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Role of on-farm rainwater harvesting in agriculture as a response to climate change in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2014-10-28) Kiguro, L.
The objective of this paper is to show the role of on-farm rain water harvesting in Agriculture as a response to climate change in Kenya. It is based on the fact that water harvesting is a promising technique widely accepted throughout the world to cope with water scarcity problems in agriculture. Micro-and macro-water harvesting techniques are implemented in arid, semi-arid, and tropical regions, depending on the purpose and circumstances. Water harvesting has been shown to have a positive impact on agricultural production by providing irrigation water during critical growth stages of crops, hence increasing yields. Water harvesting reduces runoff velocity, soil erosion and recharges ground water. This paper is based on literature review and practical field experiences and concludes that a significant gain in crop production can be made in agriculture through small-scale harvesting of water in combination with suitable water conserving irrigation technologies. Keywords: Global warming, Adaptation, Water resources, Food security
Long-term memory effect in stock prices: An empirical study from Nairobi stocks market.
(Chuka University, 2015) Mbae, D. M.; Mwaniki, I.
This study demonstrated that Nairobi stock market asset return do not behave as any type of white noise processes using the Lo and MacKinlay variance ratio test. This was done by considering the Nairobi All Share Index (NASI) and testing for long memory using Classical Rescaled range analysis, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and the semi-parametric approach Geweke and Porter-Hudak tests. Data sets consisted of daily return index of NASI for a consecutive period of 8 years, i.e. from when the index was launched in 2008 to 2013 and long memory tests for the returns series. Al three tests suggested presence of long memory, while those of randomness test using variance ratio tests rejected the random walk hypothesis. The test for random walk model has a lot of implication in both theoretical as well empirical researches. Rejection of random walk model implies that the market is inefficient in processing information and one can predict future prices using past prices. Results show evidence of long memory in the Kenyan stock returns, which is inconsistent with weak-form market efficiency, implying that Kenyan stock index consists of impact of news and shocks in recent past. Speculative earnings could be gained via predicting stock prices. These findings will help investors, financial managers and regulators dealing with this market.
Adoption and Utilization of Zai Pits for Improved Farm Productivity in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2015) Muchai, S. W. K.; Baaru, M.; Ngetich, F.; Muna, M. W. M.
Smallholder farmers in low midland zones of Tharaka-Nithi County are facing challenges in improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Low crop yields due to low erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration, and deteriorating soil health in smallholder farmers’ fields have led to a quest for sustainable production practices with greater resource use efficiency. To alleviate these challenges, impact of zai pits was assessed in terms of factors that influence adoption in Tharaka-Nithi County, located in low midland zones of eastern Kenya. Interview schedules were used to elicit information from 290 farmers. A descriptive statistical analysis approach was used to analyse data. There was significant relationship between farmers who had been visited by an agricultural officer and adoption ((2=6.019, P=0.05), where a higher percentage of farmers who had adopted had been visited by non-governmental extension agents. A significant difference existed between the average farm size of adopters and non-adopters (t=2.7, df=285, P=0.05). There is need to re-evaluate the role that socio-economic variables and farm characteristics contribute in adoption of Zai pits as a water harvesting technology.
Innovative radio based extension for agriculture and livestock producers in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Njuguna, J. K.; Mwongela, M.; Allport, R.; Irura, D.
This is a case study report based on a pilot innovative approach to extension that targeted the dairy farmers in high rainfall areas and subsequently up scaled in a pastoral setting in twelve (12) Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties of Kenya. This innovative radio based training approach was a culmination of a study that showed that 70% of dairy farmers in the high potential areas of Kenya had no access to education or extension messages on dairy production. The objective of the radio programme is to increase extension training and ultimately improve incomes for the dairy farmers as well as the livestock producers in high rainfall and pastoral areas, respectively. The approach involves a collaborative effort between broadcasting radio station that airs interactive discussions by subject matter specialists in the studio and most importantly, field support by government technical officers who create awareness, mobilize and organize farmers and pastoralists into radio listening groups, recap the aired topics with the listeners and carry out practical demonstrations for the farmers. The listeners register by paying KS 100 via Mpesa. Followership is monitored through asking a simple question at the end of each session and listeners answers via the provided cell phone number of registration or through a dedicated number provided by the radio station. The pilot and upscaling have resulted to over 25,000 benefiting while immediate impacts like reduction of milk rejection by a cooperative from 30% down to 8%; stimulating demand for extension (demand for services increased from 59%-68%); pastoralists seeking information about livestock prices increased from 28.1-35.1%, among others. This approach is a useful and penetrative tool of extension, contents, educative, applicable and increase participation of women and youth in agriculture. The county governments and private sector should adopt this innovative approach to reach many agricultural producers.
Application of open source tools and cloud computing technologies in real-time data collection and analysis
(Chuka University, 2015) Kirui, T. K.
Cloud Computing technology is a new phenomenon that though fully utilized and implemented in developed countries, its power is yet to be tapped in a number of developing countries. There are different kinds of data that can be entrusted to cloud computing providers that would reduce operating costs and save on time and financial resources. This paper sheds light on a number of cloud computing services such as Google App Engine and Open Source tools such as Open Data Kit and how the two can be used in effective data collection and analysis for organizations both governmental and non-governmental as well as business organizations. Google App Engine offers a combination Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) to be able to provide both a mobile application and web application that can be used to receive data for analysis from field research; every instance of the application can be fully customized to meet the specific data collection needs
Potato Production under Irrigation in Hot Conditions: A Reality or a Mirage?
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
In Kenya, potato is the second most important crop after maize in terms of production and consumption. It is grown in the highlands (1500 and 3500 mabove sea level). Traditionally high potential areas are becoming drier due to effects of climate change. Over 80% of Kenya’s landmass is hot and dry and therefore unsuitable for arable farming especially for production of cool season crops like potato. Kenya is endowed with fresh water bodies mostly rivers which have traditionally been used for production of paddy rice under irrigation. Rice has traditionally been rotated with maize in these irrigation schemes. Maize necrotic virus disease has recently led to huge losses in maize. The disease has no cure and maize production in the country is becoming a gamble. Maize takes a long time to mature; an alternative short-duration crop such as potatoes could fill in the gap. A study was undertaken at National Irrigation Board Perkerra station to evaluate the performance of local potato germplasm under irrigation in hot conditions. The study was carried out between 6th November 2013 and 21st February 2014. The experimental materials consisted of 33 potato genotypes; 12 advanced clones from CIP and 21 released/farmers’ varieties that are already being grown by farmers in the country. Generally, locally released/farmer varieties had higher % plant survival and stand establishment than the advanced clones from CIP. All varieties had lower yields than they do when grown in the cool highlands. The older varieties introduced into the country long ago had lower yield reduction compared with recently released varieties; possibly the older varieties have become adapted to local climatic conditions. The study needs to be repeated to validate these results.
1st International Research Conference Theme: “Enhancing Innovation for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century & Beyond” Proceedings
(Chuka University, 2015) Isutsa, D. K. (Ed.)
Hawking Of University Education in Urban Centers in Kenya: Challenges and Way Forward
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The demand of university education in Kenya has been increasing. Consequently, public and private universities have overenrolled to cater for this demand. Moreover, the universities have used this crisis to generate income to support both human and material resources needed for privately-sponsored students. To make education accessible to students, especially the working class, universities have moved to urban centers where they have strategically positioned themselves in satellite campuses. The main operation points of the universities are central business districts (CBD) in urban centers. Some of the universities that have not secured the coveted CBD premises have moved to the periphery. Proximity to the city notwithstanding, universities are engaged in stiff competition to outdo each other by introducing new and cost-effective courses which are taught in sandwich mode. Thus, the quality of the education offered in urban satellite campuses is brought into critical scrutiny in this paper with a view to establishing the challenges experienced and suggestions on how to improve the situation. This paper will rely on both primary and secondary data particularly records from selected private and public universities with regard to facilities and other resources. Observation and recording of information was utilized in data collection.
Role of Language in Peace Building: a Case of Kenya’s 2008 Coalition Government
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
A study on conflicts around the world found that many countries were at high risk of instability and of these, most were in Africa. Although the African continent continues to glamour for the dire need of peace, it has continued to witness political conflicts arising out of disputed elections. This has often resulted in the formation of coalition governments as a mechanism to securing peace and stability. In doing so, various conflict mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, negotiation and peacekeeping have been employed by different bodies and/or agencies to restore peace in conflicting states of Africa. However, little attention has been paid to the use of language by the coalition leaders as a mechanism to conflict resolution and peace building. This is informed by the fact that language is the primary means to negotiate power and therefore cannot be ignored. This paper examines lexicalisation in the discourse of the two principals in the Kenyan 2008 Coalition Government negotiation for Portfolio Balance. Four written texts were purposively sampled and accessed from the official website of the former President and former Prime Minister. The study applies Fairclough’s approach of Language and Power and Social Theory anchored in Critical Discourse Analysis to tease out the lexical choices. The findings revealed that the two principals employed language that was mitigated, personalized and highly restrained in relation to hate speech. The language of political persuasion which guided citizens’ orientation and behaviour encoded respect, tolerance, optimism and reassurance for continued political support notwithstanding the underlying power struggles. Policymakers should incorporate the aspect of language in national laws and policies as a guiding principle in conflict resolution and peace building.
Emerging Solutions to Challenges in Greenhouse Nematode & Plant Nutrition Tomato Production
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a high-value vegetable. However, nematode infestation and nutrient depletion are major constraints in greenhouse tomato production, causing 35% to 40% losses. Chemical control options in Kenya compromises environmental safety. This study investigated the impact of soil amendments with fresh biomass from Lippia kituensis Vatke (LK) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (OG) on Meloidogyne sp., tomato growth, yield and quality. Unbalanced pot experiment in factorial format, embedded in RCBD, with 4 levels of plant biomass replicated 3 times was used. Biomass rates were 0, 2%, 4% and 8% in 10 kg potted soil mixes, singly and in all possible combinations. Neem extract (Azadirachtin 0.3 w/w) was used as positive control. Nematode population reduced by 82.2% at 8% of both Lippia and Ocimum combined, compared to 91.4% of Azadirachtin. Gall numbers reduced by 98.3% in roots compared to 98.7% recorded in Azadirachtin. Total root volume of 308.7 cm3 was recorded in 8% LK + 8% OG compared to 69.33 cm3 and 89 cm3 for non-amended and Azadirachtin treatments, respectively. Means on leaf numbers were 29.90 compared to 22.67 and 28.13 of non-amended and Azadirachtin, respectively. Shoot and root dry weights of 53.17 g and 100.85 g were recorded compared to 24.17 g and 46.12 g and 51.75 g and 86.23 g for non-amendment and Azadirachtin, respectively. The yields were 2.71 kg per plant at 8% LK + 4% OG compared to 0.53 kg of non-amended treatment. Thus, L. kituensis and O. gratissimum L. are potential nematicides and can be used in tomato nutrition for sustainable production in the greenhouse.
Improving technical education for human resource training for the realization of vision 2030: A case of technical training institutes.
(Chuka University, 2015) Muthaa, G. M.
The Kenyan Governments’ Vision 2030 seeks to make Kenya a middle level industrialized nation and improve the economic and social status of its citizens. The realization of this vision will be achieved with adequate human resource at the technology, technician and artisan levels. Technical Training Institutes are charged with the responsibility to train technicians and artisans. Concerns have been raised on the quality and quantity of the graduates coming out of these training institutions. The current study sought to investigate strategies that should be put in place to enhance the training in Technical Training Institutes. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Heads of academic departments and students were used for the study. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used for data collection. The study established that training was conducted with inadequate teaching staff and obsolete equipment. The researcher recommends that adequate staff should be hired in training institutions and programmes put in place to upgrade the skills and knowledge of trainers in the light of changing technology. Training facilities in the training institutions should urgently be upgraded. Thus findings of this study will benefit all stakeholders on the critical needs of Technical Training Institutes toward the realization of the Vision 2030.
Planning and Management of Natural Resources: A Case of Sub-Saharan Africa
(Chuka University, 2015) Ngocho, E.; Kyalo, J. N.; Muli, D.
The world population has been increasing over time, causing an increase in demand for natural resources and threatening their replenishment. Most natural resources are non renewable. Excessive and unplanned exploitation leads to extinction, acute scarcity, widespread pollution, and uncertain feedback loops. This raises a need to discover new techniques which can effectively help in exploitation without compromising the needs and desires of future generations. There have been attempts to formulate policies on the usage of natural resources for most developing countries, especially those in the Sub-Saharan Africa, but planning and management of these resources still remains a major concern. Existing policies need to be re-evaluated to determine the rationale behind their failures. New policies focusing on planning and management of natural resources also need to be formulated and effectively implemented to improve economic growth and development. This paper reports on research, technologies and options for sustainable natural resource utilization and effective management of land, water, soil, wildlife, minerals and forests in the horn of Africa. It is possible to achieve sustainable development by controlling natural resources through proper management and planning.
Climate-Smart Agro-Pastoral Practices: A Case Study of Narok County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Githae, E. W.
Pastoralism is described by a high reliance on livestock production systems for socio-economic wellbeing. In Kenya it is the dominant form of livelihood in the arid and semi-arid lands, which constitute more than 80% of the total land area, host about 10 m people and 70% of the national livestock herd. Despite these areas being the major meat producers in the country, production is threatened by climate related hazards as witnessed by livestock deaths, reduced daily yields and prices, degraded natural resources, and high incidences of livestock pests and diseases. The traditional coping strategies applied in terms of nomadic pastoralism, has been reduced due to fragmentation of rangelands, forcing them to transform towards sedentary lifestyles. Thus, what can be done to improve this sedentary lifestyle and how can it be sustained within the ASALs? What are the on-the-ground coping strategies that enhance environmental conservation? This study assessed the coping mechanisms applied to the changed lifestyle within the pastoral communities of Narok County that not only improve livelihoods through climate change adaptation but also contribute towards climate change mitigation. This was done using key informant and focus group discussions. Policy guidelines are provided on building capacity through participatory approaches to enhance long-term sustainable systems that will ensure food security to these vulnerable communities, while at the same time contributing to natural resource conservation and ecosystem services
Invention, Innovation and Creativity Management in Education for Sustainable Development Towards Attainment of Vision 2030
(Chuka University, 2015) Mwangi, J.; Mwangi, J. G.; Wabore, J. N.; Maingi, N. W.
Ideas, inventions and innovations are like butterflies. They are transient, fleeting and often incompletely formed. Unless we invite them to stay by having innovation management skills they tend to wander off. The myriads of Annual High School Science Congresses and student innovation conferences in universities reveal abundance of “ideas people”, who unfortunately fade off to obscurity due to lack of management skills. Since these are not products of necessity but curiosity it calls for innovation and creativity management for sustainability by incorporating patenting of innovation in curricula to be taught just like printing, publishing and copyrighting is taught in literature. This research was pegged on John Dewey theory of education which integrates the school with the society, and the process of learning with the actual problems of life by a through application of the principles and practices of democracy. It adopted the descriptive survey research design, data was collected using interviews, phones and emails conducted to 2013 National Science Congress presenters, researchers of 2014 at the Laikipia University 2nd International Conference and Kabarak 4th International Conference, which also incorporated students’ innovation. There is no coordination of research activities among the various institutions to ensure synergy and to avoid duplication. Proven technical knowledge produced in high schools, tertiary institutions, including universities has been going down the drain with failure to transform into technologies and protect it as intellectual property in patents which are sources of information for new inventions, technology transfer to encourage research and development. Thus, educational curricula should be reviewed to include educational leadership and management of innovation and creativity with the process of protecting proven technical knowledge as intellectual property rights becoming heuristic.
Morphological, genetic and symbiotic characterization of root nodule bacteria isolated from Bambara groundnuts in soils of Lake Victoria basin
(Chuka University, 2015) Onyango, B.; Anyango, B.; Nyunja, R. A.; Kimani, W. M.; Skilton, R.; Stomeo, F.
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) was used to trap root nodule bacteria in four soils obtained from farmers’ fields in Lake Victoria basin, western Kenya. Sixty-four isolates were obtained and morphological and genetic evaluation resulted in different groups whose distribution was strongly influenced by characteristics of the soil at the site of isolation. Morphologically, majority (70%) of the isolates grew fast and very fast on Yeast Manitol Extract Agar, 26% were intermediate, while 3% were slow growers. The fast, very fast and some intermediates showed positive acid reaction, while the rest showed positive reaction in alkaline conditions. The 16S rRNA gene sequences had above 97% similarities to diverse groups including Rhizobium sp., Bradyrhizobium sp., Burkholderia sp. and Agrobacterium sp. previously isolated from crop plants. Phylogenetic analysis of 18 representative sequences yielded 3 clades with Rhizobium and Agrobacterium type sequences belonging to a single clade, while Bradyrhizobium and Burkholderia type sequences clustering into separate clades. In glasshouse experiments, 7 isolates identified as Bradyrhizobium sp. and Burkholderia sp. produced above 20 effective nodules per plant and corresponding high total biomass values, with one Rhizobium sp. producing similar results. The rest of the isolates showed low levels of nodulation, most of which were ineffective. This study revealed a high diversity of rhizobium bacteria symbiotic to bambara groundnuts in the soils of L. Victoria basin, which should be utilized to enhance its productivity and to improve databases on indigenous rhizobia populations.
Investigation into the state of disaster preparedness in schools in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Lutomia, G. A.; Kisurulia, S.
Disasters of various kinds have been witnessed in learning institutions in Kenya for many years. Indeed, disasters disrupt the education process and undermine quality of education. This study investigated preparedness of learning institutions in fighting instances of fire outbreaks. It was based on a survey conducted in 12 Counties in Kenya and targeted all learners in primary and secondary schools, teachers, school administrators, Boards of Management/School Management Committees, Chiefs, Sponsors and education officials. Descriptive survey research design was used. The research instruments used in collecting data were questionnaires and interview guides. Piloting of the instruments was done and validated for reliability in three Counties selected randomly. The pilot Counties were not part of the main study. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Education is hampered in learning institutions because the personnel were not sufficiently prepared to handle disasters or emergency situations, as 61% of the respondents had not attended drill demonstrations on disaster management. Only 39% of the respondents had been exposed to demonstrations on disaster management. The study makes recommendations at both the policy and programmatic levels. It is expected that these findings will provide insightful reference that policy makers, education officials, school administrators, teachers and stakeholders can rely on in regard to disaster preparedness and management in learning institutions. Strategies to contain disasters are crucial in helping ensure quality education in schools.
Improving technical education for human resource training for the realization of vision 2030: A case of technical training institutes.
(Chuka University, 2015) Muthaa, G. M.
The Kenyan Governments’ Vision 2030 seeks to make Kenya a middle level industrialized nation and improve the economic and social status of its citizens. The realization of this vision will be achieved with adequate human resource at the technology, technician and artisan levels. Technical Training Institutes are charged with the responsibility to train technicians and artisans. Concerns have been raised on the quality and quantity of the graduates coming out of these training institutions. The current study sought to investigate strategies that should be put in place to enhance the training in Technical Training Institutes. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Heads of academic departments and students were used for the study. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used for data collection. The study established that training was conducted with inadequate teaching staff and obsolete equipment. The researcher recommends that adequate staff should be hired in training institutions and programmes put in place to upgrade the skills and knowledge of trainers in the light of changing technology. Training facilities in the training institutions should urgently be upgraded. Thus findings of this study will benefit all stakeholders on the critical needs of Technical Training Institutes toward the realization of the Vision 2030.
Role Of Religious Studies In Environmental Resource Management For Mitigation Of Climate Change Toward Realization Of Vision 2030
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Attainment of Kenyan Vision 2030 heavily depends on climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, tourism and coastal zones. On the flipside, major rapid industrialization developments and urbanization anticipated to occur will affect pollution levels and generate larger quantities of solid waste, which will require effective disposal management. Kenya must begin climate change awareness creation to combat pollution and waste accumulation to ensure sustainable development. This effort demands greater resolve to use religious education’s socializing role to enforce the vision for the environment sector, which is “a nation living in a clean, secure and sustainable environment”. The present research was pegged on two theories: cognitive dissonance theory of attitude change, which states that inconsistencies between attitude and behaviour are uncomfortable, so people will change their attitudes to remove discomfort where dissonance is often removed by a shift in attitude, and the prior knowledge theory, which states that students who learn more at one level usually do better and are able to assimilate new knowledge at higher levels. Key findings were: Religious education that God placed man in the Garden of Eden to till and keep it at home; church and school are mirrors reflected by well kept environment is proved effective for attitude and behaviour change. Part of Kenyan culture is religious ‘notorious’ with over 75% population. Kenya should continue international efforts to promote sound environmental policies demonstrated by the country’s hosting of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters by domesticating them using her strength in religious education systematically to create awareness of environmental issues and responsibilities concerning climatic change, waste management and pollution prevention to implement environmental management policy.
Contribution of the New Constitution in Promoting Kiswahili Use in Mass Media
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Media plays a major role in the society; it is the medium of providing information, it creates social integration, and promotes shared values, knowledge and entertainment. Proper use of standard language is essential to achieve these objectives. Media industry in Kenya has grown exponentially from the early 1990s. This growth has been characterized by the deployment of the latest technological innovations, increased number of frequency modulated radios and professional media practitioners. Many of the media houses in Kenya today are using different styles and methods to attract and keep listeners for their own economic survival. This paper investigates the effects of new constitution on the language used in the mass media. It highlights the gains that have been made specifically in promoting Kiswahili language as a national and official language as well as the challenges.
Demystifying negativism of Cartha edulis (miraa) and focusing on its religious-socio-economic and educational significance: A case of Meru north region in Meru county, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2015) Bururia, D. N.; Nyaga, J. N.
For a long time, there have been conflicting stand points with regard to Cartha edulis (Miraa). Miraa is a substance that affects the psychological and physiological functioning of the human body, and therefore, falls under the category of drugs of abuse like alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and heroin, among others. The National Campaign against Drug Abuse Authority and other scholars have confirmed this. The dilemma of many people, however, is that whereas there are numerous negativisms emanating from Cartha edulis farming, trade and consumption, there are also immense social, religious and economic benefits derived and associated with the same. This study addressed the impact of Miraa on religion-socio-economic and educational spheres of the society, especially in the growing areas of Meru North. It was motivated by conflicting incidences encountered by Miraa farmers and traders who also happen to be members of churches located within the study area and the alleged income purported to be derived from the trade used for social and economic developments. There are both positive and negative contributions brought about by Miraa farming and trade upon the families, schools and churches within Meru North region. Although the negatives outweigh the positives in terms of both short and long-term intangible damages to individuals, family and society, there are strong social, religious and economic attachments to Miraa. For the last few decades, Miraa has assumed political dimension. Exclusive focus on negativism has overshadowed the potential financial, social, educational and religious gains associated with the product, because apart from the economic contribution, Miraa is also alleged to have cultural, religious, as well as medicinal values. These contentions strongly agree that Miraa creates a contextual foundation for communication. However, the negative implications of Miraa and which greatly affect the individual user, the institution of marriage, school and church cannot be ignored. Thus, Miraa has diverse negative effects, but it could also serve a better purpose and value if handled properly since it has certain social-cultural values, especially among the community where is grown.

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