Doctor of Philosophy Theses and Dissertations (PHD)

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/123456789/141

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 60

CDEV 0205: NETWORKING, LOBBYING AND ADVOCACY
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 0023-04-11) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 211: RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 0023-04-11) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0206: COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION AND PARTICIPATION
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 0023-04-12) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0140: BASIC FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT
(0023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0141: PRINCIPLES OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT
(0023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0141: PRINCIPLES OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT
(0023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0210: FAMILY STUDIES
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 0023-04-13) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
CDEV 0209: COMMUNITY HEALTH
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 0023-08-28) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
RESISTANCE TO THE SPOTTED STEM BORER AND AFRICAN MAIZE STEM BORER IN TROPICAL MAIZE
(Chuka University, 2014-05) MUNYIRI SHELMITH WANJA
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), maize (Zea mays L.) is the staple food for about 50% of the population. However, lepidoptera stem borer poses a major threat to sustained food sufficiency in SSA causing annual yield losses of 15% and particularly in Kenya where they cause losses estimated at 13.5%. The potential to manage insect pests using host-plant resistance exists, but has not been adequately exploited. The goal of this study was to determine the resistance levels in tropical maize to the African (Busseola fusca Fuller) and the spotted stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) to support breeding efforts for improved maize productivity. Specific objectives were; i) Determine the variability in resistance to spotted and African stem borers in tropical maize; ii) Investigate the mechanisms of resistance in CIMMYT tropical maize inbred lines and; iii) Map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to C. partellus and B. fusca stem borers using a tropical maize population. Two hundred and ninety five (295) germplasm which included 120 inbred lines, 75 landraces, 100 hybrids and open pollinated varieties (OPVs) were evaluated for two seasons at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)-Kiboko and KARI-Embu field stations. Data were recorded on leaf damage on a 1-9 scale, number of stem borer exit holes, stem tunnel length (cm) and grain yield. A selection index was computed using the damage traits leaf damage, number of stem borer exit holes and cumulative tunnel length to categorize genotypes into resistant and susceptible categories. Germplasm with selection index of below 0.8 were regarded as highly resistant, 0.8-1.00 as moderately resistant, 1.0-1.2 as moderately susceptible and above 1.2 as highly susceptible. Evaluations for mechanisms of resistance were carried out for two seasons at KARI-Kiboko on 120 inbred lines. Data were recorded on leaf toughness, stem penetrometer resistance, trichome density and pith sugar content. To map the QTL for stem borer resistance, a population of 203 F2:3 individuals were developed between 2009 and 2011. Field evaluations were carried out at six sites, three for each stem borer species. Data were recorded on leaf damage, number of stem borer exit holes and cumulative tunnel length as putative stem borer resistance traits. The mapping population was genotyped with 152 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers. Phenotypic data were subjected to ANOVA using PROC GLM of SAS 2007 and means separated using Fisher’s protected LSD (P<0.05). Variability for resistance to maize stem borers was identified in the genotypes evaluated. Top ten highly resistant landraces against C. partellus were GUAT 1050, GUAT 280, GUAT 1093, GUAT 1082, GUAT 1014, CHIS 114, GUAT 1034, GUAT 1038, CAQU 321 and GUAN 34. Topmost highly resistant commercial hybrids and OPVs to C. partellus were DH01, PH1, ECA-STRIGOFF-VL-102-#-, KDV1-1-#, KDV1-2- #, and PH3253 while, KDV1-3-#, EEQPM-8-EA-#, DH02, KDV1-2-#, DKC8053, POOL15QC, KDV1-1-#, WH403, EEQPM-9-EA-#, and PH4 were highly resistant to B. fusca among others. Open pollinated varieties KDV1-1-#, KDV1-2-#, KDV1-3-#, EEQPM-8-EA-#, POOL15QC and EEQPM-9-EA exhibited high resistance to both stem borer species. Most CIMMYT MBR lines exhibited high resistance levels, with CKSBL10008, CKSBL10005, CKSBL10025, CKSPL10273 and CKSBL10027 being the top five highly resistant lines to B. fusca and CKSBL10039, CKSBL10025, CKSBL10026, CKSBL10014 and CKSBL10004 the top five highly resistant to C. partellus. Dual and high resistance to both stem borer species was found in CIMMYT MBR lines CKSBL10025, CKSBL10026, CKSBL10027, CKSBL10034, CKSBL10014 and CKSBL10039 among other inbred lines. Trichome density was the best mechanism in discriminating genotypes into resistant and susceptible categories, followed by leaf toughness and stem sugar content in that order. Number of stem borer exit holes and cumulative tunnel length were the most consistent traits in assessing resistance. A linkage map spanning 1248.01 cM on 10 chromosomes with an average 8.21cM was constructed. Several QTL for putative resistance traits were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 based on data from both individual sites and different species. In the combined B. fusca sites analysis, one QTL for stem tunnelling was revealed on chromosome 4 (LOD 2.86) while in the C. partellus combined sites, one QTL for reduced stem tunnelling on chromosome 4 (LOD 2.81), and another QTL for reduced number of borer exit holes was revealed on chromosome 5 (LOD 2.53). Individual sites analyses revealed five QTL for reduced stem tunnelling, three for stem exit holes and two for leaf damage. Phenotypic variances explained by each QTL ranged from 6 to 10% suggesting a need to validate these QTL using a larger population and in different environments. Variability for resistance against maize stem borers was identified and germplasm identified as highly resistant are recommended as novel sources of resistance for stem borer resistance breeding in SSA. Information on resistant commercial hybrids and OPVs should to be disseminated to farmers in the relevant ecologies for adoption to curb grain yield losses. Trichome density, leaf toughness and stem sugar content could be adopted as satisfactory indicators of resistance mechanisms and used for pyramiding of resistance genes for high and durable resistance. Quantitative trait loci for the three putative resistance traits were detected in the CIMMYT tropical population studied. Overall, this study identified new sources of resistance to spotted and African stem borers in tropical maize germplasm that could be used as new varieties and/or used as sources of resistance in breeding for resistance to stem borers.
Accounting for Post-Verbal Affixes on the Kĩmwĩmbĩ Verb
(Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2016) Kĩnyua,AnnHidah and Mũriũngi, Peter
Bantu languages are known to cluster affixes on the verb root, some before the root and others after the verb root. Each of these affixes carries some meaning that contributes to the final meaning of the verb. This raises the question as to whether there are any principles that guide these combinations, and whether these affixes occur in any particular order. This paper is an account of all the suffixes that may occur on the Kĩmwĩmbĩ verb, as well as the order in which they occur, starting with the plugs that are idiomatic with the root and on outwards to the affix that occurs farthest from the root. The semantic import of these morphemes has also been dwelt upon as most of them are valency-changing. The paper also presents the variations in their occurrences, the associated phonological and syntactic processes as well as the constraints surrounding their occurrences. The population for the study was all Kĩmwĩmbĩ verbs containing post- verbal affixes and data for the study was obtained from respondents from Tharaka-Nithi sub-county, Kenya, who are competent speakers of Kĩmwĩmbĩ and who were purposively sampled. The instrument of data collection was a structure generation exercise based on Kĩmwĩmbĩ verbs. Data was also gathered using introspective reports. Researcher-generated structures were also instrumental in informing the analysis. This being a qualitative and descriptive study, data was analyzed in terms of words, phrases and sentences and rules were developed and discussed to account for the affix manifestation on the verbs. The data has been presented in the light of the Principles and Parameters theory. The results demonstrate that suffix occurrence on the agglutinated verb is orderly relative to the first affix to occur after the root. This study contributes new data for the continuing analysis of Kĩmwĩmbĩ, a language that is yet to be fully analyzed. It also contributes to the linguistic theory by advancing knowledge on the morphology of Bantu verbs and the typology of African languages
Creation of Identities in Political Conflict: Kenya’s Newspaper Discourse
(International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL), 2016) Karuri,Mary ,Muriungi Peter
This article looks into the construction of political identities in the discourse of two Kenyan newspaper headline stories covering the period of the Kenyan Coalition Government formed in 2008 to stem political conflict that arose after the disputed elections of 2007.It focuses on the two principals of the coalition government, President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Using a Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA) approach, the study analyses newspaper headline stories of the two leading newspapers in Kenya, Daily Nation and The Standard to gauge how the newspapers created identities for the two principals in the context of the political situation that existed then. The Prime Minister (PM) Raila Odinga is seen as a hero but also a victim of political forces. He is also evaluated as a peacemaker who quells conflicts brought about by his co-principal. President Kibaki, on the hand is depicted as an opportunist, anti-reformist and an ineffective leader. The newspapers exploit discourse strategies such as evaluative lexicon, structuring, schematic form and metaphor to create the identities and to persuade the audience to adopt a certain ideological stance.
The Use of Presupposition in the Creation of Socio- Political Dominance in Kenyan Parliamentary Debates between 1992 and 2010
(Journal of Education and practice, 2016) Peter,Christine Atieno Mukuthuria,Mwenda, Muriungi, Peter
Abstract Presupposition, a linguistic element can be employed in utterances. When this is done it enhances the comprehension of what is being communicated. This aspect of language that is implicit assumption of an utterance is a strategy that may be used to express a speaker’s socio- political dominance. The truth of what is said is taken for granted and can be manipulated by the speaker to have devastating effects on an individual or the society at large. This study examined presupposition as a strategy of language used by Kenyan members of parliament during debates to create socio- political dominance. The objective was: To analyse the usage of presupposition in language used by parliamentarians to create socio- political dominance in Kenyan parliamentary debates. Various sources of literature have been reviewed in the following areas: ideology, discourse strategies, the power in language, parliamentary proceedings and political dominance. The study used descriptive research design. By using purposive sampling, the data was collected from the Hansard dating from 1992 to 2010. Data was analysed using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA). This theory looks at how the society is moulded by language that shows various power relationships. The study identified language that created dominance, discussed the presupposition as a strategy used in the utterances. The research found out that presupposition was used by speakers to create dominance in the debates. Keywords: Presupposition, Discourse Strategies, Ideology, Power. Parliamentary Language
Hate Speech in the Creation of Socio- Political Dominance in Kenyan Parliamentary Debates
(American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2016) Atieno, Peter Christine, Muriungi, Peter and Mukuthuria,Mwenda
Speech can vary in meaning and implication. It can become something more than a vehicle for the communication of propositional knowledge. Speakers can manipulate language to evoke the emotions of recipients, hence becoming “damaging speech” that evokes negative emotions. What is said or written can have devastating effects on an individual and the society at large. The purpose of the study was to identify and discuss hate speech as a linguistic strategy used by parliamentarians in the creation of socio- political dominance. Sample texts were studied using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. Data was collected from The Hansard using a guiding card to identify utterances that had the potential of being classified as hate speech. This was analysed. The research found that politically elected leaders use the immunity that they enjoy to manipulate language to create dominance
Influence Of Digital Journalism’s Gratification On News Access And Choice In Kenyan Universities: A Case Study Of Chuka University
(Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 2017-06-07) Okana, Edward
The aspect of digital journalism on news access and choice has not received proper empirical research. The question whether digital journalism gratifications influencenews access and choice is an area that requires additional research.This study sought to explore the extent to which digital journalism audiences’ gratification has influenced news access and choice among university students in Kenya.The study was carried out in four selected Universities. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population of the study was 64,497. Purposive sampling was used to sample the universities. Random sampling was used to sample 384 respondents from the sampled universities. Data was collected using questionnaire. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 17.0. Frequencies and percentages were used for analysis. The study found that diversified digital journalism products gratify the interests and demands of internet users. The study recommends that media practitioners should conceptualize their audiences and digital journalism platforms that gratify them. Media houses and the government to develop internet infrastructure, formulate ethical framework and policies to guide digital journalism practice in Kenya. The finding of this study would provide knowledge on how digital journalism content is packaged and styled to appeal to the audiences.
A spatial multi-criteria analysis of land use, land cover and climate changes on wildlife ecosystems planning and management in Meru conservation area
(Chuka University, 2018) Kiria, Edwin Muchomba
Protected areas are recognized as among the most effective tools that have protected the wildlife species from extinction and human induced threats. However, despite the establishment and spread of these protected areas in most parts of the world, wildlife numbers and their habitats have declined drastically due to land use land cover changes (LULCs) coupled by climate variability in the past decades. Protected areas and their buffer zones have been converted to settlement areas, grazing fields and farms by people living around these parks and reserves as a coping mechanism for declining resources at the expense of wildlife populations and their ecosystems. The study was carried out at Meru National Park (MNP) and Mwingi National Reserve (MNR) to establish changes in land use, land cover and climate variability over time and their implications on wildlife ecosystems. The study specifically sought to establish changes in land use land cover, establish climate change over time, and determine the effectiveness of the existing management plan and identifying the adaptation strategies that are being used as mitigation to climate change. To achieve these objectives, the study used remotely sensing data from Landsat satellite images of 1985 to 2015 together with physical, demographic data and questionnaires were used in post classification analysis using ArchGIS to analyze the outcome of different land use practices. The results showed a rapid decline in forest and shrub land in the study area by 14.1% and 37.8%, respectively while grassland and bareland tend to have increased to 27% and 16.2% respectively over time. From the Pearson correlation test, there was significant positive correlation between grassland and bareland (r = 0.860, p=0.140), significant negative correlation between forest and bareland (r = -0.692, p=308) and between shrubland and bareland (r = -0.631,p=369). Climate variability in MNP and MNR had impacts on wildlife ecosystems as established during by the strong negative correlation observed (r = -0.766, p=0.05). Multi-criteria decision making analysis was applied as a planning tool to establish the effectiveness of the management plans. This analysis incorporated the value measurement, goal setting and outranking. In addition to guided observations, semi structured questionnaires, and interview schedule were administered to the local community and institutions respectively to acquire relevant data on establishing the adaptation strategies for climate change mitigation by the wildlife managers and local communities in the study areas. The study established that continuous increase in human wildlife conflicts, encroachment into the Protected Areas (PAs), and low support of conservation programs by community are indicators of non effectiveness in the management plan. More so, there are various adaptation strategies to mitigate changes in climate by local community and wildlife managers. These included fencing of Protected Areas (PAs), introduction of irrigation, encroachment in protected areas and amendments of laws, policies and institutional structure. Both MNP and MNR have undergone significant changes in land use land cover over the years which have over time affected the wildlife populations and their ecosystems. These changes are likely to have been brought about by inevitable climate change which has altered rainfall distribution leading to droughts that have hindered vegetation growth. On the other hand, increasing human population by 57.4% from 1980 around these protected areas has over the years contributed towards land cover from their interaction with land through activities that are meant to provide socioeconomic livelihoods such as farming and livestock keeping. In view of these findings, the study recommends an integrated planning of protected areas in view of the changing land use land cover and climatic regimes in the study areas.
Awareness and Utilization of Electronic Resources by Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Members in Universities:A Case of Chuka University
(IJSSAH, 2018-06-25) Nyaboke ,Onsinyo,Charity,Mbugua,,Ngereki,Anthony
ThestudysoughttoinvestigatetheawarenessandutilizationofelectronicresourcesbyacademicstaffintheHumanitiesandSocialSciencesFacultyatChukaUniversity,Kenya.Thepurposeoftheinvestigationwastoinquireabouttherespondents’ appreciationoftheresources,levelofutilizationbasedonavailabilityandaccess,benefitsderivedfromusageaswellaschallengesencountered,asaresultofusage.Thestudyadoptedthedescriptivesurveyresearchdesign.Thefindingsrevealedthat82%oftherespondentswereawareoftheelectronicresourcessubscribedtobytheUniversityandthatand86%oftherespondentsutilizedtheresourcestwoorthreetimesaweek.Thestudyidentifiedinconsistentinternetconnectivity,Lackofcomputerskills,slownetwork,poweroutageandirrelevantelectronicinformationresourcesashindrancestotheutilizationoftheseelectronicresources.ThestudyrecommendsenhancementofInformationandCommunicationTechnology(ICT)networkorbandwidth,increasingthenumberofInformationandCommunicationTechnologies,provisionoffacultyspecificusertrainingandinformationliteracyinstruction,andincreasingmarketingstrategies
The Study of Academic Procrastınation levels of the Students of High School in Terms of Some Variables
(SAS Publishers, 2018-10-30) Kurkcu,Recep
The aims of thisstudyisto determinetheacademicprocrastination levelsof the hıgh school students and analyze this behavior according to the variables, gender, doingsports,gradelevelandage.Thisresearchisadescriptivestudyinwhich qualitative research techniques are applied. The hıgh school students studying in state high schools in Tokat and Giresun constitute the population of this study. The sample of the study consists of 561 students (232 female and 329 male) studying in different schools participated in this study. The personal information form and “Procrastination Tendency Scale” which was developed by Aitken (1982), and adapted into Turkish by Balkıs (2006) were used as data collecting means in the research in order to determine theknowledgeaboutthedemographicalcharacteristicsofthehıghschoolstudents. SPSS 20 software package was used in the solution of the data. The average points of theacademicprocrastinationtendenciesofhıghschoolstudentsaresignificantly differentiatedbasedonthevariablesofgender,doingsports,gradelevelandage. However,theacademicprocrastinationtendenciesofhıghschoolstudentshaven’t shown a significant diversity based on the schools at which they are studying
Usage and Perceived Risks of Commercial Websites in Kenya
(IJHSSI, 2018-12) Nabea,Henry Nkoru
Commercial websites are a form of internet advertising which is formed by companies as an advertising tool hosting many forms of online advertisement to promote products and services. Researchers and practitioners have equally agreed on the abilities of a commercial website as an advertising instrument that offers unlimited potential and benefits. This study sought to investigate consumers’ uses and gratifications obtained from commercial websites advertising in Kenya. The study employed descriptive research design. Purposive sampling procedure was used to sample Nairobi. Random sampling was used to sample Kenyan 384 commercial websites users with a from a target population of one million users. A pilot study was carried in Thika town to establish reliability and validity of the research instruments. The researcher used CronbachAlpha co-efficient to test the reliability of the instruments. A reliability co-efficient of 0.985 was obtained from thequestionnaires.Descriptivestatistics wasusedtoevaluatecollecteddatausingcategoriesbasedonresearch objectives using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0.The research established that the strongest reason users have for visiting commercial websites is to share media such as pictures, videos, music and blogs. Six categories of reasons for using commercial websites were identified as socialization, information seeking, convenience, entertainment, relaxation and passing time. The challenges faced bycommercial websites users identified in this study were slow loading, clutter, high costs, fraud, identity theft, and complexity of use. The reasons as to why consumers avoid certain commercial websites were found to beimmorality, addiction,risk of loss of money, manipulation and poor advertisements. The study recommends that commercial websites should include social share and follow buttons to encourage social interactions from of online buyers to ensure business sites take full advantage of the ever increasing social media traffic in Kenya and that commercial websites should work on mobile phone optimization because of increased Smartphone usage in Kenya. This study is also of the recommendation that websites should be kept consistent in order to improve readability and that company webmasters must ensure websites are safe from vulnerabilities.
Mushroom as A Strategy to Reduce Food Insecurity inTharaka Nthi County
(Chuka University, 2019-01-18) Anne,Sande
Food insecurity has negatively affected livelihoods both in rural and urban communities especiallyin Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Some communities are victims of food insecurity due to unsustainable dietary choices. Mushrooms can be part of the solution to world’s food shortage as well as health problems. The popularity of the mushroom has been growing in many parts of Kenya. Although mushroom has high value, no market in Tharaka Nthi County provides the produce for sale. Preliminary surveys were conducted in Chuka, Tharaka and Maara and it was noted that the wild edible mushroomtypes were highlyexistent in this County in March and November, but the community seemed not to understand the usefulness of the product in food and nutrition security. Only two large hotels in the County were observed as utilizing mushroom flour for making appetizer. Generally the mushroom was indicated as not popular in Tharaka Nthi County because of; lack of knowledge on food, nutritional and medicinal value, fear for poisonous nature, unpalatable taste, high perish ability, lack of knowledge on value addition and preparation. Some of the suggestions given for enhancing utilisation of thisproduct in the communities were; education on howto distinguishbetweenpoisonous and non poisonous mushrooms,sensitization by advertisement through media, use of entertainment in drama, songs, poems among others, fortification of mushroom with other foods especially children’s food, commercialization of mushroom by experts, exchange program through cultural workshops and seminars to enhance training of various groups on how to prepare mushroom,training of women and youth groups, use of medical prescriptions, introduction of cultivated mushroom in the area.
Colonialism and The Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Food Crop Production in Kiambu, Kenya, 1902-1963.
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Muraya, Martha Wanjiru
The interaction between the European colonialist in Kenya and the Agikuyu people influenced the indigenous Knowledge systems related to food crop production. Particularly, the introduction colonial policies and practices undermined the vital role of the Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AWIKS) on food crop production and instead they viewed them as uncivilized and backward. Therefore, the purpose of study was to analyze the implications of colonialism on the AWIKS on food crop production in Kiambu County from 1902 to 1963. The main objectives of the study were; to explore the Agikuyu women’s indigenous knowledge systems on food crop production in pre-colonial Kiambu upto 1902, to examine the implications of European colonial policies and practices on the AWIKS on food crop production, and further to find out the effect of disregard of AWIKS on the availability of food in Kiambu. The study employed descriptive research design and it was also guided by the Neo-Marxist theory that looked at the relationship between women and the process of colonial capitalist development. The study was done in three sub-counties of Kiambu West, namely, Limuru, Lari and Kikuyu. The sample size was guided by the concept of data saturation in an interview based research. The main source of information was oral interviews, archival records analysis and secondary data. Oral interview data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and reported using basic simple descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, and tables. The study established that in pre-colonial set up, the Agikuyu women of Southern Kikuyuland (present Kiambu County) commanded detailed indigenous knowledge on weather observation and prediction, quality seed selection, indigenous farming methods, harvesting, storage and preservation in order to ensure enough food crop production in the households. In addition, the European colonial undermined the AWIKS on food crop production during the establishment of commercial crop production, land alienation and forced labour policies. Sixty (88.2%) of the respondents mentioned that between 1902 and 1963 most of the Agikuyu people were moved from their indigenous land and were pushed to poor, marginal and unproductive reserve areas where they did not have enough experience and accumulated indigenous knowledge system of the new agro-ecosystem. In addition, 29 (42,6%) of the respondents felt that the Europeans neglected most of the drought tolerant food crops in favour of fast growing commercial crops. Women were also forced to provide cheap labour in the European plantations and projects, a move that led to neglect and undermining of AWIKS on food crop production. The study also found out that during the period of political instability food crop cultivation was very little and this led to marginalization of AWIKS on food crop production. The research concluded that the integration of the Agikuyu women in colonial policies and practices undermined, neglected and pushed to the periphery the important role of AWIKS on food crop production. Therefore, the integration of AWIKS and western scientific agricultural knowledge on food crop production could be an effective way of ensuring food security.

Browse

Browsing Doctor of Philosophy Theses and Dissertations (PHD) by Issue Date