Kabarak Journals
Not a member yet
348 research outputs found
Sort by
Engaging Youth in Agriculture: Drivers, Barriers, and Policy Options for Career Participation in Kenya
Get PDFAddressing rising food demand amid population growth and environmental challenges requires more youth engagement in agriculture. In many developing countries, this role is still dominated by ageing farmers. This study examined the career intentions of college-educated youth in Kenya using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Entrepreneurial Cognition frameworks. Through a sequential mixed-methods approach involving 266 final-year university students, the findings revealed that over 80% expressed strong intentions to pursue agriculture-related careers. These intentions were largely influenced by attitudinal, normative, and perceived behavioural control factors from the TPB, alongside entrepreneurial cognition frameworks like opportunity recognition and problem-solving. Key determinants included family background—especially prior exposure to farming—and educational experience. Contrary to the prevailing narrative of youth disinterest, respondents displayed strong aspirations toward agriculture, with gender-based differences evident in perceived constraints such as land access and cultural norms. Despite the several challenges faced by the youth, such as limited access to capital, land constraints, labour intensity, and inadequate family support, the majority express strong intent to pursue agriculture as a career. These insights underscore the importance of designing interventions that are responsive to the distinct needs of youth, particularly along age and gender dimensions. The study recommends a multi-pronged policy approach: establishing a Youth Agrifinance Window, promoting exposure to agrifood innovations, creating Land Leasing Platforms, and integrating Agripreneurship Hubs in universities to support incubation, aimed at translating youth intentions into active agricultural engagement
The Effect of the Strategic Planning Process on the Performance of Dairy Agribusiness SMEs in Murang’a County, Kenya
Get PDFKenya’s dairy agribusiness sector remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, yet most small and medium enterprises(SMEs) continue to face persistent constraints of low productivity, fluctuating prices, and weak managerial systems. Strategic planning therefore presents a practical mechanism through which firms can set clear goals, align resources, and respond more effectively to market and environmental pressures. Guided by the Resource-Based View and Contingency Theory, this study examined how the strategic planning process influences the performance of dairy agribusiness SMEs in Murang’a County. The specific objectives were to assess the effect of strategic planning processes on the performance of dairy agribusiness SMEs in Murang’a County. A descriptive cross-sectional design was applied to 143 enterprises registered with Kenya Dairy Board. Data collected through structured questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple regression models. Descriptive results showed that dairy agribusiness SMEs in Murang’a County engaged only moderately in strategic planning. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between strategic planning and firm performance. The bivariate regression model confirmed this relationship. Strategic planning was a significant positive predictor implying that a one-unit increase in planning effort raised performance scores by 0.25 units. The study concludes that structured and participatory strategic planning enhances both financial and non-financial performance dimensions of dairy SMEs. It recommends that county authorities and sector stakeholders strengthen training and mentorship programs to build managerial planning capacity and integrate data-driven planning tools that sustain competitiveness and growth in Kenya’s dairy value chain
Phytochemical Profiling and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Withania somnifera and Allium vineale against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Get PDFThe emergence of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the exploration of plant-derived alternatives with therapeutic potential. This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy and phytochemical composition of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Allium vineale (Wild Onion), two ethnomedicinal plants traditionally used for infectious disease management. Methanolic extracts of both plants were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Phytochemical profiling was conducted via standardized qualitative methods to identify bioactive constituents.
Ashwagandha exhibited broad-spectrum activity, with inhibition zones of 9.52 ± 0.04 mm (E. coli) and 10.84 ± 0.04 mm (S. aureus) at 1g/ml, while Wild Onion showed preferential potency against S. aureus (MIC: 0.25g/ml vs. 0.5g/ml for E. coli). Phytochemical analysis revealed high concentrations of tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids in Ashwagandha, correlating with its robust antimicrobial effects. Wild Onion, rich in sulfur compounds and flavonoids, demonstrated targeted efficacy against Gram-positive pathogens, likely due to membrane-disruptive mechanisms. Sterile water controls (5.0 mm inhibition) confirmed solvent neutrality, and positive controls (Erythromycin: 24.16 mm; Gentamicin: 25.34 mm) validated assay reliability.
These findings underscore the potential of Ashwagandha and Wild Onion as sustainable alternatives to synthetic antibiotics, particularly in combating multidrug-resistant S. aureus. The study bridges traditional knowledge and modern pharmacology by linking phytochemical diversity to antimicrobial function. Future research should focus on isolating active compounds, optimizing extraction protocols, and evaluating in vivo efficacy to advance plant-based therapeutics in clinical settings
INFLUENCE OF ESTABLISHING BALANCED CONTROLS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
Get PDFThis study examined the influence of balanced controls on the performance of public universities in Kenya. A correlational research design was employed, with data collected from 246 respondents comprising university management board members and senate members across 18 public universities, yielding a response rate of 82.8%. The study found a strong positive relationship between balanced controls and university performance (r = 0.645, p < 0.001), with balanced controls explaining 41.6% of the variance in university performance. Analysis revealed strong implementation of control measures assessment (M = 3.88), customer demands consideration (M = 3.82), and innovation perspectives (M = 3.71), while balance between customer demands and financial controls (M = 2.85) showed weaker implementation. The findings suggest that while universities excel in individual control components, they struggle with establishing balanced, integrated systems that effectively harmonize different organizational demands. The study recommends strengthening financial oversight mechanisms, streamlining internal business processes, enhancing strategic control integration, and promoting a more balanced approach to customer demands and financial constraints to improve overall university performance. By implementing these recommendations, public universities in Kenya can leverage the strong link between balanced controls and performance to achieve sustained excellence
SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: VALIDATION METHODS FOR MACHINE LEARNING MODELS IN IOT CYBERSECURITY : Evaluating Current Validation Practices and Future Directions
No full textMachine learning (ML) has emerged as a critical enabler of cybersecurity in Internet of Things (IoT) environments, offering adaptive and scalable mechanisms for detecting evolving threats. However, the reliability and deployment readiness of ML-based cybersecurity models depend heavily on the rigor and contextual relevance of their validation approaches. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) examining validation techniques applied in ML-driven IoT cybersecurity research, synthesizing findings from 54 peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2024 across IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, and ACM Digital Library. The review spans various application domains, including intrusion detection, malware classification, threat prediction, and adversarial defense.
The findings reveal a strong reliance on traditional techniques such as k-fold cross-validation and hold-out methods, which fall short in addressing IoT-specific challenges, namely class imbalance, temporal drift, adversarial manipulation, and operational heterogeneity. More robust validation methods, including temporal, cross-dataset, and hybrid strategies, remain underutilized in existing literature. To address these gaps, the study proposes a domain-aligned validation framework that integrates time-aware, robustness-focused, and deployment-oriented evaluation strategies. The review offers a structured taxonomy of validation practices and provides actionable insights for improving the empirical rigor of ML-based cybersecurity systems. Beneficiaries include researchers, IoT developers, cybersecurity practitioners, and policymakers aiming to advance trustworthy and context-resilient ML solutions
SOCIAL STEREOTYPES ON ENROLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES OF STUDENTS IN STEM ORIENTED COURSES IN SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
Get PDFScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has a gender disparity. This highlights an injustice issue that exists globally. Girls are prevented from pursuing interests in STEM fields by sociocultural norms that link STEM fields to men. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how equity can be increased and enrolment and completion rates in STEM-related courses can be improved. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach. The population of the study was students pursuing STEM courses at three selected public universities (University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT), and Egerton University). The study included three sampling techniques, namely; purposive, stratified and simple random sampling. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The results were integrated into one report. From the study findings stereotypes about gender and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) social stereotype from personal and society level have a significant effect on a person\u27s desire and participation in STEM later in life. Stereotypes about who can succeed in STEM pose a threat to women\u27s career choices and may contribute to the reason why some women who do pursue STEM careers later decide to abandon the industry
The INFLUENCE OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTION’S FUNDING SERVICES ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN-OWNED ENTERPRISES IN NAKURU CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
No full textAccess to funding services remains a critical enabler of financial growth and sustainability for women-owned enterprises (WOEs), particularly in urban economic hubs such as Nakuru Central Business District (CBD). This study examined the influence of funding services offered by microfinance institutions on the financial performance of WOEs operating within Nakuru CBD. Guided by the Microfinance Credit Theory, the study employed a descriptive research design and targeted a sample of 200 respondents drawn from registered WOEs, out of which 165 valid responses were received yielding a response rate of 82.5%. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis using SPSS. The descriptive findings indicated that most women entrepreneurs agreed or strongly agreed that microfinance institutions provided affordable interest rates, sufficient loan sizes, and funding that led to increased business revenue and expansion. The correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between funding services and financial performance (r = .258, p = .001). Further, regression results demonstrated that funding services had a significant predictive effect on financial performance, with a beta coefficient of β = 0.507, p < .05. ANOVA results confirmed the model\u27s overall significance (F = 11.677, p < .05), and hypothesis testing led to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concluded that funding services offered by microfinance institutions significantly enhanced the financial performance of WOEs in Nakuru CBD. It recommended that microfinance institutions tailor their credit products to better meet the needs of women entrepreneurs, including lowering collateral requirements and increasing funding thresholds. Policy-makers were also urged to support frameworks that promote gender-inclusive financing mechanisms
The TEACHERS\u27 TRAINING AND CBC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
No full textInterventions such as teaching and learning infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives have been launched to support Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). However, little is known about whether teacher training has translated into improved CBC performance in public primary schools in the area. The inadequate evidence on this linkage creates uncertainty on the effectiveness of ongoing teacher training efforts. This study therefore sought to examine how teachers’ training influences the performance of CBC in public primary schools in Narok South Sub-County, Kenya. The study tested the null hypothesis (H0)): Teacher training has no significant influence on the performance of CBC in the Public Primary Schools in Narok South Sub County, Kenya. Regarding methodology, pragmatism and descriptive survey research design that used a mixed approach was preferred. The target population included 160 with 9,151 parents, 1616 teachers, and 04 county education officials. Yamane 1967 scientific formula was used to arrive at a teacher and parent sample size of 321 and 383, respectively. The study then employed a simple random sampling technique during data collection using both questionnaire and interview guide. Further, a pilot study was carried out in Narok West Sub-Ciounty. Methods on analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation and regression were used. It was found that teachers training had positive correlations with CBC performance (r=0.310, p<0.01). Similar to correlation, regression revealed that teacher training had a positive significant relationship with CBC performance (β = 0.148; sig.= 0.026, p<0.05). The study concludes that teacher training is a critical determinant of the performance of CBC thus it positively influenced curriculum implementation. The study recommends that teachers should participate in ongoing professional development activities such as webinars, seminars, workshops, and peer collaboration to effectively employ teaching training resources, execute competency-based assessments, and adapt to pupils’ requirements
IMPEDIMENTS OF ICT-BASED LIBRARY SERVICES IN SUPPORTING UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: THE CASE OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
Get PDFInformation and communication technology (ICT) has greatly contributed to the phenomenal change in university education and their subsequent libraries. There is a growing interest in enhancing innovation by academic libraries in Africa to participate in the educational revolution. This study examines the challenges library users face in using ICT-based services in selected universities in Kenya, followed by recommendations on ways to alleviate them. A case study survey using a concurrent triangulation mixed-method approach was adopted. Three universities in Kenya namely the University of Nairobi (UoN), Egerton University (EU), and Kabarak University (KABU) took part in the survey. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaire administration from a random sample of 154 fourth-year undergraduate students. Qualitative data was obtained from 3 professional librarians, 6 university deans/directors, 1 representative from the Commission for University Education (CUE), and 1 representative from the Ministry of Education (MoE) who were all purposively selected as key informants of the study. The study revealed that students faced challenges in using ICT, the leading being slow/inadequate internet connectivity. Ultimately, the study recommends measures to alleviate these challenges and make ICT-based services supportive of university education
Consumption of Sweet-potato Leaves Vegetable and its Contribution to Iron Intake Among Women of Reproductive Age in Bomet County, Kenya
Get PDFWomen of reproductive age (WRA) are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency due to increased physiological demands. This 12-week quasi-experimental study introduced sweet-potato leaves, an underutilized, iron-rich vegetable, into the diets of WRA in a community where the vegetable had not previously been consumed. The aim was to assess changes in consumption habits and the contribution of sweet-potato leaves to overall dietary iron intake. A total of 118 WRA were selected through random sampling. A pre- and post-test design was used, with baseline data serving as the control. Data collection tools included semi-structured questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recall interviews administered at baseline, and at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Nutrient intake was analyzed using the NutriSurvey for Windows software. At the start of the study, sweet-potato leaves did not contribute to iron intake. By the end of the intervention, they accounted for 46% of total dietary iron intake. The mean iron intake increased significantly from 12.39 mg/day at baseline to 19.82 mg/day after 12 weeks (p=0.000). Additionally, the proportion of women meeting the recommended daily allowance for iron rose sharply from 8.5% to 86.4%. These findings demonstrate that incorporating sweet-potato leaves into daily meals can significantly enhance dietary iron intake among WRA. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the promotion of locally available, underutilized vegetables as sustainable dietary interventions to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Encouraging the consumption of iron-rich foods like sweet-potato leaves could be an effective strategy to address iron deficiency anaemia, contributing to better nutritional status and overall health outcomes for women of reproductive age