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The Effect of Carbon Sequestration on Farmers’ Income: A Case Study of Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project
Full text linkPurpose - The purpose of the study was to assess the effect carbon sequestration has on farmers’ income. This objective was achieved by comparing how the carbon value, crop and livestock farming influence farmers’ income for smallholder farmers working under Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP) and those of the control group, that is, farmers practicing traditional methods. The study also compared margins from crop farming between the two groups of smallholder farmers to assess their level of agricultural productivity. Methodology - The study followed a descriptive statistics approach and more specifically a case study research design. Stratified random sampling was used to select thirty one participants for purposes of the study. In addition, the study employed more of quantitative than qualitative research approaches for data collection and analyses; correlation and multi linear regression analyses so as to complement the validity and reliability of the results. Findings - The results confirmed that indeed carbon sequestration does have an impact on farmers’ income. Farmers practicing sustainable agricultural land management practices are able to maximise their output using cost efficient means and are able to fetch higher margins compared to their counterparts using traditional means. Implications - Governmental agencies need to strengthen their environmental policies to encourage sustainable agricultural practices. This will aid alleviate poverty from increased agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and enable farmers become resilient to climate change. The policies will also enhance capacity building, research and community development in incorporating carbon sequestration projects into the carbon markets. This will create a socio-economic transformation that will create more jobs and scale up the agro-sector. Value - Carbon sequestration through agro forestry among other sustainable agricultural practices is an untapped potential to realize in part the country’s vision 2030; poverty elimination and achievement of 10% forest cover. Farmers are urged to take advantage of climate smart agricultural practices that reduce environmental degradation and conserve resources while boosting income through improved crop yields and profitable systems such as carbon revenue and indirect income from carbon. In the process, farmers become food secure and resilient to climate change. This will in turn create more jobs and scale up the agro-sector which is the main driver of our country’s economy. Key Words: Carbon Sequestration, Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP), Farmer’s Incom
The Effect of Accounting Practices on Management of Funds in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi County
Full text linkPurpose –The study sought to determine the effect of accounting practices on the management of funds in Public secondary schools in Nairobi County. Methodology – This study adopted a descriptive study design and used primary data collected using a questionnaire with a five point Likert scale on the parameters of each variable. The study was a census on 60 Public Schools in Nairobi County. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationship between accounting practices and fund management in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi County. Finding- The results of the study found a significant negative relationship between book keeping and funds management in public secondary schools. The research also found a significant positive connection between internal control activities and funds management in public secondary schools. Additionally, the study findings present a substantial positive connection between computerized accounting and funds administration in public secondary schools. Finally, the study findings established an insignificant positive relationship between budgeting and funds management in public secondary schools. Implications- The public secondary schools in Nairobi County should invest more resources in appropriate book keeping and accounting records since the availability of records will determine how they manage their funds. Secondly strong and effective internal control has a direct effect on fund management in public secondary schools in Nairobi County. Internal controls can help public secondary schools to assess risk levels and to also monitor and evaluate fund’s management in the institutions. Value-The findings of this research would be of value to principals of public secondary schools to improve on their budget preparation, monitoring and control considering the wide range of departmental activities including line activities like feeding program, boarding and co-curricular activities. This is where plans produced are linked to the budget using technical expertise. The findings would also be valuable to education officers (audit section) as a stepping-stone to improve on their financial monitoring and control skills especially in comparing the budget and the actual expenditure by principals of public secondary schools. The findings may be of significance to policymaking organisations like the Ministry of Education in Kenya to develop policy mechanisms to enhance accounting practices in public secondary schools
Flexible Work Practices and Job Performance in The Transport and Logistics Industry: The Kenyan Perspective
Full text linkThe need for flexible working is growing in today’s competitive business environment. Thechanging context of work is creating new challenges and opportunities that companies canonly meet with the sort of agility that flexible working arrangements provide. The purposeof this study was to examine the effect of flexible work practices on job performance at aninternational courier delivery services company operating in Kenya. The research studyadopted a descriptive research design in form of survey where data was collected usingquestionnaires from all the employees of the company in Kenya based in Nairobi andMombasa offices. Stratified random sampling technique was used where all therespondents were selected from different levels within the company. A regression analysiswas done to determine the effect of flexible work practices on job performance. The resultsshowed that Flexible working is regarded as an effective way to achieve work life balancein the company. The study findings showed a strong and positive correlation (.994) betweenflexible work practices and job performance. The variables were found to have asignificant impact on flexible work practices and job performance. The study concludedthat Flexible Work Practices have a strong positive effect on Job Performance. It wasrecommended that the company designs and implements policies around Flexible WorkPractices; create awareness programs to sensitize employees on the benefits of suchpractices to self and organization, and that it aligns its Flexible Work Practiceprograms/initiatives to the business strategie
Strategic Choice and Performance of Universities in Kenya: The Mediating Role of Organizational Learning
Full text linkScholars and practitioners argue that organizational performance is important for bothempirical and conceptual research in strategic management. Strategic choice is a majorconnection between the organization and the environment and involves decisions on themix of business portfolio. Organizational learning, on the other hand, involves a process ofchange which evolves around improving the organizational capability through newknowledge. However, different scholars conceptualize organizational learning differentlydepending on their interests. This empirical research sought to contribute to knowledge byassessing the extent to which organizational learning influences the relationship betweenstrategic choice and performance of universities in Kenya. The study premised on the viewthat establishing the role of organizational learning maximizes the capabilities andcompetitive advantage in the performance of universities in Kenya. The study wasanchored in the industrial organizations economics theory as the main theory. The studyadopted a positivistic orientation and used a cross sectional survey. This study used asample of fifty two and got responses from forty three private and public universities.Primary data was collected using semi structured questionnaires. An analysis was doneusing correlation and regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The study objectiveconfirmed mediation of organizational learning confirmed significant results on nonfinancialperformance. The findings of this study are consistent with most of the previousstudies. This study therefore extends the knowledge frontiers in strategic managementthrough the finding that strategic choice influences organizational performance bothdirectly and indirectly through mediation of organizational learning. The findings of this study provide a diversity of implications on theory, policy and practice. Policy makers willutilize the findings from this study as a guide in the policy formulation and implementationof strategic choices aimed at improved performance of the universities in Kenya with focuson strategic choice and organizational learning. Key Words: Strategic Choice, Organizational Learning, Organizational Performanc
Antioxidant activity of compounds isolated from the butanol fraction of Acalypha wilkesiana var. golden-yellow (Muell & Arg.)
Full text linkBackground: Free radicals (FR) and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major sources of concern in some health conditions such as wounds, ulcers, inflammations, heart troubles and cancers amongst many others. These chemical species have been implicated as the causative agents of these and many more similar disease conditions. The cost of treating / managing these medical conditions has continued to take a huge toll on the socio-economic status of sufferers/patients. Many bio-resources such as plants are now being used to mitigate this worrisome health challenge. Objective: To investigate the antioxidant activity of Acalypha wilkesiana var. golden-yellow (Muell & Arg.) syn. A. wilkesiana var. tropical tempest. Methods: The leaf crude extract, butanol fraction and three isolates (W-1, W-2 and W-3 previously obtained from the silica-gel column chromatographic separation of the butanol fraction) were to be screened for antioxidant activities using the rapid free-radical scavenging activity test and absorption spectrophotometry, both employing DPPH reagent. Results: The initial free-radical scavenging activity of the plant was confirmed when the DPPH reagent-sprayed spots of the plant extract/fraction/isolates (W-1, W-2 and W-3) showed white color on purple background. W-1 (an ester) gave a marginal IC50 of 0.77 μg mL-1as vitamin A at 0.79 μg mL-1 while W-2 (a diol) and W-3 (phenol) both demonstrated moderate antioxidant activities of 0.58 and 0.53 μg mL-1 respectively. However, W-3 was more antioxidant in its action and its value compare favorably with IC50 value obtained with vitamin C (a standard antioxidant drug) at 0.41μg mL-1. Conclusion: The results of the antioxidant assays have showed that the compounds obtained from the plant (especially W-2 and W-3) could be considered as lead antioxidant drug templates in further in-vitro [especially structural activity relationship studies (SARS)] and in-vivo studies with the aim of improving on their activities. Keywords: Free- radicals; antioxidant activity; DPPH assay; isolates; Acalypha wilkesiana var.golden-yello
One-day out-patient prescribing patterns at a national referral hospital in Kenya
Full text linkBackground: Poor prescribing habits lead to ineffective and unsafe treatment for patients, exacerbating or prolonging of illness as well as causing distress and harm to them. Drug utilization studies can help identifying gaps in prescribing and feed the results back to prescribers to enhance future rational use of medicines. Objective: Evaluate outpatient prescribing practices and patterns in a leading national Hospital in Kenya. Methods: A sample of 60 prescriptions was selected by quasi-random sampling. Data was abstracted using a pre-designed data collection form, entered into and analyzed using Excel software. Results: The average number of drugs prescribed per prescription was three with a polypharmacy rate (>4 drugs) of 20%. Only two-thirds (65%) of the prescribed drugs were actually dispensed at the hospital pharmacy due to shortages, principally shortages of originators. Slightly more than half (52%) of the drugs were prescribed by generic name. Prescribing by brand names was highest among medical interns (61%). Almost all drugs prescribed (95%) were consistent with the hospital tender list. Conclusions: There is a need to increase the rate of prescribing of generics to save costs as well as reduce stock-out levels. This can be helped by instigating a comprehensive generics policy. There is also a need to strengthen and empower drugs and therapeutic committees (DTCs) to improve selection and availability of quality generics to win the confidence of prescribers. Keywords: Drug utilisation studies, generics, prescribing patterns, prescribing indicators, polypharmacy, WHO indicators, Keny
Psychopharmacological effects of ethanol leaf extract of Setaria megaphylla in mice
Full text linkBackground: Setaria megaphylla (Steud) Dur & Schinz (Poaceae), a perennial grass used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases including central nervous system disorders. Objective: To evaluate the Setaria megaphylla ethanol leaf extract for psychopharmacological effects in mice. Materials and Methods: Antidepressant activity was evaluated in mice using open field, force swimming and tail suspension tests as well as phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time. Anticonvulsant activity was also tested against pentylenetetrazol and aminophylline-induced convulsions. Results: The leaf extract (200-600 mg/kg) increased significantly (p<0.05- 0.001) the line crossing, walling and rearing activities in open field test and reduced significantly (p<0.05-0.001) the immobility time in force swimming and tail suspension tests. The leaf extract antagonized the hypnotic effect of phenobarbitone sodium and offered no protection to animals against convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol and aminophylline in mice. Conclusion: The leaf extract of S. megaphylla has prominent antidepressant and CNS stimulatory activities which is due to the activities of its phytochemical constituents. Keywords: Antidepressant, Setaria megaphylla, CNS stimulan
Management of Type 2 Diabetes at Vihiga County referral hospital, Kenya: compliance with guidelines and prevalence of complications
Full text linkBackground: In 2013, 382 million people suffered from diabetes globally, with 19.8 million in Africa and a Kenyan prevalence of 4.2%. Poor diabetic related outcomes such as complications, high blood sugar levels have resulted due to inadequate management of the condition. To ensure effective diagnosis, management and monitoring of Type 2 diabetic patients, the healthcare team should adopt and adhere to standard treatment guidelines that are valid and up-to date Objective: To assess the management, monitoring and complications of Type 2 diabetes among adult outpatients at Vihiga County Referral Hospital, Kenya. Methodology: A retrospective cross sectional study design was used to obtain data from 212 patient files selected through a systematic random sampling. Using a pre-designed data collection form, data on patient demographics, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and complications was collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings to determine the proportion of adult Type 2 diabetic cases diagnosed, managed and monitored as per the Institute of Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) guidelines. Inferential analysis using t-test and chi square test were also carried out to ascertain extent of adherence to the guidelines. Results: Majority of the participants (31.1%) were aged 50 – 59 years (31.1%), and most were female (70.3%). Most, 39.6% had had diabetes for 1 to 5 years. Random blood sugar test was the most used method of diagnosis (58.5%) whilst fasting blood glucose test was performed in 34%. A compliance rate of 72.2% was reported in ensuring metformin was part of first line therapy as recommended. The recommended blood pressure, weight and cholesterol monitoring at initiation of treatment was observed in 96.7, 1.4 and 6.1% of the patients, respectively. Of the 141 patients monitored using fasting blood sugar, 113 (80.1%) had uncontrolled blood sugar levels (median blood sugar = 8.9(IQR.7.4, 12.75) mmol/L; P=0.741). The prevalence of reported neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy were 41, 33 and 0.9% respectively. Discussion: The diagnosis, management and monitoring of most patients fell short of the ICSI treatment guideline recommendations especially to monitoring of blood sugar, lipid levels and weight. The presence of anomalies calls for sensitization of healthcare workers on the importance of adoption and adherence to evidence based, up to date treatment guidelines and optimize patient health outcomes. Key words: Type 2 diabetes, treatment guidelines, healthcare provider
Acute toxicity and antihyperglycaemic effect of ethanol stem-bark extract of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) on alloxan induced diabetic rats
Full text linkBackground: Diabetes is a common and very prevalent disease affecting the citizens of both developed and developing countries. Many oral hypoglycaemic agents available for the treatment have significant side effects and sometimes are found to be ineffective in chronic diabetic patients. Objective: To study the acute toxicity and effect of the ethanol stem-bark extract of Annona senegalensis on blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Material and Methods: Hypoglycaemic effect of the extract was studied in normal rats using oral glucose tolerance test and in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Effects of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, i.p of ethanol stem-bark extract of Annona senegalensis, and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, i.p) were studied on blood glucose. Results: The median lethal dose of the extract was found to be 1131.4 mg/kg by intraperitoneal route. In the normal rats (OGTT), from basal to 0 min, the extract did not show significant reduction in the fasting serum glucose level. However, the extract at 300 mg/kg and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) significantly (p≤ 0.05) prevented glucose induced hyperglycemia at 30 to 90 min as compared to normal control. In the alloxan-induced diabetic rats, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of the extract produced significant (p≤0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels. Maximum effect was observed with the 300 mg/kg dose of stem-bark of Annona senegalensis. Conclusion: The results showed that the ethanol extract of the stem bark of the plant possessed antihyperglycaemic activity. Key Words: Hypoglacaemic effect, Annona senegalensis, diabetes mellitus, glibenclamide
Effect of Chief Executive Officers’ Remuneration Announcement on Stock Returns for Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Full text linkIn an efficient market, stock prices reflect all available information and stock price changes are expected to be random and unpredictable. Taking into consideration the fact that the main source of new information about any company gained by concerned parties usually are the public announcements delivered by companies in different ways, the stock prices on an efficient market should react directly to all the new information announced by companies. However, a growing amount of research shows that the activity of financial markets reflected by movements of stock prices does not always comply with the Efficient Market Hypothesis. Event study technique was used in this study. This study’s target population involved the companies listed at the NSE from 2017-2018. The sample had 20 listed firms at the NSE who had declared their CEO remuneration. The findings showed that only two companies’ abnormal returns had statistically significant abnormal returns at the day of CEO remuneration announcement at 5% significance level. All others had statistically insignificant abnormal returns. According to the t-test statistics for the CAR, event was found to be non-statistically significant at 95% level of confidence. These findings suggest that investors at the Nairobi stock exchange perceived the announcement of CEO remuneration events as insignificant and hence recovered and steadied instantaneously, hence the insignificance of CAR and AAR. The study finds that generally, announcement of CEO remuneration has no effect on events the abnormal returns change in homogeneity with the normal. The study recommends that since the scope was limited to the period surrounding the events around the CEO remuneration announcement, the study recommends Auxiliary studies could be done to examine stock returns’ performance in periods without CEO remuneration announcement and compare performance with the periods prior to remuneration announcement events as it is in this study