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Nutrient Management Options For Improving Growth, Yield And Quality Of Snap Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) In Embu County
No full textLow soil fertility, especially deficiencies in nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the key constraints to snap bean production in Kenya. An on farm trial was carried out in Karungua village in Kawanjara Sub-location, Runyenjes division, Embu East District. The first season trial was planted on 26th July 2014 and the second trial on 15th August 2014, respectively. The objectives of the study were: (1) to determine the effect of combining inorganic and organic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of snap bean; and (2) to determine the cost effectiveness of various nutrient management options for snap bean production. The treatments comprised the following: (i) control (no fertilizers applied); (ii) farmyard manure (5 t/ha) and di-ammonium phosphate (50 kg N/ha) at planting and top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting; (iii) di-ammonium phosphate (50 kg N/ha) at planting and top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting; (iv) NPK (23:23:0) (50 kg N/ha) fertilizer at planting and top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting (main farmer practice); (v) di-ammonium phosphate (50 kg N/ha) at planting, calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting and foliar feed spraying at pre- flowering stage; (vi) farmyard manure (5 t/ha), NPK (23:23:0) (50 kg N/ha) fertilizer at planting and top dressing with NPK (17:17:0) (50 kg N/ha) fertilizer at 21 days after planting; (vii) farmyard manure (5 t/ha) at planting and foliar feed spraying at pre- flowering stage; (viii) farmyard manure (5 t/ha) at planting; (ix) farmyard manure (5 t/ha), di-ammonium phosphate (50 kg N/ha), NPK (23:23:0) (50 kg N/ha) fertilizer at planting, top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting and top dressing with NPK (17:17:0) (50 kg N/ha) fertilizer at 35 days after planting; (x) farmyard manure (5 t/ha) and calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at planting and top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (60 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting; (xi) farmyard manure (5 t/ha) at planting and top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting. The trial was laid out in a
xi
randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The agronomic data collected included: 50% emergence, plant stand, days to 50% flowering, days to 50% podding, number of nodules per plant, shoot dry weight, pod yield and yield components, pest and disease infestation. Data for estimating cost effectiveness included the costs of inputs and revenue from the operations during the planting trial. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean separation was done using the least significant difference test at p=0.05.
The results of the study showed that nutrient management options did not significantly affect the number of days to 50% emergence and plant stand of snap bean. Application of farmyard manure (5 t/ha) alone and application of farmyard manure (5 t/ha) at planting plus foliar feed spraying at pre- flowering stage significantly took the shortest time to attain 50% flowering. Fertilizer application significantly depressed nodule number. Treatments with inorganic fertilizers alone had significantly fewer nodules than treatments with farmyard manure. Nutrient management options had no effect on 50% podding, extra-fine pod length, pest and disease infestation. Significantly higher extra-fine, fine and marketable pod yields were recorded in di-ammonium phosphate (50 kg N/ha) plus calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) treated plots than in plots with other nutrient management options. Economic analysis showed that application of di-ammonium phosphate (50 kg N/ha) at planting plus top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting had the highest net benefit and marginal rate of return in both plantings compared to other nutrient management options. The control plots (no-fertilizer) had a higher net befit first planting compared to the fertilized treatments. The study has demonstrated that application of di-ammonium phosphate (50 kg N/ha) at planting plus top dressing with calcium ammonium nitrate (50 kg N/ha) at 21 days after planting can enhance yield and profitability of snap bean in Embu County
Reading fluency among class Four learners and its impact on Writing: a case study of two Schools
No full textThis study sought to establish whether fluency in reading had any impact on accuracy in writing. Twenty four- class four pupils from two primary schools in North Imenti Sub- County participated in the study. The following questions were addressed during the study: a) whether the learners could read the given passage fluently, b) whether the learners could write the dictated text accurately, c) whether fluency had any impact on accuracy in writing and d) whether there were disparities between the performance of learners in rural and urban schools in reading and writing. To collect the data, each of the learners was asked to read a given passage aloud. As they read, they were recorded.
They also wrote down the same passage as it was being dictated. Following the error analysis it was established that most of the learners had not achieved the expected proficiency in fluency as many errors were noted in their pronunciation. Many errors were also found in their written texts. The errors in both pronunciation and writing were classified as either inter- lingual or intra- lingual and they were all attributed to the learners’ poor knowledge of the English language. The theory of automaticity was also used to account for fluency where the speed with which the learners read was considered. Observation was done on their reading as well to establish if they read with autonomy, effortlessness and lack of self- awareness. Most of them read at slow speeds exerting a lot of effort in the activity. They lacked autonomy and were aware of the process hence being dysfluent. Out of the twenty four learners sampled, only two were fluent. It was concluded that fluency had an impact on writing as those who were dysfluent made more errors in reading and this was reflected in their writing as they also made more errors in writing. The learners from the rural school also made more errors in reading and writing than their urban counterparts. The study revealed that in order to be proficient in fluency, learners need to establish their knowledge in English sounds. This would enhance their skills in word recognition making the process automatic. As a result they would achieve fluency. This would enhance their skills in word recognition making the process automatic. As a result, they would achieve fluency
Benefits Of The Integrated Financial Management Information System On Expenditure In The Public Sector: A Case Of The Ministry Of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries And Irrigation
No full textIFMIS is an information system that supports budgeting and accounting for the Government of Kenya. It is an online system that manages budgeting, payment processing, expenditure and reporting for National Government, County Governments and other entities involved in public financial management. This study focused on the challenges experienced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation in implementing IFMIS and sought to identify key interventions that would ensure consistency in the net benefits.
The researcher interviewed financial managers and users at The Ministry Headquarters and Departments at the Counties of Busia and Bungoma, as well as The National Treasury. By obtaining valid and latest data as a reference to the implementation of IFMIS, an analysis was done to determine the relationship and the influence of variables according to DeLone and McLean model. Data collection techniques used included questionnaires to obtain answers concerning problems related to variables and a review of the help desk logs at the implementing agency.
Respondents revealed increasing confidence in using IFMIS and improved availability of the various modules. Users noted that IFMIS provided detailed information in simple and easy to generate reports. There was increased accountability by managers as a result of timely and accurate data. Challenges remain in system availability and this was attributed to the delays in the realization of the national optical fibre backbone.
The quantitative data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was used for hypotheses testing to determine the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. The study rejected all the null hypotheses and re-affirmed the importance of IFMIS in Public Expenditure Management.
The net benefits of the IFMIS implementation far outweigh the costs related to the system roll out and subsequent training of users. The turn-around time for transactions within MALFI is tremendously short as attested to by most users. It also reduced time spent by clients travelling to make follow-ups at the ministry while eliminating geographical barriers. In terms of government expenditure and reporting IFMIS sets a precedent on prudent utilization of funds and a high threshold on accountability
Factors Influencing Implementation of Youth Group Projects Funded by Uwezo Fund: a Case of Kiandutu Slums Kiambu County, Kenya.
No full textYouth are the pillars to a country’s economy and they play a big role in bringing social improvement and change in their communities. Youth group projects are crucial in empowerment and improvement of the youths and for effective implementation of the youth group projects increased participation of youths needs to be encouraged, human resources should be sufficient in terms of increased youth participation, skills and financial resources need to be available for the success of the projects. In Kiambu County, Kiandutu slums is one of the largest slums, the youths are socially excluded, lack education and are trapped in poverty cycle. This leads to high rate of unemployment and illiteracy. The Government vision of 2030 aims at empowering young people by providing them with funds to run projects in their community but challenges of sustainability and participation are still there. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing implementation of youth group projects in Kiandutu slums. The study sought to investigate the following objectives; to determine how youth participation influence implementation of youth group projects; to evaluate the extent to which financial resources influence implementation of youth group projects; to examine how capacity building influence implementation of youth group projects; to assess how socio-cultural factors influence implementation of youth group projects. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. It was both qualitative and quantitative. The target population of the study comprised 10 youth groups consisting of 350 members and the sample size consisted of 186 respondents of which 5 of them are informants from the Uwezo Fund which was arrived at by using Krejcie and Morgan table for determining sample size. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from key informants. The completed questionnaires were coded and entered into SPSS tool, analyzed and presented in forms of percentages, frequencies, correlation and regression. The study findings were interpreted based on the study objectives. Conclusion and recommendation were thereafter drawn. 140 of the youth responded and returned the questionnaires. The study found out that respondents are involved in decision making and implementation of youth group projects which leads to better decisions and achievement of group objectives. The results indicated that there is positive correlation significant at 0.245 between youth participation and implementation of youth group projects, therefore youth’s participation is crucial for implementation of youth projects. The study showed that majority 42.9% agreed that availability of skills has an impact on youth projects. They stated that entrepreneurial skills are the most effective at 47.1%. The study shows that there was a positive correlation between capacity building which was 0.358 that was statistically significant. The study revealed that most of the youths agreed that 55.7% finances are necessary. Finances are an important resource, and are necessary for implementation of youth group activities. Correlation was 0.260. Majority of the youths 47.9% agreed that socio-cultural environment influences implementation of youth group projects. There was a positive correlation 0.180 that was statistically significant. The findings will be of importance to the youths will help them identify and learn ways of successfully implementing their projects and achieving sustainability. Government to understand challenges affecting youth group projects and come up with interventions that will lead to the success of the projects. To financial lending institutions such as micro credit facilities the findings will assist in creating approachable youth services so that the youths can access funds that will help in improving their livelihoods
Assessment of Growth in Children Following Adenoidectomy and or Tonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Disordered Breathing at Kenyatta National Hospitaldr.
No full textBackground
Obstructive Sleep disordered breathing (oSDB) is a spectrum of disease that varies from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnoea. It has many harmful effects in the paediatric age group including growth disturbances. The most common cause of oSDB in this group is adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Studies have shown increase in weight after adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy for oSDB however clinicians routinely do not screen for growth disturbances in oSDB.
Broad objective To assess the rate of growth in children with obstructive Sleep disordered breathing after adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy.
Research question Does adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy in children with SDB lead to growth rate changes?
Study design and population Prospective case controlled study, 62 cases (40 males and 22 females) and 63 controls (34 males and 29 females) from the age of 2 to 5 years.
Study site Kenyatta National Hospital Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Clinic, ENT ward and well-baby clinic.
Study time and duration Eight months, starting April 2018.
Methodology Patients with obstructive sleep disordered breathing scheduled for adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy and controls from the well-baby clinic were recruited using convenience sampling. After parental consent to participate in the study, they were subjected to the Sleep related breathing disordered paediatric subscale questionnaire (SRBD-PSQ). The children met the criteria for oSDB proceeded to have their heights in centimetres and weights in kilograms measured before adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy. For the control group, those without oSDB proceeded to have their heights and weights measured. The heights and weight measurements were taken 3 months later for both groups. The data was analysed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize age, weight and height measurements. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize categorical data. Anthropometric indices were calculated using the WHO anthro software. The student’s T-test was used to assess the difference in the means of weight for age, height for age and BMI for age Z scores between the study group and controls. The growth rate was then determined by
calculating a gradient representing the rate of change in anthropometric indices for each of the two groups of children. These gradients were used to determine the growth rate changes in children in the study group versus the controls.
Results Data from the study population and controls was analysed. Children with oSDB had statistically lower weight height and BMI Z scores when compared to controls (WAZ- 0.76 vs 0.14p value<0.001, HAZ -0.54 vs-0.08 p value 0.04, BMI z score -0.67 vs 0.25, p value 0.001). Three months after surgery, there was no statistical difference in the WAZ, HAZ and BMI Z scores of the study group and the controls. When divided into 18month age groups, the children in the younger age group had significantly larger changes in their Z scores. There was no significant difference in growth between the males and females. There was also no association between the quantity change in SRBD-PSQ score and the quantity change in WAZ, HAZ, and BMI Z score.
Conclusion Obstructive sleep disordered breathing had a negative impact on growth of affected children. Adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy led to improvement in growth parameters as early as three months postoperativelya
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
On Ricci Solitons as Quasi-einstein Metrics
No full textThis thesis is the key to good understanding of di erential geometry with
para- Kenmotsu and Lorentzian Para- Sasakian structure and it is organized
as follows. In chapter one, the preliminaries and de nitions are introduced,
where, Manifolds, di erentiable structures, Riemannian Manifolds and
Ricci
ows are de ned. In chapter two the relevant literature is reviewed and
Propositions and theorems proved in area are included. In chapter three,
Ricci solitons on para- Kenmotsu Manifolds satisfying ( ; :)s:W8 = 0 and
( ; :)W8:S = 0 are discussed and we have proved that the Para- Kenmotsu
manifolds satisfying ( ; :)W8:S = 0: are quasi- Einstein Manifolds and those
satisfying ( ; :)S:W8 = 0; are Einstein Manifolds.Also it has been proved
that the para- Kenmotsu manifolds with cyclic Ricci tensor and Ricci
soliton structure are quasi-Einstein manifolds . In chapter four, Ricci solitons
on Lorentzian Para- Sasakian manifolds satisfying ( ; :)s:W8 = 0 and
( ; :)W8:S = 0 are treated and it has been proved that Lorentzian Para-
Sasakian manifolds satisfying ( ; :)s:W8 = 0 and having Ricci soliton
structure are quasi-Einstein manifolds and those satisfying ( ; :)W8:S = 0 are
Einstein manifolds. In chapter ve, we discuss Ricci solitons on Lorentzian
Para- Sasakian manifolds satisfying ( ; :)s:W2 = 0 and ( ; :)W2:S = 0 and it
was found that, Lorentzian Para- Sasakian manifolds satisfying ( ; :)s:W2 = 0
and having Ricci soliton structure are Einstein or quasi-Einstein manifolds
according to the value of and : In Chapter six, results are discussed
and the connection between Ricci solitons and Einstein metrics on Para-
Kenmotsu and Lorentzian Para Sasakian Manifolds has been established
Evaluating The Institutional Framework For Delivering Administrative Justice To Students At The University Of Nairobi
No full textThe istudy iwas icarried iout iin iMakadara iDistrict iwith ithe iaim ito iinvestigate ithe iimplementation iof isubsidized isecondary ieducation ipolicy. i iThe istudy iobjectives iwere ito iexamine ithe iperceptions iof istudents iand iteachers ito isubsidized isecondary ieducation iand iresources iin iselected iday isecondary ischools iin iNairobi iCity iCounty. iThe isecond iobjective iwas ito idetermine ithe iadequacy iof iresources iavailable ifor ieffective iimplementation iof isubsidized isecondary ieducation, ito iidentify ifactors ihindering ithe iimplementation iof isubsidized iday isecondary ieducation iand ifinally ithe ilast ione iwas ito iestablish imeasures ithat ican iimprove ithe iimplementation iof isubsidized isecondary ieducation. iThe istudy idesign iused iwas ia isurvey iin iwhich isampling itargeted ifour ischools iwith ia isample isize iof i100 iparticipants icomprising i80 istudents, i16 isenior iteachers, iand i4 ihead iteachers. iThe istudy iemployed isystematic irandom isampling iin iorder ito iallow igeneralization iof ithe idata ito ia ilarger ipopulation. iThe iresearch itools iused iin ithe istudy iincluded iquestionnaires ifor istudents iand iinterview iguide ifor ithe isenior iteachers iand iprincipals. iAfter icoding ithe icollected idata, ithe istudy iused ithe iSPSS iprogramme ito ianalyse idata iinto ifrequencies iand ipercentages ibefore itabulation. iThe ianalyses irevealed ithat i46.6% iof ithe istudents ihad iexperienced iimprovement iin ithe iacquisition iof iskills iand iquality ieducation. iSpecifically, i53.3% iof istudents iand i60% iof iteachers icredited ithe isubsidized iday isecondary ieducation iprogramme ifor iensuring ithat iadequate itextbooks iare iavailable. iThere iwas iimproved iclass iperformance ifor ithe istudents iduring ithird iterm iin i2012 iand ithe ifirst i2 iterms iin i2013. iThe ipercentage iof istudents iin ipositions i21 iand iabove idropped ifrom i35% iin ithird iterm iof i2012 ito i20% iin isecond iterm iof i2013.This istudy iidentified ibarriers ito ithe iimplementation iof isubsidized isecondary ieducation ias ilack iof iteaching iskills, ifeeding iprogrammes iand ilack iof ipenalties ito icurb imisuse iof itextbooks. iStudents ireported ithat ithey iwalked ilong idistances ito ischool iand i53.3% iof ithem ilacked imodern ilaboratory iequipment iin itheir ischools. iThese ifindings ialso irevealed iunpredictable igrowing inumber iof istudents ijoining ithe iprogramme iand idelays iin ithe idisbursement iof igovernment ifunds. iBoth ithe iteachers iand istudents iperceived isubsidized iday isecondary ieducation ias ihaving ia ipositive icontribution. iThe irecommendations iwere ithat igovernment ishould iput iin iplace isuitable imeasures ito iensure itimely idisbursement iof ifunds iand iefficient iutilization iof ithe ifunds iand ithat ischools ishould istop icharging iextra ilevies ito idecrease ithe inumber iof idropouts
The Role of Public Participation in Realizing Environmental Rights in Kenya
No full textThe topic for this research is “The Role of Public Participation in Realising Environmental Rights in Kenya”. Accordingly, the overall objective of the study is to evaluate the significance of meaningful public participation in realizing the right to a clean and healthy environment. This research deals with three (3) issues that affect the quality of public participation in Kenya including: lack of access to information; the effectiveness of the existing guidelines for conducting public consultation in environmental decision-making processes and the effectiveness of the judicial and administrative remedies for seeking redress.
The gap in knowledge that this research fills, is the identification of gaps and weaknesses in Kenya’s legal framework on access to information, public participation and access to remedies for redress of grievances. In this way, the research seeks to provide a clear definition of what amounts to effective public participation.
This research project is founded on the theory of sustainable development as propounded in the ‘Brundtland Report’. The research methodology adopted in this study is doctrinal in nature and therefore, largely qualitative. The researcher collected data by conducting an extensive desktop review of existing laws and case laws from data bases in the Kenya Law Reports, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Environmental Tribunal (NET) websites among other sources.
The findings of this research affirms the hypothesis that the lack of effective public participation in environmental decision making processes in Kenya is attributed to the absence of a comprehensive legal framework on access to information, guidelines on a sound public consultation process and access to remedies. Further, the researcher established that existing laws on access to information, public participation and access to remedies are not being implemented properly by the duty bearers
Plasmid profiling and incompatibility grouping of multidrug resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates in Nairobi, Kenya.
No full textOBJECTIVES:
Plasmids harbour antibiotic resistance genes which contribute to the emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens. We detected the presence of plasmids in multidrug resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) isolates from our previous study and consequently determined their incompatibility groups and possibility of conjugation transmission. Plasmids were extracted from 98 multidrug resistant S. Typhi isolates based on alkaline lysis technique. Plasmid incompatibility grouping was established by PCR replicon typing using 18 pairs of primers to amplify FIA, FIB, FIC, HI1, HI2, I1-Iγ, L/M, N, P, W, T, A/C, K, B/O, X, Y, F and FIIA replicons. Antibiotic resistance phenotypes were conjugally transferred from S. Typhi isolates with plasmids to Escherichia coli K12F strain devoid of plasmids.
RESULTS:
Approximately 79.6% of the MDR S. Typhi isolates were related to the existence of plasmids. We detected 93.6% of plasmids belonging to incompatibility (Inc) group HI1. The other incompatibility groups identified included IncFIC (16.7%), IncP (1.3%), and IncI1 (1.3%) which appeared together with Inc HI1. MDR S. Typhi isolated carried a homologous plasmid of incompatibility group HI1 most of which transferred the resistance phenotypes of ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol to the transconjugants
Factors Influencing Augmentation Of Water Treatment Projects By County Governments In Kenya: A Case Of Meru Water And Sewerage Services, Meru County
No full textProvision of water services is squarely a devolved function and counties have the bigger role of ensuring their residents have access to clean and safe water. In this regard many strategies have been put in place to ensure water available is adequate. These efforts have faced a myriad of challenges which has greatly affected service delivery. Water is one of the most important natural resource and the availability of safe water is critical not just for health reasons, but also for social and economic development. The purpose of the study was to establish the factors influencing implementation of augmentation of water treatment projects by county government in Kenya; a case of Meru Water and Sewerage Services. The specific objectives of this research project were to determine the influence of financial resources, leadership, staff competency and political factors on the augmentation of water treatment projects by county governments in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design and the target population was 135 management and heads of sections which included county executive committee members (CECM), Chief officers, county directors, MEWASS management/technical staff and Members of County Assemblies (MCA’s). The study adopted a census which allowed all the 135 respondents to participate in the study, however only 109 respondents returned their questionnaires representing an approximate response rate 81%. Data was collected using a questionnaire. To test reliability of this questionnaire Split half method was applied in Isiolo water and Sewerage Company. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and multiple regression were used to test the significance of the overall model at 95% level of significance. Data analysis was done by use software program-SPSS version 22. The analyzed data was presented using tables. Data collected indicated that majority of the respondents were male at 75.5% while 24.5% were women. In addition, majority of the respondents had a bachelor’s degree at 60.6%. This illustrated that employees had skills which could be utilized to transform the water sector. The findings revealed that the respondents strongly agreed that there were several sources that finance water augmentation projects in Meru County as indicated by a mean of 4.68 and that the funds received for water augmentation projects in Meru County are not adequate to undertake the projects to completion which was indicated by a mean of 2.11. It was also established that the funds allocated for water augmentation projects in Meru County are not reliable and that they are not timely which was indicated by a mean of 2.93. As per the findings at 95% confidence level political factors had the greatest effect, followed by financial resources, then staff competency while leadership had the least effect on augmentation of water projects. The study concludes that financial resources, leadership, political factors and staff competency have a positive and significant influence on augmentation of water projects. The study recommends that the county governments should hold trainings on public governance and provide more resources in the strategy management process on matters water. In future studies, researchers should also consider exploring other variables that may influence the augmentation of water treatment projects such as technology and community participation