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ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING WOMEN SMALL SCALE FARMERS’ ADOPTION OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTThis research examines four environmental factors influencing women farmers’ adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) in Nakuru County, Kenya. About 30% of environmental problems in the world, and particularly in the study area emanate from poor agricultural practices. CA is currently being promoted as a better practice than the conventional farming methods because CA has been found to result in optimum agricultural production. In addition to resulting in better agricultural yields, CA protects the environment. The level of environmental degradation in the study area is high, resulting in food insecurity and biodiversity loss. Women small scale farmers’ participation in agriculture is 70% of all the farming activities in the area and therefore, women are most affected by environmental changes. Food insecurity and biodiversity loss can be solved through adoption of CA practices which are rare in the study area, especially among women small scale farmers. The farmers have claimed that, CA adoption is not prevalent due to some environmental factors. This claim was inadequately substantiated. The research sampled three sites: Naivasha, Rongai and Njoro which were selected purposefully due to different ecological characteristics. Three hundred and ninety women farmers were randomly selected from a target population of 120, 000 women farmers of which, 130 were selected from each of three Sub Counties. The study uses the descriptive survey research design. Structured questionnaires, interview schedule, personal observation and focus group discussion were used to collect data, which included secondary information. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20) computer system was used in the data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics; frequency distributions, means, proportions, percentages and inferential statistics; Chi-square, ANOVA, and post hoc analysis at alpha value = 0.05 level were employed to test four hypotheses. The findings rejected the four null hypotheses of the specific objectives and concluded that extension methods, climate change, land use changes and knowledge of environment significantly influenced women farmers’ adoption of CA. The study concludes that CA adoption uptake is low, government policy on extension methods is not well structured, self-help women groups are significantly effective, ICT and video sharing are more effective methods of passing information on best farming practices, but they are rarely used. The following are the recommendations: the use of schools, markets, religious centers for training and the establishing of weather stations in schools. It is hoped that policy and decision makers will use the results of the study to develop land and agricultural policies, provide incentives to promote women small-scale farmers, use new emerging technologies such as ICT, videos and smart phones as well as restructure involvement of self-help women groups to speed up adoption of CA in order to realize food security and conservation of the environment in Nakuru County and in Kenya
ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND BRAND EQUITY OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTThis study analyses the relationship between corporate social responsibility and brand equity of Universities in Kenya. Many corporations seem to engage in socially responsible behavior as part of their normal business operations. The socially responsible activities include positive actions towards economic, social and environmental concerns of the society in which the firm operates. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) integrates these concerns into the corporate strategy and operations in a transparent and accountable manner which appears to improve relationships with stakeholders. The study specifically sought to establish the effect of economic responsibilities, legal responsibilities, ethical responsibilities, and philanthropic responsibilities on brand equity of universities in Nakuru County. This study was based on the tenets of the instrumental stakeholder theory which supports the view that CSR is a valid source of intangible competitive advantage. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. It targeted 41 management staff and 17 public relations officers working with these universities. The study adopted census design where all members of the study population participated in the study. A questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions was used in data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences and STATA computer software were used in data analysis. Data analysis was both descriptive and inferential. Descriptive analysis captured measures of distribution and chi-square. On the other hand, inferential analysis was in form of Spearman rank correlation and multiple regression. The study revealed that economic responsibilities, legal responsibilities, ethical responsibilities, and philanthropic responsibilities were significantly related to brand equity in universities. It was further found that CSR activities contribute largely towards enhancement of brand equity in the aforestated institutions. The study concluded that economic responsibilities were vital in enhancing the value of the university. Adherence to legal responsibilities was crucially important in enhancing the brand equity of the university. It was further concluded that brand equity attracted financiers, donors and other investors to universities. In addition, it was concluded that universities in Nakuru County were concerned about their image and thus engaged in CSR activities in order to enhance their brand. The management of universities is advised not to focus on any economic gains as a result of engaging in CSR activities. More so, universities should seek legal opinion prior to engaging in any CSR activities. In order to attract more students and increase enrolment, universities should enhance their image by upholding unequivocal ethical and moral standing in the society. Moreover, universities are encouraged to embrace philanthropic attitude when dealing internal and external persons and entities
CHALLENGES IMPACTING ON FEMALE STUDENTS ENROLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NYAMUSI DIVISION NYAMIRA NORTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
No full textWhile the secondary school educational opportunities have continued to expand, a significant number of female students are not enrolling and participating effectively in secondary schools.
In Thailand, children from poor households do not attend school due to lack of school fees (World Bank, 2007).
In Nigeria, the opportunity to enter the formal school system is not equitably distributed across the social class categories (Ezewu, 1990)
DETERMINANTS OF CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED BY PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTPrivate healthcare system in Kenya have grown tremendously over the last two decades due to various reasons, among them lack of adequate and quality public healthcare services and introduction of user fees. This study therefore aimed at empirically examining the determinants that have influenced consumers’ choice for private health service providers in Nakuru County. In achieving this broad objective the study sought to examine the extent to which customer demographics, hospital accessibility, service quality and hospital service cost influences consumers’ preference. Descriptive survey design was adopted in the study. Structured questionnaires was be used to gather primary data from in-patients with minor ailments in these hospitals through the assistance of the staff. Study sample size was 136 in- patients, where the sampling technique which was employed on determining individual respondents was convenient sampling method after choosing the hospitals purposively. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and frequencies) and inferential statistics particularly Pearson correlation and regression were used to test the relationship between variables under study whereas research hypotheses was tested at 0.05 significant levels. Customer demographic was positively related to consumer preference although weak (r = 0.248, p < 0.05) and statistically significant, there is a relatively weak positive relationship between hospital accessibility and consumer preference (r = 0.367, p < 0.05) which is statistically significant. Service quality have a relatively weak positive relationship with consumer preference (r = 0.483, p < 0.05) but statistically significant. The results also revealed that there is a relatively weak positive relationship between hospital service cost and consumer preference (r = 0.499, p < 0.05) and statistically significant. This study concludes that patients’’ preference is determined by a complex interplay between a variety of patient and provider characteristics. Patients often attach greater importance to their own previous healthcare experiences or to doctors’ recommendations than to comparative information. Additionally, patients base their decisions not only on outcome indicators but on a variety of provider characteristics. Findings from this study should not be underestimated. It will provide important source of knowledge for managers within the healthcare institutions, as well as the service industry in general. Health Care provider must focus towards the understanding the factors that influence the choice of health services
EFFECT OF STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY ON PROFITABILITY OF LISTED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTThe banking system plays a crucial role for any economy and any form of disruption in its functioning would have negative effects on the whole economy. It is therefore important to know the factors that influence the performance of the banking sector since identifying these determinants of bank performance is an important predictor of unstable economic conditions that would have negative effects on the banking sector. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of stock market volatility on bank profitability of NSE-listed commercial banks in Kenya. More specifically, the study sought to establish the extent to which stock market return volatility, stock market capitalization; stock market turnover and stock market trading volume affect the profitability of commercial banks. Quantitative research design was adopted for this study where all the ten commercial banks listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange for the period 2004 to 2014 were targeted for study. Secondary Data was collected from the NSE and published financial statements from the companies’ websites. Data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The study applied generalized methods of moments (GMM) system estimator regression models to investigate the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent or variable. The research findings indicate that there is significant relationship between stock market volatility and stock market turnover, and bank profitability measured by ROAA. Stock market capitalization and stock market trading volume were found to insignificant in explaining the dependent variable ROAA. The implication of these findings is that variation in the stock market distorts the profitability of commercial banks significantly. However, a fundamental understanding of stock market volatility and its effect on bank performance is crucial for decision makers to undertake rational thinking before undertaking any financial decision. Appreciation of the economic conditions is paramount since it that can either initiate or truncate a company’s growth. This study therefore recommends for similar studies to be carried out in Kenya so as to analyze the impact of the other specific factors that can influence profitability of commercial banks such the recent capping of interest rates by the government
EFFECT OF MOBILE BANKING ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SAVINGS AND CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN NAKURU CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTIn keeping with the advancement in technology, savings and credit cooperative societies have in the recent past undergone major technological leaps in the provision of banking services by adoption of mobile banking technology. This model of banking was particularly useful in providing efficiency and accessibility of banking services without the barriers of location and time. Many studies have been done to assess the effect of mobile banking on financial inclusion but not many studies have been carried out in the Kenyan banking sector in respect of the effect of mobile banking on performance of savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOs). This research sought to study the effect of mobile banking on financial performance of SACCOs in Nakuru Central business district, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design. A census survey was carried out to all the 11 SACCOs licensed by Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority since their total population was small. From each SACCO, the Manager, Finance Officer, Mobile Banking Officer, Information Technology Officer, Loans Officer, Customer Service Officer and Operations Officer were issued with questionnaires on a drop and pick later basis. Out of the 77 questionnaires issued, a total of 66 were returned. Data collected was cleaned, coded, keyed and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. The data was analyzed using mean, figures, standard deviation and frequency tables. The study was guided by modern economics theory, financial intermediation theory and innovative diffusion theories. From the research findings, the study found that on average, the amount of mobile banking transactions have increased steadily from the period 2010 to 2015. The growth was found to have been motivated by the convenience offered by the mobile banking service. The study variables further revealed that there is a positive relationship between mobile banking and the financial performance of SACCOs. The findings further indicated that majority of the respondents were significantly (strongly agreed and agreed) ( 001 .0,6.312 P ) with the mobile banking that it has led to increased financial performance. The study recommends that all the SACCOs need to provide as many mobile banking services. This was because of the direct relationship of mobile banking and the financial performance especially as the industry moves into a technologically competitive environment. The study also recommends that policy makers keep a keen eye on the developments of mobile banking as it is a new platform which offers financial opportunity for SACCOs as the world moves into a digital age to ensure it does not lose its regulatory role
THE EFFECT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE STRATEGIES ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY: EVIDENCE FROM CIC INSURANCE GROUP- NAKURU COUNTY
No full textFULL TEXTThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of customer service strategies on customer loyalty of insurance firms. The study specifically sought to establish the extent to which quality service, service bay ambience and technology support strategies affect loyalty of CIC insurance Group customers in Nakuru County. In order achieve the study objective, 15,487 customers in Nakuru and Naivasha branches formed the target population upon which a sample size of 222 respondents was drawn for the study using Nassiuma‟s formula. Data was collected by use of a pre tested structured questionnaire containing both open and close ended questions. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and Chi-square test as well as inferential statistics (Pearson‟s Correlation and regression analysis) were used to analyze data. The findings of the study were presented using tables. The theories upon which this study was anchored include; relationship commitment model, conversion model and service quality model (SERVDUAL). The study revealed that when all the independent variables (Quality service strategy, Service bay ambience strategy and Technology support strategy) are combined; only explain 21.7% of the variations in customer loyalty in the insurance industry could be explained by the results of the study findings. The findings also revealed that quality service strategy had an insignificant effect on customer loyalty at 5% level of significance (β1=0.042; p=0.741). However, service bay ambience strategy (β2=0.253; p=0.019) and technology support strategy (β3=0.534; p=0.000) respectively significantly influenced the loyalty of customers in the insurance industry. From the findings, it can be concluded that technology support strategy had a greater influence on customer loyalty followed by service bay ambience strategy and the least being quality service strategy. The study recommends that the insurance firms should incorporate more of technology support strategy amongst their customer service strategies more so in this information and communication technology era. Further research needs also to be carried out on firms in other industries so as to find out whether these variables will hold true
THE NEED FOR AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION IN KENYAN UNIVERSITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: OPPORNUTIES AND CHALLENGES
No full textOne of the university’s core functions is to sustain and perpetuate a cherished pattern of living that guarantees society’s prosperity.
It exists as one of the instruments of prosperity.
Responsible for society’s sustainability
other institutions are impended on the wellness of the university
It enhance the society’s needs and interests. There is a need to develop functional theories of the society.
Philosophy of education in this case engages principally in the process of unification and in the endeavor to comprehend all that goes on in the educative proces
Tensile Properties of Indigenous Kenyan Boran Pickled and Tanned Bovine Hide
Get PDFlar radiation; reasonable
with even fat cover make this breed a promising
production of quality leather.
Leather by-products can raise more revenue compared
Despite the large potential in this area, the economic
has been attributed to poor quality of Kenyan
Alongside animal breed & age, chemical modifications
6th Annual International Research Conference
Introduction / Background
region that produces 70% livestock for meat
from sunburns; smooth, loose but motile
reasonable large body, thick skin and well-marbled
promising source of beef and bovine hide for
compared to beef itself (FAO, 2007).
economic impact is not yet felt.
Kenyan leather on the world market
modifications of pro
Access to Higher Education in a Devolved System of Government
No full textThe Constitution of Kenya was formally promulgated into law on 27th August 2010 (Mwenda, 2010).
The New Constitution (2010) dramatically changed the system of governance from a centralized bureaucracy to a devolved system.
The devolved system of governance affected crucial functions which were previously the onus of the central government