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An Investigation On Sustainability Compliance In The Kenyan Construction Industry (A Perspective Of Key Interior Design Professionals In Nairobi City County)
No full textThis study investigated sustainability compliance in the Kenyan construction industry focusing on the interior design market segment. This focus was informed by the need to have all market segments involved in sustainable construction endeavours. From past literature, independent variables were identified as sustainability literacy, uptake and assessment with the moderating and dependent variables as market segment peculiarities and sustainable construction compliance respectively. The study had hypothesized, in the alternative, the impact of independent variables individually and jointly on dependent variable in the Kenyan construction industry was above average. The phrase above average was based on threshold which for this study was set at a mean of three [Average]. Additionally, the study sought to assess the extent of independent variables, individually and jointly, as key contributors to sustainable construction compliance in Nairobi City County. The targeted population were key practitioners in the Kenyan construction industry. These were identified as architects/interior designers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, quantity surveyors and contractors being the typical core team required for a professionally executed interior design project in Kenya. They have the potential to influence project lifecycle towards improved sustainable construction compliance. Sampling frame was defined as actively practicing key professionals as above identified in Nairobi City County. The Yamane (1967) formula was used to compute sample size which was adjusted for non-response resulting in 60 respondents. For the research instruments, structured questionnaires, appropriate measures were taken to ensure their validity and reliability. Lastly, appropriate research ethics considerations were observed. The unit of analysis and observation was the individual key professional. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were mainly through computation of means and standard deviations and inferential statistics through t-statistic p-value score calculations. Resulting data was presented in form of charts, tables and graphs. Out of the 60 targeted respondents, valid responses were 46 representing a 77% response rate. On hypotheses testing, individually and jointly, sustainable construction literacy, transition/uptake and assessment/evaluation had an above average impact on sustainable construction compliance in the Kenyan construction industry. The findings also established the impact of independent variables on dependent variable in the Kenyan construction industry individually and jointly as above average in Nairobi City County. Additionally, the study highlighted improvement measures for the three independent variables as a means of achieving improved sustainability compliance in the Kenyan construction industry both at policy and practice levels. Recommendations for future research based on the findings of this study were also outline
The Perspective of Toilet Graffiti: a Comparison between selected Primary and Secondary Schools toilet Graffiti in Njoro Sub County, Nakuru County
No full textIn this study, a total of 200 texts were collected. The texts were purposively selected from five primary schools and five secondary schools. The ten schools were randomly selected. One hundred graffiti text from primary schools and the other one hundred from secondary schools- twenty graffiti texts from every school were used for the study. Additionally, two hundred questionnaires were distributed to the target groups. The general objective for the study aimed at comparing complex graffiti codes used in graffiti texts by learners in public primary and high school washrooms as a medium of communication to air their inner feelings about the administration and their fellow students in Njoro Sub-County. This study used Lexical Pragmatics theoretical framework as the tool of analysis. It consists of two theories paired into a single theory i.e. Lexical Semantics and Conversational Implicatures. Lexical Pragmatics aims at accounting for interpretation of texts and utterances based on context and encyclopedic knowledge. On data collection, analysis and interpretation, data was collected via writing down the texts, taking photographs and by use of questionnaires. The data which were collected through questionnaires were both quantitative and qualitative in nature and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Research findings were presented in form of tables, frequencies and charts. Compared to public and social halls across both the primary and secondary schools, toilets contained more inflammatory graffiti. With regard to these findings, toilet graffiti tend or appear to provide significantly unobtrusive and useful method for finding out or investigating sensitive and controversial social issues
Business Models, External Environment And Performance Of Safaricom Limited In Kenya
No full textThe main objective of this research project was to investigate the relationship between business models, external environment and performance of Safaricom limited in Kenya. As the level of global competition increases and profits dissipate, business organizations will seek to gain competitive advantage by breaking recipes of industries that were already established while engaging in innovation models that facilitate effective running of business activities. The predictor variables of the study was Safaricom business models that comprised of core internal competencies, revenue drivers and pricing volume and margins market differentiation and the moderating variable was the external environment. The study adopted a case study research design. The study used primary data. The researcher utilized an interview guide as the main data collection instrument. Data was collected through a face to face interview with the interviewees. The findings shows that with regard to customer identification, the process is through market analysis, demand of products, other customer request, mass market demand for services and market research. In regard to the value chain and linkages business model approach, Safaricom limited sets up the right network infrastructure e.g. Fibre optic network, Base Transceiver Stations and builds products and services on top of these infrastructure. The value chain and linkages business model approach take through online shop, channel partners (i.e. agents), Safaricom shops etc and work with distributors to sell the products countrywide. The core internal competencies in Safaricom limited were very good engineers, HR, technology, logistics business development teams and the company had qualified staff with technical & sales competence. To avoid harsh economic conditions in the country, the study found that adopting different business strategies based on forecasted economic conditions on yearly basis, price changes, tax regime and cost reductions can enhance performance of the company. In relation to how Safaricom scans the environment and respond to specific opportunities and threats to come up with appropriate business model, the results shows that using market research, industry surveys, customer feedbacks, engagements on an ongoing process has been adopted. The study recommends that resources should be devoted generously towards market research and appropriate customer database should be established to capture the statistics of customer demands so that the company can have the trend of services that are highly demanded and consequently enhance value creation in the respective service line. In addition, with regard to rapid technological changes and market turbulence, the study perhaps recommend that market research, enhanced customer feedback path and effective research and development should be established in the company to enhance customer satisfaction and in the long run, performance of the company will improve significantly
Predicting Potato Late Blight Disease Pressure using Artificial Neural Network
No full textLate blight causing Phytopthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary largely depends on weather
parameters such as temperature and relative humidity for survival, spread and its
ability to attach and infect new plants. The variations in weather across different
agro-ecological zones can be used to explain the different levels of disease severity
experienced across these regions.
Potato late blight disease evaluation data from five locations was coupled with GISlinked
weather data. A series of neural network models were developed and validated
with 10-fold cross validation and the optimal model selected based on accuracy
achieved on validation set. The selected model had 1 hidden layer with 14 nodes
achieving an accuracy of 88% in the validation set. The final model was used to predict
disease severity with 89% accuracy on new data. It was also found that the number
of precipitation days and number of days with temperature and relative humidity
favorable to disease development were amongst the top significant variables in the
model hence a target for monitoring.
This model can be used to estimate the expected late blight severity in a target region
hence support the decisions on the appropriate varieties and management regimes to
be used, reducing yield loss and excessive use of fungicides
Antihypertensive therapy and adequacy of blood pressure control among adult hypertensive diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease in a tertiary referral hospital.
No full textTight blood pressure control retards the development of end-stage renal disease in hypertensive diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. There is limited literature on blood pressure control among this patient population in a resource-limited setting. Research design and methods: A tertiary hospital-based cross-sectional study with 237 hypertensive diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease was conducted. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess patients' awareness of their ideal blood pressure. Data on blood pressure readings and antihypertensive therapies were abstracted into predesigned data collection forms and analyzed using STATA software version 13.0. Results: The participants' mean age was 61.8 ± 12.7 years and 106 (44.7%) patients were aware of the blood pressure targets. Adequate blood pressure control was found in 30.8%. Most (58.7%) were using ≥ 3 antihypertensive drug classes. Calcium channel blockers (51.1%), with principally amlodipine (26.2%) and nifedipine (24.1%), were the most preferred agents. Bivariate analysis showed enalapril (p = 0.009) and nifedipine (p = 0.022) being associated with adequate blood pressure control. However, nifedipine (AOR 2.79; 95% CI: 1.12-6.9, p = 0.028) and awareness of ideal blood pressure targets (AOR 4.57; 95% CI: 1.25-16.7, p = 0.022) were independent predictors of good control. Conclusion: Adequacy of blood pressure among hypertensive diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease is low and may be attributable to unawareness of its target level and using inappropriate therapy. Future studies should correlate level of blood pressure control with patient-, clinician-, and hospital-related factors
The Role Of Men In Ending Female Genital Mutilation/cutting In Maparasha Location, Kajiado County
No full textThe main purpose of this study was to examine the role of men in ending Female Genital
Mutilation/Cutting. FGM is a deep rooted culture in some Kenyan communities and as such,
has been viewed a retrogressive practice which violates the rights of young girls and women;
it is also a threat to their health. The major objective of the study was to determine the role of
men in the effort towards ending Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting. In order to achieve the
objective, Maparasha Location in Kajiado County was selected as the area of study because
of the high prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation cases by the community that resides in
the area. The area is predominantly occupied by the Maasai community. The study selected
115 respondents. The sample was derived from a list of eligible households, obtained from
the local administration registration book. Data collection was conducted primarily through
an interview schedule, which contained questions that were both open ended and closed
ended. The study explored the views, experiences and beliefs of the respondents and thus the
data collected was grouped and organized according to the research questions, for easier
analysis. Discourse analysis was used in deriving meaning and interpretation of the
interview statements, by giving meaning to each text and its functionality in the research.
Indeed, respondents indicated an attitude towards FGM, and such information only
reinforced the fact that men did not support FGM and they wanted FGM stopped, despite
them practicing FGM. The respondents cited reasons for the difference between their attitude
and the practice of FGM, relating it to perceived immense consequences and sanctions that
they face if their daughters do not undergo FGM. Older men were found to be in support of
the practice of FGM because they needed to protect their culture. Some of the reasons they
cited for practicing FGM were; to control the sexuality of young girls as a sign of chastity. It
was also established that men were not consulted on the decision for their daughters to
undergo the cut, neither are such decisions discussed at the community level. Stigmatization
of men being involved in FGM matters is predominant in FGM prevalent areas because FGM
remains a woman’s issue only. FGM, has overtime, evolved in its significance, and therefore
the reasons for its practice have become complex. Moreover, the diversity underlying ethnic
and cultural traditions and beliefs only serve to underpin the practice of FGM. The study
recommendation was that community should be engaged and empowerment through
education ; as part of encouraging the participation in FGM abandonment
The Dynamics of Translating Standard Operating Procedures by Untrained Translators in the Kenyan Banking Industry From French to English
No full textSet in a background of globalization and the digital era, this study set out to investigate miscommunication errors in Bank Standard Operating Procedures translated by untrained translators. These errors were identified and their causes assessed. It also went further to look into strategies that could be used to mitigate against them. In order to achieve it purpose, data on miscommunication errors was collected from Standard Operating Procedure texts that were selected through purposive sampling. Miscommunication errors were then identified based on the basic concepts of the skopos theory and the pedagogical assessment model and were grouped into three categories; miscommunication errors in the titles of roles and functions, in special terms and abbreviations used and in sentences and phrases. The analysis of these errors revealed that they arose mainly from failure by the target text to transfer meaning, meet its purpose and have the intended effect on the target audience. There were also cases of expression errors and lack of accountability by the translator. The study also recommended strategies that could be used to prevent these errors from occurring. These were; synonymy, hyponymy, cultural filtering and information change. Furthermore, the study provided a basis for further studies on the decision making process by translators of Standard Operating Procedures and also the expectations of their consumers. Finally, in also provided insight on translator training especially in the area of specialized language use
Competitive Strategies and Competitive Advantage of Small Medium Enterprises at Toi Market, Nairobi City County
No full textAs competition intensifies in all business, few business environments can be assured of secure returns and it is therefore for this reason that the primary principle of a strategy should be to establish a position of competitive advantage for the business. The study aimed to establish the competitive strategies adopted by SMEs at Toi Market, Nairobi in an effort to achieve competitive advantage. The study which adopted a descriptive survey design, collected data using a structured questionnaire. The target population consisted of the traders who are tasked in the routine running of the SMEs at Toi Market, Nairobi. The study endeavored to select 10% of approximately 600 traders, that is, 60 traders, in the target population as this can be used to reasonably infer the characteristics of the entire population. A total of 60 (100%) respondents responded to the questionnaire. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Descriptive statistics was provided in the form of frequencies, percentages and measures of central tendency, that is, mean, media and mode. Inferential analysis in the form of regression analysis was also applied to predict the relationships between the competitive strategies and competitive advantage. The findings of the study established that SMEs at Toi Market adopt competitive strategies in order to remain competitive. The findings also established a strong and positive relationship between the three generic completive strategies and competitive advantage. The study recommends that SMEs in Kenya should endeavor to adopt competitive strategies in order to survive in an ever changing environment. The study also recommends the need for continuous awareness targeted towards SMEs so as to empower those in the industry with the relevant knowledge on the role of competitive strategies and competitive advantage. The study also recommends the need for Government and policy makers to develop favorable polices and framework for SMEs. This is due to the vital contribution of SMEs in social economic development and more so providing employment, and like any business, those in the industry need to have adequate framework and strategies to thrive and sustain competitiveness
The Effect Of Fund Characteristics On Financial Performance Of Pension Schemes In Kenya
No full textThe successful performance of pension schemes is important to all the stakeholders based on the role they play in the economy. They are also development rapidly not only in Kenya but also across the public. Sustainability and growth of pension schemes is key as pensions schemes are expected to support the economy, create employment, and support the beneficiaries upon retirement. It is therefore imperative to understand how the age of operations of a pension schemes impacts on performance. The study sought to understand this by addressing the study objective of the effect of fund characteristics on financial performance of pension schemes in Kenya through the variables age of the fund, expenditure of the fund, idle funds and density of contributions. The study adopted a descriptive correlational research design quantitatively. The population of the study was 1232 registered pension schemes under RBA (RBA, 2018). The sampling design was stratified convenience sampling in the choice of the 34 schemes. Data was collected from the financial statements of 29 companies from 2014 to 2018. The study findings indicated that the age of the fund has a negative but not significant influence on the performance of pension schemes, density of contributions and expenditure were found to have a positive insignificant influence on performance and idle funds have a positive significant influence on the performance pension schemes. The study recommends further study on pension schemes to explore other variables that could significantly influence performance
Monetary Policy and Asset Prices in Kenya: Does the Central Bank Respond to Asset Prices?
No full textThe intricacy that defines how monetary policy relates with asset prices has garnered interest in many studies due to the importance of the position held by asset prices in influencing the financial stability of economies across the world. This research studies how asset prices (variation in stock prices) shape the central bank’s monetary decisions in Kenya. Drastic shifts in the prices of assets have impacted different sectors of economies across the globe. As a result, policy makers in monetary authorities across the world have debated on how to treat asset prices as they implement monetary policy for their economies. A change in stock prices variable is added to a Taylor rule that is forward looking to study how asset prices have affected monetary policy decisions in Kenya (Clarida et al., 1998). The study employs quarterly data ranging from initial quarter 2000 to initial quarter 2019 and uses the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) as a method of estimation. The results show that the parameter estimate of the change in stocks price variable is positive and statistically significant. This means that the monetary authority tightens monetary policy in response to an ascent in the change in stock prices. Additionally, we find significant positive parameter estimates for output gap and interbank rate while the coefficient of inflation gap lacks statistical significance. The study also finds that the adjustment of the central bank to target interest rates is approximately 0.37 basis point