7th International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2020

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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.
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.
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
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.
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
SELF-ESTEEM AND ADJUSTMENT TO RETIREMENT AMONG RETIREE TEACHERS IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2021) Gacheri, Akwalu; Mugambi, Mwarania; Kamwoyo, Mwithalii
Retirement poses psychological problem for many retirees. There is an increase in the number of retired teachers in Meru County in Kenya because majority of the pioneer teachers in Meru County had begun retiring. It was necessary to establish the relationship between self-esteem and adjustment to retirement. The researcher established a relationship between self esteem and adjustment to retirement among retiree teachers in Meru County. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study sampled 318 respondents from a population of 1800 comprising of 600 retirees, 600 spouses of retirees and 600 close relatives of the retiree teachers. A sample of 318 respondents was selected to participate in the study. Data was collected from retiree teachers and their spouses through questionnaires. Interview schedules were used to collect data from retiree teacher close relative. Quantitative data was analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, standard deviation and mean. Inferential statistics used was wilcoxon signed rank test. Qualitative data collected was analyzed by classifying the responses into meaningful categories thematically. The findings of this study revealed that there is a significant relationship self-esteem and adjustment to retirement. The study recommends that Teacher Service Commission to organize pre-retirement training and counseling to prepare teachers to handle challenges that may affect their self-esteem in retirement
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.
MANAGEMENT OF PARASITIC ROOTKNOT NEMATODES IN SWEETPOTATO: REVIEW
(Chuka University, 2021) Onchari, N. M.; Githae.E. W.; Franklin N.; Muraya M. M.
Agriculture is the mainstay in Kenyan economy, it currently contributes to 29% in gross domestic product (GDP) and creates employment of over 80% in the rural population. There are four major sub sectors in the agricultural sector which are food crops, industrial crops, livestock, fisheries and horticulture. Sweet potatoes are based under horticultural crops production which are now constrained by many biotic factors including root knot nematodes (RKN).Root knot nematodes pose a significant threat to a wide range of agricultural crops. The effect of RKNs in sweet potatoes are seen through the formation of galls, which reduce water and nutrient uptake, stunted vines and discoloured cracks in root tubers. These effects cause poor quality of tubers hence yield loss and high costs of production leading to poor income. Root knot nematodes diversity depends on ecological conditions and change of environmental conditions with time. Management strategies to control RKN have been practiced over time; cultural methods including fallowing of fields, intercropping and crop rotation have been used however root knot nematodes have ability to infect a wide host range; use of resistant varieties against RKN were adopted however some resistant genes tend to be silent in soil temperatures above 30ᵒC rendering the crop susceptible; use of synthetic nematocides were then found effective against RKN species however they leave residues on plants which are harmful to human consumption and are environmentally unfriendly hence they were banned. With these challenges scientists are focusing on discovery of nematocides from medicinal plants. The use of medicinal plants especially Canavalia ensiformis has shown 87% mortality rate on juveniles at stage two. Due to limited exploration of medicinal plants, more studies are encouraged on the same for RKN management and increase food security
THE IMPEDIMENTS OF VIABLE ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITY IMPLEMENTATION ON PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY OF WOMEN OWNED FAST FOOD SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN CHUKA TOWN
(Chuka university, 2021) Peter Gituma, Kimathi
Women owned SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to record poor performances compared to their male counterparts. Women entrepreneurship represents a vast untapped source of innovation, job creation and economic growth in the developing world which has a root in viable opportunity implementation which impediments them to promote a viable fast food enterprise. The World Economic Forum shows little progress in narrowing the economic gap between women and men, yet not all is lost! Innovative initiatives to promote women’s entrepreneurship driven by both the private and public sectors are on decline which worries more. The barriers to women’s entrepreneurship are various: Women face greater obstacles in accessing affordable credit facilities, absence of business plan and limited entrepreneurial skills. The target population was 50 women owned fast food enterprises registered under Tharaka Nithi. 100 Respondents were sampled from owners of 50 SMEs meaning 2 were taken from each enterprise. Data was collected using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to gather perception from the respondents. Based on the study found that most of the women entrepreneurs did not possess relevant entrepreneurial skills and also limited access to affordable credit facilities, at the same time they missed business plan necessary to guide them in implementation of the business opportunities. Some of the recommendations includes availing trainings to women entrepreneurs through capacity building, linking women to affordable credit facilities, opening them to networks and exchange programmes. Those who embrace women’s entrepreneurship as an opportunity are likely to reap the rewards in new market opportunities and higher development impact. Keywords: women, entrepreneurial opportunities, implementation, sustainability Small and Medium, Enterprises
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.
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
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND POVERTY REDUCTION AMONG THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021) Kiboro, Christopher N.; Wairire, G.; Gakuru, O.
Social capital is now gaining prominence among researchers, policy makers and development practitioners as a valuable resource for promoting economic growth, creation of secure neighborhoods and sustainable communities. Studies have shown that communities that are characterized by huge amount of social capital particularly in form of community groups at the grassroots level, have a higher likelihood of realizing improved social development than communities with less amounts of social capital. Using primary data collected in Nakuru County and Uasin Gishu County from a random sample of 400 respondents through interviews and Focus Group Discussions, this paper investigates the contribution of social capital towards poverty reduction among the internally displaced persons in Kenya. The findings show that social capital had a major contribution to poverty reduction in the households that were impoverished by internal displacement. Overall, the results show that social networks and social groups (social capital) act as the primary forms of insurance that vulnerable populations depend on to smooth out the adverse effects of unforeseen exigencies. Hence social connections serve as conduits for assets that are important for improving the household’s well-being. The paper makes a policy suggestion that social capital should be integrated in development policies as an essential component for poverty reduction at both national and county/federal levels.
COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka university, 2021) Fredrick Nthiga, Njiru; Catherine Kathure, Kaimenyi
The ever changing global business environment calls for innovative ways of stimulating employees to exert full effort in performance in order to acquire the most needed competitive advantage. The objective of the study was to establish the influence of employee compensation on performance in the Public Health Facilities in Tharaka Nithi County. The study was motivated by the increasing rate of industrial unrest in the County’s Public Health Facilities and was informed by universalistic perspective theory. Correlation research design was used with a target population of 883 employees in the 92 public health facilities in Tharaka Nithi County. Systematic random sampling was used to select a sample of 275 respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument. To establish the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, a pilot study of 43 respondents at Tharaka District Hospital was conducted. The researcher self-administered the research instruments, developed in form of a five point Likert scale for easy data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS to establish the influence of compensation on employee performance. The overall significance of the model was tested using F-test at 95% significance level. The study established that there existed positive statistically significant relationship between employee compensation and employee performance with a P – value of 0.000. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the County Government of Tharaka Nithi should employ effective employee compensation scheme, comprising of both financial and non-financial compensation. The study findings are of benefit to the management and policy makers of the County in formulating policies that will ensure that employee performance in Public Health facilities is highly enhanced. Keywords: Public Health Facilities, Employee Performance, compensation, remuneration
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS DRIVING PRIMATE TOURISM AND COMPOUNDING HUMAN-NON HUMAN PRIMATE CONFLICTS WITHIN URBAN GREEN SPACES: CASE OF NAIROBI CITY PARK
(Chuka University, 2021) Fundi, Peter
Green spaces such as parks and sports fields are a fundamental component of any urban ecosystem by playing a critical role as wildlife refuge, recreation centers and offering a myriad of environmental services. The Nairobi City Park is one such green space within Kenya’s capital city offering a serene environment for recreation to the city dwellers. The desire to boost the economic gains provided for by the resident nonhuman primates (Highland Sykes andVervetmonkeys)bypromotingcloseinteractionswithtouristsisescalatinghuman-nonhumanprimatesconflicts within the park. This study evaluated the economic, cultural and social aspects driving human-nonhuman primate conflict at and around the park. Additionally, the role of entrepreneurs at the city market, photographers, park visitors,culturalbeliefs,and wastemanagementpracticesinshapingtheconflict wasassessedusingclosedandopen endedquestionnairesbetweenMayand August2018.Despitepoorwastemanagementbeinghighlightedasthemain source of conflict (56%), a good percentage of the respondents (32%) attributed the problem to feeding of monkeys by the tourists. However, 76% of the tourists blamed photographers who provide commercial feeds for enticing monkeys during photo session. Notable was the high liking of monkey’s presence around the park by a large percentage of hawkers and market traders (84%) due to enhanced bait sales. A large proportion of the respondents (59%), however, believe it is their God given duty to feed the monkeys. Additionally, the Asian community was blamed for supplying monkeys with bananas to gratify their cultural beliefs, and further promoting overdependence on provisioning. Despite understanding the technical aspects of human-nonhuman primate conflicts resolution, this study unveils the complex social and economic factors requiring redress when initiating comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches for promoting primate tourism and long-term management of human-wildlife conflicts within urban green spaces.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND QUALITY OF SERVICE DELIVERY IN PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2021) Muthoni, Kamau; Ouko, Ong’ang’a; Githui, Kimamo
National Early Childhood Development Policy framework in Kenya has been in place since the year 2006 accompanied by a service guideline to promote its implementation. The goal of the policy framework was to enhance access, equity, and quality services for all children from conception through 8 years. Furthermore, a new pre-primary policy was introduced in 2017. However, even with the policies in place there are quality issues in Pre Primary Schools in Murang’a County. It is documented that Pre-primary schools in the County have poor infrastructure coupled with poor delivery of content at this level. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of county government support on Quality Service Delivery. Mixed methodology research approach and concurrent triangulation design guided the study. The target population was 1,596 and a sample size of 194 was used in this study. Data was collected using questionnaire for Pre-Primary teachers’, observation schedule for the Pre-Primary schools environment, interview guides for Early Childhood Development officers, parents representatives and Head teachers’/ECD managers. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in discussion form while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables and figures. Inferential analysis established that county government support at p<0.001 determined the quality of services delivered in Pre-primary schools. Descriptive analysis revealed that more than half of the Pre-primary schools sampled had benefited from county government in diverse ways toward enhancing quality service delivery. However, thematic analysis brought out the other issues surrounding the support by county government like inadequate funding and delays in release of funds to schools. In addition, private schools reported that they rarely benefit from county government support. Thus, concluding that goals of the ECD policy may not be realized with the current performance in ECD policy implementation. Subsequently, the study recommends that the County government should ensure adequate funding for regular monitoring of both public and private pre-primary schools to promote actualization of policy guidelines for quality services and enhanced positive child development outcomes. Keywords: Quality service delivery, Early Childhood Development, policy framework, Implementation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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