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AFRICAN ORAL LITERATURE: ANALYSIS OF VISUAL RESOURCES AND IMPROVISED TECHNIQUES IN SELECTED BUKUSU CIRCUMCISION SONGS
(Karatina University, 2023-11) JUMA, WABWILE BENSON
Analysis of Farmers’ Perceptions of the Effects of Climate Change in Kenya
(Moi University Press,, 2012) Ng’ang’a, S. I.; Ndambiri., H. K; Ritho, C.; Mbogoh, S.G.; Nyangweso, P.M.; Muiruri, E. J.; Kipsat, M. J.; Kubowon, P. C.; Cherotwo, F. H.; Omboto, P. I.
A cross-sectional analysis was carried out to evaluate how farmers in Kyuso District have perceived climate change. Data was collected from 246 farmers from six locations sampled out through a multistage and simple random sampling procedure. The logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess factors influencing farmers’ perceptions of climate change. The analysis revealed that 94% of farmers in Kyuso District had a perception that climate was changing. In this regard, age of the household head, gender, education, farming experience, household size, distance to the nearest input/output market, access to irrigation water, local agro-ecology, access to information on climate change, access to extension services, off farm income and change in temperature and precipitation were found to have significant influence on the probability of farmers to perceive climate change. Since the level of perception to climate change revealed by the study was found to be high (94%), the study suggests that more policy efforts should thus be geared towards helping farmers to adapt to climate change
Analysis of Farmers’ Perceptions of the Effects of Climate Change in Kenya: The Case of Kyuso District
(Moi University Press,, 2012) Ng’ang’a, S. I.; Ndambiri, H. K.; Ritho, C.; Mbogoh, S.G.; Nyangweso, P.M.; Muiruri, E. J.; Kipsat, M. J.; Kubowon, P. C.; Cherotwo, F. H.; Omboto, P. I.
A cross-sectional analysis was carried out to evaluate how farmers in Kyuso District have perceived climate change. Data was collected from 246 farmers from six locations sampled out through a multistage and simple random sampling procedure. The logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess factors influencing farmers’ perceptions of climate change. The analysis revealed that 94% of farmers in Kyuso District had a perception that climate was changing. In this regard, age of the household head, gender, education, farming experience, household size, distance to the nearest input/output market, access to irrigation water, local agro-ecology, access to information on climate change, access to extension services, off farm income and change in temperature and precipitation were found to have significant influence on the probability of farmers to perceive climate change. Since the level of perception to climate change revealed by the study was found to be high (94%), the study suggests that more policy efforts should thus be geared towards helping farmers to adapt to climate change.
AT THE PERIPHERY IN MAU MAU DISCOURSE: A CASE OF THE MBEERE OF EMBU COUNTY, KENYA, 1952-2014
(Karatina University, 2022-12) Waiganjo, Benson
THE CHIEF MAU MAU IDEOLOGUE: GAKAARA WA WANJAU’S CONTRIBUTION TO POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE AGIKUYU, 1940 – 2001
(Karatina University, 2022) WAIRIMU, WAITHANWA LUCY
Citation and Referencing
(Karatina University, 2022-10) Wamahiga, George
Citation and Referencing
(Karatina University, 2023-03-24) Murumba, Joan Wakasa
Climate Justice – Environmental issues
(Karatina University, 2022-10) Mwangi, James Kinyanjui
A community-oriented project for aquaculture in Kenya
(2004) Muchiri, Mucai; Ngugi, Charles; Hickley, Phil
Deep Transfer Learning Optimization Techniques for Medical Image Classification: A Review
(2022) Kariuki, Paul Wahome; Gikunda, Patrick Kinyua; Wandeto, John Mwangi
Medical image classification is a complex and challenging task due to the heterogeneous nature of medical data. Deep transfer learning has emerged as a promising technique for medical image classification, allowing the leveraging of knowledge from pre-trained models learned from large-scale datasets, resulting in improved performance with minimal training and overcoming the disadvantage of small data sets. This paper concisely overviews cutting-edge deep transfer learning optimization approaches for medical image classification. The study covers convolutional neural networks and transfer learning techniques, including relation-based, feature-based, parameter-based, and instance-based transfer learning. Classical classifiers such as Resnet, VGG, Alexnet, Googlenet, and Inception are examined, and their performance on medical image classification tasks is compared. The paper also discusses optimization techniques, such as batch normalization, regularization, and weight initialization, as well as data augmentation and kernel mathematical formulations. The study concludes by identifying challenges when using deep transfer learning for medical image classification and proposing potential future approaches for this field.
Developing an Early Warning System for Monitoring Drought and Ethnic Conflict for Poverty Alleviation in Tana River District, Kenya
(African Institute for Health and Development, 2006-06-18) Amuyunzu-Nyamongo, Mary; Mwenzwa, Ezekiel Mbitha
Internal and external conflicts have increased in African countries since independence and especially after the cold war. Whenever civil war occurs, it has often led to destruction of lives and property, leaving behind it a great trail of human suffering. In Kenya, where ethnic conflict has occurred in Rift Valley, Coast and North Eastern provinces, the impact has been devastating. Ethnic conflict in Tana River District can be traced back to 1948, which has resulted in the retardation of socio-economic development. It is against this background that the current study seeks to examine the timing, causes, consequences and the best practices to deal with drought and ethnic conflict. Specifically, it aims at developing an early warning system to monitor drought and ethnic conflict. The study will be carried out in the three divisions of Bura, Galole and Garsen in Tana River District, Kenya. This will be a collaborative study between the African Institute for Health & Development (AIHD), the government of Kenya and the communities. It will utilize participatory tools of data collection (historical timelines, seasonal calendar, problem analysis flow diagrams, focus group discussions and key informant interviews). An interviewer-based questionnaire will be administered to 685 respondents drawn from the three divisions. It is envisaged that minimizing the effects of drought and tensions that lead to ethnic conflict would significantly contribute to poverty reduction. Peace and security in this district would allow people to engage in agricultural and livestock production, and other income generating activities with minimal worries of possible attacks. The study is expected to contribute to the government’s and its development partners’ drought preparedness plans and conflict resolution not only in Tana River district but also in other areas with similar characteristics.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FISH FARMING IN KENYA
(2004) Ngugi, Charles; Muchiri, Mucai
Effect of fire on habitat functional diversity and herbivore diversity in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
(2012-08) Kimuyu, Duncan, M.; Mureu, Lucy, K.; Awiti, Alex; Wahungu, Geoffrey
Background/Question/Methods The African savanna biome supports a higher diversity of herbivore species than is found in any other biome or continent. In order to maintain the habitats necessary to support a large diversity of wildlife species, much emphasis has traditionally been placed on the role of fire as a management tool. We hypothesize that herbivore abundance, diversity, and habitat utilization patterns in Ol Pajeta Conservancy in Kenya are modulated through fire management and its effect on habitat functional diversity. Between 2005 and 2010, transect surveys were used to monitor patterns of wildlife abundance and species diversity across a functional diversity gradient; from pure grassland to pure bushland. Results/Conclusions Preliminary findings show that large herbivore (black rhino, elephant and giraffe) populations increase under bushland conditions. Conversely, small grazer abundance and diversity increased in open grassland but declined markedly in Euclea divinorun and Acacia drepanolobium dominated bushland. Intense fires shift vegetation from bushland to grassland state. Low fire frequency in turn allows resurgence of bushland and decline in both abundance and species diversity of small grazers. The effect of fire on the functional diversity of habitat within savanna ecosystems has a strong influence on herbivore diversity, distributed across body size classes and feeding guild (browsers/grazers). By explicitly characterizing the effects of habitat functional diversity on herbivore species abundance and diversity, our study underscores the need for promoting biodiversity as a goal of management and conservation of wildlife in the African savannas.
Effect of pre-harvest application of Chitosan and Silicon on growth, Lycopene content and shelf-life of tomato
(2022) Gatahi, D.; Chimoita, E.; Kihurani, A.; Wanyika, H.
Maize productivity in Kenya has reduced by 4.3 per cent, partly attributed to Fall Army Worm (FAW) infestation with yield losses of up to 37 % of the annual maize production over three years. Innovators have developed practices that manage FAW infestation and increase maize yield. Knowledge of these interventions is not available to all farmers and thus not applied. This occasioned for an investigation into the knowledge management and effectiveness of FAW control practices in maize producing regions of Kenya. This study conducted structured interviews with key informants and households in Kilungu, Makueni County. It sampled 387 respondents with a 95% confidence level and applied multi stage sampling. Statistical analysis using STATA found a significant influence of education and total income on the selection and adoption of FAW management practice. Handpicking recorded p values of 0.033 and 0.013 respectively. Analysis of adopted FAW management practices against maize output showed a significant effect from handpicking, use of pesticides, detergents and/or soil with p values of 0.099, 0.049, 0.025 and 0.075 respectively. Fellow farmers and workshops as sources showed a significant influence on maize output with p values of 0.012 and 0 respectively.
Effectiveness of Reference Management Software in Enhancing Research Quality in Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya
(SCECSAL, 2024-04) Kairigo, Samuel; Anduvare, Everlyn
Reference management software (RMS) application is highly emphasised in academic research to improve research quality. However, studies raise concerns about their effectiveness since they have errors in functionality, language limitations, and inaccuracy of the citations and references generated. This study aimed to establish how effective RMS is in improving research quality. The study objectives were to investigate what reference management software is in use in the universities in Nairobi County, Kenya and to establish if reference management software programmes are effective in enhancing the quality of research in the selected universities. The study adopted a descriptive research design. This assisted the researchers in gathering data through a survey where an online questionnaire was administered to 18 respondents. All the universities within the County of Nairobi constituted the target population. The unit of analysis was the University Librarians because of their crucial role in promoting research quality in Kenyan Universities. In the analysis, insights were derived using a computer-based statistical package for social science (SPSS). The study revealed high satisfaction with RMS, particularly in terms of necessity, visual appeal, integration capabilities, and automatic formatting of references. While University librarians reported ease of navigation, there was limited awareness of alternative referencing approaches. Continuous institutional training programs for librarians and researchers on RMS usage, covering basic and advanced functionalities, are recommended.
Effectiveness of Reference Management Software in Enhancing Research Quality in Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya
(2024-04-23) Wakahia, Samuel Kairigo; Anduvare, Everlyn
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The Efficacy of Songs in the Acquisition of English Articles and Nouns in a Multilingual Setting in Kenya, Africa: A Case Study of Grade 4 Class in Kenyan Primary Schools
(2014) Njoroge, M.C.; Gathigia, M.G.
This research was conducted using a pretest / posttest paradigm to test the efficacy of songs in the acquisition of English articles and nouns by learners in a multilingual setting in Kenya, Africa. Two Grade Four classes in two elementary schools, one in an urban area and the other in a rural setting, were sampled for this study. A pretest on articles and noun plural formation was administered in each school, marked and results recorded. The experimental class was exposed to a Task-Based Language teaching method that utilised songs as a tool of teaching while the control class was exposed to regular teaching. A posttest, the same test administered as a pretest, was given to the two groups. The scores recorded in both tests were analyzed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and analysis presented in tables and graphs. Levene's Test for Equality of Variances was then employed. The general finding is that the use of songs in the teaching of English as a second language is effective as attested by the high performance of the experimental classes in the two schools.
Examining the balanced scorecard approach to measuring performance of Five Star Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya.
(Akdeniz University, Tourism Faculty, 2014-12) Gesage, M. B.; Kuira, J.
Traditional models for determining the performance and effectiveness of employees rely heavily on financial accounting indicators. This study sought to measure the performance of five star hotels in Nairobi County using the balanced scorecard approach. The findings of the study revealed that 36% of the respondents used a balanced scorecard as a method of measuring performance. The use of a balanced scorecard for measuring performance resulted in improved quality of guest profiles for 73% of the managers in five star hotels in Nairobi County whereas 67% of the managers experienced an increase in training hours per employee.
Factors Inhibiting the Implementation of Digital Villages in Kenya
(2017) Karume, Simon; Shisoka, Dorcus Arshley
The achievement of an information-based society is one of the main priorities of the Government of Kenya (GoK) towards the realization of national development goals and objectives for wealth and employment creation. However, even in their efforts the ICT sector is still currently more active in urban areas, resulting in wide regional disparities in the distribution of ICT facilities. In order to address this disparity, the Kenya ICT Board (KICTB) supported the roll out of new “electronic centre’s” which were named Pasha Centre’s (and are also commonly referred to as Digital Villages).The Digital village’s initiatives in Kenya commenced with a lot of optimism in 2009 however five years down the line it cannot be recorded that they have been successful. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors that have hindered the successful implementation of digital villages in Kenya. For this study desk research methodology was adopted. The secondary data from published reports was discussed with emphasis on the area of interest to this study. The findings of this study indicated that there were various factors that hindered the successful implementation of digital villages in Kenya. The study recommended need for having a government policy for the digital village project. This policy if developed will serve to protect such projects in future enabling them to take off and function independently.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF RABBITFISH (Siganus sutor) REARED IN INTERTIDAL BRACKISH WATER EARTHEN PONDS USING HAPA NETS
(Karatina University, 2022) Okemwa, M. D.; Ngugi, C. C.; Mirera, D. O.