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Public Particaption in the Budget Making Process of County Governments; a Case Analysis of Select Counties.
No full textWith the passing of the new constitution came in the concept of devolution and the sharing of
power and resources between the national and county government, and among the
constituencies within the county governments.
The concept of devolution was meant to control imbalances in regional development and bring
into existence citizen participation in the management of public resources by bringing decisionmaking
closer to the people, hence promoting poverty alleviation and improving service
delivery.
Decentralization of resources including public funds aims at ensuring that development
planning is done at the county level where the communities’ needs are best captured through
public participation in the identification, analysis and prioritization of development projects
through participatory planning and budgeting processes.
Public participation is of fundamental importance as it provides an opportunity to the citizens
to participate in management of public finances. The project will therefore seek to examine
various aspects, first, the challenges affecting citizen participation in budget making process of
county governments in Kenya.
Secondly, to examine the history of public participation in Kenya before and after the passing
of the new constitution (2010). Thirdly, the legal framework governing public participation in
the budget making process at the county government level and fifthly, the extent to which
county governments have implemented public participation in the budget making process.
To demonstrate the extent which public participation has been implemented by county
governments, a case analysis and review of various researches and surveys conducted on
various county governments will be analyzed.
Although county governments have enacted various legislations for public participation
nevertheless citizen participation in the budget making process of county governments remains
elusive as it is not being conducted effectively and efficiently as anticipated by the Constitution.
The legislations enacted have not provided clear structures on how public participation should
be conducted. The study will seek to define various other numerous challenges that hinder
effective public participation. These challenges include low literacy levels, lack of knowledge
and poor understanding of laws in the budget making processes amongst others. County
governments therefore need to come up with clear, defined structures and processes so as to
overcome these challenges and ensure that effective and efficient public participation as a
constitutional duty is being carried out as required under the law.
The research project is adopting the doctrinal and case study methodology. It will seek to rely
on primary and secondary sources of information. Some of the primary sources will include
legislations, decided cases, media publications, newspapers, government policy documents,
existing surveys and reports. Secondary sources of information and online materials will be
used.
The theoretical framework for the study will rely on the right based theory to give guidance on
how county governments and citizens are to know what roles they are to play so as to ensure
that public participation is effective and efficient and how best they can work togethe
Seed Equilibrium Moisture Relationships
No full textWater exists as solid (ice), liquid or vapor
•At the temperature at which seeds are stored in Africa, only liquid and vapor phases of water are important
•If liquid water is introduced into an enclosed vacuum space at constant temperature, evaporation takes place until equilibrium vapour pressure is reached
Assessing the influence of Police crime Management strategies on crime reduction within major bus termini in Kenya: a case of Machakos Country bus terminus, Nairobi County
No full textThere is limited information available as to the extent of crime and disorder on public transport. Furthermore, discrepancies exist as to the actual levels of crime and disorder on public transport. The most likely reasons for this include the following: the multiple agencies responsible for maintaining and operating the various systems, the lack of standardized reporting and recording of crime and disorder on public transport, difficulties in analyzing the available data, and the different policing and security arrangements in place across the network, and the likely levels of underreporting on the system. The case study sought to assess the influence of police crime management strategies on crime reduction within Machakos Country Bus terminus in Nairobi County, Kenya. It was guided by four specific objectives; to assess the influence of crime prevention strategies on crime reduction within the major bus termini, to investigate the influence of crime detection strategies on crime reduction within major bus terminus, to identify the crime deterrence strategies on crime reduction within the bus terminus and to explore crime reporting strategies on crime reduction within the major bus terminus. The study was grounded on the Routine Activity and Broken Windows theories. The study adopted the descriptive research design to guide the study. The sampling technique adopted was stratified random sampling and purposive sampling technique. The data collection strategy was both quantitative and qualitative. Both questionnaires and key informant interviews were administered. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while the qualitative data was presented in prose as obtained from the field exercise. The study observed that emphasis on personal security is utilized by the police officers to prevent criminal activities within Machakos Bus terminus. In relation to response on surveillance on crime reduction, the study reported that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that surveillance crime prevention techniques significantly influence crime reduction within Machakos Bus terminus. The study noted that majority of the respondents cited that they always receive crime reported from the members of the public on a number of times. The study recommends promotion of holistic crime prevention approaches being implemented in conjunction with law enforcement, community members, the civil society and private sector. The National police service should continuously invest in policing modern technology and as well as be more proactive and avoid traditional crime management approach. The study recommends that the law enforcement agents require modern resources and equipment which match the emerging crime trends if they are to stand a vantage position in crime reduction. In addition, the use of CCTV adjacent to the terminus should be encouraged. Finally, public transport infrastructure should be designed to prevent criminal activities including providing improved illumination and lighting in corners and hiding places
Effect Of Auditors’ Rotation On Audit Quality Of Commercial Banks In Kenya
No full textTheoretically, it is presumed that auditors’ rotation steers to high-quality audits since the new auditor is not accustomed to management. Auditor change by a company depends on different factors that vary across companies, but according to experts some of the reasons may include, conflicts of interest, price, and service, and company ownership change, regulations are the major reasons that trigger an auditor change.
Auditor independence is the main goal of audit firm rotation. Audit committees are responsible for independence in appearance, but the auditor is the main culprit of being independent in fact. Because an auditor may not appear 100% independent in appearance, it does not mean the auditor cannot, completely unbiased, create an opinion based on evidence recovered from the audit, which would make them independent in fact.
This research looked into the effect of audit rotation on firm audit quality of commercial banks in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study population was 43 registered banks in Nairobi however the response rate reduced the numbers to 32 registered banks. Primary data was gathered using a structured questionnaire based on the different audit quality parameters and the independent variables. Analysis of data adopted descriptive statistics that used frequency tables to show the means, standard deviations and inferential statistics which included correlation and regression coefficients. Statistically, there exists a notable relationship between auditor rotation and audit quality since overall statistical significance was 0.000 which is less than 0.05 at 95% confidence level. Audit rotation had the highest correlation with audit quality with a positive value of 0.662. Audit rotation and audit additional services were statistically significant with p-values of (.007) and (.008) respectively with beta coefficients of 0.088 and 0.327 had positive beta coefficients of 0.088.Audit team characteristics and audit fees were not statistically significant at 95% confidence level. The outcomes from the study established that audit quality is influenced by auditors’ rotation and putting in place rules that will ensure mandatory rotation in all banks will enhance the quality of the work done. The extra mile auditors’ play in offering additional services to the bank's impacts positively on the audit quality carried out thus should be embraced. The study suggests that more analysis should be done with regards to audit quality using other measures like Chi-square and not necessarily econometric models which can also be used to ascertain the consequences on audit quality as a result of auditors’ rotation. Other variables may also be identified in future studies and their impact on audit quality-analyzed so as to depict better R2 values of at least above 80% indicates a robust association between the independent and dependent variables
Efficacy of Interpersonal Communication in Conflict Resolution- a Case of the Sabaot Clans in Mt. Elgon Region, Bungoma County, Kenya
No full textThe study sought to analyse the efficacy of interpersonal communication with a focus on the Sabaot clans of Mt. Elgon. The study examined the type and level of the Sabaot conflict in Mt. Elgon region, established the conflict resolution methods that have been used since the last major inter-clan conflict in 2008 in Mt. Elgon, accessed the strengths and limitations of interpersonal communication in conflict resolution in Mt. Elgon, and determined factors that affect interpersonal communication in conflict resolution in Mt. Elgon. The study was based on the constructivism theory and the Meta-taxonomy of conflict transformation. The researcher used both theories in the study to explain conflict and the role of interpersonal communication in conflict resolution. The study adopted a phenomenological approach. The qualitative method was used where ten key informants were purposively selected to participate in key informant interviews. Data was collected by interviewing key informants and recorded in a descriptive form by taking notes. Some of the ethical issues considered during data collection include: - confidentiality and consent. The qualitative data collected were coded and thematically. The findings of the study indicate that the conflict in Mt. Elgon is significantly fuelled by the land question and political differences. The findings also show that there have been efforts of conflict resolution through sporting activities, religious group crusades, which entailed the use of interpersonal communication However, the use of coded language and political differences are factors that contribute to deep-rooted conflict which makes the Sabaot community relapse to conflict time and again which result to creation of distance between people and affects interpersonal communication. Moreover, government intervention through deployment of military officers and legal mechanisms was characterised by harassment of locals and there were reports extra-judicial killings. This resulted to fear and psychological trauma among the locals, thus greatly impacted on interpersonal communication Therefore, this study concluded that conflict resolution in Mt. Elgon can be attained when the two clans are in constant dialogue, thus the importance of interpersonal communication. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should actively involve locals in key decision-making processes through public participation and another recommendation to peace monitors is that they should strive to collectively promote interpersonal communication among the residents in Mt. Elgon
An Evaluation Of Interior Styles In The Serviced Apartment Sector In Nairobi.
No full textServiced apartments play a major economic role in various economic zones worldwide. In Africa, they can promote economic growth if their potential is fully utilized, since their conceptualization is relatively young in the continent with their oversupply being one of the key challenges currently. Focusing on the unestablished serviced apartment brands in Nairobi which vastly contribute to this oversupply, the lack of originality in interior styles since most of the apartments are copying each other is one of the factors affecting their growth. This unoriginality is because the developers/owners’ lack adequate information on what clearly entails a serviced apartment from a design standpoint. The study aimed at providing information to property owners/developers and potential investors in the serviced apartments sector in a design-oriented method, through evaluating the interior styles of the unestablished apartments with considerations on how they can relay their distinctiveness through tangible and intangible design elements such as colors, materials, décor, furniture, fixture & equipment, lighting, ambiance and design practices, and how they can deliver their brand’s experience to customers through their interior styles. Objectives guiding the study included exploring the choice of interior style(s) incorporated in the serviced apartments, assessing how the serviced apartments can deliver their brand experience to customers through tangible and intangible interior style elements and to determine ways of enhancing creativity and innovativeness in the serviced apartments sector through interior style(s), to improve the serviced apartments’ brand experience. A qualitative exploratory research design was incorporated to achieve these objectives and the findings indicated that there is lack of diversity in terms of interior style choices being deployed in the interiors. Most of the unestablished apartments had a modern finish/style with twists on the general structure and furnishings incorporated in the spaces. Furthermore, there still is a lack of adequate information on design standards/guidelines on what makes up a serviced apartment. Some of the apartments were refurbished but still used the previous concepts of interior styles and materials. To address these challenges, the study provided these guidelines and recommended awareness creation through various interior design forums and outlets like home expos and magazines, localization of styles into Afrocentric themes/styles to enhance design diversity in the sector, embracing ICT in terms of apt online marketing on online platforms, responding to changing guests’ requirements and encouraging proper interior branding in the apartments
Instrumentation And Control
No full text1. Why Instrumentation and Control?
•There are many reasons for instrumentation and control in a seed processing plant.
•These include:-To ensure safety of workers, visitors neighbours and passers-by
•Safety of equipment, machines, buildings and other structures
•Efficient use of utilities such as steam, water and electricity
•Increase productivity of machines
•Increase product quality regularity
•Increase flexibility of machines and processes
•Meet regulatory requirements such as consistent package weights within specification
Community Health Workers Mobile Application For Household Registration; Danger Signs Identification And Referral
No full textAccess to health care in low resource settings like slums is usually a major challenge and this is due to a variety of reasons ranging from poverty, illiteracy and distance to providers of health care. However, with healthcare providers at the community level known as Community Health Workers (CHWs) this challenge is alleviated. CHWs are meant to address shortage of health workers coming in to give health services to communities they come from an approach that has been in existence for a many years. In many communities of Kenya and around the globe, Community Health Workers are continuously collecting household and individual level data, which is rarely being used to make timely informed decisions. Data collected from households has no linkage with data captured at the health facility.
The main objective of the study was to develop a CHW mobile application that helps in capturing information and promptly using it, in making correct and timely decisions for cases in the community. To be able to develop the CHW Mobile application, requirements were collected through talking to different stakeholders who work closely with community health workers. They included sub county focal persons for Baba Dogo and Isiolo sub-counties, Community Health Workers, Research Officers from APHRC as well as Software developers. These requirements were also supplemented by looking at different literature which expound on the work done by Community Health Workers. This was done to help understand how CHWs work and the tools they use for their daily operations.
Through agile Software methodology that allows development of medium size software applications, the CHW Mobile application was developed. It was an iterative process where the most important aspects of the application were prioritized and developed. Others were also integrated tested and adopted thereafter.
The objectives set out at the beginning of this undertaking were achieved through; looking at literature and talking to different stakeholders that help community health workers in their work. The main objective of the study was achieved by developing the CHW Mobile application and linking it to a web application for uploading and downloading of data as well as for data visualization
Bancassurance, Sales Channels, Savings Mobilization and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textThis thesis set out to ascertain the relationship among Bancassurance, Sales Channels, Savings Mobilization
and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya by addressing five key gaps observed in
literature.Four specific objectives were developed and analyzed namely: to ascertain the relationship
between bancassurance and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya; to determine the
intervening effect of savings mobilization on the relationship between bancassurance and financial
performance of commercial banks in Kenya; to establish the moderating effect of sales channels on the
relationship between bancassurance and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya; ultimately,
to establish the joint effect of bancassurance, sales channels and savings mobilization on the financial
performance of commercial banks in Kenya. A population of twenty seven (27) commercial banks
undertaking bancassurance in Kenya licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya was covered whereby a
sample of twenty four (24) responded therefore attaining a response rate of 88.9%. Basic statistical tests
were executed encompassing reliability tests by utilizing the Cronbach's alpha, normality tests by
employing Shapiro-Wilk measure and multicollinearity tests; descriptive statistics including the mean,
standard deviation, coefficient of variation, skewness and kurtosis tests; correlation analysis by applying
Spearman's rank order coefficient; and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique to determine the
efficiency scores of sales channels. Ultimately, the hypotheses were tested by applying multiple
regression analysis.The findings indicated that there is a statistically significant positive relationship
between bancassurance and financial performance of commercial banks; savings mobilization has no
statistically significant intervening effect on the relationship between bancassurance and financial
performance of commercial banks; sales channels have no statistically significant moderating effect on
the relationship between bancassurance and financial performance of commercial banks; finally,
bancassurance, sales channels and savings mobilization have a statistically significant joint effect on the
financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study concludes that the connection between
bancassurance and financial performance is positive, hence the higher the bancassurance transactions, the
better the financial performance of commercial banks. This supports diversification by commercial banks
into non-traditional financial intermediation activities. The findings of this study have contributed to
existing knowledge in theory, practice and policy in the domain of bancassurance, sales channels, savings
mobilization and financial performance by adducing evidence that the relationship between
bancassurance and financial performance of commercial banks is direct without the intervention of
savings mobilization and moderation by sales channels.Moreover, the joint effect of bancassurance, sales
channels and savings mobilization on the financial performance of commercial banks was examined, a
relationship that had not been investigated by prior empirical studies. Methodological values are offered
by virtue of measuring financial performance of commercial banks by a weighted composite index
derived from pre-tax profits, return on assets and non-interest income as a ratio of total income. The
managers of commercial banks will find this findings beneficial in making diversification decisions into
non-traditional financial intermediation activities to improve financial performance. Government policy
makers and regulators such as the Central Bank of Kenya and Insurance Regulatory Authority will gain
from the findings of this study by formulating policies and regulations that allow the blurring of
operational boundaries between commercial banks and insurance companies to enhance growth of the
financial sector.The study encountered the limitation of less bancassurance transactions (less data) in the
initial year of study of 2011, as most commercial banks in the sample did more bancassurance business as
from 201
Analysis Of Welfare Indicators For Chickens In Large Scale Contract And Non-Contract Broiler Farms In Kenya
No full textWorld Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) defines animal welfare as the physical and mental
wellbeing of an animal, its ability to perform innate or species-specific behaviour in relation to
the conditions in which it lives and dies. This definition focuses on five freedoms that relate to
welfare of animals under human control which include freedom from hunger, malnutrition and
thirst; freedom from fear and distress; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and
disease; and freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour. These freedoms are provided
through supply of the associated inputs at optimal levels. Hence lack of these inputs leads to
outcomes that compromise animal welfare. The assessment of indicators associated with such
outcomes helps in establishing the welfare status of animals, including chickens. Because of the
multidisciplinary dimension of animal welfare, OIE has established a working group on animal
welfare in which World Animal Protection (WAP) is a member. WAP consequently adopted OIE
guidelines to develop broiler chicken welfare assessment criteria which include factors related to
stocking density; growth; environment; catching and handling of the birds; as well as recording
keeping on production activities and product quality. On the basis of this, a cross-sectional study
design was used to establish the current status of broiler chicken welfare in large scale broiler
chicken farms in Kenya. Data were collected from thirty (30) contract and thirty one (31) noncontract
large scale broiler farms in 6 counties (Kajiado, Kiambu, Nakuru, Nairobi,Machakos and
Murang’a) using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire for various welfare indicators.
Analysis of quantitative data was undertaken by means of descriptive and inferential statistics,
while qualitative data were analysed with thematic analysis. The estimated stocking density for
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broiler chickens in contract farms was 21.80 kg/m2 (95%CI: 18.2 - 25.6), while for the noncontract
farms, this was 22.54 kg/m2 (95%CI: 18.4 -26.8). The estimated growth rate of broiler
chickens in contract farms was 51.2 g (95% CI: 50.3- 52), and 42.9 g (95% CI: 40- 45.6) for noncontract
farms. The age at maturity for broiler chicken in contract farms was 34 days (95%CI:
33.8 – 34.6), and was 38days (95%CI: 36.5 – 39.9) in non-contract farms. Majority of these
broiler farms reared Cobb 500 breed of chicken even though a few of the non-contract farms
keeping Arbor Acres breed. In both types of farms, chicken were raised on deep litter system,
with litter material spread throughout the shed, and there were no cages in broiler chicken houses.
The litter quality in these broiler houses was always dry, but this would be affected by the
prevailing weather conditions, besides moist litter occurring around drinkers. However, the
broiler farms did not practice environmental enrichment including perches or other materials that
birds would peck. In the contract farms, chickens were fed on pelleted and crumbled feed,
whereas in non-contract farms they were fed on mash, pellet as well as crumble from time to
time. For the contract farms, a three phase feeding regime was practised: 0.42 kg for starter, 1.26
kg for grower and 1.6 kg for finisher per broiler per cycle. The non- contract farms were feeding
1 kg for starter and 3 kg for finisher broiler chicken. At point of slaughter, ascites was the main
cause of product condemnation reported in contract farms, but for the non-contract farms, ascites,
dead on arrival and state of feather cleanliness were the causes of product rejection at the abattoir.
Furthermore, the mortality rate of 6.4% and 3.1 %, and culling rate of 1% and 0.3% for broiler
chicken in the contract and non-contract farms, in that order were statistically different (P <
0.05). In conclusion, large-scale broiler chicken farms were implementing the welfare practices,
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although most farms did not have environmental enrichment for perching, pecking and dust
bathing by broiler chickens. The commercial broiler chicken farmers should therefore be trained
on appropriate ways to improve on welfare of these broiler chickens especially through reduction
of the conditions that predispose them to ascites by restricting feed or nutrient intake during the
early stages of growth, restriction of lighting to reduce feed intake; and manipulation of diet
formulation. This study recommends further studies on the influence of natural light on quality
and productivity of broiler chicken in Keny