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Determination Of Optimal Viral Dos Immunological Response And Survival Rate In Local And Exotic Pigs Experimentally Infected With Africans Swine Fever Virus
No full textTwo genotypes of African swine fever virus were identified around East Africa based on molecular characterization of P72 and P54 genes. These are designated genotypes IX and X. whereas genotype IX has been associated with recent lethal ASF outbreaks in East Africa; genotype X has been associated with infections that apparently did not produce clinical responses, in south west Kenya. Biological and clinical characteristics of these viruses have not been studied in experimental infections. This study aimed to conduct an in vivo biological characterization of ASFV genotype IX isolate 1033 originating from an ASF outbreak in Western Kenya, that has been shown to be genetically closely related to many outbreak associated viruses in Kenya and Uganda isolated from both local and exotic breed pigs. The specific aim of the experiment was to find out the titration of the virus that was able to cause clinical disease following experimental infection as well as to study the clinical symptoms induced by the different dilutions in order to determine a useful challenge dose for vaccination research. Housed European breed and local free range domestic pigs were challenged with doses containing between 10-4and 10-5 HAD50 (Haemadsorbing units), of the highly virulent ASFV isolate 1033 by inoculation using the intramuscular route. Pigs were monitored for clinical progression and post mortem lesions and these were compared to previously describe experimental and natural infections. Samples were analyzed for virus titres, antibody and cellular responses in vitro. The statistical analyses were carried out using GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel.
The data obtained from the experiment gave the most effective dose for virus infection hence provided insight into the host response to infection by this particular isolate. For both exotic and local pigs, the clinical signs were characterized by loss of appetite, fever of between 39.6 and 41.4oC, foul smelling diarrhoea, lateral recumbence and death. For the exotic, there were skin lesions characterized by cyanosis and haemorrhages. The main pathological lesions were characterized by generalized haemorrhages, coagulation disorders, oedema of the lungs and lymph nodes and gastroenteritis. The estimated optimal viral dose for the exotic pigs ranged between 10-6 to 10-7HAD50/ml (titres) and 10-5.4HAD50/ml for the local pigs. The mean optical density values for the immune response of exotic pig were 0.17 and 0.18 for the local pigs. Average survival time for the exotic pigs was 10 days post infection and 12 days post infection for the local pigs. The results achieved were aimed at providing basic information which will in future assist in vaccine search for ASF control and assist in developing guidelines for veterinarians regarding quarantine and control measures in naive pigs brought in and for outbreak control. Further research should be directed towards identifying the epitopes responsible for the increased survival of local pigs which can be used for vaccine development. A lot needs to be done on the African swine fever genome and the genetic material in the local pigs that enables partial survival to ASF infection should be identified and modified to see if the virulence of ASF will reduce or enable the exotic pigs survive ASF infection without clinical disease
Influence of Head Teachers’ Instructional Supervision Practices on Pupils’ Performance at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Mbita Sub-county, Kenya.
No full textThis study investigated the Influence of Head Teachers’ Instructional Supervision
Practices on KCPE Performance in Public Primary Schools in Mbita Sub-County,
Homa Bay County. Four objectives that guided the study were; Checking professional
documents, Classroom observation, Syllabus coverage, and Provision of teaching
learning resources. The review of the related literature was discussed with regard to the
study variables on the Influence of Head teachers Instructional Supervision Practices
on KCPE Performance. The study was based on systems theory. The study adopted
descriptive survey research design. This study targeted all the 113 public primary and
113 head teachers in Mbita Sub County. The sample size was 132 and comprised of the
25 head teachers and, 107 teachers. Data collection tools were questionnaires for the
head teachers and teachers in the 113 primary schools. The instrument reliability was
determined through test-retest method. Validity was ensured through discussion with
the experts including supervisors and colleagues. Data collected was analyzed using
descriptive statistics by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version
23.0 in the analysis process. The findings were presented in frequency distribution and
percentages in form of tables. The study found that head teachers do not sit in class as
teaching/ learning is going on since the workload was too much, they also do not give
feedback after classroom observation. The study concluded that instructional
supervision enables the teachers to take up instructions and improve on their teaching
methodology. Classrooms sessions observation by the head teachers are significant in
identification of weakness and strength of teachers regarding improving academic
performance in the school. Syllabus coverage supervision is integral in ensuring
effective process of learning. Therefore, the responsibility of ensuring that syllabus is
covered rests on the school administration. The study recommended that head teachers
should be provided with in service courses on instructional supervision which is a
prerequisite for academic performance. Teachers career development should be
sanitized through instructional supervision; this will provide guidance on low teachers
perform their duties. This study is significant to the Ministry of Education, teacher
training institutions, and County Education Boards who are involved in policy
formulation and development of capacity building training modules on instructional
supervision
Duration of experience of war and how it relates to stress levels among Somali Refugee Women living in Eastleigh Starehe Sub-County
No full textThe study focused on how the duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh Starehe Sub-County. The specific objectives were to determine whether the duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh, to identify the levels of stress among Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh and to determine the type of coping mechanism used by the Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh to cope with stress. It sampled 129 respondents randomly picked from Somali refugee women who were beneficiaries from five refugee agencies. For data collection a questionnaire was used. Analysis of data was done by adopting descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression. The researcher established that, duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living. Those who experienced war for long are faced with higher stress levels. The outcomes showed that many of the Somali refugee women were stressed. This was as a result of war in their country and from their encounters during their journey while fleeing to Kenya. The host community also stressed them and the stress from re-integrating with the host community. The study revealed that there were various types of coping mechanism used by the Somali refugee women to cope with stress. A great number act calm and normal when while some felt emotionally and physically drained. A large number know how to manage stress while a great number do not quickly find solution when stressed. The study concludes that the duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living. Those who experienced war for long are faced with higher stress levels. This study recommends that there should be intense counselling programs with psycho trauma informed at each refugee agency. UNHCR should source for more aid to support refugees. Better refugee policies to be incorporated in the Kenyan laws. The women refugees can be trained on how to cope with stress. This can be done through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Gender and Sports by having them attend workshops and seminars within the sub county
Corporate Sports Sponsorship and Brand Awareness of Commercial Banks in Kenya: a Case of Family Bank’s Eldoret Half Marathon
No full textUsing Family Bank’s sponsorship of Eldoret Half Marathon as a case study, this study aimed to establish how corporate sports sponsorship and brand awareness affect the bank’s customers. The study was anchored on the Social exchange theory and the Excellence theory of public relations. The study had three objectives: to assess the customers’ level of awareness of Family Bank sponsorship of the Eldoret Half Marathon, to evaluate customers’ perception of Eldoret Half Marathon sponsorship, and to find out the effect of the sponsorship and the brand awareness of Family Bank. To achieve these objectives the study relied on the descriptive research design. The study used questionnaires and interview guides as the main data collection tools. The study sample size consisted of 100 customers and 10 departmental heads from Family Bank branches in Eldoret. Systematic sampling was used to collect quantitative data while purposive sampling was used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data generated from interview guide were categorised in themes in accordance with research objectives and reported in narrative form along with quantitative presentation. The study found out that Family Bank customers in Eldoret are aware of the marathon and loyal to the bank as they indicated that they would still continue being its customers even if the bank stopped sponsoring the marathon. The study concluded that social media platforms especially Facebook and Whatsapp play a crucial role in creating the banks awareness. The study recommends that Family Bank should extend marathon sponsorship to other towns in Kenya so as to increase brand awareness to many parts of Kenya
Eprocurement, Strategy Drivers And Performance At The National Treasury In Kenya
No full textThe main objective of the study was to establish the effect of E-procurement on performance at the National treasury and to determine the intervening effect on strategy drivers on the relationship between E-procurement and performance at the national treasury. Most of the inefficiencies in government ministries are caused by use of manual system in the operation of the procurement function. Implementation of electronic procurement enhances performance of an organization. Electronic procurement helps to minimize the paper work and thus saving on the cost of production. It also brings together the suppliers and buyers together through a system. This therefore necessitates adoption of technology in the procurement system function. The study aimed at determining the intervening effect on strategy drivers on the relationship between E-procurement and performance at the National Treasury in Kenya. Resource based view theory, system theory and transactional cost philosophy made up the theories to inform the investigation. The research design that was adopted by the study was a case study. The preferred data in the study was primary. The interview data obtained was analyzed qualitatively since it is able to make general conclusions on how data categories are related. Content analysis was used to assess the answers, draw deductions and to develop commendations. The study found that e procurement greatly affects organizational performance. They further indicated that e procurement enhances efficiency in operation. The study also found that e procurement also reduces paper work and thus enhancing transparency. Results further showed that the national treasury had adopted the different forms of e procurement; e tendering, e ordering and e sourcing. The study also found that the national treasury had adopted the following strategic drivers; good leadership, organizational structure, good leadership, conflict management, user trainings. The conclusion from the study was that e procurement had a significant effect on organizational performance. In addition, e procurement enhances efficiency in operation and reduces paper work thus enhancing efficiency. The study also concluded that the national treasury of Kenya had adopted the different forms of e procurement; e tendering, e ordering and e sourcing. In addition, regular training in e procurement enhances the performance of the organization. The study also concluded that strategic drivers affect performance of organizations. Organizational structure, good leadership, conflict management, user trainings do enhance the organization performance. Government ministries seem to be risk averse and ought to take more
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active approach to embracing e-procurement technologies, such as e tendering, that have the prospective to streamline procurement processes and minimize procurement costs over the long term. The government ministries should employ strategic drivers such as organizational structure, good leadership since strategic drivers have a great impact on performance. In order to overcome the challenges met in the strategic management at the National Treasury the study recommends an analysis of the organization design and organization culture
Challenges Of Implementing Effective Anti-Money Laundering Strategies In Kenyan Commercial Banks
No full textThe aim of this study was to establish the challenges of implementing effective antimoney
laundering strategies (AML) in Kenyan Commercial Banks. Descriptive
design was adopted in this study. The population under study consisted of all licensed
Commercial banks that were operating in Kenya as at 31 July 2019. The study was a
census survey, covering 42 banks and 1 mortgage finance institution. Primary data
was obtained through questionnaires. Data analysis was done using both descriptive
statistics and inferential statistics in form of Factor Analysis. The study found that
challenges of implementing effective AML strategies in Kenyan commercial banks
include organisation cultures that did not prioritize compliance, inadequate focus on
AML by senior executives and limited participation by relevant stakeholders in
formulation and implementation of the AML strategies. Further, the study found that
AML functions were not sufficiently resourced amidst rising costs of AML
compliance. Another finding was that there is need to deploy intelligent technology
for client identification and transaction monitoring was a challenge as technology
changes happen rapidly and criminals often use the best technology for money
laundering purposes. As banks have multiple products, processes, procedures and
systems which are uniformly applied across segments, extensive AML risk
interpretations, assessments, vigilance and expertise are necessary. Additionally,
AML processes like periodic and adhoc review of client information are demanding
given the number of customers, products and situations that bank customers may be
in, hence, posing a challenge in effective implementation of the AML strategies. The
study also found that globalization and innovations in the banking industry are a
challenge as these allow for rapid movement of funds and trade within and across
nations, providing fertile grounds for criminals to place, layer and integrate illegally
acquired funds faster. Further, outdated client information and limited co-operation
from clients in provision of KYC information poses a challenge in transaction
monitoring and subsequently on effectiveness of AML strategies for banks. In
addition, banks spend considerable amount of time, resources and effort to train
employees, to keep up with changing regulations local and international regulations
and ensure consistency in application of due diligence checks across the organization.
The study recommends more involvement of senior executives on AML activities, use
of updated intelligent systems and technologies that effectively monitor client
activities from an AML perspective, employment and retaining of personnel with
adequate knowledge and skills as well as more support and involvement by the
government and Regulators in assisting banks to effectively implement their AML
strategies
Relationship Between Human Resource Management Practices And Employee Turn-Over Intention: A Survey Of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Firms In Nairobi, Kenya
No full textThe most valued resource in any organization is the Employee. Employee turnover still remain a major concern to industries as it affects the human resource that is needed for attaining its very existence. One of the methods used to manage the turnover in organization is by effective application of human resource practices. The study examine the existence of relationship between HRM practices (Recruitment system, reward system, Performance management system, Training, Career management, Employee relations) and Employee turnover intention. Data collected from 200 Employees, 10 respondents in each of the 20 Pharmaceutical manufacturing firms sampled. Findings based on the analysis shows that HRM practices have a significant relations to turnover intentions. The findings indicate that compensation, performance management and employee relations were positively related to turnover intention
Influence of Rehabilitation Programmes on Behaviour Change of Street Children: a Case of Rehabilitation Programmes in Embakasi Central Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe purpose of my study was to establish how rehabilitation programmes influence
behaviour change of street children in Embakasi central, Nairobi. It was guided by four
objectives; to investigate how life skill competences, institutional capacity,
entrepreneurship training and psychosocial support influence the behaviour change of
street in that area. It also sought to determine the level of success of these programmes
in rehabilitation of these street children towards change of behavior and improve their
lives. The target population of the study was one hundred and ten (110) which
comprised of care givers, administrators, government officials and street children in the
rehabilitation centers. The study employed the descriptive survey design which
collected both quantitative and qualitative data. A sample size of 86 participants was
extrapolated from the targeted population using the Krejcie and Morgan Table from
which stratified sampling was employed to obtain a sample for each strata. Data
collection was done using questionnaires, focus group discussion guides and interview
schedules. The instruments were pilot-tested using 9 questionnaires that were
administered to Shauri Moyo street children rehabilitation centre which has similar
characteristics as the study area. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.782 was obtained
through split and half technique to check for the reliability of the instruments.
Describing statistics in the form of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard
deviation was used to analyze quantitative data. Inferential statistics was used to test
hypothesis. Analyzed data was presented in forms of tables. The study revealed that
any unit increase in training in lifeskill competencies would lead to 0.795 increase in
behaviour change of street children, any level of change in institutional capacity would
lead to 0.579 units change in behaviour change of street children. Similarly,any unit
change in entrepreneurship training would lead to 0.675 units change in behaviour
change of street children any a unit increase in psychosocial support would lead to 0.617
units change in behaviour change of street children. Life skills are necessary to thrive
in this ever changing world, resourcing these centres should be at the heart of every
interested stakeholder, teaching street children on entrepreneurship training is
important especially in promoting self-reliance, trust among society and creating
employment opportunities for self and others and psychosocial support in terms of
mentorship is a key avenue towards building the confidence of street children.
Collectively and as observed in this study, it is impossible to separate these 4 variables
as avenues for transforming lives of street children. This is largely due to the reality
that these factors are only useful when availed together as a bundled service as opposed
to treating them uniquely. The study recommends the need for rehab centres to establish
a follow-up mechanism
Power And Internationalized Conflict In The 21St Century
No full textThe aim of this research project is to provide an in depth understanding of the role of power
transitions and power politics in the emergence and persistence of conflict in the Middle East
region. The study used two current endearing conflicts in the Middle East; the Syria and Yemen
conflicts.
To achieve this, the study was guided by 4 research objectives; to determine the place of global
power transitions in accounting for the phenomenon of international conflict in the 21st century, to
demonstrate the role of power politics in the emergence and persistence of conflict in Syria and
Yemen, to examine why conflict management processes have been unsuccessful in securing lasting
peace in Syria and Yemen, and ultimately to suggest possible strategies for better management of
the conflicts in Syria and Yemen to ensure lasting peace.
To address these objectives, the study has provided a detailed explanation of power transitions in
the 21st Century, analysis of power relations between various states, and their impact on conflict
emergence and protraction, as well as an analysis of the peace processes in a bid to understand
reasons behind their dismal performance in bringing lasting peace in Syria and Yemen. Therefore,
this study provides a descriptive analysis of the changing power dynamics characterized by
intensified power contestation between state actors and emerging non state groups and their role in
exacerbating conflicts in the Middle East region.
This study is grounded on the Power transition theory proposed by Organski and Kugler, which best
brings out the relationship between power transitions and international conflicts in the 21st Century.
Other theories such as the theory of multipolar stability, realism and theory of conflict
transformation have also been used to explain the relationship between power and conflict and to
support the arguments put forth by Organski and Kugler, that hegemonic power contestation, results
in a less stable world.
The study confirms the hypothesis that changing power dynamics in the 21st Century are at the core
of violent conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Yemen
Forest Fragmentation And Anthropogenic Disturbance: Implications On Plant Foods And Behavior Of The Tana River Mangabey (Cercocebus Galeritus Peters, 1879), Tana River County, Kenya
No full textTana River mangabey, Cercocebus galeritus, is an endangered monkey, endemic to lower Tana River forest fragments in Kenya. The species is restricted in its geographical distribution and is threatened by habitat fragmentation and continuous anthropogenic disturbances. This study was conducted in Mchelelo and Mkomani forests within the Tana River National Primate Reserve (TRNPR). The objectives of the study were to determine the: diversity and density of Tana River mangabey plant food species in anthropogenically disturbed Mkomani forest and less disturbed Mchelelo forest fragments; anthropogenic disturbances and their magnitude in the two forest fragments; and behavioral comparison between the two sites. In each forest, lines were systematically established at equidistance of 200m running from the river bank to the edge of the forest. Along the lines, 20 by 20m quadrats were systematically placed at intervals of 50m from each other throughout for collecting vegetation data. To collect behavior data, full day animal focal sampling was conducted and the focal subjects were rotationally selected in each group. Behavior sampling was conducted in a manner that balanced data collection within the groups and was achieved through assigning focal subjects on a rotational basis for data recording. In the event of feeding by focal animal the consumed plant part was recorded. This study focused on two groups of the Tana River mangabeys, one occupying Mchelelo forest and the other Mkomani forest. The diversity of the food plant species was higher in Mchelelo (H' = 2.32) compared to Mkomani forest (H' = 2.04). Study findings showed that there was a significant difference in mean density and basal area values in Mchelelo and Mkomani. Furthermore, this study showed Phoenix reclinata, Ficus sycomorus and Synsepalum msolo were the most consumed plant species in Mkomani forest by the study group. In Mchelelo forest, the group preferred P. reclinata, F. sycomorus and Pavetta sphaerobotrys plant foods species. The study groups preferred fruits and seeds compared to leaves, young stem, gums and stem bark. The major anthropogenic disturbances were logging and palm leaf harvesting in both study sites. The most targeted plant food species for exploitation by community were P. reclinata, Polysphaeria multiflora and Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius in Mchelelo forest whereas in Mkomani forest they preferred L. fraxinifolius, P. reclinata and Thespesia danis. Both study groups spent most of their time feeding compared to resting, moving and social interaction behaviour activities. In conclusion, Mkomani forest had less diversity, basal area, and density of plant species consumed by the Tana River mangabey compared to Mchelelo forest. P. reclinata and F. sycomorous were
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the most utilized plant food species by the community in both sites. This suggests that there is need to protect plant species consumed by the endangered Tana River mangabeys to provide the necessary food resources and improve diversity and density of vegetation in the forest especially in Mkomani forest. And also there is a need to replicate this study in other forest fragments along the Tana River which have varying anthropogenic activities and compare the results