Conferences

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/chuka/7930

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 132

TRIPLE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING TECHNIQUES: APPLICATION TO KENYA’S INDUSTRIAL INPUTS PRICE INDEX
(Chuka University, 2021) Koech, Emmanuel K.; Wagala, Adolphus; Muriithi, Dennis K.
A move towards industrialization is an active ingredient in achieving sustainable economic development owing to the derived benefits of the creation of employment opportunities and enhanced international trade. Through its big four agenda launched on December 12, 2017, Kenya aims to foster the manufacturing sector. One of the industrial- agenda is reducing the costs of industrial inputs. Thus, an accurate predictive model that can be used to gauge the cost of manufacturing inputs ought to be developed. The current study compared the pertinence of two Holt-Winter Exponential Smoothing (HWES) techniques in forecasting Kenya's industrial inputs price data. Unlike simple moving average, where past values are weighted equally, exponential functions assign exponentially decaying weights, over time. The study used secondary data on Kenya's monthly industrial inputs price index from January 1980 to June 2018 extracted from the OECD website. The data had 450 observations and was analyzed using R software. The findings indicated that a hybrid of both the additive and multiplicative HWES model efficiently captures the nonlinearity or seasonality of industrial inputs price index series. Specifically, the “optimal” model was a specification of the multiplicative error, additive trend, and multiplicative seasonality (“MAM”) with a performance accuracy of 2.3% in terms Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) in making 24 months step-ahead forecasts. The model outperformed the purely additive (2.44%) or multiplicative HWES model (2.55%). The estimated smoothing of alpha, beta and gamma were; 0.9647, 0.1378, and 0.0004, respectively. The prediction future prices movement is beneficial to producers, consumers and policymakers. The 24-period forecast of the industrial inputs the price index indicates a falling trend, and indication that the industrial agenda shows some prospects in the reduction of the cost of inputs
EDUCATION AND TRAINING REVITALIZATION INNOVATIONS INFLUENCE OF STUDENTS SELF-CONCEPT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MERU SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2021) Rugendo, Kithinji; Wanja, Njagi; Nelson, Jagero
Mathematics has become the backbone for prosperity in almost all field of Life. Secondary school mathematics education lays a strong foundation for all types of learning at the secondary school level and more so at higher levels of learning. Thus, mathematics is a prerequisite for better achievement at higher stage. Developing individuals with strong self-concept do contribute significantly to their performance. Studies on self-concept and their impacts on academic performance have predominantly focused on teachers’ specific instructional methods. Students believe knowing mathematics is about remembering and applying certain rules correctively in a problem and that the only correct answer is the one given by the teacher. Most research into factors that influence academic performance mainly focus on cognitive domains but less on affective domains of learning. Students Self-concept has been linked to academic achievement, social adjustment, healthy behaviour and positive employment outcomes. Thus, there is comparatively little self-concepts research examining influence of students’ self- concept construct (academic effort, family background, students’ perception and number of contact hours of the teacher) on academic performance. The researcher used a quantitative approach using correlational design was utilized. Constructs of self-concept were hypothesized to influence academic performance. This design allows the understanding of important phenomena through the identification of relationship among variables. Simple random sampling was carried out in select Coeducational schools. The study population was all Form two students in Kitui County. The sample size was 277 Form two students in Meru South Sub- County, Kenya. The instrument for data collection was self-description questionnaire. Students completed self-concepts scales and the data was recorded. Students’ average marks were collected and then analyzed to observe whether there was a trend between high self-concept and higher academic performance. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, a one way ANOVA with the help of Statistical Package of Social Scientists (SPSS) version 22.0. Cronbach alpha was used to test reliability of the research instrument. The reliability was found to be 0.84. The study revealed a strong relationship between students self – concept and academic performance. On students effort and students family background, girls recorded higher variability on interest in learning, Self-concept is perceived positively by students; however this does not affect directly students’ mathematical performance but does so when students put less efforts in solving problem on what has been taught to them previously. The researcher recommends that teachers and all stakeholders should take it as their responsibility to develop students’ positive self-concept when interacting with them. Keywords: Effect, Self-concept, academic performance, student perception, family background, contact hours
ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AMONG RICE MILL WORKERS IN CENTRAL KENYA (MWEA)
(Chuka University, 2021) Njue, Richard Mwaniki
Rice milling involves removal of the husk and bran layer, a process which causes emission of inorganic dust and synthetic chemicals that have adverse effects on respiratory health, eyes and skin of exposed workers. Further, rice husk is known to have high silica content which may cause pulmonary disease resembling asbestosis and possibly bronchogenic carcinoma. It is estimated that most workers spend a third of their time at work hence the need for positive occupational risk perception through awareness which has a significant impact on safe behaviour at work. This study assessed the level of awareness on occupational safety and health among rice mill workers in central Kenya (Mwea). Four out of the seven large scale mills were selected at random for the purpose of this study. The study population was 400 and the sample size was 196. Cross sectional survey study design was adopted and structured questionnaires were administered. The level of training (21%) and knowledge (24%) of safety and health at workplace was low. The supervisors’ awareness was also low (33%) across the sampled mills. The respondents’ perception of the positive safety climate was (53%) disagree while the managers’ measure of importance of health and safety in the workplace on a scale of 1 to 10 was at an average of 4.5. There was no significant association between safety awareness and age (p=0.919) and the cross tabulation between level of education and safety awareness was p=0.98. None of the selected mills had registered their premises as a workplace or formed safety and health committee. The study concluded that the level of awareness on safety and health was low among the workers and occupiers of the workplaces in the selected rice mills. The government should deal with the abysmal registration of workplaces for improved level of awareness, workers enlightenment of legal rights and reduced workplace hazards, injuries and accidents.
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF Tithoniadiversifolia AND Kigeliaafricana AGAINST TOMATO FUSARIUM WILT PATHOGEN (FusariumoxysporumLycopersci)
(Chuka University, 2021) Awere, C. A.; Githae, E. W.; Gichumbi, J. M.
Fusarium wilt disease caused by the soil-borne fungusFusariumoxysporum Schlechttheisaserious threat to tomato production worldwide. Chemical and cultural methods of management used are either ineffective or toxic to the environment. Plant secondary metabolites; therefore, pose a possible alternative because they are environmentally friendly and have minimal effect on non-target organisms. This study screened phytochemical compounds of two plants; Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray and Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth and assessed their potency in controlling plant fungal pathogen F. oxysporum, a causal agent of Fusarium wilt disease in tomatoes. Leaf extractsof T. diversifolia and fruit extract of K. africana were concentrated in water and screened for phytochemical contents using standard procedures. Concentrations used were25g/L,50g/Land100g/Ltosockthedisc. Fusarium oxysporum was isolated from infected soil using potato dextrose media, Antifungal activity was evaluated by measuring the zone of inhibition against the test organism. The results showed that the mean inhibitory zones were highest at 100g/l in both plants, although K. africana fruit extract portrayed the highest inhibitoryactivity compared to Tithonia africana. The effect of the plant extracts and the negative control was statistically significant (p<0.05). This study indicates that K. africana and T. diversifolia possess the antifungal activity and can be used as a broad- spectrum fungicide against F. oxysporum. These plant extracts may provide an effective measure for the management of Fusarium wilt of tomatoes that may form an integral part of integrated management and it also has prospect as an alternative to reliance only on fungicides.
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE METHODS USED BY ANGLICAN CHURCH OF KENYA IN ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN CHOGORIA ARCHDEACONRY, MERU DIOCESE
(Chuka University, 2021) Kaimuru, F.; Kagema, Dickson N.; Kithinji, Caroline M.
Poverty continues to be the main challenge of human existence in many parts of the world. In Africa it is the main source of agony among individuals and communities. In Kenya it continues to influence people’s lives negatively as the majority lacks the basic essentials including food, clothing, shelter, education and healthcare. In Chogoria Archdeaconry, poverty has continued to affect people, who continue to struggle for survival. In response to this, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), has endeavored to fight the scourge as part of her mission to the society. This study examined the effectiveness of the methods used by ACK to alleviate poverty. The ACK has been involved in the fight against poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry using various methods since it was incepted in 1974. The study investigated reasons for the persistence of poverty; determined the effectiveness of methods used; and established ways of making the methods more effective. The study will benefit researchers in future by adding to the existing knowledge in the field of religion and development. It will help the church leaders get the real picture of the community they serve; the church to realize the reasons why poverty persist in spite of efforts to alleviate it; and establish ways of making the methods more effective. The study was guided by the broad theory of psycho-social approach that emphasize that development should be seen as an improvement of quality of life of an individual, community and country. The study was conducted in Chogoria Archdeaconry, Maara Sub-County in Tharaka Nithi County that has a population of 107,125 people and 8 parishes with a population of 712 followers, 8 priests, 30 Archdeaconry leaders and 674 Christians. Data was collected from a sample size of 384 respondents. The study used descriptive research design and the sampling method used was simple random sampling for community members and purposive sampling technique for church members and archdeaconry leaders. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interviews and observation. Data was analyzed and findings presented using descriptive statistics. The study found that there are various reasons for persistent of poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry which includes: wealth acquisition rather than quality of life, leadership prospecting and corruption, gap between the rich and the poor, unequal distribution of resources, agricultural condition, lack of education, unemployment, dependency, laziness and drunkenness. The methods used to alleviate poverty included: education, establishment of ADS, capacity building, CCMP and microfinance. It further revealed that some of the methods used by ACK to alleviate poverty are not effective and that all methods need to be improved so as to alleviate poverty in Chogoria Archdeaconry.
SELECTION OF OPTIMAL FEATURES IN STATISTICAL MODELLING
(Chuka University, 2021) Gachoki, P. K.; Njoroge, G. G.; Muraya, M. M.
In statistical modelling, selection of optimal features entails making a selection of relevant predictor variables to be used in development of statistical models. Most modelling studies have focused on construction of statistical models skipping out or failing to put on record the process of selection of best features which is an integral part of statistical modeling. This failure might lead to use of duplicated features, features that are less relevant or other that have low variance in addition to random features which could result to poor performing prediction models. This study seeks to discuss how feature selection can be done as a pre-requisite for statistical modeling. Some of the methods used in selection of best features include; forward selection, backward elimination, recursive elimination, entropy selection, variance threshold elimination, chi-square statistics, tree based selection, feature importance and correlation matrix with heat maps. This study is vital to researchers building statistical models since use of optimal features in statistical modeling would lead to high performing statistical models.
DISSEMINATING AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE PLACE OF KISWAHILI AND OTHER INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES IN KENYA’S RURAL COMMUNITIES
(Chuka University, 2021) Kevogo, Stanley Adika; Kevogo, Alex Umbima
The significance of research to any endeavour aimed at the realisation of the aspirations of Kenya's Vision 2030 cannot be gainsaid. It goes without saying that in order to generate and disseminate significant knowledge that contributes to national as well as global development, the language employed in communication is very critical. At present, most scientific research is conducted and reported almost entirely in English laced with scientific terminology. This state of affairs speaks to the need to present such findings in a language and form that benefits the nation at large. Consequently, the present paper, seeks to interrogate the nexus between language choice and the uptake of agricultural innovations and technology by rural farming communities who rely almost entirely on either Kiswahili or vernacular languages. It argues that given the present status of Kiswahili as an official as well as national language, scientific research and innovations can easily reach the rural farmer in a language they understand and identify with. It is suggested that there is an urgent need to modernise Kiswahili as well as local community languages in order to disseminate such scientific and technical innovations through them. The paper will contribute insights in the fields of terminology and scientific discourse in Kiswahili and other African languages.
EFFECTS OF EARTHING UP AND PRUNING SYSTEMS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum)
(Chuka University, 2021) Keter, I. K.; Oloo-Abucheli, G.; Muraya, M.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important crop cultivated and consumed worldwide. It provides wide variety of nutrients with many health-related benefits like, protection against cancer, maintains blood pressure and reduces blood glucose level in people with diabetes. Despite the importance of tomato, its growth and yield is limited by choice of cultural practices mainly earthing up and pruning system. There is also limited knowledge on the effect of integrating pruning and earthing up on tomato growth and yield. This study investigated the effect of integration of pruning and earthing up on the growth and yield of tomato. A split-plot experimental design, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replications was used. The study investigated two factors i.e. pruning system in the main plot (single stem, double stem, and triple stem) and earthing up in sub-plots. (0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm. The findings of the study revealed that earthing up and pruning system had a significant (p ˂0.05) effect on plant height and stem girth diameter at 45, 52, and 59 days after transplanting. The single stem pruning system and earthing up to 30 cm gave the tallest plant height with an average plant height of 69.80 cm in cultivation 1 and 71.50 cm in cultivation 2. Single stem pruning system and earthing up to 30 cm gave the largest stem girth diameter with mean stem girth diameter of 2.16 cm in cultivation 1 and 2.25 cm in cultivation 2. Triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm had highest marketable fruits with 64500 fruits/hectare in cultivation 1 and 64333 fruits/hectare in cultivation 2. To improve tomato growth and development which consequently improves marketable yields, farmers are encouraged to consider triple stem pruning system with earthing up to level 30 cm.
A NOTE ON THE BASIC REPRODUCTION NUMBER: NOVEL CORONA VIRUS (2019-nCOV)
(Chuka University, 2021) Ochwach, Jimrise O.; Okongo, Mark O.; Muraya, Moses
The basic reproductive number, R 0, is the expected number of secondary infections produced by a single individual during his or her entire infectious period, in a completely susceptible population. This concept is fundamental to the study of epidemiology and within-host pathogen dynamics. It is often used as a threshold parameter that can predicts whether an infection will spread or not. Since the outbreak of 2019 novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan and other cities of China the growth and spread of this disease is of a growing global concern. Many studies have been carried out and are continued to be carried to model the spread and subsequent control of the disease. In this paper, we give a brief overview of common methods of formulating R 0 from deterministic, non-structured models. Finally, we survey the recent use of R 0 in assessing the spread of novel corona virus
PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF INTEGRATED RURAL TOURISM PLANNING ON COMMUNITIES’ REVENUES AND RESOURCES VITALITY IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka university, 2021) Nzomo, ST; Muriuki, LM,; Omollo, Jw,
Rural Tourism is regarded as a key economic activity and a conservation tool for rural tourism resources in many developing countries. In Kenya, tourism is concentrated in urban and coastal regions while marginalizing rural destinations with potentials for tourism product development. Failure to involve communities, lack of sectoral coordination as well as in appropriate destination conservation approaches in rural areas such as Makueni impedes tourism economic benefits. Developing an integrated rural tourism development plan is likely to enhance equity in revenue sharing and future resources vitality for the marginalized local communities. This research aimed to investigate the perceived effect of integrated rural tourism planning on communities’ Revenues and resources vitality in Makueni County. The objective of the study is to determine the perceived effect of integrated rural tourism planning on communities’ revenues and resources vitality in Makueni County. This study used descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population size was 182,000 residents and a representative sample of 385 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to identify the study sites while stratified random sampling was used to pick the respondents. Primary data was acquired through the use of questionnaires which were administered to the host community and the tourism developers in the selected sub- Counties. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Categorical and logistic regression analysis was carried out for all the objectives and significant levels were sought at p ≤ 0.05. The results indicated that Minimizing the misuse of resources (p = 0.01) and consensus on prioritizing beneficiaries (p = 0.04) emerged as the most appropriate ways of achieving equity in revenues Sharing. Building environmental awareness (p< 0.01), respecting local cultures (p< 0.01), niche marketing (p = 0.01) and implementation of the code of conduct (p< 0.01) were identified as the most appropriate conservation measures of enhancing resources vitality in Makueni County. This indicates that integrated rural tourism planning has a positive implication towards achievement of equity in revenues sharing and enhancement of resources vitality in the County. The study recommends that integrated rural tourism planning should involve coordination of various sectors which will enhance equal representation of all the stakeholders in planning and decision making process and hence contribute to equity in revenue sharing. Destination managers ought to lie out emphasis on sustainable use of the available rural tourism resources through building environmental awareness, respecting local cultures, creation of appropriate, niche marketing and implementation of code of conduct in the protected areas of Makueni County.
INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES IN HANDLING LEARNERS WITH DIVERSE NEEDS ON LEARNING AMONG PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KIAMBU WEST SUB COUNTY, KENYA
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2021) Wanjiku, Kang’ara; Koech, Peter
Learning of preschool children continues to face numerous challenges where learners have registered and continued to register dismal grades in basic numeracy, language and creativity skills. Thus, the study examined the influence of teachers’ instructional practices in handling learners with diverse needs in Kiambu County, Kenya. The objective, of the study was to investigate the influence of teachers’ instructional practices in handling learners with diverse needs. The study adopted mixed methods approach, concurrent triangulation design. Target population comprised of 80 head teachers, 187 preschool teachers and 240 parents’ representatives and 2400 preschool learners all totaling to 2907. Stratified sampling was applied to create five strata based on number of zones. From each zone, two head teachers and 11 preschool teachers were selected using purposive sampling. 4 parents’ representatives and 48 preschool learners were selected using simple random sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data from preschool teachers and interview schedules were used to collect data from head teachers. Focus group discussion was used to collect data from parents’ representatives and observation checklists were used for collection of data from preschool learners. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative form whereas quantitative data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using statistical package for social science (SPSS 23) and presented using statistical tables. The study established that preschool teachers with positive attitudes, interests and trained enhance learning in preschools. The study established that preschool teachers who doesn’t engage learners in collaborative activities such as, mixed ability grouping, play, peer teaching, remedial work ,provision of favorable learning environment and engaging parents do not enhance preschool learners’ language skills, numeracy skills and learners’ acquisition of creativity skills. The study recommends that teachers should understand the effectiveness of positive attitudes, interests and training in harnessing learners’ academic, disciplinary and behavioral skills. Keywords: Learners with Diverse needs, instructional practices, Literacy, Numeracy, literacy, creativity
PERCEIVED CAUSES OF STUDENTS’ LOW ENROLMENT IN PHYSICS IN CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MERU SOUTH SUBCOUNTY, KENYA
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2021) Uside, Otiende
Physics is an important science domain that enables learners to develop analytical skills neccessary for problem solving in technical fields. Physics content is relevant to all learners irrespective of the careers in which they become established since it provides information and skills that propel ingenuity. However there is a global decline in enrolment and graduation rate in Physics at all levels. This study sought to establish the causes of low students’ enrolment in Physics in secondary schools in Meru south subcounty. The objective of the study was to establish students’ and teachers’ perceptions on causes of low students’ enrolment in Physics. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample consisted of 10 co-educational day secondary schools obtained through simple random sampling. The research instruments consisted of two questionnaires (A and B). The questionnaires consisted of 15 items on selected factors that could likely cause students’ low enrolment and students / teachers perceptions on the state of students’ enrolment rated on a likert scale. The pearson product moment coefficient was performed to ascertain the reliability of the questionnaire. A reliability of 0.74 was obtained and the questionnaires adapted. Collected data was analysed using SPSS software version 22. Descriptive statistics and Correlation analysis (pearson product moment correlation coefficient) were used to establish the nature and magnitude of association between study variables. Correlation test was done at 0.05 level of significance. The study established that some topics in the form two syllabus were too abstract to the students while teachers expressed difficulty in explaining certain concepts. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between school factors and students’ enrolment in Physics. The study recommended training more female teachers in the field of science and inservicing of teachers on the absract topics was recommended. Further, complex topics in form two to be moved to the form three syllabus to allow learners to mature. Keywords: Physics, Students enrolment, Coeducational school, Perception.
DIRECT AND MATERNAL (CO)VARIANCE COMPONENTS AND GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR GROWTH TRAITS OF DORPER SHEEP IN SEMI-ARID KENYA
(Chuka university, 2021) C. M., Kariuki
Genetic and phenotypic parameters for lamb growth traits for the Dorper sheep were estimated from data obtained from the Sheep and Goats Station in Naivasha, Kenya. Traits considered were body weights at birth (BW0, kg), at 1 month (BW1, kg), at 2 months (BW2, kg), at weaning (WW, kg), at 6 months (BW6, kg), at 9 months (BW9, kg) and at yearling (YW, kg), average daily gain from birth to 6 months (ADG0–6, gm) and from 6 months to 1 year (ADG6–12, gm). Direct heritability estimates were, 0.18, 0.36, 0.32, 0.28, 0.21, 0.14, 0.29, 0.12 and 0.30 for BW0, BW1, BW2, WW, BW6, BW9, YW, ADG0–6 and ADG6–12, respectively. The corresponding maternal genetic heritability estimates for body weights up to 9 months were 0.16, 0.10, 0.10, 0.19, 0.21 and 0.18. Direct maternal genetic correlations were negative and high ranging between −0.47 to −0.94. Negative genetic correlations were observed for ADG0–6 and ADG6–12, BW2 and ADG6–12, WW and ADG6–12 and BW6 and ADG6–12. Phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.15 to 0.96. Maternal effects are important in the growth performance of the Dorper sheep though a negative correlation exists between direct and maternal genetic effects. The current study has provided important information on the extent of additive genetic variation in the existing flocks that could now be used in determining the merit of breeding rams and ewes for sale to the commercial flocks. The estimates provided would form the basis of designing breeding schemes for the Dorper sheep in Kenya. Keywords: Annual trends; Dorper sheep; (Co)variance components; Genetic parameters; Growth traits
CHANGING TRENDS IN MALE INITIATION RITE OF CIRCUMCISION AMONG THE AMERU OF IMENTI SOUTH SUBCOUNTY (1950-2016)
(Chuka University, 2021) Kathio, Isaac.; Nkonge, Dickson K.; Kithinji, Caroline M.
Male initiation rite of circumcision has been a subject of discussion but the truth has been concealed because it was often presented as an unpenetratable topic by the Ameru because of the secrecy of the rite. The Bukusu, the Maasai, the Pokot, the Agikuyu and the Ameru have over the years carried out the rite traditionally. Changes in male initiation rite of circumcision from traditional to modern among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County began way back before 1950s. The changing trend has left the Meru people of Imenti South Sub County in a dilemma on the ideal form of male initiation rite of circumcision. This study investigated the changing trends from traditional to modern in male initiation rite of circumcision among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County between 1950 and 2016. The objectives of the study were to examine the changes in male circumcision practices, to establish the causes of the changes and the effects arising from changes in male initiation rite of circumcision among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County. The significance of this study is that it contributes to social historiography of the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County. The study covers the period between 1950 and 2016, the peak of colonial domination and the climax of changes respectively. Literature presented is on male initiation among the Ameru, changes in male initiation rite, causes of changes and effects arising from the changes. The study was guided by Modernization Theory in exploring avenues of transition of male initiation rite of circumcision from traditional to modern. Descriptive research design was used. The location of the study was Imenti South Sub County of Meru County. The target population was 61,091 from three divisions in the Sub County namely Nkuene, Abogeta and Igoji. Simple random sampling method was used in this study. Research instruments used were interview schedules, focus group discussions and observation. Data was collected from oral, secondary and archival sources. Data from oral sources was corroborated with data from archival and secondary sources to ensure validity and reliability of the study. Qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive narratives while quantitative data got was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and tables. Data got through observation was presented in pictorial form. This study established that changes in male circumcision can be traced from the time of colonialism. The major findings of this research were that traditional practice involved use of same knife on the initiates; the people were superstitious and that interaction between the indigenous people, colonialists and missionaries as early made the Ameru to embrace modern male circumcision. Changes were noted in the education offered, tools used, seclusion, commercialization of circumcision and method of circumcision. Changes were facilitated by urbanization, formal schooling, health facilities and colonization all of which were intended to Christianize the operations. The factors leading to change included Christianity, western formal education, individualism, high cost of living, health concerns, advocacy and urbanization. It was established that effects of changes included but not limited to social disorder, rivalry among groups, HIV protection and bad neighborliness. The study established drastic changes in male initiation rite of circumcision such as involvement of women and documentation of the process. The effects of changes are being dealt with by the government, the church and the civil society through advocacy and blending of traditional and modern aspects of male rite of circumcision. This study will bridge the knowledge gap on male initiation among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County and provide empirical data that can be of use to other scholars carrying out related studies.
EFFECTS OF LAND FRAGMENTATION AND CROP DIVERSITY ON SMALLHOLDERS’ FARM INCOME; CASE OF KISII COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021) Kiprop, Ibrahim Nyariki; Ngugi, Joram Kamau; Kosgei, Geoffrey Kipruto
With global climate change becoming evident across the continent, agriculture has suffered greatly due to the effects of global warming. Erratic weather conditions and sporadic rainfall patterns which are unpredictable have led to the compromise of food security especially in areas where farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture. The effects of climate change have led to the failure of crops in the field compounded by uncertainty in agricultural planning hence affecting farmer’s income across the agricultural value chain. This study conceptualized land fragmentation as the production of different crops in different geographical location by a single farmer. A 3 Stage Least Squares model (3SLS) to estimate how land fragmentation and crop diversity affect smallholder farmers’ income was employed. To measure land fragmentation, the Januszewki index (JI) was adopted while crop diversity was captured using the Entropy index method. The results show that land fragmentation has a positive effect on crop diversity. Farm crop diversity affects positively the level of farm income. The findings suggest that land fragmentation, as much as it has had a negative view on its effect, it can be of positive impact especially on farming households with small farms.
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES REVITALIZATION INNOVATIONS LOSS AND GRIEF COUNSELLING AS A COPING MECHANISM OF WIDOWHOOD: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WIDOWERS AND WIDOWS IN MERU COUNTY KENYA
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2021) Mburugu, Beatrice
Widowhood has been on increase globally and Kenya as nation is not exceptional. The state of widowhood globally has been made worse during this period of Corona Virus Disease which started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 (WHO, 2019). Losing a spouse through death is quite emotive and may affect the bereaved persons’ psychosocial wellbeing as well as coping mechanism. In Meru community of Kenya, few researches have been done on counselling as a coping mechanism of widowhood. The study’s main purpose was to determine how loss and grief counselling is used as a coping mechanism by comparing widowers and widows in Meru County Kenya. A descriptive survey was employed in the study where ex post facto’s causal-comparative research design was appropriately used. A total population of 80,332 widowed persons in Meru County was targeted. For comparison purposes, a total sample size of 384 respondents was used; half from each gender. Questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data from respondents based on gender. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. Widows sought for loss and grief counselling more at 61% than widowers at 47 % and from FGDs more than 70% and less than 20% respectively. From t-test results there was a statistically significant difference which favored widows than widowers in seeking for counselling services. In conclusion, the study findings may assist the widows and widowers to seek timely loss and grief counselling services as a positive coping mechanism. Keywords: Widowhood, loss and grief counselling, coping mechanism, psychosocial wellbeing, widow/ widowers
ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES AND MAGNETIC ORDER OF COMPOSITIONALLY AND STRUCTURALLY RE-ARRANGED HEUSLER COMPOUND Mn2CoAl
(Chuka University, 2021) Muthui, Zipporah Wanjiku
Heusler compound Mn2CoAl has been reported to possess the spin gapless property. It has been proposed as a candidate for application in fabrication of spin-logic and energy efficient spintronic devices. While some theoretical studies have reported a ferromagnetic order in the ordered alloy, some have reported a ferrimagnetic order. Some reports have found the regular L21 crystal structure more stable, while others have reported the inverse Heusler structure as being more stable. Recently, its ferrimagnetic order was observed experimentally using the synchrotron-based x-ray magnetic circular dichroism technique. These results have been explained using theoretical investigations of the interaction between the atom resolved states and magnetic moments using the Density Functional Theory (DFT), as implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO package, for the compositionally ordered and disordered systems as well as distorted and un distorted crystal structures. The exchange-correlation potential is treated with the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA), employing the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation functional (PBE-GGA). The inverse Heusler structure is found to be more stable than the L21 structure. There is a near zero gap in the majority states, while a clear gap at the Fermi level is evident in the minority states. Tetragonalizing the structure causes an increased intersection of the Mn d states at the Fermi level, causing the electronic structure to tend towards a half metal rather than a spin gapless semiconductor. Higher structural distortions destroy the half metallic gap, resulting in a metallic electronic structure. Intermixing of the states results in a half metallic electronic structure. The Mn magnetic moments couple antiferromagnetically in the optimized, slightly distorted and compositionally rearranged structures. A ferromagnetic coupling is found in the more distorted structures.
LEARNING TEACHING SKILLS THROUGH MICRO-TEACHING IN TEACHER TRAINING FOR CHEMISTRY TEACHING
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2021) Ituma, Monica
Teacher training equips teachers with skills that help them to substantially develop learner knowledge, skills and attitudes that translate to quality education and eventual development of a nation. The professional preparation of teachers requires that the individual being trained as a teacher should gain skills and abilities that are required to teach in a real classroom setting. To improve the acquisition of basic teaching skills, most initial teacher training programs include practice sessions through microteaching. It is notable that in most developing countries, there are serious resource constraints with many institutions lacking basic facilities such as microteaching laboratories, enough personnel for practice and adequate technological support. However, the importance of microteaching in teacher training is highly emphasized in many countries including Kenya. It is therefore important to determine whether microteaching carried out during teacher training is helpful in imparting intended skills. This study seeks to describe the teaching skills that are gained during microteaching, the perception of teacher trainees towards the effectiveness of microteaching in imparting the skills and the practices during microteaching process that assist in skill acquisition. Sixty Chemistry teacher trainees participated in the study. Descriptive research design was used. Questionnaires, microteaching lesson observation guide and focus group discussions were used to collect data from the participants. Over 85% of the student teachers indicated that microteaching helped them develop and practice teaching skills to a great extent. Many teaching skills were observed during the microteaching sessions and the participants were of the opinion that peer collaboration and lesson review were key activities in improving teaching skills. Teacher trainers should focus on improving specific teaching skills through microteaching. Teacher training should allocate more time and resources (detailed guides), in microteaching for quality teacher preparation. Key words: Microteaching, Teaching skills, Teacher training, Microteaching skills
ENHANCEMENT OF MULTI-PURPOSE PUMPKIN (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) YIELDS USING NITROGEN, MULCH AND GIBBERELLIC ACID
(Chuka university, 2021) S.W, Munyiri,
Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) acts as a dependable source of food, providing families producing it with various diets and contribution to household food security. Unravelling effects of nitrogen, mulch and gibberellic acid (GA3) on seed, fruit weight and number of multipurpose pumpkin would help maximize economic and medicinal value of pumpkin. Subsequently, an experiment arranged in split-plots in randomized complete block design and replicated three times was conducted at Chuka University in two seasons from January 2019 and July 2020. The main plots were assigned to nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha CAN), split plots to mulch (no mulch, black- painted and unpainted rice straws), while sub-plots to GA3 (0, 40 and 80 mg/L). Each nitrogen rate was applied in equal doses at three weeks seedling 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 using a knapsack sprayer, starting with 40 mg/L followed by 80 mg/L. Data collection was done fortnightly from the fourth week after emergence and data values subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS software and means separated using least significant difference at P=0.05. Nitrogen effect was significant on the number of seeds in both seasons. The 150kg N/ha CAN during the first and the second season had the highest number of fruits (3.70≈9250 and 5.63≈14,075 fruits/ha), total fruit weight (11.28≈28,200 kg/ha and 17.61≈44,025 kg/ha) and number of seeds (603.9≈1,509,750 and 575.7≈1,439,250 seeds/ha) respectively. Black painted mulch produced significantly higher total weight and number of fruits during the first season compared to the unpainted and no mulch. It also gave better results in all the treatments. Effect of GA3 was insignificant during both seasons. The results show that 150kg N/ha and black- painted mulch would give yields of economic value to farmers. Use of GA3 may not result in increased number of seeds, total weight and number of pumpkin fruits. Keywords: AIVs, Fruit weight, Fruit set, Plant growth regulators, Pumpkin seeds
BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF DOMESTIC BOREHOLES IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021) Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Ogolla, Fredrick O.; Karimi, Jedida
Water shortage that is caused by long droughts and higher cost of accessing piped water have forced many households in Kenya to opt for wells and borehole water. Where they are used, boreholes are exposed to contaminationbypathogenic microorganismsfrom nearbytoilets,defecationfromdomesticatedanimalsand surface runoff.Despiteofknown healthconcernsofconsumingcontaminated water manyruralresidentsconsumeborehole water whose portability is not determined and may not meet WHO standards. Thus, this study was conducted in Tharaka Nithi County to determine bacterial safety of selected wells and boreholes in Maara, IgambaNgombe and Tharaka Constituencies between March to September 2019. A total of 108 water samples were collected from 36 boreholes. The samples were analyzed at Chuka University using most probable number methods, Plate count and bacteria species identified using selected biochemical methods. Data (MPN) for different locations of study and boreholes were compared using general linear method in SAS. Significance means were separated using least significant difference post hoc test in SAS version 9.4. Number of bacteria isolated from water samples were also compared using general linear model. Feacal coliform values exceeding WHO recommendation of (0 CFU/ 100 ml was observed in all borehole surveyed. Mean MPN value of 17.5/ 100 ml CFU was observed in Kawangware in tharakasouth.ColiformbacteriaE.coli,Bacillusspp,Klebsiellasppwereisolated inallthewatersampled.However, E. coli followed by Bacillus sppwere higher compared to the rest of isolates.Occurrence of these bacteria in borehole water put the health of depended consumers at risk of infection

Browse

Browsing Conferences by Issue Date