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Effect of Farm Saved Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed on Intensity of Foliage Diseases
No full textMajority of farmers in Africa recycle farm saved seed from the previous seasons. Such seed is usually
contaminated with disease causing pathogens, has low vigor and result in low yields. This study was, therefore,
conducted to determine the effect of recycling maize seeds on incidence of foliage diseases. Maize seeds were
collected during 2016 short rain season from farmers, local market and Agrovet shops in Busia County of
western Kenya. The seeds were subjected to field evaluation during 2017 long rain season at two sites in Busia
and Kakamega Counties. Data was collected on emergence, off types, lodging, ear aspect and abnormalities,
incidence and severity of diseases and yield. Seeds from local market had significantly higher emergence of up
to 66% while the farm saved seeds and local market resulted in the highest percentage of off-types of up to 18%.
Crop from farm saved seed and seeds from the local market showed high susceptibility to stalk lodging, ear
abnormalities and high levels of diseases. Diseases detected include northern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, rust,
brown spot, downy mildew, and ear rots. The study showed that though informal seeds had high plant
establishment, they have high level of off types, are susceptible to lodging, diseases and low yields. Therefore,
farmer should be encouraged to use certified or improved seeds to enhance crop productivity
EADSG Guidelines: Insulin Storage and Optimisation of Injection Technique in Diabetes Management.
Get PDFTo date, insulin therapy remains the cornerstone of diabetes management; but the art of injecting insulin is still poorly understood in many health facilities. To address this gap, the Forum for Injection Technique and Therapy Expert Recommendations (FITTER) published recommendations on injection technique after a workshop held in Rome, Italy in 2015. These recommendations are generally applicable to the majority of patients on insulin therapy, athough they do not explore alternative details that may be suitable for low- and middle-income countries. The East Africa Diabetes Study Group sought to address this gap, and furthermore to seek consensus on some of the contextual issues pertaining to insulin therapy within the East African region, specifically focusing on scarcity of resources and its adverse effect on the quality of care. A meeting of health care professionals, experts in diabetes management and patients using insulin, was convened in Kigali, Rwanda on 11 March 2018, and the following recommendations were made: (1) insulin should be transported safely, without undue shaking and exposure to high (> 32 °C) temperature environments. (2) Insulin should not be transported below 0 °C. (3) If insulin is to be stored at home for over 2 months, it should be stored at the recommended temperature of 2-8 °C. (4) Appropriate instructions should be given to patients while dispensing insulin. (5) Insulin in use should be kept at room temperature and should never be kept immersed under water. Immersing insulin under water after the vial has been pierced carries a high risk of contamination, leading to loss of potency and likelihood of causing injection abscesses. (6) The shortest available needles (4 mm for pen and 6 mm for insulin syringe) should be preferred for all patients. (7) In routine care, intramuscular injections should be avoided, especially with long-acting insulins, as it may result in severe hypoglycaemia. (8) The practice of slanting the needle excessively should be avoided as it results in sub-epidermal injection of insulin which leads to poor absorption and may cause "tattooing" of the skin and scarring. (9) In patients presenting in a wasted state, with "paper-like skin", injections should, if possible, be initiated with pen injection devices, so as to utilise the 4-mm needle without lifting a skin fold (pinching the skin); otherwise lifting of a skin fold is required, if longer needles are utilised. (10) Reuse of needles and syringes is not recommended. However, as the reuse of syringes and needles is practiced for various reasons, and by many patients, individuals should not be given alarming messages; and usage should be limited to discarding when injections become more painful; but at any rate not to exceed reusing a needle more than 5 times
The Inadequacy of the Legal Framework Governing Islamic Banking in Kenya
Get PDFIslamic banking refers to a system of banking or banking activity that is consistent with the principles of sharia and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics. Islamic banking sectors stem from the fact that Muslims are endeavouring to avoid interest based practices and transactions. The avoidance of riba (interest) is the fundamental principle underlying Islamic finance. The charging of interest is considered by Islam as unjust enrichment and is condemned in the Quran. The rapid growth and unique nature of this sector has made Islamic banking and finance an ideal topic for academic research.
This paper scrutinized Islamic banking regulation at the international level and in Kenya, with the aim of finding challenges in Kenyan regulations, in addition to best practices that can be introduced for optimal expansion of Islamic banking. The study also looks into the current realities of Islamic banking in Kenya from the perspective of the regulatory challenges facing the industry which is a big step towards the realisation of the inadequacy of the regulatory framework of Islamic banking in Kenya. This paper will establish the need for a comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework to govern the Islamic banking sector in Kenya.
To sustain the growth and development of Islamic financial system, the resilience of the industry has to be strengthened through evolving legal and regulatory reforms by the regulators. Putting in place an appropriate and effective legal and regulatory framework is particularly important for Islamic financial institutions. This paper recommends components for the development of comprehensive Islamic Banking Regulation in Kenya
Market Forces Motivating Cross-border Banking by Commercial Banks in Kenya: a Case Study of Kcb Group Limited
Get PDFThis research sought to understand market forces motivating regional money-lending of Kenyan commercial money-lenders with a specific reference to KCB Limited Group. It was driven by the point that financial markets in Kenya, its legal and institutional structures are seen to be “superior” to the ones of bordering nations, the destructive growth of money-lenders in Kenya across the East African region seemed contradictory. The growth of global money-lending operations by Kenyan money-lenders within and outside East Africa put a need for an inquiry into what stimulates the resolution by a money-lender to venture outside the national borders or invest in their home country. This inquiry was timely given that a bulk of Kenyan populace remained unbanked yet some Kenyan money-lenders were expanding into regional markets thus having not fully exploited the existing domestic market. This research therefore pursued to study the Kenyan domestic-based market forces motivating regional money-lending by Kenyan commercial money-lenders and secondly to define host non-domestic country based market forces encouraging regional money-lending by Kenyan Commercial money-lenders, using KCB Limited Group as a case study. In doing so, the researcher interviewed 3 KCB Limited Group staff in-charge of regional expansion. As at September 2019, KCB Limited Group had 258 branches spread across 5 countries within the East African Market. Content analysis was used to analyze data. The research discovered main reason KCB Limited Group had moved to the 5 countries was prospects for future growth, such as to follow customers, to grow their revenue thus increasing profits, take advantage of governmental incentives, exploit money-lender-specific strengths, for long term growth, enhance competitiveness, spread their business risks, economies of scale and also improve money-lender’s the reputation as customers would view them as a strong brand due to its regional presence
Influence Of Strategy Implementation On Performance Of Engineering Firms In Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of strategy implementation on the
performance of engineering firms in Kenya. Strategy implementation was considered as a
multidimensional construct comprising of; strategy formulation, organizational culture,
organizational structure, resource allocation and monitoring and evaluation. Specifically,
the study sought to identify the interrelations between these constructs and performance
of the firms. Anchored on a descriptive research design, the study targeted a total of 124
engineering firms with operations in Kenya. Collection of data from these firms entailed
the use of survey questionnaires. The collected data was input into Statistical Package for
Social Scientists (SPSS) for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Through
multiple regression analysis, the study found that: a unit increase in strategy formulation
alternatives would improve the performance of engineering firms by 47.2%; a unit
increase in incentives meant to promote positive organizational culture would increase
the performance of engineering firms by 11.1%; an effective organizational structure
would drive performance of the engineering firms by 18.3%; a unit increase in resource
allocation would enhance performance of engineering firms by 21.2% and a unit increase
in monitoring and evaluation would boost the performance of the firms by 14.4%. Based
on these findings, it was concluded that engineering firms in Kenya recognize the
important role of strategy implementation in driving business success and that they need
to be agile in their approaches due to the fast-changing business environment. The study
recommends that Kenyan engineering firms consider apportioning more funds to
departments charged with the task of strategy implementation. Additionally, the firms
should seek to have a tight strategy-culture co-alignment to facilitate implementation of
organizational strategies
Factors Influencing the Completion of Renewable Energy Infrastructural Projects: a Case of Kengen Company, Nakuru County
No full textThis report is tasked with the objective of analyzing the success factors for infrastructural development projects in the renewable energy sector in Kenya, the case of KenGen Company Ltd, Nakuru County. The objectives guiding this research are to establish the level to which capital availability, top management team support, training of project team and technical team competence affect the development and completion of infrastructural projects in the renewable energy sector. The study used descriptive survey design method which encompasses measurement, classification, contrast and interpretation of data. This method is appropriate as it is used in assembling data from a comparatively great number of circumstances at a specific interval. The target population for the study included staff drawn from Management, with a total population of 2831 employees of KenGen Company Ltd. A sample of 340 as obtained by application of Krejcie and Morgan table from the total population of 2831 was interviewed by use of questionnaire to generate response required for the study. The researcher collected data through personally-administered questionnaire method which is suitable as it reaches a large number of subjects who are literate. A pilot study was channeled beforehand the real study was done to ascertain the reliability of the questionnaires in collecting the data and involved 34 respondents picked randomly from the groups to show how closely related a set of items are as a group in order to give logical deduction. To ensure content validity of the instruments, the researcher thoroughly checked with the Supervisor who aided in quantifying the variables to be measured by the instruments and also aided in influencing whether or not the set of articles were precisely representative of the variables under study. A split-half method was used to test for reliability where the items in the instrument were separated obsessed by two sub groups of even and odd numbered items given to a few respondents and the results interrelated. The data collected was scrutinized by use of descriptive statistics where the responses from the questionnaires were tallied, tabulated and analyzed using percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation. The data was further analyzed using correlation, analysis. The study revealed that the respondents were homogeneous in how they perceived the research questions and this led to consistency in response. Findings for capital availability revealed measure of central tendency of slightly high mean of 4.088 and standard deviation of 0.953. Findings for top management team support revealed a measure of central tendency of mean of 3.936 and standard deviation of 1.048. For training, measure of central tendency indicated a mean of 3.34 and standard deviation of 1.302. For technical team competency, measure of central tendencies of mean 3.588 and standard deviation of 1.255 was obtained. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted on the data and it was found that the response on how the independent variables affect the dependent variable were correlated with the correlation coefficient of between capital availability against top management support being highest at 0.9809 and capital availability against training of project staff being lowest at 0.6135. The study concluded that all the four independent variables influence significantly the implementation of infrastructural projects in KenGen. Measures need to be put in place to ensure that success of implementation of infrastructural projects in assured through capital availability, top management team support, proper training and technical team competency in order to successfully addressed repeated episodes of project failures as seen in many infrastructure build up. It is recommended that the independent variables mentioned should be strengthened through a collective effort of the project leadership in order to successfully address the problem. The researcher recommended that similar studies be conducted in other energy sectors of the country and other independent variables be studied on too
Socio-economic Factors Influencing Students’ Retention Rate in Public Secondary Schools in Matinyani Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya
No full textSustainability Of Food Assistance Programmes In Kenya: A Case Of Kakuma, Turkana County
No full textThis study was carried out to investigate the factors influencing the sustainability of Food Assistance Programmes in Kenya: A Case of Food Assistance for Assets programme in Kakuma, Turkana County. This research was driven by the fact that after a couple of years, the projects initiated by a number of humanitarian organizations under the study sample, had either stalled or the fruits of these initiatives not fully enjoyed by the local communities. Looking at the study sample, very good projects can be seen yet abandonment of these on several occasions has meant that sustainability of the Food Assistance Programmes can only be found on paper. Four objectives guided this research; to examine how demographic characteristics of beneficiaries influence the sustainability of Food Assistance Programmes, to investigate the level to which weather conditions influence the sustainability of Food Assistance Programmes, to assess how beneficiaries' participation influences the sustainability of Food Assistance Programmes and to determine how capacity building of beneficiaries influences the sustainability of Food Assistance Programmes. The study adopted a descriptive research approach. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used in collecting information from a sample of 40 beneficiaries, 2 WFP managers, and two managers from TRP, 2 Chiefs, and ten community leaders. A similar group from a different location was used to validate the data collection instruments and to determine their reliability. The study established that 90% of the program implementers were female, with only 10% representing the male gender. Also, the study established that 52.5% of those interviewed agreed that gender has a significant influence on the sustainability of food assistance programs. The research also showed that 90% of the implementers were of the view that age determines the success and sustainability of programs. Again, the findings showed that there was a strong correlation between the size of the family and the sustainability of food assistance programmes. On education level, 85% never attained any form of education. On the influence of weather conditions, 85% of the respondents agreed that the distribution of rainfall across the area is not favourable to support any productive agricultural activities. On stakeholder participation, 85% of the respondents agreed that they are not consulted on matters to do with the implementation of the program but are most of the time informed of what is expected of them. The research also established that 60% of those interviewed had not been trained. Further, 35% of those trained said they had only been trained once in the past 12 months. The researcher, therefore, recommends that gender inequality and discrimination should be addressed to ensure that both men and women are involved at every stage of the programs. Regarding the weather aspect, the researcher proposes the introduction and/or expansion of climate-smart agriculture, which has proved to be the cure to most agricultural and environmental problems faced by most farmers in the semi-arid and arid regions. The food assistance programmes should also be designed from the beneficiaries' point of view, and they should also be fully involved in the implementation process. On the education level, since most of those interviewed had very low levels of education; their capacities to implement the program activities need to build and strengthened regularly.
Keywords: Sustainability, Demographic, Characteristics, Weather conditions, Stakeholders, Participation, Capacity building
Effect of Operations Strategy on the Performance of State Corporations in Kenya
No full textIn the competitive market both public and private organizations are required to perform
excellently in their operations so as to increase their output. The research sought to establish
the operations strategy adopted by state corporations and to determine the effect of operations
strategy on performance of Kenyan State corporations.
The predictor variables that represented operations strategy include service quality, delivery
performance, operational flexibility and cost containment. The research employed a crosssectional
research design on a population size of 168. Primary data collection was done
through structured questionnaires.
Outcomes with regard to the service quality dimension showed that the firms had
documented service charter and agreements that guide their relationship with external
partners. To increase organization flexibility, the firms had adopted technology in their
operations to cope with the changing needs. In service delivery, the findings showed that
firms document time lines of service delivery. In cost containment the findings indicated
budget provision in a particular period with regard to expenditure was being observed.
The findings also suggest existence of a positive relationship amongst operations strategy and
performance of an organization. (r=0.525) and that 27.6% variations in performance of the
organization is accounted for through variation in the operations strategy. The regression
values show that operational flexibility and delivery performance had significant results on
the performance of an organization. The p-values were 0.032 and 0.000 respectively. This
research concludes that operational strategy affects organizational performance and therefore
firms should pursue this strategy because out of these operational activities the firm is able to
deliver services
Information and Decision Making on Assisted Reproductive Technologies Among Families Experiencing Infertility in Kenya
No full textThis study sought to explore the information on infertility and information on Assisted Reproductive Technologies available in Kenya and how it was packaged and disseminated; to find out whether those suffering infertility had fertility awareness; and also find out how the different levels of infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technologies information influenced decision to take up in-vitro fertilisation among families experiencing infertility in Kenya. To achieve the objectives the study adopted a case study research design for which qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews with participants and key informants in Nairobi County. The target population for the study was individuals who had suffered infertility and had taken up in-vitro fertilisation treatment; and key informants who come into contact with couples in infertility situation as they journey towards in-vitro fertilisation. Ten female participants were interviewed as primary respondents, and four experts drawn from four categories of key informants were also interviewed: a gynaecologist; a fertility expert; a counselling psychologist; and a legal expert. To tie the study into theory and strengthen the work, two theoretical frameworks; the Health Belief Model and the Bio-psychosocial Theory were used. The qualitative data was then subjected to thematic analysis from which relevant information was extracted and findings interpreted by focusing on the research objectives. The results obtained indicated that there was not adequate information on infertility out there though information on Assisted Reproductive Technologies was noted to be available especially in the last 5 years; however, packaging and dissemination in both cases was found to be poor, with no standardised packaging of the information for dissemination. Another notable finding was that there was generally lack of fertility awareness, with actions taken and/omissions by the participants coupled with lack of information during their youth having detrimental effects on their future fertility. The study also found that lack of biomedical information and delayed diagnosis caused a subsequent delay in decision to take up Assisted Reproductive Technologies; while psychosocial consequences served to hasten the decision making on Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Finally, the study found that there was no legal framework to guide implementation of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Kenya, and also that the legal and ethical issues in Assisted Reproductive Technologies were not considered in decision making on in-vitro fertilisation, though after the successful uptake of in-vitro fertilisation the legal and ethical issues came to light especially with regard to the right of the child born out of in-vitro fertilisation. The study recommends that more efforts be made in hastening the passing of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies Bill 2019 for proper regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, fertility awareness creation among the youth, and incorporation of fertility awareness programmes in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education