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Factors Influencing Management Of Private Secondary Schools In Machakos County, Kenya
Get PDFManagement of private schools has to do with the art of getting people together to
accomplish desired goals through planning, organizing , sourcing , leading or directing
in schools that are owned, funded, managed and financed by the actors other than the
state although the state may control part or most of the school functions. This study was
conducted to evaluate the Factors Influencing Management of Private Secondary Schools
in Machakos County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to find out to what extend
principals qualifications, sources of finance, working relationships and government
policies influence management of private secondary schools in Machakos County,
Kenya. The research used descriptive study design to accomplish the research objectives.
Machakos County has a total of 96 private secondary schools and 30 schools were chosen
randomly from each sub-county. The respondents of the study were school principals and
school owners of the chosen schools. The study therefore used a sample size of 60
respondents. Questionnaires will be used to acquire data from the respondents. Cronbachs
alpha technique was used to test reliability. Simple random sampling was used to select
the sample size. Primary data was collected to achieve the objectives of the study. The
data collected was analyzed using descriptive technique with the help of Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Data shall be presented in tables and charts
and interpretations made according to the research objectives. Conclusions and new
recommendations were drawn based on the analysis and interpretation of data collected
from the respondents
Characterisation and Adsorption of Heavy Metals in Industrial Effluent From Paint and Coating Industries in Nairobi, Kenya
Get PDFIn the recent past, the environment in both developing and developed countries have witnessed environmental degradation due to persistent metal ion pollutants among other pollutants. In this respect, a study was conducted to estimate status of physico-chemical characteristics of effluents emanating from three paint factories in the main industrial area of Nairobi County. The effluents were analysed for temperature, conductivity, pH, oil and grease, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total sulphur and heavy metal ions of Cadmium, Lead and Chromium. The results were as follows: pH 6.48±0.14 - 6.89±0.04, temperature 28.07±0.12-28.30±0.12 oC, electrical conductivity 837.33±6.66-881.33±8.62 μS/cm, COD 916.77±28.15 -1881.20±24.82 mg/L, BOD 149.00±1.41 - 183.00±1.41 mg/L, total phosphorus 145.00±3.61-149.32±1.22 mg/L, TSS 6382.3±658.013-7395.33±364.23 mg/L, oil and grease 3525.00±17.52-6374.33±23.03 mg/L, total sulphur 72.62±3.11-73.41±1.71 mg/L, total nitrogen 1586.67±29.14-4442.67±70.47 mg/L. Heavy metal concentrations were 3.03±0.83-4.18±0.09 mg/L, 2.07±0.66-3.04±0.83 mg/L and 5.38±1.41-17.21±1.67 mg/L respectively for cadmium, chromium and lead. Adsorbent was made from waste rubber tyres by soaking chopped tyres in 1M potassium hydroxide solution for 3 hours and consequently pyrrolizing at 700 °C for two hours. The prepared activated carbon was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and distilled water. The adsorbent was then tested for its suitability in removing three heavy metal ions namely cadmium, lead and chromium from the effluent samples. The optimum adsorption conditions for the uptake of these ions were investigated by varying adsorbent dosage, pH and contact time. The results indicated that metal adsorption was dependent on these factors. The optimum conditions were: pH of 4-6, adsorbent dosage 0.5-0.6 % (w/v) and adsorption time of 90-105 minutes. The adsorption isotherms studies indicated that Langmuir model fitted well with analytical values obtained for cadmium, lead and chromium metal ions adsorption better than Friedrich isotherm.a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Adenomyotic Glands Are Highly Related to Endometrial Glands
No full textResearch question: How closely related are adenomyotic and endometrial glands?
Design: In this study, the mRNA and protein database www.proteinatlas.org was searched for proteins expressed predominantly in the endometrial glands. Specificity was tested with tissue microarrays. Biopsy specimens of endometrial, adenomyotic tissue, or both, were collected after surgery from 21 women without endometriosis, 20 women with endometriosis, 18 women with adenomyosis together with endometriosis and 12 women with adenomyosis alone. Tissue expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry.
Results: Two proteins were identified: calcyphosine (CAPS), and msh homeobox 1 (MSX1). A high abundance and good specificity in endometrial glands were found. Both proteins, CAPS and MSX1, showed a high specificity for endometrium and are both localized in the luminal cells and epithelial cells of the glandular and adenomyotic glands. No significant differences were found between CAPS- and MSX1-positive endometrial glands between cases with and without endometriosis. Also, no cycle-specific different expression was found. Furthermore, a close relationship between the adenomyotic glands and the endometrial glands for CAPS (range 63.0-98.3%) and for MSX1 (range 87.1-99.3%) could be demonstrated. Only 11.2% and 6.8% negative glands for CAPS and MSX1 were identified in all tissues from all patients, respectively; none were negative for both proteins.
Conclusions: Taken together, our results show that the protein expression pattern of adenomyosis is nearly identical to those of the endometrium with and without endometriosis, thus suggesting endometrial glands as the main source for adenomyotic glands
Effect of Trading Activity on Stock Return Volatility for Stocks Listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange
Get PDFThe objective of the study was to examine the effect of trading activity on stock return volatility for stocks listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The specific objectives were to determine the effects of trading volume and trade size on stock return volatility from 2013- 2018. The study was based on the Efficient Market Hypothesis, Modern Portfolio Theory and Prospect Theory. A descriptive cross-sectional research was used to conduct this study which targeted 63 stocks listed at the NSE. Non-probability sampling was adopted where convenience sampling was used to select stocks listed at NSE in the period 2013-2018 due to the proximity and accessibility of the 57 companies’ data to the researcher. Secondary data was used and was extracted from the NSE website and financial statements of sampled firms and tabulated into a data entry sheet covering the study period. Diagnostic tests which included checking heteroscedasticity, normality, and multicollinearity were conducted. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data which consisted of correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that trading activity was a factor that significantly affected stock return volatility. The regression coefficients indicated that trading volume and trade size had a positive and negative significant effects on stock return volatility respectively. The study concluded that an increase in trading volume at the NSE resulted in increased stock return volatility and that an increase in trade size at the NSE resulted in reduction in stock return volatility. The study recommends that the Capital Markets Authority, Nairobi Securities Exchange and policy makers in the financial markets should urge stockbrokers to advise their clients against being overconfident when trading in stocks
Influnce of Corporate Visual Identity Rebranding on Customer Perceptions: a Case Study of the National Bank of Kenya Limited
Get PDFThe main objective of the study was to evaluate the perception of customers towards the
corporate visual identity rebranding done by the National Bank of Kenya. Specifically,
the study investigated the impacts of change of corporate colour, slogan and logo on
customer perception. The study was anchored on two theories, that is, Lewin’s model
theory and contingency theory. The study applied descriptive design where a systematic
random sampling method was used in selecting its target population. The mixed-method
approach was used with both qualitative and quantitative methods applied. Quantitative
data were analysed using the descriptive method where percentages were analysed with
the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences as a tool, and on the other hand,
qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and triangulation. For easy
interpretations and understanding, figures and tables were used in the presentation of the
results. The target population included all the 6,500 registered customers of the National
Bank of Kenya Harambee Avenue and the other registered customers from other
branches visiting the branch. The sample size constituted 200 customers and 20 staff
from the bank branch. Through data analysis, the study revealed that, the majority of the
customers were aware of the changes done by The National Bank of Kenya specifically
corporate colours, slogan and logo. The study revealed that 73.9% of the respondents
were positively affected by the new slogan and preferred it over the previous one.
Similarly, 65.2% of the respondents were positively affected and preferred the new
colours over the previous ones and finally, 52.7% were positively affected and preferred
the new logo over the previous one. The rebranding at The National Bank of Kenya can
be registered as a success since it had a positive influence on the majority of the
customers and several benefits were achieved by the rebranding. The study recommends
that, amidst the process of rebranding every organisation should understand that
rebranding should not just focus on corporate colours and a logo. A brand is the totality
of the experiences, relationships, messages and interactions between the company and the
customers. Rebranding hence should ensure that the new brand identity is aligned to the
needs and aspirations of customers, the customers should hence be involved in defining
the new brand
Assessing Pressure and Tempature Forecasts in the Take-off Data at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Get PDFThis research sought to assess the accuracy of forecasts of pressure and temperature as two of the three Take-Off data parameters issued, against the data observed on hourly basis at JKIA.
The hypothesis for this study is ‘Pressure and temperature forecasts in the Take-off data at JKIA meet the required International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards’
Data on the pressure and temperature forecasts was sourced from the Take-Off data while the data on observed pressures and temperature was sourced from the routine meteorological aerodrome weather reports (METARS) respectively. These datasets are generated at JKIA and archived at Kenya Meteorological Department Headquarters (KMD).
Data was subjected to various data analysis and statistical techniques. Hourly average pressure and temperature values were calculated and plotted to determine the temporal evolution of these parameters. Scatter plot was used to show the distribution of error while Root Mean Square Error was used to calculate the accuracy of the forecasts. Contingency tables were used to determine the skill scores which included: Percent Correct, Post Agreement, Bias, Critical Success Index, Heidke Skill, Probability of Detection and Reliability.
From the findings, the Hypothesis was tested and found to be true and the skill scores fell under the ICAO recommended practice and standards.
Discussions and interpretations were done and conclusions and recommendations put fort
The Role Of Foreign Aid In Shaping The Development Of African Countries A Case Study Of Kenya-china Relations
Get PDFForeign assistance enables to boost economic development of states faced with challenges of development, infrastructure, climate change, poverty, agriculture and economic factors. Developing countries are the largest recipients of foreign aid in terms of loans. Africa is the largest bilateral trading partner with China and has become the destination hub for foreign aid. Chinese development assistance to Kenya has been through loans, technological Cooperation, Economic and trade agreements, promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement. However, the foreign assistance has brought about a number of problems such as increased loan debts, political rivalry between donor states, inhuman working conditions, facing sanctions, grabbing of job opportunities by donor states in recipient countries, corruption scandals, increased poverty levels and dependency. This study aims at examining Chinese aid policies and framework towards economic development in Kenya, determining the impact of Chinese aid on development in Kenya and establishing China’s strategic interests in Kenya. The study was guided by Realism, Marxist and Dependency theories to comprehend specific national interests which drive interactions in the international system. This study examined mixed method approach that combined both qualitative and quantitative research design. Data was collected using questionnaires from a sample of 384 respondents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Chinese officials and Academicians in Nairobi area. The data collected was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. It is evident that, China uses strategic alliances with African countries to fight against the rival powers such as the United States. Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is a method used to control the behavior of African states and the aid policy strategy as a means for trade and investments and to expand its markets in foreign states. Consequently, the findings show that China established foreign aid as an international aid regime to control trade, foreign markets and use state commercial initiatives such as the Belt Road initiatives to realize its national security. Arguably, China loans are criticized for charging exorbitantly high interest rates attached to aid advanced to receiver countries. The Chinese communist ideology has influenced the shift of Africa’s dependence on capitalism. However, the change of ideologies is to enable Africa embrace look east policies for its own benefits. Therefore, various recommendations can be made based on the study findings. There is need for China to remove trade barriers in its domestic markets, to allow balance of trade with African countries. Also, China’s aid policies and frameworks should incorporate policies of democracy and good governance as they emphasizes on accountability and transparency of funds in recipient countries
Effect Of Investment Decisions On Efficiency Of Deposit Taking Savings And Credit Cooperative Societies In Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFWith growing competition globally, SACCOs are directing their energies on investments to enhance their efficiency and so as to survive extreme competition. However, the decision to invest is subjective and a wrong investment decision can lead companies even to bankruptcy. Investment choices can also be made in compliance with the conditions in the markets, the portfolio level divergence, the results of fundamental and technical analysis, along with what the investors and managers expect and prefer. This study’s intent was to determine how investment decisions impact the efficiency of deposit taking SACCOs in Nairobi. The study’s population was all the 43 DT-SACCOs in Nairobi County, Kenya. The independent variable for the study was investment decisions with four measures; investment in real estate, investment in government securities, investment in fixed deposit and investment in shares. The control variables were liquidity, firm size and liquidity. Firm efficiency was the response variable which was the primary focus of the study. The study utilized secondary data from 2014 to 2018 (5 years) on annual basis. A descriptive cross-sectional design together with the multiple linear regression model were used for the analysis of the variables. For this analysis the researcher used the SPSS version 21 software. The findings gave an R-square value of 0.317 meaning that 31.7 percent changes in the efficiency of DT-SACCOs in Nairobi, Kenya can be attributed to the seven selected predictor variables while 68.3 percent changes of efficiency of DT-SACCOs was attributable to other factors outside the scope of the study. It was further revealed that the predictor variables showed a strong correlation with efficiency (R=0.563). ANOVA results show that the F statistic was substantial at 5% level with a p=0.000. This shows the model was suitable for the study to provide an explanation of the variables. The results also showed that investment in real estate, investment in government securities and investment in shares produced positive and statistically substantial values for this study while investment in fixed deposits, liquidity, firm size and age were found to be statistically insignificant determiners of efficiency. This study recommends that measures should be put in place to enhance investment in government securities, real estate and shares as these three have a substantial influence on efficiency of DT-SACCOs in Nairobi
Effects of Selected Factors on Strategic Decision Making in Private Security Firms in Kenya
Get PDFThe objective2 of2 the2 study2 was2 to2 establish2 the2 effects of selected factors on strategic decision making in private security firms in2 Kenya. 2 The2 study utilized descriptive2 survey2 research design. The population of the study was 111 private security firms. Stratified random2 sampling2 was2 used2 to2 sample2 34 firms representing 30% of the2 target2 population2 for the study. Questionnaire was used as the main instrument of data collection. Respondents were the senior managers or their appointed representatives in each of the sampled private security firm. Descriptive2 statistics2 were2 used2 in2 analyzing the collected data, where information and interpretations were2 presented2 using tables, 2 figures charts and percentages. Additionally, regression2 and2 correlation2 analysis2 was2 used2 to2 analyze the relationship between the various variables in the study where closely correlated items were combined and grouped together and scales were developed accordingly. The findings revealed that factors2 influencing2 strategic2decision2making2were environmental, organizational, decision and management related. From2 the2 findings2 of2 the2 study, 2 it2 was2 concluded that factors which influence strategic decision making in private security firms are; nature of industry, level of competition, environmental dynamism, diversity in managerial skills and size of the private2 security2 firm. 2The environment of2 the2 private2 security2 firms2 was2 found2 to2 have2 a2 significant2 influence2 on2 strategic decision making. The findings were reflective of the view that strategy of an organization is made after carrying out SWOT analysis on the environment. The study recommended that private security firms need to consider internal and external environmental factors when making strategic decisions. Further research is recommended on similar studies in countries where private security industry is more developed
Accident Predisposing Factors on Operational Performance of Boda Boda Projects- a Case of Lurambi Subcouty, Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to analyze the accident predisposing factors on operational performance of boda boda projects in Lurambi Sub county, Kakamega town. The objectives of the study were: to determine the influence of drug and substance abuse on operational performance of boda boda projects in Lurambi Sub County, to establish the influence of personal demographic characteristic on operational performance of boda boda projects in Lurambi sub County, to explore the influence of training on operational performance of boda boda projects in Lurambi Sub County and to determine the influence of awareness and compliance with government regulations on operational performance of boda boda projects in Lurambi Sub county. The study was supported by structural functionalism theory and Marxist theory of class structures. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study area was Lurambi Sub County which is located in Kakamega County. The target population was 632 respondents. The target population was drawn from registered boda boda riders who are 630, Traffic commander 1 and medical superintendent 1 making a total of 632 respondents. The sample size was calculated by use of Taro Yamane’s formula giving a sample size of 247 respondents and proportionally allocated to the strata’s. The data collection instrument was questionnaire which was designed using 5 point Likert scale. The questionnaires were administered using a drop and pick method. After data collection, the researcher conducted data cleaning, which involved identification of incomplete or inaccurate responses and correct to improve the quality of the responses. The data collection instruments were tested for validity to enhance credibility of data by consulting the supervisor. Reliability was achieved by Pre-testing of the instrument. Data was analyzed by use of both inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20. The study made recommendations and conclusions based on the findings which are of great significance in refuting or supporting existing theories thus bridging knowledge gaps in the broad area of study. The study found out that accident predisposing factors affects operational performance of boda boda projects (R2 = .834) shows that all the predictors account for 83.4% variation in operational performance. The β value for alcohol and drug abuse (.633), personal demographic characteristic (.151) training (.183) and awareness and compliance with government regulations (.173) were positive. The positive β values indicate the direction of relationship between predictors and outcome. The study recommends stringent measures on drunk driving, Boda boda operators should be trained by qualified personnel and registered driving schools and given licenses and operators should comply with government regulations