Doctor of Philosophy Theses and Dissertations (PHD)

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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.
Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Fed on Oilseed meals with Crude Papain Enzyme
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Kirimi, James Gitonga
The greatest challenge to increased aquaculture production in Kenya is the high cost of fish feed. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing fish meal with oilseed meals and improving the availability of nutrients using crude papain enzyme in Nile tilapia diets. A control diet (D1) of 30% crude protein and 2900Kcal DE/kg was formulated using fishmeal (FM), soybean meal (SBM), canola meal (CM) and sunflower meal (SFM). The test diets were formulated by replacing 10% CP of FM by SBM (D2), CM (D3) and SFM (D4), respectively. The diets were analysed for proximate, fatty acid and amino acid composition. The level of inclusion of crude papain enzyme was tested at 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06% and 0.08% by the in vitro enzyme assay using pH drop method. One hundred and one days feeding trial was conducted in a 4x2 factorial design on 4 diets (D1, D2, D3 & D4) with (0.06%) and without (0%) the enzyme using seven hundred and twenty Nile tilapia fingerlings (7±3g). The fingerlings were randomly distributed into eight groups of three replicates of 30 fingerlings per net hapa (2x1x1m). Fish were fed twice daily at 5% of their biomass at 10am and 4pm in two equal meals. They were weighed fortnightly and slaughtered at the end of feeding trial for carcass quality analysis and sensory evaluation. Apparent nutrient digestibility was done at the end of feeding trial using chromic oxide as an external marker. Substituting FM with SBM, CM and SFM significantly increased the levels of crude fibre (P<0.05) but reduced ash level. The diet based on SFM recorded highest (16.03%) crude fibre content (P<0.05), while CM based diet recorded highest ether extract content (10.75%). Substituting 10% CP of FM with SBM, CM and SFM, reduced the levels of isoleucine, leucine, arginine, lysine, phenylalanine, histidine and threonine (P<0.05) and increased levels of methionine in diet with SBM. In all the diets, methionine was the 1st limiting amino acid and isoleucine 2nd limiting. Though the diet containing FM exhibited higher (P<0.05) essential amino acid index (EAAI) (0.97), it was not satisfactory because it was limiting in methionine. EAAI reduced (P<0.05) with replacement of fishmeal; SBM (0.78), CM (0.77) and SFM (0.76). Crude papain extract contained (crude protein 66.61%, ash 6.89%, crude fat 7.69%, crude fiber 1.56%, dry matter 93.55% and nitrogen free extract 16.98%). Addition of crude papain at 0.06% had highest (P<0.05) protein digestibility (39.16%). Apparent Digestibility Coefficients (ADC‟s) increased (P<0.05) for all the nutrients tested upon crude papain enzyme supplementation. Growth performance showed that there was no significant different (P>0.05) on final body weight (47.32g) on 0.06% enzyme and (46.17g) on 0% papain enzyme. However, fish fed FM based diet were larger (56.89g) (P<0.05) than those fed SBM (45.59g) CM (43.89g) and SFM (40.59g). The profit index was highest (2.41) in 0% enzyme and lower in 0.06% enzyme (2.19) (P<0.05). Although 10% CP replacement of FM with SBM, CM and SFM was associated with reduced growth, the economic returns were higher. Final carcass proximate composition increased on enzyme supplementation. Crude papain enzyme supplementation led to increase in saturated and mono saturated fatty acid and decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid. The overall acceptability of fish decreased (3.87) with 0.06% enzyme. The present results indicates that enzyme supplementation led to increased digestibility and growth of fish but carcass fatty acid, sensory attributes and profit index reduced. Based on this, more research is needed on crude papain enzyme supplementation in Nile tilapia diets.
Ad-Theatre Techniques: Motifs of Orality and Popular Culture in Kenya’s Radio
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Njogu, Jackson Gikunda
This is a study of theatre by its persuasive function in commercial contexts. Specifically the study is a critique of the influences of orality and popular culture on audiences in commercial set ups as evident in dramas of radio advertising. It begins from the awareness that the drama genre has been at the heart of Africa’s rich literary heritage, and that it still finds use in contemporary spaces through mass media. Since the advent of radio in Africa drama has been a preferred technique of radio advertising in Kenya, yet scholarly research on drama as a persuasive genre through the radio medium remains scant. This is in spite of the fact that advertising communities are already aware of its marketing potential. The purpose of this study is thus to examine some of the techniques that drama uses in radio advertising, based on the assumption that because advertisements are made to woo buyers, the genre possesses strong rhetorical elements that can render for scholarly analyses. The study demonstrates the awareness that drama has been a cultural production in Kenya, and that orality has always punctuated dramatic practice at every phase of its development both in form and motif. Secondly, it demonstrates the eternal presence of oral leitmotifs in contemporary use especially in advertising discourses. The study uses a qualitative design. Data is in the form of audio records of advertisements that use the technique of drama in radio which have been transcribed, translated and analyzed to arrive at conclusions about the persuasive strategy of orality and popular culture in the radio medium. Since radio is a purely audio-acoustic media just like primary orality, Walter Ong’s theorizing about transiting from primary orality to typographical forms has been employed to enable us understand the psychodynamics of audio-acoustic messages, and what makes them click so easily with audiences. His views about ‘imagined audiences’ have also been used. In the first chapter we have established a background to the study. The second chapter deals with the literature review and theoretical framework. In chapter three we discuss the study methods while in chapter four we analyze selected data in terms of the oral motifs used using Walter Ong’s structural-functional theorizing in Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word. In chapter five the thesis analyzes the use of popular culture as a marketing strategy, while chapter six deals with thesis summary, conclusions and recommendations for further study. The study finds that aspects of indigenous theatrical forms based in primary orality feature prominently in drama-mediated advertisements, and that these features illuminate on the psychology and philosophy of radio listeners, and that advertisers prefer modeling their content on trendy topics adorned in literary stylistics. These findings are important because they affirm the enduring nature of orality in modern times. They also point to practical applicability of orality in modern discourses on one hand, and on the other, awareness that adverts strongly suggest the ways in which Kenyan consumers understand their world.
Non-Equivalence in The Kĩkamba Bible Translation Eunice Nthenya Mũsyoka
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mũsyoka, Eunice Nthenya
Translation is encoding the meaning and forms in the target language by means of the decoded meaning and form of the source language. It involves the rendering of a source language text into the target text so as to ensure that the surface meaning of the two will be approximately similar and the structures of the source language will be preserved as closely as possible in the target text. Translators are faced with challenges of non-equivalence since languages present ideas and information differently. Translation strategies are used to overcome the challenges of non-equivalence and other inherent problems of translation. Non-equivalence occurs when a lexical item or an expression in the source language lacks an equivalent item to translate it in the target text. The objectives of this study were; to investigate the types of non-equivalences in the Kĩkamba Bible translation, to analyse the translation strategies used to handle non-equivalence in the Kĩkamba Bible translation and to suggest alternative strategies to handle non-equivalence in the Kĩkamba Bible translation. In investigating these objectives, the Equivalence Theory proposed by Nida and the Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson were used. The Equivalence theory discusses equivalences at different levels of the text by comparing it with the source text, for example, at word level and above the word level. Relevance Theory was also used to explore the translation strategies. The Relevance theory can be divided into two sets of assumptions, assumptions relating to cognition and assumptions about communication. Both sets were relevant to the study in analyzing the strategies used to handle non-equivalence in the Kĩkamba Bible translation. A descriptive research design was used to obtain information from a sampled population. The Bible is divided into two sections that is the Old and the New Testament, it is further categorized into seven categories which include; Pentateuch books, historical books, poetical books, prophetic books, the gospels, the early church (Acts) and the epistles. Purposive sampling was used to select one book from each category except the early church category which has only one book forming a total of seven books which included Genesis, Judges, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Mathew, Acts of the Apostle and Hebrews. One chapter was purposively selected from each book to form a total of seven chapters. Data was collected through careful study of the English Bible, the Revised Standard Version to identify non-equivalence and the Kĩkamba Bible to analyse the strategies that were used to handle non-equivalence. The study established two types of non-equivalences; non-equivalence at lexical/word level and non-equivalence above the word level. The study reveals that non-equivalence is difficult to handle at lexical /word level mostly due to culture-specific words. Above the word level, translation is hampered by the use of figurative language in the source text and in this study, metaphors were the most difficult to translate. The non-equivalence at the grammatical categories was adequately handled. Fifteen translation strategies that the translator used to handle non-equivalence were identified and discussed. They include; amplification, explicitation, literal translation, hyponymy, naturalization, descriptive equivalent, synonymy, reduction, compensation, borrowing, unit change, use of paraphrase, addition and omission. The study suggests that the translator needs a good background on the culture of the two languages and the metaphorical language use in the Bible. It is hoped that the research will be a contribution to applied linguistics in the area of translation, specifically on non-equivalence and translation strategies.
Assessment of Peace Building Strategies Employed by The Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Enhancing Inter-Ethnic Harmony in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mwamba, Julius Guantai
Ethnic conflicts remain the biggest setback to the development of many African nations and Kenya is not an exception. The Church has a mandate to make use of her divine mission in building peace and fostering reconciliation in the society. In response the PCEA initiated several peace building strategies aimed at enhancing inter-ethnic harmony in Kenya. Despite the Church in Kenya playing a great role in the promotion of harmony, ethnic conflicts continue to escalate in various parts of the country. This study therefore investigated the efficacy of peace building strategies of Presbyterian Church of East Africa in enhancing inter-ethnic harmony in selected in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study target population was 1,624,345 PCEA members in Nakuru west, Nakuru east, Njoro, Elburgon, Laikipia, Eldoret and Mombasa presbyteries where inter-ethnic conflicts are dominant. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 384 respondents comprising of 342 church members, 38 church elders and 14 church ministers. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for the Church elders and members, structured interview guide for Church ministers and focus group discussions for inter-ethnic violence victims. Piloting involving 76 respondents was done in from Nakuru East presbytery. Using Spearman Brown Prediction formula by split half technique, a reliability coefficient of 0.71 and 0.74 were realised for the questionnaires for church members and church elders, respectively. This was accepted because an alpha value of 0.7 and above is considered adequate for making accurate group inferences. Religious studies and other experts from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Chuka University ascertained the validity of the instruments. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics with help of the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 for windows and presented in frequency distribution tables. This study found that radicalization, imperialism; ideological polarization and inter-communal violence being increased by competition over the fruits of devolution and elite manipulation of local communities were the major emerging issues responsible for inter-ethnic conflicts. It also established that the use of sermons, pastoral care and counselling, Bible study, peace building workshops, prayer movements, mainstreaming of Church standing groups; policy development by the General Assembly, lobbying and having a peace desk have seldom achieved much in fostering inter-ethnic harmony in Kenya. The study suggested the church needs to intensify recruitment and training of peace agents through seminars and workshops to enhance their competency and hence enhance effectiveness. The study concluded that that the PCEA’s involvement in peace building had Biblical, pastoral and theological justification. The findings of the study will assist policy makers to develop effective community-based programmes to mitigate ethnic conflict and also contribute to knowledge in the area of morality and religion. The findings may also be used by religious bodies keen to promote religious teachings aimed at advocating sound moral values and ethics among members of the society. The findings may provide valuable empirical data to Non-Governmental Organizations working in collaboration with the Church to provide community based tailored approaches to fight ethnic violence.
Influence of Family Life Knowledge on Marriages in Meru County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Maigallo, Agnes Karambu
A satisfactory marriage is desirable but studies indicate that many people are dissatisfied in their marriages as reflected by broken families, single parent homes, violence in marriages and widespread misery in families. Various studies have given attention to marital satisfaction and they have found that couples with high levels of marital satisfaction have higher levels of life satisfaction in general. Despite the attention that has been given marital satisfaction, there is prevalence in divorces and separations in Meru County as reflected in the 2009 population census. Studies indicate that more young people are experiencing instability in marriages than old people. There is limited information on why there are differences in marital satisfaction between the older and younger generations. Studies have established a link between Family Life Knowledge and marital satisfaction but little has been done on the influence of family life education on marital satisfaction. The objective of this study was to establish; the levels of marital satisfaction, the influence of content of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction, differences in influence of sources of knowledge on family life on marital satisfaction and differences in the influence of age of delivery of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. The study adopted a mixed method research design. The target population of the study was 474,263 married people in Meru County from whom a sample of 384 respondents was drawn using multi-stage sampling. Data was collected from repondents using questionnaires, interviews schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The validity instruments were checked by faculty members and other experts in Psychology. The reliability of the instruments was done using split-half method. A reliability co-efficient of 0.89 was obtained indicating that the instrument was reliable. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science for both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included percentages and medians while inferential statistics include t-tests, ANOVA and Chi-square. Qualitative data was thematically analysed. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in marital satisfaction among married. This was attributed to differences in the content among the age groups with the three older age groups having a curriculum on family life education, while the youngest age groups did not have a curriculum. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the influence of sources of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. Peers, school teachers, parents and sponsors at initiation were the most influential sources of Family Life Knowledge. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed with respect to age of delivery of knowledge of family life among married people. Most of the married people in Meru County got Family Life Knowledge at the age of 11-20 years. It was also observed that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the influence of age of delivery of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. The information obtained from this study is expected to benefit counseling psychologist, sexologists, family therapists, sex therapists, parents, married couples, religious leaders and educationists. The information from this study is also expected to guide policy formulators in formulating a family life education curriculum for schools that is tailored towards marital satisfaction.
Social Media Discourse of Chuka University Students on Whatsapp Platforms
(2019-09) Miriti, Gervasio
Social media influences the way people communicate with one another and it is gaining popularity owing to the technological milestones made in the world of communication. As people communicate via social media interaction platforms, language naturally and inevitably experiences some changes. Therefore, there was a need to undertake a linguistic study to account for such changes and developments in language use. The main concern of this study was to analyse the university students’ social media discourse. The discourse analysed sprang from WhatsApp interaction platform. The WhatsApp groups utilized were those formed by Chuka University students in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Particularly, the following objectives guided the study: analysing the politeness strategies used in social media discourse, describing the unique features of language inherent in the university students’ social media discourse and explaining how identities are marked in the social media discourse. The study employed an eclectic approach whereby three theories; Genre Theory by Macken et al, Social Identity Theory by Tasfel and Politeness Theory by Brown and Levinson were used in analysing data. Genre theory was used to examine the distinctive features of language, Social Identity Theory analysed the data on how linguistic identities are marked through language in social media while Politeness Theory shed light on politeness strategies used in the social media discourse Some of the features that the study sought to analyse included phonological and morphological conditioned word formations, the nature of sentences, code switching and mixing, how paralinguistic and suprasegmental features are represented in social media discourse. A descriptive research design and the qualitative technique was employed to analyse data. Both Snowball and purposive sampling procedures were used. Snowballing was used to establish the WhatsApp groups that were used by the students, while purposive sampling procedure was used to selectively collect texts from WhatsApp groups. The texts that were purposively selected were those that showed politeness strategies, indicated how the university students created identities and those with linguistic features that characterized university students’ social media discourse. The researcher collected a total of 116 texts and this sample was adequate for this study. The rationale for choosing WhatsApp was the fact that there was a paucity of linguistic studies based on this interaction platform despite its popularity. This document contains seven chapters; chapter one, two and three which comprise the introduction, the review of related literature and research methodology respectively. Chapter four presents the features of language at the phonological, morphological, syntactic and semantic levels. The study findings revealed that social media discourse is a hybrid between written and spoken discourse that uses language in a distinctive manner and it is characterized by such features as phonographic, semasiographic, logographic, prosodic, paralinguistic, word formation processes, code switching and mixing and these features are depicted in a peculiar manner. Chapter Five entails the creation of identities by the university students. The study findings in chapter revealed that identities are created by using a special register/ jargon, multimodality, and through indexicality. Chapter Six deals with politeness in social media and the findings indicated that four categories of politeness strategies as postulated in the politeness theory were manifested in social media discourse of the university students. Chapter seven provides the summary of the findings, conclusions and recommendations. This study sheds light on the language usage and its dynamics. It will hopefully enrich knowledge on the various tenets of the three theories used: Genre Theory, Politeness Theory and the Social Identity Theory.
Kenyan Education System And Self-Reliance: A Decolonizing Perspective
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Murungi, James Mwenda
Education is meant to develop capacity and enhance productivity among members of society. African indigenous education systems inculcated self-reliance among members of society and every individual had a specific role. The colonial education system introduced and emphasized aspects of employment, resulting in job seekers and unemployment. In an effort to address growing mismatch between expectations by graduates and societal employment provisions, the government has undertaken reforms in the education system to promote self-reliance. Despite these efforts there has been growing concerns on the effectiveness of the current education system to inculcate self-reliance among graduates. This study sought to investigate the influence of decolonizing the Kenyan education system on self-reliance among students. The study was carried out in the universities in Kenya. This study utilized the descriptive survey and the correlational research designs. The target population for this study was 537,211 subjects made up of 520,893 students, and 16,318 Academic staff members in chartered public and private universities in Kenya. A sample size of 384 respondents made up of 60 members of academic staff and 324 fourth year bachelor of education students was selected to participate in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interview schedules. The validity of the instruments was enhanced through the expert judgment of the researcher‟s supervisors, peers and other experts. Reliability of the instruments was tested by use of the Cronbach‟s Alpha co-efficient. An internal consistency co-efficient of α = 0.862 was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used for measures of central tendencies including mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Inferential statistics through correlation analysis using the Pearson„s coefficient of correlation was used to measure the degree of influence of each independent variable (Decolonizing curriculum, Decolonizing pedagogical approaches, Decolonizing school environment and Decolonizing evaluation) on self-reliance. To test hypothesis, linear and multiple regression models were used to test significance of relationship between independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data from interviews was organized into themes, categories and patterns pertinent to the study. This study established that the contemporary curriculum influences self-reliance to a moderate extent and that integration of subjects that develop practical skills and nurture creativity would promote self-reliance to a large extent. It was found that the contemporary pedagogical approaches do not promote self-reliance. Changing the role of the student from a passive learner to a reflective thinker and problem solver as well as laying emphasis on practical rather than theoretical learning would enhance self-reliance. The contemporary school environment was found to have little influence on self-reliance and that an enhanced environment where teachers play the role of mentors, coaches and trainers would promote self-reliance. Embracing evaluation that measures problem solving skills and creativity rather than memory would promote self-reliance. It was concluded that Decolonizing curriculum, decolonizing pedagogical approaches, decolonizing school environment and decolonizing evaluation had significant influence on self-reliance among students in the Kenyan education system. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommends integration of aspect of African indigenous curriculum, pedagogical approaches, school environment and evaluation into the contemporary Kenyan education in order to promote self-reliance among students. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be useful to educational planners, policy makers, curriculum implementers and other stakeholders in promoting self-reliance among graduates from educational institutions.
Education and Ethics: A Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Kenyan Education System
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mwanzia, Ruth Mutunge
One of the objectives of education is to promote ethical behaviour among learners. The African educational system inculcated ethics among members of society and produced ethically upright individuals for generations. With the introduction of formal education, the responsibility of inculcating ethics to children was taken up by schools. Efforts through reforms have been instituted to help develop ethics among learners. Despite the enormous investment in education over the years and the high academic qualification of graduates leaving the school, the level of impunity, corruption, negative ethnicity and intolerance has remained a major concern among educationists and stakeholders. This study sought to determine the influence of deconstruction and reconstruction of Kenyan education system on ethics among learners through integration of indigenous knowledges. The study adopted Utilitarianism and Post-colonial theories. The study was carried out in universities and communities of Kenya. Cross sectional descriptive survey and correlational research designs were utilized in the study. The target population for the study comprised of 537,211 subjects. A sample size of 384 respondents comprising of 324 students and 60 academic staff participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interviews. Validity of research instruments was ascertained through expert judgement by supervisors from the Faculty of Education and Resources Development. Reliability of instruments was estimated by use of Cronbach alpha method where a reliability coefficient of 0.859 was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data with the aid of Scientific Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Research hypotheses were tested using regression and correlation analysis at a significance level of α = 0.05. The analyzed data was presented by use of tables and figures. The findings of the study indicated that contemporary curriculum was too broad, theoretical and exam oriented hindering the development of ethics. The study established that, deconstruction and reconstruction of curriculum with inclusion of practical-oriented activities in classroom, community based approaches and co-curricular activities would help influence ethics. On pedagogical approaches, the study established that, deconstruction of teacher centred methods and theoretical approach with reconstruction of learner centred approaches, role modelling and resource persons would influence ethics. On philosophical foundations the study found the need to have foundations anchored on holistic development of learners. The study established that, integrated modes of discipline would encourage participatory approach in inculcating ethics among learners. The study concluded that deconstruction and reconstruction of contemporary curriculum, pedagogical approaches, philosophical foundations and modes of discipline had a significant influence on ethics among learners. Based on the study, the researcher recommends the curriculum, pedagogical approaches, philosophical foundations and modes of discipline to be deconstructed and reconstructed to embrace the African indigenous education and knowledges that would help promote ethical behaviour among learners. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide useful information to curriculum developers, implementers, planners, policy makers and other stakeholders on ways of integrating African indigenous education into contemporary education to influence ethical values. It is also hoped that the findings of this study will provide a basis for further research on integration of indigenous knowledges into contemporary education to promote ethics.

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