Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Theses and Dissertations

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Bioecology of thrips in French bean growing: agroecosystems in Kenya.
(1999) Gitonga, Gitonga, Linus Muthuri
Studies on the bioecology ofthrips on French beans were carried out at Machakos, Kaguru and JKUAT. The general objectives of this study were twofold, namely to study the biology and population dynamics of thrips on French beans and to identify and evaluate indigenous natural enemies of the thrips. Two thrips species, M sjostedti and F occidentalis were found throughout the year on French bean crops in all localities of the study. Their population peaks occurred at different times in the course of the year. Populations of M sjostedti peaked after the rains while those of F occidentalis occurred during the hot and dry months of the year at all the localities. Studies on the movements of thrips, into and out of the French bean crops showed that colonization by both species begins soon after germination and that both species preferred the flowers to other plant parts. F occidentalis was found to thrive equally well on the leaves, unlike M sjostedti which only inhabited flower buds and flowers. During the pre-flowering phase ofthe crop, M sjostedti were found on the terminal buds from where they moved to the flowers immediately after the onset of flowering. Most first instar larvae emerged from the pods and flowers. Petioles, leaves, flower buds, flowers and pods were used as oviposition substrates by the thrips.to varying extents. Analysis of the spatial distribution showed both species to be significantly aggregated in the respective plant parts. Laboratory studies indicated that developmental period decreased with an increase in temperature for all the stages of M sjostedti and F. occidentalis. Developmental threshold temperatures were calculated as 9.6 and 9.0 for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. Development from egg to adult required 212.0 and 256.8 Degree Days for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. However, at 15?C and 300C, mortality rates for all the developmental stages were higher for M sjostedti than F. occidentalis. The highest mortalities were recorded for the first instar larvae for both species, ranging from 15% to 42% and 11 % to 30% for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. Pre-pupae and pupae had the lowest mortality rates. An indigenous anthocorid bug, Orius albidipennis was found throughout the year in all the three field sites. Studies on the functional responses of 0. albidipennis to M sjostedti showed that more second instar larvae than adult M sjostedti were killed at all the temperature profiles and densities. With increase in temperature, more second instar larvae and adult M sjostedti were killed. High f2 values shows that both Types I and IT functional responses provided good fit for the data at 15?C, 25?C and 28?C. Attack rates also increased with an increase in temperature. Mortality rates of the 0. albidipennis nymphal instars decreased from the first to the 5th instar at all the temperatures. The mortality rates at 25?C were lower than at 20?C and 30?C for all the nymphal instars except the first instar. Temperatures had a significant effect on the pre-oviposition period, which decreased with an increase in temperature. The eggs took long to hatch at 20?C. Developmental periods of each of the nymphal instars decreased with an increase in temperature. An indigenous larval endoparasitoid of thrips, Ceranisus menes, was found throughout the year in the three localities and its population peaks occurred in the late and early months of the year, from October to April. A closer correlation was found between C. menes and F. occidentalis than with M sjostedti. At JKUAT, percentage parasitism, over the entire crop cycle, ranged from 3.5% to 19.5% and peaked in the months of Marchi April. The lowest percentage parasitism coincided with the period of the highest M sjostedti infestation on French beans. Linear regression analysis showed a density dependence relationship between parasitism and larval density. Laboratory experiments showed that C. menes successfully parasitized and completed development in both M sjostedti and F. occidentalis. Developmental times of C. menes in M sjostedti and F. occidentalis were not significantly different.
ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SELECTED KENYAN MEDICINAL PLANTS
(Kenyatta University, 2013-06) Abiba, Alfred Ogao
Many disease-causing organisms have become resistant to conventional antibiotics. The toxicity and side effects of conventional drugs have also become increasingly unmanageable, while their costs are prohibitive. It has therefore become necessary to continue searching for alternative medicines to treat such diseases. The possibility of developing pharmaceutical industries using local raw materials should be looked into critically so that the cost of drugs can be affordable to the local people. This study involved screening of various medicinal plants commonly used by herbal medicine practitioners for bioactive compounds against bacteria. Standard bioassay methods were employed throughout this study. They included preliminary screening bioassay against human pathogenic bacteria strains using Agar Disc Diffusion method, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBCs), Time kill kinetics, phytochemical determination methods and one dose in vivo toxicity tests using mice. Hexane, dichloromethane, acetone and methanol extracts of ten (10) medicinal plants: Dichrostachyus. cinerea, Combretum molle, Euclea divinorum, Ficus sur, and other five plants were screened by preliminary bioassay against nine (9) human pathogenic bacteria strains (E. coli, ATCC 25922 S. aureus ATCC 85923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 10662, Escherichia coli, Shigella flexinery, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphlococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae and Klebsiella hospital isolates) using agar disc diffusion method. Acetone, methanol extracts of D. cinerea and C. molle showed remarkable inhibitory activity against all nine human pathogenic bacteria. Acetone and dichloromethane of E. divinorum and F. sur showed activity against all human pathogenic bacteria except P. aeruginosa and klebsiella. All extracts of six (6) plants were inactive against the test human pathogenic bacteria. MICs of acetone and methanol extracts of the four (4) plants D. cinerea, C. molle, and dichloromethane and acetone extracts of E. divinorum and F. sur were active against the test bacteria. MIC results showed that acetone and methanol extracts of D. cinerea, and C. molle gave very good low MICs ranges (0.3-2.5mg/ml), dichloromethane and acetone extracts of E. divinorum and F. sur gave MICs ranging between 7.5-100mg/ml. MBCs of acetone and methanol extracts of D. cinerea, and C. molle were as low as 0.3mg/ml while the highest being 5mg/ml. Phytochemical determination showed that both methanolic and acetone extracts of D. cinerea and C. molle contained alkaloids, tannins, steroids and triterpenoids, flavone glycones, anthrocyanins and reducing sugar. Kill kinetics studies of the bioactive organic extracts on the tested bacteria indicated that acetone extracts of D. cinerea, acetone extracts of C. molle, methanol extracts of C. molle, methanol extracts of D. cinerea at 4, 6 and 8mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 85923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 10662, displayed dose and time dependent rapid kinetics of the bacterial killing. Because the toxicity of a drug to the bystander host cells could render it unsuitable for therapeutic purposes, the toxicity of the active plant extracts against the tested bacteria was assessed. The reduced growth rate, organ weights, white and red blood cells counts, plus increased levels of biochemicals in the serum in plant extract treated animals relative to that of the controls, indicate that these extracts contained constituents with toxic effects on them. Such constituents include some of the phytochemicals present in these extracts. The mineral content may also cause toxicity but this was not the case with the measured minerals since their levels were below the recommended daily allowance except for potassium which was 67 to 141 times the recommended daily allowance.
Resources, external environment, innovation and performance of insurance companies in Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2014) Ombaka, Beatrice Elesani
In spite of a growing body of literature on firm performance, explaining why firms in the same industry and markets differ in their performance remains a fundamental question within strategic management field. Researchers have attributed differences in firm performance to resources owned by a firm. However, other researchers have argued that resources alone cannot be a source of competitive advantage. Therefore, the debate is still open. This study sought to contribute to knowledge and was premised on the view that resources influence performance both directly and indirectly through intervening effect of innovation and moderating effect of external environment. The study was anchored on the resource based theory, dynamic capabilities theory, knowledge based theory and the open systems theory. The main objective of the study was to establish the influence of external environment and innovation on the relationship between organizational resources and performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The study employed a positivist research paradigm and a cross-sectional survey design. Both primary and secondary data were collected from 46 insurance companies. Primary data was collected using a 5 point Likert type questionnaire and an interview guide. Secondary data on financial performance was collected from Association of Kenya Insurers annual report of 2011 and 2012. The study was guided by six specific objectives. To achieve these objectives, eight hypotheses were formulated and tested. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data. The findings established that both tangible and intangible resources had a statistically significant influence on non financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. However, there were mixed findings as regards the individual influence of resources on various firm performance indicators. Intangible resources evidenced statistically not significant results individually but when combined, they had a statistically significant influence on non-financial performance. The study also revealed that intangible resources had a statistically significant positive moderate correlation with innovation. Tangible resources evidenced a weak positive correlation with innovation that was not statistically significant. Innovation had a statistically significant intervening influence on the relationship between resources and non-financial performance. There was a statistically not significant relationship between organizational resources, external environment and innovation. The external environment did not have a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between organizational resources and performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Finally, the joint effect of organizational resources, innovation and the external environment on non-financial performance was found to be greater than that of the individual variables. In the joint influence, innovation had the highest contribution followed by organizational resources. The contribution of the external environment was statistically not significant. The findings of this study lend partial support to previous studies. The results support the resource based view which proposes that resources are a source of a sustainable competitive advantage for the firm. The results of the study are significant for theory, policy and practice. The findings adds to the knowledge in the field of strategic management by establishing that organizational resources influence firm performance both directly and indirectly through intervening effect of innovation. The moderating effect of the external environment was statistically not significant.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Incubation Practices, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Incubator Centres in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2018-10) Kinya, Miriti Jane
Small businesses are the fundamental drivers of Kenya’s economy. However, empirical evidence shows that in a highly turbulent business environment, 46.3 percent of small businesses tend to fail in their first year of operation in Kenya. It was assumed that, with appropriate use of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), these businesses would take off and become successful. Despite EO intervention, the failure rate of 46.3 percent of small businesses is high, a great concern to the government and development partners. To reduce this failure rate, the Government of Kenya licensed and mandated incubators to nurture small business owners. Despite their presence, small businesses in Kenya still face unique problems of uncertainty, poor innovations and slow evolution. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between incubator practices, entrepreneurial orientation and performance of incubator centres in Kenya. The study was guided by client selection criteria, incubator funding and entrepreneurial management as independent variables, EO as the moderator and performance of incubator centres as dependent variable. The study was anchored on Resource Based Theory which supports the strategic entrepreneurship concept. The study used a correlation design because it focused on a causal-effect relationship. The study population was 51 incubator managers. Secondary data was obtained from published sources such as institutional reports, manuals and research done by other scholars. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyze the measurement model and test the hypothesized relationships in this study. Hierarchical moderated regression model was used to measure the strength of the relationship between incubation practices, EO and performance of incubator centres in Kenya. The joint effect model results indicated that client selection criteria had the most significant relationship with performance of incubator centres (Regression coefficient=1.441, p-value<0.05=0.001, followed by entrepreneurial management (Regression coefficient=-0.041, p-value<0.05=0.856). In addition, analysis showed that entrepreneurial orientation had a moderating effect on incubation practices and performance, yielding a significant R2 change of 0.075 that is 7.5 percent additional variance. The study recommends that, the incubator centres should put proper institutional systems in place to track and categorize graduate incubatees through proper record keeping of the previous incubatees history, to minimize failure of incubators, the state department of Industrialization should embark on developing policies that will assist in incorporation and management of incubators whether public or private. The department should also develop entrepreneurship skills and capacity building programmes that match the technical and entrepreneurial skills and mind-set within the incubation process. Sensitize and re-orient the growing labour force towards the entrepreneurial development programmes. Partnerships with relevant stakeholders are established to ensure relevance of our youth in the job market. It is envisaged that the findings of this study offer positive insights to entrepreneurs, academicians and financiers contribution to reshaping government policy as far as optimal management of business incubators is concerned. CHAPTER ONE
Determinants of Choice of Sustainability Strategies Adopted by Group Ranches in Samburu County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2018-10) Kithumbu, Eustace Njagi
The purpose of this study was to identify, analyze and document determinants of the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by group ranches in Samburu County, Kenya. The concept of group ranches was introduced in Kenya to promote commercial ranching and to recognize, protect and register communal land rights. About five hundred, thirty nine group ranches were established. However, most of them dissolved and subdivided into individual land holdings within a short period.Numerous studies have been conducted on the establishment of group ranches, their dissolution and coping strategies. However, the aspect of sustainability and the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by group ranches have received little attention in these studies. This study visualized environmental, organizational, management and societal characteristics as the independent variables while the choice of sustainability strategies was the dependent variable. The general objective of the study was to examine determinants of the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: establish environmental characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by group ranches in Samburu County; assess organizational characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County; identify societal characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County and to find out management characteristics determining the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design employing the use of questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observation as primary data collection methods. The target population for the study was the 16,611 registered members in the 38 group ranches spread out in the County. The study sampled twelve group ranches with approximately 5,643 members from which 374 respondents were systematically sampled. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants and participants in the focus group discussions. The study adopted the multi-linear regression model to establish the relationship between variables. The study was guided by three theories: the Tragedy of the Commons Theory, Resource-Based View Theory and the Theory of Sustainable Livelihood. The research procedure began with a pilot study that was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Adjustments and recommendations from the pilot study were incorporated into the research instruments. The study found out that environmental, organizational, management and societal characteristics influenced the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County to a great extent. The study established that the past experiences were the most significant factor influencing the choice of sustainability strategies, with a regression coefficient of 0.432. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses and p-values of 0.000 were obtained. The study concludes that environmental, organizational, societal and management factors determine the choice of sustainability strategies adopted by the group ranches in Samburu County. The study recommends consideration and integration of environmental, organizational, societal and management factors when formulating policies affecting the group ranches. The study also recommends change in the policy to allow individual land ownership within a group ranch without necessarily dissolving the group ranches.
Influence of Alternative Financing on the Relationship between Operational Characteristics and Efficiency of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2019) Njau, Waweru Jackson
GENDER DIMENSION OF DRYLAND FARMING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(University of Eldoret, 2019-10) MWENZWA, EZEKIEL MBITHA
Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and hence its importance in enhancing foreign trade, food security, poverty alleviation, national development and revitalizing human welfare. Despite the importance of the sector, more than three-quarters (¾) of the country’s and area is dryland in the form of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), in which rain-fed agriculture is largely unviable livelihood option. In the drylands of Kenya therefore, livestock rearing and dryland farming are the most important livelihood options for resident communities given the climatic conditions. The adverse natural weather conditions are compounded by anthropogenic activities that degrade the environment, making local residents high disadvantaged in matters livelihood. As a result, food insecurity remains the greatest challenge in the ASALs of Kenya. While weather patterns are responsible for food insecurity, other factors come in to escalate want in these areas such as gender-based division of labor and cultural dictates that limit food production. This study investigated the gender dimension of dryland farming practices in the drylands of Embu County and the attendant implications on food production and security at the household level. It used both qualitative and quantitative methods of social investigation, while giving more emphasis on the former as data collection procedures. In addition, the study utilized both qualitative and quantitative data analysis procedures, while putting more emphasis on the former. It henceforth pointed at implications of gender-based division of labor in dryland farming on food production and security at the household level. Such findings have been generalized not only for the dryland areas exhibiting similar socio-economic and climatic conditions, but also on a national scale. From this study, it was determined that women faced several challenges in their food production efforts and these had more to do with culture than natural weather and and structural problems. In the same vein, they were arguably the hands-on food producers although returns to them were not in line with their efforts. On their part, men had several opportunities in food production, although they were not fully utilized. This has implications for below potential food production and possibility of household food insecurity. As a result, a gender inclined framework of the best practices was the outcome, which is expected to bring a positive difference in food production to assuage household food security. From the findings, policy recommendations were made regarding dryland farming to enhance household food security in semi-arid areas of Embu County and other areas with similar climatic, socio-cultural and economic conditions. It is the implementation of the recommendations which is expected to enhance dryland farming and agricultural productivity in order to alleviate food insecurity and stimulate community welfare as well as national development
Influence of Innovation Ecosystem on Knowledge Entrepreneurship and Innovation Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Gachanja, Isaac Muiruri
Influence of Principals’ Instructional Leadership Practices on Learners’ Performance in Secondary Schools in Murang’a and Kirinyaga Counties, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Irungu, Cecilia Mwihaki
The Relationship Between Service Quality Dimensions and Customer Satisfaction in the Insurance Industry in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Chege, Catherine Njoki
Evaluation of Climate Variability Impacts and Adaptation Strategies as Drivers of Banana Value Chain Development Within Mount Kenya Region
(Karatina University, 2020) Karienye, David Kamau
EFFECTIVENESS OF UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN MITIGATING EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES IN KENYA
(Karatina University, 2020-12) MULONGO, MESHACK AMBANI
The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of university examinations management in mitigating examination malpractices in Kenya. The specific objectives were to; establish the prevalence of examination malpractices among male and female students in universities in Kenya, assess the adherence by universities to the examination regulatory frameworks in Private and Public universities in Kenya, examine the effectiveness of strategies used to control examination malpractices in Private and Public universities in Kenya and assess the challenges affecting the control of examination malpractices in Public and Private universities in Kenya. The study sought to find if there was significant difference in prevalence of examination malpractices between male and female students, adherence to examination regulatory frameworks by public and private universities, effectiveness of strategies used to control examination malpractices between the public and private universities and challenges affecting the control of examination between the public and private universities. The study was guided by Bandura’s Self-Efficacy theory. The target population was 40033 respondents. The study was based on the descriptive survey research design. A total of 390 participants were sampled using Kathuri and Pals’ sampling table. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and an interview schedule. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient was calculated to establish the reliability of the instruments, which yielded r=0.79 and r= 0.77 for students’ and examination officers’ questionnaires respectively. Opinion of experts from the department of education was used to validate the instruments. Data was analyzed using both the descriptive and inferential statistics, precisely the t-tests. Results showed that 50.4% of respondents agreed that students possess unauthorized materials 49.6% agreed that students copy examinations and 50% indicated that they girrafed on others and these were the most prevalent forms of examination malpractices. Non-adherence to examination regulatory frameworks was affirmed by 51.3% of respondents while frisking was 64.5% of respondents. The t-tests calculated revealed that the prevalence of examination malpractices between male and female students in universities in Kenya was largely the same, the adherence to regulatory framework for private and public universities was largely the same, there was a significant difference in the effectiveness of strategies when public and private universities were compared and there was a significant mean difference when public and private universities were compared on challenges affecting the control of examination universities. Based on the findings, the study recommended that there was need to strengthen vigilance in the administration of examinations in universities in Kenya. In addition, there is need for use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in examination rooms and improved frisking of students. These recommendations, if implemented, will greatly help in formulation of policies towards the mitigation of examination malpractices in
CONTEXTUAL FACTORS INFLUENCING LONELINESS AMONG LEARNERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA
(Karatina University, 2020-12) BARU, PETER MURIUKI
The impact of loneliness on productivity among human beings and especially learners in secondary schools continue to be a subject of great concern to philosophers, educationists and policy makers. The contextual factors that influence loneliness among learners in secondary schools in Kenya and particularly in Murang’a County are not clearly known and documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the contextual factors that influence loneliness among learners in secondary schools in Murang’a County in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; examine prevalence of loneliness among learners in secondary schools in Murang’a County, compare the correlates of loneliness among learners and evaluate the effectiveness of counselling in managing loneliness among learners in secondary schools in Murang’a County in Kenya. The study tested the following null hypothesis; HO1: there is no statistically significant difference in correlates of loneliness among learners in secondary schools in Murang’a County. The study was guided by Vygotsky’s Social Cognitive Learning Theory. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was 100,684 learners found in the 303 public secondary schools in the County. Krejecie and Morgan Table was used to determine the sample size and stratified random sampling was used to select between 10% and 30% of the schools to participate in the study. All form two learners in the selected schools were purposively sampled to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. Scales to measure teacher-learner relationships and sense of belonging to school were adapted by the researcher for the study while PAL scale was used to measure level of loneliness. The scales and the questionnaire were piloted in similar type of schools in Kiambu County. Cronbach’s alpha Correlation Coefficient test of reliability of the questionnaire and scales yielded 0.83 which was acceptable. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The study found that 39% to 55% of learners had had serious episodes of loneliness. Correlates of loneliness were found to vary by gender, school type and perception on effectiveness of guidance and counselling services. The study concluded that coeducation boarding schools presented unique challenges in management of loneliness. The study recommends strengthening of guidance and counselling services which should be tailored to specific school environment for effective management of loneliness.
INSTITUTIONAL COMPETENCY MAPPING, FIRMS’ CULTURE AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE AMONG INSURANCE COMPANIES IN KENYA
(Karatina University, 2020-12) MWANGI, GRACE WANGARI
Kenyan insurance companies do constantly face many challenges such as mispricing of insurance policies, lack of the required human resource capacities, and changes in interest rates among others. This study sought to determine the influence of institutional competency mapping on the performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of relationship management, emotional intelligence and innovativeness on the performance of insurance companies in Kenya. In addition, the study sought to determine the moderating influence of firm’s culture on the relationship between institutional competency mapping and performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The study was anchored on competency theory, resource-based view theory, theory of comparative advantage, the balanced score card model and institutional theory. The research philosophy adopted was positivism. Descriptive and correlational research designs were adopted with the study population comprising all the 453 management staff in the 55 registered insurance companies in Kenya as at 28th February 2017. A sample size of 208 participants was drawn from the lower, middle, and the top level management using stratified sampling technique. Primary data was collected via semi-structured questionnaires while secondary data on organisation performance was collected using data collection sheet. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics where the mean and standard deviation were determined. Multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis were used to aid in inferential analysis of the data. Results shows that most Kenyan based insurance firms undertake to map relationship management, emotional intelligence, and innovativeness among their employees during the selection process to a moderate extent. Correlation results shows that there was a significant positive correlation between organisation performance and relationship management (r=0.282; P=0.000), emotional intelligence (r=0.094; P=0.000), innovativeness (r=0.096; P=0.000) and firm’s culture (r=0.840; P=0.000). The regression model results indicated that institutional competency mapping predicted 72.8 percent of the variations in performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Relationship management, emotional intelligence, and innovativeness significantly influenced firm performance. Firm’s culture significantly moderated the relationship between institutional competency mapping and organization performance. The conclusion made was that relationship management, emotional intelligence and innovativeness influenced performance of insurance companies in Kenya while firm’s culture significantly moderated the relationship between institutional competency mapping and organizational performance. The study recommends that management of insurance companies should cultivate, create, and maintain good rapport with stakeholders, develop programs designed to offer training and enhancement of self-awareness and promote high levels of adaptability to remain productive in the changing environment. The results of the study will be beneficial to the managers of insurance firms, their employees and the government as it shows the significance of competency mapping in stimulating performance of insurance companies in Kenya.
Enhancing Tripartite Symbiosis between Soybean, Bradyrhizobia and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungiunder Contrasting Farm Management Practices in Tharaka-Nithi County-Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2021-05) Gitonga, Nicholas Mawira
Organic farming is gaining popularity as agronomically and environmentally sound soil management strategy with the potential to enhance soil microbial diversity and fertility, environmental quality and sustainable crop production. However, the role of bradyrhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in organic farming systems is poorly understood. Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of organic farming and bradyrhizobia inoculation on soybean nodulation, AMF root colonization, growth, production and yield quality. Greenhouse and laboratory experiments sought to determine the effects of bradyrhizobia and/or AMF inoculation and dual inoculation in promoting root colonization and nodulation, determine soil mycorrhizal inoculum potential (MIP), evaluate the abundance and effectiveness of native bradyrhizobia and determine the morphological and genetic diversity of native bradyrhizobia isolates under different farm management practices. Field experimental treatments included native bradyrhizobia, commercial Bradyrhizobiun japonicum, a mixture of native and commercial Bradyrhizobium japonicum and control. Promiscuous soybeans varieties SB 19 and SC squire as well as non-promiscuous Gazelle were used as test plants. All field experiments were carried out in split-split plot design. In the greenhouse, AMF and bradyrhizobia were inoculated and dual inoculated on SC squire soybeans. The AMF inoculants used were Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis while bacteria involved commercial bradyrhizobia and native bradyrhizobia. Greenhouse experiments were set out using completely randomized design. The native bradyrhizobia were isolated and characterized. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from nodule isolates was extracted using Gene Jet DNA extraction kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S rDNA gene was carried out using universal primers P5-R and P3-F. Polymerase chain reaction product purification and sequencing was carried out in MacrogenNetherlands. Sequencing was done using the same primers. Non molecular data obtained was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means that were significantly different at p< 0.05 were separated using Tukey’s HSD test. Field experiment results demonstrated significant improvement of soybean nodule dry weight (NDW), shoot dry weight (SDW) and seed dry weight (SEDW) due to inoculation. Bradyrhizobia inoculation increased soybean seed yields by between 29-59% of its potential yield. Remarkably, organic farming significantly (p=0.001) out-performed conventional systems in SDW, NDW, SEDW and AMF root colonization. Moreover, seed nutrient significantly differed in organic and conventional farming where, seed nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon were higher in organic farming. Soybean varieties differed significantly on SDW, NDW and SEDW, where SC squire performed better compared to SB 19 and Gazelle. Greenhouse results showed bradyrhizobia and AMF dual inoculation significantly enhanced AMF root colonization, NDW and SDW compared with individual bradyrhizobia, AMF or control. Moreover, organic farming significantly (p=0.001) increased SDW, NDW and AMF root colonization compared to conventional farming. Organic farming had a significant effect (p = 0.001) on soil MIP. Based on molecular analysis, isolates were bradyrhizobia and matched with Bradyrhizobium japonicum among other species. There was little or no genetic differentiation of isolates with the highest molecular variation (91.12%) within the populations and 8.88 % among populations. The results demonstrate the importance of organic farming and dual inoculation in sustainable crop production. The highly potential native bradyrhizobia isolates (GRPc and GRPk) and exotic AMF should be xix popularized and commercially ultilized by farmers to alleviate declining soil fertility and increase food production with minimum expenses.
INFLUENCE OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND MARKET ACCESSIBILITY ON FOOD SECURITY IN THARAKA SUB COUNTY, KENYA
(Karatina University, 2022-11) KIBETU, DICKSON KINOTI
Food distribution and market accessibility impact food security and development of rural economies. About 30% of Kenya’s population live in the country’s food insecure rural arid and semi-arid lands. Semi-arid Tharaka sub county suffers from insufficient and inefficient food distribution due to problems of physical accessibility to food markets which constitute main source of food items (86.95%) consumed here. These have led to sporadic and acute food insecurity across the sub county. The purpose of this study was to examine influence of local food distribution systems and market accessibility on food security in Tharaka sub county. Maize (96.6%) and millet (54.1%) are important staple food crops widely consumed by households in the study area. The objectives of this research focused on identifying biophysical and climatic factors that determine optimal maize and millet production for the realisation of food security; to determine how marketing models for maize and millet influence distribution and retention of food stock by households in Tharaka sub county; to examine efficiency of physical accessibility to existing open air markets and its effect on food security in Tharaka sub county, and finally to examine spatial distribution and utilisation of open-air markets in Tharaka sub county and its influence on food security. It was hypothesized that no significant relationship existed between agro-climatic suitability and maize and millet production, marketing models and food stock retention, markets physical accessibility and food security and how open-air markets spatial distribution influenced utilisation of the markets. A sample of 395 households selected using cross-section survey and a multi-purposive cluster sampling technique from the 31,556 households in the studt area were considered. Primary data was collected through observation, semi-structured questionnaires and 5 key informants’ interviews. GIS based modeling, Kendall’s multiple correlation analysis and Tobit regression techniques were used to analyse the data. Results of GIS agro-climatic suitability analysis in Idris Selva software showed that 4,189.31 hectares of land were suitable for optimised production of maize and millet. Identified suitable areas felled within the rainfed cropping zone (RFC) and mixed farming (MF) livelihood zones. Kendall’s multiple correlation analysis revealed that households living close to the markets (<5km) sold most of their food stocks retaining up to two bags for 3-4 weeks compared to those living away(>10km) who kept three to five bags for the same period or longer. Tobit regression analysis indicated education levels of household head and market price as important determinants in the choice of market models by a household. Lastly, ease of accessibility and service functional value influenced open-air markets preferential use by farmers and consumers alike. Conclusively, food security in Tharaka sub county is largely influenced by marketing models used by households to procure and sell foodstuffs, ease of physical accessibility to markets and the bio-physical and climatic conditions of the given livelihood cluster zone. In future, there is need to consider food distribution and market accessibility as determinant components of food security and nutrition improvement in the study area. Major recommendations from this study emphasize desire to promote food trade and market-based interventions to address food security. Furthermore, improving open-air markets’ physical infrastructure and construction of missing-link roads connecting villages to markets would address the problem of low food markets utilisation.
AT THE PERIPHERY IN MAU MAU DISCOURSE: A CASE OF THE MBEERE OF EMBU COUNTY, KENYA, 1952-2014
(Karatina University, 2022-11) KANYINGI, BENSON WAIGANJO
The ambiguity of Mau Mau discourse led to multiple narratives about the movement. The elusiveness was evidenced by voices of the past mixing with current views, discovery, access to migrated archives and reparation cases. The reparation case ignited debates on participation in the Mau Mau struggle. In the Mau Mau discourses, the movement was considered Kikuyu, Embu and Ameru affair, disregarding communities’ contribution on the fringes of Mt. Kenya like the Mbeere. To show the contribution of peripheral communities, there was a need to deconstruct the pedagogy of misinformation and represent an accurate picture for collective memory. This study sought to examine the missing narrative of the Mbeere in Mau Mau discourse. The following specific objectives guided the study: to establish the role of the Mbeere chiefs in colonial penetration and administration; to assess the evidence of the contribution of the Mbeere in the Mau Mau struggle; to examine the reasons for exclusion of the Mbeere in Mau Mau discourse and lastly to evaluate the recognition and compensation of the Mbeere Mau Mau veterans by the Kenya government and the British government, respectively. The Post-colonial theory informed this study that critically examines the post-colonial experience of Third World societies. Both primary and secondary data were sourced and used in the study. Archival data was obtained from the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Centre in Nairobi, Nakuru and The National Archives in the United Kingdom. Oral data was collected from informants in Kyeni South, Mbeere North and South in Embu County. This study used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews for data collection, where 59 participants were interviewed. In interviews, purposive sampling was employed where the chiefs pinpointed Mau Mau veterans in their wards. Then snowball sampling strategy was used to identify more respondents knowledgeable about the Mau Mau movement. Respondents for focus group discussions were selected through purposive sampling based on the participation of those above 70 years and who participated in the insurgency. Data were analysed using NVIVO 12 to extract themes that answered the research questions. Selected secondary sources informed the theory, while others complemented data from the primary sources. The proposed study provided a counterpoint to literature that lauded the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru as key participants in the Mau Mau struggle for independence by identifying the Mbeere as (active or passive players) in the war of decolonisation. Additionally, the study findings noted that the Mbeere were left out in the reparation process, but they are hopeful for reparation and memorialisation. The Mau Mau debates will not end soon with the growing attention of the marginalised narratives. The Mbeere involvement in the Mau Mau insurgency as seers was deeper than assumed; they utilised an unmarked villagisation process by scavenging food for the Mau Mau insurgency. They used non-KEM status to evade detection as a tactic of war for insurgency’s sake. These two areas need further research for posterity. Thirdly this study can be replicated in other peripheral communities in Kenya to retell their past. Also, there is a need to rewrite the history of the Mbeere and show nuances of the Mbeere marginalisation in resource allocation and how it intersects with the history of decolonisation. Lastly, review the state of non-Embu (the Kikuyu ahoi and the Kamba) who claimed to have been born into the Embu tribe while the colonial government, the Embu elders and ADC members expressed in 1961 that there was no place for them in the District.
BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND MEN’S RESPONSE TO PROSTRATE CANCER SCREENING IN CENTRAL KENYA
(Karatina University, 2022-11) NDUNG’U, SAMUEL KAHURA
Effective communication has been proven to influence people’s attitude and approach towards an issue that affects them. The use of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) has been recommended as one of the strategies that can help create awareness of Prostate Cancer (PCa) and encourage its early screening and treatment. However, there is little evidence that this strategy has been used in Central Kenya region to address the PCa problem. The main objective of this study therefore was to investigate the influence of BCC strategies on men’s response to PCa screening in Central Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to: investigate the influence of interpersonal communication on men’s response to PCa screening in Central Kenya, determine the influence of message framing on men’s response to PCa screening, examine the influence of mass media campaigns on men’s response to PCa screening and to identify the influence of participatory communication on men’s response to PCa screening. The study further sought to determine the moderating influence of culture and gender on men’s response to PCa screening. The study was guided by Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action and Health Belief Model. It was anchored on the Pragmatist philosophical paradigm and it used the Exploratory Sequential Mixed Method design. The target population of the study was 700,010 men aged 40 years old and above from Central Kenya. A sample of 384 men was selected using the Finite Population Correction for Proportions (n0) formula by Kothari. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in both non-linear and narrative forms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data to show the relationship between variables and their significance. The findings indicated that interpersonal and participatory communication, message framing and mass media campaigns have a statistical significant influence on men’s response to PCa screening. The values for each objective were: Mass Media, R2=0.654, p-value=0.000<0.05, Message Framing, R2=0.644, p-value=0.000<0.05, Participatory Communication, R2=0.714, p-value=0.000<0.05, and Interpersonal Communication, R2=0.605, p-value=0.000<0.05. It was further established that culture has a statistical significant moderating influence on men’s attitude to PCa screening, it had R2=0.572, p-value=0.000<0.05. The study concludes that although mass media was used to disseminate information about PCa, it was not adequate and the PCa messages were poorly framed and ineffective. The study therefore recommends the use of participatory and interpersonal communication to equip community and health workers, and peer counsellors with basic education on PCa and communication skills to supplement efforts by health and communication officials. There is also need for use of intensive mass media campaigns and correct message framing for effective PCa screening awareness.
MEDIA COVERAGE, CONTENT FRAMING AND AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DISCOURSE IN KENYA
(Karatina University, 2023-10) MBURU, JINARO PAUL
Audience perception of wildlife conservation discourse in Kenya has been negative as evidenced in the results of conservation efforts. The general objective of the study was: to investigate the influence of media coverage, content framing and audience perception of wildlife conservation discourse in Kenya. The specific objectives were to: examine the influence of the choice of media channel on audience perception; evaluate the timing of media messages on audience perception; investigate the effects of frequency of media messages on audience perception; assess the combined influence of choice of media channel, timing of media messages, and frequency of media messages on perception; and to investigate the moderating influence of content framing on the relationship between media coverage and audience perception of wildlife conservation discourse in Kenya. The study was anchored on framing and semantic meaning theories using a pragmatism philosophical paradigm. It employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive analysis. The target population consisted of 297 individuals, with a sample size of 133. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 6 environmental journalists, a census identified 12 park managers, and through simple random sampling, 115 human-wildlife conflict resolution committee members joined the sample. Data collection tools comprised of interview guide for media practitioners and park managers, Focus Group Discussions guide targeting human-wildlife conflict resolution committee officials and a questionnaire administered to the other committee members. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and presented in narrative form, while quantitative data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, with findings presented through linear texts and graphics. The study findings showed that there was lack of effective communication channels for wildlife conservation initiatives, which led to community resistance and jeopardize conservation efforts. The relationship between media channel choice and audience perception showed an R-squared value of 0.656, indicating that media channels explain 65.6% of the variation in perception. Timing of media messages had an R-squared value of 0.779, explaining 77.9% of perception variation. Frequency of messages had an R-squared value of 0.856, explaining 85.6% of variation. In each case, the calculated F-values were significantly greater than the critical F-values. Content framing was found to moderate the relationship between media coverage and perception, with a significant ANOVA result (F = 240.355; p-Value<0.05). This emphasizes the need for strategic communication approaches in wildlife conservation. The study concluded that when framing wildlife conservation messages, the target audiences were not satisfied with the manner in which these messages were communicated. The study findings will assist media practitioners in formulating guidelines for media coverage and content framing of wildlife conservation discourse. The study therefore recommended that practitioners should use correct media channels and effective content framing strategies in order to change audience perception of wildlife conservation.
MEDIA COVERAGE, CONTENT FRAMING AND AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DISCOURSE IN KENYA
(2023-10) MBURU, JINARO PAUL
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONFERMENT OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES OF KARATINA UNIVERSITY