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Effect of defoliation on the grain yield of hybrid maize in the Kenyan midlands
Get PDFMaize is an important agricultural commodity in the Kenyan midland grown by about 70% of farmers as food crop. Majority of these are small scale holders practicing mixed farming i.e. crop and livestock production as a major source of income. These areas experience fodder shortage due to diminishing land size as a result of increased population. The purpose of this study therefore was to (i) Quantify the impact of defoliation on the final grain yield of hybrid maize and (ii) Quantify the amount of forage obtained at various levels of defoliation done after anthesis. (iii) To assess the best method of defoliating the maize crop after anthesis. The levels of treatment were removal of 25%, 50% and 75% of leaves of the hybrid maize removed from the bottom. There were two sampling schemes of defoliation and each was replicated four times (treatments). In the sampling scheme I defoliation was done once at anthesis, where by 25%, 50% and 75% of the total leaves were removed. In sampling scheme II defoliation was done in stages at interval of two weeks after anthesis, the defoliation rate was 25% of the total leaves. The main study findings revealed that increasing leaf defoliation decreases grain yields while increasing the quantity of fodder from the maize plants. When defoliation is done in phases at 25% intervals then yields are reduced but not greatly reduced as compared to when done at once. Striking a balance between maximizing fodders without compromising the grain yields is a desirable phenomenon of subsistence farming in midlands. This study therefore concluded that 50% defoliation to be done in phases on the other hand it recommends that 75% and above defoliation should not be done on maize crops because this treatment reduces the grain yield significantly
Financial reporting practices in public primary schools in Kenya.
Get PDFHF 5681.K5 2010 C2Financial reporting has been characterized recently as a function facing a crisis critical to its long-term survival as a professionalized activity. Numerous empirical studies have looked into both the needs of financial reporting practices in public institutions. However, none of these known local and international surveys has ever focused on financial reporting practices in public primary schools in Kenya in Igembe South District. It is in this light that the researcher set to carry out a research on financial reporting practices in public primary schools in Kenya a case of lgembe South District. The study used a descriptive survey design aimed at investigating the financial reporting practices in the public primary schools in Kenya a case of Igembe South district. The study employed descriptive analysis technique on both primary and secondary data. To collect primary data, a set of questionnaires were administered to management of the public primary schools in Igembe south district. The target population of study was the management, the finance and accounts staff of the public primary schools in Igembe South district. The sample population for the study consisted of 105 respondents selected from the target population of 350 possible respondents using stratified random sampling. The data was collected using the drop and pick method that allowed the respondents fill the questionnaires at their convenient time, The study employed descriptive analysis technique on both primary and secondary data. From the findings, on quality of financial reporting practices, the study found that the public primary schools in Igembe North district had committee. On corporate governance, the study found that sound financial reporting practices, good governance, and accountability are essential building-blocks for driving improvement and better-value for money in public bodies. On communication/information symmetry, the study established that financial reporting assisted in decision making in the schools to a great extent and the financial reports practices were communicated to the other stakeholders in the majority of the schools during the annual general meetings. On audit and legal implications, the study established that audit and legal implications in financial reporting practices show the changes in financial position of the institution, they provide information about the financial and also they provide information about performance of the institution. This study therefore recommends that for efficient and successful financial reporting in public primary schools, they must involve more stakeholders e.g. parents, local authorities to ensure quality financial reporting practice
Factors influencing women advancement to managerial positions in Kenya.A case study of former Meru District public service officers
No full textThis study focused on the factors that influence women advancement to managerial positions in Kenya. The objective of this research was to determine the factors that hinder the process of women advancement to top managerial levels. Thus the study addressed variables such as, education, social-cultural practices, family obligations, and enabling environment. The research design used was a descriptive research design. The design helped to answer the questions such as how, what, when, and where. Thus the design was suitable to answer the questions concerning the current status of women in career advancement. The research focused on former Meru District public civil servants sector which had two hundred eighty two (252) officers consisting of management and working staff. Former Meru district was used as a representative district for all other districts in Kenya because they all assume same values, working policies, code of ethics and regulations and administrative requirements which are essential to the ministerial places The researcher used stratified random sampling to select a sample of 56(five six) respondents and interviewed them using self-administered questionnaire to collect data. The researcher used drop and pick method to administer the questionnaires. The data was processed and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as means of occurrences or central tendencies was used for analysis. A logit regression model was used to analyze the data. The results were presented in summary reports, and tables based on those tests and analysis of research dimensions. Research findings were used to conclude on hypotheses and recommendations given concerning hose factors that hinder women advancement to managerial positions in public sector. The findings indicated that women are affected in their advancement to managerial positions by social-cultural factors, professional / career development, enabling environment and family obligation significantly, thus the researcher recommends that these factors should be addressed effectively if women are going to break through the glass-ceiling. The research was conducted in an ethical manner so as to build, uphold trust and cooperation that was aimed at generating valid and reliable study results
Creation of wealth and employment opportunities through sustainable utilization and conservation of wetlands
No full textGenerally wetlands have untapped potential which the society can tap to create wealth employment opportunities. Tapping these potentials requires collaboration of key players in wetland management who should work together in initiating enterprises and ventures which can create job opportunities. The study intended to elucidate the potential and economic opportunities found within Mbututia wetlands in Tigania west district with a view to analyze the said potential and it should be used to create wealth and job opportunities. During the said period of past and existing initiatives by community and stakeholders was analyzed through analyses of related literature on studies done in Meru and elsewhere with a view of trying to understand the values and potential of this wetland and trying to identify gaps in studies. Inputs (activities/contributions) from key players in wetlands management who are the community, the stakeholders and the donors formed independent variables of the study while output(wealth and job opportunities)arising from these inputs formed dependent variable. The researcher used hypothesis to test the relationship between these variables. Population of 203(registered members of CBOs of Mbututia wetland, formed the population of the study. A sample of 40 respondents was picked randomly which is equivalent to 20% of total population and was used as sample during the study. Descriptive research design was used where the researcher visited the population of interest in selected wetland to collect data. Simple random sampling design was used to le the population. This design was found appropriate because it enabled the researcher to get required and valuable information. The study used questionnaires as the main instrument in getting the information and collecting data from respondents. Both open and closed ended questions were used. This led the researcher to get enough information from respondents. The researcher used statistical package for social science (SPSS) to do the analyses and test. Descriptive statistics like mean, mode and standard deviation were used to summarize the data. Chi-square test was used to test hypothesis and particularly to find relationship between the variables under study. The presentations were made in form tables, pie charts and graphs. The study found out that there are several projects by CBO members on Mbututia westland and concluded that communities living within wetland areas can generate income create job opportunities through various economic activities on wetlands. The researcher also recommended that further study be carried out to establish values, potential and opportunities within wetlands in fighting poverty in our society
A research project on investigation of factors that affect growth in private universities in Kenya
No full textThe establishment of Private Universities in Kenya can be traced to Christian Missionaries who were at the forefront in the development of Christian Missionary work and spread of western education. Private Institutions of higher learning which existed before independence namely, St Paul's Theological College and Scotts Theological College became pioneer Private Universities in Kenya after the government, liberalization of education in the 1990s'. Currently there are more than twenty (20) private universities operating in Kenya under grant of authority from the Commission of Higher Education CHE. The private Universities have come to play a critical role of increasing accessibility of University Education to the increasing number of Kenyans who qualify but are unable to secure admission because of limited vacancies. For their bid to fulfill the role of providing higher education for all, Private Universities are faced with numerous constraints that hither limit their capacity growth. In this respect, the questions are as to whether Private universities have transformed the traditional academic programs offered, changed policies on recruitment of human resource, recruitment, modernized students' admission procedures systems, and product/service delivery methods, facilities and infrastructure necessary to promote and sustain growth. A critical look at the many studies in Private Universities in Kenya reveals that none of these concerned itself to the constraints facing Private Universities in Kenya and how they may be affecting growth. This study will add to the existing literature in this area by investigating the factors constraining growth in Private Universities in Kenya. It is being undertaken at a time when Private universities in Kenya are not able to cope with the demand for University education, and Kenya like other economies, appreciate the need to invest in University Education for its growing population to cope with the competitive global environment. The study is aimed at investigating the factors constraining the growth of Private Universities in Kenya namely: - resources, information technology, human resources, and products and services in order to recommend ways of overcoming them to facilitate growth. Data collection procedures used in this study involved: the seeking of authority from the respondent Universities to conduct research by way of an introductory cover letter to the academic administration division through the Vice Chancellors Office. Granted the permission, the researcher sought the help of the Universities to conduct the survey, to create rapport with the respondents. Survey questionnaires were personally administered to the sample of 21 Private Universities administration. This took 2 weeks and those completed, were personally picked. The study established that Private Universities studied are largely constrained by lack of adequate facilities, inadequate ICT resources, human resources capacity, in appropriate and insufficient products and services, which constrain the growth of Private Universities in Kenya. This results in limited Universities enrolment, in ability to offer necessary and relevant programmes and failure to achieve their objectives. The study concludes that the Private Universities in Kenya studied are largely constrained by inadequate availability of the factors that support and sustain growth. The study recommends that Private Universities in Kenya must leverage on the scarce resources by being innovative in delivery modes, recruitment policies, enrollment and registration of students to include open and long distance learning ( odlm), E-Learning in humanities and social sciences. Private Universities should enhance research and private enterprise to generate the needed funds both from Private bodies and governments. Embrace use of ICT, change recruitment policy to depart from faith based to professional competence, re-engineer programmes to offer more relevant government policy aligned programmes, establish linkages with other Universities local and International and establish networks for strong partnerships, exchange programmes to support research. Seek more government support to Private Universities in development capital and students' scholarships and tuition loans
Analysis of causes and effects of occupational stress on health care workers performance.A survey of Tigania East and west Sub-district and District Hospitals
No full textThis study attempted to assess the causes and effect of occupational stress on health care workers performance by taking a case study of Tigania East & Tigania West sub-district and district hospitals. The purpose of the study was to explore the causes and effect of occupational stress on health care workers performance with the aim of identifying strategies for minimizing occupational stress among health care workers. This research adopted descriptive research design and obtained information concerning the current status of stress among health care workers so as to describe "what exists" with respect to work related stress. The first part of the study examined the causes of stress while the second part looked at the effects of such stress on health care workers performance. Both primary and secondary data were used in the research. The sample frame consisted of 96 workers drawn from Mbeu, Mikinduri, Muthara and Miathene sub district and district hospitals. The sample size consisted of 48 workers drawn from the four hospitals. This constituted half of the total number of workers in the four hospitals under study. The 48 study respondents were identified using stratified random sampling method. Questionnaires were issued to the identified respondents who were then required to drop them at a centralized collection point. Out of the 48 questionnaires issued, 4 were not returned whereas 4 were incomplete. Thus, data analysis was based on 40 questionnaires that were fully filled and returned. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. The data analysis sought to answer research questions of the study According to the regression analysis done, job security, tight work deadlines, low chances for career growth, low salary and lack of working tools were identified as key stressors that result to occupational stress among health care workers in the studied hospitals. In regard to effects of occupational stress on health care workers performance, the study revealed that apart from adversely affecting workers performance, occupational stress also resulted to workers interpersonal conflict (violence at work), strikes, and violence at home. The study therefore recommended that the hospital management should come up with intervention measures that are specifically geared towards addressing the 5 major stressors highlighted by the study. These intervention measures will aim at ensuring that workers have enough and appropriate working tools and supplies, less workload and more realistic work deadlines, enhanced chances for career growth and advancement, greater sense of job security and more attractive salaries and benefits
Comparative study on quality of life among married and non- married women living with HIV/ AIDS
No full textp. 65 - 75Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a serious health problem among married and non-married women. It has become a health problem for women of all ages. Antiretroviral therapies introduced in the mid 1990s have allowed many women with HIV infection to live long~ before progressing to AIDS, and to have longer survival time following an AIDS diagnosis. Then the issue of quality 0£.life becomes important for these women. The progression of HIV disease most often results in a decreasing quality of life.
While examining quality of life among women living with HIV/AIDS, limited attention has been paid to study addressing the issue of whether there is a difference in the levels of quality of life between married and non-married women living, with HIV/AIDS. This study will assess and compare the levels of quality of life in married and non-married women living with HIV/AIDS. Random systematic sampling of 114 women living with HIV/ AIDS who participated in the study were-administered well structured questionnaires by the palliative care nurses. Quality of life was evaluated using World Health Organization's Quality of Life HIV short form (WHOQOL HIV BREF) instrument.
The data reported in this study suggest that there is no significance difference with regard to quality of life between married and non-married women. The independent t test revealed that the levels of quality of life differed significantly in the married and the non-married respondents, t (112) = -2.64; p value =.01. But controlling the effect of the covariates in both groups, the result revealed that there was no significant difference in the levels of quality of life in non-married and married women, t (1J2) = -1.4, p value = .17. The apparent difference (t (112) = -2.64; p value =.01) in the levels of quality of life was found to be due to covariates variables
Performance of women enterprise fund on women economic empowerment; A survey of North Imenti Constituency
Get PDFHG 178 .L9 2010 C1ABSTRACT
Women enterprise fund was meant to empower women economically by providing them with money to start some income generating activities or expand their already existing entrepreneur activities. A representative sample was selected from the population of 1540 women who are in registered women groups in Imenti North constituency. A sample size of 154 women was used in the study by use of Multi -stage sampling method. The study was a survey and Data was collected by use of questionnaires which contained both structured and unstructured questions. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and findings presented in tables, graphs and charts. There were three hypotheses to be tested and the first one was there is no significant difference in average monthly income between the women who had WEF and those who no WEF. The second hypotheses was there is no significant difference in average assets between women who had WEF and those who had no WEF and the final Hypotheses was that there was no significant difference in average monthly savings between women who had WEF and those who had no WEF .All this hypotheses were tested using T -test where by the first two hypotheses were rejected while the last one was accepted. The results indicated that Women Enterprise Fund has empowered women in terms of Assets Acquisition, and increased income but no significant difference was found in terms of savings among both groups of women. It is recommended that more women who never applied for WEF should be encouraged to Acquire the loan either though the constituency Women Enterprise Fund or through the selected Financial Intermediaries like the Kenya Women Finance Trust. In order for this to accomplished more awareness campaign is required about the WEF. Also it is recommended that there is need to educate the women on importance of setting some money aside as savings for future emergencies
An analysis of staff utilization
Get PDFHF 5549.5 .F7 2009 C2ABSTRACT
Staffing is a critical function of management and the most crucial aspect of manpower planning. The staffing function consists of three related activities: recruitment, selection and outplacement. Staffing is also very important in strategy implementation of any firm. The main purpose of this study was to analyze staff utilization on strategy implementation of Samaritan's Purse MET Program in Meru North District. Other specific objectives included. To determine the staffing levels with strategy requirements, to determine the factors considered when allocating each member staff the workload, to identify the challenges faced by the Samaritan's purse employees when performing their duties and give recommendations based on the findings. A descriptive survey method was used to conduct this study. The survey method was applied for; it is used to gather data from a large population at a particular point in time in a highly economical way with an intention of describing the nature of the existing situations. The target population was all the 30 employees of Samaritans purse who are the implementers and the 150 chairpersons of the MET groups. A simple random sampling technique was used to identify the respondents. A sample of 90 persons was selected. The main data collection tool that was used in this study was questionnaires. Data analysis was done by mainly descriptive statistics. The analysis outputs are presented in terms of pie charts, graphs frequency tables, and percentages. The study is expected to help Samaritan's purse MET Program recruit, develop and deploy talent required to meet changing MET programme issues. The study will also raise the fight of HIV/ AIDS in Meru North District because the staffing issues will be addressed in a better way. Results from the study indicate that SP MET had competent staff members and majority of the staff (53.3%) were community mobilizers reaching out to as many people as possible. 66.7% of the staff members rated their staffing Ievels to he adeouate and maioritv (66.7%) of the staff members agreed that their staffing levels were in line with their strategy. The main challenge experienced when training was absconding (73.3%) trainings by the trainees. Other challenges included inadequate time (20%) and lack of follow up programs (6.7%) which was regarded as the least. Majority (80.0%) of the SP staff are utilized to the required level. Comparing the level of education and the number or CVBTs and number of youth educators, one way ANOVA results reveal that there was no significant relationship between level of education and number of CVBTs. However there was a significant relationship between level of education among chairpersons and number of youth reached.
In conclusion, the study indicates that there is a strong relationship between competence and strategy implementation (number of youth educators trained). Therefore a balanced focus in manpower planning in terms of quality and quantity of employees is vital for the success of the project. The researcher recommends that there is a need to increase both trainers and community mobilisers because the ones already there, have been over utilized
Analysis of factors that affect employee training in local authorities
Get PDFHF 5549 .M8 2009ABSTRACT
This research project aimed at analysis of factors that affect employee training in Local authorities. It was a case study that involved employees of all cadres in Meru Municipal Council. The research project was developed after observation that employees in Local authorities were not adequately equipped with skills, abilities and knowledge for effective service delivery.
Assessing the present situation of Local authorities in terms of service delivery, it is obvious that urgent steps are required to upgrade employee skills in order to improve performance is critical. The Local authorities have over the years not responded to this urgent need to improve the quality of their workforce. The local authorities have over the years not responded to this urgent need to improve the quality of their workforce .The research intended to analyse the factors and offer appropriate recommendation. Descriptive research design was employed, which involves an indepth analysis of the factors. Questionnaires were distributed to all employees of the sampled group. Data was then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS). Data was analysed to establish the factors that affect employee training. From the study it was established that several factors are responsible for the state of training in LAs which include, the quality of the workforce, poor Human Resource Practices, Low budgetary allocations to training and employee attitude to training.The respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs which they said offered them no room for personal growth, skill advancement, and career development. Employees are not guided on matters concerning future plans for personal development and training, promotion and upward mobility prospects. From the above it is clear that HRM practices are professionally employed in LAs. There is need for a strategy for systematic HRD programmes especially in the area of training, recruitment, and retention of employees. This will promote the need for annual budgetary Provision to support HRM activities especially training. A deliberate effort is required to reinstate the funding for LAs training programmes which according to this research have dwindled to almost zero over the years.
The findings and recommendations of this study will significantly contribute to advancement of service delivery in LAs through improved performance of employees after effective training. Fundamentally, the research findings have availed information key towards implementation of Kenya's Economic Blueprint Vision 2030 and accomplishment e Millennium development goals by 2012