School of Pure and Applied Sciences
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Item Onaquotient group 74:(3X2S7) of a 7-local subgroup of the Monster M(Karatina University, 2023-01) Musyoka, David Mwanzia; Njuguna, Lydia Nyambura; Prins, Abraham Love; Chikamai, LucyItem The Impact Of Policy Changes In The Education Sector On The Development Of The Book Publishing Industry In Kenya(Unisa Press, 2009) Mbengei, Bernard; Francis, GallowayThis article explores the impact of policy changes in the education sector on the de-velopment of the book publishing sector in Kenya. The article begins by detailing the current status of the book publishing sector in Kenya. Then the interdependence between the education and book publishing sectors is highlighted. The government policies that have shaped the education system in Kenya are analysed with a view to establishing how they have affected the book publishing sector. An overview of the new school textbook policy that was introduced in 1998 is presented in order to show how it has influenced the textbook production and procurement. Then the introduction of the Free-Primary Education (FPE) is discussed because it is the most recent development in the education sector that has provided tremendous impetus to the development of the book publishing industry in the country. The challenges encountered by the Government of Kenya in implementing the FPE and those faced by the book publishers in producing books for the school market are analysed. Finally, a way forward is proposed in the form of recommendations that can contribute to positive growth and mainstreaming of the school textbook publishing sub-sector in Kenya. A literature review approach isused in which sources that include newspapers, government and institutional websites, journals, books and dissertations have been consulted.Item Faculty and students’ perspectives of online learning during COVID-19 crisis: Constraints and opportunities for Kenyan universities.(2023-04-15) Wekullo, Caroline S.; Kabindio, Brendah; Juma, IddiAt the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, all higher education institutions had to abruptly migrate from face-to-face mode of learning to virtual learning. Students and faculty members were thrown into the process of acquainting themselves with a fully virtual system. How prepared were institutions, faculty members, and students for the abrupt and massive transition to online learning? The study examined the faculty and students’ perspective of online learning during COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study examined the perceptions of faculty and students on the preparedness of higher education institutions for online teaching and learning. The study also determined the perceptions of staff and students towards online education, constraints, and opportunities. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at a public university in Kenya. A semi-structured interview was conducted on a total sample of 36 respondents; 24 students and 12 faculty members to capture unique, idiosyncratic and whole individual viewpoints. A conventional Content Analysis was done to determine words or concepts within the transcripts. The findings showed that the study institution, faculty members, and students were unprepared for the immediate and massive shift to online teaching and learning and had challenges using virtual technologies for teaching and learning during the lockdown. These challenges ranged from insufficient or lack of internet bandwidth, training, increased teaching and learning workloads to limited time for interactions. Based on the findings, the study suggests significant implications for higher education institution leaders, policymakers, faculty, and students. The study contributes to the existing literature by analyzing the perceptions of faculty and students about the preparedness of institutions, faculty, and students on the abrupt shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.Item Mechanisms Used by Academic Libraries in Kenya to Enhance Webometrics Ranking(2023-04) wamahiga, George M.Libraries essentially provide equal and fair access to information. Thus, they have a significant influence on the Webometrics ranking of universities across the world. Academic libraries affect Webometrics ranking through the generation of scientific publications and other scholarly resources. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms used by academic libraries in Kenya to enhance Webometrics ranking and to analyse the extent to which Webometrics ranking mechanisms in place in university libraries in Kenya have been successful. This study adopted a mixed research design. The target population included staff members of the University of Nairobi, Chuka University, and Kirinyaga University. A total of 73 staff members from the library, ICT, and research departments involved in Webometrics ranking were selected purposively. Semi-structured questionnaires were used as the data collection instruments. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study established that mechanisms put in place to enhance the participation of university libraries in Kenya in the Webometrics ranking include improved use and submission of e-resources as well as promotion of high-quality research in the institutions. Webometrics ranking mechanisms currently in place at the university libraries in Kenya have only been moderately successful. The findings of this study may be used by other institutions of higher learning on the mechanisms they can adopt to increase the capacities of their academic libraries so as to improve the contribution of these libraries to Webometrics and consequently to the overall ranking of the individual universities nationally and internationally.Item An Enhanced Data Transmission in Mobile Banking Using LSB-AES Algorithm.(2023-06-03) Okari, Daniel O.; Awuor, Fredrick Mzee; Makiya, Ratemo; Oduor, CollinsItem Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles and its efficiency in degradation of rifampicin antibiotic.(Springer, 2023-08-28) Nzilu, Dennis Mwanza; Madivoli, Edwin Shigwenya; Makhanu, David Sujee; Wanakai, Sammy Indire; Kiprono, Gideon Kirui; Kareru, Patrick GachokiIn recent ages, green nanotechnology has gained attraction in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles due to their cost-effectiveness, simple preparation steps, and environmentally-friendly. In the present study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were prepared using Parthenium hysterophorus whole plant aqueous extract as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent. The CuO NPs were characterized via UV–Vis Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The UV–Vis spectra of CuO NPs showed a surface plasmonic resonance band to occur at 340 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of secondary metabolites on the surface of CuO NPs, with a characteristic Cu–O stretching band being identified at 522 cm−1. Scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron micrographs showed that CuO NPs were nearly spherical, with an average particle of 59.99 nm obtained from the SEM micrograph. The monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO NPs was confirmed using XRD, and crystallite size calculated using the Scherrer-Debye equation was found to be 31.58 nm. DLS showed the presence of nanoparticle agglomeration, which revealed uniformity of the CuO NPs. Furthermore, the degradation ability of biosynthesized nanoparticles was investigated against rifampicin antibiotic. The results showed that the optimum degradation efficiency of rifampicin at 98.43% was obtained at 65℃ temperature, 50 mg dosage of CuO NPs, 10 mg/L concentration of rifampicin solution, and rifampicin solution at pH 2 in 8 min. From this study, it can be concluded that CuO NPs synthesized from Parthenium hysterophorus aqueous extract are promising in the remediation of environmental pollution from antibiotics. In this light, the study reports that Parthenium hysterophorus-mediated green synthesis of CuO NPs can effectively address environmental pollution in cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable ways.Item Polarized Phase Holograms of High Diffraction Efficiency(2023-05-10) Njoroge, Stephen Maina; Kinyua, Dickson MwendaHolography has a wide application in medicine, optical computers, scanners among others. Conventional studies on analogue holograms have mainly been conducted on image generation, processing and reconstruction. However, these conditions may vary thus affecting hologram quality. Since convection holography uses photosensitive recording interference patterns in holographic material, there is a need to evaluate aberration or how high intensity of light has been reconstructed. In this paper, we analyzed the fundamental parameters such as exposure time and processing chemical composition effect in phase holograms. Optimization of these parameters resulted in phase hologram image of approximately 16% diffraction efficiency at an exposure time of 20 s. Moreover, the influence of objective beam polarization is investigated. The results show that by varying the polarization orientation, diffraction efficiency and fringe visibility are greatly affected. Polarized phase hologram of diffraction efficiency of 21.1% has been achievedItem Gender Differences in Secondary School Teacher Counsellors Perception of Ethical Standards in Counselling in Kiambu County, Kenya(2023-07-31) Ngugi, Peter Kamande; Kanjogu, John; Kingori, Isaac W.Ethical standards are at the core of counselling practice and are aimed at ensuring the welfare of the client and the counsellor are safeguarded. Counselling, like any other profession is governed by ethical standards and unless it’s provided on ethical basis, it may cease to serve its intended purpose. Despite the critical role of ethical standards in a counselling relationship, the extent to which a counsellor will adhere to these standards may be dependent on the way he/she perceives these standards. This study presumed that perception of ethical standards may be contingent on ones gender. This is the assumption that motivated this study with a desire to validate whether gender influences perceptions of ethical standards among teacher counsellors in secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the moral development theory and adopted the mixed method research design. The target population was the 281 heads of guidance and counselling departments of secondary schools in Kiambu County and the five officials of guidance and counselling association in the county. The sample was 170 participants who comprised 165 heads of guidance and counselling departments and five officials of the guidance and counselling association in the County. The study utilized stratified and purposeful sampling methods. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and focused group discussion. The instruments were validated by subjecting them to expert’s scrutiny. The instrument’s reliability coefficient was 0.80 which was accepted. Data accruing from the focus group discussion was transcribed for ease of analysis while responses to the questionnaire were analysed through independent sample test. Five areas were focused by the study. These included ethical standards relating to counsellor-client relationship, counsellor integrity, clients informed consent, clients confidentiality and putting clients first. Accruing findings demonstrated that teacher counsellor’s had an unfavourable perception of ethical standards (mean =2.84). and that gender had a statistically significant influence on the perception of ethical standards among teacher counsellor’s in secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya (p= 0.000, t= -2.276). The study recommends that gender be an important factor for guiding the appointment of teacher counsellor’s and capacity building targeting male counsellors be initiated. Additionally, the study recommends that further research be carried out to establish whether there will be gender differences in perception of ethical standards and psychological gender. The study contributes to the body of knowledge as it provides a model of predicting the perception of ethical standards given the gender of teacher counsellors.Item The Influence of Technology Enabled Service Differentiation Strategy on Post-Pandemic Reopening Performance of Star-Rated Hotels in The South Rift Circuit.(2023-08) Ng’etich, Paul K.; Nyabisi, Mengo; Cherono, VivianOne of the most competitive industries in Kenya and the entire continent of Africa is the hotel industry, which contributes significantly to the country's economy. As a result, the sector is a significant source of foreign exchange, employment, and revenue for the nation. However, the emergence of the Covid-19 global pandemic has had a significant impact on the hotel industry in the country as elsewhere globally with travel restrictions, social distance requirements, and low visitor turnout affecting their operations. The researcher sought to examine the influence of technology enabled service differentiation strategy on reopening performance of the hotel industry in Kenya in the post-pandemic context. Marketing Mix Theory guided the study. The study adopted expressive cross sectional survey research design and targeted 47 star rated hotels, lodges, camps and as well as guest houses in the South Rift Circuit, that is, Nakuru and Narok counties using a census. Data was collected through questionnaires from the marketing managers of the hotels. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic and content analysis using Nvivo while quantitative data was coded and analyzed through SPSS computer software version 24.0 using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcome revealed that technology enabled strategy affecting post-pandemic reopening performance of star-rated hotels in the South Rift Circuit, Kenya is significant. Therefore, the study recommends that the hotels should make provision for continuous training of staff on modern technologies. The hotels’ management need to provide tailored services to individuals and group clients as need arises. The hotels need to diversify their markets to ensure that they are able to tap into more potential markets locally and internationally. Finally, the hotels need to emphasize on market growth strategies.Item Evaluation of ICT Integration in Performing Administrative Functions In Technical Training Institutions In Nyeri and Nairobi Counties, Kenya(2023-08) Mwangi, Gatembu R.; Njoka, Johannes; Kimosop, Maurice; Murumba, Joan Wakasa: In the contemporary society, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been identified as the most important enabler and driver of processes in institutions and organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of (ICT) integration in performance of administrative functions in Technical Training Institutions (TTIs) inNyeri and Nairobi Counties in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; Evaluate ICT integration in the performance of administrative tasks in the management of TTIs and Compare the levels of integration of ICT in the technical institutions in the two Counties in Kenya. The study tested the null hypothesis: Ho1: There is no significant difference between the level of ICT integration in administrative tasks in technical institutions in Nyeri and Nairobi counties in Kenya. This study was guided by the Adaptive Structuration and Technical Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) theories as the theoretical framework.The study adopted the mixed methods research design. The target population was 1026 TTI employees comprising of 10 Principals, 1006 lecturers and 10 Bursars in Technical Training Institutions in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties. A sample size of 290 lecturers were selected using the stratified random sampling while the 10 bursars and 10 principals were selected using purposive sampling. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as data collection instruments. The questionnaires were administered to the lecturers while the interview schedules were used for the principals and bursars. The results of hypothesis testing using the t test revealed that the level of ICT integration in administrative tasks in TTIs in Nairobi County was higher than that of TTIs in Nyeri county. The null hypothesis was therefore rejected. Thus, the study recommended that there is need for the government to strengthen the ICT policy in order to enhance resource allocation by the ministry and respective institutions required to deepen integration of ICT in Kenya. Through the ICT policy, the government should also have an annual performance target for every institution to file reports on their levels of ICT integration on all their operations