Doctor of Philosophy Theses and Dissertations (PHD)

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Accounting for Post-Verbal Affixes on the Kĩmwĩmbĩ Verb
(Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2016) Kĩnyua,AnnHidah and Mũriũngi, Peter
Bantu languages are known to cluster affixes on the verb root, some before the root and others after the verb root. Each of these affixes carries some meaning that contributes to the final meaning of the verb. This raises the question as to whether there are any principles that guide these combinations, and whether these affixes occur in any particular order. This paper is an account of all the suffixes that may occur on the Kĩmwĩmbĩ verb, as well as the order in which they occur, starting with the plugs that are idiomatic with the root and on outwards to the affix that occurs farthest from the root. The semantic import of these morphemes has also been dwelt upon as most of them are valency-changing. The paper also presents the variations in their occurrences, the associated phonological and syntactic processes as well as the constraints surrounding their occurrences. The population for the study was all Kĩmwĩmbĩ verbs containing post- verbal affixes and data for the study was obtained from respondents from Tharaka-Nithi sub-county, Kenya, who are competent speakers of Kĩmwĩmbĩ and who were purposively sampled. The instrument of data collection was a structure generation exercise based on Kĩmwĩmbĩ verbs. Data was also gathered using introspective reports. Researcher-generated structures were also instrumental in informing the analysis. This being a qualitative and descriptive study, data was analyzed in terms of words, phrases and sentences and rules were developed and discussed to account for the affix manifestation on the verbs. The data has been presented in the light of the Principles and Parameters theory. The results demonstrate that suffix occurrence on the agglutinated verb is orderly relative to the first affix to occur after the root. This study contributes new data for the continuing analysis of Kĩmwĩmbĩ, a language that is yet to be fully analyzed. It also contributes to the linguistic theory by advancing knowledge on the morphology of Bantu verbs and the typology of African languages
Ad-Theatre Techniques: Motifs of Orality and Popular Culture in Kenya’s Radio
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Njogu, Jackson Gikunda
This is a study of theatre by its persuasive function in commercial contexts. Specifically the study is a critique of the influences of orality and popular culture on audiences in commercial set ups as evident in dramas of radio advertising. It begins from the awareness that the drama genre has been at the heart of Africa’s rich literary heritage, and that it still finds use in contemporary spaces through mass media. Since the advent of radio in Africa drama has been a preferred technique of radio advertising in Kenya, yet scholarly research on drama as a persuasive genre through the radio medium remains scant. This is in spite of the fact that advertising communities are already aware of its marketing potential. The purpose of this study is thus to examine some of the techniques that drama uses in radio advertising, based on the assumption that because advertisements are made to woo buyers, the genre possesses strong rhetorical elements that can render for scholarly analyses. The study demonstrates the awareness that drama has been a cultural production in Kenya, and that orality has always punctuated dramatic practice at every phase of its development both in form and motif. Secondly, it demonstrates the eternal presence of oral leitmotifs in contemporary use especially in advertising discourses. The study uses a qualitative design. Data is in the form of audio records of advertisements that use the technique of drama in radio which have been transcribed, translated and analyzed to arrive at conclusions about the persuasive strategy of orality and popular culture in the radio medium. Since radio is a purely audio-acoustic media just like primary orality, Walter Ong’s theorizing about transiting from primary orality to typographical forms has been employed to enable us understand the psychodynamics of audio-acoustic messages, and what makes them click so easily with audiences. His views about ‘imagined audiences’ have also been used. In the first chapter we have established a background to the study. The second chapter deals with the literature review and theoretical framework. In chapter three we discuss the study methods while in chapter four we analyze selected data in terms of the oral motifs used using Walter Ong’s structural-functional theorizing in Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word. In chapter five the thesis analyzes the use of popular culture as a marketing strategy, while chapter six deals with thesis summary, conclusions and recommendations for further study. The study finds that aspects of indigenous theatrical forms based in primary orality feature prominently in drama-mediated advertisements, and that these features illuminate on the psychology and philosophy of radio listeners, and that advertisers prefer modeling their content on trendy topics adorned in literary stylistics. These findings are important because they affirm the enduring nature of orality in modern times. They also point to practical applicability of orality in modern discourses on one hand, and on the other, awareness that adverts strongly suggest the ways in which Kenyan consumers understand their world.
Assessment of Peace Building Strategies Employed by The Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Enhancing Inter-Ethnic Harmony in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mwamba, Julius Guantai
Ethnic conflicts remain the biggest setback to the development of many African nations and Kenya is not an exception. The Church has a mandate to make use of her divine mission in building peace and fostering reconciliation in the society. In response the PCEA initiated several peace building strategies aimed at enhancing inter-ethnic harmony in Kenya. Despite the Church in Kenya playing a great role in the promotion of harmony, ethnic conflicts continue to escalate in various parts of the country. This study therefore investigated the efficacy of peace building strategies of Presbyterian Church of East Africa in enhancing inter-ethnic harmony in selected in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study target population was 1,624,345 PCEA members in Nakuru west, Nakuru east, Njoro, Elburgon, Laikipia, Eldoret and Mombasa presbyteries where inter-ethnic conflicts are dominant. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 384 respondents comprising of 342 church members, 38 church elders and 14 church ministers. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for the Church elders and members, structured interview guide for Church ministers and focus group discussions for inter-ethnic violence victims. Piloting involving 76 respondents was done in from Nakuru East presbytery. Using Spearman Brown Prediction formula by split half technique, a reliability coefficient of 0.71 and 0.74 were realised for the questionnaires for church members and church elders, respectively. This was accepted because an alpha value of 0.7 and above is considered adequate for making accurate group inferences. Religious studies and other experts from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Chuka University ascertained the validity of the instruments. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics with help of the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 for windows and presented in frequency distribution tables. This study found that radicalization, imperialism; ideological polarization and inter-communal violence being increased by competition over the fruits of devolution and elite manipulation of local communities were the major emerging issues responsible for inter-ethnic conflicts. It also established that the use of sermons, pastoral care and counselling, Bible study, peace building workshops, prayer movements, mainstreaming of Church standing groups; policy development by the General Assembly, lobbying and having a peace desk have seldom achieved much in fostering inter-ethnic harmony in Kenya. The study suggested the church needs to intensify recruitment and training of peace agents through seminars and workshops to enhance their competency and hence enhance effectiveness. The study concluded that that the PCEA’s involvement in peace building had Biblical, pastoral and theological justification. The findings of the study will assist policy makers to develop effective community-based programmes to mitigate ethnic conflict and also contribute to knowledge in the area of morality and religion. The findings may also be used by religious bodies keen to promote religious teachings aimed at advocating sound moral values and ethics among members of the society. The findings may provide valuable empirical data to Non-Governmental Organizations working in collaboration with the Church to provide community based tailored approaches to fight ethnic violence.
AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF VERNACULAR TELEVISION CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF BAITE TV IN MERU, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2019-09) NKANATHA, JOHN KIMATHI
Television is today the most pervasive mass medium worldwide. The contribution and influence of mass media in the daily lives of audiences cannot be gainsaid. Vernacular television channels are a new phenomenon in the Kenyan media landscape having been introduced in 2011. While mainstream media use the two official languages, and target a bigger national audience, vernacular TV stations are unique in the content of programmes and the choice of language used in their broadcasts. The TV stations’ are community based where the indigenous language is used. Other than the traditional roles of media, the contribution of vernacular TV in social development especially in Kenya, has barely been studied. The study examined the audience perception of the role played by Baite TV, a vernacular TV station based in Meru County, Kenya, in the social development of the community. It examined how and whether the station is an effective means of fostering development within the community that it serves. The study focused on four objectives: to assess the role played by content in Baite TV Station programmes, to examine the strategies used by Baite TV Station to effect social development to assess the coverage and reach of Baite TV programmes, to establish how the audience perception Baite TV programmes. A descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. Questionnaires and an interview schedule were used to collect data from adult viewers aged 18 years and above and from media practitioners and owners. The study was conducted in four purposively selected sub-counties in Meru County. Purposive sampling was used to get the respondents. The study was grounded on the Agenda Setting and Uses and Gratification theories. The key findings were that besides the primary functions of television, vernacular television can be used to mobilize the community to pool their resources and implement projects that can improve the social development of the community. Other findings were that vernacular television is accessible to viewers across socio-economic barriers. Unlike mainstream media which are urban based, vernacular TVs are rural based and provide grassroot support to communities in their villages. Due to their proximity, they are in constant contact with the community, they are accepted by the community and the community participates in implementation of projects. The community values vernacular TVs for their direct involvement in the community’s social development. Vernacular TVs reach the communities in their localities and using the local language, identify their needs and prioritize the projects that will improve the living conditions of the people. This study contributes to knowledge by showing other functional roles of vernacular TVs including promoting social development, upholding culture and uniting the people. This study focused on the role played by vernacular television medium in social development. Further research can be conducted to ascertain roles other than the four that the media play and other aspects of involvement by vernacular television. This study focused on one vernacular television station based in Meru County due to its unique approach to solving problems afflicting the society. Studies can focus on other stations and in other counties to ascertain their contribution to social development. During this study it emerged that vernacular television stations have many operational challenges when compared to state funded and mainstream media. A study can be done to bring out all the challenges and propose possible mitigations to surmount the challenges. There is need to find out the reason for the low intake of technology in the Meru area yet the emphasis today is on information communication and technology for development.
Awareness and Utilization of Electronic Resources by Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Members in Universities:A Case of Chuka University
(IJSSAH, 2018-06-25) Nyaboke ,Onsinyo,Charity,Mbugua,,Ngereki,Anthony
ThestudysoughttoinvestigatetheawarenessandutilizationofelectronicresourcesbyacademicstaffintheHumanitiesandSocialSciencesFacultyatChukaUniversity,Kenya.Thepurposeoftheinvestigationwastoinquireabouttherespondents’ appreciationoftheresources,levelofutilizationbasedonavailabilityandaccess,benefitsderivedfromusageaswellaschallengesencountered,asaresultofusage.Thestudyadoptedthedescriptivesurveyresearchdesign.Thefindingsrevealedthat82%oftherespondentswereawareoftheelectronicresourcessubscribedtobytheUniversityandthatand86%oftherespondentsutilizedtheresourcestwoorthreetimesaweek.Thestudyidentifiedinconsistentinternetconnectivity,Lackofcomputerskills,slownetwork,poweroutageandirrelevantelectronicinformationresourcesashindrancestotheutilizationoftheseelectronicresources.ThestudyrecommendsenhancementofInformationandCommunicationTechnology(ICT)networkorbandwidth,increasingthenumberofInformationandCommunicationTechnologies,provisionoffacultyspecificusertrainingandinformationliteracyinstruction,andincreasingmarketingstrategies
Colonialism and The Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Food Crop Production in Kiambu, Kenya, 1902-1963.
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Muraya, Martha Wanjiru
The interaction between the European colonialist in Kenya and the Agikuyu people influenced the indigenous Knowledge systems related to food crop production. Particularly, the introduction colonial policies and practices undermined the vital role of the Agikuyu Women’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AWIKS) on food crop production and instead they viewed them as uncivilized and backward. Therefore, the purpose of study was to analyze the implications of colonialism on the AWIKS on food crop production in Kiambu County from 1902 to 1963. The main objectives of the study were; to explore the Agikuyu women’s indigenous knowledge systems on food crop production in pre-colonial Kiambu upto 1902, to examine the implications of European colonial policies and practices on the AWIKS on food crop production, and further to find out the effect of disregard of AWIKS on the availability of food in Kiambu. The study employed descriptive research design and it was also guided by the Neo-Marxist theory that looked at the relationship between women and the process of colonial capitalist development. The study was done in three sub-counties of Kiambu West, namely, Limuru, Lari and Kikuyu. The sample size was guided by the concept of data saturation in an interview based research. The main source of information was oral interviews, archival records analysis and secondary data. Oral interview data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and reported using basic simple descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, and tables. The study established that in pre-colonial set up, the Agikuyu women of Southern Kikuyuland (present Kiambu County) commanded detailed indigenous knowledge on weather observation and prediction, quality seed selection, indigenous farming methods, harvesting, storage and preservation in order to ensure enough food crop production in the households. In addition, the European colonial undermined the AWIKS on food crop production during the establishment of commercial crop production, land alienation and forced labour policies. Sixty (88.2%) of the respondents mentioned that between 1902 and 1963 most of the Agikuyu people were moved from their indigenous land and were pushed to poor, marginal and unproductive reserve areas where they did not have enough experience and accumulated indigenous knowledge system of the new agro-ecosystem. In addition, 29 (42,6%) of the respondents felt that the Europeans neglected most of the drought tolerant food crops in favour of fast growing commercial crops. Women were also forced to provide cheap labour in the European plantations and projects, a move that led to neglect and undermining of AWIKS on food crop production. The study also found out that during the period of political instability food crop cultivation was very little and this led to marginalization of AWIKS on food crop production. The research concluded that the integration of the Agikuyu women in colonial policies and practices undermined, neglected and pushed to the periphery the important role of AWIKS on food crop production. Therefore, the integration of AWIKS and western scientific agricultural knowledge on food crop production could be an effective way of ensuring food security.
Consumers’ Uses and Gratifications of Commercial Websites Advertising in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Nabea, Henry Nkoru
Commercial websites can be considered as ways of promoting businesses whereby companies use online advertising in order to focus on ways of increasing the sales of a service or a product. Practitioners and researchers are in unison by indicating that such websites have many potentials in the business arena. Numerous studies done on purposes and gratifications are in traditional media and internet general use. The knowledge relating to usage and gratifications of commercial websites advertising in Kenya remains scanty. This research addressed this gap by applying Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) as a structure to analyze usage and gratifications of business websites in Nairobi, Kenya. Therefore, this study aims at analyzing consumers’ usage of commercial websites, gratifications gained from these websites and the challenges experienced by the users while online. This study applied descriptive research approach to gain knowledge of underlying consumers’ usage and gratifications of Kenyan commercial websites advertising. It focused on Nairobi the capital city, which was purposely selected and preferred because of its well-developed communication infrastructure; electricity supply, fibre optic cable internet connectivity and has the highest number of internet (4G) users with 85% of all Facebook users in Kenya residing in Nairobi. This study used selective purposive sampling procedure as it allowed a deeper understanding of the research objectives. The sampling frame consisted of Nairobi’s commercial websites users with a sample size of 384 respondents from a target population of one million users. Structured questionnaires were used in collecting primary data distributed to commercial web users in cyber cafes, academic institutions, and offices in the Central Business District. Descriptive statistics was used to evaluate collected data using categories based on research objectives using SPSS. This study established that the most common reason users offered for visiting commercial websites was to share media such as pictures, videos, music and blogs. Six categories of reasons for using commercial websites were identified as socialization, information seeking, convenience, entertainment, relaxation and passing time. This research also found that the most widely held gratification obtained from using commercial websites was to share media content, such as pictures, videos, music and blogs. This is classified under socialization. The other gratifications obtained were categorized as information, convenience, entertainment, and relaxation and passing time. The challenges faced by commercial websites users identified in this study were slow loading, clutter, high costs, fraud, identity theft, and complexity of use. The reasons as to why consumers avoid certain commercial websites were found to be immorality, addiction, risk of loss of money, manipulation and poor advertisements. The research findings suggests useful guidelines and commendations for companies in search of establishing a presence on the web, as well as web-based businesses. It also offers an understanding of consumers’ usage and fulfilments of commercial web advertising. This study will benefit online businesses, online researchers, webmasters, e-entrepreneurs and e-marketers on how best to persuade and serve clients through management of online advertising platforms.
Creation of Identities in Political Conflict: Kenya’s Newspaper Discourse
(International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL), 2016) Karuri,Mary ,Muriungi Peter
This article looks into the construction of political identities in the discourse of two Kenyan newspaper headline stories covering the period of the Kenyan Coalition Government formed in 2008 to stem political conflict that arose after the disputed elections of 2007.It focuses on the two principals of the coalition government, President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Using a Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA) approach, the study analyses newspaper headline stories of the two leading newspapers in Kenya, Daily Nation and The Standard to gauge how the newspapers created identities for the two principals in the context of the political situation that existed then. The Prime Minister (PM) Raila Odinga is seen as a hero but also a victim of political forces. He is also evaluated as a peacemaker who quells conflicts brought about by his co-principal. President Kibaki, on the hand is depicted as an opportunist, anti-reformist and an ineffective leader. The newspapers exploit discourse strategies such as evaluative lexicon, structuring, schematic form and metaphor to create the identities and to persuade the audience to adopt a certain ideological stance.
DYNAMICS OF ANGLICAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN ENHANCING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA PETER
(Chuka University, 2022-09) WAMBUGU, PETER
The purpose of the study was to investigate the dynamics of Anglican Development Services (ADS) of the Anglican Church in enhancing Community Development (CD) in Kenya. The ADS since its inception has been involved in sectors such as agriculture, education, climate change, environment, healthcare, gender, human rights, poverty alleviation, peace building and justice, food security, economic empowerment, advocacy, water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS, capacity development and governance with the aim of improving the livelihood of the community. However, despite mitigation programs by the ADS in enhancing CD in Kenya, the community has consistently experienced the problem of inequalities, depraved governance, corruption, poverty, tribalism, poor health, unemployment and forms of under development, thus necessitating this study. The objectives of the study were: To establish the biblical and theological basis for church involvement in community development; to analyze the organizational policies of Anglican Development Services in enhancing community development in Kenya; to investigate the strategies employed by Anglican Development Services in enhancing community development in Kenya; and to establish the challenges facing Anglican Development Services in enhancing community development in Kenya. The study was carried out in four Anglican Development Services regions in Kenya namely: Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). The Theory of Reconstruction Theology (RT) advanced by Jesse N.K Mugambi was applied based on the process of social reconstruction as a paradigm for CD. Descriptive survey research design was used and a sample of 330 respondents gotten from a target population of 1,827 was employed. The data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 computer software was used to analyze the quantitative data using descriptive statistics, such as frequency and percentages in accordance with the study's objectives. Thematic analysis was done on qualitative data. The findings illustrated that the biblical and theological basis for church involvement in community development was highly valued. It was demonstrated that ADS has both policies and well founded strategies for enhancing community development. However, a number of challenges were discovered to be impeding the process of implementing of development initiatives and programs. To improve on the sustainability of community development within the targeted areas, it is recommended that more effort be made to disseminate biblical and theological teachings to educate communities about the wholistic mission of the church. In order to improve the sustainability of the development programs for the benefit of communities, beneficiary communities and community development partners should be appropriately engaged and well informed about the tenets, mission and strategic plans of ADS programs and projects. ADS target recipients should be expanded through conscientization process, goal oriented empowerment and transformative participatory approach, with the most vulnerable members of the community receiving priority. Suitable mitigating measures should be implemented to address the challenges encountered to ensure that the community and all stakeholders contribute to the achievement of the ADS community development objectives. From the study, it was confirmed that the ADS stands as a platform for socio transformation within the life stream of the people through community development. The study will make contribution to knowledge in religious studies, theology and related disciplines.
Education and Ethics: A Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Kenyan Education System
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mwanzia, Ruth Mutunge
One of the objectives of education is to promote ethical behaviour among learners. The African educational system inculcated ethics among members of society and produced ethically upright individuals for generations. With the introduction of formal education, the responsibility of inculcating ethics to children was taken up by schools. Efforts through reforms have been instituted to help develop ethics among learners. Despite the enormous investment in education over the years and the high academic qualification of graduates leaving the school, the level of impunity, corruption, negative ethnicity and intolerance has remained a major concern among educationists and stakeholders. This study sought to determine the influence of deconstruction and reconstruction of Kenyan education system on ethics among learners through integration of indigenous knowledges. The study adopted Utilitarianism and Post-colonial theories. The study was carried out in universities and communities of Kenya. Cross sectional descriptive survey and correlational research designs were utilized in the study. The target population for the study comprised of 537,211 subjects. A sample size of 384 respondents comprising of 324 students and 60 academic staff participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interviews. Validity of research instruments was ascertained through expert judgement by supervisors from the Faculty of Education and Resources Development. Reliability of instruments was estimated by use of Cronbach alpha method where a reliability coefficient of 0.859 was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data with the aid of Scientific Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Research hypotheses were tested using regression and correlation analysis at a significance level of α = 0.05. The analyzed data was presented by use of tables and figures. The findings of the study indicated that contemporary curriculum was too broad, theoretical and exam oriented hindering the development of ethics. The study established that, deconstruction and reconstruction of curriculum with inclusion of practical-oriented activities in classroom, community based approaches and co-curricular activities would help influence ethics. On pedagogical approaches, the study established that, deconstruction of teacher centred methods and theoretical approach with reconstruction of learner centred approaches, role modelling and resource persons would influence ethics. On philosophical foundations the study found the need to have foundations anchored on holistic development of learners. The study established that, integrated modes of discipline would encourage participatory approach in inculcating ethics among learners. The study concluded that deconstruction and reconstruction of contemporary curriculum, pedagogical approaches, philosophical foundations and modes of discipline had a significant influence on ethics among learners. Based on the study, the researcher recommends the curriculum, pedagogical approaches, philosophical foundations and modes of discipline to be deconstructed and reconstructed to embrace the African indigenous education and knowledges that would help promote ethical behaviour among learners. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide useful information to curriculum developers, implementers, planners, policy makers and other stakeholders on ways of integrating African indigenous education into contemporary education to influence ethical values. It is also hoped that the findings of this study will provide a basis for further research on integration of indigenous knowledges into contemporary education to promote ethics.
EFFECTS OF SELECTED INORGANIC AND ORGANIC NPK FERTILIZER SOURCES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CELERY IN CHUKA SUB-COUNTY, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kathuruh, Jackline
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a highly prized herb that is grown all over the world for salads. It has become more well-liked in Kenya, where it is mostly farmed for export. The influence of soil nutrient sources on the development and quality of celery is not well understood. The quantity, quality, safety, and shelf life of celery are all impacted by high nitrogen levels, necessitating more fertilizer use. In addition, the type of fertilizer used has a significant impact on the antioxidant buildup in celery. This study examined how fertilizer applications of NPK and mazao bora affected celery growth, production, and quality. NPK, an inorganic source of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, was used as part of the treatments, and Mazao. The Chuka University Horticultural Research Farm served as the site of the investigation. Between January and August 2020, there were two trials that were done. Three replications of the experiment were set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Seven treatments were used, including 0, 100, 200, 300 kg/ha of NPK fertilizer (15:9:20) and 0, 423.28, 634.92, and 846.56 kg/ha of organic fertilizer (2.5:4.7:2.4) from Mazao. Throughout the growth period, measurements of the plant's height, the number of petioles, and the number of branches were taken every 14 days. While yield, quality, and postharvest data were collected after harvest in Chuka University Laboratory. The collected information was put via Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) utilizing Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.3. Significant means were separated using the Least Significance Difference at α = 0.05. The results showed that organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly (p< 0.05) affected the plant height with NPK 300 kg/ha having the highest height in both trials at 52 days after transplanting (DAT). They recorded mean of 6.4 and 5.9 respectively. There was no significant effect between organic and inorganic fertilizer on internode length in both cultivations except at 80 days after transplanting in trial 1 and 52 days after transplanting in trial 2. The lowest was 0.35 in control and 3.7 organic 846.56 kg/ha. The number of stalks, number of branches and total soluble solids were significantly (p< 0.05) affected by the quantity of fertilizers applied. The 300 kg/ha of synthetic fertilizer recorded the highest number of stalks at 52 DAT 5.42 in both trials while 846.56 kg/ha of organic fertilizer recorded the highest in all days in both trials. The 300 kg/ha of inorganic fertilizer and 846.56 kg/ha of organic fertilizer showed the highest number of branches in both cultivations though at 80 DAT in both trials it was inconsistent. 300 kg/ha of organic fertilizer recorded the highest levels of total soluble solutes 9.51. When compared to the control, fertilizer rates had a substantial impact on yields, shoot and root dry weights, and plant biomass, all of which dramatically increased. According to the study, organic fertilizer produced the best growth, yields, and high levels of vitamin C, whereas inorganic fertilizer performed best in terms of quality criteria (total soluble solutes, total nitrogen, and crude protein) and the majority of postharvest metrics. Based on this study, organic fertilizer (Mazao bora) should be adopted gives high yields at 846.56 kg/ha and high levels of vitamin C (423.28 kg/ha), longest shelf life at 634.92 kg/ha. Also, norganic fertilizer (NPK) should be used for the production of celery as it gives high total soluble solutes at 300 kg/ha, crude protein and total nitrogen at 100 kg/ha. These properties are essenital to human health since they reduce chances of disease infection.
Hate Speech in the Creation of Socio- Political Dominance in Kenyan Parliamentary Debates
(American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2016) Atieno, Peter Christine, Muriungi, Peter and Mukuthuria,Mwenda
Speech can vary in meaning and implication. It can become something more than a vehicle for the communication of propositional knowledge. Speakers can manipulate language to evoke the emotions of recipients, hence becoming “damaging speech” that evokes negative emotions. What is said or written can have devastating effects on an individual and the society at large. The purpose of the study was to identify and discuss hate speech as a linguistic strategy used by parliamentarians in the creation of socio- political dominance. Sample texts were studied using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. Data was collected from The Hansard using a guiding card to identify utterances that had the potential of being classified as hate speech. This was analysed. The research found that politically elected leaders use the immunity that they enjoy to manipulate language to create dominance
IMPACT OF KARATINA SEWER STABILIZATION PONDS ON BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER ALONG RIVER RAGATI IN NYERI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-04) Marangu, Carlos
River Ragati is an important habitat for diverse species of organisms, plants and micro-organisms. The larger Ragati ecosystem is surrounded by a rural and urban setting that has a population of more than 158, 960 people. The ecosystem is located in an area with intensive agricultural activities and with the largest open-air market in East Africa which produces heterogeneous wastes that may contaminate Ragati River. Though there is a sewerage treatment plant at Karatina Town in Nyeri County, there is scanty information on the efficiency of stabilization ponds and the impact of the sewer discharge on River Ragati. The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of Karatina sewer treatment plant and its impact on physico-chemical and biological parameters along River Ragati during dry and wet seasons using quasi-experimental design. Data was analyzed using Scientific Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4. Wastewater parameters such as heavy metals. Nutrients and fecal and total coliform improved as they moved from one sedimentation to the next towards discharge. The pH during the wet season ranged from 6.54 to 7.96 and from 6.41 to 7.53 during the dry season. Temperature range of 20.17◦C to 25◦C and 23.9 to 25.7 ◦C was observed during wet season and dry seasons respectively. Concentrations of nitrates, phosphates, Zinc across sedimentation ponds differed significantly (p < 0.05). Nitrate concentrations range of 2.06 mg/l to 20.17 mg/l and 8.27 mg/l was observed during wet and dry season respectively. Phosphate concentrations ranged from 2.06 to 52.2 mg/l and 10.7 to 41.7 mg/l in wet and dry season respectively. Lead was below detection limit in this study in both seasons. The concentration of iron ranged from 0.56 to 30.42 mg/l and 0.06 to 22.1 mg/l during wet and dry season respectively. Total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by seasons of the year. The levels of total coliform in the sewerage treatment plant ranged from 7.61 to 774.16 cfu/100ml and 10.453 to 1500 cfu/100ml during dry and wet season respectively. On the other hand, levels of faecal coliform bacteria ranged from 3.91 cfu/100ml to 74.19 cfu/100ml and 7.23 to 105.87 cfu/100ml in dry and wet season respectively. The pH, temperature, phosphate, iron and copper of water from River Ragati differed significantly (p < 0.05) between upstream, effluent discharge point and downstream. The pH in River ranged from 7.1 to 7.5 and 8.03 to 8.37 during the dry and wet season respectively. The temperature ranged from 23.16 to 23.61◦C and 21.18 to 22.55◦C during wet and dry season respectively. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 11.47 to 14.06 mg/l and from 14.83 to 18.05 mg/l during dry and wet season respectively. The concentrations of iron ranged from 0.41 to 0.63 mg/l while that of copper ranged from 0.85 to 0.11 mg/l. Nitrates were higher 16.82 mg/l in the river during the wet season. Phosphates were higher in the river during the wet season at 11.45 gm/L. Iron was higher in the river during the wet season at 0.69 gm/L. Levels of total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria was not significantly (p > 0.05) different in different sampling points of River Ragati during dry and wet seasons. However, the level of total coliform bacteria significantly (p < 0.05) differed with seasons. Based on the findings, Karatina sewerage treatment plant effectively improved quality of wastewater in terms of physico-chemical and coliform aspects sampled in the study and could further be improved using duckweeds and sand filtration methods in future studies. Further, Karatina sewerage treatment plant had no effect on River Ragati in terms of Physico-chemical and coliform constituents. Seasons of the year significantly affects the levels of chemical and physical parameters. Levels of total coliform and feacal coliform bacteria did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) by seasons in different sampling points of River Ragati. Levels of faecal coliform bacteria in different sampling points did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) in River Ragati. This study bridges the knowledge gap on the performance of Karatina sewerage treatment plant and its impact on River Ragati.
Inculcation of Societal Norms in School System in Meru County, Kenya: An Afrocentric Perspective
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Kirugua, Joseph Muriungi
Modern societies have entrusted schools as key socializing agents. The school system is expected to inculcate positive societal norms into the learners. However, cases of negative behaviors that do not conform to acceptable norms have been on the increase despite numerous interventions by government through policy reforms which causes a lot of concern among scholars and stakeholders. This study sought to examine the application of Afrocentric education perspective to enhance societal norms among secondary school learners in Meru County of Kenya. The objectives of the study were to establish the influence of Afrocentric curricular activities, Afrocentric teaching methodology, Afrocentric evaluation methods and Afrocentric corrective measures on societal norms among secondary school learners in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design and correlational research design. The target population for this study was 86,700 subjects comprised of students and teachers in secondary schools in Meru County. The sample size was 384 respondents comprised of 100 teachers and 284 students in Meru County, Kenya. Purposive sampling technique was used to select schools and Heads of Department and simple random sampling was used to select teachers and students from the selected schools. The study utilized questionnaires and interview schedules to collect data. Instruments were piloted in four schools in Tharaka Nithi County. Research instruments were validated for content and construct validity by supervisors. Reliability of the instruments was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha co-efficient. A Cronbach’s coefficient of 0.749 was obtained and the tools were deemed reliable. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for Windows was used in the study to analyze data. Descriptive statistics used included mean, percentages, standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Inferential statistics used for data analysis was correlational analysis and linear regression analysis. Hypothesis of the study were tested using linear regression analysis at α = 0.05 level of significance and the analyzed data was presented in tables. The study established that integration of African traditional music and dance, social, moral and sex education into the contemporary school system enhances societal norms. The study also established that application of Afrocentric teaching methodology by active participation of learners, use of peer teaching, having specific approved experts involved in teaching and mentoring learners throughout the learning process promote societal norms among learners. The study established that evaluating the character of the learner and the level of engagement during the learning process enhance societal norms among secondary school learners. The study found that reprimands, verbal warnings and use of deterrents as corrective measures improve societal norms among learners. From the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that integration of Afrocentric education perspective into the contemporary school system would positively influence societal norms among secondary school learners. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommends that there is need to integrate traditional African music and dance, social, moral and sex education; use of peer teaching; character evaluation of the learners and use of deterrents as corrective measures into the contemporary school system in Kenya to enhance societal norms. The findings of this study would be useful to secondary school administrators, the ministry of education policy makers, curriculum implementers and other stakeholders to come up with policies that would promote integration of desirable societal norms among learners in secondary schools in Kenya.
Influence Of Digital Journalism’s Gratification On News Access And Choice In Kenyan Universities: A Case Study Of Chuka University
(Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 2017-06-07) Okana, Edward
The aspect of digital journalism on news access and choice has not received proper empirical research. The question whether digital journalism gratifications influencenews access and choice is an area that requires additional research.This study sought to explore the extent to which digital journalism audiences’ gratification has influenced news access and choice among university students in Kenya.The study was carried out in four selected Universities. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population of the study was 64,497. Purposive sampling was used to sample the universities. Random sampling was used to sample 384 respondents from the sampled universities. Data was collected using questionnaire. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 17.0. Frequencies and percentages were used for analysis. The study found that diversified digital journalism products gratify the interests and demands of internet users. The study recommends that media practitioners should conceptualize their audiences and digital journalism platforms that gratify them. Media houses and the government to develop internet infrastructure, formulate ethical framework and policies to guide digital journalism practice in Kenya. The finding of this study would provide knowledge on how digital journalism content is packaged and styled to appeal to the audiences.
Influence of Family Life Knowledge on Marriages in Meru County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Maigallo, Agnes Karambu
A satisfactory marriage is desirable but studies indicate that many people are dissatisfied in their marriages as reflected by broken families, single parent homes, violence in marriages and widespread misery in families. Various studies have given attention to marital satisfaction and they have found that couples with high levels of marital satisfaction have higher levels of life satisfaction in general. Despite the attention that has been given marital satisfaction, there is prevalence in divorces and separations in Meru County as reflected in the 2009 population census. Studies indicate that more young people are experiencing instability in marriages than old people. There is limited information on why there are differences in marital satisfaction between the older and younger generations. Studies have established a link between Family Life Knowledge and marital satisfaction but little has been done on the influence of family life education on marital satisfaction. The objective of this study was to establish; the levels of marital satisfaction, the influence of content of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction, differences in influence of sources of knowledge on family life on marital satisfaction and differences in the influence of age of delivery of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. The study adopted a mixed method research design. The target population of the study was 474,263 married people in Meru County from whom a sample of 384 respondents was drawn using multi-stage sampling. Data was collected from repondents using questionnaires, interviews schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The validity instruments were checked by faculty members and other experts in Psychology. The reliability of the instruments was done using split-half method. A reliability co-efficient of 0.89 was obtained indicating that the instrument was reliable. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science for both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included percentages and medians while inferential statistics include t-tests, ANOVA and Chi-square. Qualitative data was thematically analysed. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in marital satisfaction among married. This was attributed to differences in the content among the age groups with the three older age groups having a curriculum on family life education, while the youngest age groups did not have a curriculum. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the influence of sources of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. Peers, school teachers, parents and sponsors at initiation were the most influential sources of Family Life Knowledge. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed with respect to age of delivery of knowledge of family life among married people. Most of the married people in Meru County got Family Life Knowledge at the age of 11-20 years. It was also observed that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the influence of age of delivery of Family Life Knowledge on marital satisfaction. The information obtained from this study is expected to benefit counseling psychologist, sexologists, family therapists, sex therapists, parents, married couples, religious leaders and educationists. The information from this study is also expected to guide policy formulators in formulating a family life education curriculum for schools that is tailored towards marital satisfaction.
INFLUENCE OF LAND USE ACTIVITIES ON GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES IN RUPINGAZI WATERSHED, EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021-11) NYAGA, PAUL NJUE
Landforms are part of every part of the earth. The study aimed at finding ways by which land use activities contribute substances which effectively influence changes in landform along the Rupingazi watershed in Embu County, Kenya. The main objectives of this study were to assess the influence of agriculture, urban settlements, mining and abstractive activities on landform dynamism in the context of geomorphic parameters of denudation, and to determine their impacts. This was done by considering geomorphic processes such as weathering, erosion, deposition and mass movement. The study was guided by the theoretical framework of the nine-unit slope model suggested by Doornkamp and King; that an initial landform in a climatic and geological region evolves through geomorphic dynamism on varying slope forms. From this notion, the conceptual framework was developed on the assumption that the same denudational processes are operational on Rupingazi watershed and form the relevant variables: Crop farming, livestock rearing, urban settlements, abstractive and mining activities were the independent variables; climate and rocks as the intervening while the geomorphic processes were the dependent variables. Applied Research design, both quantitative and descriptive was adopted for the study. Data was collected from 21 sampling stations (SS) fixed through stratified systematic point sampling. Observations and field measurements on various land uses were used to obtain data. Satellite data and images were also used to compare with field observations. In addition, water and soil samples were collected for further analysis to corroborate field observations. The soil samples were tested for soil pH, porosity, organic contents and main chemical elements. Farming practices influenced geomorphic processes in that there was a very strong positive correlation (coefficient of 0.91) between the angle of farm slope and the distance of soil moved downslope when tilling. On average soils moved the furthest (123 cm) when tilling was done on farms with slope of 260 while tilling on farms with a slope of 6 0 caused soil to move by about 70 cm. Further, use of hand hoe moved about 800 kgs of soils materials in one season per acre. An African mole rat (mainly found where there was farming of napier grass and sweet potatoes) loosened about three kilograms of soil materials. On less steep paths (8 0 ), 1.8 m3 of soil was moved while 9.36 m3 of soil materials on slopes of about 220 was moved as result of livestock. All urban centers are located less than three kilometers from the Rupingazi river. Organic and solid wastes associated with urban settlements were found in sampled waters of the Rupingazi river. An increase of 50% of PO4 and NO3 was observed in sampled waters. The Mg was no increases by 92.3%. Surface run off from these settlements accelerated the impact of erosion and weathering. More than three quarters (76.7%) of the abstractive activities are in the lower reach of the River Rupingazi between SS 16 and 21. Mining and abstractive activities breakdown rocks, thereby accelerating geomorphic processes. Regolith development on any slope plays an important role in the slope evolution because it affects such bedrock characteristics as the strata dip (angle and direction) rock joints, and the effect on the weathering rates and amounts. The study recommends concerted effort and environmental education to control human activities along the watershed to ensure the landform equilibrium in the Rupingazi watershed. Further studies can be carried out to examine and determine the influence ecological zones on the geomorphic processes.
Influence of selected social-economic factors on retention and academic achievement among pupils in public day primary schools in Isiolo county, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Muchunku, Jackson
In Kenya, retention and academic achievement of children in primary schools has remained a major challenge. There has been low retention rates and low academic achievement in public primary schools in Isiolo County. Empirical data showing the factors influencing retention and academic achievement of pupils in public day primary schools in Isiolo County are unavailable. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of selected socio-economic factors influencing retention and academic achievement among pupils in public day primary schools in Isiolo County. The objectives of this study were to: determine the influence of household income, establish the influence of education of parents, determine the influence of parental occupation and, establish the influence of family environment on retention and academic achievements of pupils in public day primary schools, in Isiolo County. This study used Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory. This study used a correlation design that adopted both quantitative and qualitative techniques for testing the pupils, teachers and education officers’ questionnaires respectively. The population of the study consisted of 4142 respondents comprising of 546 standards seven teachers, 3594 standard seven pupils and 2 education officers in Isiolo County. The study used both purposive and simple random sampling methods. The sample size was 242 pupils, 110 teachers and 2 education officers, totalling to 354. The data for this study was collected using questionnaires for teachers and pupils and an informant interview for education officers. Content validity was used to test whether the questionnaires were measuring what they were supposed to measure and were ascertained through the help of the supervisors of this study. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient was used to compute the reliability. This study used both descriptive – mostly in the likert scale, rating by teachers and pupils on how independent variables were influencing dependent variables and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression) to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, means, and percentages to analyze the data. Inferential statistics was used to infer sampled data from the population before drawing conclusions. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 aided in data analysis. To determine the influence of selected socio-economic factors on retention and academic achievement, the study used multiple linear regressions, which was used to test the hypotheses. From the findings, it was found that environmental factors household income, parental education level and parent occupation has positive significant influence on both retention and academic achievement. The recommendation originating from the findings of the study is that the government should increase the allocation for free primary education to ease economic burdens for the parents, education should be enhanced through the adult and continuing education to enhance their levels of education. There is urgent need to support and provide necessary resources to enhance family structure, parent's attitude and expectation, home environment like family types and language used at home. This can be done through seminars and meetings organized by the school community on the same. The beneficiaries will be pupils in day primary schools in Kenya, Teachers in the public day primary schools will know how to re-organize their lessons in order to help the pupils more, Education officers will be able to know which areas they will put more emphasis in their routine visits to schools, the Non-governmental bodies together with donors will know where to come to help the pupils with financial problems.
INTEGRATED APPLICATION OF NAPHTHALENE ACETIC ACID, STAKING AND MINERAL NUTRIENT ON GROWTH, YIELD, AND SEED QUALITY OF CLIMBING BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
(Chuka University, 2020-12) KIRAGU, PAULINE WANJIRU
Abstract Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume in attaining food security and income. Amongst the common beans are the climbing beans that have indeterminate growth habit and require staking for support. Despite the importance of climbing bean in alleviating food insecurity, its production per unit area in Kenya has declined over the years. The decline is attributed to insufficient knowledge by farmers on the growth habit of climbing beans that is influenced by endogenous auxin activity, staking and mineral nutrient management. The study aimed to determine the effect of integrating naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), staking and mineral nutrient application on growth, yield, nutrient use efficiency and seed quality of climbing beans. The experiment was carried out in split – split plot experiment and laid down in Randomised Complete Block Design and replicated three times. This was done in three growing seasons at Kaguru Agricultural Training Centre. The treatments included three levels of NAA concentrations (0 ppm, 200 ppm and 400 ppm) which were randomly assigned to the main plot. The NAA was applied twice during the growth period through spraying at two weeks after crop emergence and at the onset of flowering for each concentration. Three levels of staking (no staking, staking with stakes and use of maize plants as support) were randomly assigned to the subplot. Four levels of DAP (18-46-0) fertiliser; 0, 200, 250 and 300 kg DAP per ha (equivalent to 0, 0; 36, 92; 45, 115 and 58 kg N per ha; 138 kg P per ha) were assigned to the sub-sub plot. Soil sampling and analysis were done before planting in order to determine the soil nutrient status in the study site. The Data was collected on growth and yield traits (Germination percentage, Number of leaves, Leaf chlorophyll content, Plant height, Root length, Total biomass, Number of branches, Days to physiological maturity, Yield per plant, Weight of one hundred seeds, Plant tissue N and P nutrient content, and Seed tissue N and P nutrient content growth vigour of the resultant plants). Data on growth and yield was used to determine Nutrient Use Efficiency, Harvest Index and Net Economic Benefit. The Data collected was subjected to ANOVA using statistical analysis software (SAS) version 9.3. The means that were significantly different were separated using LSD at a 5% level of significance. The integration of different levels of Naphthalene Acetic Acid, staking and mineral nutrient N and P affected the various parameters in climbing bean production. The germination % ranged from 52.78 % for 300 kg DAP per ha to 96.89 % for 0 kg DAP per ha, the number of leaves from 19.22 leaves for A3S3F1 (400 ppm NAA, maize plants as support and 0 kg DAP per ha) to 74.20 leaves for A3S2F4 (400 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 300 kg DAP per ha), the plant height from 176.33 cm high for A3S1F1 (400 ppm NAA, unstaked climbing bean plants and 0 kg DAP per ha) to 388.89 cm for A3S2F4, the number of branches from 2.89 branches for A1S3F1 (0 ppm NAA, maize plants as support and 0 kg DAP per ha) to7.89 branches A1S1F4 (0 ppm NAA, unstaked climbing bean plants and 0 kg DAP per ha), the number of days to physiological maturity from 78.67 days for A1S1F1 (0 ppm NAA, unstaked climbing bean plants and 0 kg DAP per ha) to 92 for A1S2F3 (0 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 250 kg DAP per ha), the root length from viii 12.89 cm for A3S3F1to 30.00 cm for A3S2F3 (400 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 250 kg DAP per ha), the chlorophyll content of leaves from 37.67 spads for A1S3F2 (0 ppm NAA, maize plants as support and 200 kg DAP per ha) to 62.53 spads for A1S2F4 (0 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 300 kg DAP per ha), the number of pods per plant from 15.00 pods for A1S3F1to 44.33 pods for A2S2F4 (200 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 300 kg DAP per ha), the number of seeds per pod from 4.00 seeds for A2S1F1 (200 pmm NAA, unstaked climbing bean plants and 0 kg DAP per ha) to 7.33 seeds for A2S2F4, the yield per plant from 6.50 g for A1S3F1 to 52.70 g for A2S2F3 (200 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 250 kg DAP per ha), the weight of 100 seeds from 57.21 g for A3S2F4 to 75.37 g for A1S3F1, the total yield from 630.77 kg per ha ha -1 for A1S3F1to 3137.09 kg per ha for A2S2F3 (200 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 250 kg DAP per ha), the seed P content from 0.1567 % for A1S1F1 to 0.6240 % for A3S2F4, the seed N content from 2.0733 % for A1S1F1 to 4.8867 % N for A3S3F4 (400 ppm NAA, maize plants as support and 300 kg DAP per ha), the crude protein of the seed ranged from 12.96 % for AISIF1 to 30.54 % for A3S3F4, the plant tissue P and N ranged from 0.158 % P and 2.692 % N for A1S1F1 to 0.3990 % P and 3.2732 % N for A3S2F4, the total biomass from 35.73 g for A2S3F1 (200 pmm NAA, maize plants for support and 0 kg DAP per ha) to 127.70 g for A2S2F4, the harvest index from 8.98 % for A1S3F1 to 20.20 % for A2S2F4, the nitrogen use efficiency ranged from 19.80 kg per kg for A1S3F4 (0 ppm NAA, maize plants for support and 300 kg DAP per ha) to 66.99 kg per kg for A2S2F3, the phosphorus use efficiency ranged from 8.32 kg per kg for A1S3F4 to 25.65 kg per kg for A2S2F3, the plant height for the resultant plants ranged from 148.331 cm for A3S2F2 (400 ppm NAA concentration, staking by use of stakes and 200 kg DAP per ha) to 186.20 cm for A2S3F4 (200ppm NAA concentration, bean plants supported by maize plants and 300 kg DAP per ha), the number of leaves for the resultant plants ranged from 25 leaves for A2S1F1 to 35 leaves for A3S3F1, the number of branches for the resultant plants ranged from 3 branches for A3S1F1 to 4 branches for A1S2F3, the net economic benefit ranged from Ksh. 28,520 for A1S2F1 (0 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 0 kg DAP per ha) to Ksh. 198,009 for A2S2F3. Generally, the performance of integrating 200 ppm, staking by use of stakes and 300 kg DAP per ha significantly increased many growths and yield related parameters while integrating 400 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 300 kg DAP per ha increased a number of growth parameters but not mainly the yield and yield related parameters. For high nutrient use efficiency and of net economic benefit of climbing beans the farmers would be recommended to use 200 ppm NAA, staking by use of stakes and 250 kg DAP per ha.
Kenyan Education System And Self-Reliance: A Decolonizing Perspective
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Murungi, James Mwenda
Education is meant to develop capacity and enhance productivity among members of society. African indigenous education systems inculcated self-reliance among members of society and every individual had a specific role. The colonial education system introduced and emphasized aspects of employment, resulting in job seekers and unemployment. In an effort to address growing mismatch between expectations by graduates and societal employment provisions, the government has undertaken reforms in the education system to promote self-reliance. Despite these efforts there has been growing concerns on the effectiveness of the current education system to inculcate self-reliance among graduates. This study sought to investigate the influence of decolonizing the Kenyan education system on self-reliance among students. The study was carried out in the universities in Kenya. This study utilized the descriptive survey and the correlational research designs. The target population for this study was 537,211 subjects made up of 520,893 students, and 16,318 Academic staff members in chartered public and private universities in Kenya. A sample size of 384 respondents made up of 60 members of academic staff and 324 fourth year bachelor of education students was selected to participate in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interview schedules. The validity of the instruments was enhanced through the expert judgment of the researcher‟s supervisors, peers and other experts. Reliability of the instruments was tested by use of the Cronbach‟s Alpha co-efficient. An internal consistency co-efficient of α = 0.862 was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used for measures of central tendencies including mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Inferential statistics through correlation analysis using the Pearson„s coefficient of correlation was used to measure the degree of influence of each independent variable (Decolonizing curriculum, Decolonizing pedagogical approaches, Decolonizing school environment and Decolonizing evaluation) on self-reliance. To test hypothesis, linear and multiple regression models were used to test significance of relationship between independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data from interviews was organized into themes, categories and patterns pertinent to the study. This study established that the contemporary curriculum influences self-reliance to a moderate extent and that integration of subjects that develop practical skills and nurture creativity would promote self-reliance to a large extent. It was found that the contemporary pedagogical approaches do not promote self-reliance. Changing the role of the student from a passive learner to a reflective thinker and problem solver as well as laying emphasis on practical rather than theoretical learning would enhance self-reliance. The contemporary school environment was found to have little influence on self-reliance and that an enhanced environment where teachers play the role of mentors, coaches and trainers would promote self-reliance. Embracing evaluation that measures problem solving skills and creativity rather than memory would promote self-reliance. It was concluded that Decolonizing curriculum, decolonizing pedagogical approaches, decolonizing school environment and decolonizing evaluation had significant influence on self-reliance among students in the Kenyan education system. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommends integration of aspect of African indigenous curriculum, pedagogical approaches, school environment and evaluation into the contemporary Kenyan education in order to promote self-reliance among students. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be useful to educational planners, policy makers, curriculum implementers and other stakeholders in promoting self-reliance among graduates from educational institutions.

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