10th International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2023
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Item 10th International Research Conference “Mainstreaming Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer and Commercialization for Sustainable Economies (MRIT-TCSE)” Proceedings(Chuka University, 2024) Mutembei Henry, Nduru Gilbert, Munyiri Shelmith, Gathungu Geofrey, Kiboro Christopher, Otiso Wycliffe, Rithaa Jafford, Miriti Gilbert, Gichumbi Joel, Mwathi David, Gitonga Lucy, Nanua Jackin, Kahindi Roseline, Jonathan Kathenge & Muthui Zipporah (Eds.).Item An investigation into the effectiveness of digital technologies on environmental sustainability in TVET institutions in Kenya(Chuka University, 2024) Kariuki, W. PaulineDigital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, mobile technologies, IoT, and social platforms have generated positive improvements in education, society, and industries. Digital technologies are also increasingly deployed in improving environmental sustainability. Companies are now introducing new products and platforms based on digital technologies used to ameliorate environmental sustainability. Goralski and Tan highlighted AI-based technologies such as Smart Water Management Systems, Plant Village, and Peter Ma’s innovative use of AI for identifying waterborne diseases that have infested waters. Balogun et al. conducted a study on implementing digitalization for improving environmental sustainability. There exists a gap due to the limited policy and regulatory reforms to facilitate the effectiveness of implementing digital technologies for environmental sustainability. Lack of frameworks to promote the usage of digital technologies. This study sought to investigate on the effectiveness of digital technologies on the environmental sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions in Kenya. A quantitative research design was used in this study. The researcher used the simple random, Purposive, and Convenient technique of Trainers and trainees from TVET Institutions who added up to 100 trainees and 200 trainers as respondents. The relationship between the variables was established through correlation analysis. Regression analysis and ANOVA were used. The respondents were asked to state whether the TVET institutions have policies on the use of digital technologies on environmental sustainability 65% agreed, 25% strongly agreed, 5% strongly disagreed, 4% disagreed and only 1% was neutral. As to whether digital technologies contribute to environmental suitability 20% agreed, 12% strongly while only 68 strongly disagreed. Further, on whether the TVET Institutions have frameworks to promote the usage of digital technologies: 15% agreed, 35% strongly agreed, 44% strongly disagreed and 4% disagreed. Only 2% were neutral. The study recommended that TVET Institutions develop policies on digital technologies, develop frameworks on the usage of digital technologies also promote awareness of the contribution of digital transformation to environmental sustainability. The study concluded that to increase the effectiveness of digital technologies on environmental sustainability TVET institutions should encompass the policy development on the training on the use of digital technologies for environmental sustainability.Item Analysis of production, socio-economic and institutional factors affecting technical efficiency of smallholder banana producers in Kirinyaga central sub-county, Kenya.(Chuka University, 2024) Mativa Jackson Mkenye; Carolyne A. Omukoko; Jafford N. Rithaa; Geofrey K. GathunguBanana provides food, nutrition security and income for most households and is fourth most popular food crop in the world after wheat, maize and rice. Despite its significance, full potential of banana production in Kenya remains unexploited by smallholder farmers due to low technical efficiency especially in utilization of farming inputs due to production, socio-economic and institutional issues among others. In Kirinyaga County, the actual banana production is at 4-18 tonnes per acre against the potential of 30-40 tonnes. Despite the limited supply of resources for production, attainment of highest possible levels of technical efficiency is key to achieving sufficiency in banana farming. The study analyzed the effects of production, socio-economic and institutional factors on technical efficiency among smallholder banana producers in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, Kenya. A cross-sectional research design was used. Questionnaire was administered randomly to 402 respondents selected using multi-stage sampling technique and data analyzed using Stata version 17 and SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics described the production, socio-economic and institutional factors. A stochastic frontier analysis approach was used to model the efficiency levels using Cobb - Douglas functional form estimated using the maximum likelihood technique. The study showed that technical efficiency varied between 0.93% to 95.45% and average technical efficiency of 83.14%. The study found that manure and planting materials had positive effects on technical efficiency whereas land size had negative impact. The findings established that age of decision maker and size of the household had negative effects whereas education, experience, farmer group membership and market access had positive effects on technical efficiency. The study advises persons with high levels of education to get into banana farming because smallholder farmers with greater levels of education demonstrated high levels of production efficiency. Additionally, to improve efficiencies, farmer group development and membership are encouraged and also extension services made more accessible.Item Analysis of technical efficiency on orange fleshed sweet potatoes production among the smallholder farmers in migori county kenya(Chuka University, 2024) Lawrence O. Jabuya; Shelmith W. Munyiri; Martin K. Njogu; Dave M. IreriSweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas L.), particularly the orange fleshed variety, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) show potential for productivity, yet smallholder farmers in Kenya still struggle to maximize their yields. The factors influencing OFSP production efficiency among these farmers in Western Kenya have not been thoroughly examined. This study evaluated the technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers in Migori County. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 225 OFSP farmers was randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on inputs and selected socio-economic factors. The data was then entered into SPSS software, and analysis was done using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82%, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 22.18%. These findings suggest that to reduce inefficiencies among smallholder OFSP farmers, targeted training programs are needed to enhance farmers' agronomic knowledge specific to OFSP production. Further, policy interventions should prioritize the provision of extension services to support and improve the performance of OFSP smallholder farmers.Item Athletic Trainers Impact On Athletes: A Case Study of United States(Chuka University, 2024) Jonathan KathengeWith upcoming of the competency-based education and the increasing ailments directly or indirectly connected with climatic change and weather patterns globally, physical exercise has become increasingly necessary, which directly or indirectly calls for increased uptake of physical education in schools, colleges and the greater public. This view necessitated this study which focuses one component of physical education. The study was carried in the United States with its focus being the athletic training industry to critically examine the impact of athletic trainers to the athletes, both physically and mentally. The main focus of the study was to examine Athletic trainer’s role in the athlete’s mental wellbeing. It also looked into the athlete’s trust to his or her athletic trainer not only in their expertise in the field and their knowledge, but also how the trainer is focused on what is best for the athlete’s long-term health and well-being. The study was motived by a belief that athletic trainers are usually held with high standard both off the field and in the field especially where everyone can directly see their performance. However, it is not common knowledge in the public domain what the athletic trainers do to help the athletes in terms of injury prevention as well as treating already incurred injuries. Data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. For primary sources, data questionnaires were administered online to purposively chosen participants while secondary data was sourced from written works and documented reports. Descriptive data analysis was used and the results used to draw conclusion and recommendations. The study findings indicated that the relationship between a student-athlete and athletic trainer is pivotal during the grind of a season and even the off season. The athletic trainer must work with the student-athlete and build trust with them along with the coaching staff and administration which is not easy to do. The findings and conclusion from the study recommends a need for a clearer answer on the impact that athletic trainers have on student- athletes, with a better way to show the actual relationship between the two.Item Climate-Resilient Hay Production in Kajiado County: Leveraging Adaptive Cultivation Practices and Public-Private Partnerships for Drought Risk Reduction(Chuka University, 2024) Kimaru, Judy; Mutembei HenryThis study investigates the viability of climate-resilient hay production in Kajiado County, leveraging adaptive cultivation practices and public-private partnerships to reduce drought risks. The study's methodology employs a non- experimental research design with a cross-sectional approach, including a literature review and a cost-benefit analysis of 23 hay farms. The literature review emphasizes the crucial role of fodder production in supporting livestock nutrition and ensuring food security in Kenya's rangelands. Challenges faced by pastoralist communities, such as marginalization and conflicts over resources, are discussed, as well as obstacles in the fodder value chain, including high input costs and poor seed quality. Cost-benefit analysis of hay production practices reveals a significant annual hay deficit in Kajiado Central County, prompting the need for enhanced local hay production to meet high demand during severe droughts. Differences in hay production practices between livestock keepers and farmers highlight the importance of tailored interventions and support for both groups. Strategic partnerships and commercial hay production ventures are suggested to address hay demand during critical periods. The study also explores the profitability of hay production practices, showing promising returns on investment for those adopting low-technology and cost-effective approaches. Flexible management strategies are essential for mitigating losses during no-sale years caused by adverse events like abundant rainfall or wildfires. Collaborative approaches, shared machinery facilities, and cooperative arrangements are proposed to optimize machinery usage and reduce financial burdens on individual farmers. Sustainable water management practices are emphasized to reduce irrigation costs and promote environmentally friendly hay production. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the potential of hay production as a valuable drought risk reduction strategy and recommends proper management, strategic decision-making, and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to enhance the resilience and profitability of hay production in arid regions. By adopting the recommended practices, hay production can contribute to food security, livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural practices in Kajiado County and beyondItem Cost of inputs influencing indigenous chicken egg production in Tharaka Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya(Chuka University, 2024) Chelangat, S. P.; Kinyua, J.; Gichure, M.Poultry farming contributes to Kenya’s food and economic security. It provides a living for 70% of Kenyans by providing meat, eggs, and income. Indigenous chicken (IC) dominates poultry production in Kenya and is primarily kept in rural areas due to low economic rearing costs. Yet, IC’s egg production is low, laying 45 eggs/hen/year compared to its potential of 165 eggs/hen/year. Low and poor-quality feeds and disease management practices have been associated with low egg production. This study used a cross-sectional survey to establish the impact of the cost of inputs on IC egg production in Tharaka Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from a clustered simple random sample of 246 IC farmers from Gatunga, Mukothima, Nkondi, Chiakariga, and Marimanti wards of Tharaka Sub-County. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA software version 17. Descriptive statistics were means, standard deviations, and proportions. A Stochastic Frontier production model was fitted to predict the influence of the cost of inputs on IC’s clutch sizes. The results showed that higher treatment expenditure (β = 0.0003, t = 29.01, p < .001) and commercial feeds (β = 0.005, t = 46.80, p < 0.01) were associated with higher clutch at a 1% significance level. IC produced an average clutch size of 18.6 with commercial feeds compared to 16.6 with local feeds. Poultry diseases adversely influence chickens’ physiological processes, such as impaired growth and feed utilisation decreasing egg production. Commercial feeds have nutrients such as protein, for egg yolk and albumen formation, calcium, and phosphorus essential for eggshell formation. Contrarily, local feeds may not have the balanced nutrients. Therefore, low cost of commercial feeds and disease treatment decreases the cost of egg production. Thus, IC farmers should use commercial feeds to increase egg production. Besides, the county should support IC farmers to control diseases through financing to improve egg production.Item Cultural artefacts and biology instruction in public secondary schools in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya.(Chuka University, 2024) Daniel, G. M.; Noel, O. U.; Ogembo, O. J.Biology education in Kenya has been characterized by persistent poor performance in national examinations. The persistent poor performance in Biology is attributed to lack of adequate and appropriate teaching and learning resources due to limited financial resources in most public schools. In the absence of adequate resources, Biology teachers have been encouraged to use community resources within their surrounding including cultural artefacts for instructional purposes. To date however, minimal empirical literature specifically has addressed the types of cultural artefacts on Biology instruction exist. This study therefore sought to address the existing knowledge gap by assessing the types of cultural artefacts on Biology instruction with a specific focus on public secondary schools in Meru south sub-county. The study was based on Constructivist learning theory and socio-cultural theory, and applied a descriptive survey research design. The target population was heads of Biology subject, Biology teachers and forms four Biology students. The sample size of 351 respondents was determined using the sample table developed by Krejcie and Morgan. Data collection instruments were a questionnaire and interview schedule for heads of Biology subject. Expert opinion was used to establish validity and reliability. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 computer software. The study findings showed that bones from skeletons of animals, beads and necklaces, wood carvings and skins, stones, mud huts, clay pots, baskets and basketry, music instruments and iron metal are some of the cultural artefacts that are available for used in Biology instruction with varying degree. It is therefore recommended that Biology teachers be encouraged to enhance the use of artefacts in instruction as well as teachers and students to be sensitized on the positive outcomes of using the artefacts as instructional materials.Item Determinants of market outlet choice among smallholder Irish potato farmers in Kinangop Sub-County, Nyandarua County, Kenya.(Chuka University, 2024) Kamau, P. M.; Oloo-Abucheli, G. O.; Kiramana, J. K.The market outlet choice is among the key decisions in every farming household since the outlet chosen determines the profits accrued to the individual household. However, smallholder Irish potato farmers face challenges reaching their preferred outlets in Kenya. The research therefore, examined the determinants of market outlet choice among smallholder Irish potato farmers. A descriptive research design was employed to collect cross-sectional data on the year 2022 crop season from sampled 241 smallholder Irish potato growers. Smallholder Irish potato farmers were identified through cluster sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured pretested questionnaire. A multivariate probit model was used to investigate the determinants of market choices. The study revealed that 92.95% of smallholder Irish potato farmers sold their produce to brokers. The likelihood of smallholder farmers choosing the brokers was significantly influenced by land size, market distance, and phone access. Selecting the local market was significantly influenced by land size, gender, information access, market distance, extension, and phone access. The likelihood of choosing urban markets was significantly influenced by age, information, and phone access. The probability of selecting the contracts was influenced significantly by age, market distance, information, credit and phone access, and primary occupation. Therefore, the study recommends agricultural extension agents disseminate relevant information to smallholder Irish potato farmers to facilitate informed decisions when selling their produceItem Determinants of youth participation in agribusiness in nyeri county, Kenya.(Chuka University, 2024) Maina, Loise C.; Rithaa, J.N.; Chege, S. M.; Gathungu G.K.Involvement of youth in agribusiness has become a vital strategy for eradicating poverty and creating employment opportunities for Kenyan youth. However, their participation in the sector is still not satisfactory. The study asses sed the factors that influence youth participation in agribusiness in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County. A sample of 288 youths was obtained through a stratified random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on factors influencing youth participation in agribusiness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a binary logit regression model. The results demonstrated that among the factors, age(p=0.005), gender (p=0.007), access to land (p=0.000), access to markets(p=0.014) access to agribusiness training(p=0.001), access to credit (p=0.021), access of agribusiness information(p=0.002) and had a significant and positive relationship with agribusiness participation. Youths’ engagement in agricultural e-commerce (p=0.011) had a significant and negative relationship with youths’ decision to participate in agribusiness. However, income, education level, household size, group membership, availability of modern farming technologies, access to the internet, and distance to output and input markets did not significantly (p >0.05) influence the participation of the youth in agribusiness. According to the findings, there is a need to avail agribusiness information and training to the youths to increase their chances of uptake of agriculture as a business. The study also encourages empowering youths through credit access, land access and agricultural market access to increase youths’ involvement in commercial agriculture. This will help resolve the challenges of rising unemployment and poverty rates among Kenya's growing youth population and also help achieve food security.Item Eco-Plate as a Sustainable Alternative to Single-Use Plastics in Food Service industry(Chuka University, 2024) Christine W. Kinyua; Njeru Moses.K; Faith Kamene; Mary Githenduka; Kennedy MwanikiPlastic containers are widely used in households and industries. This is because their production cost are relatively low, they can easily be moulded in to any shape and they are resistant to corrosion. Across the world, single-use plastic tableware is common in food service operations because it offers the much desired convenience. However, their use and subsequent disposal aggravates the challenge of solid waste in the environment. In particular, the continued production and use of plastics is associated with greenhouse gas emissions, health complications, provide breeding grounds for disease vectors, clog sewer systems, reduce aesthetic value of ecosystems and related environmental pollution because they are not biodegradable. Globally, there has been a growing concern on the menace caused by plastics on the environment. In realising the dangers of continued plastic use, efforts have been directed towards development of sustainable alternatives. To this end, stakeholders in the hospitality industry have been developing and adopting eco-friendly technologies and practices. Consequently, this paper discusses the development and use of an edible and abiodegradableplate(eco-plate). This eco-plateismadefromplant based dough whose main ingredients are red sorghum flour, wheat flour and margarine. Five groups of eco-plates (A, B, C, D and E) were made from doughs of different ratios of red sorghum flour, wheat flour and margarine (2:2:1, 3:2:1, 2:3:1, 1:2:0.5 and 1:1:0). These five classes of eco-plates were tested 299 for organoleptic properties, water absorption capacity and biodegradability. Eco-plate C was considered the most acceptable eco-plate by more than three quarters (77%) of their spondents who tasted the samples. This make of eco-plate had the highest absorption capacity (33%)due to increased gluten from wheat flour. All the makes of eco-plates decomposed within six days. This implies that the adoption ofeco plateinfoodserviceoperationswillgreatlyreduceenvironmentaldegradationassociatedwithuseandproducti onofplastics.Item Effect of Capital Allowance Incentives on the Financial Performance Of listed Consumer Goods Companies in Kenya(Chuka University, 2024) Rebecca Ngugi Muthee; Patricia Gachambi Mwangi; John MutuaThe Consumer goods sector has been a major driver of industrial growth, leading to some international firm to enter the market thus increasing existing investment in recent years. However, their financial performance is lowlands ubpar. The companies have experienced a decline on the contribution to the country’s GDP from 5.0% in 2017 to 4.1% in the manufacture of food, beverages and tobacco sector. Nevertheless, there is paucity of empirical and conceptual knowledge on the phenomenon influence of capital allowance incentive on the financial performance. This study was anchored on the Agency cost theory. Descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study used secondary data which was collected using a checklist and was extracted from the Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE) reports between the year 2017-2021. The target population of the study comprised of the thirteen listed consumer goods companies in the Nairobi Securities Exchange as at 31st December 2021. The study used census technique. Data analysis was done with the aid of SPSS version 25.0. The study used correlation analysis and multiple regression to determine the relationship between capital allowance incentives and financial performance. To test the statistical significance, the t-statistic at 95% The confidence level was used. Data was presented using tables and figures. Further, it was found that capital allowance had a positive regression coefficient of (0.739, p-value of 0.0463). The study will be useful to listed consumer goods companies to institute more robust capital allowance incentives. The study will also contribute to the body of knowledge for both researchers and academicians.Item Effect of Inventory Management Practices on Performance of Food Processing Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya.(Chuka University, 2024) Mayabi Peres Linda; Miriam Thogori; Joseph Masindethe better performance of any firm. The food processing sub sector performance has been declining thus its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product has reduced to 10% thus leading to operation inefficiency. The overall objective of the study was to probe the effect of inventory management practices on performance of food processing firms in Nairobi County. The study was premised on the lean theory. Descriptive design was employed. A population of 172 food processing firms and a sample size of 120 firms was determined. Stratified and simpler random sampling were used to pick specific firms while data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics aided in describing the primary characteristics of the data. Regression analysis aided to ascertain the effect of inventory management on performance of food processing firms with the aid of SPSS version 28. T-statistics were used to gauge the significance of individual objectives at 5%confidence level while F-statistic was used to establish the overall significance of the model. The study established inventory management was found to be positively correlated to performance, ((regression coefficient 0.492, p value0.000). The study concluded that inventory management practices had substantial impact on performance on Food processing firms and recommends that firms should establish adequate quality control and quality monitoring points in order to get the best quality during the production and also as a way of minimizing on cost. The findings will contribute to theory of supply chain management and policy making regarding different of inventory management practices to ensure increase in performance.Item Effect of Public Wages On External Debt in Kenya(Chuka University, 2024) Remmy Juma Naibei; , Dennis Muriithi; Onesmus MbaabuMost developing Africa countries have a high need for capital projects that requires a lot of government spending and attention. However, it is unfortunate that in Kenya, borrowed cash intended for capital projects is diverted to recurrent requirements like payment of wages and salaries, and debt repayment, putting a damper on national investment in viable projects. This poses a significant threat to the economy's growth. The following goals served as a guideline for the study; to determine the influence of public wages on external borrowing debt in Kenya using both cointegration and error correction model. Causal research design was adopted to explain the influence of public wages, social expenditure and debt servicing on external borrowing in Kenya. The study period was from 1970 and 2019 from which a 50-year time series data was employed for analysis. The research relied on secondary data which was collected with the aid of a structured data collection checklist from Central Bank of Kenya, and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, International Monetary Fund and World Bank websites. Data analysis was done with an aid of Stata, E-views and Ox- Metrics statistical software. Stationarity of variables was tested using PP unit root test where public wages was reported to be stationary at level form. The study employed use of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique, to empirically examine the influence of recurrent expenditure variable on external borrowing in Kenya. There was a significant negative association between public wages and external debt whereby a rise in public wage by 100% indicated decrease in external debt by 101.92%. The overall model was found to be significant since the F-statistic value generated in the analysis was 124.664 with a p-value of 0.000 < 0.05. Model was a good predictor of external borrowing, with an adjusted R2 of 0.946 for public wages explaining foreign debt. This research recommends the study recommends that SRC should free up resources using the austerity measures which include wage reductions for government employees. Secondly, the government through the ministry of treasury should raise tax base to increase revenues. Finally, the results of this study may be valuable to government stakeholders who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring economic development through public sector financing, also it is expected to provide important information to policymakers in order to maintain external debt at manageable levels.Item Effectiveness of experiential learning approach on students’ academic achievement and attitude towards biology in secondary schools in Maara Sub-County, Kenya.(Chuka University, 2024) Gisoi, J. M.; Njagi, M. W.; Mungiria, J. N.The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of experiential learning approach on students’ academic achievement in biology in secondary schools in Maara sub-county, Kenya. Quasi experimental research design was employed and in particular Solomon four group design. The target population was 22,640 biology students in secondary schools in Maara sub-County, TharakaNithi County. The accessible population consisted of 1,557 form two students in the Sub-County mixed Secondary schools. The purposive sampling was used to draw four sub-County mixed secondary schools from a list of mixed secondary schools in Maara Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used to select and assign participating schools in experimental and control groups. The sample size comprised of 118 students. The research instruments used were Biology Pre-Test (BPT) and Biology Achievement Test (BAT). The instruments were piloted to determine their reliability in a Sub-County mixed secondary school in Meru-South Sub- County. Reliability coefficient for instruments was 0.741. The validity of the research instrument was ascertained by experts in the department of education of Chuka University. Experimental groups (E1 and E2) were taught using experiential learning approach while control groups (C1 and C2) were taught using conventional teaching approach. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 aided in data analysis. The raw data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentages) and inferential statistics (one-way ANOVA, Turkey post hoc analysis, and t-test). The null hypothesis was tested at α= 0.05 significant level. The findings of this study revealed that there was a significant difference in the academic performance between the students taught using experiential learning approach and those taught using the conventional approach. It was therefore recommended that the experiential learning approach should be applied to improve students’ academic achievement in biology. The findings of the study may be helpful to the curriculum planners and learning institutions to incorporate innovative techniques in classroom teaching to improve learning of biology subject in Kenya. The findings also form a ground upon which likely further research could be built for innovative teaching techniques in secondary schools.Item Effectiveness of primary school co-curricular activities in instilling democratic values among pupils in public primary schools in Igembe south sub-county. A critique based on john rawls theory of justice(Chuka University, 2024) Priscilla Mwonjiru Kailikia; John Mwithalii Kamoyo; Fredrick OgolaThis study focused on the effectiveness of primary school co-curricular activities in instilling democratic values among pupils in public primary schools in Igembe south sub-county. A critique based on John Rawls theory of justice. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population was 6700 comprising of 5950 standard seven pupils and 750 teachers in public primary schools in Igembe South Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used to select 325 pupils while purposive sampling was used to select 45 teachers forming a total sample of 370 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires. Collected data was cleaned, coded and entered in the computer for analysis using SPSS version 21. The study used Quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that Primary school co-curriculum activities were found relevant in instilling democratic value of socio-economic equality highlighted in the John Rawls theory of justice. The study further revealed that co-curricular activities promoted democratic value of equal liberty among pupils because they inculcate culture of sharing. Based on this, the study recommended that, head teachers ought to emphasize on the importance of pupils’ participation in co-curriculum activities in the process of curriculum implementation and supervision. This is because the study has exposed that co-curriculum activities are significant in enhancing democratic values.Item Effectiveness of Social Media analytics counterterrorism Technology (smact) on Terrorism containment rates in Lamu county beach tourism destination, Kenya(Chuka University, 2024) Biwott G. K.; Muruiki L. M; Too E. C.Fear of terrorism has led to social and economic decline particularly in beach tourism destinations. The main approaches used in managing terrorism include hard and soft strategies such as military and counter-radicalization. Previous studies have reported the capabilities of social media analytics in detecting terror threats through media streams. However, the effectiveness of this technology has not been examined in beach tourism destinations. This study examines the effectiveness of social media analytics counterterrorism technology (SMACT) in identifying terror threats in tourism destinations. The aim of the research is to determine the effectiveness of SMACT technology on terrorism containment rates in Lamu County beach tourism destination. Descriptive research and machine learning is used to process Twitter dataset using Python. A dataset of 9,572 tweets is preprocessed. Naive Bayes and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) sentiment analysis models are implemented and evaluated to categorize terrorism-related tweets as positive or negative. A dataset of 5840 tweets is processed after preprocessing and split 80:20 into train and test sets models are developed and trained. The trained models are used to predict sentiment on the 20% test set. A total of 1168 tweets counts are predicted on the test set for each model. Naive Bayes model predicts 719 positive and 449 negative tweets. The RNN model predicted 829 positive and 339 negative tweets. The Naive Bayes and RNN models demonstrate highly accurate detection of extremist sentiment in tweets, though the Naive Bayes classifier outperformed the RNN model. The Naive Bayes model predicted 61.6% of tweets as positive sentiment and 38.4% as negative. In contrast, the RNN model predicted a 71:29 split between positive and negative tweets. Frequently occurring terrorism related terms include 'attack', 'kill', 'bomb' among others. Twitter terrorism and counterterrorism tweets sentiments are successfully analyzed, giving important insights into the prevalent opinions on the platform. The sentiment distribution and correlations between positive and negative feelings are clustered. The results help researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders in counterterrorism efforts gain a better grasp of public opinion on Twitter.Item Effects of government policy on the relationship between project management practices and sustainability of agribusiness projects in Kenya(Chuka University, 2024) Kabethi, Joseph Miano; Ngugi Lucy; Maingi James.Government policy as expressed in laws, rules, regulations and guidelines pervades all spheres of human life. The underlying conviction is that government policy promotes the best interest of society and provides an orderly way for attainment of a predetermined end. In Kenya, many agribusiness projects are designed and implemented within the purview of existing government policies to address the challenges affecting the farming enterprise. The effects of government policies on predetermined project objectives in agribusiness projects including sustainability remains largely unknown. The study sought to establish the effects of government policy on the relationship between known project management practices and sustainability of Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Projects (KAPAP) in selected Counties in Kenya. The project management practices which were considered as independent variables were; capacity building practices, stakeholder’s management practices, project design practices and monitoring and evaluation practices. The population comprised of 6401 KAPAP projects implemented between years 2012 to 2015. A sample of 376 was selected through multistage random sampling methods. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were applied in data analysis. From the findings, it was established that each of the four project management practices statistically significantly had an influence on the sustainability of KAPAP projects. The proportion of joint explanation of dependent variable (PS) by the independent variables (PMPs) improved on inclusion of government policy as a moderating variable. This confirmed that government policy statistically significantly moderated the relationship between the project management practices and project sustainability. From these findings, the project management practices can be used to reliably predict project sustainability and this prediction is enhanced by implementation of government policies. The study recommends for consideration of government policy for attainment of project objectives including sustainabilityItem Epistemological belief in control of knowledge and performance of physics among secondary school students in Tharaka Nithi County, Keny(Chuka University, 2024) Mbaka, J. K.; Kanga, B. M.; Mwanzia, R. M.; Murungi, J. M.The study’s aim was to investigate the extent to which students’ epistemological beliefs in the dimension of control of knowledge acquisition relates to performance in the subject of physics. The study used a mixed-methods research approach that included philosophical analysis, a descriptive survey and correlational analysis. The research was steered by both the implicit intelligence philosophy, and the constructivist learning theory. The sample size comprised of 310 form two students, 60 physics teachers and 20 heads of science department. Quantitative data analysis techniques, including correlation and regression analysis, were used to examine the relationships between students’ epistemological beliefs in control of knowledge and physics performance. The qualitative data from interviews provided deeper insights into how students’ experiences and perceptions related to their beliefs about knowledge and physics performance. Data analysis was performed using tools in the SPSS version 26. The study revealed a positive correlation between sophisticated beliefs in control of knowledge acquisition and performance in physics. From the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that sophisticated beliefs in control of knowledge acquisition contributes towards better performance in physics. The study suggests the implementation of strategies aimed at fostering the development and adoption of sophisticated epistemological beliefs in control of knowledge acquisition among students in order to enhance their performance in physics. The outcome of this study can inform educational policymakers, curriculum developers, and teachers in Kenya to design interventions that promote the development of students’ epistemological beliefs in control of knowledge to stimulate performance in physics.Item Examining the Effectiveness of the Legal Framework Governing Climate Change. In Kenya.(Chuka University, 2024) Mwai Samuel; Wycliffe OtisoThe natural environment has been experiencing enormous challenges associated with natural and human factors. Precisely, most of these environmental challenges have been caused by human activities through pollution, degradation and human interference. Climate change remains one of the contemporary puzzles facing the earth and has been linked with increased heating of the earth. This paper briefly analysis how the world is legally responding to global warming and also investigates the strategic legal measures being undertaken by stakeholders. The paper then proceeds to review the Kenyan legal framework on climate change and the contribution of the regulatory measures adopted to minimise its intensity. The paper thus analysis the Kenyan climate change legal framework and its adequacy and effectiveness. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, and the Climate Change Act are identified as the main laws regulating this phenomenon. Noteworthy, Kenya was the first country in Africa to legislate on climate change. A review of the Kenya’s legal, institutional and policy framework reveals existence of a vibrant framework to combat climate change; however, the slow implementation and poor environmental practices derail the intentions and efforts made. This poses the question of the legal capability of bodies and institutions entrusted to discharge their mandate related to addressing climate change. This paper also notes that bodies and institutional mechanisms such as NEMA and National Climate Change Council have not adequately discharged their mandates in enforcing compliance. In addition, it is noted that such institutions’ capacity to tackle the climatic change issues is inadequate, overlapping and the system is compromised by external forces. Based on the findings, the study concludes there exists national and international legal frameworks for managing climate change. However, the analysis reveals that these measures are not comprehensive in addressing climate change in the country and beyond. The paper recommends that the state should develop effective and workable mechanisms and measures of protecting the earth from the adverse effects of climate change. Further, the international community should develop joint frameworks for combating climate change.
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