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Item Adoption of Best Agronomic Practices, Technical Efficiency and Profitability of Sugarcane Production among Smallholders in Malava Sub- County of Kakamega County, Kenya(University of Embu, 2020-12-11) Ambetsa, FrancisSugarcane crop (Saccharum officinarum) is one of the important industrial crops that are major employers and contributor to the Kenyan economy. Despite the importance attached to this subsector, sugarcane production is dismally performing in Kenya. In a bid to attain self-sufficiency in sugar production, Kenya has made remarkable efforts to develop the subsector. Despite efforts put up by the Government of Kenya and other stakeholders, sugarcane production still faces low productivity, comparing the expected potential yields and the actual yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adoption of best agronomic practices, socioeconomic factors and factory contracted services on performance of sugarcane production in Malava Sub-county. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires from a sample of 384 farmers through systematic random sampling and proportional sampling allocation technique. Descriptive statistics including mean, percentages and standard deviation were used to summarize socioeconomic factors, agronomic practices and factory contracted services which affect efficiency, production and profitability among smallholder sugarcane farmers. Cobb-Douglas production function was applied to analyze the effect of adoption of the best agronomic practices on production. The study applied stochastic frontier model to analyze technical efficiency and tobit regression model to explain the effect of socioeconomic factors on efficiency. One way ANOVA was applied to determine if there is a significant difference between profitability of contracted and non-contracted farmers. Gross margin was used as proxy for profitability where the effect of contracted services on gross margin among contract farmers was analyzed using multiple linear regression model. Use of improved seed-cane varieties, soil testing before planting, type of fertilizer used, harvesting at recommended time and recommended number of weeding per season were found to be positive and significantly affecting sugarcane production. The results showed that technical efficiency of sugarcane farmers ranges from almost zero to 0.9829, with mean value of 0.7069, implying that an average farmer could increase sugarcane productivity by 29.31% at the existing level of resources. Maximum likelihood estimate of technical efficiency depicted that use of fertilizer, labour, seed-cane and farm size are positive and significant at 1% level in determining technical efficiency. Tobit regression analysis showed that education, farming experience, family size, credit access and extension services were positive and significant in contributing to technical efficiency. However, age of the farmer, farm distance from home and contract engagement were negatively influencing technical efficiency. Moreover, the study showed that non-contracted farmers are more profitable than contracted farmers and that profitability between the two groups of farmers is statistically and significantly different. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that participation in contracted labour services, extension services and cash credit services have a significant effect on gross margin. Based on the results, the study recommends the need to increase awareness among smallholder farmers on soil testing to guide the type of fertilizer to apply and adoption of the recommended number of times to weed sugarcane farms in order to increase productivity. The Kenyan government should formulate policies to ensure provision of quality extension services, increased credit access and education among smallholder sugarcane farmers. The need for a review of the existing contract engagement policies among sugarcane farmers is also evident in this study.Item ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED TECHNOLOGIES ALONG BANANA VALUE CHAIN AND ITS EFFECTS ON PRODUCTIVITY IN EMBU WEST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA(University of Embu, 2022-08) KATHURI, DOMINIC NTHUKURIBanana is one of the most important fruits in Kenya as it contributes to about 32% of the foreign income of the total exported fruits. Despite this contribution, banana farming is facing numerous challenges such as lack of clean planting material, pest and diseases and poor agronomic and crop husbandry practices leading to low productivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate technology adoption along banana value chain and its effects on productivity among smallholder farmers in Embu West Sub-County, Embu County. The study was conducted in four wards of the Sub-County namely Gaturi South, Mbeti North, Kithimu and Kirimari. Data was collected from a sample of 384 small-scale banana farmers who were sampled using multi-stage sampling technique and proportionate to size technique. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect primary data from the respondents. To assess the extent of adoption of recommended banana technologies, descriptive statistics were applied in analysis. The results on the extent of adoption of recommended banana production technologies indicated that 63% of the smallholder farmers were at low level of adoption, 25% medium level of adoption and 12% at high level of adoption. The Cobb Douglas Production Function results indicated that amount of credit, cost of the banana plantlets, fertilizer and manure application had positive significant effects on banana productivity. On the effect of the selected recommended banana production technologies on banana productivity the result indicated that tissue culture, deleafing, use of irrigation, debudding, desuckering and banana value addition practice had positive and significant effects on banana productivity. Multinomial logistic model results indicated that farming experience, labour, extension contact, access to credit and farmers group decreases the likelihood of the farmer being in low and medium adoption level of recommended banana production technologies in favor of the preferred category, while age precipitated a negative effect. The study recommends enhanced sensitization of small-scale banana farmers on the importance of adopting the recommended banana technologies for improved banana yields per unit area.Item Adoption of Selected Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Lower Eastern Kenya(University of Embu, 2021-09) Muriithi, Lydia NyawiraClimate change has greatly affected food production and food security. Erratic temperature rises and inconsistent precipitation have greatly influenced productivity of crops and livestock. The impacts have gotten much more pronounced among small scale farmers in Kenya whose farming activities are climate reliant. As a component of climate change adaptation, selecting suitable climate smart agriculture (CSA) technologies that can alleviate these adverse consequences is critical. The study sought to determine the factors affecting adoption of selected climate smart agriculture technologies among smallholder farmers in Lower Eastern Kenya, comprising of Machakos, Kitui and Makueni Counties. A sample of 384 households was obtained using multi-stage sampling procedure. A semi-structured questionnaire designed in an open data kit (ODK) application was used to collect primary data from the sampled smallholder farmers. The main adaptation technologies considered were mixed farming, intercropping, crop rotation, conservation agriculture, agroforestry, crop diversification and water harvesting, in that order. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) were used to analyze socio-economic characteristics. Findings revealed that 54.2% of the respondents were males and 35.7% in their productive years (36-50 years). In addition, the findings revealed that most of the interviewed farmers (97.4%) had observed climate change and the effect on food production. Results of the multinomial regression on socio-economic and climate information pathways revealed a positive impact of gender and education level on uptake of crop rotation (0.7%), agroforestry (0.9%) and crop diversification (0.4%) while reliance on mobile phones (0.9%) and neighbors/friends (0.2%) reduced adoption of water harvesting. Multivariate probit model was employed to analyze socio-economic and institutional factors influencing adoption. The likelihood of adopting mixed farming, intercropping and crop rotation significantly increased (p<0.05) among male-headed households and having adequate access to off-farm income and credit facilities. Further, a Food Consumption Score (FCS) was employed to compare quantity and quality of food consumed among households across the three counties. Kitui County had the highest poor FCS at 80% due to lack of adequate knowledge on proper use of the technology than was the case in Kitui (72.5%) and Makueni (73%) Counties. This study therefore recommends promoting adoption of the disseminated CSA technologies, providing reliable extension services plus accessibility to other essential services, like, fertilizer and seeds markets for realizing increased agricultural production in Lower Eastern Kenya.Item Adoption, Productivity and Return on Investment of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technologies among Sorghum Farmers in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya(UoEm, 2024-09) Kiprotich, ShadrackDeclining soil fertility poses a serious threat to food production and food security to most farming households. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) comprising the combination of organic and mineral fertilizer and other practices such as cereal-legume intercropping, diversified crop rotation and farmers’ knowledge has been promoted in various countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Kenya. This study aimed at evaluating adoption, productivity and return to investment of ISFM technologies among sorghum farmers in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Cross-sectional data was obtained from a sample of 370 sorghum farmers through multistage stratified random sampling technique. The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire that was administered to the respondents to obtain relevant data. The SPSS and STATA softwares were used to analyze data and results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Cragg`s Double Hurdle model was used to assess the influence of socioeconomic and institutional factors on the adoption intensity of ISFM technologies among sorghum farmers. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and (Inverse Probability Weighting Regression) IPWRA models were applied in determining the effect of selected ISFM technologies on sorghum productivity among farmers. Budgetary technique was used to evaluate return on investment while Endogenous switching regression (ESR) model was used in determining the effect of selected ISFM technologies on return on investment (ROI) of sorghum. The results revealed that gender, dependents, farming goal for subsistence purpose, decision on information use, farm size, extension services, research awareness, ISFM awareness and ISFM access, significantly affected household decision on adoption of ISFM technologies. On the other hand, gender of household head, farm size, main source of agricultural information and formal agricultural training had significant influence on adoption intensity of ISFM technologies. The first stage results of PSM shows that extension services and ISFM awareness was significant in influencing adoption of the ISFM technologies positively while farming goal for subsistence, decision on information use and cost of ISFM affected adoption negatively. The second stage determined average treatment effect on adopters of ISFM and the results was 1.268, 1.120 and 1.192 bags of sorghum for nearest neighbor, kernel based and radius matches respectively. The results reveal that farmers who use ISFM technologies would produce 4.696 bags of sorghum compared to 1.424 bags obtained from not using the technologies. The expected ROI of farmers growing sorghum under ISFM technologies was reported to be 1.945 while that of non-adopters was 0.783. Based on the counterfactual outcomes ROI would have was 2.409 for adopters and 0.734 for non-adopters. It was therefore concluded that socio-economic and institutional characteristics continue to influence the choice to adopt ISFM technologies. The performance of adopted technologies on productivity and returns on investment as well remains high compared to non-adoption. There is a thus a crucial need for integration of determinants surrounding adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies in policy making and planning processes to enhance decision on pro-adoption, which will improve sorghum productivity and returns in Tharaka-Nithi County.Item Adsorptive Ability of Banana Stalks Biochar in Greywater Remediation for Reuse: A Case of University of Embu, Kenya(University of Embu, 2020-12-11) Ndung'u, PaulThe global demand for fresh water resources has been increasing over the years due to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, climate change and the global warming effect. The available water resources have reduced over time leaving a water demand deficit. Recycling and reuse of greywater has been touted as one of the strategies to augment the existing water resources. This study characterized the greywater from students’ hostels and prepared biochar from banana stalks for use as an adsorbent in greywater remediation. The study found significant differences in greywater quality based on source, day and time of sampling. The biochar produced through pyrolysis at pyrolytic temperatures of 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C showed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl surface functional groups responsible for adsorption of target contaminants. The biochars achieved varying percentage reduction of the selected parameters with biochar prepared at temperature 500 °C recording a significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) percentage removal of Na + + and COD at 65.43%, 89.36% and 60.60% when compared to 58.30%, 56.96% and 49.51% for biochar 400 , K C, and 41.13%, 40.36% and 38.31% for biochar 300 °C, respectively. Biochar produced at temperature 300 °C exhibited a significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) reduction of BOD in the greywater of 71.28% as compared to biochars 400 °C and 500 °C which had 66.64% and 61.92% percentage reduction, respectively. Biochar 500 °C was found most suitable for Na ° an COD reduction while Biochar 300 °C most suited the BOD reduction. The results from this study showed that biochar produced from banana stalks can be used as an adsorbent for greywater remediation and the treated water was suitable for consideration in agricultural reuse under the test conditions.Item Adsorptive Ability of Banana Stalks Biochar in Greywater Remediation for Reuse: A Case of University of Embu, Kenya(University of Embu, 2020-02) Ndung’u, Paul WaweruThe global demand for fresh water resources has been increasing over the years due to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, climate change and the global warming effect. The available water resources have reduced over time leaving a water demand deficit. Recycling and reuse of greywater has been touted as one of the strategies to augment the existing water resources. This study characterized the greywater from students’ hostels and prepared biochar from banana stalks for use as an adsorbent in greywater remediation. The study found significant differences in greywater quality based on source, day and time of sampling. The biochar produced through pyrolysis at pyrolytic temperatures of 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C showed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl surface functional groups responsible for adsorption of target contaminants. The biochars achieved varying percentage reduction of the selected parameters with biochar prepared at temperature 500 °C recording a significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) percentage removal of Na+, K+ and COD at 65.43%, 89.36% and 60.60% when compared to 58.30%, 56.96% and 49.51% for biochar 400 °C, and 41.13%, 40.36% and 38.31% for biochar 300 °C, respectively. Biochar produced at temperature 300 °C exhibited a significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) reduction of BOD in the greywater of 71.28% as compared to biochars 400 °C and 500 °C which had 66.64% and 61.92% percentage reduction, respectively. Biochar 500 °C was found most suitable for Na+, K+ an COD reduction while Biochar 300 °C most suited the BOD reduction. The results from this study showed that biochar produced from banana stalks can be used as an adsorbent for greywater remediation and the treated water was suitable for consideration in agricultural reuse under the test conditions.Item Agro-morphological and nutritional Characterization of horned melon Accessions from selected agro-ecological Zones in kenya(University of Embu, 2020-10-26) Owino, Marline HannyAfrican horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus) is an indigenous crop belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The crop has been neglected despite its high potential. Therefore, to conserve the biodiversity of this crop, there is need to promote its domestication and production. However, this can only be realized if its morphology, agronomic and nutritional value is understood. The objective of this study was to determine the agromorphological performance and nutritional composition of horned melon accessions obtained from selected agro-ecological zones in Kenya. The study was conducted at the University of Embu research farm for two cropping seasons; October to January 2018 and March to June 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with nineteen accessions replicated three times. The accessions were planted in experimental plots measuring 3m x 3m at a spacing of 1m by 1m. Morphological and agronomic characterization was based on modified International Plant Genetic Resource Institute (IPGRI) descriptors for melon. Data was recorded from four plants per plot per replicate. The fruit content of Fe and P were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry while Na and K were determined using flame photometry procedure. Vitamin C content was estimated by titrimetric method. Sugar content was determined using a brix refractometer. The qualitative and quantitative data obtained from morphological and agronomic characters were organized in a matrix and subjected to cluster analysis. A dendrogram was then constructed using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average. Agronomic and nutritional data was also subjected to analysis of variance using XLSTAT 2019 statistical software and means separated using Students Newmans Keuls test at 95% level of confidence. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in all the quantitative traits except the number of branches and main vine length. However, qualitative variations were only observed in fruit shape, rind colour and seed shape. In both seasons, the dendrogram separated into 5 supported clusters with the diversity between classes being 63.82% in the first season and 68.84% in the second season and diversity within classes being 36.18% in the first season and 31.16% in the second season. Accessions from Rongo, Wote, Siakago, Maragua, Oyugis and Meru had the highest fruit number and fruit weight for both season hence they can be more preferred by farmers and consumers. The accessions also varied significantly (p<0.05) in their nutritional composition except the Moisture Content and the Vitamin C. The composition of the mineral contents in the fruits followed the order K > P >Na >Fe .Potassium (K) content ranged from 249.52mg/100g-165.17mg/100g for Kangundo and Embu accessions respectively. Sodium (Na) ranged from 2.27mg/100g- 1.10mg/100g for Mitunguu and Siakago accessions respectively. Phosphorus (P) range was 40.49mg/100g8.76mg/100g for Migori and Machakos accessions respectively. Iron (Fe) ranged from 2.61mg/100g-0.80mg/100g for Kianjokoma and Maragua accessions respectively. The horned melon accessions tested in this study showed a high agro-morphological and nutrition variation. The study recommended the accessions from Kehancha, Embu and Siakago which recorded highest sugar content across seasons to be used by plant breedersto improve on taste which is considered to be bland by some consumers.Item Agro-Morphological and Nutritional Characterization of Horned Melon Accessions from Selected Agro-Ecologicalzones in Kenya(University of Embu, 2020-12)African horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus) is an indigenous crop belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The crop has been neglected despite its high potential. Therefore, to conserve the biodiversity of this crop, there is need to promote its domestication and production. However, this can only be realized if its morphology, agronomic and nutritional value is understood. The objective of this study was to determine the agromorphological performance and nutritional composition of horned melon accessions obtained from selected agro-ecological zones in Kenya. The study was conducted at the University of Embu research farm for two cropping seasons; October to January 2018 and March to June 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with nineteen accessions replicated three times. The accessions were planted in experimental plots measuring 3m x 3m at a spacing of 1m by 1m. Morphological and agronomic characterization was based on modified International Plant Genetic Resource Institute (IPGRI) descriptors for melon. Data was recorded from four plants per plot per replicate. The fruit content of Fe and P were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry while Na and K were determined using flame photometry procedure. Vitamin C content was estimated by titrimetric method. Sugar content was determined using a brix refractometer. The qualitative and quantitative data obtained from morphological and agronomic characters were organized in a matrix and subjected to cluster analysis. A dendrogram was then constructed using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average. Agronomic and nutritional data was also subjected to analysis of variance using XLSTAT 2019 statistical software and means separated using Students Newmans Keuls test at 95% level of confidence. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in all the quantitative traits except the number of branches and main vine length. However, qualitative variations were only observed in fruit shape, rind colour and seed shape. In both seasons, the dendrogram separated into 5 supported clusters with the diversity between classes being 63.82% in the first season and 68.84% in the second season and diversity within classes being 36.18% in the first season and 31.16% in the second season. Accessions from Rongo, Wote, Siakago, Maragua, Oyugis and Meru had the highest fruit number and fruit weight for both season hence they can be more preferred by farmers and consumers. The accessions also varied significantlyItem An Analysis of the Impact of Agency Banking On Growth of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County(Kenyatta University, 2014-11) Kaburu, Lawrence NgaiDuring school opening days, we have witnessed long queues in the halls of our Commercial Banks arising from the last minute rush by the parents/guardians to pay school fees for their beloved children. In addition, the opening and closing hours of these commercial banks has continued to cause unknown havoc to small and medium scale enterprises who cannot access their services outside their normal but limiting operating hours. This has necessitated the proliferation of Agency Banking to complement the existing commercial banks. This study thus, mainly; assessed how low transaction cost by agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County; determined how customer relationship management by agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County; established how convenient financial services accessibility by agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County; and assessed how security of agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County. The study employed descriptive survey design with a sample size of 400 respondents. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. Data collected was edited, coded and analyzed using SPSS. In addition, the study conducted inferential statistics such as multiple regressions to measure the strength of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. ANOVA was used to test the significance of the model and regression diagnostics were computed. The study deduced that customer relationship management affect the growth of SMEs business in Tharaka Nithi County to a great extent. The study also established that convenient financial services accessibility affect the growth of SMEs business in Tharaka Nithi County to a great extent. The study concluded that agency banking aid SMEs in saving money easily, agency banks are fast and have no queues like in banks, they also help SMEs avoid impulse buying, they are easily accessible and facilitate banking of money at night and weekends. The study recommended that banks should lower the transaction costs of agency banking. The bank should remove the deposit charges and instead come up with more elaborate way of recovering the commissions.Item Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Secondary Metabolites of Fagaropsis Angolensis (Engl.) H.M. Gardner(University of Embu, 2020-12-11) Wambua, Mukavi JustusCancer has become a key public health affliction worldwide. Recent studies have shown that genetic factors cause only 5–10% of all human cancers, while the rest are caused by lifestyle. Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that chronic inflammatory diseases predispose individuals to various types of cancer. An estimated 20 % of all cancer related deaths globally arise from primary infections and inflammation. Current treatments for cancer include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hormone, immune and targeted therapies. However, the efficacy of these treatments is constrained by their unexpected detrimental effects on other non-target tissues, development of multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines and high cost. Medicinal plants are increasingly attracting attention of researchers as a source of complementary and alternative therapies to mitigate cancer morbidity and mortality. Plants have been reported to contain bioactive phytochemicals with anti-infective properties against chronic diseases, including inflammation and cancer. In the current study the air-dried roots bark and leaves of Fagaropsis angolensis were pulverized into fine powders. The plant materials were then exhaustively extracted with 50% CH3OH in CH2Cl2 (v/v) at room temperature by cold solvent percolation. Separation was carried out using column chromatography on silica gel as the stationary matrix and eluted with gradients of n-hexane, EtOAc and MeOH. The resultant fractions were then purified using finer silica gel by recurrent column chromatography, Sephadex LH 20 and Chromatotron to afford a total of five compounds including two new norhopane derivatives; 3β,6β,22-trihydroxy-7β,11α-di[(4-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]21αH-24-norhopa-4(23)-ene (42) and 3β,6β,22-trihydroxy-7β-[(4- hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-21αH-24-norhopa-4(23)-ene (43) together with the known norhopane, 3β,6β,11α-trihydroxy-7β-[(4-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-24-norhopa- 4(23),17(21)-diene (44) and a norneohopane, (21α-H)-24-norneohopa-4(23), 22(29)diene-3β,6β,7β-triol 7-caffeate (30) from the root bark. The leaves afforded a reported flavone, tachrosin (45). Their structure elucidation was achieved by detailed 1D and 2D NMR, HRESI-MS, FT-IR and UV spectra for the newly described compounds and by comparison of these data with those of correlated compounds in the published literature. Resazurin reduction assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of compound 46, with doxorubicin as reference anticancer drug. Compound 46 displayed minimal activity since the cell viability was more than 70 % against drug sensitive CCRF-CEM. Owing to the risk associated with chronic inflammation to initiation, promotion and progression of carcinogenesis, compounds 42 – 45 were assessed for their anti-inflammatory activity by quantifying the levels of cytokines Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). All tested compounds decreased secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α. Compounds 43 and 45 clearly decreased secretion of IL-2, GM-CSF and TNF-α in comparison with the reference drug ibuprofen. The findings from this study revealed that F. angolensis contains significant amounts of hopane-type triterpenoid derivatives with potential to downregulate pro-inflammatory biomarkers and further provide a scientific rationale for using the plant in Kenyan folk medicine as anti-pain solution.Item Application of water quality index to assess water quality in river chania, kiambu county, kenya(UoEm, 2020-10-15) Kasyoka, GeofreyHuman-related activities are known to have deleterious effects on the water quality of aquatic ecosystems globally. However, there is limited information on the impact of similar perturbations in tropical regions, especially the River Chania in Kiambu County, Kenya, which is an important source of water for humans and animals and also provides habitat for a variety of flora and fauna along its length. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal variations of selected water quality parameters in seven sampling sites along a section of River Chania, to evaluate water quality of the river using Water Quality Index (WQI) and to assess the effect of socio-economic factors on water quality of the river. The study used a longitudinal study design in water sample collection. The sample collection was done between October 2018 and February 2019 to cater to the dry and wet seasons. A paired t-test (p< 0.05) was used to compare the water quality variables collected in both the wet and dry seasons across sites to see if these differed longitudinally down the river. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.2 and means separated using LSD at p< 0.05 confidence level. The mean values of the physico-chemical parameters were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) water quality guidelines. The parameters used to compute WQI were nitrates, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), potassium, sulphates, chlorides, copper, manganese, pH and total phosphates. The study revealed a decline in water quality from the most upstream site (Site 1) from excellent (WQI=23.17) to poor (WQI=>50) and very poor (WQI=>76) water quality at the two downstream sites during the wet season. On the other hand, the socio-economic factors were assessed using a survey employing cross-sectional survey design. The study observed that the education level of the respondents was a positive and significant predictor of the ability of an individual to identify water quality changes in River Chania in the last 10 years with an associated significance of 0.014. Age, household size, change in household number, gender and household income had no significant correlation with the identification of water quality changes in River Chania in the last 10 years. The study recommends that the riparian zone of River Chania, especially at downstream sites, should be protected from interference by human activities (e.g., deforestation, farming) and human interactions with the river ecosystem should be regulated for sustainable utilization, hence protect the water quality from further deterioration. Further research can be conducted to develop models for predicting water quality of the river over time.Item Assessment of Association between Perceived Stigma, Social Support and Substance Abuse among Clients at the Comprehensive Care Centre at the Coast Province General Hospital.(University of Nairobi, 2014) Maina, Elizabeth W.Introduction: Clients in Comprehensive Care Centres (CCC) usually face stigma and have poor social support which results in poor coping mechanisms including substance (alcohol and illicit drugs) abuse. The prevalence of substance abuse among patients infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is higher than that in the general population. HIV infected patients abusing substances are not easily contracted into treatment which delays initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Substance abuse also poses a great challenge in adherence to management and prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome contributing to high morbidity and mortality. Aim/objectives: This descriptive cross-sectional study was to explore the association between perceived stigma, social support and substance abuse among Comprehensive Care Centre clients at the Coast Province General Hospital – Mombasa. Method: The CAGE – AID (acronym for cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye opener – adapted to include drug use) tool was used to screen patients for substance abuse and a score of ≥2 was considered significant. A sample of 235 patients was selected by convenience sampling method. Patients with a CAGE-AID score of ≥2 who consented were subjected to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support and the HIV stigma instrument for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Data analysis: Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were used to examine demographic characteristics while the Pearson’s Chi square test was used to test the significance of association between perceived stigma, social support and substance abuse in HIV. Multivariate analysis was further done to test for association between the variables. The confidence interval was set at 95%, p value at ≤0.05.The findings of the study demonstrate a significant statistical association between lack of social support, stigma and substance abuse among people infected with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: An assessment of perceived stigma and social support is instrumental in identifying HIV infected patients at risk of substance abuse. A reduction in perceived stigma among PLWHA and adequate social support would come in handy in dealing with substance abuse in HIV/AIDS which would see a reduction in HIV related morbidity and mortality. HIV/AIDS patients with substance abuse disorders should be linked with further counselling and probably psychiatric follow up. HIV/AIDS support groups should be established and membership encouraged.Item Assessment of fodder conservation in smallholder dairy farming systems in highland and midlands of eastern Kenya(UoEm, 2025-06-03) Kogo, Thomas KipchogeGENERAL ABSTRACT The dairy industry is important for its contribution to the living standard of people, industries, foreign exchange and 4% of the total GDP in Kenya. Productivity of 7.8 liters/cow/day is low and attributed to poor feeding and contribution to high emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Fodder scarcity poses a challenge to the achievement of high productivity, while mitigation of fodder scarcity through fodder conservation remains low. Despite common challenges, farms perform differently, in different farm locations with some farms, also called positive deviants (PDs) conserving adequate fodder. In the highlands and midlands of eastern Kenya, information on fodder conservation among smallholder dairy farming systems is limited. The adoption levels and the intensity of fodder conservation technologies including silage and hay, factors affecting the adoption and use of such technologies in (peri-) urban locations and strategies used by PDs in fodder conservation are unknown. Therefore, the study sought to assess fodder conservation technologies among smallholder dairy farming systems in the highlands and midlands of Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Specifically: to determine factors affecting the adoption intensity of fodder conservation. To determine factors of fodder conservation technologies adoption in urban and peri-urban areas. To determine strategies that distinguish PDs from peers (non-PDs) in fodder conservation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on smallholder dairy farms producing and conserving fodder in Tharaka Nithi County. Multistage sampling procedures were used: purposive sampling of the Sub- counties and locations, random selection of villages and proportional selection of 242 farms through snowball chain referral. The questionnaire was used to collect information, which included: household socio-demographics, husbandry practices, farm characteristics and fodder conservation characteristics. Two towns were chosen purposively to represent urban locations i.e. Chuka (UL, n=68) and peri-urban locations Chogoria (PUL, n=93) in Chuka and Maara Sub-Counties respectively (Total n=161), due to the relatively high number of urban dwellers. Additionally, the PDs (n=24) conserved fodder adequate to last the dry season and had a milk yield of ≥15 kg/cow/day. While non-PDs (n=97) do not qualify for both criterion as farms qualifying for one criteria were discarded. Multiple regression analysis was applied to explain the quantity of fodder conserved. The Multivariate Regression (MVR) model was used to identify and estimate simultaneously the determinants of fodder conservation technologies adoption. Logit regression was used to examine variables that influence the probability of PDs. The study found that most farms were headed by older males who had basic education. Fodder was scarce during the dry season in most farms. Fodder conserved included; silage was conserved in the least number of farms only 26%, but the highest in the quantity of fodder conserved (13 tons); hay was conserved in 40% of the farms, but the quantity conserved was the least (2 tons); crop residue storage was the major conserved fodder by 85% of the farms and the quantity conserved was 5 tons. Quantities of fodder conserved were affected by land size, herd size, duration planned to use conserved fodder, main fodder source during scarcity and the fodder conservation technologies used (silage and hay). Quantities of silage and hay conserved were higher in urban location (UL) than in peri- urban locations (PUL) farms. Crop residue storage was conserved more in non-PD farms, especially in PUL farms. Fodder conserved in UL and PUL was influenced by farm location, land size, herd size, total milk yield per farm, sex, source of fodder during feed scarcity, extension services, period the current stock is expected to last, use of concentrate feeds and breed kept. Access to extension services, milk yield, land size, land under xivfodder, period to use conserved fodder, total herd size, and different combinations of fodder conservation technologies differ between PDs and non-PDs. PDs in fodder conservation are favored by a high level of education, access to extension services, large land, herd size and high milk yield. The study shows knowledge production resources and technology used as important in fodder conservation. Recommended mitigation measures target more education on fodder conservation technologies as well as increasing the adoption of improved fodder production. Knowledge advancement of farmers and policymakers through education and extension increases milk production. Therefore, policymakers can focus on creating enabling policies that promote the adoption of improved technologies as used by PDs to support fodder production and conservation to improve productivity and inform the direction of future research.Item Bacterial biological control agents in the management of bacterial wilt(curtobacterium Flaccumfaciens PV.Flaccumfaciens) in the common bean(UoEm, 2023-08) Munene, Lilian WanguiCommon beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are widely grown throughout the world and provide valuable protein, vitamins and other nutrients. If the challenges related to its production are resolved, food security can be guaranteed for the growing population. Disease-causing pathogens are a major constraint in bean production. Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens causes bacterial wilt of common bean disease. This pathogen causes high economic losses due to seedling death, yield loss and seed discoloration. Copper fungicides can reduce secondary spread but are expensive, harmful to the environment and lead to resistance of the pathogen. Bacterial control agents are effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemicals, as they provide protection throughout the crop period and are specific to plant diseases. However, less has been done in managing bacterial wilt using bacterial bio-controls. The objectives of this study were; to isolate wilt-causing pathogen in dry beans, to isolate bacterial antagonists against the pathogen from the rhizosphere of P. vulgaris and to control the pathogen in vitro and in vivo using the recovered bacterial bio-controls. The study was done in an experimental bean field located in Kimbimbi, Kirinyaga County. From infected leaves and seeds of bean plants, Curtobacterium species were isolated and characterized morphologically, biochemically, molecularly and by pathogenicity tests. Biological control agents were identified in the soil samples obtained from the rhizospheres of bean plants and screened against Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens using soft agar overlay assay. Primer pair 8F and 1492R were used for amplification of the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted to identify the Cff isolates and bacterial antagonists. Both a foliar spray and a seed treatment were used to apply bio-controls. A completely randomized design was employed for the experiment. Data on disease incidence and disease severity were analyzed using analysis of variance at a 95% confidence level. Phylogenetic analysis was done using the neighbor-joining method and phylogenetic tree constructed with MEGA software. Eleven Curtobacterium spp. were identified. Nine bacterial control agents showed antagonistic activities against Cff. A partial 16S rRNA gene sequence of these isolates identified species belonging to the genera Bacillus, Paenibacillus and Pseudomonas. Seed treatment coupled with foliar application of the antagonistic bacteria significantly reduced disease incidence and disease severity ranging from 16-29% and 4-10% respectively, compared to the control. Pseudomonas fluorescens was most successful in controlling the Cff pathogen with an efficacy of 81%, while B. cereus and P. polymyxa reduced the disease development by 79% and 68%, respectively. The use of rhizobacterial species provides a safe, effective and sustainable alternative to control bacterial wilt in the common bean. Herein, the rhizobacteria P. fluorescens, B. cereus and P. polymyxa species seed treatment coupled with foliar application significantly reduced the disease incidence and disease severity of bean bacterial wilt. The study recommends further research on distribution of bacterial wilt of common bean disease in bean-producing regions of Kenya and to determine if the isolated bacterial control agents are effective against other plant diseasesItem Bacterial Food Contaminants in Vended Fast Foods, Soil and Water in Embu Town, Kenya(SUSAN WAIRIMU MURIUKI, 2020-11) Muriuki, Susan WairimuReady to eat fast food vending business has grown exponentially however, the microbiological safety of most of these fast foods is questionable. Despite the cholera outbreak in Embu in 2017, diminutive information exists on waterborne and foodborne illness outbreaks resulting from bacterial pathogens in Embu Town and the nearby Kangaru Market. Thus this study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial food contaminants in the vended fast foods and their surrounding environment in Embu Town and nearby Kangaru Market. Bacterial isolates were isolated from; fried fish, African sausages, roasted meat, samosa, fries, vegetable salads, soil and water. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer method. DNA was extracted from pure isolates using the phenol-chloroform method. The 16S rRNA and resistant genes were amplified with the respective primers. Taxonomy was assigned to each Operational Taxonomic Units using BLAST. Sequence alignment and construction of the phylogenetic tree were done using MEGA X. Total community DNA was extracted from samples using the phenol-chloroform method. The 16S rRNA gene variable region (V4-V7) of the extracted DNA was amplified and library construction was performed according to Illumina sequencing protocol. Sequence analysis was done using QIIME2 while Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) test, based upon Bray-Curtis distance, Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), redundancy analysis (RDA) as well as Hierarchical clustering of the samples, were carried out using the R programming language. Taxonomic groups were derived from the number of reads assigned to each taxon at all ranks from domain to species using the taxa summary.txt output from the QIIME2 pipeline. Antibiotic resistance of the isolates was; chloramphenicol 90%, cefotaxime 84.29%, nalidixic acid 81.43%, tetracycline 77.14%, amoxicillin 72.86%, gentamycin 48.57%, streptomycin 32.86% and trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole 30%. Isolate KMP337, exhibited significantly high antibiosis against S. aureus recording an average inhibition of diameter mean and standard error (SE)16.33±0.88mm respectively at P = 0.001. Polymerase chain reaction detected the presence of resistance genes; tet (A), bla TEM, strB, dfr (1), bla Amp, and Flor genes. The isolates clustered in five main genera namely Bacillus, Paraclostridium, Lysinibacillus, Virgibacillus, and Serratia all having similarity of above 90%. The OTUs were distributed among twenty-three bacterial phyla across the samples with the most abundant belonging to Proteobacteria (52.81%), Firmicutes (31.16%), Bacteroidetes (8.00%) and Lentisphaerae (0.001%). The OTUs were shared among archaea as follows; Candidatus nitrososphaera (83.89%) and Nitrososphaera (11.43%). Lactobacillus perolens, Pseudomonas spp., Clostridium spp., and Bacillus cereus were detected in abundance across the samples. Potential pathogens in risk group 2 including Rickettsia spp. and Brucella spp., Coxiella spp. in risk group 3 were detected. Uncultured Candidatus koribacter sp, Candidatus microthrix sp. and Candidatus solibacter sp. were detected in food. This study confirmed the presence of antibiotic-resistant foodborne potential pathogens in vended fast foods and the soil in Embu Town and Kangaru Market. The study, therefore calls for continuous monitoring of bacterial status and hygienic handling of vended foods. The detection of potential pathogens calls for stringent hygiene measures in food vending operations, especially in Kangaru Market.Item Bioprospecting for Cyanophages with Biocontrol Potential against Toxin Producing Cyanobacteria in Lake Magadi, Kenya(University of Embu, 2020-11) Kihagi Ngetha, EdwinCyanobacteria are a phylum of blue-green algae in the domain bacteria that get their energy from sun light through photosynthesis. In anaerobic environments, photoautotrophic blue green algae derive electrons by reduction of sulphur. In the Kenyan soda lakes, cyanobacteria serve as the sole source of food for Lesser Flamingos. Also, detection of these blue green algae blooms, is evident in these environments. Due to this reason, it has been hypothesized that the blooms may lead to production of secondary metabolites referred to as cyanotoxins that could be the cause for mass mortalities of Lesser Flamingos in these lakes including Lake Magadi. Viruses are key in controlling microbial populations in any ecosystem and thus they could act as a biocontrol measure for toxin producing cyanobacteria. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate cyanobacteria, amplify for toxin production genes and screen for cyanophages that can control these toxin producing cyanobacteria. The study site was Lake Magadi in the Rift Valley which has highly alkaline pH (8-12). Water samples were collected from different points around Lake Magadi. Physiochemical variables such as pH, salinity and temperature were measured for each of the sample on site. Two techniques for the isolation of cyanobacteria were used: isolation by spread plating on agar and dilution to extinction technique. Five types of media were used: Blue green medium (BG11), Synechococcus medium (A+), artificial lake water medium (ALW), artificial sea water medium (ASW) and enriched lake water medium (M). For solid cultures, spread plating was done followed by subsequent sub-culturing to acquire axenic cultures. Dilution to extinction technique involved subsequent dilution of the enriched sample until an axenic culture was obtained. These isolates grew at conditions that are unique to haloalkaliphiles. The cyanobacteria were subjected to morphological and molecular identification. Molecular identification involved partial sequencing of 16Sr RNA gene. Potential of the isolates to produce cyanotoxins was assessed by amplification of their respective genes using toxin specific primers. Sequence analysis indicated that all 11 isolates were affiliated to Cyanobacterium Spp. Genera represented include Spirulina, Synechococcus, Oscillatoria and Anabaenopsis. PCR amplification showed that all the isolates had different genes for toxin production. Phage lysis was observed in 10 of the isolates indicating that they were hosts for the phages. This study provides an insight into the uncultured cyanobacterial species from extreme environments and their cyanophages. The recovered isolates are a useful resource in understanding the taxonomy, phylogeny and diversity of cyanobacteria as well as their cyanophages. The cyanophages can be useful in biotechnology application for biocontrol of toxin producing cyanophages.Item Budgetary Controls, Revenue Mobilization, Corporate Governance And Financial Sustainability Among Public Universities In Kenya(University of Embu, 2022-09-20) KARITU, LINDA KAWIRAThe obligation of meeting current and future mandate of public universities remains a big challenge as the universities are required to work within very tight budgetary constraints. Thus, the objective of financial sustainability is to ensure an institutions goals are reached by ensuring there is sufficient income for investment in academic and research activities. The costs of universities activities are rising which leads to the financial sustainability of universities being a primary issue of concern to stakeholders. The declining allocation to public universities from government exchequer has led to inadequate facilities and stalled projects in many universities. As a result, public universities in Kenya need to diversify their revenue sources through commercialization activities and developing market-oriented programmes. Public universities in Kenya are currently in a deep financial crisis that could lead to a closure following the decline in revenues thus the need for the universities to identify ways in which they can continue to remain financially sustainable. The study sought to assess the effects of budgetary controls, revenue mobilization and corporate governance on financial sustainability among public universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on the resource dependency theory, stakeholder theory and agency theory. The target population was the 31 public universities in Kenya as at the year 2019. The study relied on secondary data which was collected from published audited financial statements from the auditor general’s report. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. To determine the nature of the panel data and the best model for analysis, specification tests for multicollinearity, autocorrelation, Hausman, heteroscedasticity, and normality tests were carried out. The study established that the administration of the public universities was able to spend the universities funds in accordance with the budgets for the years 2014/15 and 2015/16, and this enhanced financial sustainability. However, for the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, the case was different, as the universities were operating on budget deficits as a result of low amounts of Module 2 funds, and thus the universities were financially unsustainable. Further, the management of the public universities were able to mobilize the resources for the universities, especially in the years 2014/15 and 2015/16. However, for the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, the universities resource mobilization went down, as a result of reduction in the number of students that enrolled into the universities. The study further concluded that the universities adhered to the stipulated rules of corporate governance and this contributed to the financial sustainability of the universities. Based on the findings, the study makes the following recommendations; the budgeting committee should readjust the budgets to cater for the amount of the funding that is available. This will reduce wastage, and ensure that the university runs on optimal budgets, thus enhancing financial sustainability. The administration of the public universities should embark on alternative revenue sources, so as to bridge the gaps in the shortfalls of the funding from the Government. Income generating projects should be geared at generating revenue to cater for the budget shortfalls. The universities should consider establishing strong alumni base that will help the universities in consultancy services, funding of research and sourcing for donor funding.Item BUDGETARY CONTROLS, REVENUE MOBILIZATION, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA(UOEM, 2021) KARITU, LINDA KAWIRAThe obligation of meeting current and future mandate of public universities remains a big challenge as the universities are required to work within very tight budgetary constraints. Thus, the objective of financial sustainability is to ensure an institutions goals are reached by ensuring there is sufficient income for investment in academic and research activities. The costs of universities activities are rising which leads to the financial sustainability of universities being a primary issue of concern to stakeholders. The declining allocation to public universities from government exchequer has led to inadequate facilities and stalled projects in many universities. As a result, public universities in Kenya need to diversify their revenue sources through commercialization activities and developing market-oriented programmes. Public universities in Kenya are currently in a deep financial crisis that could lead to a closure following the decline in revenues thus the need for the universities to identify ways in which they can continue to remain financially sustainable. The study sought to assess the effects of budgetary controls, revenue mobilization and corporate governance on financial sustainability among public universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on the resource dependency theory, stakeholder theory and agency theory. The target population was the 31 public universities in Kenya as at the year 2019. The study relied on secondary data which was collected from published audited financial statements from the auditor general’s report. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. To determine the nature of the panel data and the best model for analysis, specification tests for multicollinearity, autocorrelation, Hausman, heteroscedasticity, and normality tests were carried out. The study established that the administration of the public universities was able to spend the universities funds in accordance with the budgets for the years 2014/15 and 2015/16, and this enhanced financial sustainability. However, for the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, the case was different, as the universities were operating on budget deficits as a result of low amounts of Module 2 funds, and thus the universities were financially unsustainable. Further, the management of the public universities were able to mobilize the resources for the universities, especially in the years 2014/15 and 2015/16. However, for the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, the universities resource mobilization went down, as a result of reduction in the number of students that enrolled into the universities. The study further concluded that the universities adhered to the stipulated rules of corporate governance and this contributed to the financial sustainability of the universities. Based on the findings, the study makes the following recommendations; the budgeting committee should readjust the budgets to cater for the amount of the funding that is available. This will reduce wastage, and ensure that the university runs on optimal budgets, thus enhancing financial sustainability. The administration of the public universities should embark on alternative revenue sources, so as to bridge the gaps in the shortfalls of the funding from the Government. Income generating projects should be geared at generating revenue to cater for the budget shortfalls. The universities should consider establishing strong alumni base that will help the universities in consultancy services, funding of research and sourcing for donor funding.Item Capital adequacy,income diversification,competition and liquidity creation of Commercial Banks in Kenya(2023-08) Kinini, Dennis MuchukiBanks create liquidity which in turn improves capital allocation and accelerates economic growth. Liquidity creation is essential and critical as it may lead to a stable financial system and provide growth opportunities. Liquidity has been observed to be more unstable in developing countries than in developed nations. Despite the rise in minimum deposits, commercial banks in Kenya, a developing country, struggle to optimize their profits due to reduced liquidity creation capacity. This study aimed to evaluate how capital adequacy, income diversification and competition impacted Kenyan commercial banks' ability to create liquidity. From 2001 to 2020, the study employed unbalanced panel data from Kenya's 36 licensed commercial banks. Data was extracted from published financial statements and reports from banks. The two-step system generalized method of moments approach was used in the study. To increase the robustness and prevent erroneous conclusions, cross dependence, serial correlation and instrumental validity tests were carried out. Berger and Bouwman's method was used to determine the liquidity creation levels of commercial banks. The capital adequacy liquidity creation link of commercial banks was found to be significantly negative, supporting the financial fragility-crowding out hypothesis. The study found a positive linkage between income diversification and liquidity creation of commercial banks, implying that well-diversified banks have a high level of liquidity creation and vice versa. The study also found a significant negative effect of competition on liquidity creation, depicting competition's value-destroying effect. A tradeoff exists between capital adequacy and liquidity creation, which must be carefully evaluated as changes in capital requirements are considered. Due to this tradeoff, there is a need for an optimal level of capital. The findings suggest that reinforcement of the diversification drive in Kenyan commercial banks is necessary. The value-destroying effect on liquidity creation by competition presented a case for policymakers geared toward consolidating banks' operations through possible mergers and acquisitions. The study has important implications for Kenya's financial sector, as it guides managers and other stakeholders regarding measures that can be taken to increase commercial banks' liquidity creation through capital requirements, diversification, and consolidation of banksItem Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Embu County, Kenya(University of Embu, 2017-08) Njagi, Irene K.Financial decisions affect the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises but vary from one firm to another. This is due to the limited access to finances and ability of the manager to fully utilize the resources available. Despite their importance Small and Medium Enterprises are characterized by slow growth rate and three out of five Small and Medium Enterprises fail in their first three years of operation. The continued poor performances have led to decline in growth and eventually death of the Small and Medium Enterprises. The growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises highly depends on the investment decisions made by the entrepreneurs and lack of access to external finances has created a financial gap that has fueled the challenges that Small and Medium Enterprises face. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of equity finance, short term debt finance and long term debt finance on financial performance of the small and medium enterprise in Embu County. The study adopted a descriptive research design and simple random sampling technique. The target population of study was 300 Small and Medium Enterprises from which a sample size of 60 Small and Medium Enterprises was drawn. Pretest of the research instrument was done to determine the reliability of the questionnaire by use of cronbach alpha coefficient. Content validity of the questionnaire was determined to ensure that the questionnaire answered the research questions. The primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from audited financial statements and analyzed by use of statistical package for social sciences. Data analyzed capture descriptive statistic which included mean, standard deviation and variance. Inferential statistic included Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression. The study revealed that Small and Medium Enterprises had greater preference for contribution from friends and ploughing back profit as a source of equity finance. Angel investors as a form of equity financing has not gained acceptance as a source of finance. From the study it was evident that equity finance had a positive relationship to financial performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises. Equity offered a lifelong financing option with no or minimal cash outflow inform of interest. The overdraft agreements and trade credits were also found to affect business operations. This was because the short term debt finance adapted easily to the firm’s financial need, they required no collateral in order to obtain the funds and they were repaid over a short period thus no or minimal interest rate was charged. The correlation between the short term debt and financial performance was found to be positive and statistically significant. The study further showed that use of bank loans had increased while lease agreement, mortgage and factoring did not play a significant role in the financial performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises. The relationship between long term debt and financial performance was found to be positively correlated and statistically significant. The study also noted that the performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises was largely affected by the source of finance and the liquidity position of the business. The study therefore recommends that Small and medium Enterprises should embrace angel investors as equity financiers since they provide the start-up capital to the Small and Medium Enterprises. Angel investors also provide managerial and book keeping skills to the entrepreneurs thus enhancing the accountability and efficient use of the financial resources at hand. The financial institutions need to create awareness and educate the entrepreneurs on other products available to finance the Small and Medium Enterprises. Reduction on loan processing time and cost of borrowing will encourage entrepreneurs from accessing long term loans, mortgage and lease.