KABU Repository (Kabarak University)
Not a member yet
1292 research outputs found
Sort by
ALIGNING VIRTUAL LEARNING TECHNOLOGY ENGAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – A CASE OF INSIDE CAMPUS
Get PDFEconomic development in the context of education is the practice and
philosophy of generating measurable economic returns in
communities through the institutions of learning engagement in the
provision of education and learning for sustainability. Evidence suggests that the diffusion of knowledge from engaged
institutions of learning promotes economic recovery through the
creation of innovative and highly adaptive environments. This can lead
to the economic revitalization of communities as creative incubators,
employers and local investors. A learning economy that focuses on new knowledge is essential to the
overall economic strength of a country, and therefore institutions of
learning can lead the way by supporting innovative venture capital
projects, advancing applied research, and encouraging campuses and
communities to build on existing assets.
Rapid development of computer networks and information
technologies, especially the Internet and World Wide Web
promotes electronic learning and distance education. Education programs delivery via virtual learning
environments is a convenient form of education for
learners who want to learn from home whenever they want. Virtual learning environments also provide unified
information and knowledge sharing, enhances on campus
pedagogic innovations and organizational change, removes
the stigma associated with learning, removes the learning
barriers related to infrastructure, cost effective and acts as a
means of revenue generatio
Analysis of the Economic Strategies on Strategic Natural Resources Leveraging on Kenya’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan for Alleviation of Absolute Poverty in Bomet County
No full textFULL TEXTThe objective of the research was to analyze unique strategies leveraging on Kenya’s vision 2030
strategic plan for alleviation of absolute poverty in Bomet County. The literature review was
based on Resource Based View Theory as the recent theory of strategic management recently
applied in Asian Countries and Europe and has successfully improved their economic growth.
The specific objectives were: to identify the cash and subsistence crops, to determine the
economic importance of water, to determine the assistance required by the residents of Bomet
County and to identify intervention by the County government in Bomet County leveraging on
Kenya’s vision 2030 on alleviation of absolute poverty in Bomet County. In the research
methodology, the survey design will be adopted in collecting primary and secondary data from
households. The targeted population was 141, 219 households from five sub-counties in Bomet
County. By comparing Conchran formula and Krejcei and Morgan table the sample taken was
384 households. Questionnaires and interviews schedule were the main research instruments.
Secondary data included periodicals, County ministerial reports on absolute poverty. Data
analysis was done using descriptive statistics (Percentages and averages), Inferential statistics
was part of the data analysis. The Significance of this study was to identify the resources and the
likely exploitation strategies that will generate wealth and consequently alleviate absolute
poverty in Bomet County. It was established that economic strategies (r = 0.537**).National Research Fun
EFFECT OF TEACHING USING PREFERRED LEARNING STYLES ON STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN BIOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTLearning styles influence students in all levels of education and a mismatch of teaching styles to preferred learning styles makes learning a stressful experience to many learners. In Nairobi County, students in both private and public schools have not been performing well in sciences. In the study, matched teaching styles with preferred learning styles were conceptualised as the independent variables that determine their performance in biology and geography. The purpose of this study therefore was to establish the effect of matching of teaching styles with preferred leaning styles of students’ performance in biology and geography, in private and public secondary schools in Nairobi County. This County was chosen because of unsatisfactorily performance in sciences as, only 12.632% of the schools got a mean grade of B- and above, in the years 2004 to 2010. The study was based on Felder Learning Style Theory, and Grasha Teaching Style Theory. The study employed quasiexperimental research design, where a pre-test, treatment of experimental group and a posttest were used to estimate the impact of an intervention of mismatch of traditional teaching styles with preferred leaning styles in secondary schools in Nairobi County. A purposive sample of 1,322 Form Two Students in private and public schools were randomly selected for the study. Questionnaires and pre-test and post-test were used to collect quantitative data. A full disclosure of the nature of the study was given to subjects with an extended opportunity to ask questions and get their free consent to participate. The content and face validity of the two instruments were examined by experts and which were used to improve the tools before they were used to gather data. The reliability of treatment questionnaire and achievement test in pilot study were estimated using the Pearson’s Correlation method and yielded a reliability coefficient of .723 and .955 respectively which were high enough to judge the instruments as reliable. The collected data was analysed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Data was described and summarized using percentages, and means. Multivariate analysis of variance and linear regression analysis showed statistically significant effect on performance of students taught using preferred learning styles in geography and biology. However, linear regression analysis of main effect of gender and type of schools (private and public), on performance in sciences of students taught using their preferred learning styles showed no statistically significant differences. The study is significance in informing teachers of the need to identify and teach their learners according to the learners’ preferred learning styles to enhance their performance in sciences. The study recommends that the ministry of education science and technology ensure facilitation is done to enable teachers detect the learning style to use in different setting
INFLUENCE OF STUDENT COUNCILS IN CURBING FREQUENCY OF STUDENT UNRESTS IN PUBLIC BOYS BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ELGON SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTThe Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Education, established Student Councils in Secondary Schools in 2009 to assist schools to manage student affairs. Yet, student unrest which are manifested in strikes, go-slows, rioting, burning of school property and violent behaviors still continue unabated. During the period 2014-2017, schools in Bungoma County, Kenya, witnessed an unprecedented rise in incidences of student unrest leading to destruction of property and loss of life. The problem this study sought to address was the rising number of student unrests in public boys boarding secondary schools in Elgon Sub-county, Kenya. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of student councils in curbing the frequency of student unrests in public boys boarding secondary schools in Elgon Sub-county, Kenya. The study was based on Social Systems Theory. In the conceptual framework, the frequency of student unrests depends on roles played by student councils namely: decision making, communication, disciplinary and guidance and counseling roles. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. There are only 3 Public Boys Boarding Secondary Schools. Therefore, purposive sampling technique was used to sample the three secondary schools. Proportional sampling technique was used to sample respondents of students and members of student councils. The target population for students was 750 while that of members of student councils was 78. Using Krejcie and Morgan Table of determination of sample size, 254 Students and 66 Student Council members constituted the sample size. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample respondents according to the predetermined sample sizes. The study used Likert type Students' Questionnaire and Questionnaire for Members of Student Councils as research instruments. Descriptive statistics namely, means, frequencies and percentages were computed. Inferential statistics was derived from the data. The instruments were piloted and tested for reliability using test-re-test method. Validation was done by experts. Results were presented in tables and diagrams. The study revealed that there exists a negative, strong and statistically significant relationship between decision making roles played by student councils and the frequency of student unrests (r= 0.809**; p<0.01). The study reported a negative and statistically significant relationship between communication roles played by student councils and the frequency of student unrest (r= -0.848**; p<0.01). Similarly, there existed negative and statistically significant relationship between disciplining roles played by student councils and the frequency of student unrest (r= -0.758**; p<0.01). It was found out that there is a negative and statistically significant relationship between guidance and counseling roles played by student councils and frequency of student unrest (r= -0.646**; p<0.01). Based on the findings of this research study, it is concluded that if student councils participate in decision making, peer guidance and counseling, communicate student problems to school management and assist in disciplining of other students, frequency of student unrest will be curbed in Public Boys Boarding Secondary Schools in Elgon Sub-county. The study recommends that student councils be thoroughly prepared in their roles through seminars, workshops and regular meetings with the principals. Suggestions made by student councils on students’ grievances should be given a lot of weight and importance. The schools under study should carry out continuous bench marking with schools of excellence who have managed to handle the problem of students’ unrest
THE ELEMENTS FOR DEVELOPING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY METRICS MODEL FOR UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
Get PDFThere has been increased frequency of information systems' security breaches within
universities. Studies indicate that information technology security management could be
improved if IT security management were used together with appropriate security metrics which
are based on major elements of information technology security. However, there is continued
application of inappropriate metrics within the universities. As such, estimating information
security status remains a challenge, making managing IT security difficult. The objectives of this
study were: to investigate the major elements in management of information security within
universities in Kenya, to investigate the relationship between the implementation of the major
elements and metrics in the universities in Kenya, to develop and test applicability of a suitable
information technology security implementation metrics model based on major information
technology security elements for universities in Kenya. Three-step methodological approach was
adopted as based on goal-question-metrics concepts and theory of measurement. Step one was a
review of secondary publications to ascertain the major information technology security
elements and seek the extent of application of the elements within the universities. Secondly, 91
respondents from the 70 universities in Kenya were sampled for data collection. Purposive
sampling was conducted for data collection using questionnaire and an interview schedule. In
each sampled university, 13 operation areas related to information systems were considered,
giving a total of 91 resepondents. Data was collected from the team leader of each operation
area, then analysed using SPSS, where the mean and regression model was adopted. Results
showed that while security management is conducted with respect to IT security elements, their
levels of implementation remain inadequate. Significant relationship and dependance was found
between IT security elements and metrics. Regressional coefficient of IT security elements were
found and used to develop a reliable IT security metrics' prototype aided by measurement scales
and color codes corresponding to differecnt security situations. Applicability of the model was
tested at (http://41.89.203.228/oguk) and found feasible. In conclusion, there is statistically
significant relationship between the metrics and implmentation of the elements; wherein, while
the level of implementation of IT security elements was found to contribute to the metrics,
information security policy was found to contribute more. Therefore, it is recommended that the
developed IT security implememtation metrics model be used together with the security policy
for better information systems security management. The model is recommended for policy
makers
Assessment of Factors Influencing Retention of Teachers in Private Secondary Schools in Nakuru Sub County, Kenya
No full textFULL TEXTThe purpose of the study was to assess the factors influencing teacher turnover in private
secondary schools in Nakuru Sub County. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent
to which remuneration and Organizational culture contribute to teacher turnover in Private
secondary schools in Nakuru Sub County. The study was guided by the Herzberg’s motivation
theory and Vroom’s Expectancy theory. Descriptive survey research design was used. Stratified
sampling was used to select a total of 18 private secondary schools and purposive sampling was
used to pick 116 teachers out of a total population of 19 schools and 238 teachers. Primary data
was collected by administering pretested structured questionnaires to respondents and analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.
The findings indicate that organizational culture has no significant influence on turnover of
teachers in private secondary schools in Nakuru Sub County ( -0.137). Remuneration was found
to have significant influence on teacher turnover in private secondary schools in Nakuru Sub
County (0.442**).
The study recommended that Turnover rate should be monitored and considered important in
policy formulation regarding Human Resource factors and organizational factors since it will
help management in retaining their teachers. Rewards and any benefits should be awarded on
merit and experience in order to help in retention.
The salaries of teachers need to be increased, which will not only retain the present teachers but
also attract teachers from other schools as well. Schools should identify those benefits which
have more influence on teacher retention. Furthermore, Schools need to revisit their present
benefits package to identify those benefits which are not useful in order to replace them. Schools
must conduct “stay” and “exit” interviews to understand as to why teachers choose to leave. This
information will help in understanding the reasons why teachers leave and mitigate on them.National Research Fun
Influence of Teacher-related Factors on Timely Coverage of KCSE Biology Syllabus in Secondary Schools in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya
No full textFULL TEXTIt has been noted that timely coverage of Biology syllabus is lacking in most of the secondary
schools in Kenya. The need for timely coverage of secondary school syllabi is crucial in Kenya
and the world at large. The study sought to determine influence of teacher related factors on
timely coverageof KCSE Biology syllabus in Secondary Schools in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya.
The objective of this study is to establish influence of teacher related factorson time of coverage
of KCSE Biology syllabus in Secondary Schools in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya. The study
adopted survey design. The study was based in Nakuru Rongai Sub-County secondary schools.
The target population of this study comprised of 174 Biology teachers across 54 schools in
Rongai sub County. Moreover, census method was used to select all the Biology teachers,
constituting sample size of 174 teachers. Data was obtained using a questionnaire. The findings
revealed that there exist a positive and statistically significant relationship between Teacher
Related Factors and Timely Coverage of Biology Syllabus (r=0.608**; p<0.01). It can be
concluded that, teacher related factors cause a significant positive variation on timely coverage
of Biology Syllabus. Therefore, these factors are central to timely coverage of Biology syllabus.
They are worth considering when adequate and timely coverage of Biology syllabus is sought.
From the study findings, it can be recommended that teacher related instructional administrators
should put factors and specifically selection of appropriate teaching methods, teachers’
workload, teacher availability and time management in place in order to ensure that timely
coverage of Biology syllabus is achieved in schools.National Research Fun
Assessing Security Risk Caused By Smart Mobile Devices In A University Network Through A Web-Based Threat Matrix
No full textFULL TEXTThe need by staff and students to use smart mobile devices in university network is indisputable.
This is because they help them to work and study more effectively as well as achieve better
work-life balance. However smart mobile devices pose a security challenge as they continue to
expand the corporate network unchecked thus increasing the attack surface. The purpose of this
study is to develop a web-based threat matrix that computes likelihood of threat attack. The
matrix indicates risk exposure levels and provide recommendations that maximize the protection
of confidentiality, integrity and availability of university data while still providing functionality
and usability of smartmobile devices.National Research Fun
Mobile interactive messaging system for patients’ in collaboration with health workers
Get PDFHealth issues in developing countries are becoming more serious day by day, as different
diseases attack and infect people making the public health sector overwhelmed. This has made it difficult
for health workers to accurately study the trend of different diseases in many cases, thus failing to
analyze the way patients behave after being diagnosed. The number of people who possess mobile
phones is increasing every year and this can help facilitate communication in different geographical
locations that may hinder movement of the health workers. The initiative to introduce the use of
interactive messaging system is for patients who wish to access health services such as doctoral
appointments and consultations or need monitoring but are faced by challenges like; the time needed to
make for appointments and consultations, patients monitoring and halving to travel for long distances to
reach the facility.
Therefore the researcher designed and prototyped a mobile interactive messaging system that
would enable patients to send their preliminary symptoms to the health workers in Kenyan public
hospitals via SMS through mobile phones. With regard to the wide spread usage of mobile telephony
today, the researcher chose to use the technology since she anticipated it would reach a large
population. An interactive messaging system for patients’ collaboration with health workers is a system
that uses mobile phone technology that enables communication between patients and health workers.
This system’ will serve both the new and continuing patients. The health workers will monitor the
progress of continuing patients, while the new patients send their preliminary symptoms to the health
workers via SMS. All this information is stored in database residing at the health facility, which will serve
as a reference point to the health workers as they respond to the messages received and patients will be
able to effectively collaborate with the health workers without necessarily having to visit health facility
A FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING SECURITY IN A SAAS CLOUD PARADIGM FOR SMES
Get PDFCloud storage is becoming a fast emerging resource used for storage of information by corporates and organizations
as a substitute to get data available anywhere and anytime. The extremely scalable nature of cloud computing allows
its users to access huge amounts of data and use distributed computational resources via different interfaces. Cloud
entities such as cloud service providers, users and business associates share the offered resources at diverse levels of
technological operations. The cloud computing model is considered to be a very capable and able internet-based
computing platform which offers numerous benefits like mobility, flexibility, reliability and cost effectiveness.
However, like any other technology, cloud computing is not without a challenge or as problem free as it may seem.
Many clients, especially SMEs, worry about their susceptibility to attack if their businesses’ crucial IT resources and
information are outside the firewall. Numerous security and privacy concerns like loss of control, lack of trust and
multi-tenancy issues appear with the usage of cloud. These challenges, if left unaddressed, could lead to severe data
breaches and possible business losses. The lack of knowledge, governance and improper policies can also sometimes
create further vulnerabilities in the cloud. This paper is intended on proposing a framework for implementing security
in (SaaS) cloud computing paradigm and, therefore, aid SMEs to counter the possible threats and vulnerabilities
associated with the cloud. The researcher devised security checks to counter the cloud threats, which included Cloud
provider’s security and risk management, backups, internal human resources security, access control, software
security and encryption, logging and compliance with legislation. The framework is a vital tool for SMEs to test and
rate their cloud security and, therefore, make improvements to mitigate the security threats associated with cloud
computing