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Drivers of Enhanced Internal Auditor’s Performance of NSE Listed Banks in Kenya
No full textThe study evaluated the key driver of enhanced financial performance in the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) listed
banks in Kenya. The study posits objectivity, governance and independence have significant effects while the frequency
of reporting has no significant effect on the auditor’s performance in the NSE listed banks in Kenya. The study used a
descriptive research design and a case study to analyze the impact of the variables on auditor’s performance using
Likert collected responses. The correlation results established that internal auditor’s independence, good governance
and objectivity positively influenced the performance as they all had positive values. The R squared value being at
75.4% hence showing a good fit. The F statistic was also significant showing that the independent variables were
significantly different and that each could contribute differently to the auditor’s performance. To enhance
performance and mitigate adverse corporate governance issues management requires that the banks offer auditors
independence and authority in the management protocols and establish internal audit unit to undertake periodical
audits. To facilitate faster delivery of audit services including the detection and prevention of frauds and/or noncompliance
with public expenditure, the listed banks should provide a conducive work environment that enables the
use of cutting-edge ICT technology to support auditing functions, promote continuous training and develop
institutional mechanisms (e.g., enforcement, auditing, or corporate governance structures) to encourage compliance
with international standards
The Successes and Challenges of Kenya‟s Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway Transport Operations: A Special Reference to the Users
No full textThis article examined the successes and challenges of Kenya’s standard gauge railway for users in transport operations. The constrained operations in Kenya’s existing colonial railway system have contributed to connectivity barriers and inefficiencies in the transport sector. Standard Gauge Railway’s construction aimed to address these gaps and facilitate cargo and passenger transport operations in Kenya and across borders. This study used a descriptive research design in the form of a survey and adopted a mixed research method of qualitative and quantitative data with primary data collected through questionnaires and interviews. The population of interest was the train users (passengers and cargo transporters). The findings suggested that the railway has generally enhanced transport operations for passengers and freight through reduced travelling time, improved transport safety and security, and improved mobility and accessibility. While the SGR has led to reduced travel costs for passengers, the cost of freight transport remains relatively high.
The SGR has provided an alternative for freight and passenger transport, but there are challenges such as logistical and administrative challenges in cargo clearance, ticketing issues, and passengers' “First mile and Last mile” challenges. While the improvement of physical transport infrastructure and connectivity is significant, these challenges should be transformed into enablers to realize the railway’s full potential. This research, therefore, recommends for; effective transfer of the cargo clearance and forwarding paperwork from Mombasa to Nairobi; development of a transport link between the railway and the two major cities to solve the “first mile” and “last mile” transport challenges for passengers, and to audit the ticketing system to identify and sanction cartels involved in ticketing malpractices. The overall conclusion is that generally, the railway has added value in Kenya’s transport sector; passengers now have a cheaper, reliable and safer mode of transport while cargo is transported in a more reliable and safer way. The SGR is thus a transformative infrastructural project for Kenya; it symbolizes a country on a pressing need to transform herself into a middle-income economy supported by modern infrastructure
Effect of Varying Thickness on Performance of Titanium Dioxide Solar Cell
No full textThe need for energy to drive economic development has increased tremendously yet most energy sources lead to environmental pollution with consequences such as global warming and serious health complications. Global warming for instance exacerbate problems of some energy source like hydro-generated energy due to climate variability. Alternative options have thus to be investigated. This study assessed the effects of varying solar cell thickness on its output. The study used a TiO2 (the photo active layer) and the electronegative material layers on current-voltage output of the fabricated solar cell. Various ratios of titanium dioxide: graphite /iodine/KI mixtures were prepared in each respective layer. Optimization involved varying the mass of the constituents of each layer while maintaining other constants to obtain the highest current-voltage outputs. The mixtures at varying ratios were made into pellets and their electrical properties investigated. The presence of KI enabled solubility of iodine enhancing it to disperse evenly in graphite whose mass was constant at 0.01g in all the cells fabricated. The optimal thicknesses were found to be 2.00 and 1.00 mm respectively. The optimum electricity generation was observed at the ratio of TiO2/ Cx: I2: KI as 0.4: 0.3: 0.17: 0.01g, respectively. The highest open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.979V and a short circuit current density (Jsc/cm2) of 12.037μA was observed, giving efficiency (η) of 0.006% and a Fill factor (FF) of 0.64. The study concludes that thicker cells resulted to higher voltage and current output. However, this variation was dependent on the ratio of TiO2/ Cx: I2: KI. Industrial and scholarly recommendations are presented
Coffee phytochemicals and post-harvest handling—A complex and delicate balance
No full textThe balance between coffee phytochemicals and post-harvest handling is complex and delicate since these
compounds are affected either negatively or positively. Studies have shown positive health effects arising from
regular consumption of coffee, which are linked to phytochemicals present in the coffee bean. However, phytochemicals
must be available in considerable amounts at the time of consumption in order for them to confer the
beneficial health effects. This review aims at summarizing the available literature on the impact of coffee processing
steps on the content as well as sensory and functional characteristics of phytochemicals. The phytochemicals
in coffee include, majorly: Chlorogenic acids, caffeine, diterpenes and trigonelline. Literature reveals
that variation in coffee post-harvest handling techniques such as degree of roast, processing method, brew
preparation method and parameters results into brew with varied sensory and functional properties. This could
be majorly attributed to the variation in the phytochemicals content in the cup. Further research on how coffee
phytochemicals are affected during post-harvest handling practices would unlock the health benefits of this
popular beverage and immensely benefit the consumer
Speech by Prof. Dickson Nyariki, Vice-Chancellor, Murang'a University of Technology, on the occasion of the 5th graduation ceremony held on Wednesday, 15th December, 2021 at the graduation ground.
No full textThreats of Land Use Changes on Wetland and Water Areas of Murang’a County, Kenya
No full textGlobally, wetlands have declined in area by over 50% since 1900, due to changes in land-use patterns, converting them into farmlands, human settlements, urban centers, and infrastructure development. Land-use changes also impact negatively on the water area (streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and sea) of an area. In this study, the threats of land use changes on wetland and water areas in Murang’a County, Kenya, were assessed, in a bid to understand the main causes for the rapid decline in wetland and water areas in the County. Landsat images of 2001 and 2018 were analyzed using a supervised classification technique to produce Land-use maps in ArcGIS and detect associated changes. Between 2001 and 2018, the wetland area in Murang’a County declined by over 48% while the water area declined by over 25%. Bare-soil/built-up area posed the greatest threat to the conservation of wetlands in the County, taking up 161 ha of the wetland area during the period. The growth of woody shrubs posed the greatest threat to the loss of water areas taking up 152 ha of the water area during the period. Mean total threats facing wetlands differed significantly from mean total threats facing water areas in the County (t = 0.682; p<0.001). It is concluded that wetland and water areas are faced with similar human-induced land use threats but at varying magnitudes. It is therefore critical that specific regulatory legal and policy structures be urgently instituted to curtail further wetland and water area losses
Effect Of The Regulatory Environment On The Relationship Between Strategic Transport Integration And Sustainable Mobility Of Matatu Saccos In Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of the regulatory environment on the relationship between strategic transport integration and sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Materials and Methods: The study was guided by Positivism philosophy while descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was 177 Sacco Managers and two representatives, one from MOT and other from MVOA respectively. The whole population of 179 respondents was used in the study hence; the study employed the census approach. The questionnaire was pilot tested on 18 respondents who were selected randomly. The study applied Cronbach's alpha and the results displayed a high level of internal consistency hence infers that the research tool used in the study was reliable. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire, which were dropped and picked later. A semi-structured interview guide was also used. Data was analysed using descriptive and SPSS Version 24.
Results: The findings indicate that there exists a statistically significant, positive effect of strategic integration on sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya. The R square in the moderated models changed from 71.3% to 80.9% indicating 9.6% increase in variation as a result of the regulatory environment moderating effect. Further, the increase was statistically significant; this implies that regulatory environment does significantly moderate the effect of strategic integration and sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that both the Ministry of Transport and Sacco management develop a punitive measure to curb corruption. The other recommendation is that they should also develop regulatory policies to ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected to confirm their minimum road worthiness to increase safety and increase passenger comfort. This will also promote green environment that will reduce the health hazards of vehicle emission. Additionally, the policy can enhance traffic discipline which is poorly enforced. and also provide basic statistics on transport system