1st International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2014

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Adapting To Climate Change: Evaluating the Implementation of Water Resource Management Strategies in Hotels within Lake Naivasha Environs
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Sustainability is complicated by the threat of climate change which presents tourism industry with considerable negative effects, creating an urgent need to manage and use such resources responsibly. Water Resource Management (WRM) has become critical in the tourism industry. Consequently, hotels have a unique responsibility in lessening the real and potential negative impacts on the water and promote sustainable water management and use. This study evaluated adoption of WRM strategies in hotels to attain water sustainability, the current structural and non-structural WRM strategies adopted by selected hotels in the environs of Lake Naivasha, perceived effectiveness of both the structural and non-structural WRM strategies adopted to enhance water sustainability, and structural and non-structural watcensus of 30 Class (A) registered hotels was conducted, and purposive sampling was used to select respondents. Convenience sampling was used to select managers for interviews. Primary data collection used questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data was synthesized from journals, text books, theses and other works and analysed using the SPSS program. Hotels had embraced WRM strategies through development of alternative water resources, water saving technologies, manuals and treatment of recycled water. Structural WRM strategies were perceived to ber management strategies in terms of sustainability in hotels within environs of Lake Naivasha. A e more effective as they impacted more on reducing operating costs, promoted environmental conservation and were more preferred than the non-structural strategies despite being more expensive to implement. Water sustainability is achievable through a combination of WRM strategies. Better water management policies should be formulated and complemented with technological utilization, stiffer penalties on pollution, community involvement, inclusion of donor funding and provision of incentives.
Adoption and Utilization of Zai Pits for Improved Farm Productivity in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Small holder farmers in low midland zones of Tharaka-Nithi County are facing challenges in improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Low crop yields due to low erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration, and deteriorating soil health in smallholder farmers’ fields have led to a quest for sustainable production practices with greater resource use efficiency. To alleviate these challenges, impact of zai pits was assessed in terms of factors that influence adoption in Tharaka-Nithi County, located in low midland zones of eastern Kenya. Interview schedules were used to elicit information from 290 farmers. A descriptive statistical analysis approach was used to analyse data. There was significant relationship between farmers who had been visited by an agricultural officer and adoption ((2=6.019, P=0.05), where a higher percentage of farmers who had adopted had been visited by non-governmental extension agents. A significant difference existed between the average farm size of adopters and non-adopters (t=2.7, df=285, P=0.05). There is need to re-evaluate the role that socio-economic variables and farm characteristics contribute in adoption of Zai pits as a water harvesting technology.
Amaranth Pigweed Beetle Damage Level Correlates to Environmental Temperature Regimes
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pigweed beetle Hypolixus haerens Boheman has been cited as a major insect pest of grain amaranth worldwide. This study evaluated injury level of both foliar and stem damage pests on eight varieties of Amaranthus hypochondriacus (L.) during two seasons of production at Katumani (LM4) and Kiboko ((LM5). Stem damage by beetle H. haerens correlates to environmental temperature. The hotter zone of low midlands five (LM5) was drier (43.7 ± 15.9 mm, 28 ± 2°C) than the cooler zone of low midlands four (LM4), which was relatively wetter (57.1 ± 13.8 mm, 24 ± 2°C). Beetle stem tunnel length inversely correlated with yield. The stem damage levels at the cooler zone were lower by 35, 42 and 47% in comparison to those from the hotter zone (LM5). Insect foliar damage level did not reflect direct grain loss. No variety was found resistant to H. haerens stem injury from the eight accessions evaluated. The wetter and cooler zone (LM4) was found to influence lower stem damage and subsequently 5-9 times higher grain yield than the hotter zone. In conclusion, considerations of the environmental factors in each agro-ecological zone would lead to right time of insecticide spray for management of the pests of grain amaranth to prevent yield loss.
Characterization and Evaluation of Pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata Duch.).
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pumpkin is an emerging important indigenous vegetable in Kenya. However, its potential remains unexploited. This study collected, characterized and evaluated pumpkin germplasm accessions in Kakamega and Nyeri Counties. The 155 accessions collected consisted of 70 and 85 from Kakamega and Nyeri Counties, respectively. Morphological characterization and evaluation was done on-farm in completely randomized design, replicated three times. Morphological characterization and evaluation data were subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS program. Means were separated at P=0.05. Molecular characterization was done by extracting DNA, and polymerase chain reaction was done on 139 accessions using SSR and ISSR primers. Molecular characterization data were scored and phylogenetic analyses conducted using DarWin software. Significant variation (P<0.05) resulted among 146 accessions morphologically. Fruit length to width ratio and fruit weight ranged from 0.7-2.1 cm and 0.5-19.25 kg/accession, respectively. Predominant mature fruit skin colour ranged from green to orange; secondary fruit skin colour from speckled to striped; fruit surface from smooth to warty; and internal flesh colour from white to yellow. Main colour of inner flesh and of outer flesh ranged from yellow to pink-red. Molecular characterization revealed that accessions were varied with amplifications on different loci ranging from 100-500bp for SSR with band ranges of 1 to 4. ISSR primers were more polymorphic with accessions amplified between 200-2000 bp with band ranges of 2 to 7. A total of 526 alleles were identified with 5 SSR primer pairs and 509 alleles with 7 ISSR primers. The Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Mean based on Euclidean genetic distance with 1000 bootstraps constructed the dendrograms. There is great variation in pumpkins in Kenya. Cultivars are interbreeding a lot. Conservation of naturalized germplasm needs to be expedited to save it from further distortion and extinction.
Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation: Climate-Smart Agro-Pastoral Practices: A Case Study of Narok County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pastoralism is described by a high reliance on livestock production systems for socio-economic wellbeing. In Kenya it is the dominant form of livelihood in the arid and semi-arid lands, which constitute more than 80% of the total land area, host about 10 m people and 70% of the national livestock herd. Despite these areas being the major meat producers in the country, production is threatened by climate related hazards as witnessed by livestock deaths, reduced daily yields and prices, degraded natural resources, and high incidences of livestock pests and diseases. The traditional coping strategies applied in terms of nomadic pastoralism, has been reduced due to fragmentation of rangelands, forcing them to transform towards sedentary lifestyles. Thus, what can be done to improve this sedentary lifestyle and how can it be sustained within the ASALs? What are the on-the-ground coping strategies that enhance environmental conservation? This study assessed the coping mechanisms applied to the changed lifestyle within the pastoral communities of Narok County that not only improve livelihoods through climate change adaptation but also contribute towards climate change mitigation. This was done using key informant and focus group discussions. Policy guidelines are provided on building capacity through participatory approaches to enhance long-term sustainable systems that will ensure food security to these vulnerable communities, while at the same time contributing to natural resource conservation and ecosystem services.
Consequences of Large-Scale Land Use Changes on Environment, Livelihood and Food Security in the Yala Swamp Ecosystem in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
African wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems and as such play an important role in ameliorating the effects of global warming, biodiversity conservation, as well as natural resources provision, which drives many rural economies. Yala swamp is a large fresh water wetland, a recognized biodiversity hotspot that supports local livelihoods in Lake Victoria basin. This study evaluated the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of converting large parts of the swamp to farming to support perceived food security. Primary qualitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews of randomly selected stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were administered to the stakeholders who included men, women and youth. Secondary data was collected from published work, books, print and electronic media. Although conversion of the Yala swamp wetland is contributing in Corporate Social Responsibility, there exists a strong conflict with the local community. Overall the local community and the environment have been negatively impacted and there will be long-term negative consequences regarding environmental degradation, food security and livelihood opportunities. The Kenyan government should commission a new Environmental Impact Assessment and enact and implement a strong wetland policy. There is need for awareness creation to enhance participation of local communities in decision-making. Other livelihood diversification programmes to reduce dependence on the wetland are also recommended.
Contribution of the New Constitution in Promoting Kiswahili Use in Mass Media
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Media plays a major role in the society; it is the medium of providing information, it creates social integration, and promotes shared values, knowledge and entertainment. Proper use of standard language is essential to achieve these objectives. Media industry in Kenya has grown exponentially from the early 1990s. This growth has been characterized by the deployment of the latest technological innovations, increased number of frequency modulated radios and professional media practitioners. Many of the media houses in Kenya today are using different styles and methods to attract and keep listeners for their own economic survival. This paper investigates the effects of new constitution on the language used in the mass media. It highlights the gains that have been made specifically in promoting Kiswahili language as a national and official language as well as the challenges.
Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Development in Africa: A Review of Theory and Practice
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fosters development. Sufficient and effective action by the corporate world has resulted in development. The African continent has however not experienced commendable economic development through CSR. In some situations, communities have been exposed to health risks and greater poverty as companies expropriate community resources and claim to practice CSR for development. This study systematically reviewed literature on CSR and development in Africa over the last 10 years to identify the themes, incentives and challenges in the practice of CSR. Good governance, economic incentives, contextualization of CSR action, appropriate and robust legal and institutional frameworks are essential for CSR to play a meaningful role in developing the continent. This has been hampered by CSR initiatives being uncoordinated and failing to be integrated in core functions of organizations. It is also necessary to contextualize CSR to the needs and environment of Africa. Governments ought to provide a facilitative environment to encourage CSR for development in terms of policy formulation and setting in place oversight bodies to monitor and coordinate CSR activity. Corporate establishments need to form partnerships to reduce the overall cost of CSR and impact greatly on the development. Countries need to encourage companies to disclose their policies and practice so that they are held accountable to governments and communities adjacent to their establishments.
DIGESTIBILITY OF DIETS BASED ON NAPIER GRASS, TITHONIA DIVERSIFOLIA AND SAPIUM ELLIPTICUM,
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Tithonia diversifolia and Sapium ellipticum fodder species are widespread in Central, Western Province and the wetter areas of the coastal and Rift Valley regions. They could be used to supplement Napier grass fodder. However, there is little documentation on digestibility of diets that include varying proportions of either Tithonia or Sapium. This study compared the digestibility of diets consisting of varying proportions of Tithonia and Sapium forages with Napier grass fodder. Fourteen Corriedale rams aged 18 months selected for uniformity of live weight at 20±3kg were used in the experiment. The weight of the sheep was determined at the start and at the end of each feeding period. The sheep were fed seven different experimental diets comprising of varied proportions of Napier grass, Tithonia diversifolia and Sapium ellipticum. The dry matter content varied with diet one having the lowest percentages 136 g/kg, diet four highest dry matter 639 g/kg. Napier grass fodder (control diet) lowest CP of (43 g/kg), while 75% Tithonia mixture had CP of 189g/kg. Tithonia based diets had lower NDF-ADF proportion of 276 g/kg, 282 g/kg and 229.5 g/kg than those of Sapium based diets with 296 g/kg, 258 g/kg and 256 g/kg. Diets 1, 5 and 7 reflected a negative N balance. These were the Napier grass control diet and the 25% and 75% supplementation of Sapium diets. Tithonia based diets yielded positive nitrogen balance. Inclusion of both Tithonia and Sapium forages decreased feed intake, total faecal and urine output for all the diets, although proportionately to intake, the faecal and urine output increased.
Effect Of Development and Human Settlement on Bird Species Richness, Abundance, Diversity and Distribution: A Case of Chuka University and Surrounding Areas.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Different land use practices affect birds differently and create micro-climates, which avail different resources to birds, thereby affecting distribution abundance, richness and diversity. This study determined how development and human settlement impact avifauna by comparing three habitat sites with differing land use practices (developed/settlement area, farmlands and forest) against diversity, distribution and abundance of birds therein. The study area was near the University and recently developed, while study sites were based on their uses. Data collection used line transects randomly laid on the ground, and opportunistic visual encounters. Species richness of 72 birds resulted, with 40 species in the forest, 34 in the farmlands and 33 in the settled and developed areas. Species diversity was highest in the forest (H’=3.45) and was lowest in the settled areas (H’=2.91). Species abundance was highest in the farmlands (432 species), followed by settled area (395 species) and forest (198 species). Development in settled area was a major threat to avian community due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, collisions with buildings which obstruct bird movement and road kills. Human settlement and development have a potential of contributing to extinction of native species through habitat fragmentation and loss. Engaging scientists, managers, environmentalists, community and developers will identify ways that development can better incorporate maintenance of ecological integrity and sustainable development.
Effect Of Development and Human Settlement on Bird Species Richness, Abundance, Diversity and Distribution: A Case of Chuka University and Surrounding Areas.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Different land use practices affect birds differently and create micro-climates, which avail different resources to birds, thereby affecting distribution abundance, richness and diversity. This study determined how development and human settlement impact avifauna by comparing three habitat sites with differing land use practices (developed/settlement area, farmlands and forest) against diversity, distribution and abundance of birds therein. The study area was near the University and recently developed, while study sites were based on their uses. Data collection used line transects randomly laid on the ground, and opportunistic visual encounters. Species richness of 72 birds resulted, with 40 species in the forest, 34 in the farmlands and 33 in the settled and developed areas. Species diversity was highest in the forest (H’=3.45) and was lowest in the settled areas (H’=2.91). Species abundance was highest in the farmlands (432 species), followed by settled area (395 species) and forest (198 species). Development in settled area was a major threat to avian community due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, collisions with buildings which obstruct bird movement and road kills. Human settlement and development have a potential of contributing to extinction of native species through habitat fragmentation and loss. Engaging scientists, managers, environmentalists, community and developers will identify ways that development can better incorporate maintenance of ecological integrity and sustainable development.
Effectiveness of Performance Contracting on Service Delivery in Public Universities in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The Government of Kenya introduced Performance Contracting (PC) in the public service to improve service delivery. This study investigated the effectiveness of PC in service delivery in the public universities in Kenya. It evaluated the level of involvement of university staff and students in PC, the effectiveness of PC in improving customer satisfaction and accountability, as well as feedback and conflict resolution. It was based on the assumption that respondents were aware of PC policies. It used descriptive survey design and targeted 132,021 subjects, comprising 84,290 students, 15,937 academic staff, 31,789 non-teaching staff and 5 directors of PC in five public universities. A normal sample size of 384 respondents was appropriate, but 500 were used to compensate for attrition. Purposive sampling was used to select directors and simple random sampling to select academic staff, non-academic staff and students. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used in data collection. Piloting was done in three public universities which had similar characteristics with the sampled universities. Reliability was tested using split half technique and Cronbach formula was used to compute reliability, resulting in 0.81, 0.78, 0.73 and 0.79 for academic staff, non-academic staff, directors and students, respectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS. A response rate of 93% was achieved. Majority of the staff were involved in PC and a positive correlation between level of staff involvement in PC and improvement in service delivery (0.699, α=0.05) resulted. A positive correlation between: effectiveness of PC and customer satisfaction (0.807), as well as feedback process (0.90) resulted. Public universities should regularly sensitize staff and students on PC and service delivery, reward staff that perform well in PC and involve students in development of service delivery charters. The Government should strengthen public universities in carrying out PC to progressively improve service delivery.
Effects of Sea Water Intrusion and Surface Water Salinity on Irrigation Water Quality in Ramisi
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
One of the major economic activities in Ramisi is cane growing. However, rain fed farming is not sustainable owing to erratic rainfall patterns and limited agricultural land. River Ramisi is saline, mineralized, unsuitable for domestic and agricultural use, and affected by seawater intrusion during high tides. KISCOL drilled 37 boreholes to bridge the water demand gap but quality is doubtful. This study determined suitability of water sources in Ramisi in terms of salinity and contaminants, risk of salt water intrusion and microorganisms levels. Water samples were collected from boreholes and Rivers Ramisi and Mkurumudzi and analyzed for organic constituents, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity physical and microbiological parameters using Standard Methods. The pH of the water ranged from 6.5-8.5 with exceeding limits for conductivity, chlorides, TDS, turbidity (25 NTU) and TDS (1,238 mg/l). Magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium and nutrients were below permissible levels for irrigation water. Thus River Mkurumudzi and groundwater sources are not at risk of sea water intrusion, but River Ramisi is not. Most surface water sources were contaminated with coliform and E. coli hence not suitable for domestic use. Further research is needed to ascertain quality of the water for both agricultural and domestic uses.
Emerging Solutions to Challenges in Greenhouse Nematode & Plant Nutrition Tomato Production
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a high-value vegetable. However, nematode infestation and nutrient depletion are major constraints in greenhouse tomato production, causing 35% to 40% losses. Chemical control options in Kenya compromises environmental safety. This study investigated the impact of soil amendments with fresh biomass from Lippia kituensis Vatke (LK) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (OG) on Meloidogyne sp., tomato growth, yield and quality. Unbalanced pot experiment in factorial format, embedded in RCBD, with 4 levels of plant biomass replicated 3 times was used. Biomass rates were 0, 2%, 4% and 8% in 10 kg potted soil mixes, singly and in all possible combinations. Neem extract (Azadirachtin 0.3 w/w) was used as positive control. Nematode population reduced by 82.2% at 8% of both Lippia and Ocimum combined, compared to 91.4% of Azadirachtin. Gall numbers reduced by 98.3% in roots compared to 98.7% recorded in Azadirachtin. Total root volume of 308.7 cm3 was recorded in 8% LK + 8% OG compared to 69.33 cm3 and 89 cm3 for non-amended and Azadirachtin treatments, respectively. Means on leaf numbers were 29.90 compared to 22.67 and 28.13 of non-amended and Azadirachtin, respectively. Shoot and root dry weights of 53.17 g and 100.85 g were recorded compared to 24.17 g and 46.12 g and 51.75 g and 86.23 g for non-amendment and Azadirachtin, respectively. The yields were 2.71 kg per plant at 8% LK + 4% OG compared to 0.53 kg of non-amended treatment. Thus, L. kituensis and O. gratissimum L. are potential nematicides and can be used in tomato nutrition for sustainable production in the greenhouse.
Exploitation of Indigenous Chicken from Tharaka-Nithi County for Global Markets.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Indigenous chicken are found in virtually every rural household in the world as important source of livelihood. They are staple food for many communities, ceremonial species and key economic activity. However, production has remained at the household level and nearest market centres, leaving many consumers craving for this delicacy. Tharaka-Nithi County’s Agriculture Sector Development Support Program is developing a poultry value chain, identified by stakeholders using the value chain prioritization tool matrix. This study investigated the socio-economic hurdles that the enterprise has to overcome to penetrate global markets. The challenges were poor attitude to the enterprise, labelled as local in contrast to exotic, belittling the enterprise as being only “meaningful” to the resource-poor and enterprise ownership by women. The economic “hurdles to jump” include low production levels due to poor management of the flocks, low investment into the enterprise, lack of a well-developed value chain, exploitation by the middlemen and global market standards. Addressing the challenges may require establishment of resource ownership rights, strengthening market structures, management and providing production incentives so as to avail them to the global dining table.
Hawking Of University Education in Urban Centers in Kenya: Challenges and Way Forward
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The demand of university education in Kenya has been increasing. Consequently, public and private universities have overenrolled to cater for this demand. Moreover, the universities have used this crisis to generate income to support both human and material resources needed for privately-sponsored students. To make education accessible to students, especially the working class, universities have moved to urban centers where they have strategically positioned themselves in satellite campuses. The main operation points of the universities are central business districts (CBD) in urban centers. Some of the universities that have not secured the coveted CBD premises have moved to the periphery. Proximity to the city notwithstanding, universities are engaged in stiff competition to outdo each other by introducing new and cost-effective courses which are taught in sandwich mode. Thus, the quality of the education offered in urban satellite campuses is brought into critical scrutiny in this paper with a view to establishing the challenges experienced and suggestions on how to improve the situation. This paper will rely on both primary and secondary data particularly records from selected private and public universities with regard to facilities and other resources. Observation and recording of information was utilized in data collection.
Lost Opportunity: Peace Building Initiatives in Conflict Prone Areas
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Kenya has had ethnic conflict since the inception of multi-party democracy in 1992. In Molo Division in Nakuru County, a number of governmental and non-governmental reports underscore the social and economic ramifications of the violence. However, serious and sustained peace building efforts have been lacking in an effort to reconcile a society that has been fractured. This paper argues that there have been a number of opportunities that should have seized to reconcile citizens, but such opportunities were lost. The task of peace building has largely been reduced to mere calls for peaceful coexistence, without interrogating the fault lines that open the possibility of fresh ethnic outbreaks and violence. This paper critiques previous and current peace building initiatives in Molo Division. Data collection used focus group discussions, oral interviews, questionnaires and written documents, and analysis used the Coser Lewis conflict theory. The various peace initiatives have failed to address the issues that led to ethnic violence. Memorialization, restitution and restoration of land rights, creation of job opportunities for the youth and profiling of all victims of ethnic violence are critical ingredients for sustainable peace not only in Molo Division, but other parts of the country that have been affected by ethnic violence.
Planning and Management of Natural Resources: A Case of Sub-Saharan Africa
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The world population has been increasing over time, causing an increase in demand for natural resources and threatening their replenishment. Most natural resources are non renewable. Excessive and unplanned exploitation leads to extinction, acute scarcity, widespread pollution, and uncertain feedback loops. This raises a need to discover new techniques which can effectively help in exploitation without compromising the needs and desires of future generations. There have been attempts to formulate policies on the usage of natural resources for most developing countries, especially those in the Sub-Saharan Africa, but planning and management of these resources still remains a major concern. Existing policies need to be re-evaluated to determine the rationale behind their failures. New policies focusing on planning and management of natural resources also need to be formulated and effectively implemented to improve economic growth and development. This paper reports on research, technologies and options for sustainable natural resource utilization and effective management of land, water, soil, wildlife, minerals and forests in the horn of Africa. It is possible to achieve sustainable development by controlling natural resources through proper management and planning.
Potato Production under Irrigation in Hot Conditions: A Reality or a Mirage?
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
In Kenya, potato is the second most important crop after maize in terms of production and consumption. It is grown in the highlands (1500 and 3500 mabove sea level). Traditionally high potential areas are becoming drier due to effects of climate change. Over 80% of Kenya’s landmass is hot and dry and therefore unsuitable for arable farming especially for production of cool season crops like potato. Kenya is endowed with fresh water bodies mostly rivers which have traditionally been used for production of paddy rice under irrigation. Rice has traditionally been rotated with maize in these irrigation schemes. Maize necrotic virus disease has recently led to huge losses in maize. The disease has no cure and maize production in the country is becoming a gamble. Maize takes a long time to mature; an alternative short-duration crop such as potatoes could fill in the gap. A study was undertaken at National Irrigation Board Perkerra station to evaluate the performance of local potato germplasm under irrigation in hot conditions. The study was carried out between 6th November 2013 and 21st February 2014. The experimental materials consisted of 33 potato genotypes; 12 advanced clones from CIP and 21 released/farmers’ varieties that are already being grown by farmers in the country. Generally, locally released/farmer varieties had higher % plant survival and stand establishment than the advanced clones from CIP. All varieties had lower yields than they do when grown in the cool highlands. The older varieties introduced into the country long ago had lower yield reduction compared with recently released varieties; possibly the older varieties have become adapted to local climatic conditions. The study needs to be repeated to validate these results.
Reconstructionist Analysis on the Relevance of Secondary School Curriculum Content In Promoting National Cohesion among Students in Machakos Town Sub-County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Education is the primary means of promoting national cohesion, international cooperation as well as socio-economic development. Through school curricula, education enables a country to achieve its needs and aspirations. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has emphasized the importance of education in promoting cohesion and integration among Kenyan communities. However, the country is faced with ethnic divisions, religious intolerance and violence and this raises concerns on relevance of the school curricula content in promoting national cohesion. This study investigated the relevance of secondary school curricula content in promoting national cohesion. The study was based on the ideals and principles of a school curriculum as advocated by re-constructionism philosophy. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 409 respondents comprising of 360 student leaders, 48 teachers and Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer was used. Purposive sampling was adopted to select the respondents. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used in data collection. Validity of research instrument was ascertained by experts in Faculty of Education and Resources Development. Reliability of instruments was estimated using Cronbach coefficient alpha method and the coefficients obtained were 0.78 and 0.81 for teachers and student leaders’ questionnaire, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Secondary school curricula content gave the students little opportunity to reflect critically on issues affecting national cohesion which is attributed to lack of practical skills on issues related to national cohesion. The study recommends a review of secondary school curricula content to reflect on emerging issues on national cohesion and integration. This study provides critical information to educational stakeholders on the relevance of secondary school curricula content in promoting national cohesion.

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