Books, Book Reviews and Book Chapters

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This Collection contains Books locally produced/published in Kenya and by Kenyan Authors

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Analysis of the Genetic Variability and Population Cluster in Indigenous Chicken Ecotypes of Kenya
(Multimedia University of Kenya, 2023-06) Chesoo, B. K.; Wanga, J. O.; Nandwa, A.
Indigenous chicken (IC) provides a viable enterprise to rural and peri-urban settings in Kenya. An analysis using microsatellite markers was carried out to determine the genetic variability and population structure between and within six IC ecotypes of Kenya. A total of 284 eggs were sourced, incubated and artificially hatched as follows: Elgeyo Marakwet (EM, n=68); Turkana (TR, n =51), Homa Bay (HB, n =33), Meru (MR n =45), Nandi (ND=38); (LM, n =49) and Lamu (LM, n =49). EM, n=68) ;( TR n =51) ;( HB, n =39) ;( MR, n =45) and (LM, n =49), respectively. Hatched birds were raised up to 14 weeks of age. Then 50 birds, each ecotype: n=10, had their feathers plucked for a PCR - DNA analysis. Results showed that alleles per primer ranged between 2 (MCW0097) and 8 (ADL0328). Allele frequency ranged between 0.25 and 0.81 with a mean of 0.49. All the markers used in the study were polymorphic, ADL0328 was the most polymorphic marker (PIC = 0.79) while MCW0097 was the least polymorphic (PIC = 0.25), the mean polymorphic content was 0.58. Expected heterozygosis ranged from 0.202 in TR to 0.453 in ND. Mean fixation index (FST) ranged between 0.003 and 0.057 for ND and TR; respectively. Mean fixation index for the whole population was 0.0296. The greatest variation in the study was between ecotypes (62.78%), while within the ecotypes was 37.22%. Both factorial and phylogenetic population analyses showed a mixed genetic background. PCA results did not segregate IC ecotypes into distinct geographical groups discerning a rich genetic diversity of Kenyan IC hence the need to protect the indigenous genotypes against genetic erosion
Characteristics and Growth Performance of Kuchi Indigenous Chicken
(2016-08) Chesoo, Ben; Oduho, George; Kios, David
About This Book RECOMMENDATIONS To Poultry Breeders: To avoid genetic dilution and erosion of local chicken genetic resource, it is recommended that further characterization of the Kuchi ecotype is made(phenotypic and molecular), through within and between ecotype selection in order to utilize and conserve these indigenous genomes in a sustainable way, To Policy Makers: It is recommended that the line department in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, collaborates with Animal Scientists who are interested in researching into indigenous chicken, particularly the Kuchi, for the purpose of patenting, conservation (Gene-banking) and production since this ecotype has the potential of being harnessed towards rural livelihood improvement, not only in Kenya but also in other developing tropical countries; and, To Farmers: Findings from this study, the researcher recommends that the farmers select and line breed ecotypes which are high body weight gain and plumage colours not attractive towards predators. Kuchi IC ecotype satisfies all these attributes; thus, the researcher highly recommends it to the farmers.
Children's participation in Khat production: Educational implications
(Lambert Academic Publishing, 2014) Mukami, Faith
This book is about children's participation in khat production. It describes the push and pull factors for children's participation in khat production and their implications for schooling. It also describes the perceptions on their participation in khat production and on schooling. Their Participation in khat production is depicted as child work and not labour. This book also depicts children as having agency and not as passive victims of exploitation. It presents the children as people who are capable of examining issues in life and who make decisions on how to act depending on how they interpret the situation.
A community project for Agriculture in Kenya
(2004) Muchiri, S. Mucai; Ngugi, C.C; Hickley, P.
The Critical Onion Growth Stages For Selective Protection From Thrips Tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera:Thripidae) Infestation
(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi (Kenya), 2006-01) Waiganjo, M. M.; Sithanantham, S.; Mueke, J. M.; Gitonga, L. M.
Field trials were conducted during 2000-2001 at KARIandrsquo;s Mwea-Tebere and Kiboko farms to establish the effect of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman on onion bulb yields and to identify the critical onion growth stage for selective protection from the pest infestation. Yield reductions of 59 and 27% were recorded in the first and second crops respectively at Mwea-Tebere, but no significant yield reductions were observed in a third crop grown at Kiboko with low thrips infestation. A significant onion yield response to thrips infestation was observed during the 2nd month after transplanting (bulb-formation) and 3rd month after transplanting (bulb-enlargement), but no significant response was observed during the 1st month (pre-bulbing) and 4th month (maturation stage). Onion protection during bulb-formation and enlargement stages only, resulted in higher marginal returns than full season pesticide application. The studies suggest that control recommendations for onion could be refined to optimize need-based protection.
Culture and tourism: Role Of Culture and Ethnicity on leisure and travel participation
(LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2011-06-29) Mbuthia, Susan
As Tourism is seen as the World's largest industry, it is without doubt that it is practiced everywhere and by almost everyone despite of their ethnicity, culture, values or traditions. The book brings to light a decisive background of the terms culture and Ethnicity, while exploring some major global issues that affect minorities when deciding upon where and how to go or participate in leisure. The Central message of this book is that as the world becomes a global village, people are seeing themselves in different parts of the world where they either become minorities, immigrants or simply "visitors". While the Book explains the terms such as ethnicity and minority, it also investigates the role culture and ethnicity plays while one decides to travel. Bon voyage!
Current Status of Soil-Transmitted Helminths among School Children in Kakamega County, Western Kenya
(2016-01) Ngonjo, Teresia; Okoyo, Collins Omondi; Andove, Julius; Simiyu, Elses; Lelo, Agola Eric; Kabiru, Ephantus Wanjohi; Kihara, Jimmy H; Mwandawiro, Charles
Background. School age children are at high risk of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) worldwide. In Kenya, STH infections in children remain high despite the periodic administration of anthelmintic drugs. Our study assessed the prevalence and intensity of STH in primary school-aged children in Kakamega County, western Kenya. Methodology. We carried out a cross-sectional study on a population of 731 children attending 7 primary schools in March 2014. Children aged 4–16 years were examined for STH by the quantitative Kato-Katz technique. Infection intensities were expressed as eggs per gram (epg) of faeces. Findings. Among 731 school children examined for STH, 44.05% were infected. Highest prevalence of STH was in Shitaho primary school where 107 participants were examined and 62.6% were infected with mean intensity of 11667 epg. Iyenga had the least prevalence where 101 participants were examined and 26.7% were infected with mean intensity of 11772 epg. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent STH species with 43.5% infected, while hookworm infections were low with 1.8% infected. Conclusion. Prevalence of STHs infections in Kakamega County remains high. We recommend guidelines and other control strategies to be scaled up to break transmission cycles.
Customer Relationship Management - Contemporary Concepts and Strategies
(2024-10-30) Wanjau, Kenneth; ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3146-5324
This chapter explores the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in fostering customer loyalty. The chapter begins by introducing the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) and some models of EI and its relevance in customer service. It highlights how businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence in building strong customer relationships. The chapter then delves into the key components of EI and its impact on customer loyalty. It discusses the concept of customer loyalty and subsequently provides an insight of how an entrepreneur can use the customer loyalty funnel to influence customer loyalty. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the significance of EI to an entrepreneur and encouraging businesses to prioritize its development as a key driver of customer loyalty. On the whole, this chapter aims to provide insights and practical guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to enhance customer loyalty through the cultivation of emotional intelligence.
The Diasporean II: Perspectives from Beyond Southern Africa
(CSSALL Publishers (Pty) Ltd, 2024) Mutula, Stephen M. (Editor)
Preface World-historical events such as the fall of the Berlin wall, and the fall of ideologies such as apartheid, opened borders for world travel and the global movements of people, like seldom before. Often driven to move away from drought and disaster-prone geographical areas, some people also move to new countries in search for better education, working, or health opportunities. For whichever decisions people move, and especially when they move with their immediate family, such movements themselves are often perilous, in addition to which one then has to set up a home, and become a member of the population of the new country of adoption. Conceptualised by the late Katie Mutula, these two volumes of The Diasporean, are together, simultaneously, a prime sample of research excellence and, the power of inter-, and multidisciplinary research, focused on such a fluid social and historical phenomenon as human movement, migration, as well as challenges that accompany our diaspora communities of the world. The Diasporean I: The Southern African Perspectives, covers five main sections, all together presenting 11 exceptional chapters. The main topics covered are, • financial integration, that covers issues related to financial development dynamics in both home and host countries, and access to credit; • xenophobia and Afriphobia in the contexts of increasing forms of local nativisms and populist xenophobia on social media; and family language policies of home country languages; • feminisation and gendered roles in migration, within transnational relations; how it impacts family life, and how diasporean experiences are also in themselves gendered, in the transnational space; and • the significance of technology and skills transfer for developing sustainable livelihoods, and also the significance of education, in this context, especially postgraduate education. • The final chapter in The Diasporean I, covers food security challenges that migrants experience in South Africa. The Diasporean II: Perspectives from Beyond Southern Africa, likewise cover five main thematic focuses. These are, the study of existing diaspora policy in Africa, including how these determine challenges concerning ‘capital structure’ and the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, as well as philanthropy in rural areas; • Foreign remittances bring data and related arguments to the fore, on the impact of COVID-19 on remittances, the nature, size and scale of foreign remittances from elite migrants, and how remittances also impact rural development in home countries. • Section three develops topics on immigration policy, analyzing how diasporeans’ human dignity is harmed in how they are portrayed and framed in the press, how it impacts family structures and careers, and how repatriation or deportation are portrayed by the online press in South Africa and in Britain. • This is followed by a section on the notion of the ‘brain drain’ and skills transfer related to possibilities for multi-sectoral collaboration in the medical field, and challenges of skills transfer in diaspora contexts. • The final section on the digital economy, addresses the acceleration of the digital economies world-wide during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investment opportunities that accompany the diaspora movements of peoples. Each in its own way, but also as a two-volume collaborative research project, The Diasporean I and The Diasporean II, are comprehensive and are the result of incisive scholarship in a critical field of study both in South Africa and Africa more further afield. We are thankful, that Prof. Stephen Mutula and the team who was working with the late Katie Mutula, saw the project through to its conclusion. The project itself as well as the quality of the research for the two volumes, stand as a testimony to Katie’s character and a monument in her name on behalf of all those mentioned or not mentioned, who formed part of the project, and too, those who have passed on due to migratory experiences, and the nameless ones, who got lost at sea or in sandy deserts or forests or strange countries. Prof Johannes A. Smit, Chair: College of Humanities, Institute University of KwaZulu-Natal
The Ecology of Lake Naivasha, Kenya: Introduction and Historical Review
(1984) Muchiri, S.M.; Harper, D.M.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ANALYSIS
(Aquaculture Collaborative Research Support Program, 2005) Aquaculture Collaborative Research Support Program
A major barrier to socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, is food inadequacy. Some of the more important factors that have led to this status are rapid population growth outstripping food production capacity, post-harvest losses, land degradation that leads to further decline in soil fertility, and climatic changes, particularly periodic droughts and subsequent flooding. This food shortages coupled with high poverty rates that diminish people’s ability to afford the ever increasing food prices, has led to related health problems especially in rural areas. In the effort to meet the required food supplies to feed the growing population, forest lands have been cleared for small scale agriculture. Inevitably, a major challenge to economic developing in Kenya is, therefore, the sustained increase of food production without compromising the integrity of the environment within which that much required food is produced. As such the project seeks to complement other projects that seek to “improve the productivity and sustainability of land use systems in Nzoia, Yala and Nyando river basins through adoption of an integrated ecosystem management approach” through development of on-farm and off-farm conservation practices and increased local capacity (Global Environmental Facility, 2004:3). Desired outcomes include increased biodiversity and reduced erosion (GEF, 2004).
Fishery Industry in Kenya: Towards the Development of a National Policy
(Karatina University, 2006-07) Aloo, Peninah
This book, which is the precursor of the fisheries policy, comprises eight chapters. Chapter One introduces the reader to the fisheries industry including the status, challenges and the rationale for the fisheries policy. The principles and objectives of the fisheries sector and ten broad policy areas are explained in this chapter. Chapter Two gives an overview of the three sub-sectors: marine, inland and aquaculture. Chapter Three to Five, gives an in-depth analysis of each of the three sub-sectors. In the case marine and inland fisheries, the status of each is analyzed in terms of types of fisheries, export, constraints and policy interventions. For aquaculture, the situation in the country, development options and strong justification for its development are discussed. Chapter Six discusses policy statements for each fisheries sub-sector. In this chapter, the key issues are highlighted and actions recommended. Chapter Seven concludes with policy interventions for each of the policy areas and implementation
The fishery of Lake Naivasha, Kenya
(CSIRO PUBLISHING, 1992) Muchiri, S.M.; Hickley, P.
Fluctuations in the Fisheries of Kenya's Rift Valley Lakes: Causes and Prospects for the Future
(CSIRO PUBLISHING, 1997)
Fluctuations in the fisheries of Kenya's Rift Valley lakes: Causes and prospects for the future
(CSIRO, Collingwood (Australia), 1997) Muchiri, Mucai
Lakes Turkana, Baringo and Naivasha are lakes in the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley of Kenya that provide important commercial fisheries and, to a small extent, also recreation. The fishery of Lake Turkana is based on 12 main species of fish out of a total of 48 species. Tilapias, Lates spp., Citharinus, Distichodus, Labeo and Hydrocynus are the most important. In Lake Baringo, 3 species (Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus and Protopterus aethiopicus) are the most important of the 7 species present in the lake. Lake Naivasha hosts a total of 5 species of which O.leucostictus, Tilapia ziilii and Micropterus salmoides are of commercial importance. The 3 fisheries support an estimated 10,000 fishers plus people engaged in fish industry related services. Yet these fisheries depict wide fluctuations in fish landings. Habitat variability has been identified as one of the most important factors influencing the fisheries of the 3 lakes. Lake level fluctuations are shown to be closely followed by similar fluctuations in fish catches. The observed fluctuations in lake levels are as a result of climatic factors combined with human activities which include damming of rivers and abstraction of water for irrigation. Variability in submerged vegetation cover has also been important in the three lakes. Other anthropogenic influences on the fishery of Lake Naivasha take the form of fishing pressure and species introductions while in Lake Baringo, catchment degradation leading to excessive silt loading in the lake has played a more important role. The persistence of these fisheries in the face of besetting environmental and anthropogenic factors is attributable, for the greater part, to the resilience of the tilapias that constitute the most important catch in each of the 3 Rift Valley lakes. It is suggested that an integrated approach to catchment management is necessary for the achievement of maximum sustainable fisheries in the Rift Valley lakes.
Information Needs of Publishing Personnel in Kenya
(LAP LAMBERT Academic, 2018) Mbengei, Bernard
This study sought to find out the information needs and information seeking behaviour of publishing personnel in a typical Kenyan book publishing firm, the Longhorn (K) Ltd. The study identified the problems that publishing personnel encounter in their work situation in their endeavour to satisfy their information needs and also suggested possible solutions to some of the problems. Understanding of the information needs and information seeking behaviour of publishing personnel might be helpful in designing better information systems for them. The study employed mainly a qualitative case study approach. An interview schedule was used to guide the researcher in data collection in face-to-face personal interviews with the respondents. Observation and documentary sources were used to complement interviews in data collection. On average, the interview sessions lasted between half to one hour. Altogether, forty two (42) members of staff engaged in work related to publishing were interviewed and the data carefully recorded and analysed. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in analysing data collected from the respondents
Keys to Soil Taxonomy
(United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2006) United States Department of Agriculture
The publication of this edition of Keys to Soil Taxonomy (the 10th edition) coincides with the 18th World Congress of Soil Science, to be held at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in July 2006. The last time the World Congress was hosted in the United States was in 1960 at Madison, Wisconsin. At that time, Soil Classification: A Comprehensive System, 7th Approximation was released for review and testing. The classification system was officially adopted for use in the United States soil survey program in 1965. The first edition of Soil Taxonomy: A Basic System of Soil Classification for Making and Interpreting Soil Surveys was published in 1975. Over the years Soil Taxonomy has been modified and expanded to reflect our increased knowledge of the world’s soils. After the first eight editions of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy were released, the second edition of Soil Taxonomy was published in 1998. Since then, the 9th edition of the keys was published in 2003, and now this 10th edition in 2006. The publication Keys to Soil Taxonomy serves two purposes. It provides the taxonomic keys necessary for the classification of soils in a form that can be used easily in the field. It also acquaints users of the taxonomic system with recent changes in the system. This edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy incorporates all changes approved since publication of the ninth edition in 2003. We plan to continue issuing updated editions of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy as changes warrant new editions. The authors of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy are identified as the “Soil Survey Staff.” This term is meant to include all of the soil classifiers in the National Cooperative Soil Survey program and in the international community who have made significant contributions to the improvement of the taxonomic system.
Likes and comments: The untamed Facebook sex education in Uganda and Kenya for emerging adults
(IGI global publisher, 2017) Kendagor, Ruth; Mpiima, David Mugambe; Ndung'u, Sara Wairimu
Mainstreaming Digital Platforms in Curating Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development in Kenya
(The Technical University of Kenya, 2024) Chepchirchir, Sally; Kagoiya, Rachel
The rapid evolution of digital platforms is an opportunity for custodians of indigenous knowledge (IK) to utilise digital spaces to enhance IK for promoting sustainable development in Kenya. IK refers to skills, systems, and practices developed and used by indigenous people over generations to sustain livelihoods, manage natural resources and preserve cultural heritage. Safeguarding IK in Kenya involves recognising, respecting, and protecting the IK for posterity. Unfortunately, indigenous communities in Kenya continue to be ignored and forgotten in policy. Therefore, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should include protecting IK. The objectives of this paper are to (i) describe the digital platforms currently used in Kenya to curate IK; (ii) analyse the effectiveness of digital platforms in preserving and disseminating IK; and (iii) propose recommendations for policymakers to consider when integrating digital platforms in curating IK and implementation of SDGs in Kenya. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Quantitative data was collected through bibliometrics analysis. Qualitative data was collected using a systematic literature review. Data was collected from Google Scholar using Harzing’s “Publish or Perish” software, analysed using Microsoft Excel, Notepad, and VOSviewer, and presented using tables, graphs, and figures. The study findings would be helpful in providing recommendations to inform policymakers on the importance of using digital platforms to curate IK for the promotion of SDGs in Kenya. The study demonstrates that digital platforms can be used to promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices amongst different indigenous communities in Kenya and for policymakers to enact and review policy frameworks on the use of digital platforms to prevent IK from potential loss or exploitation. The research is original in scope and coverage. Keywords: Innovation, community-led development, human rights, emerging trends.