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First Principles Study of the Elastic Properties and Phonon Dispersion of Niobium Tin
Get PDFThe paper reports the Elastic and dynamical properties of Niobium Tin. The calculations were performed with the generalized gradient approximation functional of density functional theory with the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof exchange-correlation energy through virtual crystal approximation. The mechanical and dynamical properties were investigated using first-principles density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximations using Quantum Espresso code which is an open-source code and pseudopotentials were extracted from the QE database. The code QUANTUM ESPRESSSO which is open source was used with its pseudopotential database. The elastic constants, bulk moduli, Young’s moduli and shear moduli, Poisson ratio, Pugh’s ratio, and anisotropic ratio were also evaluated. The study on the elastic constants was done at zero pressure and it indicated that the compound is stable mechanically and the phonon dispersion study also indicated that the compound is stable dynamically. The elastic constants also led to the conclusion that Niobium Tin is brittle
CAREER SELF-EFFICACY ON ENROLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES OF STUDENTS IN STEM ORIENTED COURSES IN SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
Get PDFAspirations of students for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have been found to be positively correlated with their positive impressions of scientists and engineers. In this study, the influence of gender on self-efficacy in STEM field particularly in computer science, health related courses, engineering, agriculture and sciences was examined. The study adopted a mixed methods approach. The population of the study was students pursuing STEM courses in 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 was collected and analysed. The results were integrated into one report. According to the findings, students\u27 interest in a career in all STEM fields was positively and significantly correlated with their STEM self-efficacy. Females were more associated with science, but males demonstrated a high degree of dominance in the engineering field and computer science. According to the study, participating in STEM activities both inside and outside the classroom increases students\u27 sense of self-efficacy and interest in STEM-related disciplines. In order to make STEM occupations relatable to students, counsellors\u27 role should be highlighted
A socio-economic rights centred evaluation of Kenya’s law and practice on sovereign debt acquisition, servicing and restructuring
Get PDFThis paper addresses Kenya’s rising sovereign debt burden and its implications for socio-economic rights. Despite constitutional mandates to safeguard these rights, Kenya’s debt accumulation and management practices seem to prioritise servicing obligations over citizen welfare. This study comprehensively analyses Kenya’s debt landscape, specifically looking at: debt accumulation, the link between sovereign debt and socio-economic rights, the legal framework underpinning sovereign debt in Kenya and its flaws, and international best practices in dealing with sovereign debt. Through this, the study aims to inform decision-making for more equitable and sustainable debt man-agement practices in Kenya, aligning with constitutional obligations and promoting the fulfilment of socio-economic rights. The insights in this paper are intended to form the groundwork for a socio-economic rights-centred ap-proach to sovereign debt acquisition, servicing, and restructuring
Influence of Character Oriented Leadership on Employee Job Satisfaction in Public Development Finance Institutions in Kenya
Get PDFThis research study sought to determine how character-oriented leadership influences employee job satisfaction in public development finance institutions in Kenya. This study had the following research questions: What is the influence of integrity on employee job satisfaction in public development finance institutions in Kenya? To what extent does humility influence employee job satisfaction in public development finance institutions in Kenya? How does servanthood influence employee job satisfaction in public development finance institutions in Kenya? To what extent does internal environment moderate the relationship between character-oriented leadership and employee job satisfaction in public development finance institutions in Kenya? This study employed a positivism research philosophy and utilized cause and effect research design. A sample size of 326 was drawn using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The study results demonstrated that integrity had a positive and statistically insignificant influence on employee job satisfaction (β = 0.222, p-value =0.088). The study findings further revealed that humility positively and significantly influenced employee job satisfaction (β=0.982, p-value = 0.000). Additionally, the findings demonstrated that servanthood had a positive and significant influence on employee job satisfaction (β= 0.423, p-value = 0.000). Internal environment moderates the relationship between the relationship between character-oriented leadership and employee job satisfaction (β = 0.139, p-value = 0.022). This study concluded that character-oriented leadership enhances employee job satisfaction in public development finance institutions in Kenya and therefore recommends that to achieve enhanced employee job satisfaction, character of leaders should be embedded in leadership development initiatives. In addition, behavioral modeling training intervention should be adopted in public development institutions to improve the leaders’ interpersonal skills
The ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AMONG KENYA’S TOP 100 MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
No full textThe pursuit of long-term success and sustainability in the business world hinges on establishing and maintaining a competitive advantage. Without it, businesses become vulnerable to intense market pressures and face a high risk of failure. This susceptibility is particularly evident among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which, despite their essential role in global economies, often struggle with higher failure rates as they navigate an increasingly competitive business landscape. Despite extensive research on the challenges faced by SMEs, a significant empirical gap remains in understanding the specific strategies successful firms use to achieve a competitive advantage. To fill this gap, this study examined how organizational strategy influences the competitive advantage of Kenya\u27s top 100 medium-sized enterprises. Adopting a descriptive cross-sectional approach, the study collected data from 407 senior managers within the chosen firms using a census technique. An online survey was then distributed, yielding 311 completed responses. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression techniques with SPSS version 23. The results showed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between organizational strategy and competitive advantage. Regression analysis further confirmed this relationship, revealing that organizational strategy has a statistically significant positive influence on competitive advantage. Specifically, the study found that focus and differentiation strategies had a stronger positive effect on competitive advantage compared to a cost leadership strategy. The findings imply that for SMEs in similar emerging markets, creating unique value propositions and tailoring products to specific customer segments is a critical determinant of competitive advantage. These strategies, however, must be adaptable and context-specific
Ama Ata Aidoo: Celebrating her legacy in the twenty-first century
Get PDFRenowned as Ghana’s foremost woman writer, Ama Ata Aidoo has built adistinguished career that spans decades of post-independence African history.A pioneer among African women writers, Aidoo is celebrated for herfeminist contributions to postcolonial literature. Her body of work offersa nuanced exploration of African women’s experiences, revealing the layeredchallenges they face in colonial and postcolonial contexts. This essayexplores her fictional works highlighting how her fictional characters confrontlocal traditions, societal expectations, and issues of race, class, andgender inequality, particularly within transnational and Western frameworks
Relationship between School Management Practices and Implementation of Safety Guidelines on Drug Abuse in Secondary Schools in Gilgil Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFDespite the Kenyan government providing legislation, the problem of drug abuse is still prevalent among students in secondary schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between school management practices and implementation of safety guidelines on drug abuse in secondary schools in Gilgil Sub-county, Kenya. The study aimed to establish the relationship between staff and students training on safety guidelines on drug abuse in secondary schools in Gilgil Sub-County. It was guided by the Open System Theory. The school was viewed as an open system. This study used correlational design. The sample size was 16 Principals, 17 deputy principals, 17 heads of guidance and counselling departments and 304 students. The tools used in the study were an interview schedule for Principals and a questionnaire for students, Deputy Principals and Heads of guidance and counselling department. Piloting was conducted in three secondary schools, which were not part of the study in Gilgil Sub-County. Cronbach alpha of 0.726 was obtained confirming that the instruments used were reliable and valid. Data collected was analyzed and the hypothesis tested at 95% confidence level, with 0.05 as the level of significance. From the inferential statistic, result of model summary, indicated that Pearson coefficient r was 0.422 and the coefficient of determination R-squared was 0.178. The ANOVA test indicated that the value of F (1, 32) = 6.952, with p-value= 0.013 < 0.05 significant level. Regression results shows that coefficient of training was -0.102, with t-value = -2.637 and p-value = 0.013< 0.05 significant level. The study findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between training of staff and students on safety guidelines, and implementation of safety guidelines. The study recommended school managers to be more proactive in training the staff and students on safety guidelines to create awareness on drug abuse
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AS A MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN PUBLIC REGULATORY AGENCIES: A CASE OF THE NATIONAL BIOSAFETY AUTHORITY, KENYA
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No institution can achieve its goal without ‘getting it right’ in the way it relates with its customers and stakeholders. Therefore, happy customers are an indicator of successful organizations and an indicator of a good management practice. This study explored the National Biosafety Authority’s customers satisfaction level and had the following study objectives: Evaluate the perception of NBA’s customers on the authority’s service delivery; Determine accessibility of NBA’s information to its customers; To analyze customers’ satisfaction index; and Identify key gaps in service delivery with regards to customer satisfaction. 71 respondents were selected from 11 of the NBA’s stakeholders in 15 counties in Kenya. The study deployed both experience sampling methods (ranking and rating) and behavior rating scales (BARS) methods. The key findings were that, although NBA customer satisfaction level was good (6/10) it was low in terms of the net promoter score. Therefore, NBA’s management needed to do more to leverage customer satisfaction as a management tool and move the authority’s customer satisfaction level to excellence service (9/10) and to exceptional service (10/10) scores in customer satisfaction index. Among the reason for NBA’s average performance was that, the customers perceived NBA’s GMO messaging as unclear and lack of promptness in response to issues raised by stakeholders and customers. It is recommended that NBA should leverage on technology to improve on its service delivery strategies and do more targeted communication to various stakeholders in a non-homogeneous manner. Furthermore, it is recommended that NBA should hire Quality liaison officers to deal with matters of service delivery and feedbacks from its stakeholders.
 
Decolonising Kenya’s legal system: The role of legal education, philosophical foundations, and constitutional interpretation
Get PDFThis paper investigates the vital roles of legal education, philosophicalfoundations, and constitutional interpretation in decolonising Kenya’slegal system. It begins by contextualising decolonisation within historicalframeworks of colonialism, highlighting the persistent influence ofcolonial structures on contemporary legal practices. The analysis revealsthat legal education in Kenya has largely perpetuated colonial narratives,necessitating a shift towards inclusive pedagogies that integrate indigenousknowledge systems. Philosophically, the paper critiques simplistic notionsof integrating indigenous practices, advocating instead for a nuancedapproach that recognises the complexities of identity and culture in a postcolonialcontext. Furthermore, it examines how constitutional provisionscan either support or obstruct the integration of customary laws into thenational legal framework. Ultimately, this work underscores the necessity forcomprehensive reforms across these domains to achieve a truly decolonisedlegal system in Kenya
Protective Effects of Cleome gynandra Leaf Extract against Acute Mercuric Chloride – Mediated Kidney Damage in Male Wistar Albino Rats
No full textMercury can cause toxic effects in animals and impair some organs’ function, the kidney included. A promising approach of protecting tissue damage due to mercury is the use of phytochemicals. In this study, the effect of Cleome gynandra (CG) leaf extract against mercuric chloride (HgCl2) - induced nephrotoxicity was determined. Four groups of Wistar rats were used: vehicle control, positive control (5mg HgCl2/kg bwt), treatment groups I (250mg CG extract/kg bwt + 5mg HgCl2/kg bwt), and II (500mg CG extract/kg bwt + 5mg HgCl2/kg bwt). The variations among the groups were significant for creatinine (p=0.0002), urea (p=0.0002), and albumin (p=0.0082) levels.HgCl2 significantly increased urea (p = 0.021) and creatinine (p = 0.032) levels in the positive control group compared to the vehicle control group. The CG extract did not prevent these changes. The difference between the treatment groups was insignificant for creatinine (p=0.972) and urea (p=0.341). Histologically, the vehicle control group showed normal renal morphology, while the rest showed degenerative changes on the Bowman’s capsule, glomeruli, and tubules. Albumin level was significantly lower in the treatment group 2 (p=0.005). Pre-treatment with CG extract was ineffective in nephroprotection against damage induced by the high dose of mercury