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Effects of different soil management strategies on fertility and crop productivity in acidic nitisols of Central Highlands of Kenya
No full textManaging soil fertility, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), to sustain increased crop productivity is a complex challenge, especially in cultivated Nitisols. Experiments were conducted over eleven (11) cropping seasons in the acidic Nitisols to assess the impact of soil management strategies on soil N, P, and crop productivity. Fourteen treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The treatments include; control (C), conventional tillage + inorganic fertilizer (CTF), conventional tillage + maize residues + inorganic fertilizer (CTCrF), conventional tillage + maize residues + inorganic fertilizer + goat manure (CTCrGF), conventional tillage + maize residues + Tithonia diversifolia + rock phosphate (CTCrTiR), conventional tillage + maize residues+ goat manure + Dolichos lablab (CTCrGL), conventional tillage + maize residues + Tithonia diversifolia + goat manure (CTCrTiG), minimum tillage (MT; no amendments), minimum tillage + inorganic fertilizer (MTF), minimum tillage + maize residues + inorganic fertilizer (MTCrF), minimum tillage + maize residues + inorganic fertilizer + goat manure (MTCrGF), minimum tillage + maize residues + Tithonia diversifolia + rock phosphate (MTCrTiR), minimum tillage + maize residues+ goat manure + Dolichos lablab (MTCrGL), and minimum tillage + maize residues + Tithonia diversifolia + goat manure (MTCrTiG). Available P was significantly higher by 51, 48, 43, 38, 37, 36 and 27% under MTCrGF, CTCrGF, MTCrF, CTF, CTCrF, MTCrGL, and CTCrTiG than the control. Available soil N was significantly higher (59, 59, 59, 57, 57, 57, 55, 55, 55, 50, and 50%) under MTCrGL, CTCrGL, CTCrTiR, MTCrTiR, MTCrF, CTCrTiG, MTF, CTCrGF, CTF, MTCrTiG and MTCrGF compared to the control. Grain radiation use efficiency was significantly higher under CTCrGF, MTCrF, CTCrTiR, CTF, MTCrTiG, CTCrF, MTCrGF, CTCrTiG, and MTCrTiR than the control by 95, 93, 93, 93, 92, 92, 92, 91 and 88% during the SR2020 cropping season. In the LR2021 season, it was significantly higher under CTCrGL, MTCrGL, CTCrGF, CTF, MTCrGF, CTCrF, MTF, MTCrF, MTCrTiG, MTCrTiR, CTCrTiG and CTCrTiR than the control by 80, 79, 78, 77, 77, 74, 73, 72, 70, 67, 66 and 62%. Grain yield was significantly higher under CTCrGF, MTCrF, CTCrF, MTCrGF, MTCrTiG, CTCrTiR, CTF, CTCrTiG, and CTCrTiR than the control in the SR2020 season by 95, 93, 93, 93, 92, 92, 92, 92 and 88%. During LR2021, CTCrGF recorded the highest grain yield, which was 74% higher than the control, while CTCrGL, MTCrGF, MTCrGL, CTF, MTCrF, CTCrF, MTF, MTCrTiG, CTCrTiG, MTCrTiR, and CTCrTiR, had higher yields than the control by 73, 71, 70, 69, 69, 66, 65, 64, 58, 55 and 49%. Overall, CTCrGF, CTCrGL, MTCrGF, and MTCrGL had a comparative advantage regarding soil fertility and crop productivity in acidic Nitisols, strongly illustrating the concept of 'complementarity' in integrated soil fertility management
Opportunities and Challenges of Industrial IoT in 5G and 6G Networks
No full textModern communication technologies such as 5G and 6G and the industrial internet of things have important attributes to meet the requirements of industries, and with the rapid development of the fourth industrial revolution and beyond, it is unavoidable that these will fulfill the necessary requirements of this important part of modernization. Opportunities and Challenges of Industrial IoT in 5G and 6G Networks ranges from the application of recently ratified communication standards, theoretical knowledge that provides tangible insight for understanding the principles of operation, design, implementation, and planning, to the outcomes from deployment of industrial projects. Covering topics such as 5G network programmability, industry policies, and optical networking technologies, this premier reference source is a valuable resource for computer scientists, IT specialists, industry consultants and professionals, business leaders, libraries, students, researchers, and academicians
Digital Financial Transformation and Financial Inclusion by Mobile Service Providers in West Pokot County, Kenya
Get PDFThe primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of digital financial
transformation on financial inclusion within West Pokot County, Kenya. In particular, the research
focused on evaluating how digital payment systems, digital credit facilities, digital insurance
products, and digital investment products impact financial inclusion within the county. The study
was supported by the technology acceptance model, the systems theory of financial inclusion and
the diffusion of innovation theory. A descriptive research design was adopted to elucidate the
attributes associated with the digital financial transformation contributing to financial inclusion
among West Pokot County residents. The target population encompasses 56,000 mobile users
within West Pokot County. To create a representative sample, a stratified sampling approach was
employed, followed by the application of a simple random sampling technique, resulting in the
selection of 384 residents. Structured questionnaires served as the primary data collection
instrument, utilizing the drop-and-pick method and email for distribution. Subsequently, the
collected data underwent analysis employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, facilitated
by SPSS Version 25.0. The study findings show that there is a positive and statistically significant
correlation between financial inclusion and various digital financial services, namely digital
payment systems, digital credit facilities, digital insurance products, and digital investment
products. Further, regression analysis results show that digital payment systems, digital credit
facilities, digital insurance products, and digital investment products demonstrate statistically
significant positive relationships with financial inclusion. These findings emphasize the
importance of digital financial services in promoting greater financial inclusion in West Pokot
County. The study recommends that efforts should continue to promote and expand the use of
digital financial transformation products, given the overwhelmingly positive attitudes and the
perceived benefits of convenience and improved financial access. Mobile service providers and
relevant stakeholders should prioritize the development and accessibility of user-friendly digital
payment, digital credit, digital investment, and digital insurance solutions. Additionally,
policymakers should consider regulatory frameworks that promote responsible and inclusive
lending through digital channels
Effect Of Supply Shocks On Fuel Price Fluctuations In Kenya
Get PDFThe Kenya government is on its edge to make the economy to be more conducive to both investors
and its citizen on oil and petroleum businesses. The government had gone ahead to form a
commission and other authorities to enhance affordable petroleum and energy to the economy.
There were challenges that were still hindering provision of fuel at stable prices. The purpose of
this study was to establish the effect of shocks on fuel prices fluctuations in the Kenyan economy.
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supply shocks on pipeline transportation
cost, inflation rate, world oil prices and foreign exchange rates on fuel price fluctuation. The
population of study was identified to be Kenya while the unit of analysis was Energy and
Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The study adopted time series data design for 8 years
from 2015 to 2022 in monthly intervals to make 96 observations. Stata version 13 was used to
assist in data analysis and presentation after the data went through diagnostic test. VECM model
was employed to analyze the relationship between dependent and independent variables after
which conclusions and recommendations were made. The study came out with a number finding.
First, it was determined that rate of inflation shocks have significant effect in fuel price fluctuation
as study revealed that there was a negative relationship with fuel price fluctuation. Second, it was
ascertained that world oil prices shocks have significant effect in fuel price fluctuation as there
was a positive relationship existing between world oil prices and fuel price fluctuation. Third, the
study established that exchange rate shocks had significant effect on fuel price fluctuation as there
was a negative relationship between exchange rates and fuel price fluctuation. Forth, it was
established that there was a positive relationship between pipeline cost shocks and fuel price as it
has a slight significant influence in fuel price fluctuation. The study recommended that; the
government should establish fixed exchange rates to cub losses from exchange of currencies. It
was also recommended that tax subsidies to be introduced to control impact of taxes proportion on
fuel prices
The Corona Virus Pandemic: Was Africa Caught Flatfooted?
No full textDespite an earlier warning about the occurrence of coronavirus in future,
the world seems to have been caught by surprise. In particular, Africa did not appear to
have the financial readiness to afford vaccines or healthcare for the affected. The World
Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed COVID-19 a global health crisis in January
2020. Since its detection in Wuhan, China, the infection moved to Europe, particularly
Italy in early March and eventually spread to the rest of the world. However, in Africa,
the pandemic could have brought unprecedented damage with ripple effects to
economies. From the events following the pandemic, it appeared that Africa was not
prepared. This study is structured as a research paper that interrogates the literature and
presents the key elements of pandemic preparedness for Africa. The new conceptual
model can guide researchers and policymakers in conducting further research for
scholarly discourse and practical application
Role Of Development Finance Institutions on Women Empowerment in Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFFor inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction, more women must have access to and utilize
high-quality financial products and services. This study sought to examine the impact of
development finance institutions (DFIs) on women's empowerment in Nairobi County, Kenya. The
study intended to assist Kenyan development banks in recognizing their duties in advancing
women's equality. In particular, the study assessed the impact of investment capital, financial
education, savings, and business support services provided by development finance institutions on
women's empowerment in Nairobi County. The study was anchored on financial constraint theory,
entrepreneurial feminist theory, and social capital theory. A descriptive survey design with a causal
effect was adopted. The target population consists of 326 registered women-owned businesses that
have a client or investment partnership relationship with Kenya's seven DFIs. Data was collected
from 180 respondents using structured questionnaires. A multi-stage sampling procedure
consisting of stratified sampling followed by convenience sampling was used. The overall validity
of the study's findings, reliability, and validity tests were conducted to ensure the quality and
validity of the data collected. The study findings suggest that there are strong correlational
relationships between investment capital, financial education, savings, business support services,
and women's empowerment. Importantly, empirical results show that investment capital and
savings have a significant positive impact on women's empowerment in Nairobi County, Kenya.
The study recommends that DFIs should continue and potentially expand their efforts to provide
investment capital to women-owned enterprises. The study also recommends that DFIs should
consider refining and expanding incentives within their goal-oriented savings programs. By
implementing these recommendations, DFIs can further strengthen their contributions to
investment capital and savings services for women entrepreneurs, ultimately enhancing women's
empowerment in Nairobi County
Assessment of Shareholder Strategy – An Internal Corporate Social Responsibility Perspective on Organizational Commitment in Five-Star Hotels in Kenya
No full textIn Kenya, Five-Star hotels are leading in employees’ turnover within the hotel industry at 68%. This surpasses the healthy turnover range (0-15%) and affect organizational performance through the high cost incurred to replace experienced workers. Workers’ commitment in an organization plays a vital role in addressing turnover intentions. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of shareholder strategy on organizational commitment in five-star hotels in Kenya. The study applied descriptive research design, cross-sectional approach and quantitative method to examine the study variables. A total of 216 hotel managers in five-star hotels in Kenya was the target population of the study, out of this, 144 hotel managers were selected as sample size in 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and a response rate of 86.8% was obtained. The study applied both descriptive and inferential statistical approaches to analyze data with tabulation, figures and narrative output presentation. The study found that Shareholder Strategy has statistically significant and positive effect and explains 53.1% variation of the Organizational Commitment in Five-Star hotels in Kenya. Empowering the workers with ability for decision-making, problem solving, and planning activities fosters loyalty and commitment which drastically reduces turnover intentions. The study recommends to the hotel management and Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers & Caterers to strive to formulate and implement CSR embedded Shareholder Strategy for raising workers’ Commitment with the aim to attract, motivate, and retain workers. The study suggests replication of the study in the same or other sectors to develop further the Internal CSR field
An Assessment Of Accessibility Of Credit By Rural Small And Medium Enterprises (Smes) Within Migori County, Kenya.
Get PDFThe research focus on an assessment of accessibility of credit by rural SMEs within Migori County. The study intended to have a significant role to lending facilities, entrepreneur owners, wealth investors, and the county government of Migori to accelerate the formation of various policies regarding credit and also support other scholars on literature review. With the accessibility of credit serving as a dependent variable, the research examined interest rates charged, collaterals, financial institutions and literacy levels as predictor variables. Descriptive research methodology was employed. The population target was 1020 Small and Medium Enterprises operating within Migori County. A stratified Random sampling technique was employed and then followed by simple random sampling to select respondents from the selected strata. From the strata 102 respondents were selected as a sample size. The questionnaires were distributed by means of drop and pick technique. The statistics analysis was done using SPSS to capture both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study however, found that the interest rate, financial institutions had a positive relationship and were all significant while the collateral and literacy levels had a strong relationship, but they were all insignificant. Therefore, the study recommends that the policy makers and the government should review the rates of interest and support training SMEs owners to impact the skills and create financial institutions network among the SMEs and also establish a diverse form of security for loans. The study also suggests further research using a larger sample and the research extended to other counties in Kenya
Corporate Governance Practices and Performance of Enterprise Risk Management in the Horticultural Farms in Kajiado County, Kenya
Get PDFCorporate governance mechanisms are established to ensure proper management and transparency within
firms, aiming to enhance firm value for the benefit of shareholders and other stakeholders. Following the
2007 global financial crisis and various corporate failures, there had been significant calls for the
implementation of effective corporate governance practices in the operation and management of
corporations. However, in recent years, many flower farms have been closed because of various reasons
such as unable to meet their financial obligation among other things. The study investigated the impact of
corporate governance on the performance of risk management in Kenyan flower farms. Specifically, the
research explored how managerial skills, internal control systems, organizational transparency, and
ownership structure influenced the effectiveness of risk management in these flower farms. A descriptive
research design was utilized, targeting all 40 flower farms in Kajiado and involving a sample of 170
respondents. The researcher gave questionnaires to the respondents to fill using drop and pick method
where the questionnaires were given to the respondents, they were given two days to fill and then on the
third day, the researcher went back to collect the filled questionnaires. One on one interviews were
conducted in which the researcher booked an appointment with the management of the flower farms and
did interview guide. Focused group discussion was done with all the workers whereby they were grouped
in to groups of ten people and then the discussion took place. Data collection employed questionnaires,
while data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25. The collected data was presented through
frequency tables, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics. The inferential statistics aimed to
establish the relationships between the dependent and independent variables of the study, formulated as
Y = a1 + β1X1 + β2X2 + β3X3 + β4X4 + ε. The study's findings were significant, revealing that the
combined independent variables exerted a significant influence on risk management within the flower
farms. The study found out that managerial skills have positive and significant influence on risk
management and thus the null hypothesis which presumed that managerial skills has no significant
influence on risks management was rejected. Also, the study findings showed that organizational internal
control has positive and significant influence on risk management. The study rejected the null hypothesis
which stated that organizational internal control has no significant influence on risk management. It was
also discovered that transparency and accountability influence risk management in flower farms since the
correlation value was positive. The study therefore rejected the null hypothesis which presumed that
transparency and accountability has no significant influence on risk management. Finally, the results
indicated that ownership structure has positive influence on risk management and consequently, the study
rejected the null hypothesis which stated that ownership structure has no significant influence on risk
management. The conclusion of this study underscores the critical role that various factors, including
managerial skills, internal control systems, organizational transparency, and ownership structure, play in
influencing the effectiveness of risk management practices within the horticulture industry. The study's
conclusion highlights that these factors are not isolated elements but are interrelated and collectively
contribute to the effectiveness of risk management practices. This insight underscores the complexity of
risk management within the horticulture industry. It suggests that addressing risk management challenges
requires a holistic approach that considers multiple facets of corporate governance and operational
practices. The findings stress the importance of managers in corporate world to ensure that there is
strong mechanism of identifying various risks which may befall an organization , mitigate and manage
them before they may pose risk to the continuity of the organization
Employee Wellbeing in Organizations in Post Covid 19 in Kenya
No full textEmployee wellbeing is a concept that has been elusive in the workplace for a long time now. From time immemorial, wellbeing drives were considered as not so crucial, and they were not prioritized by many employers. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented consequence on the labor market. The business outcome of struggling workplace wellbeing is critical, and leaders are progressively preoccupied about the wellbeing of women at work. Gallup analysis found out that 500,000 more women than men left the workforce during the pandemic and the US Census Bureau reported that 45% of mothers with school-aged children were not actively working in April 2020, representing 3.5 million women who left active work in a single year. The psychological pressure and incertitude caused by the current changing workplace environment have led to negative consequences for workers especially women. This paper is an empirical study that sought to identify the female workers’ wellbeing issues that organizations should consider as crucial to achieve high performance work systems in the post covid era. Considering the predictive relationship between female employees’ engagement and wellbeing and in light of this new situation that affects workers of all the organizations worldwide, this study identified the key main drivers of female workers’ engagement that could lead to their wellbeing in the current context. Content analysis was done from various academic articles world over in relation to the current topic under study. The challenges confronting female employees’ wellbeing programs were highlighted and the strategies for overcoming such challenges deliberated. In the present global environment, characterized by fast change, covid pandemic, technology and increasing competition, female employees’ wellbeing practices should be embraced by all organizations for their success. The paper concludes that for organizations to achieve the aforementioned, organizational leaders should focus on facilitating remote working, comply with the covid 19 protocols, pay special attention to mental health and empower female employees