Chuka University Digital Repository
Chuka University Repository is a Digital Hub for Knowledge Output From Chuka University.
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
On orthogonality and micro transitivity characterization of Hilbert spaces
(Chuka University, 2024) Mugure Damaris Njeri
Characterization of a transitive separable Banach spaces as Hilbert spaces has been an open area of research. It has been shown that separable Banach spaces which are transitive, almost transitive, convex transitive and micro transitive together with isometries of various characteristics such as unitary, reflection, differentiable properties are Hilbert spaces. It has also been shown that a separable real Banach space which is almost transitive with vector orthogonalities of dimension greater than three is a Hilbert space. However, properties such as micro transitive together with vector orthogonalities for n-dimension have essential property that can be utilized to characterize Banach spaces as Hilbert spaces. Additionaly, by this characterization, properties of matrix numerical range and numerical radius can also be determined. Therefore, by utilizing micro transitivity and Isosceles vector (I-vector), Pythagorean vector (P-vector) and Isosceles Pythagorean vector (IP-vector) in the unit sphere of separable Banach space this research determined that an n-dimension separable Banach spaces is a Hilbert space. In addition, by the use of properties of numerical range in general Banach space the study also established properties of matrix numerical range and numerical radius in separable transitive Banach space. The findings of this study will find use in algebra and differential operators for the purpose of calculation of wave functions and formulation of theory. In addition, the findings of the study will find use in spectral analysis of functions for the study of vibrations and interfacial waves stability analysis.
Perceived effect of single parenting on the psychosocial wellbeing of learners in public day secondary schools in Ishiara zone, Mbeere North sub-county, Embu county in kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Nderi Elias Munyi
The family is a fundamental unit in society as the first socializing agent with which the child interacts. The family’s main responsibility is to train and bring up children in the norms and values of society that affects the psychosocial development of a child. Traditionally, a complete family has been viewed as consisting of a man, a woman, and their offspring; however, there has been an increase in the number of singleparent families, which has been perceived to affect the psychosocial well-being of learners. This study aimed to determine the perceived effect of single-parenting on self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and discipline of learners in public day secondary schools in Ishiara Zone, Mbeere North Sub- County, Embu County in Kenya. The study was grounded on the psychoanalytic theory of identification and the social-learning theory of identification. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 1,466 learners and 92 teachers making a total of 1558. The study was done in the 8 public day secondary schools in Ishiara zone and it constituted 306 form three learners sampled through a census, 30 class teachers and 8 Guidance and Counselling heads, also sampled through a census, making a total of 344 respondents. The data was collected using two sets of questionnaires as one for the learners and one for the class teachers while interviews for the Guidance and Counselling heads were conducted. The validity of the research instruments was ensured through the opinions and expertise of lecturers of Chuka University. The reliability of the instruments was estimated using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient with an average correlation coefficient of 0.783 obtained for all variables. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies and inferential statistics such as chi square were used to analyse data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0. Chi-square tests indicated a statistically significant association between single parenting and self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and discipline of learners in public day secondary schools in Ishiara Zone, Mbeere North Sub- County, Embu County in Kenya. The study findings shed light on the perceived effect of single parenting on self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and learners’ discipline in public day secondary schools. The study’s conclusions and recommendations may be helpful to principals, the ministry of Education and other stakeholders in designing mechanisms to improve the self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and discipline of learners from diverse family backgrounds as well as highlight the counselling needs of the learners whose perceptions might be warped. The study recommended the formulation of guidance and counselling programmes and other policies that will help the learners who need guidance and counselling on the areas covered in this research. Moreover, the findings are also expected to help formulate guidance and counselling policies for learners from duo-parent families that have negative perceptions of learners from single-parent families. The findings will also be an addition to the existing body of knowledge.
Determinants of uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives among women of reproductive age attending meru teaching and referral hospital, meru county in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Munyiri Lilian
The most efficient and reasonably priced forms of birth control are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). In spite of their effectiveness, less than 15% of women globally who are of reproductive age use LARC. In Kenya, just 18% of women who are of reproductive age are using LARC procedures. The frequency in Meru County (11.2%) is much lower than it is nationwide. This study set out to evaluate the variables affecting the uptake of LARC among women who were receiving care at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and were of reproductive age. Analytical crosssectional survey research design was used in the study. Women of reproductive age (WRA) requesting family planning services at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital in Meru County were the study's target population. Ten key informants were chosen through purposive sampling, and 117 women who were of reproductive age were chosen by systematic random sampling. In order to get quantitative data for this study, the researcher utilized a semi-structured questionnaire that she had created, and to gather qualitative data, she employed a key informant guide. The Embu Teaching and Referral Hospital served as the pretesting site for the research tools. The presentation of qualitative data involved the thematic organization and narrator. The mean, mode, and standard deviation of descriptive statistics were used to assess quantitative data. Chi-square tests were utilized to examine the relationship, at a 95% confidence interval, between the uptake of LARC and variables linked to social culture, health facilityrelated characteristics, and knowledge level. The strength and connection of the factors that were discovered to be significant were tested using regression analysis. According to the study, the uptake rate for LARC among women who were of reproductive age was 11.2%. The factors that affected this rate were as follows: a good level of knowledge, which influenced LARC uptake at x2(N=170), 5.16, p=.018, the timeliness of service provision at x2(N=170), 15.62, p<.001, and distance to the health facility at x2(N=170), 10.84, p<.001. The spacing of children at x2(N=170), 20.51, p<.001, and who decides to seek family planning services at x2(N=170), 6.32, p=.012, were the main social and cultural determinants that affected LARC uptake. The study also generated three themes which are, high cost of LARC services, inadequate staff who have been trained on insertion and removal of LARC and inadequate supplies required for service provision The study came to the conclusion that LARC uptake among women of reproductive age was impacted by both individual and health facility characteristics. The study makes several recommendations, the ministry of health to launch widespread campaigns to raise awareness and knowledge about LARC among women of reproductive age, that health facilities should enhance the promptness with which they provide services, particularly family planning services, and that they should support women's autonomy in choosing when to seek family planning services. Further research should be carried out to explore on health care provider characteristics that influence uptake of LARC.
Influence of guests’ activities and product design decisions on gastronomic experiences in selected coffee growing farms of central Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Murithi Purity Kanyua
Coffee farming contributes to direct incomes to farmers while accelerating infrastructure growth in many developing counties. However, being a key agricultural commodity, coffee is affected by high supply variations causing fluctuations in price. In response to this situation, coffee farm managers are exploring other income generating activities in coffee growing areas such as venturing in gastronomic tourism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate guests’ activities, product design decisions and gastronomic experiences in selected coffee growing farms of central Kenya. The study sought to assess the influence of coffee visitor activities on gastronomic experiences; to establish the influence of product design decision (branding) on gastronomic guest experiences, to determine the influence of product design decision (packaging) on gastronomic guest experiences ; to determine the influence of product design decision (pricing) on gastronomic guest experiences, and to evaluate the mediating influence of guest profiles on gastronomic guest experiences in selected coffee growing farms of Central Kenya. The study employed descriptive survey design targeting a population comprising of tourists visiting coffee factories and estates and managers in of these places. The target population was 384 tourists and 124 managers. Stratified sampling, purposive sampling, simple random sampling and convenient sampling were used to come up with the selected samples of the coffee estates and factories, and of respondents. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires using a Likert scale type structure. Data was coded and analyzed using SPSS where general information of the respondents was done using descriptives while inferential statistics involved factor analysis and Categorical Regression. A significant positive relationship was established between guest activities and gastronomic experiences in selected coffee growing farms of Central Kenya. This was a clear indication that the coffee tourism activities carried out in the area of study had a bearing on the experiences that coffee tourists derived from their gastronomic tours. Hence, objective one was achieved and the respective null hypothesis (H01) was rejected. Categorical regression was used to assess the influence of guest activities on gastronomic experiences in coffee growing areas of Central Kenya. Three main activities were considered as independent variables; Coffee tourism activities, coffee factory visits, coffee farm visits and coffee tasting while the dependent variable included; gastronomic experiences. The model fit scores were highly significant (R2= 966, F= 275. 377, p= 0.000). This means that the model explained more than 96.8% of the variance that was sought in the relationship. All the coefficient scores of the independent variables were also highly significant (p = 0.000). In objective two, it was established that product design decision elements and gastronomic experience had a significant positive relationship and H02 was rejected. Categorical regression was used to decipher the relationship between three product design decisions (branding, packaging and cost), and gastronomic experiences in coffee growing areas of central Kenya region. The model fit was robust with values of (R2= 911, F= 171.484, p= 0.000). Out of three product initiatives branding (B=0.835, df=3, F= 118.955, P= 0.000) and packaging (B=0.205, df=2, F= 3.694, p = 0.000) emerged significant. Categorical regression was further used to determine the major coefficients in the independent list (factor that explained the product design decisions). The model fit was robust (R2 change= 0.970, F= 723. 669, p= 0.00) showing that it could represent more than 97% of the relationship sought by the researcher. All the coefficient variables were significant. The pricing factor was not significant (B=0.027, df=1, 0.272, p = 0.603). To assess the mediating effect of guest profiles on gastronomic experience half of the eight socio-demographic factors had a significant mediating influence on gastronomic experiences of guests while the other four ha no significant effect. The study concludes that elements of guest activities and product design decisions are key in enhancing coffee tourism gastronomic experience in the area of study. It is hence recommended that they be enhanced.
Effectiveness of visitor management strategies on the Sustainability of tourist attractions in Ol pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia county, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Mwangi Lucy Wanjiru
Sustainability is one of the most essential strategic concepts being upheld in the Ol Pejeta conservancy. This is through initiatives like environmental conservation, income generation, and local community empowerment. However, the current rise in tourism numbers poses risks to establishing a balance between these efforts in the long term. Visitor management strategies including physical, interpretive, economic and regulatory management strategies have been adopted to oversee tourist flows in the conservancy. Despite adopting these management approaches, issues like humanwildlife conflict, unemployment, and water shortages still persist in the area. Besides, there is limited research on the effectiveness of these strategies on the sustainability of tourism in the area. Therefore, the main purpose of this study sought was to assess the effectiveness of visitor management strategies on the sustainability of tourist attractions in Ol Pejeta conservancy, Laikipia County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the relationship between physical management strategies and sustainability of tourist attractions, establish the relationship between interpretive management strategies and sustainability of tourist attractions in Ol Pejeta conservancy, Laikipia County, investigate the relationship between economic management strategies and sustainability of tourist attractions in Ol Pejeta conservancy, Laikipia County and assess the relationship between regulatory management strategies and sustainability of tourist attractions in Ol Pejeta conservancy, Laikipia County. The study employed convergent parallel mixed research design and was guided by World Commission on Protected Areas Framework. Data was collected from 167 visitors and 10 tourism officials using questionnaires and interview schedules respectively. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while narrative analysis was employed in qualitative data analysis. Quantitative results revealed that interpretive strategies were the highest predictors of sustainability (β=0.436, p<0.001) compared to physical (β =0.177, p<0.008) and regulatory strategies (β=0.104, p<0.012). Narrative results also demonstrated that interpretive, physical and economic strategies were relevant in ensuring sustainability in the conservancy. The study concluded that interpretive, physical and economic management strategies were effective in ensuring sustainability, while regulatory strategies did not significantly influence the sustainability of tourist attractions in Ol Pejeta conservancy. The study recommended that tourism managers should reevaluate and refine regulatory strategies to address issues of enforcement and visitor compliance thus ensure their effectiveness in ensuring sustainability.