Research Papers

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A study on the effectiveness of (+)-usnic acid as oral toxic sugar bait against adult male and female Anopheles gambiae
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Arthur Macharia Muhoro1,2*, Eric Odhiambo Ochomo2, Isaac Njangiru Kinyua3, Jackline Jeruto Kosgei2, Laide Abbas Rasaki4 and Edit Farkas5
Background Despite the application of various tools for the control of vectors of Plasmodium falciparum, malaria remains the major killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa accounting for up to 90% of deaths due to the disease. Due to limitations of the useage of chemical insecticides such as resistance, negative impact on the environment and to nontarget organisms, the World Health Organization (WHO) requires that affected countries find alternative vector control tools. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ( +)-usnic acid (UA) as an insecticide through oral admin istration to male and female Anopheles gambiae as an alternative or additional active ingredient to be used in toxic sugar bait. Methods ( +)-usnic acid was diluted using acetone at 5, 10, and 15 mg/ml concentrations in three replicates. A 5 ml mixture of 2% food dye and 10% sugar using chlorine-free water mixed with the dilutions of the ( +)-usnic acid and negative control was made containing 2% food dye and 10% sugar solution. The preparations were soaked on a ball of cotton wool and placed over the net of a cup. 5 male and 5 non-blood-fed female newly hatched starved An. gambiae Kisumu strain were introduced together into a cup and monitored for knockdown and mortalities after 4, 24 48, and 72 h. The data were analysed using a multiple linear regression model using the lm function, a base R func tion and a posthoc test were conducted on the significant main effects and interaction terms using the emmeans function from the emmeans R package. All analyses were performed in RStudio using base R (version 4.3.3). Results There was high mortality of both male and female An. gambiae after ingestion of the toxic sugar bait. 15 mg/ ml usnic acid caused the highest mortality (50%) within the first 4 h compared to 5 and 10 mg/ml ( +)-UA. There was a decline in the mortality rate with increased exposure time from 24 to 72 h, however, there was a significant difference in mortality at 5, 10 and 15 mg/ml. Acute toxicity was associated with ingestion of 15 mg/ml after 24 h. 72 h post-mortality was lower in all concentrations than in the control. High mortality was observed among females over the first 4 h (60%) compared to males (40%) due to higher feeding rate of the toxic agent. The proportion of dead males and females was equal after 24 h while after 48 h, the proportion of dead males was high.There was a signifi cantly lower mortality rate after 72 h for both males and females (0 to 13.3%). Compared to all the treatments, high mortality of males was observed. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that ( +)-UA when administered as oral sugar bait to An. gambiae has insecticidal properties and is a suitable ingredient to be used as a toxic agent in the novel attractive toxic sugar bait for the control of malaria vectors. ( +)-UA may be an alternative active ingredient as toxic bait in the effort to reduce and eliminate the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum in Africa.
An Account of Growth, Development, Impact, and Decline of Pan Paper Mills, 2000-2009
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Ruth N. Tenge*, Peter Waweru, Babere Kerata Chacha
Over the last two decades, Webuye Pan Paper Mill, the nation’s leading paper producer, came to an unholy ending. While its decline and its economic and labour history are largely unknown outside of Kenya, this event shook many observers and the locals who depended on it for livelihood and survival. The company faced ongoing issues, possibly related to financial instability (worsening liquidity position), management, operational challenges, and post governmental collaboration agreements. This study provides important information on the post-colonial, political, and socio-economic development in western Kenya and the country as a whole. From its inception, the industry had dominated the state’s economic, social, and physical landscape, building mighty in western Kenya and extracting millions of pounds of ‘pulp’ wood from its impressive forests. For many generations, thirty thousand people or more worked in the paper mills and in the harsh forest fringe from which raw materials were extracted. Small and big communities emerged around the mills as logging sustained the otherwise declining agricultural areas. These industrial communities were tightly knit, and each company and its workers built their own labour relations systems, including workers’ unions. A historical study of labour and paper mills shows how new technologies were incorporated into the industry and how workers and management were often at loggerheads over work processes, work conditions, and work compensation. The theory of modernization was adopted in this study to assess the relationship between policing and post modernity. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to account for a detailed account of the growth, development, livelihood impact, and decline of pan paper mills, 2000-2009. The study adopted an ex-facto approach, applying snowballing and purposive sampling techniques. Data collected was organized, edited, and coded, and information was analysed through two analytical frames: documentary review and content analysis. The results were arranged according to historical periods for comparison and correlation. The study used descriptive interpretation and a chronological approach.
Arki za Utaifa wa Jamii ya Akamba
(East African Journal of Swahili Studies,, 2025-01-25) Josephine Kanini Munyao1*, Prof. Wendo Nabea, PhD1 na Dkt. Pamela Sheila Wandera, PhD1
Utaifa wa kijamii hujitokeza katika tanzu mbalimbali za sanaa. Wanadamu hutumia fasihi yao kuendeleza utaifa wa kijamii ili kuelezea asili yao, changamoto zinazowakabili, maadili ya kijamii, maono na ushindi wao. Lengo la utafiti huu lilikuwa kuchunguza jinsi nyimbo pendwa za mwanamuziki Ken wa Maria zinavyoendeleza utaifa wa jamii ya Akamba. Madhumuni ya utafiti huu yalikuwa kuchunguza arki za utaifa wa jamii ya Akamba katika nyimbo pendwa teule za Ken wa Maria. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na Nadharia ya Utaifa iliyoasisiwa na David Smith. Nadharia ya Utaifa hueleza kwamba ili utaifa wa jamii uwepo lazima jamii hiyo iweze kumiliki utamaduni mmoja, lugha, imani ya dini na historia. Mihimili ya nadharia hii ndiyo iliyoelekeza utafiti huu wakati wa kukusanya, kuchanganua na kuwasilisha data kwa kuzingatia madhumuni ya utafiti. Muundo wa utafiti huu ni muundo elezi. Utafiti huu ulifanyiwa katika maktaba ili kupata data. Sampuli ya kimakusudi ilitumika ili kupata nyimbo 24 ambazo zilipakuliwa kutoka mtandao wa YouTube na Mdundo.com. Nyimbo hizi zilitafsiriwa katika lugha ya Kiswahili kisha kuchanganuliwa ili kubainisha arki za utaifa wa jamii ya Akamba. Data ilichanganuliwa na matokeo yake kufafanuliwa kwa kutumia mbinu ya kimaelezo. Uwasilishaji wa data ya utafiti ulifanywa kwa njia ya kimaelezo. Utafiti huu ulibaini kwamba kunazo arki za utaifa katika nyimbo pendwa za Ken wa Maria kama vile utambulisho wa kiuana na kijamii, utamaduni, historia na ikolojia. Utafiti zaidi unaweza kufanywa kuhusiana na mada hii hasa jinsi wasanii wengine kutoka jamii ya Akamba wanavyotalii suala la ujenzi wa utaifa wa jamii.
Budget Control on Capital Project Delivery in Samburu County Government
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Nelson Joseph Lesorogol, Dr. Clement Achimba & Dr. Florence Opondo
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of budget control on delivery of capital project delivery in Samburu County-Kenya. Methodology: This study examined the effect of budget control procedures on the completion of capital projects using a descriptive research design. A total of 52 employees who were department heads and routinely took part in the budgeting process, belonging to the J, K, and L job groups, comprise the research sample. To effectively represent the intricate dynamics at work and to offer insightful information about how budget control affects the efficacy and efficiency of capital project delivery within the framework of the Samburu County Government, data was provided in linear regression models. Findings: The findings of this study can assist county governments in better understanding the factors that affect county budget management systems and performance as well as what needs to be changed to enhance the aforementioned budget performance. The findings can also be helpful to academics while looking into how budgetary control affects the provision of public services. Finally, it may offer politicians and other decision-makers new insights into the delivery of capital projects and the management of public resources. The study's results demonstrated that budget control significantly impacted capital project delivery in Samburu County, accounting for 77.3% of the variance with P ˂ 0.05. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study investigated how capital project delivery and budget control interact using the agency theory. Kenyan county governments and legislators should tighten budget control to address issues. The primary finding of the study was that counties can accomplish their financial and quantitative objectives with the aid of budget control. Additionally, it can help the county meet its goals, identify the operating activity items in the budgets, and fortify the relevant accounting structures.
Changamoto Zinazokumba Shirika la Utangazaji la Uganda Katika Kukikuza Kiswahili Jijini Kampala
(Laikipia University, 2024-09-22) Monday Geofrey Akol1*, Sheila Pamela Wandera-Simwa1 na Onyango Ogola James1
Kiswahili nchini Uganda kimetumiwa tangu enzi za kabla ya ukoloni katika tasnia mbalimbali ila bado hakijaenea kama inavyostahili. Licha ya kuwa Uganda kuna sera, mazoea, na utaratibu wa kuendeleza Kiswahili, bado kina wakati mgumu kupenyeza kila mahali huku baadhi ya jamii ya Wanauganda wakibaki kuwa na mtazamo hasi kuhusu lugha hii adimu. Tafiti za awali zilionyesha kuwa mashirika ya utangazaji ya serikali ni muhimu sana katika kukuza lugha za mawasiliano ulimwenguni. Nchini Uganda, mtafiti hajakumbana na utafiti unaoonyesha chanagamoto zinazolikumba Shirika la Utangazaji la Uganda katika kukuza lugha ya Kiswahili. Kwa hivyo utafiti huu ulinuia kutathmini changamoto zinazokumba Shirika la Utangazaji la Uganda katika kukikuza Kiswahili jijini Kampala. Utafiti ulitumia nadharia ya upangaji lugha kubaini hasa jinsi shirika hilo lenye vituo kumi na moja vya redio na vinne vya televisheni linavyokumbana na changamoto za kukuza Kiswahili katika jiji kuu la Kampala. Kwa kutumia nadharia hiyo utafiti uliegemea sana itikadi nne za upangaji lugha na vipengele vinne vya mchakato wa usanifishaji wa lugha hasa kile cha uimarishaji wa lugha. Mbinu za kurekodi, mahojiano, uchunzaji wa kushiriki na kusoma maktabani zilitumika katika kukusanya data. Sampuli ya utafiti huu kwa jumla ilihusisha watu 30 wakiwemo watumishi 20 wa Shirika la Utangazaji la Uganda ambapo 10 ni Waandishi Habari za Kiswahili. Watu 10 waliosalia waliteuliwa kutoka hadhira ya Shirika la Utangazaji la Uganda jijini Kampala. Utafiti huu uliwalenga wasikilizaji, watazamaji, watumishi wa makao makuu ya Shirika la Utangazaji Uganda jijini Kampala kwa vile wao ndio wadau waliochangia kwa kufanikisha madhumuni ya utafiti huu. Utafiti huu ulibainisha kuwa kuna wataalamu wachache katika lugha ya Kiswahili, ukosefu wa wahisani na ufadhili, kutokuwepo kwa sera madhubuti ya uhariri kuhusu Kiswahili, uhaba wa vitendea kazi na mitazamo hasi kwa lugha ya Kiswahili ni baadhi ya changamoto zinazokumba shirika la Utangazaji la Uganda katika harakati zake za kuendeleza lugha ya Kiswahili. Utafiti huu una manufaa kwa wizara zinazoshughulika na maendeleo ya Kiswahili Uganda kwa sababu vile utawapa mwanga kuhusu changamoto zinazolikumba Shirika la Utangazaji la Uganda katika harakati za kukukuza Kiswahili.
Community Volunteers as Ambassadors of Peace: Strategies for Conflict Resolution and Management in Laikipia West Sub-County
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Sarah Rölker
This study investigates the role of peace ambassadors in conflict resolution within Laikipia West, Kenya, where inter-ethnic tensions have historically been exacerbated through drought and resource scarcity. Utilizing qualitative methods, this study involved in-depth interviews with peace ambassadors and local chiefs to understand their motivations, community perceptions, conflict challenges, and resolution strategies. Findings reveal that peace ambassadors are distinguished community leaders driven by a profound commitment to peace. Peace ambassadors use their local knowledge and cultural understanding to mediate disputes. They adopt a proactive, directive approach to conflict resolution, focusing on calming tensions, listening to both sides and guiding parties toward mutual understanding and forgiveness. The study highlights the importance of integrating traditional conflict resolution methods with contemporary practices, suggesting a hybrid model that preserves cultural integrity while fostering effective legal accountability. Furthermore, it recommends replicating the model in other areas and advocates for a multi-level approach that addresses issues such as structural and cultural violence, intending to promote positive peace and address the symptoms and root causes.
Compositional Elements of Photographic Coverage of the Westgate Mall Terrorist Attack
(Lu, 2024-07-27) Benjamin Mbatia Kinyanjui, Dr. Pauline Nasesia Ndoro and Prof. Wendo Nabea
Purpose: Terrorism is a global threat that has prompted extensive research, with mass media playing a crucial role in reporting such events. This study investigated the compositional elements of photographic coverage of the Westgate Mall terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 21, 2013. Methodology: Photographs from the Daily Nation, Standard, and New York Times were analysed. Using qualitative descriptive research and content analysis through MaxQDA software, the study identified patterns and themes in the images, focusing on denotative, stylistic-semiotic, connotative, and ideological representations. Findings: It was found that camera angles, shot proximity, and image sizes were strategically used by photojournalists to convey messages and emotions. Large images on front pages provided visual appeal, while medium and small images added content and facilitated sensationalized storytelling. Shot proximity varied to deliver specific messages, with few close-ups used to avoid evoking sombre emotions or aiding terrorist propaganda. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study contributes to the existing mass media research by highlighting the importance of thoughtful image selection and composition in responsible photojournalism to balance accurate reporting with mitigating potential harm.
Discursive Construction of Masculinities in Gìkúyú Proverbs
(Laikipia University, 2016-09) Mukami, Gitu P.
For a holistic understanding of social, economic, political and historical understanding of issues affecting Africa, the struggles of social equality between both men and women must be addressed. This research focused on the semantics of female subjugation and derogation in Gῖkῦyῦ proverbs. Proverbs, as forms of figurative communication with didactic functions in studied conversations possess evidence of male attempt at maintaining control over discourse in society. The representations of womanhood in Gῖkῦyῦ proverbs are mainly negative. The fact that these stereotypes have been encoded in a form of communication usually respected and highly valued in Gῖkῦyῦ culture suggests the degree to which rhetoric in the society has been masculinised. The aims of this study were to evaluate and analyse the depiction of women in African Oral Literature using Gῖkῦyῦ proverbs, to determine how socio-cultural and economic factors contribute to the portrayal of women among the Gῖkῦyῦ community, and to investigate how the image of a woman as exemplified in Gῖkῦyῦ proverbs affects gender roles and attitudes in the community. The study was informed by a combination of Wodak’s (DHA) and Connell’s Hegemonic Masculinities theory. The theories benefited the study in terms of perspectives, practical approaches and analytical tools. Further, they were utilized for the purpose of exploring more nuanced, complex understandings of manliness and men’s relationships with men, women and social structures. The data consisted of Gῖkῦyῦ proverbs which were purposefully collected. The researcher interviewed thirty two respondents ranging from age 21-80 of both genders using semi-structured questions. Data was then analyzed descriptively to help the researcher to establish the possible behavior and attitudes of the subjects. The beneficiaries of the study are other researchers since it was inspire future research in the area of gender and language by showing how language planners can inculcate issues of social justice such as gender equality into the curriculum. The study also benefits institutions interested in gender issues and also curriculum developers in their efforts to mainstream gender strategies through the use of language into planning and implementation since language is a crucial tool in the society.
Does the Legal Framework Moderate the Relationship between Resource Allocation Reforms and Financial Performance of County Governments? Evidence from Kenya
(East African Journal of Business and Economics,, 2025-05-05) Titus Kiplangat Kemboi1*, Samuel O. Onyuma1 & BenJack O. Ochieng1
This study examined the effect of resource allocation reforms on the performance of county governments and how the legal framework moderates this relationship. The study was grounded on resource allocation theory, informed by positivist research philosophy and utilized a correlational research design. The target population consisted of the 47 county governments in Kenya, which were clustered into seven regional blocs. Within each regional bloc, a county with the lowest budget absorption rate, as per the Controller of Budget's 2023 report, was selected. The top and middle-level management employees in the Department of Finance and Economic Planning were selected resulting in 229 target respondents upon which a sample size of 144 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan formulae. Data was analyzed using the SPSS Analysis of Moment Structure, employing factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Results of the study revealed that resource allocation reforms had a statistically significant effect on County financial performance, (β=0.499, t=5.578, p< 0.05). However, the legal framework in place had an insignificant moderating effect on the relationship between resource allocation reforms and County financial performance (β=0.019, t=0.225, p> 0.05). The paper concludes that issues relating to reforms targeting resource allocation are important in improving the financial performance of county governments and recommends effective implementation of resource allocation reforms to ensure enhanced performance of county governments in Kenya.
Effect of Internal Environment on Formulation of Strategic Plans in Public Secondary Schools in Nyandarua West, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2014-09) Muthee, Esther G.
A Strategic Plan is a road map for any organization to achieve its long term goals. Majority of schools in Nyandarua West do not have well formulated Strategic Plans despite the Ministry of Educations directive in 2006. This study sought to establish why formulation of Strategic Plans has not been properly done in many Public Secondary Schools in the region. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the effects of availability of finance, leadership style, organizational culture and management attitude and skills on formulation of Strategic Plans. The research was based on Michael Porter’s ―Five Forces Model‖ used to analyze the competitive advantage of an enterprise. A survey research design was used in the study, A target population of 372 which included the Parent/Teachers Associations (PTA) members, the Board of Management (BOM), Principals and Teachers was used. A sample population of 112 respondents was obtained using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling from PTA, Teachers, BOM and Principals from a cluster of schools in two zones, purposively selected. The research instruments used were questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were administered through a drop and pick later methods to teachers and members of BOM/PTA. Interviews were conducted on Principals or their Deputies and the chairpersons of BOM/PTA. Data was analyzed and presented through the frequency distribution tables, pie chart, regression analysis, correlations coefficients and percentages. Statistical model showed that Formulation of Strategic Plans= 1.622(Constant) +0.334(Leadership Style) + 0.134(Availability of Finance) + 0.94(Management Attitudes and Skills)+0.64(Organization Culture) + error term. This implied that management attitudes and skills had the highest influence, then organization culture followed by leadership style while availability of finance had the least influence. Some specific findings were that good management was important in formulation of Strategic Plans that and funds are not available to enhance the process of formulating Strategic Plans. Schools did not embrace Strategic Planning. Leaders did not allow participation of all stakeholders in Strategic Planning process. The study recommended that management should provide guidelines and encourage all stakeholders to participate in formulation of Strategic Plans by ensuring that they get the required skills through seminars and workshops. Funds should be provided to enable formulation of Strategic Plans and schools culture should embrace Strategic Planning. These finding will be used by both the public and the private sector to enhance formulation of good Strategic Plans in order to improve their efficiency and enhance service delivery.
Elevation and Slope as Key Determinants of Landslide-Prone Areas in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-21) Njiraini John Maina
Landslide studies in Kenya have received less interest as opposed to other regions of the world. Murang’a County in Central Kenya presents a unique case of geographical interest not only due to its positioning within the alpine Aberdare Ranges but also because it has experienced serious, deadly and repeated landslide disasters. This study seeks to ascertain whether elevation and slope are key determinants of landslide in the county. Primary data collection instruments were Household (HH) questionnaires where a sample size of 393 HH was sampled at a confidence level of 95%. Secondary data for elevation and slope were derived from satellite imagery. A significant 95.5% of the respondents said that slope was a major landslide causal/trigger factor. A significant number of people (r=0.806) who had migrated to their current locations described steepness as a major causal/trigger factor. Elevation factor was mentioned by 90.2% of the respondents as a key factor contributing to the occurrence of landslides. The study concludes that elevation and slope are key and significant landslide causal/trigger factors in Murang’a County. The study recommends that people living in areas delineated as ‘high-risk zones’ should be advised to relocate to safer grounds to avert huge losses from potential landslide disasters.
Evaluation of the determinants of uptake of oral rehydration salts with zinc in the management of childhood diarrhea in Kakamega County
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-15) Irene K. Muhande, Job Mapesa, Benard Ouna
Background: Diarrhea remains a significant public health concern, contributing to high child mortality, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Approximately 1.5 million cases of childhood diarrhea are reported annually in Kenya, with a prevalence of 16%. Despite the availability of affordable interventions like oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc supplementation, their utilization remains suboptimal in Kakamega County, where child mortality is 45 per 1,000. The combined impact of ORS and zinc in reducing childhood diarrhea and its consequences has not been adequately studied in Kakamega County. This study aims to assess the utilization of ORS and zinc in diarrhea management in Kakamega County. Methods: We utilized a cross-sectional design to evaluate current practices and outcomes in managing diarrhea among children under five years old. A random sampling approach was applied to ensure a representative sample. Key variables assessed included the frequency of diarrhea episodes, the use of ORS and zinc, and nutritional status. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and descriptive methods, were used to examine the relationships between the variables in SPSS version 26. Results: Of the 246 children surveyed, 47.4% were under 10 months old. The study found that 26.8% of children had not received rotavirus vaccinations, and diarrhea was significantly (p<0.05) associated with poor nutritional outcomes. ORS had strong support (69.4%), but zinc supplementation showed moderate support (54.3%). Conclusions: The study highlights the need for increased uptake of ORS and zinc supplementation, as well as enhanced vaccination coverage to prevent diarrhea-related deaths and malnutrition in Kakamega County.
Foreign Investor Participation Reforms and Securities Market Performance in Kenya
(International Journal of Finance and Accounting,, 2025-05-07) Kipkemoi Cheruiyot1*, Samuel O. Onyuma1 & Florence A. Opondo1
This study investigated the influence of foreign investor participation reforms (FIPRs) on securities market performance in Kenya. It employed an exploratory research design, collecting primary data from firms participating in the securities market and 238 respondents who actively participated in the Kenyan securities market. Data was analyzed using SPSS AMOS, employing principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the associations between latent variables. Structural equation modelling was undertaken to evaluate any inherent relationship between the study variables. The findings revealed a significant positive influence between FIPR and several key indicators. An increase in FIPRs incentivized foreign investors to purchase more listed securities. As a result, foreign investors are shifting towards online trading due to reforms, which reduce the need for physical travel. The inherent taxation rate adjustment within the reforms has successfully drawn in more foreign investors into the local market. Generally, the results reveal a significant relationship between foreign investor participation reforms and securities market performance in Kenya, demonstrating the influence of these reforms in shaping domestic securities market outcomes. Given that investors constitute sixty-five percent of trading at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, attempts to further increase market activity must consider a reform agenda aimed at attracting foreign investors into the market.
From Reproductive Rights to Sexual Rights: Contesting Abortion Politics in Kenya, 1963-2015
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Patrick Michael Ogeto*, Babere Kerata Chacha
The abortion debate in Kenya has been a contentious issue for decades, with the recent lifting of a ban on Marie Stopes, a global charity offering abortion services, highlighting its urgency. This paper examines how transnational advocacy and local narratives have shaped the discourse around legalizing safe abortion in Kenya. It explores the historical trajectory of this struggle, from the post-independence period to international milestones such as the 1975 International Decade for Women, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, the Beijing Plus 5 conference, and the Maputo Protocol. The analysis underscores the role of foreign influence, particularly from Britain, the USA, and Scandinavian nations, in introducing new models of sexual governance and nationalism. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, this study investigates how abortion discourses have been constructed, contested, and transformed, navigating the tensions between tradition and modernity. The findings argue that external advocacy and local efforts have been pivotal in advancing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Kenya.
Historical Analysis of Post-Colonial Food Security Policies in Kenya, 1963-2020
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Thomas Njiru Gichobi,1* John Ndungu Kungu2
This paper analyses Kenya’s food security policies since independence in 1963 to 2020. The country has faced persistent food insecurity due to volatile harvests, corruption, and poor roads, which lead to poor food distribution in some parts of the nation. While initial policies favoured large-scale export farming, the 1980s National Food Policy shifted focus to sustainable agriculture and smallholder support through fertilizer subsidies, irrigation programmes, and a keen focus on improving road connectivity in Kenya. Despite these interventions, challenges persist. These include inadequate infrastructure, climate change impacts, limited smallholder financing, and inequitable land ownership. COVID-19 further exposed supply chain vulnerabilities. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of government interventions in irrigation, subsidies, and road infrastructure development and proposes new strategies for Kenya’s food security.
Hybrid Crank-Nicolson-Du Fort and Frankel (CN-DF) Scheme for the Numerical Solution of the 2-D Coupled Burgers’ System
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Kweyu Cleophas1, Nyamai Benjamin2 and Wahome John3
The two dimensional coupled Burgers’ equations constitute an appropriate model for developing computational algorithms, for solving the incompress ible Navier-Stokes equations. Moreover, they are generally used as transport equations because they model a number of fluid flow phenomena, for example, turbulent flow, shock wave formation and boundary layer formation. In this paper, we develop a hybrid Crank-Nicolson and Du Fort and Frankel (CN DF) scheme. The hybrid CN-DF is developed by introducing the Du Fort and Frankel (DF) properties into the Crank-Nicolson scheme (CN). This is a three level scheme and is also unconditionally stable. Numerical solutions from the hybrid scheme are obtained by the use of MATLAB software. By use of L1 error, it is determined that the hybrid scheme is fifth order accurate in space and produces better results in comparison to the pure Crank-Nicolson and the pure Du Fort and Frankel schemes.
Ideology and Disabling of Patriarchy in Emecheta’s Joys of Motherhood and Second-Class Citizen
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Philip Mwangi Muhia1*, Albert Mugambi Rutere1, Stephen Muthoka Mutie2
The voice of feminists in subverting patriarchy is critical in understanding women’s expedition for social justice. The knowledge constitutes the philosophy of human intellect as the African woman hankers for dignity through emancipation. This paper examines Emecheta's concerns in her two literary texts, ‘The Joys of Motherhood and Second-Class Citizen’. Emecheta is one of Africa’s literary elites who drummed support for disabling patriarchal domineering on women. The texts highlight ideology and subversive practices that can help answer the question of how a woman can transcend patriarchal injustices. The study is located within feminist and deconstruction theories, emphasising Emecheta as a writer who produces knowledge about African women. The selected texts, therefore, are important tools in understanding African women, which is critical for the development of the society. The textual analysis method was used to help understand the women writer’s view on the emancipation of the African woman as seen in ‘Joys of Motherhood and Second-Class Citizen.’ The paper argues that Emecheta ideology and disabling patriarchal practices are worthwhile lessons for postcolonial African women in their expeditions for social justice.
Impacts of Landslides on Residents Living in The Disaster-Prone Areas of Murang’a County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) John M. Njiraini
Landslides are projected to increase in the future due to population pressure and associated land use changes exacerbated by climate change in the tropics. Studies about the impacts of landslides pay much attention to the negative effects at the expense of any positivity. This qualitative study seeks to fill the gap by focusing on both the positive and negative impacts of landslides in Murang’a County through descriptive statistics and narrative analysis. Primary data was collected through Household (HH) questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and Interview schedules. The sample size is 393 proportionate HHs in the study area, with a total population of 85,895 people distributed over 26,201 HHs. A total of 8 key informant interviews were conducted alongside 6 FGD. An overwhelming count of 97 percent of local people considered landslides as disasters, and 88.7 percent said that there has been an increase in cases over time. Importantly, 80.8 percent of those who testified to have experienced a landslide (94.3%) reported a landslide at close proximity of less than 1 kilometre from their homes. A significant 92.3 percent of the landslide cases were reported to have caused damages ranging from destruction of properties, displacements, loss of human life and animals, and psychological stress, among others. Prominent negative impacts of landslides are psychological effects reported by 63.4 percent of the affected respondents. Other adverse effects included loss of properties, displacements, deaths, and loss of animals and crops. The positive impacts include monetary gains for the affected residents, income for absentee house owners, and rebuilding resilient infrastructures. The study concludes that landslide disasters in the prone areas of Murang’a County result in both negative and positive impacts. The impacts of landslides on residents living in prone areas indicated more pronounced negative effects compared to the positive ones. Therefore, the study concludes that efforts by different stakeholders should be put in place to minimize the adverse effects of landslides. Both county and national governments should have an all-inclusive disaster management programme involving the residents who are directly impacted.
Influence of Selected Parental and Students’ Factors on Secondary School Students’ Career Aspirations in Nyahururu Municipality, Kenya.
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Njori, Wanjira Annastasia
Career choice is a very important decision in life. Secondary school students are prepared through career guidance to make career choices that are best suited to them. However this is not always the case and many high school graduates have continued to choose careers which they are not happy with. To help them make better career choices, it is important that career guidance teachers understand the influence of parental and students’ personal factors on secondary school student’s career aspirations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether parents’occupation, level of formal education and students characteristics, specifically gender and academic performance have any influence on students career aspirationsin Nyahururu Municipality, Laikipia County, Kenya. The study utilized ex-post facto research design. A stratified sample of 327 Form III and IV students from eleven (four public and seven private) secondary schools were purposively selected for the study from a target population of 1565 students. A structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents who had been selected through stratified and simple random sampling techniques from a target population of 1565 students. Using statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) programme version 20.0, data were analyzed through frequency counts and percentages with respect to nominal scale data.Hypotheses were tested by use of ANOVA and t-test statistics at .05 alpha level. Parents level of formal education (p<.05), student’s gender (p< .05) and students’academic performance had statistically significant influence on students’ career aspirations. However, this was not the case with regard to parents’ occupation. The study offers useful insights to secondary schools on how to strengthen career guidance and counseling departments so as to be more effective in aligning students to the right career paths In particular, there is need to strengthen parent-school meetings so as to sensitize parents on matters pertaining to career guidance for their children.
Masjid Musa Mosque and The Narratives of Radicalization of School Children in Mombasa, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2024-08-20) Patrick Michael Ogeto*, Babere Kerata Chacha, Salyne Nyongesa
Not long ago, a number of research findings linked Muslim pupils and students in boarding schools and colleges that are considered more likely to be indoctrinated by extremists to join terrorist groups such as Al-Shabab-that children living away from their parents were easier to mislead and indoctrinate. While acknowledging that violent extremists have no direct relationship with nor represent Islamic teachings, this study argues that whereas it is true that most Madrasas are peaceful and serve a constructive role in societies where education is often a privilege rather than a right, this overlooks the fact that Madrasas have been vitally important in furthering the mission of some of the most volatile terrorist groups. Therefore, this study intends to explore these competing claims and address how the Madrasa question is systematically linked to radicalization by using examples of the Masjid Musa Mosque that became a centre of international scrutiny in a similar case.