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Deep Learning Model For Predicting Sorghum Yield: A Case Of Kisumu County
Get PDFAgriculture is said to be the backbone of Kenya’s economy contributing to over 20% of the
country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). More than 40% of the country’s population are
employed by the agricultural sector and an estimated 70% of the rural population rely on
agriculture. Agricultural productivity is however dwindling owing to climate change related risks
such as longer drought periods. In an effort to ensure sustainability and food security, different
strategies are being implemented like climate smart agriculture which advocates for increased
agricultural productivity through sustainability. Crop yield forecasting is one of the ways which
can help provide useful information to policy makers and scientists to come up with sustainable
agricultural strategies. It will also help farmers make informed farming decisions. Crop yield
prediction is however a difficult task since many factors are considered when coming up with the
ideal set of independent variables. Many studies have been conducted on predicting different crops
yield using machine learning algorithms and different factors depending on the availability of data
and the scope of the research. The main objective of this thesis is to come up with a deep learning
model that predicts sorghum yield in Kisumu County. Deep learning is a preferred choice of
machine learning algorithms because of its ability to have multiple hidden layers which increases
the accuracy levels. The model will try an all-inclusive approach where all factors affecting
sorghum yield production will be considered like environmental variables, agronomic, social and
economic variables. Historical data obtained from the KALRO data portal will be used in this
study. The Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) will be used to
evaluate the prediction performance of the model
Challenges Facing Implementation Of Donor Support Projects In The Kenya National Highway Authority
No full textDonor funded transport and infrastructure support projects in Kenya are facing problems of delays in their life cycle of implementation therefore not successfully completed. The general objective of the study was to investigate the challenges facing implementation of donor support projects in the Kenya National Highway Authority. Specific objectives were; to assess the influence of donors-imposed conditions, procurement related factors, project planning practices and stakeholders’ involvement on implementation of donor funded projects in Kenya National Highway Authority. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 166 management level employees of Kenya National highway Authority at their head office in Nairobi County, the study sample was166 respondents. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean, frequency, percentage and standard deviations to describe the basic characteristics of the population. Inferential statistics were conducted using Pearson’s Product Moment correlation and multiple regression models to determine the nature of the relationship between the variables. The study found that conditions imposed by donors has positive influence on implementation of donor support projects. Procurement related factors was found to have positive influence on implementation of donor support projects. The study further found that project planning has positive influence on implementation of donor support projects. Stakeholders’ involvement was found to have positive influence on implementation of donor support projects. Based on the findings, the study concludes that an increase in conditions imposed by donors, procurement related factors, project planning and stakeholders’ involvement would result to improved implementation of donor support projects. The study thus recommends project managers to ensure they strictly adhere to the procedures and guidelines to ensure that they continue receiving the donor funds. The study also recommends project managers to ensure integrity of the procurement process; this can be achieved by developing procurement procedures and guidelines that must be adhered to. The study recommends project managers to conduct monitoring and evaluation during project implementation to ensure that funds allocated each activity are used as planned. The study thus recommends all stakeholders involved with the project, to be involved from the start i.e. project identification and initiation. Also, it is important to communicate to all stakeholders regarding the progress of the project
Determinant Of Financial Performance Of Micro And Small Dairy Sector Enterprises In Kiambu County
No full textMSEs are acknowledged as drivers of social economic growth, both in developing and developed economies due to their essential role in rise in GDP, entrepreneurship, creation of new jobs and innovation. However, although micro, MSEs play crucial role in economic development and employment, the MSEs in developing countries face a financial gap. Additionally, despite the potential of MSEs in Kenya to facilitate and foster growth, statistics indicate that most Kenyan MSEs never celebrate their fifth birthday due to myriad financial constraints which affect their financial performance. Further, though MSEs are making positive contributions to Kenyan economic growth, the rate of failure is high. Thus, this research evaluated the determinants of financial performance of micro and small enterprises in in dairy sector within Kiambu County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine effect of financing decisions, investment decisions and technology adoption on financial performance of micro and small enterprises in dairy sector located in Kiambu County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was used and the target population consisted of 430 dairy micro as well as small enterprises in Kiambu County. The simple random sampling method was employed in choosing sample size of 129 micro and small enterprises managers. The study used primary data which was collected by use of structured questionnaires. This study used descriptive and inferential statistical tools for analysis of the collected data using SPSS statistical software. Additionally, descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency, mean and standard deviation were employed to summarize collected data. Inferential statistics included the regression model which was employed1to assess the link between1dependent, and1independent variables and presented in graphs and tables. The study found that financing decisions have positive and significant effect on dairy micro as well as small enterprises in Kiambu County. The study also found that investment decisions have positive and significant effect on dairy micro as well as small enterprises within Kiambu County. The study revealed that technology adoption has a negative significant effect on financial performance1of dairy micro as well as small enterprises in Kiambu1County. Moreover, the1study recommends that dairy farmers ought to seek to expand their small enterprises by increasing the number of dairy cows so as to increase milk production, which would in turn improve profitability of the farms. In addition, dairy farmers should use diversification in their farms by introducing dairy goats, chicken among other livestock
An APN Authentication Model For A Secure Enterprise Wireless Local Area Network
Get PDFThe Use of Wireless Networks is on the rise and many organizations are deploying WLANs to
support their critical business applications. With the rising demand and use of wireless local area
networks and the subsequent implementation of these networks by organizations, enterprises have
been exposed to a lot of challenges and we have seen an increase in cybercrime and most of these
attacks have been launched from wireless networks. The main problem addressed in this research
is the poor implementation of security of wireless local area networks by enterprises. The main
challenge includes there not being a model that can help WLAN implementer in the designing and
the selection of security features or their configurations which make the security managers in
organizations choose methods of authentication and also mechanisms for access control that are
vulnerable. The research process will be in phases, the first phase will be a preliminary study where
a descriptive survey on selected enterprises WLAN in Kenya and an analysis of their attack
susceptibility will be done. Phase two is where a model will be designed and algorithms developed
based on the results of the preliminary study. The last phase will involve coming up with a
prototype of the design model, validation of the model concept and its verification. The main
contribution of this research will be the generation of a simulation model that will enable network
experts in enterprises to appropriately design and select good security features when configuring
WLANs for their organizations
Effect Of Ownership Structures On Financial Performance Of Listed Manufacturing Firms In Kenya
Get PDFOver the last decade, performance of listed manufacturing firms has been deteriorating
with some companies almost collapsing. For instance, Mumias Sugar Company and
Eveready have shown dismal financial performance. Prior studies have not addressed
the effect of ownership structures on financial performance of manufacturing firms in
Kenya. The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of ownership
structures on financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Kenya.
Specifically, the study sought: to evaluate the effect of board shareholding on financial
performance of listed manufacturing firms in Kenya, to explore the effect of foreign
shareholding on financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Kenya, to
investigate the effect of institutional shareholding on financial performance of listed
manufacturing firms in Kenya, to determine the effect of individual shareholding on
financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Kenya. This study was pegged
on five theories; agency theory, stewardship theory, Stulz’s Integrated Theory,
stakeholder’s theory and Resource based theory. This study was undertaken using a
descriptive research design. The target population comprised of all seven listed
manufacturing firms in Kenya that traded at NSE from 2010 to 2019. The study adopted
a census method of data collection. This was made possible by the use of secondary
data sheet. Data analysis was undertaken using panel data regression and data analysis
results were presented on tables and graphs. The findings revealed that the model
linking ownership structures and firm performance was significant. Moreover, the
results revealed that foreign shareholding was inconclusive on the effect it has to the
financial performance of listed manufacturing firms. Institutional shareholding has
negative significant effect on the returns on assets while individual shareholding had a
positive and significant effect on firm performance. This study recommended dispersed
ownership as it improved financial performance of the manufacturing firms
To tap digital economy, let us support it
No full textWhat you need to know:
Local innovations are the right response to the growing dominance by multinationals.
With the right policy and support, this country can churn out its own multi-billion-shilling techpreneurs and the benefits will trickle down
Demographic Factors Influencing Tax Collection In Kenya
No full textTax collection is essential to a country’s capability to finance public goods and services due to the expansive amount of needs. However, developing economies such as Kenya are registering, low level of tax collection, significantly compromising economic development. This has prompted the Government of Kenya to seek for ways of increasing tax collection through legislation and amendments to the tax laws. However, the tax collection has not sufficiently supported the country’s revenue collection objective. Most of the challenges facing tax collection are associated with certain demographic factors. Despite the wide array of literature on demographic factors affecting tax collection, there is no conclusive evidence of age, gender, taxpayer education and income level being determinants of tax collection in Kenya. The available empirical literature yields mixed results flawed with a lot inconsistency; a knowledge gap this study identified. This research sought to identify the demographic factors influencing tax collection in Kenya and specifically to; establish the effect of income level on tax collection in Kenya, establish the effect of education level on tax collection in Kenya, assess the effect of age on tax collection in Kenya, and ascertain the effect of gender on tax collection in Kenya. The research adopted a descriptive research design using quantitative approach. Its target population was the taxpayers in Nairobi County between the years 2008 and 2018. The study used census, a non-probability method, for its sampling since the data was readily accessible and to ensure homogeneity. Secondary data was gathered from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and Kenya Revenue Authority websites for period between the year 2008 to 2018. Data was analyzed with the help of STATA 13 to yield descriptive statistics (frequencies, mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, percentage as well as inferential statistics). The study revealed that at 5% significance; income level has a statistically significant positive effect on tax collection in Kenya, level of education has a statistically significant positive effect on tax collection in Kenya, age significantly affects tax collection in Kenya, and gender has a statistically significant positive effect on tax collection in Kenya with the females contributing slightly more than the males. The study recommends that Kenya Revenue Authority in collaboration with the Government of Kenya should; understand tax payers’ motivation, design its taxpayer education programs, concentrate much of their effort in creating awareness on the benefits of tax to the Kenyan youth: friendly tax compliance policies those that do not hurt the youths, and carry out a nationwide tax awareness and education targeting males
Effect of Financial Performance on Capital Structure of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Kenya
No full textThis paper examines the portability of the reverse
causality hypothesis between financial performance and capital
structure of listed manufacturing firms in Kenya. Most research
carried out in East Africa, Kenya inclusive shunned the likely
effect of performance on capital therefore, to achieve this
objective, financial performance was proxy by return on assets
and return on equity while the capital structure was measured
by total debt ratio and debt to equity ratios. The data employed
covered 7 companies for the period from 2010 to 2016. While the
Panel Vector Auto regression was applied and analysed using
EVIEWS 10, the Wald granger causality test was carried out to
determine the possibility of causality between the variables. The
result reveals that past performance does not have a significant
effect on the capital structure as measure by total debt ratio
while it was established that capital structure composition of the
firms affects their financial performance as measured by return
on assets and return on equity. However, employing the debt-
equity ratio as a measure of capital structure, it was established
that a bi-directional relationship exists between DER and ROA
while it was the opposite in the case of ROE. The study,
therefore, concludes that the behaviour of the listed
manufacturing firms in their choice of capital structure
composition reflects both the efficiency risk and franchise value
hypotheses. It, therefore, recommends that firms should strive
more for returns to enhance the value of the firm to maximize
the wealth of the shareholder
On stock returns volatility and trading volume of the nairobi securities exchange index
No full textThis study attempts to put forward a framework that can be utilized to model the dynamics of the underlying returns on asset. The intention is to probe the dynamic connection between volatility of stock returns and trading volume of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE20) index. The consequence of incorporating trading volume in the equation for conditional variance of the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model on volatility persistence is investigated. Further, this study brings into play GARCH, GARCH-M, and EGARCH models conditioned to normal, student-t and generalized error distributions to model the dynamic structure of the NSE20 index for the period 2 January 2001 to 31 December 2017. The results disclose some well-known stylized facts of returns on stock, for instance, volatility clustering, heavy tails, leverage effects, and leptokurtic distribution. The estimates of parameters of the three models, that is, GARCH (1, 1), GARCH-M (1, 1), and EGARCH models report that the correlation between stock returns volatility and trading volume is positive and statistically significant. Moreover, estimates of the coefficients of EGARCH (1, 1) model report an increased measure of persistence on volatility as well as volatility asymmetry and the absence of leverage effect in the returned volatility. Also, the estimates of GARCH (1, 1) and GARCH-M (1, 1) parameters report that volatility persistence dwindles after trading volume is incorporated in the equation for the conditional variance