8th International Research Conference of Chuka University,2021

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
EFFECT OF SERVICE RELIABILITY ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY TO SUPERMARKETS IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Nyaga, Janet Wanja; Nkari, Isaac M.; Otiso, Henry
Although supermarkets in Meru have launched quality customer service programs aimed at ensuring customer loyalty to the supermarkets, their effect has not been evaluated. Supermarkets therefore risk losing loyal customers to online and other platforms. Increased interest in service quality is mostly motivated by understanding that the outcome of customer loyalty is as a result of better service quality. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of service reliability on customer loyalty to supermarkets. A descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was the 4140 Meru County Government staff who visit the 36 supermarkets in Meru County. A sample of 364 shoppers was picked using simple random sampling technique. The study employed a questionnaire to collect primary data which was collected by the help of a questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics was utilized with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Multiple linear regression model was employed in analyzing data and the hypotheses was tested at 5% level of significance. The findings of the study were then presented in form of tables, figures and equations. There was a positive significant effect of service reliability on service quality with regression coefficient of 1.153 and a p=0.000. It is anticipated that the findings of the study will help the management of supermarkets to devise strategies geared towards increasing loyalty for the stores and hence increasing their profitability.
THE ROLE OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN MITIGATING IMPACTS OF PANDEMICS FORSUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY
(Chuka University, 2022) Gathungu, G. K.
Pandemics like COVID-19 have spread rapidly and extensively around the world resulting to profound implications on food and nutrition security. The pandemics affects food systems stability which threatens food availability, food access and food utilization. Covid-19 has since 2019 become a major disruption to food supply chains due to lockdowns that have resulted to low supply of factors of production like inputs, labour among others resulting to decreased productivity of production systems. The pandemics have resulted in lower incomes and higher prices of some foods, putting food out of reach for many, and undermining the right to food and hence affecting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2. The pandemics are intertwined with the sustainability of food security in complex ways. The Covid-19 pandemic raises the risk that government’s attention and funding will be diverted from climate change and environmental maintenance concerns such as biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance to health systems maintenance which will affect the sustainability of the food system and the nations’ economies. These situations call for transformation of food systems through farming communities embracing sustainable production systems like organic farming which is low cost and uses locally available resources. Organic farming will enable communities to increase food and nutrition security by enabling diversification of food systems and empower vulnerable and marginalized groups and promote sustainability of the production system across all aspects of food supply chains, from production to consumption. This will occur because organic farming facilitates inter-system linkages that ensures that the food systems, ecological systems, and economic systems results to positive synergies for increased system productivity for sustainable food and nutrition security. This way farmers will be well equipped to steer the world towards a ‘new normal’ in the way it produces food, trades, and consumes and support the resilience and growth of agricultural producers.
EFFECT OF DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY ON PERFORMANCE OF SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES (SACCOS) IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Dereba, P. M.; Nkari, I. C.; Mwirigi, R.
Many enterprises adopt diversification strategy for the sole purpose of expansion and growth. The success of the diversification of an enterprise mainly depends on the choice and implementation of a strategy. Choosing an organizational structure that fits the type of diversification strategy used is fundamental to improving financial performance. This study established the effect of diversification strategy on performance of Sacco’s in Tharaka- Nithi. The studied population was 47 registered Sacco’s in Tharaka-Nithi according to SASRA Act 2010, with a sample size of 47 chairpersons of SACCOs. It adopted descriptive survey research design and data was collected through administered questionnaires to the respondents. Data was subjected to simple and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version. Diversification strategy was 3.62, indicating that the respondents agreed with the statements regarding adoption of diversification strategy in their SACCOs and if properly implemented, diversification strategy increased sales volumes and improved SACCO performance. There were increased products and services range offered by the SACCOs, reduced costs of transactions and increased customer base.
TRANSITIVITY ACTION OF THE CARTESIAN PRODUCT OF THE ALTERNATING GROUP ACTING ON A CARTESIAN PRODUCT OF ORDERED SETS OF TUPLES
(Chuka University, 2022) Maraka, M. K.; Musundi, S. M.; Nyaga, L. N.
Transitivity action properties of the alternating group An on ordered and unordered n - tuples and on the direct product of alternating group on unordered sets have been greatly studied by different researchers. However, no work has been done for transitivity action of the Cartesian product of the alternating group on the Cartesian product of ordered n - tuples of sets. This paper determined the transitivity action of the Cartesian product of the alternating group acting on a Cartesian product of ordered sets of triples. The Orbit-Stabilizer Theorem has been used to determine the transitivity action. When n >_ 5 , the action of the Cartesian product of alternating group on the Cartesian product of ordered sets of triples is transitive.
ASSOCIATION OF SECURITY RISK TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH SAFETY IN UNIVERSITIES, KENYA.
(Chuka University, 2022) Mutegi, Tetu Mwenda
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.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINANTS IN NKENYE STREAM IN MERU SOUTH, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Njagi, Eric C.; Njagi, Joachim
Access to portable water remains major global concern due to increased rate of water pollution contributed for by human pressure such as accelerated urbanization, high population, industrialization and intense agricultural activities that destroys riparian zones thus exposing the rivers and streams to toxic and pathogenic pollutants released from untreated organic and inorganic waste. Exposure of river and stream used for drinking water to pollution is detrimental to aquatic plants, human consumers and animals inhabiting water bodies. Nkenye stream in Meru South is depended upon for the use of its water in supplying fish ponds constructed along it, supplying water used for irrigation and provision of water for domestic use to the neighboring homestead. Nonetheless, little attention has been accorded to ascertain the quality of its water despite of the stream being located in an urban area with high exposure to pollutants. Pressure on Nkenye wetlands ecosystem that habour Nkenye stream has seen major destruction of riparian leaving just few plant communities such as Commelina banghalensis whose water purification potential is not well known. Based on the above fact a study was conducted to determine water quality of Nkenye stream based on the presence of heavy metals. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for evaluation. Macrophyte roots were cleaned and dried then powdered and digested using nitric acid. The sediment samples were dried, ground to pas a 2 mm non-metal sieve, digested samples were diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry model PG990 at Chuka University. The concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The results obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The results showed that Nkenye stream is polluted with iron, copper and lead. However, the concentration of iron and copper were within the set standards by the World Health Organization while lead was slightly higher by 0.02 ppm. The results obtained were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The metals contaminants observed in the Nkenye stream water, sediments and root samples may be associated with discharge of wastes from Chuka town particularly wastes from car wash, garages and from farms that surround the stream and the wetland. Considerable amount of lead, copper and iron was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis. This shows that the plant can be utilized in the removal of the above cations in the Nkenye stream. Considerable amount of chemical was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis this shows that the plant can be utilized in removal of chemicals in the stream. Local authorities should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents into the stream.
ETHICAL DILEMA OF RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN EMERGING EPIDEMICS: THE CASE OF COVID-19
(Chuka University, 2022) Mukhwana, Eugine Sundays
Emerging epidemics, including Covid-19, SARs, Ebola, MERS, have posed a dilema on decisions taken in health research and public health interventions. It has been difficult to draw a line between research and public health interventions, paticularly vaccination. Ideally, the development and administration of safe and effective diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine products depend on clinical research. Clinical research should be rigorous, of scientific and societal value, and executed with the highest standards of scientific validity. In this case, validity includes blind treatment assignment, randomization and controls. During development of vaccines, considerations have to be made on the safety and health of the public, patients, essential workers, and healthcare professionals. However, in emerging epidemics (such as the Covid-19 pandemic), implementation programes for public health are hybrids of research and interventions. This raises questions of validity and ethical obligations in the research processes, and in the implementation of public health programmes. Since it is difficult to ascertain the techniques or combination of tools and approaches that will guarantee that epidemics would neither resurge nor spread in the future, it is important to evaluate ethical issues for future control of epidemics and public health. Key among the issues is whether our current conventions of research such as regulations, guidelines and institutional ethical reviews adequately address ethical issues in emerging epidemics and what we need to change to address uncertainities faced in epidemics now and in future. As the Covid-19 pandemic recedes, there may be need for a global health treaty for emergencies.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MOUNTAIN BONGO IN MOUNT KENYA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY AREAS
(Chuka university, 2022) Njeru, M.J; Fundi, P
The study focused on assessing local community knowledge and attitudes towards Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) in Mt Kenya Forest using a descriptive research design. It was conducted in the community neighboring Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy in March 2020. We used interview schedules to assess respondent’s knowledge on the species habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value of the animals within Mount Kenya. Colored photographs of the Mountain Bongo and 12 other selected mammals found in the region were used to assess respondent’s ability to identify the animals and their knowledge on vernacular names of the animals. Interview results from a sample size of 142 informants were analyzed. The results showed that 71.8 % of the respondents could identify the mountain bongo but only 18.3% were aware of its vernacular name. Knowledge on habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value differed significantly from what was expected (p<0.05). Based on logistic regression the knowledge could be predicted based on gender and age and whether one had a previous interaction with the animal. We found that 57% supported bongo conservation whereas 40.8% were undecided due to lack of knowledge about the animal. In addition, 27.5% liked mountain bongo because of attracting tourists, 12.0% felt that the antelope was attractive, 8.5% its size, 4.2% source of products such as bush meat, 4.2% aggressiveness and 0.7% its interesting behaviour. Support for conservation was associated with gender, age and knowledge of the animal. The bongo is well known but basic knowledge of the animal’s ecology is limited. A pro-conservation attitude exists in the community, but utilitarian value attached to it and its habitat could be a constant threat to its conservation in the area

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