Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Theses and Dissertations

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ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP, AFFECTIVE COMMITMENT AND INDUSTRIAL HARMONY IN KENYAS’ DEVOLVED PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR
(Karatina University, 2023-11) WAWERU, BEAUTTAH MWANGI
A harmonious workplace that guarantees satisfaction of workers and employers’ aspirations is essential for enhanced services provision in Kenya’s devolved public health sector. Since the devolution of healthcare services in 2013, the devolved public health sector has been affected by frequent and often localized health workers’ industrial actions. These industrial actions have an effect not only on the citizens well-being but also affects the economic growth of the country. The general objective of this study was to determine the influence of adaptive leadership on industrial harmony mediated by affective commitment in Kenya’s devolved public health sector. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the influence of collaborative stakeholder engagement, employees’ involvement in decision making, continuous organizational learning and leaders’ relational authenticity on industrial harmony and to examine the mediating influence of affective commitment on the relationship between adaptive leadership and industrial harmony in the Kenya’s devolved public health sector. The study was guided by three theories namely; Attitudinal Commitment Theory, Experiential Learning Theory and Social Exchange Theory. To achieve these objectives, the study used pragmatic research paradigm. The study research design was concurrent mixed methods research methodology. The target population for this study was 3,355 health workers in level 5 County referral hospitals, in the Central Economic Regional Bloc (CEREB). The study selected 351 respondents using stratified random sampling. In addition, 10 Medical Superintendents (MS), 10 Secretary Generals from Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) were selected for participation in the study through purposive sampling. The research instrument was tested for validity using content validity, criterion validity and construct validity and for reliability, using Cronbach alpha coefficient. The pilot study was carried out at Karatina Level 4 Hospital in Nyeri County as the cadre of staff employed in level 4 hospitals are similar and with almost similar facilities as those of level 5 hospitals. Data analysis involved both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative data collected through the interview guide was analyzed using content analysis technique. Quantitative data collected using the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics comprised means and standard deviation while inferential statistics comprised simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. The study established that collaborative stakeholder engagement had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=1.255, p-value=.000); that employee involvement in decision making had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=.939, p-value=.000); that continuous organizational learning had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=1.093, p-value=.000); that leaders’ relational authenticity had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (β=.703, p-value=.000). Collaborative stakeholder engagement had the highest influence explaining 18.5% of industrial harmony. It was followed by continuous organizational learning at 14%, employee involvement in decision making at 10.3% and finally leaders’ relational authenticity at 5.8%. Affective commitment was found to have a positive and significant mediating influence on the relationship between adaptive leadership and industrial harmony (β=.141, p-value=0.018). The study concluded that collaborative stakeholders’ engagement, employee’s involvement in decision making, continuous organizational learning, leaders’ relational authenticity and affective commitment enhanced industrial harmony in the Kenya’s devolved public health sector. The study recommends the expansion of the workplace stakeholders engagement systems, strengthening of suggestion schemes and brainstorming sessions and that more efforts be put in creating, retaining and transferring knowledge within the sector. It further recommends setting up of high moral and ethical standards among managers and that employees should be part and parcel of the team(s) that develop strategic plans and policies in the sector so as to encourage co-ownership of sector goals and objectives. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a model of determining the level of industrial harmony given the influence of affective commitment and adaptive leadership.
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.
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 INTERVENTIONS AND ROAD SAFETY AMONGST BODA-BODA MOTORCYCLISTS IN KENYAN CITIES
(KARATINA UNIVERSITY, 2024-09) NTHOKI, BARBARA; WANJUKI
Behavior change communication (BCC) interventions have been used globally to address challenges in several sectors. The successful use of interventions has been reported in the transport sector, education, health agricultural sectors amongst others. These interventions have also targeted road safety challenges among road users. Road safety has become a major concern, with over 1.3 million people losing their lives worldwide annually and over 4,000 in Kenya. Human behavior on the road causes 90 percent of deaths and injuries among road users, with Boda-boda motorcyclists contributing 58 percent of all road accidents in Kenya. Against this backdrop, this study sought to establish the influence of behavior change communication interventions on road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities. The specific objectives of this study were to establish the influence of media campaigns on road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities; establish the influence of participatory communication on road safety; to determine the influence of traffic visual communication on road safety; to determine the influence of information, education, and communication on road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists. In addition, this study sought to determine the moderating influence of attitude on the relationship between behavior change communication and road safety among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities. The study was anchored on the Social Cognitive Theory, Safety Culture Theory, and Uses and Gratification Theory. The study used a pragmatic philosophical paradigm with a convergent parallel design of mixed-method research. The Yamane (1967) formula was employed to determine the target population of 399 Boda-boda motorcyclists from four cities in Kenya—Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru—leading to a final sample of 387 respondents. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling were used to draw the sample. Interviews were conducted with nine key informants, purposively sampled from each city, drawn from the NTSA office, the Boda-boda association, and senior traffic police officers. A pilot study was carried out in Machakos to test the data collection instruments. Quantitative data was collected from the motorcyclists by use of semi-structured questionnaires, while qualitative data was gathered through key informant interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings were presented using narratives and graphics. The findings indicate that there was a positive relationship between behavior change communication and road safety. The results for each objective were as follows: mass media showed R² = 0.504, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05; participatory communication, R² = 0.609, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05; information, education, and communication, R² = 0.586, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05; and traffic visual communication, R² = 0.608, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05. Attitude as a moderator demonstrated R² = 0.801, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05, indicating a significant impact on predicting road safety and showing a potential synergistic effect between the two factors. In conclusion, behavior change communication interventions aimed at Boda-boda motorcyclists significantly contribute to road safety. The study also contributes to academic discourse by highlighting the need for integrating BCC theories into practical applications in road safety initiatives. The study recommends the need for innovative multifaceted communication interventions to enhance safety and promote responsible behavior among Boda-boda motorcyclists in Kenyan cities. The findings will aid road safety stakeholders in crafting BCC interventions that elicit positive behavior among motorcyclists.
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.
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.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE, BANK SIZE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LOWER TIER COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
(Karatina University, 2023-11) KINYUA, PATRICK KARUKI
The banking sector is recognized as the most visible source of finance and key to global trade and economic growth. Banking institutions play a notable role in building both domestic and global economies by ensuring credit is available to finance businesses and households. However, the performance of banking sector from global, regional and local perspective has been deteriorating with small banks being affected the most. The phenomenon has been linked to the manner banks of different sizes finances their operations (capital structure), but remains debatable among scholars. It is argued that a properly designed capital structure defines the manner in which a bank seeks funds from various sources to finance its operations without risking high costs of capital that may jeopardize its performance. In Kenya, the capital structure has been in the center of operational performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The Kenyan banking sector is categorized into three tiers, tier I, II and III based on bank size. However, the profitability of the tier II and III have been declining resulting to an enquiry to whether, the size of the bank has any influence on capital structure and performance of the banks. This study therefore sought to determine the moderating influence of bank size on the relationship between capital structure and profitability of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the influence of internal equity capital; the influence of short term debt capital; the influence of external equity capital and the influence of long term equity capital on profitability of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya. Appropriate null hypotheses were developed for each objective. This study was anchored in pecking order theory, Modigliani and Miller Capital Structure Theory, trade-off theory of capital structure, the net income approach, Dynamic Trade-off Theory and Agency Cost Theory. Pragmatism research philosophy was adopted where the study concurrently employed descriptive and explanatory research design. The study population was 37 commercial banks in Tier II and III in Kenya that were fully operational from 2016 to 2020 and a census of all the 37 banks was conducted. The main data of study was secondary data; whereby primary data was also collected for triangulation purposes. The validity of the secondary data was enhanced by collecting data from audited and certified sources while the reliability of the questionnaire was ascertained through use of Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics entailed percentages, means, standard deviations, minimums, maximums, Skewness and Kurtosis. The inferential statistics comprised of multilevel mixed model analysis and hierarchical multiple linear models. A range of model and data diagnostic tests were conducted before estimating the study’s regression models and included the Mixed ANOVA, utocorrelation, normality tests, heteroscedasticity tests, multicollinearity tests and stationarity tests. The results were presented using tables and figures. The study found that internal equity had a positive and significant effect on net profit margin of lower tier commercial banks (β=.429, p=.000<0.05) but bank size did not moderate the effect of internal equity on net profit margin of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya (β=.148, p=600>0.05). External equity had a positive and significant effect on net profit margin of lower tier commercial banks (β=.229, p=.036<0.05). Bank size positively and significantly moderates the relationship between external equity and performance of lower tier banks in Kenya (β=2.350, p =.000<0.05) and has an enhancing effect on external equity. Long term debt had a negative and significant effect on the financial performance of lower tier commercial banks (β=-.966, p=.029<0.05). Bank size moderates the effect of long term debt on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks in Kenya (β= .695, p-value=.024<0.05) and has an antagonistic effect on long term debt capital. Nonetheless, short term debt had a positive but insignificant effect on the financial performance of lower tier commercial banks (β=.067, p=.625>0.05). Bank size moderated the effect of short term debt on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks (β=.127, p=.019<0.05) with strengthening effect. Thus, the study concludes that bank size moderates the effect of external equity, short term debt and long term debt on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks but does not moderate the effect of internal equity on financial performance of lower tier commercial banks. The study recommends that lower tier commercial banks need to encourage xxii its shareholders to re-invest back their earnings rather than consuming them as dividends as internal equity is affordable and readily available when the bank is in urgent financial need. The study further recommends that a bank should keenly evaluate when to use external equity funding though external equity funding may be costlier. Lower tier commercial banks may also employ long term sources like equity shares, debentures, preference shares and public deposits as they are usually less prone to short term shocks as it is secured by formally established contractual terms. In addition, lower tier commercial banks may also need to diversify their product and service portfolio to expand their aggregate asset base and competitiveness in the market so that they can withstand financial and market shocks. The study offers great value to the management of lower commercial banks and other players in the sector. The regulators including the CBK may get insightful information that would assist in formulation of policy on ideal financing structures for lower tier commercial banks. The study also provides a worthy benchmark to future research work on capital structure and profitability of small and medium sized commercial banks
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.
CONTRIBUTION OF STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS OF MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY ON PERFORMANCE OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL SECTOR IN KENYA
(Karatina University, 2023-11) Wanjau, Christopher Kinyua
Wholesale and retail sector is one of key sectors that are expected to help the government in realizing vision 2030. They are great contributors to employment and GDP. However, of late, wholesale and retail businesses have faced a myriad of challenges in a performance and dynamic environment. The purpose of the study therefore was to investigate contribution of strategic collaborations of motorcycle industry on performance of wholesale and retail sector growth in Kenya. The study was guided by five research objectives which were to examine the influence of motorcycles delivery innovation, logistic cost, timeliness, motorcycles accessibility to the markets and to examine the moderating effect of road safety and compliance training of motorcycle riders on the relationship between strategic collaboration of motorcycle industry and the performance of wholesale and retail sector in Kenya. The study was anchored on social exchange theory, Greiner’s Growth Model, Cost Leadership Strategy and neo-classical growth model. Descriptive research design was used. The study targeted all wholesales and retails shops in 47 counties in Kenya which employed commercial motorcycles for their last mile delivery of goods. Systematic sampling technique was employed to select the counties while in each County simple random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 383 respondents. Closed ended questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while open ended questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data. Cronbach alpha was adopted to test the reliability of the data collection instruments. The questionnaires were self-administered to the respondents using a pick and drop method. Data analysis involved both quantitative (descriptive -frequencies, mean, standard deviation, percentages and inferential- Pearson correlation coefficient) and qualitative techniques where data was summarized in themes and presented in narrative form as well as raw data excerpts. The study achieved a response rate of 77.8% where a total of 298 out of 383 questionnaires were filled and returned back. The study findings indicated that motorcycle delivery innovation had been embraced by the wholesalers and retailers in their businesses resulting in improved performance. The study found that motorcycle logistics costs were low and manageable as compared to motor vehicles and this had helped the businesses realize more profits due to reduced cost of operations such as storage cost and distribution cost as well as improving the delivery time. The study further established that use of motorcycles by wholesalers and retailers had enhanced distribution of goods to the customers as well as reaching a wide range of customers hence improving customer satisfaction and customer retention. The study revealed that motorcyclists engaged by the wholesalers and retailers had been trained on road safety and they were all compliant with NTSA rules. The study concluded that delivery solution strategies, logistic cost, timeliness of motorcycles and their accessibility contributed to positive performance of the businesses. The study concluded that logistic cost is inversely proportional to performance of wholesale and retail businesses. The study concluded that road safety and compliance training of motorcycle riders had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between strategic collaboration of motorcycle industry and performance of wholesale and retail sector in Kenya. The study recommended that the government should embrace the use of electrical motorcycles as innovative delivery solution to help reduce pollution caused by increased use of petrol motorcycles. The study further recommended that the government should design specific lanes for commercial motorcycles especially in Nairobi to help increase their accessibility to the central businesses district to help promote wholesale and retail businesses in major towns.
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.
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
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMMES, CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN FAITH BASED HOSPITALS IN NAIROBI METROPOLITAN, KENYA
(KARATINA UNIVERSITY, 2024-09) WAIRIMU, BEATRICE KARANJA
Despite the essential role of faith-based hospitals in provision of quality health services, they continuously face challenges, including workforce-related issues such as poor working conditions such as working for longer hours, seeing more than 8 patients in a day, high rates of absenteeism, lack of critical services, depression and other mental illness as well as drug and substance abuse. These occurrences affect service delivery. The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of employee wellness programmes on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. Specific objectives were; to assess the influence of employees’ emotional wellness programmes, intellectual wellness programmes, occupational wellness programmes and employee physical wellness programmes on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan and examine the moderating role of credible leadership on the influence of employee wellness programmes on service delivery in faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. The study adopted descriptive survey and correlational research designs. The study targeted 1154 employees in the faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. The study used stratified random sampling to select the respondents. The study sample size was 297 respondents. The study obtained primary data using a questionnaire. The descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse data. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, mean, standard deviation and percentage. Correlational analysis was used to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study also carried out a regression analysis to determine the level of association of the study variables. Results were presented in graphs and tables. The study established that there was moderate emphasis on employee’s emotional wellness programmes among the faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan area, there were employee’s intellectual wellness programmes, there was agreement among the respondents on the adoption of employee’s occupational wellness programmes and that there existed employees’ physical wellness programmes in the faith-based hospitals in Nairobi metropolitan. The study further established that hospital leadership demonstrated moderate credibility. Correlation analysis results showed that a significant weak positive correlation existed between service delivery and employee’s emotional wellness programmes (r=0.324), while a significant moderate positive correlation existed between service delivery and intellectual wellness programmes (r=0.519), occupational wellness programmes (r=0.666) and physical wellness programmes (r=0.539). The study determined that emotional wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.101; β=0.324; P=0.000), intellectual wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.267; β=0.519; P=0.000), occupational wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.442; β=0.666; P=0.000), physical wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery (R2= 0.288; β=0.539; P=0.000). The study also established that credible leadership had a significant moderating influence on the relationship between employee wellness programmes and service delivery. The study thus concluded that employee wellness programmes had a significant influence on service delivery. The study further concluded that credible leadership had a significant moderating influence on the relationship between employee wellness programmes and service delivery. The study recommends that the management of hospitals should ensure that there are employee wellness programmes for emotional, intellectual, occupational and physical wellness. The study results would be relevant to the management of faith-based hospitals, the government of Kenya, particularly the ministry of Health, and county governments because it would enlighten them when developing policies aimed at improving the quality of health care and working environment for their healthcare workers.
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.
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
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE ON SOIL PROPERTIES IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA
(Karatina University, 2023-11) KINYUMU, DANIEL MWANGANGI
Conservation agriculture (CA), defined by three principles of; minimum soil disturbance, use of cover crop and crop rotation/diversification was introduced in Laikipia as alternative to conventional farming (CF) systems, to improve soil properties and resilience to climate change and soil degradation. The study investigated practice of CA by farmers and carried out in-situ and laboratory analysis of soil moisture, bulk density, texture, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations and microbial diversity. The study area was purposively selected to include areas where CA had historically been practised. A population of 2,000 farmers registered as practising CA were interviewed. For the collection of soil samples, 332 farmers were sampled based on; (i) farmers who received training on CA curriculum (ii) farmers who were actively practising all the three principles of CA (minimum soil disturbance, crop rotation and soil cover); and (iii) farmers who were practising CA alongside conventional farming. Thirty (30) farmers were sampled according population in each through proportionate stratified random sampling. 270 composite soil samples were collected from 3x3 m plots at a depth of 0-20 cm (rooting zone) of annual crops, from 30 farms, during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Soil sampling for analysis soil bulk density, moisture) while soil sampling for the analysis of chemical and microbial properties was done using core ring sampler of 5cm diameter and 10cm height and metallic soil augers of 5cm diameter, respectively. The analysis of soil physical and chemical properties were done according to protocols in soil and plant analysis and national agricultural research laboratories (NARL) manuals. The analysis of microbial diversity was done according to functional gene analysis pipeline (www.mrdnalab.com). Findings describing significance differences in soil properties between farming systems were done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at (p ≤ 0.05), followed by post-hoc family-wise comparisons of means between experimental plots. Tukey’s honest significance difference (HSD) tested mean separation when analysis showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The DNA from environmental samples was extracted using PureLinkTM Microbiome DNA Purification Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Amplicon generation and sequencing was done using the next generation (NGS) Illumina’s MiSeq technology platform (bTEFAP)®. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS ver 22, R-program and MS-Excel for Windows. Findings of CA farming practices indicated that 67% of farmers employed all the three principles of conservation agriculture (crop cover/residue + crop rotation + no tillage). Majority (62%) of farmers were largely subsistence farmers, growing mainly; maize (Zea mays L.) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Silt clay loam (SCL) was the most abundant at 60%, while 67.47% of farmers employed all the 3 principles of CA. Farms adopting CA had the highest soil bulk density at 1.78 ±0.04 g/cm3. Soil moisture levels in farms declined significantly from ‘25” to “75” days after seeding (DAS) under different farming systems. Soil carbon was significantly higher in farms adopting CA, which is postulated to be due to the high use of organic biomass on soil. The study found important rhizospheric bacteria and fungi that affects soil properties. The findings can be used for developing a holistic soil improvement strategy for improving soil properties and enhancing farmer resilience to climate change effects in rain-fed farming systems in Laikipia.
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
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 Alternative Financing on the Relationship between Operational Characteristics and Efficiency of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2019) Njau, Waweru Jackson
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.
Influence of Innovation Ecosystem on Knowledge Entrepreneurship and Innovation Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Gachanja, Isaac Muiruri