous assessment in an inclusive setting for practical outcomes, case study of bachelor of teacher education students in Kyambogo University, Uganda

2023-09-07T06:08:39+00:00

Inclusive education, inclusive classroom, inclusive setting, teacher made classroom tests and testing are commonly used terms by educators; teachers, teacher educators, administrators, parents/guardians, communities of practice and stakeholders. A few of these personnel have the required knowledge, attitudes or values and competences (practice) of an inclusive learning classroom for practical learning outcomes. The researcher intends to share on an evaluation of the current state of teacher made classroom tests and testing as continuous assessment in an inclusive setting for relevant learning outcomes. The research includes, an introduction (theoretical and conceptual), purpose and objectives, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations based on research emerging issues for action. The researcher used mixed methodology; action research, evaluative and case study on 351 Bachelor of Teacher Education students (2018 to 2020) with backgrounds in Teacher Education, Special Needs Education and Education Primary. Key findings were; inadequate teacher capacity, limited specific need-based resources, infrastructure, mixed perceptions of Special Educational Needs, less attention to learner uniqueness. Some key recommendations included; teacher capacity building through structured need based Continuous Professional Development including education in emergencies and crisis.

Contribution of quality assurance and standards officers' in enhancing Kenya certificate of secondary education performance in Kwanza Sub-County

2023-09-07T06:12:32+00:00

The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of Quality Assurance and Standards Officers‟ (QASOs) in Enhancing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education performance in Kwanza Sub-County. The study was founded on Role theory developed by Mullin (2004). The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 319 teachers, 35 principals and 2 QASOs. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 95 teachers, 11 principals and purposive sampling technique was used to select 2 QASOs. Iinterview schedules were used to collect data from QASOs. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Data collected was analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics. Results indicated that QASOs typically enhance staff growth and development, educational and learning materials. QASOs also play an important role in the development of educational programs in the Kwanza Sub- County. Further, they provide advice and feedback on how to run the curriculum, and indicating that the curriculum has been implemented. It was determined that QASOs play a significant role in ensuring proper curriculum implementation in schools. The report suggests that QASOs should be bolstered by providing them with more resources. QASOs should monitor schools more frequently and develop a follow-up system to guarantee that their suggestions, among other recommendations are executed.

“Ekisaakaate” (Royal Enclosure) living values-based contextual instruction pedagogy and early childhood moral learning outcomes in Buganda Kingdom in Uganda

2023-09-07T06:16:30+00:00

The study was prompted by the increasing moral decadence among the young children in Buganda Kingdom in particular and Uganda at large with many young people not being merciful, honest and loyal. They lack moral ethics, etiquette and are not responsible. Different approaches have been suggested as effective in promoting moral development of children, with no particular mention of one that uses a cultural value-based system. This study examined the relationship between ekisaakaate living values-based contextual instruction pedagogy and early childhood moral learning outcomes in Buganda Kingdom. Methodologically, cross-sectional research design guided the study. A sample of 159 ekisaakaate trainers were systematically selected to participate in the study and data were collected with the use of questionnaires. Descriptive and statistical analyses were used to analyze data collected. Frequencies and percentages were used to show the distribution of respondents on different items. Correlation was used to establish the relationships between the variables and in order to establish the predictor variable that contributed most to moral learning outcomes, a Simple Linear Regression (SLR) Analysis was used to establish the predictor variable that contributed most to moral learning outcomes. Results empirically revealed that active cooperative learning, problem-based approach to instruction and participatory learning have a positive influence on early childhood moral learning outcomes. Hence the study recommends that stakeholders such as early childhood education directors, teachers and parents in the respective early childhood centers should encourage the use of living values-based contextual instruction pedagogy to enhance early childhood moral learning outcomes.

Nurturing, entrepreneurship education and innovation in fragile and post- conflict countries: Case of a university of Makeni, Sierra Leone

2023-09-07T06:24:09+00:00

This work is a critical study of how nurturing innovation, education and entrepreneurship in a fragile and post- conflict country can enhance economic growth, promote employment, and productivity, but also can be a driver to create peace and stability and produce democratic citizens. Much study has been done around entrepreneurial education in promoting economic growth and providing a platform for innovation, but few studies have explored in detail how entrepreneurial education can also promote peace and produce democratic citizens that will bring about peaceful and prosperous communities. The study utilized a case study research design to explore how university of Makeni in Sierra Leone is using entrepreneurial education to promote economic growth, bring about employment, peace and stability in a fragile and post – conflict country. The research design chosen is appropriate because it will help the researcher to gain concrete contextual in depth knowledge of the situation and issues in real life. It will help the researcher to see a relationship between phenomena, context and live reality of the participants. The researcher used purposeful sampling to select students, staff and other stakeholders who took part in the entrepreneurial programs and initiatives of the University. The data was collected and analyzed using diagnostic analysis to identify patterns to see how entrepreneurial programme and initiatives has promoted economic growth, produce democratic citizens and enhance peace and stability. Indeed, the study concluded that the entrepreneurial programmes at the University of Makeni empower students and the communities to promote economic growth through income generating enterprises nurturing the skills, competencies and values thus enhancing peace and stability. In addition, main findings of this study will enable educational practitioners to design better models, framework and best practices that will bring about growth, peace and stability in fragile and post-conflict country.

The relationship between localization technology and performance of shipping lines in Kenya: The moderating effect of international maritime regulations

2023-09-07T06:35:12+00:00

Technology has been highly rated as a key enabler of improving organizational performance. Kenya’s shipping industry experiences low logistics efficiency characterised by high transportation cost, delayed delivery, poor track and trace as well as customs clearance. Shipping lines’ performance just like any other organisation’s performance is highly pegged on proper implementation and use of the right technology. The localization technologies if well utilised can help to solve these problems. The objective of this study therefore, was to examine the relationship between localization technology and performance of shipping lines in Kenya, the moderating effect of international maritime regulations. The study was anchored on technology acceptance model as well as the task technology fit theory, institutional theory and theory of firm. The study made use of positivist research philosophy as it sought to come up a practical solution to the existing problem of poor performance among the shipping lines. The explanatory survey research design was utilized in this study. The target population was all the 2835 respondents who are logistics, IT, sales and marketing and finance staff of the 53 shipping lines listed in Kenya business directory 2021. The sample size of 438 respondents who are staff from different departments of these firms namely; logistics 109 staff, IT 96 staff, finance 103 staff, sales and marketing 130 staff were determined using the Yamane formula. Random stratified sampling design was utilized to arrive at specific respondents. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires administered to the respondents. A pilot study was conducted in in 6 shipping lines from Mombasa using the 10% of the sample size; 50 questionnaires but only 44 were filled and returned. The questionnaire was tested for both validity and reliability. Reliability was tested using Cronbach alpha index at 0.7 while validity was ascertained through factor analysis. Quantitative data was appropriately coded and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis in order to generate descriptive statistics (minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation and frequency percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and hierarchical regression model) which was then be presented in frequency tables and graphs. Results showed that there was a significant and positive relationship between localization technology and performance of shipping lines in Kenya. Also, international maritime regulations had no statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between localization technology and performance of shipping lines in Kenya. It was concluded that shipping lines in Kenya utilized localization technology to help the in locating cargo during transportation, forecasting lead time accurately, mapping the route, eliminating delay, checking route deviation and tracking vessels. The study recommends that in order to enhance shipping lines performance through efficient operations, the managers of these companies need to adopt and make use of the localization technology.

Assessment of family alcohol use on alcohol-use disorder among recovering clients in rehabilitation centers Nairobi, Kenya

2023-09-07T06:41:09+00:00

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a burden to individuals, families, and the society. In most societies, the first socialization is mainly the family; particularly parents. This study assessed the Assessment of Family Alcohol Use on Alcohol-Use Disorder Among Recovering Clients in Rehabilitation Centers Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by the Family System Theory and Social Learning Theory. Ex post facto research design guided the study with a target population of 187 recovering clients composed of 161 males and 26 females. Following Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) table of sample size determination, the sample size was 152 males and 26 females. The representative sample was attained by using stratified sampling and simple random sampling methods. Expert judgment and pilot study was conducted in Kiambu County in National Campaign against Drug Abuse (NACADA) accredited rehabilitation centres to determine the validity of the data collection tools while the Split-half method was used to determine the reliability of the research instruments. A reliability level of 0.7 was accepted for the study. The researcher collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for windows while quantitative data was anlysed using the content analysis. This chi results showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between Fathers’ alcohol use χ2 (16) = .460, p =. 977), mother’s alcohol use χ2 (16) = 6.993, p =.136), older brothers’ alcohol use χ2(16) = .920, p =.922), older sisters’ alcohol use χ2 (16) = 3.321 p =.506) and alcohol use disorder among recovering clients in selected rehabilitation centers in Nairobi County. This meant that family alcohol use had no major effect on alcohol use of the participants nor the development of alcohol use disorder. Following the finding of this study, the researcher recommended more studies on personal factors and alcohol use disorder, studies to establish the effect of alcohol predisposition on development of alcohol use disorder and to establish the protective factors against alcohol use disorder.

Evaluation of ICT preparedness in public secondary schools: A comparative study of public boarding and day secondary schools in the South Rift Region in Kenya

2023-09-07T06:50:09+00:00

It is now widely acknowledged that a fundamental role for schools is to prepare learners with skills relevant to the challenges of the 21^st century through acquisition of suitable knowledge and skills. The centrality of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an essential skill in the new world order cannot be gainsaid. In view of this, majority of developing countries are reviewing their education policies to align instructional curricula offered in schools with knowledge and skills that incorporate competencies in ICT. However, despite the acclaimed centrality of ICT, there are indications that public secondary schools in the South Rift Region of Kenya, are slowin putting in place the necessary infrastructure to support implementation of ICT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ICT preparedness in public day and boarding secondary schools in the South Rift Region in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives, to; find out if public secondary schools have trained ICT personnel and find out the infrastructural preparedness in the implementation of ICT in public secondary schools in the South Rift Region in Kenya. The target population for the study comprised 69 teachers in public secondary schools in the South Rift Region of Kenya who were attending a Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) training. The study employed the census technique to include the entire population into the study because the universe was a manageable number. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that availability of trained ICT teachers in public secondary schools in the study locale was average and availability of ICT technicians was low in public secondary schools in the South Rift Region. It had been hypothesized that there was no statistically significant difference in the level of ICT preparedness in boarding and day secondary schools in the South Rift Region in Kenya. One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was computed and yielded a p-value = .261 which was more than the alpha value α > 0.05 indicating that the differences in ICT preparedness in the two school categories were not statistically significant. Therefore, the null hypothesis was accepted and it was concluded that the preparedness of schools to implement ICT infrastructure in boarding, and day secondary schools were largely the same. The study recommends the need to promote the use of ICT in all school categories and in particular the day secondary schools. This implies the need for sensitization of all stakeholders and provision of resources to develop ICT infrastructure and training of personnel in public secondary schools in Kenya.

Mobile banking adoption, technological efficiency and financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Kajiado County, Kenya

2023-09-07T07:00:53+00:00

Despite the widespread availability and adoption of mobile banking technology, research on its specific impact on the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is lacking. The effective utilization of mobile banking by SMEs to enhance financial performance and the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear. This study aimed at examining the relationship between mobile banking adoption and the financial performance and the moderational effect of Technological efficiency of SMEs in Kajiado county, Kenya. A descriptive research design was adopted targeted a population of fifty-eight (58) licensed SMEs in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study was guided by Technological Acceptance Model which is widely adopted theory for examining the behavioral intention of using computers by the users. Data was collected using self-administered, structured questionnaires and items were grounded on a five-point Likert scale with data analysis being done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypotheses of the study were tested using multiple regression models and Hayes process macro. The results showed that Mobile banking adoption significantly predicts SME’s financial performance (β=0.140, p < 0.05) and this relationship is partially mediated by Technological efficiency (β =.239, p < .001, CI=0.029, 0.112). Theoretically, the study supported the incorporation of the key Mobile banking adoption, and Technological Efficiency, where the outcome of the results indicated the significant relationship in achieving financial performance of SMEs. Finally, there is need to undertake similar studies covering other geographical locations to make generalization of this study.

Funding and lecturer’s research effectiveness in public universities in Uganda: A case of Kyambogo University

2023-09-07T07:04:59+00:00

Adequate research funding is vital for generating and disseminating knowledge, skills and orientations that are critical to sustainable development. This study employed a cross-sectional survey method to examine the effect of funding on lecturers’ research effectiveness at Kyambogo University as a case for other Ugandan public universities. The study target population was PhD holding lecturers at Kyambogo University. A sample of 127 was used to collect data using self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling. Descriptive results reveal that there is moderate level of research funding and moderate research effectiveness at Kyambogo University. Structural Equation Modelling result revealed that research funding is statistically and significantly related to Research effectiveness. It is hereby construed that when the lecturers are availed with adequate funds to conduct research, they are likely to produce quality research outputs worth publishing and presenting in national and international conferences. Since the availability of funding in a university is widely believed to determine the strengths of other capacity correlates, the study thus recommended further investigation into research funding and research effectiveness through mediated relationships by other organisational correlates. Additionally, University education policy makers and managers in Uganda should secure and commit more funds towards the research function in public universities like Kyambogo in a timely manner.

Moderating role of savings on the relationship between interest rates and the stock market performance. A case of Nairobi Securities Exchange

2023-09-07T07:12:02+00:00

Nairobi Securities exchange (NSE) is playing a vital role in the growth of Kenya’s economy by encouraging savings and investment, as well as helping local and international companies’ access cost-effective capital. NSE operates under the jurisdiction of the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya. This study sought to examine the Moderating role of Savings on the Relationship between Interest rates and the Stock market Performance a case of Nairobi securities exchange. Data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics; Mean median standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis while inferential statistics used were multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation. The study was informed by Capital Asset Pricing Model. The philosophical foundation underpinning the study was positivism and an explanatory research design. In addition, panel regression analysis was engaged to establish the nature as well as significance of the association between Interest rates and Stock market performance. The outcome displayed that Interest rates had a negative influence on Stock market performance. The study findings are in contrast with the assertion that high savings increase value with interest rates (β= -.203, ρ<.05) to Stock Market Performance. Later the process was repeated with the moderating variable results showing that savings has a negative and significant moderating influence on the association between Interest rates and Stock Market Performance (R2Δ=0.05 β= -0.08; ρ<0.05). The study found that the Savings had a buffering moderation influence on Interest rates and Stock Market Performance. Finally, the researcher recommends a further study focusing on firms listed in NSE to ascertain whether the study results hold.

Impacts of rice production on Nyando Wetlands Ecosystem in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya

2023-09-07T09:29:20+00:00

Wetlands are important resources that provide the community with many inter-related environmental functions and socio-economic benefits, which support a variety of livelihood strategies. In Kenya, wetlands are often utilized for rice production due to their favorable hydrological conditions and nutrient-rich soils. The unique climatic and geographical characteristics of the Nyando wetland in the Lake Victoria basin, coupled with the availability of water resources, make it suitable for rice cultivation. As rice cultivation intensifies in the region to meet rising food demand and economic opportunities in the country, Nyando Wetland has been extensively exploited, disrupting the ecological balance of the wetland ecosystem and negatively impacting biodiversity and livelihood of riparian communities. Therefore, this study evaluated the impacts of rice production on Nyando Wetlands Ecosystem in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. The study was based on the assumptions of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium principle. This study adopted mixed research design which integrated both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This study target population were 80,509 households using wetland resources and rice farmers in South West Kano Irrigation Schemes which neighbours Nyando wetlands Kabonyo Ward in Nyando sub-county, Kisumu County, Kenya. The sample size of 213 was derived using Krejcie & Morgan (1970) formula. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, interview with key informants, Focus Group Discussion, observation and photography. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine reliability of the research instruments and this study alpha value of 0.84 was regarded as being indicative of good reliability. The quantitative data was subjected to descriptive statistics and presented in the form of tables, pie-charts and graphs. Pearson correlation analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 to understand the relationship between rice production and the impact on ecosystem. Qualitative data from the interview guide and household questionnaire was analyzed through content analysis. Nyando wetland has experienced a significant reduction in size (91%) as farmers encroach into the wetlands to cultivate rice crops. Peaerson correlation between rice production and biodiversity, negative relationships were observed between the increase in rice crop production and the reduction of fish abundance (r = -0.481, p = 0.001), decrease in wetland size (r = -0.984, p = 0.000), and water quality (r = -0.323, p = 0.001). However, a positive relationship was observed between rice production and the increase in bird populations (r = 0.223, p = 0.003), while a weak positive relationship was found between rice production and the increase in floods (r = 0.018, p = 0.002). The study recommends that there is need for relevant actors such as NEMA, MOA and County Government of Kisumu to empower local communities through sensitization, awareness creation and trainings on importance of conserving wetlands and ensure implementation of sustainable intensification of rice production to achieve food security with minimal disturbance of the wetlands.

Effect of stocking density on growth performance, and survival of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in cage culture system in Lake Victoria, Kenya

2023-09-07T09:36:28+00:00

The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niltoticus) constitutes an important animal protein source in the Great African Lakes population but wild supplies are rapidly declining. Cage aquaculture of O. niloticus is increasingly being applied in the lakes to bridge the fish supply-demand deficit. Despite the increasing use of fish cages in the Kadimu bay of Lake Victoria, Kenya, there are hardly any studies documenting acceptable stocking densities for sustainable production or research around cages necessary to inform policy on aquaculture production in the Lake. There is need to determine desirable stocking densities for the cages that provides optimal production and returns without compromising environmental quality of the waters. This study was conducted from February to September 2022 to determine the optimal stocking density and evaluate the influence of stocking density on growth performance and survival of O. niltoticus in floating cages at Kadimu Bay of Lake Victoria, Kenya. O. niloticus fingerlings with initial mean weight of 5.5 ± 1.72g, were stocked at densities of 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 fish m^-3 in 12m³ cages replicated three times per treatment. The fish were fed thrice per day with a commercially formulated diet and measured fortnightly for growth for a period of eight months. Growth performance was measured as mean weight gain (g) considering the difference between final mean weight of fish at the end of the experiment and the initial mean weight of fish before experimentation, while % survival was measured as the proportion of fish at the end of the experiment divided by the number of fish stocked multiply by 100. Results showed that fish stocked at lower densities D50 & D75 had the highest growth performance in terms of mean weight gain (545.0 ± 15.81 g and 527.4 ± 13.80 g, respectively). The least mean weight gain was observed at stocking densities of D125 & D150 (248.3 ± 10.64 g and 253.0 ± 10.04 g, respectively). The control treatment D100 which is the normal stocking density used by cage fish farmers, showed intermediate mean weight gain (348.2 ± 11.48 g) and was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the D50 and D75 treatments. The survival rate was highest (91% to 96%) for fish stocked at densities of D100 and D50 and lowest (79%, 84% and 85%) fish stocked at densities of D150, D75 and D125 respectively. Fish production (kg), was highest for fish stocked at D75 (32.9 ± 7.82 kg) and lowest for fish stocked at D125 (26.9 ± 5.78 kg). The specific growth rate (SGR, % per day) was lowest at D125 and D150 (1.6 ± 0.47 and 1.6 ± 0.30) respectively and highest at D50 and D75 (1.9 ± 0.23 and 1.9 ± 0.21), while feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowest at D50 (1.2 ± 0.02) and highest at D150 (2.9 ± 2.01). Results of economic analysis showed the lowest Cost-benefit ratio in D50 (0.48) and highest ratio in D150 (1.16). In conclusion, stocking fish at density of D50 is more economically profitable than the other density treatments. Fish production was highest at D75 but the cost- benefit ratio was best for fish stocked at D50, suggesting D50 to be the most suitable stocking density for cage fish farmers in the study area in sharp contrast to the current practice of stocking 100 fish per m³. However, the cost-benefit analysis is based on a single production cycle and will need to be re-evaluated in subsequent production cycles. It is recommended for fish farmers to stock fish at a density of 50 fish m^-3 in the study area as opposed to the current stocking of 100 fish m^-3 for sustainable fish production.

Carcass characteristic of indigenous chicken fed on diets containing German cockroach (Blattela germanica) meal in Kenya

2023-09-07T09:46:42+00:00

Edible insects are available for use in insect-based-feed, however there is limited information on carcass characteristics and sensory tests of chicken fed on German cockroaches (Blattela germanica). This study assessed the effects of replacing fishmeal (FM) with varying levels of processed B. germanica meal (BGM). Seventy-two grower chicken of eight weeks old, comprising an equal number of males and females, were used as sampling units in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four treatments were replicated three times and fed ad lib on different diets for period of fifty-six days. The treatments were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and comprised of - diet TA (3.5 %FM, 0.5% PBGM), TB (2.5 %FM, 1.5% PBGM), TC (2 % FM, 2% PBGM), and TD (4 %FM, 0% FM). Four birds per treatment were sacrificed on day 112. The birds were slaughtered, dressed, and dissected into prime cuts (thighs, drumstick, breast, wings) that were weighed and expressed as a percentage of live birds. Samples of breast were cooked and served to a panellist for an organoleptic test. Data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance for a CRD where samples were treatments while panellists were replicates in SPSS. Weights of plucked bird, dressed bird, thighs, drumstick, and wings of chicken fed on TA, TB, and TC was not significantly different from those feds on the control diet (TD). Similarly, the average percentage of the dressed carcass (65%) and other prime cuts was not different from the control. The flavour, smell, taste, colour, and overall acceptability of breast samples were not significantly different, with a mean score of 4.0 rated as good. The study revealed that replacing up to 50% of fishmeal with BGM does not affect meat quality, meat sensory attributes, and consumers’ acceptability thus actors in the chicken value chain should embrace use of German cockroaches as a protein feedstuff.

Salt tolerance of two potato cultivars

2023-09-07T10:03:19+00:00

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the leading crop plants used for food production globally. The varieties that are presently grown are greatly hampered productively by increased salinity. The repercussion of salinity stress on productivity of potato plant was assessed using Shangi and Unica varieties sourced from KALRO Tigoni. Potato tubers were grown in 4L polybags packed with coco peat media and kept under greenhouse conditions. A two-factorial experiment in CRD was used with factors being cultivar and treatments of salt concentrations. Twenty-one days after emergence, plants were subjected twice in seven days to six different treatments of salinity levels (0, 6, 8, 10, 12,14dS/m) of NaCl in solution form prepared. Measurements of height 30 days after start of salt application, tuber weight and number at harvest were recorded. At 0dS/m, the two varieties performed optimally. Salt concentration significantly affected cultivars performance in height, weight of tubers and number of tubers. Both shangi and Unica demonstrated better performance at between 6-8 dS/m with less yield decrease than the other salt concentration. At 10dS/m, Unica’s performance was better as opposed to Shangi that was adversely affected by the salts though Shangi’s performance decreased at a higher rate with increase in salt. (Table 3). The tubers had the highest weight at 6 dS/m concentration while Unica species produced tubers with the highest weight. (16g). Unica therefore performed better than Shangi indicating that it’s more tolerant to salinity than Unica. This research was meant to identify a salt tolerant potato cultivar between Shangi and Unica which can be used for breeding for salt tolerant varieties. It was thus found that Unica is salt tolerant as had been found in other previous studies. Unica therefore is recommended for planting by farmers who cultivate in fields affected by high salinity incidences. In addition, Unica genes are recommended to breeders who can use them for breeding purposes to breed for salt tolerant cultivars.

Causes of oppositional defiant disorders among the secondary school students in Turkana West Sub County

2023-09-07T10:20:00+00:00

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is multiplicity of dysfunctional behaviours exhibited by students who are not conforming to the societal norms, morals and code of ethics. Oppositional Defiant Disorders among secondary school students has remained a global concern that requires urgent intervention especially in the twenty first century. The causes and detrimental effects have remained elusive for parents, teachers and other stakeholders working with educational sector. It has therefore, remained a great challenge as education partners continue to work hard to determine the causes not only regionally, nationally but also locally as in the case for Turkana West Sub County. This study was conducted with an aim to determine the causes of ODD among the secondary school students. The study was supported by instinct theory of aggression that explains the sources of students’ oppositional defiant behaviours, which originate from Eros and Thanatos. The study target population was 1800 secondary school principals, guidance and counselling teachers of the sampled schools, parents and secondary school students, MoEST and child protection officers. The sample size of 328 was arrived at using Yamane Taro formulae. Simple random, convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the respondents in the study. The data was collected using the questionnaire and interviews among other tools of qualitative data collection. Collected data was descriptively analyzed using SPSS (version 21). The findings of the study revealed that poor caring environment, poor socio-economic background, poor relation between students and teachers, peer pressure, parental ignorance was the leading ODD cause. The study recommends that there is need to establish guidance and counselling sections in schools while empowering teachers. Education stakeholders to establish Conducive environmental systems (bio-ecological model) in which individuals work towards ODD management and positive academic performance through reinforcing positive students behaviours in schools.

Attitude of trainers and students towards the use of ICT in teaching and learning English language oral skills in public teacher training colleges in Kenya

2023-09-07T10:53:08+00:00

In recent years, the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has transformed the teaching and learning landscape, including the domain of language education. The English language, being a globally important communication tool, has also witnessed significant changes in its instructional approach due to the adoption of ICT tools. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the attitude of trainers and students towards the use of ICT in teaching and learning English language oral skills in Mosoriot and Kericho Public Teacher Training Colleges in Kenya. The study was guided by the computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) pedagogical approach wherein learning takes place via social interaction using a computer or through the Internet (ICT). The sample was obtained from Mosoriot and Kericho Public Teacher Training Colleges in the Rift Valley region. A total of 16 respondents were picked from 32 English trainers targeted while 210 respondents were picked from 2000 English language students targeted using stratified sampling technique. Data were collected via questionnaires and presented in tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. a majority of trainers perceived negative attitudes among students towards ICT use in oral language skills, suggesting challenges in integrating technology for communication development, however, half of the respondents recognized students' highly positive attitude towards networking through social media, presenting an opportunity for engaging language learning experiences. Bridging the gap in computer experience requires ensuring that students have sufficient access to ICT tools and resources. Public teachers training colleges should equip their facilities with up-to-date technology and provide access to digital resources, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with diverse ICT tools. Also, fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment can positively influence attitudes towards technology integration. Educators should create a culture that values the benefits of technology in language education and provides ongoing support to students in their journey of incorporating ICT tools effectively.

Measuring digital teaching competence of academic staff in public universities in Uganda

2023-09-07T10:56:24+00:00

The unanticipated lockdown of campuses of universities caused by COVID-19 disrupted education worldwide. Nonetheless, the benefit that came with the lockdowns is that, while previously interest in online learning was an emerging unique mode of delivery used by particular institutions, it expanded to virtually all universities leading to large-scale digitising of teaching and learning. However, in Uganda, public universities have been slow at digitising their education compared to private universities. This study measured the digital competence of academic staff in public universities. Digital competence of academic staff was anchored in the UNESCO (2018) ICT Competency Framework for Teachers and the TPACK model. Digital teaching competence was measured in terms of course design, technical competence, communication competence, and time management competence. Using the survey design, data were collected from a sample of 327 academic staff from a population of 2225 academic staff from four public universities in Uganda using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the data. Descriptive results revealed that; course design, technical, communication and time management competences were high. PLS-SEM indicated that the four measures appropriate measures of digital competence. It was concluded that academics in public universities have the digital competences necessary for effective digitalisation of education and technical, course design, course communication, and time management competences are appropriate measures for digital teaching competences. Therefore, the study recommended that managers of universities should take advantage of course design, technical, course communication and time management competences of academic staff to roll out digital education at a large scale. Also, scholars can use course design, technical, course communication and time management competences as measures of digital teaching competence.

Applying 7E learning cycle model to unlock gender differences in biology academic achievement in Chesumei Sub-County, Kenya

2023-09-07T10:59:16+00:00

This study explored the application of the 7E learning cycle model as an alternative to bridge the gender gaps that exist in the achievement of Biology among secondary school students. The study objective was to investigate the effect of 7E learning cycle Model on gender performance in Biology in secondary schools in Chesumei Sub-County. Quasi experimental design was used. A sample size of 346 form three students was selected using stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data collection instrument was Biology Achievement Test. Validity of the instrument was determined by two experts in the field of Biology Education. Test- retest technique was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained by use of statistical tools. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to analyze data. The results were presented using inferential statistics. Results of the study revealed that the mean score of the girls in the experimental group performed better than the boys in the same group. In addition, the study also found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of those taught using 7E Learning Cycle Model and those taught using Convectional Instructional Method. The study concluded that 7E Learning Cycle Model has the potential of improving academic achievement of the learners in both group, but more significantly the girls outperformed the boys. It was therefore recommended that Biology teachers should employ such constructivist approach as 7E learning cycle model in teaching so as to bridge the gender gaps that we experienced in class. In addition, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should organize and conduct capacity building on teachers on the adoption of 7E Learning Cycle Model for instruction at various levels of curriculum implementation.

Effects of psychosocial interventions on growth of adolescent students in public secondary schools in Trans-Nzoia County

2023-09-07T11:01:25+00:00

The main objective of the study was to examine the effects of psychosocial interventions on growth of adolescent students in public secondary schools in Trans-Nzoia County. The theoretical frame-work used in this study was the Social Cognitive Theory that considers the unique way in which individuals acquire and maintain behaviour which considers the social environment of an individual. The study applied the descriptive research design. The target population was 239 public secondary schools within Tranzoia County and a sample size of 116 schools was arrived at using Nassiuma (2000) formula. The sample for the study was identified by using convenience and stratified random sampling techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, document analysis, interviews and observation schedule. The study adopted descriptive and inferential data analysis. The study found that both of psychosocial interventions affect growth of adolescent students significantly in public secondary schools. Majority of the respondents indicated that the psychosocial challenges depicted by the adolescent students in their schools is depression (42%) anxiety disorder (17%) emotional and behavioural difficulties (12%), substance abuse (14%), Suicidal behaviour (10%) and lastly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (5%). It was eident that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that (Mean=4.77) the psychosocial interventions add value to adolescent students’ growth/development. The regression of coefficients results showed that psychosocial interventions and adolescent student growth are positively and significantly related (β=0.295, p=0.000). The findings will be useful in the development of useful guidelines on cognitive mentors on psychosocial behaviour and also to lay strong ground for further interventional research.

Measuring online classroom self-efficacy of lecturers in public universities in Uganda

2023-09-07T11:09:11+00:00

The Covid-19 disease that broke out in 2019 spread worldwide not only affecting health systems but also the other fields including education. Due to its high probability of infection through physical contact, educational institutions implemented physical social distancing by adopting online methods of providing education. However, in Uganda implementation of online teaching and learning was virtually resisted by lecturers and students. Up to today, online teaching and learning has failed to become fully entrenched in education delivery in public universities in Uganda with many lecturers preferring on campus face to face classrooms. Against this background, this was attracted to measure online classroom self-efficacy of lecturers. Anchoring on Self-Efficacy Theory by Bandura (1977), lecturers self-efficacy in online classrooms was measured in terms of instructional methods, classroom management and student engagement. This cross-sectional study involved a sample of 327 lecturers from four public universities in Uganda. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed quantitatively. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM) using SmartPLS for partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Descriptive statistics revealed that online classroom self-efficacy of lecturers was high on all the aspects of instructional methods, classroom management and student engagement. The results indicated the different online classroom self-efficacies of lecturers namely; instructional methods, classroom management and student engagement were high. PLS-SEM indicated that the three measures appropriately measured online classroom self-efficacy of lecturers. It was concluded that university lecturers have the self-efficacy necessary for conducting online teaching and instructional methods, classroom management and student engagement measure online classroom self-efficacy. Therefore, it was recommended that university managers should exploit the online classroom self-efficacy of lecturers to increase the level of e-learning implementation in the universities. University managers should also put in place programmes for regularly enhancing online classroom self-efficacy of lecturers because online teaching technologies continuous evolve and change. Further, researchers can use the instructional methods, classroom management and student engagement as measures of online classroom self-efficacy of lecturers.

Predictive effects of social presence on student engagement in the online component of blended distance learning programs at Makerere University, Uganda

2023-09-07T11:17:07+00:00

This study investigated the predictive effects of social presence on student engagement in the online component of blended distance learning programs at Makerere University, Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which affective expression, open communication, and group cohesion produced gains in student engagement in blended distance learning programs. The study was guided by the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model and employed a quantitative methodology using correlational and cross-sectional research design. The study targeted 2931 students enrolled in blended distance learning programs at Makerere University. Data were collected from 283 distance-learning students from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and College of Health Sciences (CHS) of Makerere University using a self-administered questionnaire. The students were selected through stratified proportionate sampling. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results showed that all three elements of social presence namely; affective expression (β = .236, p = .000 < 0.05), open communication (β = .336, p = .000 < 0.05), and group cohesion (β = .297, p = .000 < .05) had a positive and significant influence on student engagement in the online component of blended distance learning programs. The study concluded that social presence plays a vital role in predicting gains in student engagement in blended distance learning programs. Hence, instructors and managers of blending distance learning programs at Makerere University should consider ways to foster social presence components namely affective expression, open communication, and social cohesion when designing online and blended distance learning courses to maximize gains of student engagement to leverage requisite educational outcomes.

Effect of online based concept maps on secondary school students’ academic performance in Biology in Endebess Sub-County, Kenya

2023-09-07T11:30:17+00:00

Performance in sciences especially in Biology has continuously been a concern to the Government of Kenya, Biology teachers and various stakeholders in Education. For a considerable the past five years, Biology subject has performed below the expectation and for this reason researchers in this field are out to unlock the anomaly. This study investigated the effect of online based concept maps on secondary school students’ performance in Biology in Endebess sub-county, Trans-nzoia County, Kenya. The objective was to find out the effect of online based concept maps on secondary school students’ performance in biology in Endebess sub-county. The study employed quantitative research method. The study used Quasi experimental design; non-equivalent pre-test post-test groups design. The target population included all form one students in Endebess Sub-County with a population of 2845 students drawn from 18 schools. Using Krejcie and Morgan table for calculating sample sizes for research, a sample size of 451 students and 18 teachers was obtained. The study employed tests as data collection instruments. Tests were derived from qualified sources and were validated by specialists. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79 was obtained and the instruments were considered appropriate and reliable. The data was analyzed by SPSS (version 21) and Microsoft Excel statistical packages. The results of the study showed that online based concept maps were a superior tool to conventional methods of delivery of content. It is hoped that the results will form basis for advising biology instructors in organizing concepts by the used of Biology concept maps, which promote meaningful learning for learners, supporting the overall learning style and enhancing the understanding of concepts to the learners.

Female lecturers’ initiatives in support their academic career progression. A case of selected universities in Uganda

2023-09-07T11:38:02+00:00

This study examined female lectures’ initiatives in support of their academic career progression in two universities in Uganda. It specifically focused on personal attributes which are behind actions undertaken by female academics that contribute to their academic career progression. Anchored in advocacy paradigm, this study employed a qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews comprising of 16 female academics with more than five years at the rank of lecturer within the same university were purposively selected and used as a sample. Data were thematically analyzed and it emerged from the study that personal attributes such confidence, resilience, self-motivation determination and self-beliefs enable female academics to take initiatives such as setting realistic goals, making career decisions which enhance their academic career progression. However, these are moderated by external factors such as institutional, family and collegial support. The paper recommends that academic career progression of female lecturers should be enhanced by creating a supportive environment in which measures such as encouragement, mentoring, and ongoing training in scientific writing, adequate funding and promotion of co-authorship which stimulate female academics’ individual abilities and their subsequent academic career progression are prioritized.

Analysis of nutritive and medicinal values of selected edible mushrooms at the University of Eastern Africa Baraton Farm, Nandi County

2023-09-07T11:40:09+00:00

The analysis of nutritive and medicinal values of selected edible mushrooms that is oyster, button and ordinary native mushroom consumed in the University of Eastern Africa Baraton were evaluated. The objectives of the study were; to determine the nutritive value of the selected mushrooms in the University of Eastern Africa Baraton, farm, to analyze the presents of minerals in the selected mushrooms and to determine the medicinal nature of the analyzed minerals and nutrients found in the mushrooms. The mushroom varieties were harvested and dried, then proximate, mineral and vitamin analyzed to determine their presence and their nutritive and medicinal values of the minerals determined. Standard scientific methods were used to analyze for approximate nutrient and mineral composition. The approximate content of the mushroom was found to be in the range of 7.80 – 23.40% for protein, 6.40 – 8.01% for fat, 2.40 – 11.74% for fibre, 2.48 – 4.08% for ash matter and 58.60 – 63.20% for carbohydrate. Five key essential mineral elements were analyzed: magnesium, selenium, iron, zinc and iodine having values of 0.80 to 2.76%, 2.90 to 6.02%, 2.72 to 4.50%, 3.38 to 4.44% and 0.30 to 0.62% respectively. The order of performance from the analysis showed that ordinary native, button and oyster mushroom respectively have the highest level of nutrients and minerals. In addition, the results showed that mushrooms have high nutrient potentials hence it will serve as a good means of reducing the incidence and high prevalence of malnutrition in UEAB and Kenya at large given that it is affordable when it comes to the indigenous mushrooms and even the propagated ones.

Prevalence of compassion fatigue among counsellors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2023-09-07T12:05:27+00:00

Counsellors absorb the emotional pain and trauma of their clients as they deal with their sufferings. This leads to diminished empathy and compassion fatigue. In light of this concern this study aimed at determining the prevalence of compassion fatigue among counsellors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study adopted the embedded mixed method approach where the Ex-post facto and phenomenological designs were used. A census was used to obtain the sample of participants where 97 counsellors practicing in Uasin Gishu County participated in the study. Using critical case criteria 5 counsellors were purposively sampled for qualitative approach. Data was collected using the Professional Quality of Life Version 5 (ProQoL-5) and an in-depth interview guide for qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0. All the inferential statistics were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study found that the 52.6% of the respondents had low compassion fatigue. The study concluded that compassion fatigue was prevalent among counsellors in Uasin Gishu county though none of the participants recorded high levels of compassion fatigue and therefore recommended that counsellor should be made aware of the risk of compassion fatigue on their wellbeing and the need to employ professional intervention such as clinical supervision as a management strategy.

Influence of intellectual stimulation dimension on organizational performance of The South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) Counties: The moderating role of innovation

2023-09-07T12:09:09+00:00

County governments in Kenya are devolved units which came into effect in 2013 after the promulgation of the new constitution. County government performance has faced a number of challenges emanating from the type of leadership embraced by each particular county. It is on this basis that this research focused on establishing the influence of transformational leadership dimensions on organizational performance of the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) counties with the moderating role of innovation. The specific objective was to establish the influence of intellectual stimulation on organisational performance of the county governments in the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc. The main theory which informed this study was transformational leadership theory. It was supported by strategic leadership, resource based view and stakeholder theories. The study was guided by pragmatism philosophical approach. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was 408 with sample size of 289 respondents employed. Stratified random sampling technique was used for this study. Instrument of data collection was questionnaires. Reliability was ensured through the pilot study conducted at Kisii County and ascertained through the Cronbach’s alpha test. Validity was ascertained by conducting confirmatory factor analysis. Analysis of the results was conducted using descriptive statistics; mean standard deviation, percentages and frequencies. Pearson-moment correlation coefficient was used to establish the strength of the relationship. Simple linear and hierarchical multiple regression were used to estimate the relationship between variables. The analysed data was presented in tables, graphs, charts and figures. Research results indicated that intellectual stimulation did not have a statistically significant influence on the outcome of organisational performance of South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc. The study recommends that county leaders need to accept employee innovative ideas that are geared towards improving performance, involve the employees in the process of addressing county problems and allowing employees to participate in decision making pertaining to their work.

How does risk management contribute to firm financial performance? Among banks in Kenya

2023-09-07T12:17:08+00:00

The objective of the study is to examine the effect of risk management on firm financial performance among banks in Kenya. The study was guided by balance scorecard model. The study took a positivism position which maintains that observation and reason are the best means of understanding events. The study made use of an explanatory research design. The study used this approach to explain and identify the cause-and-effect relationship between risk management and firm financial performance. The target population for this study was 42 banks in Kenya and 35 banks were surveyed after the inclusion exclusion criteria. Secondary data from annual audited financial reports for the sampled banks for the periods 2013 to 2019 were used to meet the objectives of the study and Data collection schedule was used to extract data from bank annual reports. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The risk management regression results revealed a positive and significant effect on firm financial performance (= 40.18176, p= 0.000). This means that increasing risk management strategies by one unit improved bank financial performance by 40.18176 units. The practical implications of the positive and significant effect of risk management strategies on firm financial performance emphasize the importance of prioritizing risk management practices within banks. By adopting robust risk management frameworks, banks can enhance their financial stability, competitive advantage, regulatory compliance, strategic decision-making, investor confidence, and overall performance in the market. Continuous improvement in risk management practices is essential to adapt to evolving risks and maximize long-term financial success. Therefore, enhancing risk management practices can positively impact the overall financial health and success of the organization.

Analysis of talent management practices and employee engagement among commercial banks in Nairobi County, Kenya

2023-09-07T12:21:00+00:00

In the modern world, candid discussions have been ongoing as regards to the management of employees. In line with this, talent management practices are an imperative factors in driving forward the organization as well as influence employee engagement. Consequently, the study’s main objective was directed at examination of the relationship between talent management and employee engagement of commercial banks in Kenya’s Nairobi County. Hertzberg theory form the basis of conceptualization of the study variables. Bothe positivist and descriptive research design steered the study. Structured questionnaires were self-administered to a sample size of 354 respondents derived from 3,098 targeted population. In regards to data analysis, factor and regression analysis were conducted. The coefficient for the outcome was positive (β=.541) and significant at 5 percent level (p<.05). This means that talent management practices influenced employee engagement. The study concluded that commercials banks need to prudently ponder which talent management practices to put emphasis on in order to rally employee engagement. From the findings, it is recommended that commercial banks could highlight on developing talent, create a positive work environment, alignment of employees' skills and capabilities with their roles and responsibilities and use of data-driven approaches for effective talent management practices, employee engagement and identification of areas for improvement. Future comparative studies could be conducted over and above incorporating of other measurement items, key variables given that the study assessed the direct effects.

Role of online training on service delivery of waiters in licensed hotels in Nairobi County.

2023-09-07T12:25:51+00:00

There are challenges facing waiters in the hotel industry which require training for them to get skills for service delivery. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, people were not allowed to have physical contact with one another and waiters were no exception. People started working at home, and these called for online training needs for various organizations including the hotel industry. There is limited literature about the online training done purposely for waiters justifying the area to be explored through research. The study focused on online training and service delivery to Waiters. Consequently, it purposes to model the Role of online training on Service Delivery of Waiters in licensed hotels in Nairobi City County. The specific objective was to establish a model of online training and service delivery of waiters in licensed hotels in Nairobi County during Covid 19 seasons. Subsequently, the research method was a convergent parallel design which entails that the researcher concurrently conducts the quantitative and qualitative approach of research methodology. There were 71 hotels targeted with a target population of 1300 waiters’, and 260 supervisors which were 20 % of the population of the study but the response was (N=242) out of the expected 260. The data was collected by sending online questionnaires (Using Google Forms). IBM SPSS software version 21 was used to clean, present and analyze data. The variables were modeled using a regression model to establish the relationship between the variables. The results showed that there was a positive contribution of technical skills (B= 0.541) and interpersonal skills (B= 0.032) acquired during online training to the service delivery of the waiters. However, there was a negative relationship between conceptual skills (B= -.206) and service delivery. The study outcomes conclude that technical skills and interpersonal skills were required at the operation level than conceptual skills in enhancing service delivery. Therefore, the training department should only focus on the delivery of technical and interpersonal skills when conducting online training.

Assessment of ICT integration in pedagogy in technical training institutions in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties, Kenya

2023-09-07T12:29:44+00:00

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) provides an array of powerful tools that can help in transforming the present isolated teacher-centered and textbook-bound classroom pedagogy into technology-enriched student focused and interactive instructional environments. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of integration of Information and Communication Technology in pedagogy in technical training institutions in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties in Kenya. This study was guided by the Adaptive Structuration and Technical Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) theories as the theoretical framework. The study employed the positivism research philosophy and adopted the descriptive research design. The target population comprised of 10 principals, 1006 lecturers and 10 bursars. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 bursars and 10 principals. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the lecturers. The Krejcie and Morgan (1970) tables were used to arrive at the sample size of the lecturers. The total sample in the study consisted of 10 principals, 290 lecturers and 10 bursars, whose aggregate was 310 respondents. The questionnaires were used to collect data from the 290 lecturers while the 10 principals and 10 bursars were taken through an interview guide. The data that was gathered was subjected to both descriptive and inferential analysis using the statistical software SPSS. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant difference between the level of ICT integration in instructional processes between TTIs in Nyeri and Nairobi County (P=0.00, t=0.073049). The study recommended the need to strengthen capacity building of teachers in retooling them on ICT integration in pedagogy as an important component in the teacher professional development and performance contracting requirements for promotion and career growth.

Artistic engine in creative arts industry in Kenya: Mugithi genre in contemporary popular performances

2023-09-08T05:23:25+00:00

The paper attempts to explore the position of musical artistry and creative endeavours in the performance of Mugithi genre in the contemporary Kenyan society. The genre emerged in the 1990s in Nairobi and other urban centres in Mount Kenya region of the nation-state. The term Mugithi may have been coined by an anonymous performer of Christian Kigooco sub-genre. The premiere performers of Mugithi song were Christian pilgrims who used to stage night vigils (keshas) in promotion of evangelistic missions across Kenya. The growth and development of Mugithi as a musical and literary genre could be traced back to the 1990s decade. By then musical production centred in the production of vinyl records, compact cassette and later on in the 2000s and 2010s CDs, VCDs and DVDs emerged as musical gadgets in the Kenyan music industry. Today, in the 2020s you tube channels and skiza tunes are the commonest on-line outlets for marketing, distribution and consumption of musical products in Kenya and globally. The objectives are to: To examine the creative artists’ popular performers’ position in the innovation of new ideas and thematic concerns in the social front. To assess the drive and impact created by the emergent Mugithi performers in the Kenyan Music Industry. To assess the economic position gained by the premiere and emergent Mugithi performers in contemporary Kenyan music Industry. It is assumed that Mugithi is now an acceptable umbrella term for both the secular and Kigooco-gospel musical popular performances. From 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and now in the 2020s, this genre appears to have grown from strength to strength. From this end, it is a genre that has created jobs and economic advancements in the media and entertainment industries.

Relationship between delegation and employee productivity in selected NOREB counties, Kenya

2023-09-08T05:25:57+00:00

This paper observes the association between delegation and employee productivity in the department of public service and administration in selected Counties, North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), the counties include; Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu County Governments. Optimum productivity among employees is the key focus for most work places around the globe however; participation among employees in decision making seems to have been compromised by leaders in the mentioned counties. The paper is an output of a study that was carried out on participatory decision making and employee productivity in the department of public service and administration in NOREB counties. The study was directed by Empowerment Theory put forward by Kanter as the main theory, supported by Participative Management Theory and Management System Theory. This study used correlational survey design. A population of 1075 was considered as the target population among the employees of the department of public service and administration in the counties selected. A sample size of 338 respondents was settled on for the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics. Some of the descriptive statistics used to describe characteristics of the data included percentages, frequency distribution, measures of central tendencies. Multiple Regression Model was used to determine statistical significance of connections between specific variables. Results of the regression analysis showed that delegation (β₂=0.156, P value=0.041<0.05) had a positive effect on employee productivity. The paper thus, makes contribution to the extant literature regarding link between participatory decision making and employee productivity by establishing that delegation is essential in predicting employee productivity in NOREB counties since, a similar study had not been conducted in the area. Furthermore, the paper puts forward a recommendation that; the studied county governments should put measures in place to ensure delegation is streamlined for efficient and effective delivery of services; this way the department of public service and administration in the counties will boost their strategies in regards to employee participation in pertinent activities affecting the organizations hence enhancing employee productivity.

Assessment of potato production technologies among smallholder farmers in Marakwet West Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

2023-09-08T05:28:53+00:00

Potato is a major food and cash crop in the Kenyan highlands, widely grown by small-scale farmers. However, its productivity has been declining over the years in Marakwet West. Thus, this study determined factors affecting Potato production among smallholder farmers in Marakwet West Sub- County, Elgeyo Marakwet County. A survey was conducted in Moiben/ Kuserwo, Cherang’any/ Chebororwa, Lelan and Kapsowar ward in Marakwet West Sub-County. During the survey, smallholder potato farmers totaling 137,513 were targeted for the study of which a sample of 173 of them who were selected via random sampling was administered with semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive analysis of the data collected was conducted using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results showed that most farmers were not trained in potato production technologies. However, those who received training on potato production technologies implemented the technology on their farms. The potato production technologies enabled the farmers to improve on their yields, economized on input usage and control of pest and disease. Safe and effective uses of pesticides were potato production technologies applied. However, the farmers did not use the certified seed of Shangi variety instead they sourced seeds from other farmers because the seeds were not available, expensive, lacked information and it was a new product to them. The certified seeds of potatoes should be produced via tissue culture technology and should be affordable and accessed by the farmers.

Effect of different fish feed sources on growth and economic performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) within subsistence setup in Liberia

2023-09-08T05:30:57+00:00

The wide adoption of O. niloticus for farming, particularly among smallholder farmers, can be attributed to its feeding versatility. However, its production in Liberia remains low, despite possessing desirable culture characteristics. This limited yield hampers the potential for commercialization and delays the overarching goal of utilizing fish farming to alleviate poverty and hunger. One of the primary challenges faced by fish farmers is the utilization of subpar feeds. To address this issue, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of various feed recipes available to Liberian farmers, including two feeds formulated by farmers themselves (FF1 and FF2) and two commercially manufactured feeds (CF1 and CF2). These feeds were compared with a research-formulated feed designated as PF. The growth and economic performance of O. niloticus were assessed over a six-month period using fifteen Hapa nets. The findings of our study revealed that the feeds formulated by farmers and commercial feed CF2 exhibited inferior performance in terms of Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and Weight Gain (WG). In contrast, PF and CF1 demonstrated significantly higher values (P<0.05) with FCR scores of 7.87 and 8.27, and SGR values of 1.08 and 1.05, respectively. The present study also introduced a production cost index (PCI) that can be used as an indicator of fish feed performance in fish farming, while holding the other costs constant. PF and CF1 feeds displayed the lowest PCI of 0.92 and 1.57, surpassing the other tested feeds. The lower PCI values were associated with higher economic returns compared to alternative feeds. This study concludes that feed quality is a major factor sustaining poor O. niloticus production, however with right formulation of the locally available materials farmers can achieve optimal yields for commercial aquaculture.

Antimicrobial susceptibility status of bloodstream infections in children presenting with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya

2023-09-08T05:36:54+00:00

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia occurs mainly in children leading to immuno-compromised patients susceptible to bloodstream infections. Choice of antimicrobial treatment requires the epidemiological knowledge of pathogens, which constantly changes, necessitating periodic review. Knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of pathogens would not only help in formulating an antibiotic policy, but also planning for the larger infection prevention and control measures. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial profiles of bloodstream pathogens against commonly prescribed antibiotics in children presenting with ALL at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study was used to investigate 80 children with ALL in MTRH with approval from MTRH Ethical Review Committee. Blood samples were collected into Bactec™ bottles for culture. Positive cultures were sub-cultured and characterized to identify the pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by disc diffusion method against Azithromycin, Cefuroxime, Ceftriaxone, Clindamycin, Co-trimoxazole, Cefepime, Gentamycin, Imipenem, Meropenem, Levofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, Piperacillin/Tazobactam. The diameter of the clear zones was measured and interpreted as Susceptible, Intermediate or Resistant to a particular antimicrobial as per CLSI guidelines (CLSI, 2022). E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 1026 were used as positive controls for gram-negative and gram-positive isolates respectively. All experiments were conducted in triplicates. The analysis determined the Susceptible, Intermediate or Resistant pathogens to particular antimicrobials. A total of 24 bacteria were isolated. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus species was the most isolated at 66.67% with Acinetobacter species and Staphylococcus aureus accounting for 8.33% and 25% respectively. All isolates were 100% sensitive to Cefepime, Meropenem and Piperacillin/Tazobactam. The other antibiotics had at least one instance of intermediate sensitivity and/or antibiotic resistance recorded. The study established a statistically significant relationship between bacterial isolates associated with bloodstream infections in children presenting with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at MTRH and their susceptibility to commonly prescribed antibiotics (p-value =0.0000; P ≤ 0.05). This study concludes that the bacterial isolates obtained from children presenting with ALL at MTRH have high sensitivity to Cefepime, Meropenem and Piperacillin/Tazobactam but minimal sensitivity to Azithromycin and Cefuroxime. Continued surveillance and periodical monitoring to determine the susceptibility profile of the most commonly isolated bloodstream pathogens in particular a population to enhance clinical approach and antibiotics treatment among children with ALL is recommended. Re-evaluation of treatment options particularly the use of Azithromycin and Cefuroxime in routine treatments should also be taken into consideration to curb antibiotic resistance.

Strategies for enhancing instructional supervision to improve education quality in public secondary schools: A case study of Makueni County, Kenya

2023-09-08T05:40:46+00:00

The study investigated the effectiveness and perceptions of various instructional supervision strategies in the context of public secondary schools in Kenya. The study examines four primary strategies employed by instructional supervisors: direct assistance, group development, curriculum development, and action research. The aim is to provide insights into the most impactful approaches for enhancing educational quality. This study was based on the concept that the supervisory role of the principal is significant in enhancing teacher’s professional development. There was a total of 392 public secondary schools in Makueni County with a total of 3,364 teachers. The sampled population was 119 principals and 357 teachers making a total of 476 respondents. The study combined qualitative analysis with quantitative metrics like rankings and percentages. The results reveal that direct assistance strategy, particularly immediate feedback, is highly valued by all parties, including principals (58.8%), heads of departments (62.5%), and teachers (67.6%). This approach provides personalized support to teachers by offering constructive feedback on teaching methods, materials, and styles. It was found that providing timely feedback is crucial for effective instructional supervision, especially for new and less experienced teachers. The study also highlights the significance of group development strategy, wherein collaborative groups of teachers come together to address instructional issues and make important decisions. The findings emphasize the need for fostering an environment of collaboration and idea-sharing among educators, enhancing the collective problem-solving capacity within the school community. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of curriculum development strategy. While advising teachers on new curriculum developments is recognized as vital, the study identifies a gap in providing guidance on executing the new curriculum. In conclusion, this study offers comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of instructional supervision strategies in enhancing educational quality within public secondary schools.