2nd International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2015

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/chuka/7931

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Role of on-farm rainwater harvesting in agriculture as a response to climate change in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2014-10-28) Kiguro, L.
The objective of this paper is to show the role of on-farm rain water harvesting in Agriculture as a response to climate change in Kenya. It is based on the fact that water harvesting is a promising technique widely accepted throughout the world to cope with water scarcity problems in agriculture. Micro-and macro-water harvesting techniques are implemented in arid, semi-arid, and tropical regions, depending on the purpose and circumstances. Water harvesting has been shown to have a positive impact on agricultural production by providing irrigation water during critical growth stages of crops, hence increasing yields. Water harvesting reduces runoff velocity, soil erosion and recharges ground water. This paper is based on literature review and practical field experiences and concludes that a significant gain in crop production can be made in agriculture through small-scale harvesting of water in combination with suitable water conserving irrigation technologies. Keywords: Global warming, Adaptation, Water resources, Food security
New information and communication technologies for dairy goat marketing: the case of Meru South Sub-County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015-10-25) Rwanda, C.B, Nyaga, S.M. and Imungi, J.
Dairy goat farming is a lucrative enterprise among the smallholder farmers due to its potential for socio-economic empowerment of the resource-poor. However, due to inefficient marketing systems, the smallholder farmers have not been able to realize maximum returns from their dairy goat enterprises. To resolve some of the market inefficiencies inherent in the conventional marketing approaches, smallholder farmers have shifted their attention to the use of new information and communication technologies. This study established awareness and use of the new ICTs in marketing of dairy goats among the smallholder farmers. The study was carried out in Meru South Sub-County. Chuka and Magumoni divisions were purposely selected. A sample of 97 dairy goat farmers was chosen through systematic random sampling from a population of 2,800 smallholder farmers. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data, while descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The use of new ICTs was highest among the respondents aged between 21 and 40 years. Awareness of the use of mobile phones and internet for dairy goat marketing among the respondents was 87.5% and 12.5%, respectively. Generally, the awareness and use of the new ICTs in the marketing of the dairy goats was high; mobile phone was the most commonly known and widely used ICT. Keywords: Dairy goats, Awareness, Use, Meru South, New ICTs
Local community perception of the benefits and costs of conservation of the eastern Mt. Kenya forest, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Njeru, J.M., Ngigi, W.M. and Soi, B.C.
Forests are crucial to a country’s health and development through soil and water conservation, wood and non-wood products production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and social benefits. Mount Kenya is a major water catchment area. Unfortunately, it is under serious pressure from local communities activities. It is necessary to seek active participation of the communities in the conservation of the forest. This study determined local community perception of the costs and benefits of conserving the Kiango’ndu forest East of Mt Kenya forest. Factors which influence communities’ attitudes towards forest conservation were investigated to enable forest and wildlife managers implement approaches that attract support of the communities. This was done using qualitative ethnographic questionnaires, interviews and observations. The target groups included the forest communities bordering Kiang’ondu forest and local level government forestry officials. Local community enjoys a diversity of economic, ecological, aesthetic and cultural benefits from the forest. However, they incur losses such as property and crop damage, loss of time spent chasing away wild animals, bodily injuries and fear of wild animals. Majority of the respondents feel frustrated but others were willing to participate in conserving the forest. Lack of effective communication between the local community and forest managers coupled with human-wildlife conflicts were major hindrances to participation in conservation. Initiatives should be set up to enlighten local residents and resolve the human-wildlife conflicts to create an environment conducive for community participation in conserving the forest. Keywords: Forest, Benefits, Community, Participation, Conservation
The nodiagnostic and ethnotherapeutic skills relevant in malaria management: a case study of Embu county,Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Waiganjo, B.W., Githae, E.W., Warui, C.M. and Opiyo, E.A.
Malaria tops the list of the most commonly encountered parasitic infections, and the most treatable disease by herbalists in Embu County. Indigenous knowledge relevant to disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention has not been documented in this region. The study was done between January and July, 2014 using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to herbalists who voluntarily shared information. A total of 48 herbalists (15 females and 33 males), aged between 25 and 92 years participated. Fourty nine species (distributed in 27 families) were used in malaria treatment and eight species (distributed in seven families) were used to prevent mosquito bites. The herbs were administered in form of decoction or concoction. The mosquito repellants were burned, applied on the skin or hanged strategically in the house. The symptoms concurred with widely acceptable malaria signs and symptoms such as headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pains and fever. While 83.3% of the herbalists were aware that malaria is spread by mosquitoes, 4.1% believed that it was caused by consuming mangoes injected by infected mosquitoes. Barks (41.6%) and roots (37.5%) were the most commonly harvested parts, while trees (57.7%) and shrubs (25.9%) were the most commonly used growth forms. Plant species believed to decline in number were Caesalpinia volkensii (52%), Acacia tortilis (31%), Terminalia brownii (21%) and Strychnos henningsii (18%). Their scarcity was attributed to human activities like overexploitation, clearing land for agriculture and cutting trees for charcoal and timber. Medicinal plants play a significant role in malaria treatment and control and indigenous knowledge relevant in malaria diagnosis and prevention is in harmony with the widely acceptable malaria signs and symptoms. Keywords: Malaria, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Ethnodiagnostic, Herbalist
Determinants of use of Kenya agricultural commodity exchange ict: the case of smallholder farmers in Bungoma county, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Wawire, A.W., Okello, J. and Wangia, S.M.
Smallholder farmers’ access to markets has traditionally been constrained by lack of market information. Efforts to strengthen access of farmers to markets has triggered the mushrooming of a number of projects that embrace ICT tools in promoting access to competitive market information. Nevertheless, most farmers still lack access to accurate market information such as commodity prices. This study examines the determinants of the use of ICT tools by Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange (KACE) among smallholder farmers for agricultural transactions. The data used for this study were collected in 2011 from smallholder farmers in Bungoma South and Central Sub-Counties. The two Sub-Counties were purposively selected because of being the hub of KACE activities. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 136 households for interview using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Farmer characteristics, farm and capital endowment factors affected use of ICT tools, particularly mobile phones. Occupation, farming experience, age, literacy and crop income explained use of tools. Household size, crop income, gender, level of literacy, owning a mobile phone, nearness to output market, level of literacy and crop income explained intensity of use of the mobile phones. The paper further discusses the policy implications of the findings. Keywords: ICT, market, Mobile phones, Agriculture, Market access
Potential of bioaugmentation for remediation of polluted environments
(Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Getenga, Z.M., Ngige, A., Kimosop, K., Mutua, G., Orata, F., Kowino, I., Were, H. and Onunga, D.
After repeated applications and long use of persistent pesticides in soils, a phenomenon known as enhanced (accelerated) degradation of some pesticides has been observed in soils. This has led to isolation of key microbes known to degrade these persistent pesticides in soils. The isolated microbes which are characterized and identified have been used to enhance the degradation of pesticides in contaminated soils and hence the term, bioaugmentation. In this paper we discuss various pesticide compounds which for so long were known to be recalcitrant, but later could be subject to accelerated degradation. Key degraders were isolated and characterized and are potential candidates for bioaugmentation for remediation of contaminated sites. We report the successes registered in studies of atrazine, terbuthylazine, hexazinone, diuron, carbofuran and chlorpyrifos and metribuzin.
Application of response surface methodology for optimization of potato tuber yield.
(Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Muriithi, D.K
This study investigated the operating conditions required for optimal production of potato tuber yield in Kenya to help potato farmers to save extra cost of input in potato farming. The potato production process was optimized by the application of factorial design 23 and response surface methodology. The combined effects of water, nitrogen and phosphorus mineral nutrients were investigated and optimized using response surface methodology. It was found that the optimum production conditions for the potato tuber yield were 70.04% irrigation water, 124.75 kg/ha of nitrogen supplied as urea and 191.04 kg/ha phosphorus supplied as triple super phosphate. At the optimum condition, one can reach to a potato tuber yield of 19.36 kg/plot of 1.8 m x 2.25 m. Increased productivity of potatoes can improve the livelihood of smallholder potato farmers in Kenya and save costs of inputs. The approach applied in this study of potatoes can be useful for research on other commodities, leading to a better understanding of overall crop production. Keywords: Potato, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Factorial design, Experiment
Mainstreaming innovative traditional methods and techniques of food preservation and security for commercialisation and sustainable development among the Abagusii
(Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Okebiro, G.N. and Nyambane, A.K.
Abagusii had many effective techniques and methods for preservation of food, crops and liquid substances. The paper focuses on these methods and techniques for security and freedom from contamination. Most vital methods and techniques which were effective and free from chemical use in preservation of food have been forgotten or become extinct and there is no written research record for reference and academic purposes. This research aimed at mainstreaming and unearthing 27 methods and techniques for preservation of different types of foods and substances. Food was classified in four categories: cooked and preserved; uncooked and preserved; crops harvested and preserved; liquid and preserved. The research used practical experimental techniques and in-depth interviews of old people surviving among the Abagusii with the expertise of the methods and techniques. The key findings were: (i) vegetables were preserved for a long period and used during the occurrence of famine and droughts, (ii) crops especially beans and other cereals were preserved from attack by weevils and other rodents, (iii) cooked food and meat were preserved for long periods without contamination, and (iv) water, blood and other liquid substances were preserved for long periods effectively without contamination. Therefore, the research concludes that the methods were effective and free from chemical substances nowadays mixed in foods for preservation and security but that cause diseases. The traditional methods and techniques should be mainstreamed for the purpose of applied research, commercialization and sustainable development in the modern society. Keywords: Traditional methods; Food security; Food preservation.
Assessment of trace elements concentration in environmental and geological samples in selected areas of Igambang’ombe constituency in, Tharaka-Nithi county, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Mutie, M.M., Njogu, S., Amanai, J.O. and Murigi, F.N
Assessment of agricultural revolution for development and social integration in global perspective
(Chuka University, 2016) Mulati, J.C., Chebai, C. and Lisaswa, C.A.
The agricultural revolution for development study is a historical survey that evaluates the role of agriculture in mainstreaming players in the industry. The present study was premised on the background that besides societal transformations that accompanied agricultural revolution it set in motion a broad spectrum of social exclusion since Neolithic period. The overall objective assessed agricultural revolution for development and social inclusivity. Specific objectives examined the nature and dynamics of agricultural revolution, challenges to agricultural revolution and social integration and examination of measures for social inclusion to enhance sustainable agricultural development. The study was informed by articulation of mode of production theory. The researcher applied historical and descriptive research designs. Data collection instruments involved observations and semi-structured interviews. Primary data entailed visiting archaeological sites to observe ancient agricultural tools, while secondary data involved documentary analysis, journals, theses, books, professional magazines, reports, internet, published and unpublished sources. The gathered data was analyzed qualitatively. The study findings were as follows: agricultural revolution excluded women, youths, people with disability, the poor, technological transformation, and divided society into owners of the means of production and the farm workers. Agricultural serfdom attitude of the medieval period influenced the role of the youths and agriculture trained professionals in regard to practicing agriculture. Finally agricultural revolution has been a vehicle for knowledge, industrial revolution, human, plant and animal domestication. The study recommends broad-based policies that capture social inclusivity, bottom-up approaches, affordable and appropriate technological innovations that are in tandem with consumer needs. Agricultural social inclusion is a catalyst to sustainable agricultural revolution for rural and urban development.
Distribution and Diversity of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Selected Agro-Industrial Pollution in Njoro River, Nakuru, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2016) Itotia, T.K.; Muia, A.W.; Kiruki, S.; Getenga, Z.M.
Many in-stream activities occur in River Njoro. Consequently, many pharmaceuticals used in farms and hospitals and antibiotic-resistant microbes end up in the River through runoff and sewage. Presence of antibiotic resistance exposes humans and animals to contamination during in-stream activities. This study determined bacteria resistant to both medical and veterinary antibiotics in the catchment. Residual antibiotics and physical chemical conditions and indicators of feacal pollution were investigated. The bacteria resistant to five antibiotics studied varied significantly (P<0.05). Turkana site had highest resistors to ampicillin, tetracycline and streptomycin, while Njoro Canning Factory had highest resistors to gentamycin and Chloramphenical. Indicators of faecal pollution were found in all sites including Sigotik with 413.33±15.28 E.coli per 100 ml of water. Physical chemical measurements showed site differences. The Njoro Canning Factory BOD was 6.99±0.20 mg L-1, whereas Sigotik BOD was 1.28±0.13 mg L-1. Presumptive positive Salmonella, V. cholera and V. parahaemolyticus species were found in Turkana and Ngata sites. There is cause for alarm due to the high numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria in River Njoro. Proper treatment of the River water before use is recommended, or alternative safe water sources for these communities should be found.
Attack Susceptibility of Known Attacks on IEEE 802.11 Public WLAN
(Chuka University, 2016) Mwathi, D.G.; Opiyo, E.; Odongo, O.
Besides WLAN networks popularity in many places, they have security concerns. Whereas efforts have been made to address the security concerns, design flaws in the security mechanisms of IEEE 802.11 standard such as support for vulnerable authentication methods, and poor configurations give rise to a number of potential attacks. Consequently, readily available WLAN attack software tools make exploitation of these weaknesses relatively easy. This paper describes various WLAN attacks together with the vulnerabilities exploited and analyzes the attack susceptibility based on availability of attack tools and ease of their usage in the context of developing countries. The researcher analyzed attack susceptibility of 30 attack tools. Findings revealed that there are many tools that can be used to exploit WLAN vulnerabilities to launch attacks. The attack susceptibility of denial of service, man in the middle and cipher suite attacks were high. Many of the attack tools were open source, multi-platform and downloadable from the vendor website which made their usage level high. The high attack susceptibility suggested that the risk of attack is quite high in developing countries where institutions allocate low budgets on computer and network security design and implementation. Although all risks in using a WLAN network cannot be mitigated, keeping up-to date and implementing all reasonable measures should make WLAN reasonably safe from attack. Institutions need to prioritise and allocate reasonable resources to protecting WLANs against attacks.
Dynamics of Spatial Interaction and Socio-Economic Transformations around Chuka University Main Campus Based on Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
(Chuka University, 2016) Kibetu, D.K.; Mwangi, J.M.; Njue, N.P.
Universities are physical entities exemplifying complex human-land interaction and diverse processes. Their expansion into towns and rural areas drives urbanization, social transformations and economic development. However, with widespread human activities, surrounding ecological conditions change. The present study analyzed the implications of the changing landscape and land use/land cover around Chuka University from 2003 to 2013. Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change was identified as a key factor driving transformations. The study used GIS and remote sensing to evaluate the dynamics of interactions which have produced the present and historical scenarios. Remote sensing provided multi-temporal data on the patterns and processes of human activities, while GIS mapped and analyzed LULC changes. Results revealed increasing growth of built-up areas, decreasing land under vegetation cover, open spaces and increase in peri-urban agriculture. Ndagani is an upcoming peri-urban center, undergoing rapid growth and expansion through physical factors, demographic changes, land subdivision and sale, accessibility and proximity to motorized roads. The rate of socio-economic transformation taking place in this area could be assessed more effectively if Public Participatory GIS (PPGIS) and biophysical factors were integrated to enhance holistic understanding and decision making for monitoring current changes and forecasting future sustainable development, information exchange and spatial interactions.
Agent-Based Online Secure Disks Using NASD Model Approach
(Chuka University, 2016) Osero, B.O.
Increasing performance and decreasing cost of microprocessors make it feasible to move processing power to the data source. This allowed us to investigate new methods of storage delivery and management not plausible in the past. Our architecture, inspired by agent-based techniques and active disk technology, promotes an open storage management framework that embeds functionality into storage devices. We use local agents to implement self-control with automated capability that can be dynamically adapted to meet storage management through improved search capabilities in the virtual environment and also retain capabilities like security, performance and availability. This paper reports experimentation on how storage virtualisation of network attached devices improves performance by using NASD model, explains attempts in building mobile agent environments on network attached disks, and demonstrates proposed framework that employs mobile agents to supplement the existing NASD model.
Effect of Corporate Sustainability Disclosure on Financial Performance: Evidence from Firms Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2016) Gatimbu, K.K.
Corporate environmental disclosure entails reporting impact of company activities such as waste management, recycling, carbon management, emission, pollution, wetland and wildlife conservation in natural environment. Conventional accounting systems are limiting since they fail to directly address sustainability concerns, as well as economic growth against social and environmental needs of various stakeholders. Sustainability has become a major pillar of today’s business activities. Reporting is voluntary in Kenya but is gaining popularity by many companies to enhance reputation, increase brand visibility, and show commitment to environmental protection. However, the value of the practice is still contentious and what really motivates environmental disclosure becomes vital. The Kenyan investment community and other stakeholders lag behind America, Europe and Australia in their willingness and ability to cross-examine sustainability reports for risk and financial modelling. This study consequently aimed at assessing the effect of corporate environmental disclosure on financial performance of listed firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study established the effect of environmental disclosure on financial performance. It made use of longitudinal secondary data from the annual reports and financial statements. Content analysis of sampled reports was done to examine environmental disclosure practices. A checklist of environmental disclosure items and categories was developed and environmental disclosure indices computed. Casual research design was employed to determine the cause-effect relationship between corporate environmental disclosure and financial performance. Target population of the study was 61 listed companies. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting firms whose annual reports were available, resulting in 32 firms. Coefficient of Skewness was used to test the normality of data. Homoscedasticity and auto-correlation assumptions of the regression model were tested using scatter plots and Durbin Watson test. Linear regression model was used to determine the casual relationship between environmental disclosure and financial performance. The overall model was found to be significant with F=27.016, P˂0.05. The predictor variable explained 47.4% of changes in financial performance. Environmental disclosure with P˂0.05 had a positive significant effect in the mean financial performance. Thus firms should engage in environmental disclosure because it leads to increased financial performance. The findings are useful to the government and managers to ensure policies are put in place to ensure present generations meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, and form a basis for further research and knowledge generation.
Impact of Information Technology on Library Services: A Case Study of Chuka University Library
(Chuka University, 2016) Tuei, N.C.; Kagure, P.; Kinoti, M.
Information technology has provided libraries with opportunities to share innovative practices and concepts by providing platforms where individuals can come together and collaborate. The study examined the impact of information technology on library services in Chuka University Library. The paper traces briefly the history of Chuka University Library. The study adopted the descriptive survey method. The questionnaire was used as instrument for collecting data. Results showed that use of information technology on library services assists develop the library by ensuring quick delivery, access and easy retrieval of information by users. Inadequate librarians' information technology skills, provision of information technology training programmes and infrastructure hinder the effective use of information technology in Chuka University library. Therefore, there should be adequate training and retraining of librarians to equip them with the required skills in modern technologies and injection of funds for infrastructural development for effective library services. This will result in the effective delivery of information services.
Revolutionalising Geospatial Technology in Africa: Awareness Creation on the Available Services and Use of GEONETcast Toolbox
(Chuka University, 2016) Mbaabu, P.R.
Geospatial technology affects almost every aspect of life. The world is so interconnected and everything is based on spatial relationships. A Geospatial technology is a term used to describe the range of modern tools contributing to the geographic mapping and analysis of the earth and human societies. These technologies have been evolving since the first maps were drawn in prehistoric times. There has been intense use of these technologies for a variety of applications in the developed countries and in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. Unfortunately, exploration of the same in Africa remains a challenge. Consequently, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) developed the GEONETCast toolbox facility with a focus on Africa’s geospatial needs. It calls for coordination of the Earth Observation systems of various countries, promotes the concept of establishing a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) that will yield a broad range of societal benefits such as: understanding factors affecting human well-being; understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating, and adapting to climate variability and change; improving water resource management; improving weather information, forecasting and warning; reducing loss of life and property due to disasters; supporting sustainable agriculture; combating desertification; improving management of energy resources; and protection of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. This paper will raise awareness of this facility among African geospatial users, researchers, students, business community and educators, among others.
Effects of UV Light on Mechanical Properties and Production of Vitamin D2 in Mushrooms
(Chuka University, 2016) Tindibale, E.L.; Kamweru, P.K.
The sun emits ultraviolet radiation in form of ultraviolet-A (UV-A), ultraviolet-B (UV-B), and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) bands. Ultraviolet light may boost vitamin D2 production in mushrooms which human bodies cannot synthesize. The ergosterol in mushrooms, a component of fungal cell membranes which serves the same function as cholesterol in animal cells, can be converted into vitamin D2 by ultraviolet light. However, mushrooms are conventionally grown in the dark, necessitating artificial ultraviolet irradiation. This study investigated the effects of UV-A and UV-C light on concentration of vitamin D2 in oyster mushrooms during growth and mechanical properties post-harvest. UV exposure times were varied from 10 to 60 minutes per day at intervals of 10 minutes, and irradiation done for three days. UV spectroscopy was used to determine the amounts of Vitamin D2 and the mechanical properties were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA 2980). Absorbance of vitamin D2 for UV-A light ranged from 0.18 to 0.49 for 10 to 60 minutes of irradiation, respectively, while for UV-C light the vitamin D2 content absorbance was 0.38 to 0.81 for 10 to 60 minutes of irradiation, respectively. The storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss factor of the irradiated samples and control samples were determined for both UV bands. UV-C light irradiated samples had higher loss modulus and loss factor, but low storage modulus as temperature increased from 35-100oC with respect to the control sample, while UV-A light irradiated samples had lower loss modulus, low loss factor, and higher storage modulus than UV-C irradiated samples. Thus, oyster mushrooms with a well-defined content of vitamin D2 can be obtained without largely affecting the mechanical properties and the quality of the mushrooms.
Cybersecurity Laws and Digital Transformation: A Survey of the State-of-the-Art
(Chuka University, 2016) Mohamed, H. Abdi.
The objective of this paper is to review the existing literature on Cybersecurity Laws and highlight the major challenges in development and application of the necessary instruments of legislation and how this is impacting on digital transformation and development. The global nature of cybercrime has necessitated an urgent drive towards the enactment and harmonization of Cybersecurity laws if digital transformation and development is to be realized. While that is a noble idea, the sluggish pace at which the legislations are being enacted may render them outdated or inapplicable to the current threats that are abound in the security landscape. This has far reaching implications and consequences to digital transformation and development. The paper is based on a literature review of existing published research on cybersecurity, cybercrime, cybersecurity laws and digital transformation. A survey of existing literature was conducted whose findings are presented. The review has shown that cybercrime is a global problem without geographical borders while enacted legislations are not keeping pace with the changing technology landscape and are not harmonized. Cybercrime statistics are inaccurate as many cases go undetected or unreported. It is costly to develop and maintain security and other preventive measures. While efforts have been made towards digitization and development, African continent lacks the human resource capacity and the technology infrastructure necessary to detect, prosecute and convict the perpetrators of cybercrimes. The study findings are intended to assist business managers to effectively understand Cybersecurity and cybercrime in order to review the related Laws, policies and procedures in tandem with national and international standards and conventions. Digital transformation is first and foremost a business transformation; it is not just about technology. Cybersecurity legislation is an essential ingredient to digital transformation. Africa and indeed the world has to heavily invest in Cybersecurity awareness and skills development training, conduct focused research in cyber threat, and develop common cybersecurity frameworks.
SocCHAT: An Open Localized Social Network for Digital Marketing, Virtual Networking and Mentorship in Universities
(Chuka University, 2016) Tuei, K.K.
Social Networks have become the best tools for digital marketing. Careers have been developed, enabling public and private institutions to tap into the growing number of social media users. The government has also created institutional accounts in major social platforms to engage with citizens for effective service delivery and real time feedback. This study showed that universities can deploy an open social network for digital marketing, virtual networking and mentorship and have complete control over it, develop its on terms of service, statement of rights and responsibilities, as well as privacy policy. This would help disseminate information better than notice-boards, and obtain feedback in real time to save paper. The open social network discussed is the Humhub, so far deployed and tested. It offers rich features that would ensure continuous traffic to the university website which is usually low since clients rarely visit their own websites. SocChat offers mentorship features for instilling self-confidence, motivation and passion that cannot be taught in lecture rooms. It inherits security features offered by Yii Framework from which it has been developed using the PHP scripting language.

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