8th International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2021

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MAPPING FOOD DESERTS IN THARAKA CONSTITUENCY USING COMPOSED INDEX OF CRITICAL ACCESSIBILITY TO FOOD AND LIVESTOCK MARKETS
(Chuka University, 2021-10-07) Kibetu, K
In agropastoral regions of Kenya, households often trek long distances to access food markets and sell livestock. Distance defines physical accessibility and even utilisation of market facilities especially in semi-arid areas where food insecurity and malnutrition are rampant. This phenomenon affects intra-regional food exchange and consumption patterns. Close to 70 % of agropastoral farmers within Tharaka Constituency lack access to formal markets for their produce. Studies on intra-variations in access to market services remains scanty, yet market purchase account for most food consumed across urban and rural areas. Tharaka constituency lies in semi-arid area characterised by erratic mild-to-acute food shortage seasons. This exploratory study utilised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to measure physical accessibility to open air food and livestock markets in Tharaka. Normative, administrative and geospatial datasets were used in the geospatial analysis. Results showed that geographic accessibility to market centers across the 883 villages in the constituency varied spatially. In terms of physical accessibility to markets, 40.4% of the total population live in regions with very high-to-high inaccessibility risks while 36.1% are found in areas with very low-to-low inaccessibility risks while 23.5% of the entire population exists in places having moderate inaccessibility risks. From this, a large portion of population live in food deserts villages. This spatial inequity negatively affects household food security and can explain the chronic hunger and malnutrition problem experienced in the area. There is need for markets within high inaccessibility risk areas hereby referred as food deserts to be upgraded and infrastructure thereof improved to enable intra-regional food mobility.
PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING AMONG YOUTH IN ANGLICAN CHURCH OF KENYA IN EMBU DIOCESE OF EMBU WEST, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021-10-07) Muchangi, L.W; Mburugu, B.M
Youths whether in church or outside get so much involved in use of technology especially social media during lockdown of churches. Social media may affect their relationship with others especially chats from peers. Social media take on many forms including blogs, business/social networks, forums, photo/video sharing, social bookmarking, social gaming. This paper established the effects of social media on psychosocial wellbeing of youth in Anglican Church of Kenya Embu Diocese, particularly how it affected their interpersonal relationships and mental processes. It used a descriptive survey of youth in 5 ACK churches with 1200 youth. Random sampling technique was used to select 291 youth from the population. Purposive sampling was used to select 9 clergy, who represented the 5 ACK churches, making a total of 300. The study used 300 respondents which represented both youth and clergy. Data was collected using questionnaires for the youth and interview schedule for the clergy. The piloting to 10 youth was done to help remove the errors. Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was used to test for reliability for youth’s questionnaires. The reliability coefficient was α= 0.8 and was deemed appropriate since it was above the recommended 0.7. The Interview was conducted among the selected 90 Clergy. Descriptive statistics were used to present data. Qualitative data was obtained from open-ended thematic questions for clergy. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21. Social media affected the social interactions of the youth in that as they chat their friends criticized them and bullied them hence lowering their self-esteem and the more they used it the more they got fatigue and exhaustion hence causing burnout but proper use of it enhanced interpersonal relationships. The findings will help enlighten the youth on how best to use social media, especially in church during the COVD-19 pandemic. They would encourage churches to enlighten youth through seminars on how to use social media responsibly to mitigate the pandemic. The study recommends introduction of programmes to train the youth on how the social media can be of help to them if well used to enhance social interactions and mental wellbeing.
INFORMATION-SEEKING STRATEGIES OF STUDENTS IN NAIROBI AND THARAKA NITHI COUNTIES’ SECONDARY SCHOOLS
(Chuka University, 2021-10-07) Ireri, J.M; Evans, N; Ocholla, D
In this information technology age, Kenyan secondary school students need to be equipped to develop the skills to help them search for information and evaluate and utilize the information effectively. This study established information-seeking strategies of students in Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi secondary schools. The study selected two counties Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi, which represent both urban (Nairobi) and rural populations (Tharaka-Nithi). Data was collected using questionnaires. Systematic sampling was used to select 30 secondary schools (20 schools from Nairobi and 10 schools from Tharaka-Nithi) out of a total of 304 secondary schools in both counties while stratified random sampling was used to classify the students into four strata (Form 1-4). A total number of 385 students were sampled (255 from Nairobi schools and 130 from Tharaka-Nithi secondary schools). Results revealed that 47.6% use of library personnel and 34.9% use of library catalogue were some of the information seeking strategies that the students use in the library. Further, 87% of the students denoted that the librarian was willing and ready to assist whenever needed. Results also showed that 44.7% of the students strongly agreed to seek for reference sources to ensure they get the current and authentic information. Majority of the students depended more on the librarian for information requirements but reluctant to use library catalogue. Also that majority of the librarians assist the students get information and students were eager to make use of available reference sources. The study concludes that information seeking strategies in the secondary schools need to be enhanced especially internet connectivity and the use of subscription databases. The study recommends that secondary schools should have an ICT section that would allow the students to interact with online educational resources.
INFORMATION LITERACY STANDARDS OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES OF NAIROBI AND THARAKA- NITHI COUNTIES
(Chuka University, 2021-10-07) Ireri, J.M; Evans, N; Ocholla, D
Studies have shown that many students have very little or no basic knowledge about library use and information searching skills when they enroll in higher institutions. This study investigated the information literacy standards of school libraries in Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi. It selected Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi, which represent urban (Nairobi) and rural populations (Tharaka-Nithi). Data was collected using questionnaires. Systematic sampling was used to select 30 secondary schools (20 schools from Nairobi and 10 from Tharaka-Nithi) out of of 304 secondary schools, while stratified random sampling was used to classify the students into four strata (Form 1-4). A total of 385 students were sampled (255 from Nairobi and 130 from Tharaka-Nithi). Results revealed that 90% of the students had visited the library out of which 34.1% visited the library 3-4 times weekly, while 26.4% on daily basis, mainly to borrow books (35.6%) and to study (33.7%). In addition, 37.5% and 24.1% of the students had used the library sometimes and most of the time respectively for private study. Moreover, 68.3% of the students described the library as a quiet place where they concentrate while doing their study. The results show that more needs to be done towards improving the libraries so that the students can be encouraged to visit them frequently. Secondary school libraries do not have apart from books various formats of information resources that would be more appealing to the students. Secondary school libraries should incorporate in their collection a variety of formats of information resources that are more captivating than books.
PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING AMONG YOUTH IN ANGLICAN CHURCH OF KENYA IN EMBU DIOCESE OF EMBU WEST, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021-10-07) Muchangi, L.W; Mburugu, B.M
Youths whether in church or outside get so much involved in use of technology especially social media during lockdown of churches. Social media may affect their relationship with others especially chats from peers. Social media take on many forms including blogs, business/social networks, forums, photo/video sharing, social bookmarking, social gaming. This paper established the effects of social media on psychosocial wellbeing of youth in Anglican Church of Kenya Embu Diocese, particularly how it affected their interpersonal relationships and mental processes. It used a descriptive survey of youth in 5 ACK churches with 1200 youth. Random sampling technique was used to select 291 youth from the population. Purposive sampling was used to select 9 clergy, who represented the 5 ACK churches, making a total of 300. The study used 300 respondents which represented both youth and clergy. Data was collected using questionnaires for the youth and interview schedule for the clergy. The piloting to 10 youth was done to help remove the errors. Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was used to test for reliability for youth’s questionnaires. The reliability coefficient was α= 0.8 and was deemed appropriate since it was above the recommended 0.7. The Interview was conducted among the selected 90 Clergy. Descriptive statistics were used to present data. Qualitative data was obtained from open-ended thematic questions for clergy. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21. Social media affected the social interactions of the youth in that as they chat their friends criticized them and bullied them hence lowering their self-esteem and the more they used it the more they got fatigue and exhaustion hence causing burnout but proper use of it enhanced interpersonal relationships. The findings will help enlighten the youth on how best to use social media, especially in church during the COVD-19 pandemic. They would encourage churches to enlighten youth through seminars on how to use social media responsibly to mitigate the pandemic. The study recommends introduction of programmes to train the youth on how the social media can be of help to them if well used to enhance social interactions and mental wellbeing. Keywords: Psychosocial, Burn-out, Interpersonal relationships, COVID-19
USAWIRI WA MOTIFU ZA KIMAZINGIRA KATIKA TAMTHILIA YA KISWAHILI: TATHMINI YA MAJIRA YA UTASA (AREGE, 2015)
(Chuka University, 2021-10-07) Njeru, M.K; Kobia, J.M; Musyimi, D
Suala la kuongezeka kwa viwango vya halijoto na mabadiliko ya angahewa limeibua mijadala katika kiwango cha kitaifa na kimataifa. Kwa msingi huu, kazi mbalimbali za kifasihi zimebuniwa kwa kuangazia uharibifu wa mazingira asilia na athari zake na mwito wa kuhifadhi mazingira. Makala hii ilikusudia kuchunguza jinsi motifu za kimazingira zilivyosawiriwa katika tamthilia ya Majira ya Utasa (Arege, 2015). Msisitizo ulikuwa kuangazia jinsi mwandishi wa Majira ya Utasa amesawiri motifu za kimazingira ili kuonyesha uharibifu wa mazingira pamoja na matatizo yanayotokana na uharibifu huo. Hii ni kwa sababu fasihi huwasilisha hali, maingiliano na mikinzano miongoni mwa binadamu na mazingira. Kwa hivyo, ni mojawapo ya nyenzo inayoweza kuchangia katika kuangazia matatizo yanayokumba jamii yoyote iwayo. Makala hii iliongozwa na nadharia ya Uhakiki wa Kiekolojia iliyoasisiwa na Glotferty (1996). Kimsingi, nadharia ya uhakiki wa kiekolojia hujikita katika uchambuzi wa kazi za kifasihi kwa kuonyesha uhusiano na utegemeano baina ya binadamu na mazingira. Tamthilia ya Majira ya Utasa iliteuliwa kimakusudi kwa kuwa maudhui yake makuu yanahusiana moja kwa moja na mada ya makala hii. Data ilikusanywa kupitia usomaji wa kina wa tamthilia teule. Matokeo ya makala hii yalithibitisha kuwa mwandishi wa tamthilia ya Majira ya Utasa amesawiri motifu za kimazingira kwa namna mbalimbali kwa kuonyesha njia za uharibifu wa mazingira na athari zake. Hivyo, kushadidia kuwa fasihi inaakisi kikamilifu matatizo yanayoibuka katika jamii ilimoibuka. Kwa hivyo, ni chombo madhubuti kinachoweza kutumiwa kutatua matatizo hayo.
PERCIEVED CAUSES OF STUDENTS’ LOW ENROLMENT IN AGRICULTURE SUBJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KITUI WEST
(Chuka University, 2022) Edward Kirimi Marika
Agriculture is an important science subject that enables learners to develop skills in cultivating the soil, harvesting crops, and raising livestock. Content of Agriculture subject is relevant to all learners irrespective of the careers they pursue since it provides information and skills that propel forward the country’s economy. Despite this importance role Agriculture plays, there has been global decline in enrolment and graduation rate in agriculture related courses at all levels of education systems. The same trend has been recorded in Kitui West where students taking Agriculture as a subject has continued to decline. This study sought to establish the perceived causes of low secondary school students’ enrolment in Agriculture subject in Kitui West Sub County. The objective of the study was to establish students’ and teachers’ perceived causes of low students’ enrolment in Agriculture subject in Kitui West. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample size consisted of 176 students, 20 teachers and 20 Secondary schools obtained through simple random sampling. Research instruments used was questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and Correlation analysis were used to establish the nature and magnitude of association between study variables. The study established that there are learners, teachers and school related factors that have contributed to few students taking Agriculture subjects in public secondary schools in Kitui West. The study recommends schools administration to support Agriculture by availing required learning resources and equipment. It also recommends training of more teachers in Agriculture and in-servicing of teachers in the subject.
IMPACT OF MARKETING CHANNELS, FEED SUPPLEMENTS AND CREDIT ACCESS ON MILK PRODUCTION AMONG SMALLHOLDER DAIRY FARMERS IN CHUKA SUBCOUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Githae, S. W.; Muraya, M. M.; Munyiri, S. W.
Kenya dairy farming contributes approximately 17% of the Gross Domestic Product. Kenyan milk production has been projected to be between seven to nine litres/cow/day, way below international standards whereby a cow produces 25 to 28 litres/cow/day. Low yield of milk is attributed to lack of adequate information on relationship between age, education level, training, experience, marketing channels, feed supplements, credit access and milk production by the majority of the smallholder dairy farmers. This study determined the relationship between age, education level, training, experience, marketing channels, feed supplements (concentrate and minerals), credit access and milk production among smallholder dairy farmers in Chuka Sub County. The research design was correlational and stratified random sampling technique was used, with 238 respondents from a target population of 7396 farmers. Data was analysed using simple and multiple regression models. The study revealed that age education level, experience, were not significant predictors for milk yield. However, training in dairy farming was significant related to milk production. Inclusion of feed supplements was a significant predictor mineral mix provision; concentrate provision of milk yield. Marketing channels, credit access, were insignificant predictors of milk yield. Concentrate and mineral mix were significantly and positively correlated to milk yield. However, marketing channels and credit access were not significantly correlated to milk yield. The study concludes that feed supplements and mineral mix are important in predicting variations in milk yield.
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF Ca AND Mg DOPED TIO2
(Chuka University, 2022) Mbae, J. K.; Muthui, Z.
The scarcity of affordable and environment-friendly sources of energy has led to emergence of photo catalysis to mitigate this problem. This is so if the photo catalysts are active in solar energy spectrum. Environment-friendly, non-toxic and economical photo catalysts would find application in water treatment, providing another solution to the problem of clean water for domestic use. Of many materials available for photo catalysis is Titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2). It possesses many merits such as low cost, high photocatalytic activity, non-toxicity and high availability. However, drawbacks that limit its application include its optical absorption that falls in the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum. To extend the optical absorption to a wider region of the solar energy spectrum, various dopants have been added to the oxide to improve its solar efficiency. TiO2 has rapid electron-hole recombination which leads to low rates of the desired chemical transformations in energy absorption. This research modified the structure and electronic properties of pure rutile TiO2 by doping it with alkaline earth metals Ca and Mg for improved photocatalytic application. The objectives were structural optimization of rutile TiO2 and alkaline metal (Mg, Ca) doped rutile using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and determination of electronic structure of rutile TiO2 and alkaline metal (Mg, Ca) doped rutile using DFT. The DFT method as implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO simulation package was used. The exchange correlation potential was treated with the Generalized Gradient Approximation. Total energy and ionic relaxation calculations were carried out after k-point and ECUT convergence tests. An ECUT energy of 40 Ry and 4x4x7 k-points were used for the total energy calculations. The optimized cell parameters for pure rutile crystal system are a = b = 4.603A c = 2.992A . There is an expansion of the crystal structure and its volume slightly increased. The calculated band gap of undoped rutile is 1.8 eV, which reduces doping with Mg and Ca. There is a shift of the valence band edge to higher energies and introduction of intraband dopant states. The changes in electronic structure are favorable for absorbance of a wider spectrum of solar energy and reduction of charge recombination during photo catalysis. Alkaline earth metal doping of TiO2 rutile modifies the structural and electronic properties of rutile TiO2 in a manner that would make it a more efficient photo catalyst. Co-doping with the alkaline metal dopants could be attempted to investigate the combined effect.
EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION IN ENHANCING STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS TOWARDS LEARNING OF CHEMISTRY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAARA
(Chuka University, 2022) Mugwiria, Rose Gatune; Njagi, Mercy Wanja; Mwenda Eric Elias
Students perform poorly in Chemistry examinations in Kenya. The teaching of Chemistry aims at developing scientific attitudes, concept, principles and skills in learners. Differentiated instruction consists of efforts of teachers to respond to the variance among learners in the classroom. This study investigated effectiveness of differentiated instruction in enhancing students’ academic achievements in chemistry. Quasi-experimental research design was used, particularly Solomon’s four group design. The research was done in four sub-county secondary schools in Maara. The target population was 12,187 chemistry students. The accessible population was 1,242 form two chemistry students. A purposive sampling technique was used to draw the participating schools. Simple random sampling was used to select and assign schools in experimental and control groups. The sample size was 165 form two chemistry students. The instrument used was Chemistry Achievement Test. It was piloted to determine it reliability, while validity of the instrument was ascertained by experts’ opinions from Department of Education of Chuka University. Reliability coefficient for CAT was 0.74. The experimental groups were taught using differentiated instruction teaching approach while the control groups were taught through conventional teaching approach. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used for data analysis. The raw data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The level of significance for rejection of null hypotheses was at α = 0.05. The findings indicated that differentiated instruction significantly improved the students’ achievement towards learning chemistry. The finding is expected to form a frame of reference for further research on innovative teaching strategies in chemistry education.
APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK TO EVALUATE EXTEND OF NON LINEARITY AMONG EXPLANATORY VARIABLES WITHIN AND BETWEEN GENOTYPES AND PHENOTYPES
(Chuka university, 2022) Chesang, s; Muasya, T.K; Ngeno, K
Artificial neural networks (ANN) have been described as one of the models used for marker-based genomic predictions of complex traits in the field of animal breeding. It accommodates noisy, non-linearity in data set and makes decisions based on prior knowledge. This study evaluated the extent of non-linearity among explanatory variables within and between genotypes and phenotypes using ANN. A feedforward ANN was adopted with different number of neurons where Levenberg-Marquardt back-propagation algorithm was used to train the network.The construction and training of the network were done with matrix laboratory (MATLAB). Mean absolute error (MAE) and Pearson’s correlation coefficients (R) were used to measure the ANN predictive performance as a measure of extent of non-linearity among explanatory variables within and between genotypes and phenotypes. Results showed that the ANN models differed in predictive performance depending on the number of neurons in the hidden layer, for instance the neural network with one hidden layer containing 10 neurons in the hidden layer yielded high R-value of 0.86 and MAE of 2.98E-3. When the network dimension was increased to 16 neurons the performance decreased to 0.67 for R and MAE increased to 7.73E-2. After a further increase of neurons to 32 the model yielded R value of 0.27 and MAE of 7.60E-2. The benchmark model for this study had an R of 0.77 and MAE of 5.72. Thus a model with 10 neurons is enough to handle non-linearity in this kind of data set thus chosen as the best non-linear model. This is because the dimension reduction of neurons in the hidden layer led to higher, more accurate, and more consistent predictions for growth rate. In comparison to the linear model, the best non-linear model performed better though the more complex non-linear architectures with 16 and 32 neurons could not outperform the linear model. Thus, linear models can as well produce reliable results for making genomic predictions. Keywords: Artificial neural network, Backpropagation, Mean absolute error
PRODUCTION OF MINERAL NUTRIENT-RICH MULTIPURPOSE PUMPKIN LEAFY VEGETABLESUSING INTEGRATED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(Chuka University, 2022) Mwaura, M. M.; Isutsa, D. K.; Munyiri, S. W.
Enhancing mineral nutrient composition in multipurpose pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) is important since it contributes to household food security. To respond to this need, an experiment arranged in split-plot in randomized complete block design and replicated three times was conducted at Chuka University for two seasons from January 2019 to July 2020. The main plots were assigned to nitrogen (CAN) (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha), sub-plots to mulch (no mulch, black-painted and unpainted rice straws), while split-plots to gibberellic acid (GA3) (0 mg/L, 40 mg/L and 80 mg/L). Nitrogen for each rate was applied in two equal doses at three weeks post-emergence and at the beginning of flowering. The black-painted and unpainted rice straws were placed on plots after land preparation. The GA3 solution was sprayed onto plants using a knapsack sprayer, starting with 40 mg/L followed by 80 mg/L, once during the fourth week after emergence. Data collection was done fortnightly from the fourth week after emergence and data values were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software. Means were separated using the least significant difference test at α=0.05. Highest levels of potassium and magnesium were obtained for 100 kg N/ha. On the other hand, phosphorus and beta-carotene were highest in treatments where unpainted rice straw mulch was used, while application of 80 mg/L of GA3 gave high phosphorus and potassium contents. Results further showed that combined N fertilizer, mulch and GA3 had a significant (P<0.05) effect on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and beta-carotene contents during both seasons, implying that they are useful factors in evaluation of mineral nutrient contents in leaves of multi-purpose pumpkins.
PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PARASITIC ROOT KNOT NEMATODES IN SWEET POTATO FARMS OF KIRINYAGA COUNTY
(Chuka university, 2022) Onchari, N.M; Githae, E. W; Nyabuga, I; Muraya, M
Sweet potato production is constrained by many biotic factors which include parasitic root knot nematodes. Root knot nematodes (RKN) pose a significant threat to a wide range of agricultural crops. The effect of RKN on sweet potatoes include reduced yields and poor quality of the tubers, high costs of production and hence loss of income. Moreover, development of resistance by RKN has partly rendered various pest management strategies ineffective, therefore risking food security. It is likely more losses may be experienced in future due to ongoing withdrawal of nematocides from the market. Information on distribution and management of root knot nematodes is limited. This study aimed in the isolation and characterization of root knot nematodes from soils and root tubers of sweet potato farms in different agro ecological zones of Kirinyaga County. From the undertaken study, prevalence and distribution of root knot nematodes was analyzed based on early cropping of sweet potatoes between one to two months and post harvested farms. Across all sweet potato farms, identification through microscopy revealed parasitic RKNs that were Meloidogyne species, Pratylenchus species, Trichodorus species among other spiral nematodes (Helicotyllenchus species and Scutellonema species) that are also categorized as parasitic nematodes. Reniformis (Rotylenchus species) were also identified as well as predatory nematodes which were singled out too under microscope observations. Root tubers that were stained pink with phloxine B showed large galls with mature female root knot nematodes under microscopy. Based on the questionnaire answers from farmers, they were familiar with nematode symptoms on sweet potatoes however, awareness of nematodes was low.
8th International Research Conference Theme: “Higher Education Strategies for Mitigating Impacts of Pandemics.”: Proceedings
(Chuka University, 2022) Isutsa, D. K. (Ed.)
INFLUENCE OF RETAINED EARNINGS ON THE GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN RWANDA
(Chuka University, 2022) Rubanda, E; Namusonge, G. S; Oluoch, O.
This study analyzed the influence of retained earnings finance structure on the growth of manufacturing SMEs in Rwanda. Mixed research design was used in collecting, analyzing and interpreting quantitative data. The target population was all the 868 SMEs registered with Rwanda Development Board as of November 2017. A sample of 273 firms was taken using stratified and random sampling techniques. Close-ended questionnaires were used in data collection. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. Multiple regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between retained earnings and the growth of small and medium size manufacturing enterprises in Rwanda. The findings revealed a beta coefficient of β=0.255, p=0.000 <0.05, indicating that retained earnings have a positive and significant effect on growth of manufacturing SMEs in Rwanda. Hence, a unit increase in retained earnings would result into an increase of 0.225 units in growth of SMEs. Among the recommendations, the management of the SMEs in Rwanda should consider reinvesting some of the profits into business to support growth. Similarly, governments, NGOs and lending institutions must come together to create a forum where small business are trained in cash and capital management. This will ensure that some small businesses retain their earnings to finance firm expansion and growth during times of low liquidity such as the turbulent financial times created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SURVIVING A PANDEMIC CRISIS: STRATEGIES FOR TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Kinyua, C.; Kangai, D.; Njoroge, J.
Global disease outbreaks have become a major concern for sustainability of tourism and hospitality industry. Recently, many top performing tourism destinations were gripped by Covid-19 and Kenya was not spared either. There are no ways of keeping the world safe from pandemics and so the main point of concern ought to be means of surviving when, not if plague strikes. Therefore, this paper aims to offer answers to what can be done to mitigate devastating effects of pandemics in tourism and hospitality operations. The research systematically reviewed 40 articles which were selected using the PRISMA flowchart criteria. The review examined both reactive and proactive coping strategies that have been devised to help the industry bounce back after a pandemic crisis. Based on the analysis, promotion of domestic tourism, tax waivers, economic aids and demonstration of commitment to safeguard heath were found to be the most common reactive strategies, while diversification of products, shift to other market niches and review of travel policies were found to be the most common proactive strategies. This study proposes the following as survival strategies for the industry; market and product diversification, a cohesive cross-border collaboration within the EAC, substantial automation of sectors, endorsement of certified safe destinations and a special fund for the industry. The study advances knowledge about pandemic crisis management by highlighting the most promising and plausible strategies to navigate the on-going pandemic crisis and those that are unforeseen. The study results have practical implications on what Kenyan tourism and hospitality stakeholders can do in readiness for pandemic predicaments.
ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AND THE RETENTION OFADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK, KENYA.
(Chuka University, 2022) Mugambi, L. M.; Sande, A.
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) has acquired prominence and the services deemed as the effective strategy for reducing adolescent pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) infections by various health stakeholders. Despite availability of the services, evidence presents escalation in percentage of early pregnancies and school dropouts among adolescent girls in Narok County. The study purposed to establish the prevalence of ASRH services and retention of adolescent girls’ in secondary schools in Narok County. The total study population was 17813. The target population was secondary school girls aged 15 to 19 years, teachers, public health officers, Non-Governmental Organization officers working in ASRH program and administrators in Narok County. About 377 people were sampled, randomly and purposively. The cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis was done using linear regression. Results of the study revealed that the higher the prevalence of SRH services, the higherthe retention of adolescent girls in secondary schools (p = 0.001). Awareness about ASRH services among adolescent girls reduced early pregnancy and also increased their retention in secondary schools (R= 0.72). Results indicated that the ASRH information, Voluntary counselling and HIV/AIDS testing, delivery services, screening for STDs, family planning services were significantly utilised (0.000). However, prenatal care was less significantly utilised by the adolescent girls (0.008). The study recommended reinforcement on provision of the ASRH servicesto the adolescent girls to further increase girls’ retention in secondary schools.
EFFECT OF LIQUIDITY RISK ON SHAREHOLDERS’ WEALTH IN COMMERCIAL BANKS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
(Chuka University, 2022) Mogusu, Margaret Wanjiru; Nkari, Isaac Micheni; Masinde, Joseph
Shareholders’ wealth is among key decisions in a firm because it has a bearing in overall investor perception and firm value. There has been concern about declining value of shareholders’ wealth among commercial banks listed at the Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE). Previous studies have linked financial risk to shareholders’ wealth. The researchers however fail to agree on the magnitude and direction of the effect. It is not established how liquidity risk would affect shareholders’ wealth of commercial banks listed at the NSE. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of Liquidity risk on Shareholders’ wealth of Commercial Banks listed at then NSE. Descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was eleven commercial banks that had been constantly listed at the NSE from 2013-2019. A census was conducted to collect data from the eleven banks due to the smallness of the population. Data was collected using a checklist. Data was obtained from published financial statements and the Banking survey publications for seven years from 2013 to 2019. Data was analyzed using simple and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 25.0. Hypothesis was tested using t-statistic at 5% significance level. The study found that liquidity risk had a negative effect on shareholders’ wealth (regression coefficient -0.556, p-value of 0.023). Firms that have high liquidity have more cash flow and are able to take investment opportunities and hence increase shareholders’ value. The study recommends commercial banks to come up with ways of minimizing this risk.
ASSOCIATION OF SECURITY RISK TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH SAFETY IN UNIVERSITIES,KENYA.
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2022) Mwenda, Mutegi,T.
This study determined the effect of security risk control programmes on safety in universities in Tharaka-Nithi and Meru. Descriptive survey research design was used targeting staff and students in the Universities. A complete enumeration the 27 top management staff and a sample of 72 students and 71 staff was conducted. Data collection was done using questionnaires pre-tested at Dedan Kimathi University using split half technique obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.769. Data analysis was done using inferential statistics and results were presented incross tabulations, Chi-square, frequency and percentages. The analysis used Statistical Package for Social Sciences. All universities have implemented various programmes aimed at increasing safety in the universities. The results further revealed that there was no significant association of security risk training programmes with safety in universities since 0.496>0.05 and chi-square was 49.936. This study will form a basis of policy formulation on safety and security matters in public universities in Kenya and provide a basis for further research in the field. Keywords: Security, risk, safety, security training, Control, Universities
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND ACADEMIC STAFF TURNOVER INTENTIONS IN UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Muguna, A. T; Micheni, I. N; Kirika, J. M; Kaimenyi, C. K.
This study established the effects of leadership styles on academic staff turnover intentions in universities in Kenya. The specific objectives were to: establish the effect of employee leadership styles (autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire) on academic staff turnover intentions. The study hypothesized that there was no statistically significant relationship between leadership styles and academic staff turnover intentions in universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on Lewin Kurt model of leadership and the Harvard model of HRM. The study was anchored on positivism research philosophy and a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. The study population was 17,210 academic staff in chartered universities in Kenya from whom a sample of 364 academic staff was drawn. A multistage sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Reliability was established through the use of Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. The results revealed that autocratic leadership style has a significant positive influence on academic staff turnover intentions. In contrast, democratic and laissez-faire leadership styles negatively influence academic staff turnover intentions in universities in Kenya. The findings will contribute to theory, policy-making and HRM practice.

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