Laikipia University Journals
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://41.89.103.50:4000/handle/123456789/25
Browse
Search Results
Item Antimicrobial Activity of Kenyan Laikipia County Leonotis mollissima Plant Extract(Laikipia University, 2022) Kinuthia, Wanjiru Esther.The use of herbal medicine is expanding rapidly across the world due to the high bills involved in the importation of modern medicinal drugs. About 80 percent of the African population use traditional medicine from plants to treat common infectious diseases caused by microorganisms. The main objective of this research was to determine the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts and isolated compounds of Laikipia University Leonotis mollissima (Lion’s ear) from the Lamiaceae family. The plant was studied in this research due to its wide use by local communities of Kenya for medicinal remedies. Its decoction is used by the Marakwets of Kenya to treat microbial diseases. The plant was sampled from Laikipia University Kenya, identified, air dried and voucher specimen kept for reference in the Biological Department of Egerton University in Kenya. Crude extracts from dry powder of the leaves were successively extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol for seventy-two hours. With repeated column chromatography, Leonotis mollissima dichloromethane leaves (79.69 g) crude extract yielded compounds 1 (Sederin), 2 (20-hydroxylucidenicacid D2) and 3 (labdane). Identification of pure compounds was achieved by 1H and 13C NMR (500 MHz) spectroscopy. Chemical shifts (δ) were expressed in ppm relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as internal standard and coupling (J) in Hz. On screening for antimicrobial activity, all crude extracts showed an MIC (Minimum Inhibition Concentration) of < 0.1 mg/mL to > 0.5 mg/mL on all test microorganism (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Candidas albican. Compounds 1 and 3 had an MIC of > 0.16 mg/mL on all test microorganisms while 2 compound had an MIC of 0.10 mg/mL. The IC50 (Inhibition Concentration that reduces the effect of microorganisms by 50%) for all crude extracts and isolated compounds was less than that of Amoxil® and Doxycycline® antibiotics on all test micro-organisms on calculation with Graphpad Prism 8 free download computer program at different concentrations. This is a confirmation that Leonotis mollissima contains compounds that can be isolated and used as drugs to treat various diseases including microbial infectious diseases. Keywords: Kenya, Laikipia County, leonotis mollissima, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC)Item Genetic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Maize Streak Virus in Kenya(Laikipia University, 2022) Pande, Daniel.Maize streak virus (MSV) is one of the most important pathogens responsible for poor maize yields in Africa. For over the past 50 years, the MSV-A1 genotype has continually been moving back and forth between southern and eastern Africa and from East to West Africa. Despite Kenya being a maize producing country, very little is known of its MSV genetic diversity and geographical distribution of the circulating variants. In this study, a sampling survey was undertaken in the farmers’ fields to collect MSV prevalence and symptom severity, where a total of 178 complete MSV genomes were sequenced from both grass and maize. Both phylogenetic and phylogenetic tools were used to illustrate the genetic diversity and geographical distribution. The results showed that the MSVA lineages had a distinct but overlapping geographical distributions in the country and noticeable relationship between the MSV symptom severity and the percentage infectivity. Keywords: Genetic distribution, geographical distribution, Kenya, Maize streak virus, MastrevirusItem The Cotton Industry in Kenya: Problems, Prospects, and Revival Strategies(Laikipia University, 2022) Rutto, Lelei Kiprono David.,; Auma, Elmada Odeny.,; Ngode, Lucas.Cotton is presently grown in twenty-two counties in Kenya spread across Central, Coast, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western regions. Cotton production has been well below potential in recent years due to various constraints, including the non-availability of quality seeds and inappropriate production technologies, especially for smallholder farming, lack of access to credit, high cost of farm inputs, among other constraints. For the cotton industry to be revived, various strategies have to be put in place, including establishing efficient rural finance and credit supply system for smallholders and rural primary agro-processors; ensuring policies, institutional and legal frameworks are investor-friendly; facilitating long term investments in farm improvement technologies; and improving governance of co-operative sector by empowering farmers and farmer groups. This study is based on the principle that policy, institutional and economic content is the base upon which some of the problems in the cotton industry could be addressed in order to arrive at prospects essential in de-limiting the challenges. This will impact cotton industry revival and translate into increased incomes, thereby enhancing food security in cotton-growing areas. Primary data was obtained through field survey using questionnaires and interviews by stratified random sampling method in cotton-growing zones. Secondary data from various sources (KALRO, CODA, & MOA reports) was looked at, compared, and analysed using descriptive and qualitative methods to come up with prospects and strategies for solving production and marketing problems. The qualitative data analysed showed that the cotton industry face problems such as: lack of access to quality seeds; high cost of inputs; competition with other farm enterprises over scarce resources; and collapse of irrigation schemes and ginneries. The prospects suggested include acquisition of new seed varieties, increased employment in cotton industry, and improved economy as well as reduced poverty. The revival strategies included: maximization of African Growth Opportunity Act initiative by United States government that was extended from 2015 to 2025 to make local farmers benefit more; implementing the cotton bill and enforce cotton regulations; expanding cotton acreage/yield; and empowering cotton associations such as KCGA/HAWESA. It was concluded that there was need to address outlaid problems; avail resources for acquisition of quality seed, purchase of farm inputs and rehabilitation of collapsed irrigation schemes and ginneries; and invest in the cotton industry by the government, private sector, and the international community for cotton industry revival. Keywords: Cotton, problems, prospects, revival strategiesItem Identification of Plant Species along the Riparian Corridor of the Iguameti Stream in Laikipia County Kenya(Laikipia University, 2022) Obwanga, Ojowi Benson.,; Outa, Omondi James.,; Ngure, Veronica.Abstract This study presents the first characterization of riparian vegetation on Iguameti Stream as well as a description of anthropogenic activities within the riparian corridor. Study points fell within the upper reaches of the stream within Laikipia University and lower reaches with a high density of human settlements and farming activities. Sample plots (30m×10m) in the upper and lower reaches of the stream were selected in the phytocoenoses of the study area in such a way that each sample plot was visually homogenous and that all floristic variation in the area was sampled. Based on physiognomical classification, three types of vegetation formations were identified: afromontane forest, woodland and swamp vegetation. Human activities include: introduction of exotic species; timber harvesting; damming; stream channelization; livestock grazing; and land tillage. The upper reaches exhibited minimal disturbance, a detailed vertical stratification with ample canopy, understory, shrub, herb layer, and ground cover dominated by indigenous vegetation. Trichocladus ellipticus, Allophylus sp., Teclea sp, Dombeya goetzinii, Ficus natalensis, Rhus natalensis, Pavonia urens and Cyathula cylindrical were dominant, while in the lower reaches, Pittosporum viridiflorum, Cupressus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Crotalaria agatiflora, Rhus natalensis, Hibiscus fuscus, Hypoestis verticillaris and Rubus sp. were dominant. Species loss was reported in the lower reaches where the buffer strips ˂5m on the left and right banks compared to ˃20m in the upper reaches. Steam damming has caused replacement of riparian vegetation with wetland plants like Crassula schimperi, Hydrocotyl sp., Oenanthe palustris, Sphaeranthus steetzi, Rorippa sp., Polygonum pulchrum, Typha sp. and sedges mainly Cyperus spp. and Fimbristylis sp. Canopy cover decreased from >90% in the upper reaches to < 60% in the lower reaches. Riparian vegetation loss in the upper reaches may cause habitat loss for Colobus guereza kikuyuensis and Aonyx capensis. Urgent strategic multi-disciplinary management of the riparian zone is needed to limit biodiversity loss. Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, climate change, Laikipia County, riparian vegetation, species lossItem Establishing the influence of School Infrastructure on Drug Abuse among Secondary School Students in Naivasha Sub- County, Nakuru County, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2022) Nyagaka, K Lydia.,; Tarus, K. Prisca.,; Mayabi, M Janerose .Drug abuse is a rampant problem in secondary schools and colleges in Kenya. High number of students are abusing drugs while in school. Some studies have indicated a correlation between drug abuse and school infrastructure. This study sought to investigate whether school infrastructure influenced secondary school students in Naivasha Sub County into drug abuse. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and was guided by Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura and the Modified Social Stress Model by Rodes and Jason and as modified by World Health Organization/Programme on Substance Abuse (WHO/PSA). The target study population was 31,626 respondents comprising 63 deputy principals, 63 guidance and counselling teachers and 31,500 students. A sample of 20 percent was considered suitable for schools. Therefore, 13 schools were randomly sampled for the study. Sampling for students was based on Krejcie and Morgan (1990) matrix whereby 380 students (form 2 and 3) were sampled. Simple random sampling method was used to select student respondents. Teacher counsellors and deputy principals were purposefully selected from the 13 sampled schools. A total sample size of 406 respondents was obtained. Three questionnaires presented in Likert scale were used in the study targeting students, teacher counsellors and deputy principals. The questionnaires were checked and validated by expert psychologists and counsellors from the Laikipia University, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Education Foundations. In ensuring reliability, test re-test method was applied by administering the questionnaire in a pilot study in two schools in the neighbouring sub-county of Gilgil. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.753, 0.812 and 0.823 were obtained for students, Deputy Principals and teacher counsellors respectively; indicating a high positive correlation. Frequencies, percentages and means were computed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The results revealed that school infrastructure influenced drug abuse among secondary school students in Naivasha sub-county. Based on the findings, the government, entrepreneurs and school administrators need to put up conducive infrastructure in schools because of its contribution in the reduction of drug abuse amongst students. However, research across Kenya would give a wider perspective on how school infrastructure influenced drug abuse in secondary schools. Keywords: Drug abuse, influence, school infrastructure, school administrators, studentsItem University Sports and Regional Integration in East Africa(Laikipia University, 2022) Ombasa, Andama EdwinThere has been an upsurge of violent conflicts in some countries within the East African region; namely, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya. Within this context, the theme on sports for peace and regional integration has emerged and received support from not only governments but also international organizations and other stakeholders that are interested in peace-building. To promote peace, universities have put emphasis on developing peace-based syllabus and curricula. It was in light of this situation that this paper sought to review studies on sports activities in universities as a foundation of peace and regional integration in East Africa. The study found that more than 96 percent of university students acknowledged sports as a reliable instrument for enhancing peace because sports is a universal language that is understood by all. It was also revealed that a majority of respondents agreed that the level of awareness on sports activities plays an important role in determining the success of university sports as a tool for promoting regional integration. The paper concluded that the positive role of university sports will be felt if university managements institute the necessary infrastructure and create awareness on the importance of sports in promoting regional integration. Keywords: East Africa, peace, reconciliation, regional integration, university sportsItem Uyahe na Raghba ya Jinsia kama Mikakati ya Propaganda: Uchunguzi Kifani wa Mdahalo wa Urais wa Kenya, 2013(Laikipia University, 2022) Khaisie J. L. Wanyama.Politicians use various communication styles to direct and determine how voters understand their political messages. Often, these communication styles end up blurring the voters understanding of the issues to the extent that they end up electing undeserving people. Of the many styles available, propaganda techniques are the most used in political campaigns. This study analyses how two propaganda techniques; plain folk and appeal to gender were used by candidates in the 2013 Kenyan presidential debate to both woo voters and establish their preferability. Two theories guided the research; the Critical Discourse Analysis theory and the Functional theory. Data was words and statements that fall in the categories of plain folk and appeal to gender techniques. Critical, content and qualitative approaches were used to do the analysis. Results showed that the two techniques used by candidates, on one hand built their supposedly good leadership qualities, and on the other, destroyed qualities of their opponents. The candidates also used the two techniques to sell their policies and those of their parties while belittling those of the opposing parties as well as their opponents. This work is valuable to the study of discourse analysis and political communication. It forms a good reference for students of discourse analysis, political science and communication. Further research can be undertaken to establish the use of other styles like rhetoric under a different theory. Keywords: Appeal, gender, plain folk, propaganda, techniquesItem Interlanguage Fossilization: Description and Analysis of Fossilized Grammatical Items in the English Language of Secondary School Learners in Nakuru County, Kenya(Laikipia University, 2022) Beatrice Micheni.,; Nelson Ndiritu.,; Vicky Khasandi Telewa,Interlanguage fossilization is a universal phenomenon that commonly occurs among adult language learners. Secondary school learners complete secondary school level having not mastered the grammar of the English language as revealed by errors in their language performance. Grammar is the core element of language because other elements of the language relate to each other through it. It is also the most descriptive area of language comprising the structures, rules, systems and subsystems which combine to form utterances that effectively communicate ideas, facts and messages. The descriptive nature of grammar makes it complex and prone to fossilization in many aspects especially in the areas of the rules and subsystems. The performance of English language in Kenyan schools seems to be weak, particularly in the area of grammar, as indicated by the KNEC performance results and performance studies that have been carried out. One possible explanation of such performance could be that there is interlanguage fossilization. It had not been established through research whether there was fossilization. This study filled that gap. The objectives of this study were to identify and describe the grammatical items indicative of fossilization in the learners’ language, and analysed them to establish whether there is fossilization of grammar, and finally establish the areas of grammar that have fossilized. The interlanguage theory provided the theoretical underpinnings of the study. The study used students from some selected secondary schools in Nakuru County in the period between 2018-2020. Learners’ language was analysed using classroom written tests on selected grammatical areas that manifested the use of the various grammatical items that fossilize which include grammatical structures, systems, subsystems and rules. The findings were that there is fossilization in some areas of grammar. These findings can be used by curriculum planners and educators to formulate intervention strategies and remedial measures to facilitate progress in the development of the learners’ interlanguage until they achieve competence in the English grammar. Keywords: English, fossilization, grammatical items, interlanguage, learnersItem Re-Modulating the Growth Enterprise Market Segment to Drive the Growth of SMEs in Kenya through Securities Market Financing(Laikipia University, 2022) Onyuma,O SamuelAbstract Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are important in driving economic growth in emerging economies, vital in creating dynamic market-oriented growth, and spurring innovations and employment opportunities for a growing population. To do this, they need access to growth finance as well as knowledge and expertise. Access to finance is the main barrier to their growth and competitiveness. However, Kenyan SMEs face limited access to financing from banks due to relatively higher risks associated with them. Securities markets have an imperative role in bridging this financing gap through the provision of alternative funding sources for SMEs as their needs evolve over different phases of their life cycle. In a bid to aid SMEs in their financial growth, the Growth Enterprise Market Segment (GEMS) was created at the Nairobi Securities Market to provide a funding platform, diversification of ownership structure and unlocking value through more favourable listing requirements, while benefiting from increased profile and liquidity within a regulated environment. It targets SMEs with limited track record but with positive growth prospects. Nine years following its introduction, however, the number of SMEs seeking listing has been relatively low. Only six firms have listed on GEMS with five trading with poor stock liquidity and one already delisted. Guided by the Stages Model as well as Efficient Markets theory, and using a multi-scenario document analysis methodology, this paper analyses the literature and examines the reasons behind GEMS’ struggle with attraction of SMEs. It argues that besides regulatory burdens, a range of other business environmental factors conspire and limit SMEs attraction to GEMS. The lack of competent SMEs financing experts, internal organization characteristics, lack of awareness of securities market and understanding of GEMS listing requirements among entrepreneurs in a more sophisticated securities markets financing options, and the urge to raise business profile over and above raising growth capital could have conspired to slow the growth in the number of SMEs listing on GEMS. The paper provides important recommendations on how to re-modulate the GEMS platform to attract more SMEs listing in Kenya. Keywords: Business incubation and acceleration; growth enterprise market segment; Nairobi Securities Exchange; Ibuka platform; small and medium sized enterprises JEL Codes: D53, G32, M13, O16.Item Examining the Social Media Discourse: Towards a Linguistic Study of Facebook Posts Among a Selected Group of Kenyan Internet Users(Laikipia University, 2022) Mwithi, Muthoni FlorenceThe sheer online ubiquity of Facebook is astounding. Facebook is changing the way billions of people in the world relate to one another and share information. A rapidly growing body of research has accompanied the meteoric rise of Facebook as researchers from diverse fields carry out studies on the site. This paper recognises the utility of FB as a novel tool to examine and interpret linguistic features for a selected group of Kenyan FB users. The article discusses and analyses the linguistic features in Facebook posts. Herring’s (2004) Computer-Mediated Discourse Analysis (CMDA) theoretical framework is applied to analyse the linguistic features. Online questionnaires were used to obtain data. Keywords: CMDA, Facebook, FB, Kenya, linguistic features