PhD. Theses and Dissertations

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Assesing the Drivers of Pollinator and Natural Enemy Community in Pigeonpea and Field Bean Crops
(The University of Reading, 2010-09) Otieno, Mark
1. Arthropods are key components in agro-ecosystems providing critical ecosystem services to crops, such as pollination and natural pest control. The structure and functioning of these arthropod communities can be influenced by farm management practices and the context of the farm within the wider landscape, yet this is poorly understood....
Bantu and Nilotic Children’s Singing Games: A Comparative Study of their Value Communication
(University of Cape Town South Africa, 2009-07) Weche, Michael O.
This study is based on the premise that Luo and Luhya children’s singing games are creative works that subtly reflect the aesthetics of the two communities. The aim is to critically examine how the performance of the singing games and their texts reflect the aspirations, norms and values of the macro cultures of the two Nilotic and Bantu communities respectively. The sampled singing games include those done in the traditional setting, sung in vernacular and those that are taken from the urban or cosmopolitan settings. Our findings reveal that Luo and Luhya children’s singing games are a significant resource in communicating the values of the two communities. Luo and Luhya children imitate their physical and social environments and dramatize about the aesthetics of the communities. This dramatization reflects both traditional values and the new emerging values that have been necessitated by the introduction of western values, formal education, Christianity and others. In these singing games Luo and Luhya children are able to socialize, learn and also uphold the values of unity and respect for one another. The singing games are significant in the learning process and character development of the children involved in the performance. Luo and Luhya children’s singing games play a significant role in socializing the children in their different societies. The socialization makes the child to be rooted in the aesthetics and aspirations of his/her society. Urban children’s singing games that are sung by Luhya and Luo children reflect the child’s creativity, improvisation and the ability to borrow from various sources. The singing games utilize various sources, including the electronic media, print media and also rhymes from other cultures. Children’s singing games are repertoires of a people’s aesthetics. Apart from directly teaching the participants cultural issues and requirements, the singing games are crucial to the participants’ social and moral development. Luo and Luhya children’s singing games reflect the macro culture of the Luo and Luhya communities respectively and to a great extent the changing values in the Kenyan society. The study also gives some insights arising from the findings that can be of benefit to future researchers. There is need for researchers to focus on children’s singing games as creative works and discover their role in the social and moral development of the child and also find out how these creative works can be used in an educational set up.
Being There for the Other: Towards a Phenomenology of Help in Mathematics
(University of Alberta, 2013) Karuku, Simon
A qualitative study, framed within a hermeneutic phenomenological stance, was undertaken to explore and describe the essence of the meaning of help in mathematics from the perspective of high school students. Participants were drawn from seven high schools located in the eastern and mid-eastern regions of Tanzania Mainland. The participants were asked to recall and describe a moment when they either sought or gave help in mathematics. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and participants’ own written experiential accounts. According to the participants, seeking help in mathematics means seeking change in one’s mode of being in the mathematics life-world, and exhibiting responsive openness to the target of the seeking intention. This means that when students are seeking help, they are looking for someone who would help them experience conceptual change. Giving help, on the other hand, is more a way of being there for the recipient than a kind of doing. Most of the participants recalled and described a moment of seeking or giving the type of help that was ultimately aimed at improving the recipient’s performance in examinations. Accordingly, this thesis underscores the need for the seeking that has epistemological significance; namely, the seeking that is aimed at achieving conceptual understanding. In their lived-experience descriptions, many participants also shared feelings of being neglected and disobliged by their teachers. Although the participants longed for the teacher’s time, presence, attention, concern and care, these longings were not satisfied. This led to feelings of aloneness among the participants, which appear to have acted as an impulse for the participants to seek help in the sphere of peergroup relationships. However, due to the peers’ limitations in their ability to help each other, they felt the need to consult private tutors. As professional helpers, teachers play a critical role in transforming help-seeking moments into pedagogical moments. In this regard, one of the challenges raised in this thesis is the need to recover the notion of teaching as a vocation since in essence, it is those teachers who have been called to teaching that will express their being in and through the act of teaching.
The Bio-ecology and Genetic Structure of Tuta absoluta (meyrick) in Kenya
(GRACE WAITHIRA KINYANJUI, 2022-09) KINYANJUI, GRACE WAITHIRA
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable in Kenya in terms of its economic value and production. However, successful production is hampered by insect pests, and invasion by tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) has proved to be a serious menace. Since its first detection in 2014, Kenyan farmers have mainly relied on the routine application of synthetic pesticides to reduce T. absoluta’s infestation and damage to tomatoes. Chemical control has multiple adverse effects; hence the need for pest management alternatives. Being an alien species in Kenya, there is limited knowledge of key bio-ecological aspects of T. absoluta that could assist in designing effective, sustainable, and species-specific pest control packages. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the bio-ecology and genetic structure of T. absoluta populations in Kenya through field surveys and laboratory experiments. DNA barcoding confirmed the presence of T. absoluta and also revealed that field populations were mixed with four Gelechiidae pests in the commonly practiced poly-cultural cropping systems in Kenya. Tuta absoluta was more closely related to Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) than other studied Gelechiidae pests based on nucleotide composition, evolutionary divergences, and phylogenetic results. Analysis of 11 microsatellite loci of T. absoluta showed that the genetic structure of the invading populations is homogenous. Six Kenyan populations and additional 11 populations from 7 African countries displayed a weak genetic clustering of 2 hypothetical clusters (ΔK = 2) with an admixture of alleles. Also, a high degree of gene flow (Nm = 5) was detected among the populations and there was no clear genotypic differentiation based on their geographical origin. A countrywide field survey showed that T. absoluta is widely spread in Kenya with no altitudinal limits. High levels of pest abundance were recorded in different localities and the highest capture/trap/day was 115.38 ± 15.90 adults. The highest infestation on tomato leaves was 92.22 ± 3.38%, whereas the highest damage level on fruits was 59.60 ± 12.13%. Two predators and nine parasitoid species were identified as the indigenous natural enemies that have adapted to T. absoluta, although the parasitism rates were low (7.26 ± 0.65%). The predatory activity of Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter on T. absoluta eggs indicated that this predator has the potential to effectively regulate the field populations of the pest. Both adults and nymphs of N. tenuis preyed on a significant number of eggs and exhibited a type II functional response. The highest count of T. absoluta eggs consumed per day by an adult predator was 86.60 ± 2.35, while the fifth instar nymphs recorded the highest predation activity of 47.00 ± 1.96 eggs. Generally, adult females (86.53 ± 0.86%) were better consumers than males (77.46 ± 1.08%). Adults also preyed on T. absoluta larvae but preferred the first instars (3.20 ± 0.37). Tuta absoluta eggs were proven to be a suitable host for the growth of N. tenuis nymphs, which had a survival rate of 73.00 ± 0.08%. Seventeen plant species were recorded as host plants of T. absoluta, out of which three were new records. In addition, T. absoluta preferentially selected tomato for feeding and oviposition. However, it was clear that the pest has the potential to attack and reproduce successfully on alternative Solanaceae hosts including giant nightshade, eggplant, and potato. Biological parameters of T. absoluta also revealed that both nightshade and eggplant have good nutritional quality comparable to tomato. The findings of this study showed that T. absoluta is an important agricultural pest in Kenya and also provide knowledge that could be useful in designing effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly integrated pest management (IPM) strategies
Combining ability and genetic mappig of pod quality and yield traits in locally adapted french beans (phaseolus vulgaris l.) in Kenya
(UoEm, 2025-06-03) Njau, Serah Nyawira
French beans are common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) that have palatable pods. The crop is mostly grown for export, supporting Kenyan smallholder farmers. In Eastern Africa, developing French bean varieties with high pod yield, good pod quality, and processing industry has received little research, and there is limited information on genetics of pod quality and yield traits. This study investigated the genetics underlying French bean pod quality and yield, with crucial characteristics for the development of improved varieties in Kenya. The first objective focus was on evaluation of commercial French bean varieties for pod quality and yield performance. Thirteen French bean and two dry bean varieties were tested for pod quality and yield in Embu and Mwea, to select material for further research. Later, a half-diallel population was developed from five French bean and two dry bean varieties. The aim was to examine the gene action of French bean pod attributes and to identify parents with good combining abilities. Additionally, a cross between French bean × dry bean, was used to develop a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) specifically using the Vanilla × MCM5001 varieties, to facilitate genetic mapping of traits associated with French bean pod quality and yield. Data on various pod traits of the RILs and parents were collected from plants that were planted in three trials in Kenya and the University of California, Davis greenhouse. In addition, genomic DNA from the RILs and parents were genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Results from diallel analysis revealed significant (P < 0.001) general and specific combining abilities effects for the evaluated traits. This highlighted the significance of additive and dominance gene effects, with the predominance of additive gene effects. The crosses between Serengeti × Amy, Serengeti × Moonstone, and Serengeti × G2333 were best combiners for pod quality, whereas G2333 × Amy and Moonstone × Amy produced best progenies for pod yield. Using SNPs and phenotypic data from 184 F2:6 RILs, 44 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were discovered for yield and pod quality traits through QTL mapping. The QTL for pod yield were identified on chromosomes Pv03 and Pv08, while the QTL for pod quality were located on chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, Pv04, Pv06, and Pv07. In addition, six novel QTL were identified, whereas others overlapped with pod quality and yield QTL. Using the mapping results, candidate genes responsible for French bean pod string (St) were identified and eight gel-based molecular markers were developed and tested for their suitability for marker-assisted selection (MAS). The results indicated that six of the eight markers amplified DNA from Vanilla and MCM 5001, although only one marker revealed variation between the parents and RILs. Chi-square analysis identified a significant (P < 0001) association between the pod string score and the marker, linked at 7.8 cM from St. The identified QTL and markers can facilitate development of more robust molecular markers and for further studies on French bean pod quality and yield. In addition, varieties with the best combining abilities (Serengeti × Moonstone, MCM 5001 × Amy and Vanilla × Moonstone) can serve as parents in breeding initiatives that focus on improving French beans in Kenya.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE AGRICULTURAL TEACHING APPROACHES TO FOOD SECURITY: A CASE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Universiy of Embu, 2020-09-27) Njura, Hellen Joseph
Continued food insecurity is a major global concern especially in Africa and Kenya in particular. The threats of the desert locust and the novel Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic have further accelerated this challenge. Despite her vast productive land, Kenya has been importing staple food particularly maize while her citizens have been pleading with the government to provide food especially maize flour. The youth on the other hand, cannot adequately employ the agricultural skills developed for food security despite the continued teaching of agriculture at various levels of education. The purpose of this study was to establish the contribution of the agricultural teaching approaches in secondary schools in solving the problem of food insecurity in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design for objective one where qualitative data were collected and correlational research design for objectives two, three and four where both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. A total of 198 schools in Embu County, 46,340 students, 235 agriculture teachers and 46,340 parents/guardians were targeted. The Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination procedure was employed to reach a sample size of 68 schools, 376 students, 111 agriculture teachers and 323 parents/guardians. Purposive sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic random sampling, simple random sampling as well as proportionate sampling were adopted for the county, the schools, agriculture teachers, the parents/guardians as well as the students in their focus groups respectively. Data were collected using a Students‟ Focus Group Discussion Guide, an Agriculture Teachers‟ Interview Schedule and parents/guardians‟ questionnaire. It was then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Content validity was established through expert judgment and a pilot study while Cronbach‟s alpha was calculated using SPSS version 23 to measure the reliability of the instruments. The key study findings revealed that it is the practical based agriculture teaching approaches that have major contributions to skills development for food security. Though a teaching method, digital learning was not mentioned as a standalone approach used in agriculture classes. The findings further showed that there are major constraints in the teaching and learning of secondary school agriculture that negatively impact on skills development for food security. The study concluded that agricultural teaching approaches should mainly be practical based emphasizing on the psychomotor domain. The major recommendations are that the study findings should guide the Kenyan education policymakers to develop a guideline on incorporation of agriculture practical sessions on secondary school timetables, school-community based agriculture projects and holiday-based field attachments for students for better skills development as targeted by the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC). When incorporated into the theory, the approaches can be avenues for enhanced skills development for food security emanating from the secondary school level.
Contribution of the Agricultural Teaching Approaches to Food Security: A Case of Secondary Schools in Embu County, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2020-11) Njura Joseph, Hellen
Continued food insecurity is a major global concern especially in Africa and Kenya in particular. The threats of the desert locust and the novel Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic have further accelerated this challenge. Despite her vast productive land, Kenya has been importing staple food particularly maize while her citizens have been pleading with the government to provide food especially maize flour. The youth on the other hand, cannot adequately employ the agricultural skills developed for food security despite the continued teaching of agriculture at various levels of education. The purpose of this study was to establish the contribution of the agricultural teaching approaches in secondary schools in solving the problem of food insecurity in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design for objective one where qualitative data were collected and correlational research design for objectives two, three and four where both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. A total of 198 schools in Embu County, 46,340 students, 235 agriculture teachers and 46,340 parents/guardians were targeted. The Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination procedure was employed to reach a sample size of 68 schools, 376 students, 111 agriculture teachers and 323 parents/guardians. Purposive sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic random sampling, simple random sampling as well as proportionate sampling were adopted for the county, the schools, agriculture teachers, the parents/guardians as well as the students in their focus groups respectively. Data were collected using a Students‟ Focus Group Discussion Guide, an Agriculture Teachers‟ Interview Schedule and a parents/guardians‟ questionnaire. It was then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Content validity was established through expert judgment and a pilot study while Cronbach‟s alpha was calculated using SPSS version 23 to measure the reliability of the instruments. The key study findings revealed that it is the practical based agriculture teaching approaches that have major contributions to skills development for food security. Though a teaching method, digital learning was not mentioned as a standalone approach used in agriculture classes. The findings further showed that there are major constraints in the teaching and learning of secondary school agriculture that negatively impact on skills development for food security. The study concluded that agricultural teaching approaches should mainly be practical based emphasizing on the psychomotor domain. The major recommendations are that the study findings should guide the Kenyan education policymakers to develop a guideline on incorporation of agriculture practical sessions on secondary school timetables, school-community based agriculture projects and holiday-based field attachments for students for better skills development as targeted by the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC). When incorporated into the theory, the approaches can be avenues for enhanced skills development for food security emanating from the secondary school level.
Contributions of Selected Microsystems to antisocial behaviours among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Manyatta Sub- County, Embu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2015-04) Nyaga, Milcah Njoki
Antisocial behaviour is a major challenge in secondary schools in Kenya. It is linked with delinquent behaviour such as truancy, drug abuse and bullying. These behaviours are related to negative interactions with parents, teachers and peers. The individual lives in constant conflict which results in ultimate long time consequences like failing examinations, frustrations and failure in life. The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of microsystems to antisocial behaviours among adolescents in secondary schools in Manyatta, Embu County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to establish the extent of truancy, bullying and drug abuse among adolescents in secondary schools and to investigate the contributions of family, class room and peer group factors on antisocial behaviours. The study was grounded on Erikson‟s Psychosocial theory and Bronfenbrenner‟s Ecological theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population was 11,329 students from 46 public schools which are either county boarding schools or coeducation day schools in Manyatta, Embu County. Stratified sampling was used to obtain two girls boarding schools, two boys boarding schools and four co-education day schools. The 2,834 Form Two students were purposively sampled because this group was rated the ring leader in Eastern region. The sample of 320 students was obtained through random sampling while eight deputy principals were selected from sampled schools. A pilot study was conducted on 30 form two students selected from the two categories of secondary schools in Embu County.This was to improve the instruments‟ reliability and validity. The data was collected using student‟s questionnaire, deputy principals‟ questionnare, records analysis and an observation schedule in all the sampled schools. Both descriptive and inferential statistical procedures were used to analyse the data. Chi-square tests were used to determine the significance of association between the independent and dependent variables. The findings revealed that all the classroom factors: academic performance, individuals responsible for discipline, common disciplinary measures, rating of disciplinary measures and counselling services, were significantly associated with antisocial behaviours.The findings showed that among the family factors; parents‟ supervision, students‟opinion on parenting style, parents‟ employment and sharing with parents were significantly associated with antisocial behaviours, while not living with biological parents was not significantly associated with antisocial behaviours. The study further found out that among the peer group factors; students‟ opinion on an individual student and identification based on informal group were significantly associated with antisocial behaviours, while participation in informal group, sharing problems with peers and characteristic of friends‟ behaviour were not significantly associated with antisocial behaviours. The study found out that truancy was the most common, followed by bullying and drug abuse respectively. The study recommended that all children be given equal supervision as that given to the first born children. The study also recommended peer counselling training to be offered to all students.The counselling services need to be activitated and managed by trained teacher counsellors. The disciplinary measures should be modified in consultation with the students and teachers. Parents and teachers should aim at developing a holistic individual who is socially, intellectually and psychologically fit in the society. The concerted effort of the individual and the stakeholders are important for successful adolescents‟ transition.
Control of termites and land use effects on their Diversity in Machakos and Embu Counties, Kenya
(UoEm, 2022-06) Kanyi, Nahashon Chege
GENERAL ABSTRACT Termites cause damage to agricultural crops, forests and natural vegetation, in several parts of Africa. In Eastern Kenya, termites have been reported to cause between 50 to 100% yield losses in maize agro-ecosystems. General soil microfauna diversity analyses have been done in Eastern region of Kenya but there is little information documented on diversity and distribution of termites. Understanding the diversity of termites allows implementation of appropriate management strategies and application of species-specific control methods. Bio-control agents and cultural methods such as intercrops have been reported to control termites, but there are no studies that document the comparative efficacy of these control methods in maize agro-ecosystems in Eastern Kenya. This study therefore aimed at determining the termite species diversity in Machakos and Embu sub-counties. The effects of soil properties on diversity of functional groups of termites, efficacy of various biological control agents of termites and effect of intercropping maize with legumes and sorghum on infestation levels of termites and damage of maize in Eastern region of Kenya were also evaluated. Three different habitats comprising of maize crop farms, maize intercropped with beans and natural vegetation were purposively sampled in Machakos and Embu counties. From these habitats, termites were sampled for diversity analyses. Soil samples were also taken from these sections and their physico-chemical properties analyzed to determine their effects on functional diversity of termites. To determine the effect of maize intercrops on infestation levels of termites, maize was intercropped with soybeans, field beans and sorghum in different plots measuring 10m x 10m with maize mono crop as a control. The experiment was carried out in Yatta sub-county in Machakos county and it was laid out in a completely randomized block design with each treatment replicated four times. The level of termite infestation was determined during two seasons. Termites were sampled from 30cm x 30cm quadrats laid at an interval of 5m along the transect. Additionally, five plants from each plot were also randomly selected for assessment of termites’ infestation. Effect of bio-control agents was determined by treating Macrotermes subhyalinus and Odontotermes badius with biocontrol agents under laboratory conditions. There were five treatments replicated four times. The treatments were Azadirachta indica, Metarhizium anisopliae, ants predating on termites (Megaponera analis and Dorylus gribodoi), termidor (fipronil 9.1%) and distilled water as control. Termite diversity in Machakos and Embu counties was assessed by Renyi diversity analysis. Analysis of variance using R Software was used to compare the efficacy of various biological control methods and the effect of intercropping maize on infestation levels of termites. The relationship between termite functional diversity and soil properties was assessed using Canonical correspondence analysis. Trinervitermes gratiosus was only found in Machakos county and occurred in significantly greater numbers in natural vegetation macrohabitat compared to other macrohabitats. The abundance of termite species and functional groups varied between seasons and macrohabitats. Group II and IV were positively correlated to sand and silt, respectively while group IIf was negatively associated with sand. There was a low percentage of lodged plants in maize-sorghum intercrop which also had low population densities of M. herus and Odontotermes badius in both seasons. In the bio-control experiment, the mean percentage mortality caused by M. anisopliae in both O. badius and M. subhyalinus were significantly lower compared to the rest of the treatments. The information obtained from this study can be used in designing integrated termite control strategies.
Corporate Governance, asset structure, and value of firms listed Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
(Nkonge, Habakkuk Barine, 2024-08)
This study examines the dynamics of corporate governance and asset structure on the valuation of firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya, set against the backdrop of a global financial landscape where the estimated value of listed firms is around 80 trillion United States dollars. Despite significant intrinsic worth, many firms have experienced a decline in market value, prompting this investigation. Utilizing a positivist perspective, the research adopted a causal-comparative design, focusing on a target population of 64 firms. Secondary data was sourced from audited annual financial reports submitted to the NSE and the Capital Markets Authority covering 2010 to 2019. The study used panel data analysis and multiple linear regression techniques to examine the data. Additionally, various diagnostic tests were conducted to assess the regression model's assumptions, including normality, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, and linearity tests. These tests helped to establish the degree of reliability and validity of the analytical results, thus creating a sound basis for considering the impact of corporate governance and asset structure on firms’ valuation in the Kenyan setting. The impact of corporate governance and asset structure on the value of firms listed in the NSE, was analyzed using a random-effect model, indicating that Corporate Governance significantly influences firms' value, indicating that stronger governance practices enhance firm valuation. Similarly, asset structure was shown to significantly affect firm value, suggesting that the composition and quality of assets are critical determinants of how firms are valued in the market. Both corporate governance and asset structure serve as key predictors of a firm's overall value, emphasizing the importance of these factors in investment decisions. The study identified the role of financial performance as a moderator with regard to the impact of corporate governance, asset structure, and firm value. This implies that strategies enhancing governance and assets can result into better financial performance and, hence, firm value. The study revealed further that the macro environment variables did not exercise any significant moderating influence on the corporate governance firm value nexus. Although, they showed a significant moderating role in the case of the impact of asset structure on firm value and the emergence of the fact that external economic conditions play a role in modulating the effects of varying asset structure on firm value. These findings have significant implications for investors and the management of the Capital Markets Authority, indicating that improving corporate governance and optimizing asset structure can result in better financial performance and increased firm valuation. Investors may benefit from considering these factors when making investment decisions, while regulatory bodies may focus on fostering better governance practices and asset management strategies among listed firms. The study advocates for a strategic focus on enhancing firm value through improvements in corporate governance and asset structure rather than depending on macroeconomic factors. This finding emphasizes the importance of internal management practices in driving firm valuation, suggesting that firms may achieve more significant outcomes by prioritizing these areas. The study lays the groundwork for further exploration into the interconnections between corporate governance, asset structure, and firm value. Future research can build on these findings, potentially uncovering additional dimensions and insights related to these critical factors.
Corporate Governance, Financial Risk Management, Firm Characteristics And Performance of Insurance Firms in Kenya
(2022-09) Kibet Kiptoo, Isaac
The insurance industry plays a pivotal role in providing innovative solutions to the significant social, economic and environmental challenges the country faces. Despite the contribution of the sector, insurance firms are faced with various financial risks. The sector has also been reporting losses while some firms have been put under statutory management due to inability to honor customer claims. This indicates that the firms are not properly managed. This study investigated the relationship between corporate governance, financial risk management, firm characteristics and performance of insurance firms in Kenya. The study was anchored on six theories namely: stewardship theory, agency theory, resource-based theory, credit risk theory, modern portfolio theory and Keynesian liquidity preference theory. The study adopted positivist research philosophy and causal research design. The target population was 55 insurance firms registered by IRA to operate in Kenya as at December, 2018. The study employed secondary data obtained from the audited financial statements of the insurance firms covering a six-year period from the year 2013 to 2018. The data was collected from 51 insurance firms and regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the variables. The findings indicated that corporate governance significantly affect the financial performance of insurance firms in Kenya. Specifically, board composition negatively and significantly affects financial performance. The results implied that increasing the number of executive directors in the board hinders the performance of insurance firms. Similarly, Board size negatively and significantly affects financial performance implying that bigger board sizes are detrimental to insurance firm performance. Board diversity positively and significantly affects financial performance. The results implied that boards consisting of more professionally qualified directors enhance firm performance. Similarly, board independence positively and significantly affects financial performance implying that allowing company directors to be independent promotes better firm performance. The results also indicated that financial risk management significantly affects firm performance. Specifically, credit risk negatively and significantly affects financial performance while market risk, operational risk and liquidity risk positively and significantly affects financial performance. The findings also indicated that firm characteristics significantly affect performance. Specifically, firm size positively and significantly affects performance while firm age negatively and significantly affects performance. The results imply that young and large insurance firms perform better than small and old insurance firms. The findings also indicated that financial risk management intervenes the relationship between corporate governance and performance of insurance firms. Similarly, firm characteristics moderate the relationship between corporate governance and performance. The study concluded that corporate governance is critical as it ensures better financial performance. The study also concluded that firm characteristics enhances corporate governance which in turn boosts financial performance. The study recommends that directors should put in place proper corporate governance structures and risk management strategies to boost financial performance. The Insurance Regulatory Authority should also ensure insurance firms adopt appropriate governance structures and risk management strategies in order to enhance performance.
Design, fabrication and characterization of an appropriate solar thermal electricity generating system
(2015) Millien Kawira, Erastus
The sun provides an abundant and clean source of energy. However the supply of this energy is periodic following yearly and diurnal cycles, intermittent, unpredictable and it is diffused. Its density is low compared to the energy flux densities found in convectional fossil energy sources like coal or oil. There have been attempts to produce solar thermal power using parabolic trough technology as was demonstrated by Luz Company which built a solar electricity generating station with a power output of 354 MW in USA. Also the largest solar power plants in the world using parabolic trough technology are the Andasol 1 to 3 which are established in Spain. Therefore it was necessary to undertake design and fabrication of a solar thermal electricity generating system consisting of a collector, steam storage system, heat exchanger, turbine and generator as a local solution for power production. The design layouts were done using auto cad. The testing of the steam storage system and the heat exchanger were done using TEMA (Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association Standard and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). Locally produced heat transfer fluids (water, saline solutions, vegetable oils and engine oils) were tested for their suitability in solar power production using guidelines obtained from National Renewable Energy Laboratories. Some of the parameters investigated included mass flow rates, power output, efficiency, steam flow rate, heat absorbed, heat emitted, evaporation ratio, proportion of flash steam, number of heat transfer units among others. The efficiencies of the concentrator when using the heat transfer fluids were in the range of 48.8% to 60.1% for closed collector and in the range of 46.7% to 56.6% for the open collector. The length of complete discharge for the steam storage system ranged from 4.4 hrs to 6.9 hrs. The power output for the heat transfer fluids were in the range of 287.9 W to 467 W. The steam storage was found to have an efficiency of 93.5 % and a thermal capacity of 4.54 kJ. The rate of heat transfer was an average of 68.4 Js-1kg-1 to 46.3 Js-1kg-1. The thermal efficiency for the heat transfer fluids was in the range of 0.85 to 0.66. Available power from the impulse type turbine was 478.4 Watts, isentropic efficiency was 83.5 %, cycle power output was 497.8 W, turbine output was 468.2 Wand gear efficiency was 87.9 % and generator efficiency of 86.9 %. The overall efficiency of the system was 34.97%. Coupling of the steam storage system and the heat exchanger increased the capacity of steam storage to 4.15 KJ, at a maximum temperature of 249.5 °C and at a pressure of 7.2 Nm-2. Coupling of the steam storage system and the heat exchanger increased the capacity of steam storage to 4.15 kJ, at maximum temperatures of 249.5 °C and at a pressure of 7.2 Nm-2. A single stage impulse turbine was fabricated which had an average efficiency of 61.6% and a maximum power output of 498 W. The solar thermal characterization and collection was done in solar intensities of the average range 700 Wm-2 to 1100 Wm-2. In Coolidge irrigation facility, a thermocline storage tank has a capacity of 19.8 GJ and operates at a temperature of 288 °C. The thermal capacity of the storage system used in this study was 4.15 kJ and was operating at a temperature of 249.9 °C.
Design, Fabrication and Characterization of an appropriate Solar Thermal Electricity Generating System
(Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, 2015-07) Kawira, M.
The sun provides an abundant and clean source of energy. However the supply of this energy is periodic following yearly and diurnal cycles, intermittent, unpredictable and it is diffused. Its density is low compared to the energy flux densities found in convectional fossil energy sources like coal or oil. There have been attempts to produce solar thermal power using parabolic trough technology as was demonstrated by Luz Company which built a solar electricity generating station with a power output of 354 MW in USA. Also the largest solar power plants in the world using parabolic trough technology are the Andasol 1 to 3 which are established in Spain. Therefore it was necessary to undertake design and fabrication of a solar thermal electricity generating system consisting of a collector, steam storage system, heat exchanger, turbine and generator as a local solution for power production. The design layouts were done using auto cad. The testing of the steam storage system and the heat exchanger were done using TEMA (Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association Standard and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). Locally produced heat transfer fluids (water, saline solutions, vegetable oils and engine oils) were tested for their suitability in solar power production using guidelines obtained from National Renewable Energy Laboratories. Some of the parameters investigated included mass flow rates, power output, efficiency, steam flow rate, heat absorbed, heat emitted, evaporation ratio, proportion of flash steam, number of heat transfer units among others. The efficiencies of the concentrator when using the heat transfer fluids were in the range of 48.8% to 60.1% for closed collector and in the range of 46.7% to 56.6% for the open collector. The length of complete discharge for the steam storage system ranged from 4.4 hrs to 6.9 hrs. The power output for the heat transfer fluids were in the range of 287.9 W to 467 W. The steam storage was found to have an efficiency of 93.5 % and a thermal capacity of 4.54 kJ. The rate of heat transfer was an average of 68.4 Js-1kg-1 to 46.3 Js-1kg-1. The thermal efficiency for the heat transfer fluids was in the range of 0.85 to 0.66. Available power from the impulse type turbine was 478.4 Watts, isentropic efficiency was 83.5 %, cycle power output was 497.8 W, turbine output was 468.2 W xxii and gear efficiency was 87.9 % and generator efficiency of 86.9 %. The overall efficiency of the system was 34.97%. Coupling of the steam storage system and the heat exchanger increased the capacity of steam storage to 4.15 KJ, at a maximum temperature of 249.5 °C and at a pressure of 7.2 Nm-2. Coupling of the steam storage system and the heat exchanger increased the capacity of steam storage to 4.15 kJ, at maximum temperatures of 249.5 °C and at a pressure of 7.2 Nm-2. A single stage impulse turbine was fabricated which had an average efficiency of 61.6% and a maximum power output of 498 W. The solar thermal characterization and collection was done in solar intensities of the average range 700 Wm-2 to 1100 Wm-2. In Coolidge irrigation facility, a thermocline storage tank has a capacity of 19.8 GJ and operates at a temperature of 288 °C. The thermal capacity of the storage system used in this study was 4.15 kJ and was operating at a temperature of 249.9 °C.
Determination of Factors Influencing the Efficiency of Legume Green Manures for Maize Production in Embu, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2008-05) Gitari, Josiah N.
Land productivity in the central highlands of Kenya is mainly constrained by low and declining soil fertility. In the maize-based farming systems, continuous cultivation without adequate soil fertility enhancement measures has led to a deterioration of land quality resulting in low agricultural yields and degraded soils. Herbaceous legumes can provide an alternative to commercial fertilizers and animal manures. This study explored the use of these legumes in Embu District - situated within the central highlands of Kenya. In order to achieve this objective a survey and four field experiments were conducted to: (1) Validate farmers’ knowledge and practices in soil fertility and use of plant residues; (2) Determine the performance of maize and green manure herbaceous legumes under different intercropping densities and relay-cropping regimes; (3) Investigate the relative efficiency of different legume residue management techniques and determine the need for mineral nitrogen (N) supplementation and (4) Determine the role of low quality plant residues as agents for slowing down the fast-decomposing legume residues to improve N synchrony for maize growth. The study consisted of one survey and four on-station field experiments. The survey involved a total of 134 small-scale farmers cutting across 5 major agro-ecological zones of the 30 km transect of the district. About 87 per cent of all the farmers in the district were affected by the problems of low soil fertility in their farms. Farmers gave soil colour and structure as some of the visual soil fertility assessment indicators used to determine soil fertility status in their farms but the most pronounced and elaborate local indicators seemed to be the dominance of certain weed flora. Soil pH and exchangeable bases (Ca++ and Mg++) were the most sensitive laboratory soil parameters that corroborated farmers’ perceptions and knowledge of soil fertility. Results of the field experiments showed that it is feasible to intercrop maize with any of the three green manure legume species, namely, mucuna [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Var. utilis (Wright) Bruck], crotalaria [Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don] and lablab [Lablab purpureus (L) Sweet cv. Rongai]. Relay-cropping these green manure legumes (GML) beyond the second week after maize emergence had a significant reduction on legume biomass production possibly due to reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) under the maize canopy. Intercropped GML intercepted less than 30 per cent of the total incident radiation. Nonetheless, intercropping of maize and GML greatly improved land productivity giving relative yield total (RYT) values of between 1.0 and 1.5. Incorporation or surface mulching of the GML residues gave similar maize yield responses that was about double that of the control (no residues). Supplementation of the GML residues (raised in situ) with mineral N was only beneficial if the quantities incorporated were below 2.0 Mg ha-1 . Maize grain yield after mucuna, crotalaria and lablab residues alone (no mineral N supplemented) was 2.5, 2.3 and 1.6 times higher, respectively, than those of the control. Soil N mineralization reached a peak 4 weeks after planting (WAP) and declined thereafter until 8 WAP before picking up again for the remainder of the season. Seasonal mineral N levels ranged between 40 to 128 kg N ha-1 . Plots treated with GML residues gave significantly higher total N uptake than the untreated plots. Over the 3 year period, legume residue incorporation resulted in a slight reduction (0.9-1.8%) in soil bulk density, a small increase in the soil total N but no change in the soil pH. Addition of low quality residues (maize stover) to any of the three GML residues did not affect N release but appeared to enhance their performance. Soil mineralization and maize N uptake was not affected by the addition of low quality residues to the GML residues but resulted in a small increase in the total soil N and pH. However, addition of large quantities of these low quality residues (6.0 Mg ha-1 ) significantly increased the soil organic carbon by 13 per cent and also decreased the soil bulk density by 8.3 per cent when compared to the absolute control with no residues added.
The discourse of televised political news interviews and ethnic polarization in Kenya
(UoeM, 2017) Omoke, Lillian Kemunto
Political interviews have been used as genres for dissemination of political information. The way they are presented is a subject of concern as they are thought to be causing division among the Kenyan audience along political party and hence ethnic lines. The purpose of this study is to look at the discursive practices in political news interviews and the interpretation they are given by the audience that may lead to ethnic polarization. The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of televised political news interviews on ethnic polarization in Kenya. Two theories were used to support this study: Theory of Media Framing and Critical Discourse Analysis. The fusion of these approaches was helpful in showing how messages are selected and packaged and the ideological influences they have. The study adopted a qualitative design. A total of 6 recorded televised interviews were studied, two from Citizen TV and one from each the other stations samples (KTN, NTV, K24, KBC). Data collection and analysis was simultaneously done by transcribing the political news interviews and interpreting them using the Critical Discourse Analysis approach. Other data collection methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were employed. Data presentation was done through discussing the interpretation against the institutional, societal, historical and political contexts in which the interviews were conducted. The findings showed that linguistic features are used subtly to cause polarization and it was established that the naming and referencing strategy was commonly used to create an US vs THEM mentality among audiences hence polarization. It was also established that the media treat audiences as markets and products hence presenting sensational news to attract ratings and eventually profits. It was concluded that political news interviews actually lead to ethnic polarization based on the production processes, language use, and ideological stands and through the use of media frames. The key recommendation from the study was that there should be audience awareness programmes on the processes and operations of the media.
Discursive Construction of Masculine Identities in Newspapers Pullout Magazines in Kenya
(Laikipia University., 2014-10) Ngumo, Mugambi Cyrus
The study analyzed the discursive constructions of masculine identities in newspapers’ pullout magazines in Kenya. It examined if there was a disconnect between the way Kenya’s mainstream newspapers’ pullout magazines constructed masculinity and the way the readers of these magazines constructed it. The objectives of the study were: to identify and describe the types of masculine identities that are constructed by lifestyle magazines and determine how these magazines justify or legitimize their construction of these identities; to identify and describe the types of masculine identities constructed by readers of pullout magazines and the language they use to construct these identities; to investigate how readers conform to, negotiate or resist the masculine identities constructed by these magazines, and to find out why readers conform to, negotiate or resist these masculine identities as constructed by pullout magazines. The study adopted a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the social constructionist view of gender and the encoding decoding model as its theoretical framework. Purposive sampling was used since only information rich magazines were relevant. Data was collected from The Nation and The Standard newspapers’ pullout magazines published between February, 2012 and January, 2013. Two weekly pullout magazines were selected from each paper. The Saturday Magazine and Lifestyle were selected from The Nation while Woman Instinct and The Dude were selected from The Standard. Data was also collected from readers. Respondents read the magazines individually, and then held a discussion which was tape recorded in focus group discussions. These readers were drawn from male and female students at Kimathi University College and Kagumo Teachers’ College in Nyeri. The CDA method of analysis was used. To begin with, the analysis of the construction of masculine identities by the magazines not only revealed multiple identities but also contradictory ones at times. The same tendency was manifested by the readers’ construction of male identities. Significantly, the study found out that readers conform, negotiate or oppose pullout magazines’ construction of masculine identities. Additionally, both magazines and readers used different linguistic forms to justify their constructions of masculine identities. The analysis also found out that adopting any of the three positions was informed by different ideologies. The finding that masculine identities are multiple reinforces the argument that there is no normal or abnormal masculinity. Thus, Kenyan institutions such as the family, the school, legal departments, and civil society may need to come up with policies that cater and protect men who manifest identities that do not resonate with hegemonic masculinity.
Diversification Strategies, Corporate Cannibalisation, Environmental Munificence and Financial Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya
(UoEm, 2023-09-15) Gachoki, John Mutugi
Insurance industry in Kenya is an important contributor to the economic growth of the country. Provision of financial security, extension of financial services, guaranteeing of future continuity of businesses are just part of the functions played by the insurance industry in the country. Insurance companies have diversified their operations aimed at improving industry financial performance. Despite the diversification, the insurance industry has shown negative financial performance indicated by among others a consistent decline of insurance penetration from 3.44% in 2013 to 2.43% in 2018 to 2.17 in 2020. This study hypothesized that corporate cannibalization mediated the diversification effect hence influencing financial performance. Also, the study hypothesized that environmental munificence moderated the diversification effect thus influencing the financial performance of insurance companies. This study therefore sought to establish the effects of diversification strategies, corporate cannibalization and environmental munificence on financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The theoretical foundation of the study was, resource based theory, contingency theory, transaction cost theory and the. expectancy theory. The study was anchored on a positivism philosophical stance that lays more emphasis on quantifiable observations. The study employed a causal comparative research design. A census was conducted on the entire population of all the 55 registered and licensed insurance companies in Kenya. Secondary data was used in this study and was collected through a secondary data collection schedule. Data was collected for 5 years from the year 2017 to the year 2021. A multiple regression model was used to determine the extent and strength of relation between diversification strategies, corporate cannibalization, environmental munificence and financial performance of insurance companies. The study found that diversification strategies positively affected financial performance of insurance companies. Also the study established that both corporate cannibalization and environmental munificence negatively affected financial performance of insurance companies. The study concluded that diversification strategies had a significant effect on financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. This study also concluded that corporate cannibalization had significant mediating effect on the relationship between diversification strategies and financial performance of insurance companies. It was also concluded that environmental munificence had a significant moderation effect on the relationship between diversification strategies and financial performance of insurance companies. Lastly, the study concluded that there existed a significant joint effect between diversification strategies, corporate cannibalization, and environmental munificence on financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The study recommended that insurance companies should embrace diversification strategies to improve financial performance. Further, the diversification should only be adopted when the environment is munificent. Also, the study recommended unrelated diversification in order to avoid cannibalization. It is expected that the findings of this study will help the government and insurance companies in policy formulation. Scholars and researchers in the field of strategic management will also benefit from the new knowledge gathered on diversification strategies, corporate cannibalization, and environmental munificence.
Diversity and function of polysaccharide Degrading bacteria from lake magadi, kenya
(Alex Cherutich Kipnyargis, 2024-08) KIPNYARGIS, ALEX CHERUTICH
Soda lakes are extreme environments characterized by high alkalinity and salt concentrations and moderate to high temperatures. Despite these conditions, soda lakes support distinctive microbial communities that are a potential source of novel biocatalysts for industrial and biotechnological applications. This study investigated the diversity, structure, and function of bacterial isolates recovered from the soda Lake Magadi, particularly isolates that could utilize polysaccharides. Isolation involved enrichment media supplemented with selected polymers and prepared using sterile lake water. The isolates were identified based on sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene region. A plate radial diffusion assay measured enzyme activity against cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan, starch, pectin, and xylan. The bacterial isolates were tested for their ability to grow under various pH, salt, and temperature conditions. The results showed that the isolates were closely related to members of the genus Salipaludibacillus, Halomonas, Alkalibacterium, Alkalihalophilus, Evansella, Shouchella, Halalkalibacterium, Halalkalibacter, Alkalihalobacterium, and Salinicoccus. The highest enzyme activity was recorded among the isolates belonging to Salipaludibacillus, while the least activity was recorded in isolates belonging to Halomonas. High cell densities were recorded at pH 7–9, 40°C, and 5% (w/v) NaCl concentrations. Four isolates (LMS6, LMS18, LMS25, and LMS39) were selected for full genome sequencing. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis revealed that LMS6, LMS18, LMS25, and LMS39 were new species of Shouchella sp., Evansella sp., Salipaludibacillus sp., and Alkalihalobacterium sp., respectively. Analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) revealed a higher number of genes for carbohydrate metabolism in the genomes of Salipaludibacillus sp. LMS25 and Alkalihalobacterium sp. LMS39. These genes encode for amylases, cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, and chitinase enzymes, further corroborating the findings of plate screening. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of water chemistry on the composition and structure of microbial communities over time. In this case, the 16S rRNA gene amplicons were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Results revealed that the most abundant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrumicrobia, Deinococcus-Thermus, Spirochaetes, and Chloroflexi. Euryachaeota, Crenarchaeota, and Thaumarchaeota were representative of archaeal diversity. The dominant bacterial species were: Euhalothece sp. (10.3%), Rhodobaca sp. (9.6%), Idiomarina sp. (5.8%), Rhodothermus sp. (3.0%), Roseinatronobacter sp. (2.4%), Nocardioides sp. (2.3%), Gracilimonas sp. (2.2%), and Halomonas sp. (2%). On the other hand, the dominant archaeal species included Halorubrum sp. (18.3%), Salinarchaeum sp. (5.3%), and Haloterrigena sp. (1.3%). The composition of bacteria was higher than that of archaea, while their richness and diversity varied across the sampling seasons. The alpha diversity indices showed that high diversity was recorded in August, followed by September, June, and July in that order. The findings demonstrated that temperature, pH, P+, K+, NO3-, and total dissolved solids (TDS) contributed significantly to the diversity observed in the microbial community. Multivariate analysis revealed that samples were clustered based on salinity and alkalinity rather than the sampling site or season. Furthermore, this study constructed an artificial metagenome by mixing, in equal amounts, the total chromosomal DNA extracted from 40 bacterial isolates. The aim was to evaluate the total genes encoding for hydrolytic enzymes. To achieve this, Genomic libraries were created and sequenced using paired-end 2 x 250 bp runs on Illumina HiSeq 2500 apparatus. The results revealed a total count of 46,641 putative genes, with a proportion of 10% being those encoding for enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of polysaccharides. Taxonomic assignment showed that more than 99% of the sequences were affiliated with Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. These enzymes included chitinases, cellulases, amylases, and xylanases. In addition, ten metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of medium and high quality were observed. They were affiliated with the genera Salipaludibacillus, Alkalihalophilus, Halalkalibacterium, Evansella, Salinicoccus, Alkalibacterium, and Halomonas. Furthermore, a putative gene encoding for an endoβ-1,4-glucanase (LMP_42667) deduced from Salipaludibacillus was cloned into a pBAD18 vector and heterologously expressed in Top10 E. coli cells. The purified enzyme with 571 amino acids and a theoretical molecular weight of 65.7 kDa demonstrated activity at pH ranges of 4.0 to 8.0 and optimum enzyme activity at 50°C and pH 7.0. The enzyme also demonstrated higher enzyme-specific activity for xylan (9.8 ± 0.1 U/mg). Additionally, enzyme activity was reported against CMC, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), microcrystalline cellulose, lichenan, and β-glucan. It depicted stability in the presence of various metallic ions, protein inhibitors, and chemical reagents. Analysis of the structural model showed that the endoglucanase belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 5 subfamily 4 (GH5_4) group of glycosyl hydrolases. In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate that Lake Magadi harbors a rich source of diverse polysaccharide hydrolyzing bacteria with a wide repertoire of genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes with industrial and biotechnological potential. Furthermore, the study reveals the role of salinity and alkalinity in determining the structure of microbial communities in Lake Magadi
Does Inquiry-Based Learning Approach In Chemistry Practical Lessons Affect Students’ Nzomo Attitudes And Self-Efficacy In Chemistry? A Case Of Meru South Sub-County,Kenya
(UoEm, 2023-05) Maina, Samuel
xiv ABSTRACT Chemistry is a crucial subject for a country like Kenya that seeks to be industrialized by the year 2030. Even though the subject is important, performance in the subject has been declining consistently in Kenya. A decline in performance in Chemistry has also been reported in Meru South Sub-County. The decline in performance has been attributed to teacher-centered learning methodologies, negative attitudes of students towards the subject and low self-efficacy. Teachers have been encouraged to use Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach in teaching of Chemistry and particularly in practical lessons because it has been associated with improved attitudes and self-efficacy. However, little is known on the uptake of inquiry-based learning approach by teachers in Chemistry practical lessons and how it is related to students’ attitudes and self-efficacy in Chemistry in Meru South Sub-County secondary schools. The purpose of this research was to examine the utilization of inquiry-based learning approach in Chemistry practical lessons, and determine the relationship between the utilization of inquiry-based learning approach and selected performance predictors i.e. students’ attitudes and self-efficacy in Chemistry. The study was guided by the Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory which emphasizes on the role of social interactions and active construction of knowledge. A mixed method research design was employed in this study. The target population was all secondary schools in Meru South Sub-County. Stratified and purposive sampling was used to select both public and private secondary schools. Purposive sampling was used to select 42 form three Chemistry teachers while 357 students were chosen for the research using basic random selection. Data collection was done using practical lesson observation schedule, teacher’s questionnaire, student’s questionnaire, and document analysis framework. Results revealed that teachers used inquiry-based learning approach in Chemistry practical lessons once a week (mean = 3.89). Results from correlation and regression analysis revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between inquiry-based learning and students’ attitudes towards Chemistry (r = .9972, p = .000, t = 58.285, p = 0.00). Besides, it was established that inquiry-based learning is positively associated with students’ efficacy beliefs in Chemistry (β= 0.903, p < 0.05). From the study findings, it was concluded that inquiry-based learning approach is an effective teaching technique for enhancing positive attitudes towards Chemistry among students as well as improving their confidence in Chemistry. The study findings are significant in the education sector in improving teacher training programs and calls for shift from teacher-centered teaching methodologies to learner centered teaching methodologies among practicing teachers.
Effect of Government Regulations on Factors Hindering Financing of Small Scale Water Investments in Kenya
(Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, 2015) Kimani, Maina E.
In Kenya, most water utilities have been publicly owned and managed. These utility firms have thus been getting financial support from the government in form of subsidies in addition to the revenue they generate internally. However there has been low level of investment in peri-urban areas by both public and private players creating an investment opportunity. Nevertheless this opportunity is not taken up by small scale water investors hence water scarcity. Many people in these areas do not have access to basic water. The general objective of the study was to determine the effect of government regulations on factors hindering financing of small scale water investments in Kenya. Specific objective of the study was to determine whether cost recovery, investor‘s perceived risk, access to capital and return on investments affect financing of small scale water investments in peri-urban areas in Nairobi Kenya. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. A two stage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample population of 150 Small Scale Water Service Providers (SSWPs). The study utilized self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and content analysis for collecting data. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Moderated Multiple Regression (MMR) analysis was used to analyse the relationship between predictor variables and financing of small scale water investments. The findings of the study indicated that government regulation moderates the relationship between predictor variables and financing of small scale water investments. It was recommended that cost recovery should be improved, investor‘s risks should be mitigated and capital should be made available. In order to improve return on investments of small scale water investments, the government should enhance tariff reviews. The results of the study will contribute to greater understanding of various financial constraints that small scale water investors go through in trying to make water accessible to peri-urban population.

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