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Patterns of utilization of uwezo fund among the youths in Kenya: a case of Rongo sub-county, Migori County
Get PDFUwezo Fund is provided to youths in Kenya to enhance self-employment among them. However, utilization of such fund remains a challenge. Nearly 80% of youths in Rongo sub-county cannot account for Ksh. 16,943,338 which has so far been disbursed to them. This study therefore sought to assess the patterns of utilization of Uwezo Fund among youths in Rongo Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya. Specific objectives of the study are: influence of accessibility of Uwezo fund on its usage; socio-demographic factors that influence the usage of the fund; and the socio-economic factors influencing the usage of Uwezo Fund. Literature was reviewed in relation to the specific objectives of the study. The study adopted Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Learning Theory. It utilized a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The study targeted youths who were recipients of Uwezo Fund in Rongo Sub-County. The target population was 1,296 youths and two Sub-county Uwezo Fund officers. Cluster, Proportionate and Simple random sampling were adopted where 125 youths were used as a sample. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion. Validity of research instruments were ensured by discussing them with research supervisors. Reliability was ensured by doing a pre-test. Data was subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results were presented in tables, bar charts and pie charts. The study found that most youths (76.80%) do not receive amount of Uwezo Fund they apply for. The study also found that amount of Uwezo Funds accessed has a strong significant association with its planned use (ᵪ2=69.512 at 1df and P=0.05, with a Cramer‟s V of 0.746). Regarding socio-demographic factors, the study found weak association between planned use of Uwezo Fund and Age (ᵪ2=9.388 at 2df and P=0.05, with a Cramer‟s V of 0.274) and marital status (ᵪ2=7.398 at 2df and P=0.05, with a Cramer‟s V of 0.243). The study found no significant association between use of Uwezo Fund and gender (ᵪ2=1.622 at 1df and P=0.05) and religion (ᵪ2=0.588 at 2df and P=0.05). On socio-economic factors, the study found weak association between use of Uwezo fund and level of education (ᵪ2=8.006 at 3df and P=0.05, with a Cramer‟s V of 0.253) and income (ᵪ2=7.568 at 2df and P=0.05, with a Cramer‟s V of 0.246). The study found no association between use of Uwezo Fund and occupation (ᵪ2=6.303 at 3df and P=0.05). The study concludes that there exist a strong relationship between amount of Uwezo Fund accessed and its use. There is also a relationship between socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and planned utilization of Uwezo Fund. The study recommends the following: Government through the ministry of finance should increase amount allocated to individual youth groups; Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs to consider socio-demographic factors of youths in distributing the fund; and the ministry Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs should also consider socio-economic factors of the youths in allocating funds and carry out monitoring and evaluation on economic projects undertaken by youths
Molecular markers associated with aluminium tolerance in Sorghum bicolor
Get PDFBackground: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench) production in many agro-ecologies is constrained by a variety of stresses, including high levels of aluminium (Al) commonly found in acid soils. Therefore, for such soils, growing Al tolerant cultivars is imperative for high productivity.
Methods: In this study, molecular markers associated with Al tolerance were identified using a mapping population developed by crossing two contrasting genotypes for this trait.
Results: Four SSR (Xtxp34, Sb5_236, Sb6_34, and Sb6_342), one STS (CTG29_3b) and three ISSR (811_1400, 835_200 and 884_200) markers produced alleles that showed significant association with Al tolerance. CTG29_3b, 811_1400, Xtxp34 and Sb5_236 are located on chromosome 3 with the first two markers located close to AltSB, a locus that underlie the Al tolerance gene (SbMATE) implying that their association with Al tolerance is due to their linkage to this gene. Although CTG29_3b and 811_1400 are located closer to AltSB, Xtxp34 and Sb5_236 explained higher phenotypic variance of Al tolerance indices. Markers 835_200, 884_200, Sb6_34 and Sb6_342 are located on different chromosomes, which implies the presence of several genes involved in Al tolerance in addition to SbMATE in sorghum.
Conclusion: These molecular markers have a high potential for use in breeding for Al tolerance in sorghum.
Keywords: Aluminium tolerance, Mapping population, Molecular markers, Net root length in aluminium, Sorghum bicolo
Influence of human resource practices on performance of part time lecturers in public universities in Kenya: a survey of rongo and kisii universities
Get PDFIn Kenya, public universities employ a large number of part-time lectures due to shortage of full time lectures. However studies have shown that part-timing can be counterproductive. Factors that have led to increased usage of part time lecturers are that they less costly and flexible. According to the Commission for University Education, the universities should adopt and practice prudent human resource practices. Previous studies in Kenya have not explored the issue of part time lecturers. This study aimed at investigating the influence of human resource practices on the performance of part-timers in Rongo and Kisii Universities. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of recruitment and selection, training and development and employee compensation of part time lecturers. This study was guided Goal-setting theory, Expectancy theory, and Human Capital theory. Empirical review was done in line with the study objectives. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population comprised of 740 part-time lecturers across all schools at Rongo and Kisii Universities. Using Taro Yamane statistical formulae for determining sample size, the tabulated sample comprised of 260 respondents who were proportionately allocated based on the schools in the respective universities. The study collected primary data using a closed ended questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. The validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire was ascertained by Cronbach Alpha method which ascertained 0.7. The data collected was analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were analyzed by using regression, correlation and anova, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics were analyzed thematically. Regression analysis was undertaken to determine the influence of each variable and their combined influence on performance of part time lecturers. The results were presented on pie chart, bar chart, percentage and tables. The study established that compensation (r = 0.444) and recruitment and selection (r = 0.318) positively influenced performance of part-time lecturers. Further, it was established that employee training and development of lecturers (r = 0.070) had insignificant influence on performance of part-time lecturers. The R2 value of 0.63362 implied that 63.36% of the variations in performance of part-time lecturers could be explained by the variations in independent variables. The study concluded that the influence of recruitment and selection on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities had positive influence; the influence of training and development on performance of part-time lecturers had the least positive influence on performance of part timers; influence of employee compensation on performance of part time lecturers had positive influence. While training and development had the least positive influence on performance of part-time lecturers. The study recommends that on recruitment and selection on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities the universities should establish effective and structured recruitment and selection processes. On the influence of training and development the study recommended induction programs for part-time lecturers to align skills and experiences with university routines objectives. On employee compensation on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities the study recommended development and implementation of competitive compensation packages
Patterns of utilization of hiv preventive services by boda-boda operators in homabay town, kenya
Get PDFThe mobility of the transport sector makes it difficult to access health information and treatment and/or maintain a drug regimen. There is high HIV prevalence rate in Homa-Bay County with a prevalence of 25.7% compared to 5.6% nationally. The purpose of the study was to determine patterns of utilization of HIV preventive services which specifically sought to find out awareness of HIV status, to determine the HIV prevention strategies employed by the boda-boda, to investigate the driversaffecting the uptake of HIV preventive services and finally to explore the health seeking behavior patterns among boda-boda operators in Homa-Bay town. The study adopted three theories key among them was cognitive theory. This was a mixed methods study. The study population was 1120 and it targeted male boda-boda operators who were aged between 20-40 years. The sample size for the study was 119. The main respondents were boda-boda operators while key respondents were their group leaders. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the drivers affecting the uptake of HIV preventive services among the study population. Results from this study show that a majority of the operators (89.3%) reported having been tested for HIV. Relatively low HIV prevention service uptake with condom being the most used service at 68.9%. In the multivariate analysis, occupation of the respondent, marital status and highest level of education attained were significantly associated with HIV prevention services uptake. Participants who reported owning a business, either (Duka, Kiosk or Juakali) were about 38% less likely to utilize any of the services compared to those who reported farming as their other source of income occupation (PR=0.62, 95% CI 0.62-0.96); whereas in terms of marital status, divorced/separated were two-fold likely to use any of the two services compared to the married in a monogamous family (PR=2.13, 95% CI 1.36-3.33). Those respondents reporting having attained primary level of education as the highest were 1.3 more likely to utilize any of the services compared to those reporting secondary as the highest level of education (PR=1.33, 95% CI 1.00-1.78). Finally, medical pluralism was noted among boda-boda operators who sought health services. The study concludes that, HIV testing services in Homa-Bay are effective since many respondents reported having had an HIV test. However, utilization of HIV preventive services are relatively low as compared to the high awareness of HIV preventive services. Occupation, marital status and level of education were found to be the drivers affecting uptake of HIV preventive services. Finally, medical pluralism was noted among the operators who sought health services. The study recommends to the ministry through NACC to create flexible HIV testing hours in order to reach all the operators with testing services, put emphasis to increase the utilization of HIV prevention methods through education, there is also a need to target operators with higher educational levels, those that own business and married monogamous to increase their ability to effectively utilize HIV preventive methods. Finally, education on the importance of seeking medical services from health facilities should be stressed
Effects of social media use in participatory budgeting in county governance: a case study of kisii county, kenya
Get PDFIn an effort to curb fiscal stress, governments across the globe are increasingly pursuing participatory budgeting. However, public apathy, due to communication break down between the public and the governments is the major hindrance to the process globally. For instance, in Kenya, inadequate public debates on county budget priorities and choices, due to communication break down between the public and the county governments, has led to poor transparency and weak accountability. This has greatly undermined the spirit of devolution. Empirical studies indicates that, social media can be an effective platform for participatory budgeting. This study therefore set out to examine the effects of social media use in participatory budgeting in Kenya`s County governance, with a special focus on Kisii County. The specific objectives of the study were to; examine the influence of social media on public participation in Kisii County Government`s budget preparation process; identify the most effective social media platforms for public participation in kisii County Government`s budget preparation process; examine how the public uses social media as a participatory platform in Kisii County Government`s budget preparation process and explore how social media is used by Kisii County government as a platform for public participation in the budget preparation process. Bonchari Sub- County, which is one of the 9 administrative Sub-Counties constituting the Kisii County was purposively selected as the sampling area for the study that is anchored on the Uses and Gratifications Theory. Descriptive design was adopted and both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed to ensure methodological triangulation .The sample size was 399 residents. 4 key informants were also interviewed. Both Simple random and Purposive sampling techniques were employed. Data collection was via questionnaires and individual interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS, in which data tabulation, descriptive and disaggregation procedures of statistical analysis were employed. Thematic Content Analysis was further used to analyse the qualitative data. Among the study findings is that social media platforms, especially Facebook and WhatsApp are popular among the citizens and thus effective for participatory budgeting. Unfortunately, their use by Kisii County government as participatory platforms in the budget preparation process is limited and sporadic. The results of the study will be significant to Governments and their budgeting stakeholders in determining the best ways of social media use for participatory budgeting. The study finally recommends that Kisii County government should be proactive in the use of social media technologies for effective e-participatory budgeting
The effect of tax compliance strategies expenditure on government tax revenue in Kenya
Get PDFThis study endeavored to establish the effects of tax compliance strategies expenditure on government tax revenue. The specific objectives of the study were to: establish the effect of tax payer education expenditure on tax revenue, determine the effect of improved tax payer services expenditure on tax revenue, and assess the effect of law enforcement expenditure on tax revenue as well as determine the effect of technology adoption expenditure on tax revenue. The study was pegged on three theories namely; the economic deterrence theory, fiscal exchange theory and the regulatory compliance theory. Revenue data between 1980 and 2015 was used in the study. Ordinary Least Squares technique (OLS) was employed to establish the long run relationship between expenditure on taxpayer education, tax payer services, expenditure on law enforcement and adoption of technology on government tax revenues. Breusch-pagan test was used to test for heteroscedasticity and multi-collinearity, Variance Inflation Factor method was used. The study tested for serial autocorrelation since the data was of time series nature. The Jarque-Bera test was also conducted to test normality for the error term. Impulse response and variance decomposition were used to test the relation between tax compliance strategies expenditure and tax revenue. Further, the relationship between variables was established through correlation analysis. The results of the study show that the expenditures by the tax authority on the use of technology, law enforcement and the tax payer education were statistically significant in explaining the variations in tax revenue. The relationship between the three expenditures and revenue is positive, which implies that as the tax authority increases its expenditure on law enforcement, technology or on tax payer education, it is expected that tax revenue will grow. Contrary to these findings is the fact that the expenditure of the tax authority on improved tax payer services is not significant in explaining the variations in tax revenue
Strategic determinants of destination competitiveness: a case of western tourist circuit, Kenya
Get PDFKenya’s western tourist circuit is undoubtedly the country’s best kept secret. However, in spite of
this, the circuit is one of the least competitive as most tourists prefer coastal beaches and selected
protected areas. The purpose of this research was to establish the strategic determinants of
tourism destination competitiveness in Kenya’s Western Tourist Circuit. This study was
grounded on and guided by Ritchie and Crouch (2003) model of destination competitiveness.
The variables under study were: destination attractors, support resources, destination
management and safety and security. The objectives of the study were: to examine the effect of
destination attractors on destination competitiveness, to establish the effect of support resources
on destination competitiveness, to determine the effect of destination management on destination
competitiveness and to examine the effect of safety and security on the relationship between
destination competitiveness determinants and destination competitiveness. Explanatory research
design was used to gather information while convenience sampling technique was used to arrive
at a sample size of 102. Closed-ended questionnaires were used to collect data with key
respondents being tourists. Multiple regression analysis was used to test hypothesis and deduced
models that explained the strategic determinants of tourism destination competitiveness.
Destination attractors were found to positively and significantly affect destination
competitiveness whereas destination management and support resources had a negative though
insignificant effect on destination competitiveness. Safety and security had a negative
moderation on relationship between destination management and destination competitiveness
and a positive moderation effect on the relationship between destination attractors and
destination competitiveness, with effects being significant. However, Safety and security did not
significantly moderate the relationship between support resources and destination
competitiveness. The study recommends the following: a strong spirit of partnership and
collaboration between all stakeholders to realize the potential of the destination inorder to
maximize available resources. There’s need to upgrade the competitive position of the circuit by
improving its image and creating awareness both at local and international levels. There’s also
need for destinations to manage and organize their resources efficiently inorder to provide a
unique tourist experience that outperforms alternative destination experiences. The study also
serves the purposes of providing updated knowledge on theories, concepts, ideas and empirical
studies on competitiveness in the context of tourism destination competitiveness. Further
research can be carried on critical issues in the competitive process, competitive forces at the at
the destination level. Future studies can also broaden the geographical scope by sampling the
remaining seven circuits and within those circuits, sample many destinations. This would help
understand tourists’ choice and loyalty for particular destinations. Finally future studies can try
and identify the strengths and weaknesses in the destinations within the seven circuits which in
turn will help develop correct positioning strategies
Factors affecting dual contraception preference among seropositive women in discordant relationships in nyatike sub-county, Kenya
Get PDFHIV-discordant couples are faced with dual problem of preventing unwanted pregnancy and HIV transmission to uninfected partner. Dual contraception involving consistent use of condoms to prevent STIs/HIV infection and another more effective modern contraceptive for pregnancy prevention has been recommended to offer dual protection for discordant couples. However a large proportion of new HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa still occur in stable HIV-discordant partnerships. This is an indication that there is generally low dual contraception acceptance and use among discordant couples in subSaharan Africa and Nyatike Sub-county in Migori County, Kenya is no exception. Despite this, little is known about how demographic and socio-economic factors affect dual contraception preference among discordant couples. The objectives of this study were to find out the prevalence of dual contraception; determine the most common form of dual contraception used to offer dual protection; establish the association between demographic factors and dual contraception preference; and establish the association between socioeconomic factors and dual contraception preference among seropositive women in discordant marital relationships in Nyatike sub-County in Migori County, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Fourteen health facilities were purposively sampled within Nyatike Sub-county. A total of 174 seropositive women in discordant marital relationships were randomly sampled from the fourteen health facilities and subjected to questionnaire interviews while another 28 took part in FGDs. Fourteen seronegative men were randomly sampled while fourteen healthcare providers (key informants) purposively sampled to take part in the study. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data while in-depth interviews and focused group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively by way of frequencies and percentages. Cross-tabulation, Chi-square test and binary logistic regression modeling was also performed to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Tables were used as techniques of presenting research results. The study revealed low dual contraception prevalence (29.3%) despite high level of dual contraception preference (63.2%) among the study participants. Condom plus injections was the most used form of dual contraception to offer dual protection at 24.1%, followed by condom plus implants at 19.1%. Parity (p=.001), level of education (p=.003) and monthly income (p=.026) were statistically significantly associated with dual contraception preference while age (p=.051) was not. Independent variables that significantly contributed to predicting dual contraception preference were age (p=.003), parity (p < 0.05) and level of education (p=.029). However level of monthly income (p=0.222) was not statistically significant in predicting dual contraception preference. The study recommends formulation of HIV integrated family planning programs that intensify efforts in improving knowledge of dual contraception use among seropositive women and its critical health benefits, coupled with encouraging constructive male partner communication and engagement in order to increase dual contraception uptake
Effect of lean manufacturing on organizational performance: a case of south nyanza sugar company, awendo, kenya
No full textDue to the present business landscape that is characterized by global competition and high cost pressures, both of which have motivated companies to take a global approach to their supply markets, lean manufacturing has become a common practice among organizations worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of lean manufacturing on organizational performance in Sony Sugar Company, Awendo, Kenya. The study objectives were to establish the effect of elimination of waste on organizational performance, to examine the effect of intellectual knowledge on organizational performance, to determine the effect of an Andon on organizational performance, to establish the effect of technology adoption on organizational performance in Sony Sugar Company, Awendo, Kenya and to establish the moderating influence of organizational culture on the relationship between lean manufacturing and organizational performance. The study population was 371 who were HoDs, Divisional HoDs and Supervisors of Sony Sugar Company in nine departments with a sample size 79 out of 371 targeted population. The study used correlation research design. Questionnaires use correlation research design. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as tools for data collection. Qualitative data was analyzed and presented in themes while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using percentage, frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Inferentially, Pearson Correlation coefficient and use multiple regression analysis were used as analysis tools to test for significance among various hypotheses. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to analyze the data with the assistance of SPSS software program version 22.
Five hypotheses were formulated and subsequently tested to establish the influence organizational culture. It was therefore concluded that there is a regression relationship between lean manufacturing combined with organizational culture and organizational performance implementation. It is therefore recommended that organizations to intensify application of lean manufacturing practices so that it could help in reduction of production cost and production of quality products and services at a cheap cost. Management of various organization to organize for induction of lean manufacturing practices from time to time in which internal experts or external consultants on lean manufacturing are tasked to design training programme that are tailored to the needs of particular industry to supplement application of lean manufacturing practices. Both the government, private sector and the education stakeholders should design a way of empowering the employees on the need to be equipped with lean manufacturing practices so as not to affect the its implementation since the finding indicated that the strength of relationship of lean manufacturing and organizational performance depended on organizational culture. Quarterly production and customer satisfaction reports should be filed in order to track the quality of products and services delivered and the extent of customer satisfaction with a view of increasing profit and market share through the application of lean manufacturing practices. Suggestions for further research. A study can be replicated in a larger number of sugar companies and in more counties. A study can be carried out to investigate the influence of other factors like “pull” production and lean manufacturing, just-in-time, total quality management and production smoothing on organizational performance