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Breeding for Dwarfism and Aroma Enhancement in Basmati 370 Rice
(UoEm, 2025-10-01) Faith Warucu Gatere
Basmati 370 rice (BS370) is popularly grown in many parts of the world for its good aroma and long, slender grains with excellent cooking and eating qualities. However, Basmati’s tall stature and weak stem structure render it susceptible to lodging. This happens particularly when Basmati is subjected to high doses of nitrogenous fertilizer which leads to grain loss. Lodging reduces the efficiency of mechanized harvesting, which is commonly used for large-scale rice production, and further aggravates pre-harvest losses. A transformation of BS370 to a short-statured plant is crucial to address this challenge. This study's primary research objective was to create a semi-dwarf rice line of BS370 origin while retaining the Basmati-like aromatic quality. To realize this objective, Basmati 370, being the female parent, was crossed with a semi-dwarf variety, IR64 using the manual hybridization technique. For confirmation of successful hybrids, distinct anthocyanin pigmentation was used. Thereafter, pyramiding of aroma genes was performed where BS217 was crossed with BS370 to retain the aroma trait in BS370. This was followed by using unique anthocyanin pigmentation selection and molecular marker-assisted selection to distinguish successful from non-successful crosses. Molecular marker-assisted selection was performed to confirm whether the distinctive aroma gene in Basmati rice was retained. The F1s from the cross between BS370/IR64 and BS217/BS370 were then crossed and the resulting semi-dwarf aromatic lines underwent backcrossing with Basmati 370 as the recurrent parent and selfing up to BC1F2. The BC1F2 populations and parents were evaluated for agronomic performance at KALRO, Mwea in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Data on agro-morphologic traits was collected and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) on SAS 9.4 software. Tukey's HSD test at P≤0.05 was employed to compare the means of different traits among the genotypes. The findings from this study demonstrated the successful development of an aromatic, semi-dwarf BS370 rice line. The improved line exhibited significantly reduced plant height, shortened culm length, and moderately shorter leaf length. Specifically, plant height was reduced by an average of 34 cm, culm length by 7 cm, and leaf length by 27 cm, compared to the tall parent, BS370. The study was also able to select homozygous fragrant semi-dwarf plants confirming the successful retention of both the fragrance and semi-dwarfing gene in Basmati 370. This breakthrough offers promising prospects for increased food security through reduced grain loss, and improved efficiency in mechanized harvesting. The successful incorporation of the sd-1 gene and aroma into Basmati 370 resulted in a significantly decreased plant height and aromatic breeding line. This breeding line can be further selected for better performance and released as a new cultivar. Once stabilized in advanced filial generations, the new semi-dwarf aromatic line will positively impact rice yield since the dwarf stature will reduce the plant lodging. This will ultimately benefit Kenyan Basmati rice farmers and satisfy consumers' preferences, which will expand the rice industry as a whole.
Uchanganuzi wa Mtindo Katika Muziki wa Benga wa Jamii ya Wakamba Mkabala wa Umtindo
(UoEm, 2025-10-01) Carolyne Muthini Mutuku
Muziki ni njia mojawapo ambayo watu katika jamii hutumia kuwasilisha masuala kama vile mapenzi, kifo na siasa. Utafiti huu ulichanganua jinsi waimbaji wa muziki wa Benga wa jamii ya Wakamba hutumia vipengele vya mtindo kuwasilisha jumbe. Kwa kuzingatia kielelezo cha nadharia ya umtindo ya Geoffrey Neil Leech, utafiti huu ulichunguza viwango vitatu vya mtindo ambavyo ni udhihirikaji, umbo na semantiki. Nadharia ya umtindo hufasiri na kuhakiki tungo kwa kuzingatia mtazamo wa kiisimu kama taaluma iliyo na uhusiano wa karibu na fasihi. Utafiti ulilenga: kubainisha mikakati ya kimtindo wanayotumia waimbaji wa muziki wa Benga wa jamii ya Wakamba kuwasilisha ujumbe; kuchanganua wanavyoimarisha ujumi katika muziki wao; kueleza athari lengwa ya uchaguzi wao wa kimtindo. Ukusanyaji wa data ulitegemea mbinu ya uchanganuzi matini ili kuwezesha uchunguzi wa kina wa nyimbo za muziki wa Benga wa jamii ya Wakamba zilizoteuliwa kimakusudi. Data ilichanganuliwa kimaelezo kwa kurejelea mihimili ya nadharia ya umtindo. Kutokana na utafiti huu ilibainika kuwa Waimbaji wa muziki wa Benga wa jamii ya Wakamba hutumia vipengele vya kimtindo kama vile uradidi, urudiaji na tamathali za usemi kuwasilisha ujumbe. Vilevile utafiti uliweza kubaini kuwa waimbaji hao hutumia vipengele vya kimtindo kuimarisha ujumi wa kihalisia, kigothiki, kimapenzi, kisiasa na kitamaduni. Isitoshe, mikakati hii huwasaidia kufanikisha athari lengwa kwa hadhira zao. Utafiti huu unachangia maarifa mapya katika taaluma ya umtindo kwa kuonyesha jinsi vipengele vya kipekee vya lugha na usanii katika muziki wa Benga wa jamii ya Wakamba vinavyojenga maana, kuhifadhi lugha za asili na kuakisi utambulisho wa kitamaduni. Unaimarisha vitengo vya isimu, fasihi na masomo ya tamaduni za Kiafrika. Pia, unatambulisha muziki wa Benga wa jamii ya Wakamba kama mada yenye umuhimu katika utafiti wa fasihi na lugha, huku ukiwaongoza wanamuziki kutunga muziki unaoangazia masuala ya kijamii na ujumi wa kisanaa
Adoption Intensity of Soil Fertility Enhancement Technologies, Agricultural Extension Methods,and Farmers’ Perceptions in the Drylands of Lower Eastern Kenya
(UoEm, 2025-10-01) Mercy Mwelu Makumi
The deterioration of soil fertility poses a significant danger to agricultural output, presenting a problem for many resource-limited farmers who rely on farming for their livelihoods, especially in arid regions. Although Soil Fertility Enhancement Technologies (SFET) offer a viable solution, their adoption remains low owing to ineffective agricultural extension strategies in arid regions. This study investigated the adoption intensity of SFET, farmers’ perceptions, and the effectiveness of agricultural extension methods in Makueni County, an ASAL region highly vulnerable to climate change. Data were obtained from 414 agricultural families by semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was used to characterize soil fertility enhancement technologies applicable in the dry lands’ regions. The Heckman two-stage selection model analyzed the impact of socio-economic variables on the intensity of SFET adoption. The multivariate probit and tobit were used to assess the efficacy of extension strategies on the adoption and intensity of adoption of SFET. Heckman two stage selection model was used to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding SFET. The findings revealed that 90.6% of respondents had adopted at least one SFET. Factor analysis identified composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, mulching, drip irrigation, crop residue retention, zai pits, and manure application as the most commonly employed technologies. Among both adopters and non-adopters, 50.7% and 41.0% respectively were men. Factors such as off-farm income, participation in SFET-promoting programs, informal agricultural training, education level, reasons for engaging in off-farm income activities, farm size, land use, and limited access to agricultural information significantly influenced adoption of SFET. Additionally, farm size, land use, off-farm income, and livestock holdings significantly affected adoption intensity. The findings indicated that several agricultural extension strategies, including demonstration plots, farmers' field schools, and farm visits, substantially affected the probability of adopting diverse SFET. Farmer field school (FFS), farm visits, and radio programs was significant in influencing adoption intensity of SFET. The perception of labor needs, desire to provide resources, understanding of SFET advantages, and attitude towards access to extension services were identified as factors influencing the adoption of the technology. Perceived advantages, perceived cost-efficiency, and accessibility to extension services were identified as factors influencing the intensity of SFET adoption. The study concludes that there is need to promote the adoption and intensify application of soil fertility enhancement technologies (SFET) among farming households through targeted training, informal agricultural education, and strengthening of extension methods such as farm visits, field schools, and digital platforms. Efforts must concentrate on mitigating limitations associated with farm size, land use, and access to agricultural information. Promoting the use of these technologies and ensuring farmers comprehend their advantages will sustainably enhance agricultural output and soil health in the arid regions of Makueni County and beyond.
Principals’ Instructional Supervisory Role on Student Academic Performance in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Igembe North Sub County, Kenya
(UoEm, 2025-10-01) Bessy Kageni Kinyua
Students in Igembe North sub-county have consistently lagged behind in academic performance, highlighting a concerning trend that demands urgent attention. Thus, this study examined principals’ instructional supervisory role on student academic performance in public secondary schools in Igembe North Sub County, Meru county, Kenya. The study’s specific objectives was to: examine principals’ instructional supervisory techniques and student academic performance, analyze supervisory factors influencing student academic performance, determine teachers’ perceptions toward principals’ instructional supervision, and explore constraints faced by the principals when executing the supervisory role. The inquiry was anchored in the Psychological Theory of Supervision and employed a Concurrent triangulation mixed method research design. The target population consisted 31 principals, 427 teachers and 1643 form four students for all 31 public secondary schools in Igembe North. Using purposive sampling, 10 principals were selected, while 128 teachers and 324 Form Four students were sampled through simple random sampling. Data was gathered using questionnaires, interview guides and document analysis guide. Instrument reliability was verified via Cronbach’s alpha, with coefficients of 0.84 for teachers’ and 0.76 for students’ questionnaires. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented via direct quotes. T-test and Anova were utilized to test the hypothesis. Findings from one-sample t-test revealed a statistically significant relationship between principals’ instructional supervisory techniques and student academic performance (p = 0.002, ˂ 0.05, p = 0.001, ˂ 0.05). Notably, the findings established that principals’ instructional supervisory role significantly impacted student academic performance. However, most principals were inconsistent in conducting classroom observations and checking teachers’ professional records. Results further revealed, that while most teachers perceived instructional supervision as beneficial for professional development, a significant number perceived supervision as authoritarian. Teachers’ perceptions remained consistent across demographic characteristics such as gender, age and education level, implying that principals can adopt uniform supervisory strategies across diverse teacher profiles. Several factors were identified as negatively affecting academic performance including chronic absenteeism, insufficient instructional materials, low student entry behavior, drug abuse, delayed syllabus coverage and understaffing. Constraints to effective instructional supervision included limited time, excessive workloads, demanding administrative responsibilities, teacher fatigue, and unfavorable teacher attitudes toward supervision. The research proposes that the Ministry of Education should strengthen policies that mandate regular classroom visits and lesson observations by principals and establish monitoring framework to track execution of instructional supervision strategies in schools. The study further recommends a democratic and developmental supervision model to enhance teachers’ confidence, reduce anxiety, and foster a more positive attitude towards classroom observation. The research provides practical guidance for strengthening instructional leadership and improving student achievement.
Balagha Katika Hotuba za Wagombea Urais Kwenye Makongamano ya Wajumbe Nchini Kenya, Mwaka wa 2022
(UoEm, 2025-10-01) Caroline Kathure Kamuru
Balagha ni mkakati unaotumiwa katika mawasiliano ili kushawishi hadhira lengwa. Utafiti huu ulilenga kuchanganua matumizi ya balagha katika hotuba za wagombea wawili wa kiti cha urais, wakati wa makongamano yao ya kitaifa ya wajumbe nchini Kenya, mwaka wa 2022. Lengo kuu la utafiti huu lilikuwa kutathmini matumizi ya balagha katika hotuba za wagombea urais kwenye makongamano yao ya wajumbe nchini Kenya, 2022. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na nadharia mbili. Nadharia ya balagha ya Aristotle iliongoza uchunguzi wa matumizi ya maadili, kigusahisi na mantiki kama zinavyothibitika katika hotuba zile. Nadharia ya vitendoneni ya Austin iliangazia vitendo dhamiriwa katika hotuba hizo nne. Data ya utafiti huu ilikusanywa kutoka kwa rekodi rasmi za hotuba hizo kutoka kwa mtandao wa YouTube. Mtafiti alitumia mbinu ya kimakusudi kuteua hotuba zilizodhihirisha matumizi ya balagha na vitendo dhamiriwa katika hotuba za wagombea wawili wakuu wa urais. Hii ni kutokana na uzoefu wao wa muda mrefu katika siasa na nafasi yao ya kipekee katika uchaguzi mkuu wa mwaka 2022. Mtafiti aliyateua makongamano haya kwani humpa mgombea nafasi nzuri ya kuwasilisha sera za chama na pia kuomba uungwaji mkono. Data ilichanganuliwa kwa njia ya kimaelezo kwa kufuata vigezo vya nadharia ya balagha ya Aristotle na nadharia ya vitendoneni ya Austin. Uwasilishaji wa matokeo ulifanywa kwa njia ya kimaelezo na jedwali. Matokeo ya utafiti yalionyesha kuwa wagombea walitumia aina tatu kuu za balagha: mantiki, kigusahisi, na maadili ili kushawishi hadhira yao. Utafiti uligundua kuwa balagha ilitumika hasa kujenga imani, kugusa hisia, kuumua mihemko miongoni mwa wasikilizaji, kudhihirisha mantiki, kujenga imani mbele ya hadhira, kudhihirisha tajriba katika utekelezaji wa majukumu, kujinasibisha na hadhira, kuelekeza mtazamo wa hadhira na kushinda uchaguzi. Utafiti uligundua kuwa balagha ilitumika hasa kujenga imani ya wagombea, kugusa hisia na kueleza sera zao. Uchanganuzi wa vitendo dhamiriwa ulionyesha kuwa hotuba zilihusisha vitendo vya uwakilishaji, uelekezaji, uwajibikaji, uelezaji na matamko yaliyolenga kuathiri tabia ya wapiga kura. Utafiti ulihitimisha kuwa balagha ina jukumu muhimu katika mawasiliano ya kisiasa na ushawishi wa hadhira lengwa. Watafiti katika uwanja wa sayansi ya siasa, lugha na mawasiliano watapata maarifa muhimu kutoka kwa kazi hii yatakayochangia masomo yao na kazi ya utafiti katika viwango tofauti. Utafiti huu unapendekeza tafiti za baadaye ziangazie: Ulinganishaji wa mikakati ya balagha inavyotumika na wahusika malimbali wa kisiasa katika miktadha tofauti za kisiasa na kitamaduni na uchunguzi wa jinsi vyombo vya habari vya kijamii vinavyoshawishi ufanisi wa mikakati ya balagha. Utafiti huu unachangia katika kukuza mbinu bora za uongozi zinazohitajika kwa maendeleo endelevu nchini Kenya (SDG 16). Kinadharia, matokeo haya yanakuza uelewa kuhusu mbinu za mawasiliano katika muktadha wa kisiasa na jinsi zinavyotumika katika kuishawishi hadhira.