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Mkasa wa Shujaa Liyongo
(Phoenix, 2001) Matundura, Bitugi
Mkasa wa Shujaa Liyongo ni hadithi inayomulika kiny’ang’anyiro cha uongozi kati ya ndugu wawili: Liyongo na Daudi Mringwari. Baba yao Fumo anapofariki kutokana na ugonjwa, wanaanza kung’ang’ania uongozi wa jimbo la shanga. Mvutano huu unaishia katika kifo cha Liyongo mikononi mwa motto wake moni. Liyongo Fumo aliishi karne nyingi zilizopita katika pwani ya Kenya na alikuwa mshairi maaarufu. Mvutano unaosimuliwa katika hadithi hii ulitokea, ingawa pengine kwa njia tofauti kidogo. Katika kuuhadithia, mwandishi ameupa mwamko mpya wa kisanaa. Mwandishi wa hadithi hii, Bitugi Matundura, alifuzu somo la Kiswahili katika chuo kikuu cha Moi mwaka 1999.Ameandika hadithi nyingi za watoto, hasa katika gazeti laTaifa Leo.
How to Write Winning Proposals and Acceptable Scientific Papers in Agricultural Sciences
(Talent Graphics Limited, 2012) Njoka-Njiru, Erastus Nyagah
Preface This book was prepared to sharpen the writing skills of students and scholars. Good writing is good to read and understand. Most scientists are unable to get finds from donors due to their inability to write convincing proposals. Others conduct research but are unable to disseminate research findings. Only published results are of use to others. This book is unique in that it is simple to understand and demystifies scientific writing. The information in this book should be of interest to those wishing to write proposals and publish research findings in reputable Journals. This book contains six chapters all aimed at improving writing skills of every one interested in scientific research. Topics include the following: ∎organizing a science paper ∎general writing tips ∎Prose style of scientific writing ∎work plan ∎Budgeting ∎Importance of partnership ∎donor language This book can be used by University Lecturers, postgraduate and undergraduate students. Tutors in diploma and certificate awarding institutions may also find it essential. Professor E. N. Njoka-Njiru
Passion Fruits Production From Seed- And Micro-Propagated Plants: A Reference Guide
(LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012-09-12) Isutsa, Dorcas
This book is written using information gathered from laboratory to post harvest stages of passion fruits. It describes seed acquisition, germination, explant initiation, proliferation, rooting and transplanting. Also included are best horticultural practices for establishing, maintaining, harvesting, grading, marketing, gross margin analysis and solving challenges. Photographs have been used to illustrate facts. The book bridges the gap between a high-tech laboratory system and general farming activities for passion fruits. The micropropagation procedure has been presented simply to facilitate understanding and to show that their products can be carefully transferred to the farm. The book shows that at the farm level, normal fruit plants develop and grow like any other conventionally produced plants. In essence this approach is destined to help solve the many challenges facing the passion fruit growers. This is the preferred approach; thus from laboratory level to farm level, or from basic to applied sciences. This book should be useful to university students, extension agents, researchers and growers as a handy reference in passion fruit micropropagation, management and production
Essentials in Deciduous Fruit Production in the Tropics: Teaching, Learning & Farming Resource Guide
(LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012-10-11) Isutsa, Dorcas
This concise book introduces the many essential facts in deciduous fruit production in warm climates. It is supposed to prepare users to read, master and apply the facts and also to discover relevance to plant or research topics of interest. The book begins with general principles, physiology, strategies and tactics followed by case studies of grapes, apples, pears, peaches, plums and strawberries. Each case study addresses simplified taxonomy, economic importance, botany, ecology, propagation, field establishment, cultural practices, protection, harvesting and handling of the fruits. The selected fruits have proven commercial value in temperate-zones and great potential in the tropics. Sources of information are cited in chapters and bibliography to assist in further reading. Illustrations are used to augment theoretical facts. A glossary of technical terms is given at the end of the book. Tutors, students and growers in colleges, universities, and elsewhere should find this simplified, applied, illustrated and logically organized book a must-have reference to facilitate and ease learning, training and application of the subject matter, plus growing of the fruits in the tropics
Effects of Integration of Irrigation Water and Mineral Nutrient Management in Seed Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Production on Water, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Use Efficiencies
(Springer, 2015-11) Gathungu, Geofrey; Aguyoh, Joseph; Isutsa, Dorcas Khasungu
Inorganic fertilizers have become extremely important in correcting declining soil fertility in seed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Kenya. Unreliable rainfall has also limited seed production. Knowledge on water and nutrient use efficiencies in potato grown under different irrigation regimes with different nitrogen and phosphorus levels will help predict the best application rates for optimal seed potato production and yield. A study was conducted at Egerton University, Horticultural Research and Teaching Farm to determine the effect of integrated application of irrigation water, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) use efficiencies of water, N and P. In a split-split plot design, the irrigation water was applied to maintain soil water at 40, 65 and 100 % field capacity in the main plots, N (0, 75, 112.5 and 150 kg N/ha) to subplots and P (0, 115, 172.5 and 230 kg P2O5/ha), which translated into 0, 50.6, 75.9, 101.2 kg P/ha) to sub-subplots, with each treatment replicated three times and the trial repeated once. The irrigation water was applied throughout the potato growth period through drip tube lines, with N supplied as urea (46 % N) in two splits, and P as triple superphosphate (46 % P2O5) at planting time. Data on seed potato yield was collected from each treatment at harvest and used to calculate water, N and P use efficiencies. High irrigation water at 100 % compared to 65 and 40 % rate resulted in relatively high N and P use efficiencies, but decreased water use efficiency. Application of intermediate to high N and P nutrient increased the water, N and P use efficiencies. It is recommended to apply low to intermediate irrigation water, intermediate to high N and P to increase their use efficiencies during seed potato production.
Geomorclimatology
(LAP Lampert Academic Publishing, 2016) Karanja, Amon; Njue, Paul
The book provides a discussion and an introduction to climatology and the characteristics and global distribution of climatic elements and how the climate relates to landforms in respect to each topic. The study of landforms is called geomorphology. The second chapter discusses the controls or factors that determine climatic conditions globally and regionally and, or, locally are discussed. They include energy and moisture fluxes (controls) and latitude, altitude, land and sea and relief features and their formation processes (factors). The third chapter looks at the purpose and problems of classifying climates. Two approaches to climate classifications, i.e. genetic and generic are examined and types of climatic classifications using each of these approaches together with their merits and demerits identified. A discussion of the importance of micro and man-made climates are made and applied geomorphology. The fourth chapter discusses the causes of both natural and anthropogenic climate change. The current debate on global warming and climate change is highlighted. Climate change takes place when a shift in a type of climate prevailing over a given area takes place. Such a change involves a shift in the general circulation of the atmosphere and the energy balance of the atmosphere. There are two kinds of climate change. Natural climate change and climate change caused by human activities i.e. anthropogenic or manmade climate change, and how those anthropogenic processes alter the development rates of the landforms. The fifth gives the definition and scope of Biogeography, the importance of the biosphere and the concept of ecosystem and how geomorphic processes support the biophysical processes. The role of mankind in the biosphere is also discussed. The sixth chapter discusses the patterns and types of distribution of living organisms. The biotic and abiotic factors that influence the patterns and types of distribution are described. The abiotic factors include climate, soil and relief. The biotic interactions include competition, predation and symbiosis. These interactions are discussed and their effects on the living organisms considered. Chapter seven introduces the theory of ecological succession. Vegetation processes are also described; indicating the effects of disturbance on vegetation types, and also relates the physical environment to the geomorphic changes. Ϯ The eighth describes the distribution of world vegetation and its classification. The vegetation characteristics in each of the biomes are discussed in detail and the human impact on the vegetation regions is described. The discussion focuses on the terrestrial biomes. The ninth chapter discusses the soil components, rock weathering and formation of soils, physical and chemical properties soils, soil regimes and types and classification of soils. Finally definitions of key words used in the book.
Field Work and Research Methodology in Geography
(LAP Lampert Academic Publishing, 2016) Karanja, Amon; Njue, Paul
Geography is the study of the physical and human phenomena on the earth. The central concern of the discipline is to describe the patterns of the spatial distribution of these phenomena and to seek an explanation, or to study the reasons behind the occurrence of such patterns over time and space. These phenomena are for example, volcanic and block mountains, climate, soils vegetation, animals, water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans,) land use systems, population distribution, urbanization, among other. By patterns is meant how these various features are arranged over geographical space. Such space could be the earth itself, the biosphere (the biologically inhabited part of the earth), the continents, geographical regions and countries. Geographers recognize the fact that differences exist in the way in which these physical and human features are distributed over the earth. These differences can be studied and understood within the context of the changes that have occurred over time. The time-frame for such changes can be in terms of geological epochs or periods spanning over millions of years, or it can be in terms of hundred, or tens of years. Changes also occur over much shorter periods of time such as over a year, a season, or even a day, and these too are of interest to the geographer. Differences that occur in the way in which geographical phenomena are distributed over space or over geographical areas should be explained. The spatial level of these areas can range from macro levels such as the planet earth, the continents, regions and sub-regions, right down to the micro level of ecological habitat, site and ecologic niche. For example savanna grassland, a desert, a forest along a river or a forested mountain can all be described as ecological habitats. Within such habitats are found smaller units or areas, the sites or ecological niches, occupied by various species populations of plants and animals. The term site usually describes the location of pants, while the term ecological niche usually denotes the place occupied by given animal species populations within the habitat. Geography therefore explores the reasons behind the existence and distribution of all these features in different areas during different times. Another aspect that concerns the geographer is the examination and analysis of the relationships and interactions that exist between various geographical phenomena. In other words, the study of geography also incorporates an understanding of the cause-effect relationships between various factors. For example if we regard vulcanicity as a cause, then as geographers we are interested in knowing its effect on vegetation, on soils and indirectly on climate. We may also want to understand the effect of soil erosion (as a cause) on land productivity, or the effect of altitudinal change on temperature, and so on. Of course a given effect can be attributed to more than one cause.
Influence of Orphanhood on Pupils' Life in Kenyan Primary Schools
(lLAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2016-03-09) Mburugu, B. M.
Blurb/Shorttext Orphanhood in this book is a state of losing a parent (s) by a child. There are many orphans in the world today who are affected academically, socially and discipline wise. Many of these orphans are taken care of by their relatives and especially elderly grandparents. In primary schools the number of orphans has risen especially in Meru, Kenya. The gender disparity has been noted since boys in primary schools are more affected when their parents die than girls. In Academic performance, orphans perform poorer than non-orphaned pupils generally. However, those with caring relatives may outshine their colleagues in class. Since girls take up the role of parenting, their interpersonal relationships are highly affected unlike boys. This book therefore provides a new way of looking at orphans in schools and especially in primary schools. Teachers should be more vigilant in identifying these orphans and provide them with special care and counseling. All educational managers should strengthen counseling programmes in schools. The caregivers of orphaned children should be concerned with wholistic growth of orphans. It is my prayer that this book will be useful to you as a reader.
Strategies Used For Emphasis in Kimuthambi
(Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 2016-07-25) Ireri, Humphrey Kirimi, Muriungi, Peter Kinyua, Waita, Zachary Njogu , and Muriungi, Colomba Kaburi
Emphasis is inherent in everyday communication and is very important in relationships, leadership, peace building and success in virtually every area of livelihood. This study’s main goal is to provide an analysis of emphasis in Kimuthambi. The objective of the study is to identify and discuss strategies used for emphasis in Kimuthambi. The study is guided by the relevance theory by Sperber and Wilson. It utilizes both qualitative and quantitative research designs and is carried out in Muthambi Division, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The population includes all the Kimuthambi communicative events. The researcher purposively sampled ten real life communicative events conducted in Kimuthambi which involved forteen speakers. Data was collected using a digital audio recorder and an observation schedule. The recorder captured conversations in Kimuthambi in the selected communicative events and the observation schedule was used to record the contextual information. The researcher transcribed utterances from the data collected that utilizes stragetegies used for emphasis. The transcribed utterances are one hundred and thirty six. Then guided by the communicative principle of relevance, the researcher identifies and discusses fifty two utterances used for emphasis in Kimuthambi. The study establishes that emphasis in Kimuthambi is mainly through the use of intensifiers and repetition. This study enhances the analysis of Kimuthambi as a language variety and adds to the existing knowledge on strategies of emphasis in various languages of the world
Technology use, Gender and the Role of Non-Farm Income in Agricultural Investment:An Empirical Analysis of Two Counties in Kenya
(Oxford, 2018) Wambugu, Stephen K.; Karugia, Joseph T.; Oluoch-Kosura, Willis
This chapter examines maize productivity, technology use in maize, and the impact of non-farm income (NFI) on agricultural investment in Kenya, giving them a gender dimension. The study first concludes that there are no significant differences in maize yields between male-managed farms and female-managed farms (FMFs) in the study areas, Nyeri and Kakamega. Second, technology use for maize production was lower and significant in some instances for FMFs. Significant differences, especially in the use of hybrid seeds and tractor ploughs, were noted. A third conclusion is that NFI is not used in farm investment. NFI had negative coefficients on adoption and intensity of agricultural input use. Policies that encourage both farm and non-farm income should be instituted given the complementary roles that they play. Any entry barriers for disadvantaged households, especially for the FMFs, to participate in higher-paying non-farm activities need to be overcome.
Burn-Out as a Psychological Effect of Widow hood in Meru County,Kenya:Comparative Study of Widows and Widowers
(Journal of Education and Practice, 2018) Mburugu,Beatrice M
Widowhood is a state of losing a spouse through death and has been on the increase in Kenya and all over the world. A spouse’s death is traumatic and affect the widowed persons’ psychological well-being, as they go through the various stages ofbereavement. They maybecome withdrawn, less motivated, become frustrated and isolated which may affect their mental and physical wellbeing when burn-out sets in. There may be adverse effects of widowhood that are psychological since the widowed persons may rate themselves low, have disturbing memories and fatigue after the death of the spouse whom they shared life with. In Meru community, no research has been done on the psychological effects of widowhood yet widowhood is traumatic and a common phenomenon in the community. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine thepsychological effects of burn-out by comparing widowed men and women in Meru County Kenya. A literature gap existsinKenya onburn-outof widowed menand womenthus motivatingthe author to come up withsuch a study. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine burn-out as a psychological effect of widowhood by comparing widowed men and women in Meru County Kenya.Expostfacto’s causal-comparative research design was considered appropriate for the study because of comparison of groups. A sample of 384 widowed persons (192 widows and 192 widowers) in four Districts that were purposively selected making a total of 384 respondents. Data was collected by use of questionnaires which were administered to widowed persons and two Focus Group Discussions for widowed persons were held in each of the four selected Districts; one for the widowers and another for widows. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Inferential statistics included t-test which was used to establish whether differences in burn-out as a psychological effect existed between widowed men and women. Descriptive statistics that included frequencies, means and percentages were also used. The findings revealed variations in the widowed persons’ psychological effect of widowhood where widows showed high levels of burn-out than widowers. From thefindings, it is evident that absence of either of the spouse negatively affects the mental and physical wellbeing of the living spouse especially widows. Counselling programmes of widowed persons in the country are needed to assist and empower themespeciallywidows whoare notallowedtoremarry.Itisthereforerecommendedthatthe Ministry of gender, religious organisations, service providers and other stakeholders should use such programmes to address psychological needs of widowed persons. Finally, the findings mayassist the widowed men and women tocopebetterpsychologicallywiththeirstateofwidowhoodwhichistraumatizingastheyattachmeaninginlife and bring up their families single handedly.
CHALLENGES OF ACCESSING LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICESFORPERSONSWITHDISABILITIESINUNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(IJEBMR, 2018) Nyaboke,Onsinyo, Charity
Despite the availability of library and information services in University libraries, the servicesare not accessible and optimallyutilized and benefited bypersons with disabilities (PWDs). This is becausethetypicallibrary favorstheable-bodied patrons more. Therefore, thisstudysought to find out challenges that Persons withDisabilities inUniversitylibraries in Meru Countyfaced in accessing library and information services and to present practical solutions that wereappropriateto thesituation. The researcher adopted descriptivesurveydesign. The studytargeted four (4) University Libraries in Meru County. The study population comprised of all professionally trained librarians from the selected universities and all library users with disabilities with biasness towards the visually impaired, the hearing impaired and the mobility impaired. A purposive sampling technique was employed and the sample size was fifty five (55) respondents composing of thirty one (31) librarians, six (6) visually impaired library users, sixteen (16) mobility impaired library users and two (2) hard hearing users. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedule. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using descriptive statistics. The results were presented by use of percentages, frequency tables, bar graphs and pie-charts. The evidence emanating from the study strongly indicated that provisionoflibraryand informationservices inthe four libraries to students withdisabilities was largely characterized structural inadequacies, unskilled staff , and absence of internally formulated policy frameworks. In particular, the study revealed that the libraries had nosufficient facilities, resources and equipment such as the lifts, spacious ramps, Braille materials, hearing aids required bystudents withdisabilities. Thus, the studyconcluded thatthe libraries do not have the needs of students with disabilities at heart. The study makes several recommendations for considerations to the research community, librarydecision makers, staff at the various library sections and to students with disabilities themselves
Application of Simplex Lattice Designin Watermelon Production
(Chuka University, 2019) Muriithi,Dennis K.
This paper discusses the use of Simplex Lattice Design approach to plan the experiment for yield of watermelon with an overall objective of optimizing the multiple responses of watermelon to organic manure. Multiple linear regression models have been adopted to express the output parameters (responses) that are decided by the input process parameters. Poultry manure, cow manure and goat manure were the independent variables to optimizethe response values of interest that includes; watermelon fruit weight, number of fruits of watermelon per plant. Mixture experiments are appropriate to use when a researcher wishes to determine if synergism exists in mixing components which increases productivity. Three-component design presented in this study illustrated how to applymixture designs inagricultural research. Mathematical Model evolved for response showthe effect ofeach input parameter and its interaction with other parameters, depicting the trend of response. From, the equation of fruit weight and number of fruits, it canbe concluded that goat manure has a more important role on watermelon production in the current study. Conclusively, the current study attained the optimal condition of 17.68 ton/Ha, 11.69 ton/Ha and 19.16 ton/Ha of poultry manure, cow manure and goat manure respectively, would guarantee the farmer a maximumyield of22.13kgfruit weightof watermelonper plantand 7.74≈8 Fruitof watermelonper plant. The study exemplified that the development of statistical models for crop production can be useful for predicting and understanding the effects of experimental factors.
PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS THE PERSISTENCE OF FEMALE GENITAL CUTTING AMONG THE ABAGUSII OF NYANZA, KENYA
(Finesse Publishing Ltd, 2019-01) Kavulya, Joseph M.
This survey was carried out in the context of the current concerns over FGC in Kenya and other regions and ongoing efforts to eradicate it. Recent studies show that FGC practiced in over half the districts in the country in Kenya, with 38% of all women aged 15-19 years reporting being circumcised. It is nearly universal among the Kisii (97%) and the Maasai (89%), and is also prevalent among the Kalenjin (62%), Taita-Taveta (59%) and the Meru/Embu (54%) and to a lesser extent among the Kikuyu (43%) and the Kamba (33%) (KDHS, 1998). All types of FGC have been associated with immediate and longterm complications. The immediate complications can include severe pain, trauma, tetanus, urine retention, urethral or anal damage, excessive bleeding, and shock from hemorrhage. The long-term health and physical complications may include urinary and bladder incontinence, recurrent urinary track infections, lack of sexual stimulation and painful sexual intercourse, infertility, vaginal cysts and abscesses, blockages of menstrual flow and elevated risks of obstructed labour. Due to the negative physical and mental impact on women the practice has received global attention and condemnation and several strategies have been adopted in campaigns for its eradication through education, advocacy and religion. Following the initiatives to eradicate the practice of FGC through out Kenya by church groups, government agencies and NGOS, there have been declines in the prevalence of the practice, in some of the Kenyan communities including the Meru, Taita and the Kikuyu. However there has not been significant decline among the Abagusii (Chege and Askew, 2001).
Integration of KOHA Library Management System and RFId Technology: A Review of Prospects for Modern University Libraries in Kenya
(Finesse Publishing Ltd, 2019-06) Kavulya, Joseph M.
This book reviews of the current prospects of the use of KOHA library management system in a RFID technology-driven library in Kenya. As an open-source software, KOHA presents the possibility of saving money for the institution. However, due to its current limitations, there are charges for installation, customization, and training. The integration of KOHA and RFID presents potential challenges/complications that will make it difﬁcult for the institution to achieve its objectives in establishing a modern library. The book recommends a careful review of all options before embarking on an integration process for KOHA and RFID technology.
Microbial quality and safety of ready-to-eat street-vended foods sold in selected locations in Kenya
(Journal of Food and Dietetics Research, 2022-01-27) Johnson Mwove1,2 , Samuel Imathiu3 , Irene Orina3 , Paul Karanja3
Objectives: Street-vended foods (SVFs) are a major contributor to foodborne diseases, especially in developing countries, where their sale is largely uncontrolled. Foodborne diseases have often been linked to high morbidity and mortality in some developing countries such as Kenya, demonstrating their public health and societal significance. The objective of this study was to determine the microbial quality and safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods sold in selected locations within Thika town in Kiambu County, Kenya. Material and Methods: A total of 199 food samples consisting of cereals, sliced fruits, salads, groundnuts, tubers, fruit juices, boiled deshelled eggs, smokies, and sausages were randomly collected for microbial analysis. Determination of total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), yeast and molds count (YMC), Escherichia coli counts, Staphylococcus aureus counts as well as the presence of Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were determined following standard microbiological methods. Results: Results revealed that plant-based foods had significantly (P < 0.01) higher TVC, TCC, YMC, and S. aureus counts compared to animal-based foods. The levels of TVC, TCC, YMC, E. coli, and S. aureus ranged from 6.590 ± 1.020 to 3.377 ± 1.764, 5.567 ± 2.233 to 1.594 ± 2.299, 5.052 ± 1.201 to 1.595 ± 2.146, 2.033 ± 1.229 to 0.000 ± 0.000, and 5.972 ± 1.170 to 1.888 ± 1.660 Log10 CFU/g, respectively. At least nine food samples were contaminated with E. coli although the chance for contamination was significantly (P = 0.0002) higher (15 times) in plant-based foods compared to animal-based foods. At least one sample in each food type was contaminated with S. aureus with contamination levels above 1.888 ± 1.660 Log10 CFU/g. Salmonella spp. was only detected in boiled arrowroots (25%), boiled deshelled eggs (5.6%), French fries (5.6%), juices (5.0%), and cereals (11.1%), while L. monocytogenes were not detected in any food sample. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that RTE SVFs sold in this region constitute a potential health hazard to consumers because of the presence of Salmonella spp., and high counts of E. coli and S. aureus. These foods are, therefore, microbiologically unsafe and unsuitable for human consumption as they may cause foodborne disease outbreaks.
EXAMINATION FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
(Chuka University, 2023-04-13) Chuka, University
EXAMINATION FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
(Chuka University, 2023-04-13) Chuka, University

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