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Analyzing application of Information communication technologies and use for information provision by library Staff of Mount Kenya University Library, Kisii Campus
No full textInformation and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) play a crucial role in creating access to
and utilization of library information resources and services
through the use of library management systems leading to
the current stampede to train and refresh library staff skills in
order to promote and engender service delivery. When
academic libraries integrate ICTs in acquisition, processing,
storage, dissemination and accession to their holdings, user
needs are addressed quickly and on time. In this study the
researchers sought to determine the application of
Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Use
for information provision by library staff of the Mount
Kenya University Library, Kisii Campus. The target
population was Mount Kenya university library staff and
students. A survey research design aimed at identifying users’
views and interpretation of the application and use of ICTs in
the provision of library information resources and services.
Stratified sampling was used to identify the
students-respondents and purposive sampling used to select
the library staff. While questionnaires were placed to collect
the data from students, library staff respondents were
interviewed. The study sample comprised four hundred (320)
library users and staff out of a population of three thousand
five hundred and twenty eight (1456). The study showed
among other findings, that there are improved access and use
of library resources and services through the use ICTs in
Mount Kenya University, Kisii Campus
Characterization of Triangular Gold Nanoparticles Using Aloe arborescens Leaf Extract: A Green Synthesis Approach
No full textHerein, the authors show the use of the Aloe arborescens leaf extract for green synthesis of gold nanoparticles in water at room temperature under very mild conditions. The synthesis of the gold nanoparticles was complete in several minutes, and no extra stabilizing or capping agents were necessary. The size of the nanoparticles could be controlled by varying the concentration of the leaf extract. The silver nanoparticles and reaction process were characterized by UV-vis spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The UV-visible spectra of synthesized nanoparticles showed absorption maxima at 540 nm. Transmission electron microscopy images confirm that the nanoparticles are spherical and triangular in shape
Effects of external factors on the level of interest rates in the banking industry: a case of Consolidated Bank
No full textThe impact of public procurement practices and controls on project financial management of wajir County Goverment
No full textAssesment of domestic events management strategies in promoting sustainable tourism: A case of 5 and 3-star hotels' conference facilities in Nairobi County
No full textAn exploration of stakeholders’ collaboration in the management of conflict in secondary schools in Narok county, Kenya.
No full textCollaboration by all stakeholders in education could drastically reduce conflicts being continuously witnessed in the education sector in Kenya. These conflicts have led to undesirable results like teachers‟ strikes, sit-ins, go-slows, students‟ unrests among others. Thus the main purpose of this study was to explore stakeholders‟ collaboration in conflict management in secondary schools in Narok County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to establish the frequency of peace building meetings and their effect in conflict management in secondary schools in Narok County, explore the role of litigation in conflict management in secondary schools, determine how mediation contributes to conflict management in secondary schools, establish the contribution of negotiation on conflict management in secondary schools in Narok County and determine the role of arbitration on conflict management in secondary schools in Narok County. The study was guided by the Stakeholders‟ theory and Interest-based Relational Approach. The study adopted the mixed methodology and an exploratory design. A sample of 467 respondents were selected from the population who included: secondary school principals, teachers, students, BOM members, PA officials, sponsors, ministry of Education officials, teachers unions‟ representatives and TSC officials in Narok County. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents in the study. Purposeful sampling was used to select principals, BOM, PA and sponsors from the schools sampled. Validity was established by requesting two supervisors and other experts to indicate whether each item in the research tools was relevant or not. The calculated validity index was 0.76 making the instruments valid since it is more than 0.7 threshold. Reliability was established by use of Test-Retest method and trustworthiness through dependability and reliability. The research tools were piloted in two schools not included in the study but with similar characteristics with the target population. Data collection method involved use of questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis was facilitated by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Descriptive statistics in form of frequency distribution, percentages, means and standard deviations were used and data presented in form of graphs and tables. Inferential statistics was in form of Pearson‟s product moment correlation coefficient, ANOVA, Regression Analysis and Chi-square test. Thematic content analysis was used for qualitative data. The results were analysed, discussed and recommendations made. This study revealed that negotiation and mediation had the highest approval by stakeholders. Litigation was not preferred as method of conflict management. This study, therefore, concludes that stakeholders‟ involvement in conflict management brings about better results that are able to create stability and cohesion among stakeholders in schools. It is therefore recommended that peace building, negotiation and mediation be utilized first in conflict management
The Sero-epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii in Humans and Cattle,Western Kenya: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study
No full textEvidence suggests that the intracellular bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii (which causes
Q fever) is widespread, with a near global distribution. While there has been increasing
attention to Q fever epidemiology in high-income settings, a recent systematic review
highlighted significant gaps in our understanding of the prevalence, spatial distribution and
risk factors for Q fever infection across Africa. This research aimed to provide a One Health
assessment of Q fever epidemiology in parts of Western and Nyanza Provinces, Western
Kenya, in cattle and humans. A cross-sectional survey was conducted: serum samples
from 2049 humans and 955 cattle in 416 homesteads were analysed for C. burnetii antibodies.
Questionnaires covering demographic, socio-economic and husbandry information
were also administered. These data were linked to environmental datasets based on geographical
locations (e.g., land cover). Correlation and spatial-cross correlation analyses
were applied to assess the potential link between cattle and human seroprevalence. Multilevel
regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between a range of socioeconomic,
demographic and environmental factors and sero-positivity in both humans and
animals. The overall sero-prevalence of C. burnetii was 2.5% in humans and 10.5% in cattle,
but we found no evidence of correlation between cattle and human seroprevalence
either within households, or when incorporating spatial proximity to other households in the
survey. Multilevel modelling indicated the importance of several factors for exposure to the
organism. Cattle obtained from market (as opposed to those bred in their homestead) and
those residing in areas with lower precipitation levels had the highest sero-prevalence. For
humans, the youngest age group had the highest odds of seropositivity, variations were
observed between ethnic groups, and frequent livestock contact (specifically grazing and
dealing with abortion material) was also a risk factor. These results illustrate endemicity of
C. burnetii in western Kenya, although prevalence is relatively low. The analysis indicatesthat while environmental factors may play a role in cattle exposure patterns, human exposure
patterns are likely to be driven more strongly by livestock contacts. The implication of
livestock markets in cattle exposure risks suggests these may be a suitable target for
interventions
An assessment of the effects of good governance on financial management in the public sector in Kenya: A case of Mwea West sub County
No full textExamining the status of water sanitation and hygiene in public primary schools of Kawangware slums in Dagoretti Sub-county, Nairobi County, Kenya.
No full textThis study examined the status of School Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SWASH)
facilities in the public primary schools in Dagoretti sub-county with special reference on
Kawangware slum; one of the largest slum in Kenya. A little is known about the current
SWASH situation in Kenya. Available data and information were not only insufficient
but also inconsistent and in some cases conflicting. The aim and objectives of this study
was to investigated the status of existing SWASH facilities and services in public
primary schools and critically check them against the basic minimum international
standards and guidelines. The study employed cross sectional method, Semi structured
questionnaire for interview and observation guide was utilized for data collection. Data
was collected from the head teachers representing the 21 schools and from 357 out of
the 365 pupils randomly identified from the 6 public primary schools in Kawangware
slums using multistage sampling techniques. During the assessment observations and
inspections were also made to verify responses. The data was analyzed using STATA
and MS Excel. Student t-test was used to measure the significance of correlation
between the observed and expected WASH facilities. The study revealed 4(19%)
schools satisfied the minimum water requirement standard with overall result being
strongly significant P=0.0015. Sanitation facilities were also available in all schools but
the number of toilets available in the majority of the schools did not meet required
amount and the difference was significant p=0002 for boys and p=0.0008 for girls.
Hand Washing Facilities (HWFs) and Drinking Water Points (DWPs) were observed to
be available in very few schools making the two facilities the worst among SWASH
facilities, p=0.0000. The unavailability of soap suppressed the importance of the little
existing HWFs. All the schools reported to get water from either municipality pipe
water connection or boreholes within the school compound managed by municipality.
There was no periodic water quality test in all the schools. Only 21% of girls flush
toilets had waste-bin for used sanitary pad disposal. In all schools, there was no
incinerator; solid wastes were disposed in open pit and combustible wastes burned in
the traditional way polluting the environment. Among the 357 pupils interviewed, a
cumulative of 9.5% pupils were able to respond to the four knowledge based questions
while 18.5% could correctly answer the nine practice based questionnaire structured to
test their knowledge and practice. According to the attitudinal test made using Likert
scale, 44.4% pupils rated the WASH service they get in their respective school as
satisfactorily good. Generally, this study affirmed that there is a lot to be done both in
the hardware (SWASH facilities) and in the software (awareness creation) aspects of the
general SWASH program in the whole Dagoretti sub-county. Recommendation is made
to MoE, MoH and other relevant ministries and stakeholders to meet the standard by
increasing the provision of adequate and safe SWASH facilities: water supply,
segregated toilets for boys and girls, DWPs, HWFs, solid waste management and
provision of regular health education aimed at bringing changes in knowledge, attitude
and practice. The need for initiating studies in specific area of curbing the problem
related to soap theft meant for hand washing and conducting nationwide similar
assessment to establish Kenya’s current status in respect to SWASH coverage were also
highlighted
