8th International Research Conference of Chuka University,2021

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8th International Research Conference Theme: “Higher Education Strategies for Mitigating Impacts of Pandemics.”: Proceedings
(Chuka University, 2022) Isutsa, D. K. (Ed.)
ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AND THE RETENTION OFADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK, KENYA.
(Chuka University, 2022) Mugambi, L. M.; Sande, A.
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) has acquired prominence and the services deemed as the effective strategy for reducing adolescent pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) infections by various health stakeholders. Despite availability of the services, evidence presents escalation in percentage of early pregnancies and school dropouts among adolescent girls in Narok County. The study purposed to establish the prevalence of ASRH services and retention of adolescent girls’ in secondary schools in Narok County. The total study population was 17813. The target population was secondary school girls aged 15 to 19 years, teachers, public health officers, Non-Governmental Organization officers working in ASRH program and administrators in Narok County. About 377 people were sampled, randomly and purposively. The cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis was done using linear regression. Results of the study revealed that the higher the prevalence of SRH services, the higherthe retention of adolescent girls in secondary schools (p = 0.001). Awareness about ASRH services among adolescent girls reduced early pregnancy and also increased their retention in secondary schools (R= 0.72). Results indicated that the ASRH information, Voluntary counselling and HIV/AIDS testing, delivery services, screening for STDs, family planning services were significantly utilised (0.000). However, prenatal care was less significantly utilised by the adolescent girls (0.008). The study recommended reinforcement on provision of the ASRH servicesto the adolescent girls to further increase girls’ retention in secondary schools.
ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AND THE RETENTION OFADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK, KENYA.
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2022) Mugambi, Lacton,M.; Sande, A
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) has acquired prominence and the services deemed as the effective strategy for reducing adolescent pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) infections by various health stakeholders. Despite availability of the services, evidence presents escalation in percentage of early pregnancies and school dropouts among adolescent girls in Narok County. The study purposed to establish the prevalence of ASRH services and retention of adolescent girls’ in secondary schools in Narok County. The total study population was 17813. The target population was secondary school girls aged 15 to 19 years, teachers, public health officers, Non-Governmental Organization officers working in ASRH program and administrators in Narok County. About 377 people were sampled, randomly and purposively. The cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis was done using linear regression. Results of the study revealed that the higher the prevalence of SRH services, the higherthe retention of adolescent girls in secondary schools (p = 0.001). Awareness about ASRH services among adolescent girls reduced early pregnancy and also increased their retention in secondary schools (R= 0.72). Results indicated that the ASRH information, Voluntary counselling and HIV/AIDS testing, delivery services, screening for STDs, family planning services were significantly utilised (0.000). However, prenatal care was less significantly utilised by the adolescent girls (0.008). The study recommended reinforcement on provision of the ASRH servicesto the adolescent girls to further increase girls’ retention in secondary schools. Keywords: Adolescent girls, Sexual Reproductive Health, Retention in schools
AGRICULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RHIZOBIUM SPECIES FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES
(Chuka University, 2022) Nyakinywa, Ruth; Atieno, Margaret Faith; Ogolla, O. Fredrick
Strong demand for food necessitates efforts by researchers to create methods for sufficient production. Agricultural challenges include soil fertility loss, climate change, and increased pest infestations. Environmentally friendly practices such as the use of bio pesticides, bio fertilizers, and the return of crop residues are used to produce sufficient quantities in a healthy and sustainable farming system. The wide range of beneficial impacts of soil microorganisms, notably plant growth stimulation, emphasizes the need for more research and application in modern agriculture. Legumes are an important part of many people traditional diets around the world because they provide a slew of benefits to a soil and other crops produced alongside or after them in a variety of cropping systems. Legumes ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in conjunction with rhizobia allows them to thrive in severely deteriorated soils. Is it, nevertheless, necessary to inoculate legumes on a regular basis? Rhizobia are extremely valuable agriculturally and economically since they are the primary supplier of nitrogen in agricultural soils. Aside from nitrogen fixation, several rhizobia strains have plant-growth-promoting features such phytohormone synthesis, siderophores, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, as well as inorganic phosphate solubilization. Rhizobia have become important for both legumes and non-legumes as a result of these factors. Plant growth has been improved by screening and using effective rhizobial strains as inoculants. Plant growth has been improved by screening and using effective rhizobial strains as inoculant. The use of rhizobia as a bio fertilizer ensures crop yield while also reducing the demand for expensive and environmentally harmful artificial fertilizers. Rhizobia and other plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria inoculated together resulted in increase in plant-growth promotion. Bioremediation properties of certain rhizobial strains have also been found.
APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK TO EVALUATE EXTEND OF NON LINEARITY AMONG EXPLANATORY VARIABLES WITHIN AND BETWEEN GENOTYPES AND PHENOTYPES
(Chuka university, 2022) Chesang, s; Muasya, T.K; Ngeno, K
Artificial neural networks (ANN) have been described as one of the models used for marker-based genomic predictions of complex traits in the field of animal breeding. It accommodates noisy, non-linearity in data set and makes decisions based on prior knowledge. This study evaluated the extent of non-linearity among explanatory variables within and between genotypes and phenotypes using ANN. A feedforward ANN was adopted with different number of neurons where Levenberg-Marquardt back-propagation algorithm was used to train the network.The construction and training of the network were done with matrix laboratory (MATLAB). Mean absolute error (MAE) and Pearson’s correlation coefficients (R) were used to measure the ANN predictive performance as a measure of extent of non-linearity among explanatory variables within and between genotypes and phenotypes. Results showed that the ANN models differed in predictive performance depending on the number of neurons in the hidden layer, for instance the neural network with one hidden layer containing 10 neurons in the hidden layer yielded high R-value of 0.86 and MAE of 2.98E-3. When the network dimension was increased to 16 neurons the performance decreased to 0.67 for R and MAE increased to 7.73E-2. After a further increase of neurons to 32 the model yielded R value of 0.27 and MAE of 7.60E-2. The benchmark model for this study had an R of 0.77 and MAE of 5.72. Thus a model with 10 neurons is enough to handle non-linearity in this kind of data set thus chosen as the best non-linear model. This is because the dimension reduction of neurons in the hidden layer led to higher, more accurate, and more consistent predictions for growth rate. In comparison to the linear model, the best non-linear model performed better though the more complex non-linear architectures with 16 and 32 neurons could not outperform the linear model. Thus, linear models can as well produce reliable results for making genomic predictions. Keywords: Artificial neural network, Backpropagation, Mean absolute error
ASSESSMENT OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS BIOINDICATORS OF ON WATER QUALITY IN RIVER NAKA, CHUKA
(Chuka University, 2022) Chamia, L. K.; Kutuny, G. K.
Freshwater ecosystems worldwide have been progressively deteriorating leading to a decrease in aquatic biodiversity. Conventionally, evaluation of water quality uses single physical-chemical parameters which may be insufficient to fully assess the quality of freshwaters. This study used bio-indicators to assess water quality River Naka in Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya. Fluvial ecosystems support rich and diverse assemblages, making them vulnerable to possible alterations in the habitat. The study assessed the diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and use as bioindicators of water quality. Grab sampling was used to collect water samples, a kick sampler and D-frame aquatic net was used to collect 121 benthic macroinvertebrates from three selected sites and determined using EPT Index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera group). The data obtained was used to determine the index of the sampling sites. Physico-chemical factors were analyzed in-situ (temperature, turbidity and pH) and (nitrates and phosphates) in the laboratory. The highest EPT index values at the upstream corresponded to good water quality, while the slightly low values at the midstream indicated moderate water quality and the lowest values recorded at the downstream showed fair water quality. The water quality parameters downstream exceeded the World Health Organization standards posing health hazard to water users. Continuous bio-assessment based on EPT biotic indicators of rivers should be conducted oftenly to develop long-term profile of water quality status and ecological integrity of rivers.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINANTS IN NKENYE STREAM IN MERU SOUTH, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Njagi, Eric C.; Njagi, Joachim
Access to portable water remains major global concern due to increased rate of water pollution contributed for by human pressure such as accelerated urbanization, high population, industrialization and intense agricultural activities that destroys riparian zones thus exposing the rivers and streams to toxic and pathogenic pollutants released from untreated organic and inorganic waste. Exposure of river and stream used for drinking water to pollution is detrimental to aquatic plants, human consumers and animals inhabiting water bodies. Nkenye stream in Meru South is depended upon for the use of its water in supplying fish ponds constructed along it, supplying water used for irrigation and provision of water for domestic use to the neighboring homestead. Nonetheless, little attention has been accorded to ascertain the quality of its water despite of the stream being located in an urban area with high exposure to pollutants. Pressure on Nkenye wetlands ecosystem that habour Nkenye stream has seen major destruction of riparian leaving just few plant communities such as Commelina banghalensis whose water purification potential is not well known. Based on the above fact a study was conducted to determine water quality of Nkenye stream based on the presence of heavy metals. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for evaluation. Macrophyte roots were cleaned and dried then powdered and digested using nitric acid. The sediment samples were dried, ground to pas a 2 mm non-metal sieve, digested samples were diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry model PG990 at Chuka University. The concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The results obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The results showed that Nkenye stream is polluted with iron, copper and lead. However, the concentration of iron and copper were within the set standards by the World Health Organization while lead was slightly higher by 0.02 ppm. The results obtained were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The metals contaminants observed in the Nkenye stream water, sediments and root samples may be associated with discharge of wastes from Chuka town particularly wastes from car wash, garages and from farms that surround the stream and the wetland. Considerable amount of lead, copper and iron was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis. This shows that the plant can be utilized in the removal of the above cations in the Nkenye stream. Considerable amount of chemical was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis this shows that the plant can be utilized in removal of chemicals in the stream. Local authorities should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents into the stream.
ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MOUNTAIN BONGO IN MOUNT KENYA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY AREAS
(Chuka university, 2022) Njeru, M.J; Fundi, P
The study focused on assessing local community knowledge and attitudes towards Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) in Mt Kenya Forest using a descriptive research design. It was conducted in the community neighboring Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy in March 2020. We used interview schedules to assess respondent’s knowledge on the species habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value of the animals within Mount Kenya. Colored photographs of the Mountain Bongo and 12 other selected mammals found in the region were used to assess respondent’s ability to identify the animals and their knowledge on vernacular names of the animals. Interview results from a sample size of 142 informants were analyzed. The results showed that 71.8 % of the respondents could identify the mountain bongo but only 18.3% were aware of its vernacular name. Knowledge on habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value differed significantly from what was expected (p<0.05). Based on logistic regression the knowledge could be predicted based on gender and age and whether one had a previous interaction with the animal. We found that 57% supported bongo conservation whereas 40.8% were undecided due to lack of knowledge about the animal. In addition, 27.5% liked mountain bongo because of attracting tourists, 12.0% felt that the antelope was attractive, 8.5% its size, 4.2% source of products such as bush meat, 4.2% aggressiveness and 0.7% its interesting behaviour. Support for conservation was associated with gender, age and knowledge of the animal. The bongo is well known but basic knowledge of the animal’s ecology is limited. A pro-conservation attitude exists in the community, but utilitarian value attached to it and its habitat could be a constant threat to its conservation in the area
ASSESSMENT OF TOMATO FARMING STRATEGIES, DISEASES KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS’ IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka university, 2022) Ogolla, O. F; Onyango, O.B; Muraya, M.M; Mulambula, S
Diseases are hindrance to tomato production in Kirinyaga, Kenya. However, information on farmer’s disease knowledge to warrant pesticide use, disease predisposing factor such as varietal choice, seed source and irrigation system is scanty. This study assessed the association between tomato varieties grown, farming strategies, farmers’ socio characteristic, disease knowledge, diseases management practices, legal status and sources of pesticides used in tomato farming, knowledge of biological control agents with the agroecological zones in Kirinyaga. A cross sectional survey method was used. Data was collected from 120 tomato farmers using structured questionnaires. A chi square test was used to determine association between different variables using SAS version 9.4. There was no significant (p>0.05) association between source of tomato planting material and agroecological zones. There was significant (p<0.05) association between tomato varieties and the reasons for choice. Irrigation system used in tomato farms was significantly (p<0.05) associated with agroecological zones. Farmers’ knowledge of causative agent of early blight, late blight and septoria leaf spot was significantly (p<0.05) associated with agroecological zones. Farmers able of identifying causative agent of early blight, later blight and septoria spot were 51.7%, 40%and 17%, respectively. Up to 55% of farmers gained knowledge of tomato diseases through farming experience. Observation of the chemical withdrawal period in tomatoes was not significantly (p>0.05) associated with the level of pesticide dose applied. Over 46% farmers use wrong pesticide doses and only 48.33% of farmers use legal pesticides. The knowledge of use of biological control agents among farmers was not significantly (p>0.05)associated with agro ecological zones. Inability of some farmers to identify tomato diseases, use of illegal pesticides and use of improper doses of pesticides are challenges in tomato production in Kirinyaga. Therefore, measures such coordinated education on crop diseases, proper use of pesticide and surveillance to limit access to illegal pesticides should be considered
ASSOCIATION OF SECURITY RISK TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH SAFETY IN UNIVERSITIES, KENYA.
(Chuka University, 2022) Mutegi, Tetu Mwenda
This study determined the effect of security risk control programmes on safety in universities in Tharaka-Nithi and Meru. Descriptive survey research design was used targeting staff and students in the Universities. A complete enumeration the 27 top management staff and a sample of 72 students and 71 staff was conducted. Data collection was done using questionnaires pre-tested at Dedan Kimathi University using split half technique obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.769. Data analysis was done using inferential statistics and results were presented incross tabulations, Chi-square, frequency and percentages. The analysis used Statistical Package for Social Sciences. All universities have implemented various programmes aimed at increasing safety in the universities. The results further revealed that there was no significant association of security risk training programmes with safety in universities since 0.496>0.05 and chi-square was 49.936. This study will form a basis of policy formulation on safety and security matters in public universities in Kenya and provide a basis for further research in the field.
ASSOCIATION OF SECURITY RISK TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH SAFETY IN UNIVERSITIES,KENYA.
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2022) Mwenda, Mutegi,T.
This study determined the effect of security risk control programmes on safety in universities in Tharaka-Nithi and Meru. Descriptive survey research design was used targeting staff and students in the Universities. A complete enumeration the 27 top management staff and a sample of 72 students and 71 staff was conducted. Data collection was done using questionnaires pre-tested at Dedan Kimathi University using split half technique obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.769. Data analysis was done using inferential statistics and results were presented incross tabulations, Chi-square, frequency and percentages. The analysis used Statistical Package for Social Sciences. All universities have implemented various programmes aimed at increasing safety in the universities. The results further revealed that there was no significant association of security risk training programmes with safety in universities since 0.496>0.05 and chi-square was 49.936. This study will form a basis of policy formulation on safety and security matters in public universities in Kenya and provide a basis for further research in the field. Keywords: Security, risk, safety, security training, Control, Universities
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF Ca AND Mg DOPED TIO2
(Chuka University, 2022) Mbae, J. K.; Muthui, Z.
The scarcity of affordable and environment-friendly sources of energy has led to emergence of photo catalysis to mitigate this problem. This is so if the photo catalysts are active in solar energy spectrum. Environment-friendly, non-toxic and economical photo catalysts would find application in water treatment, providing another solution to the problem of clean water for domestic use. Of many materials available for photo catalysis is Titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2). It possesses many merits such as low cost, high photocatalytic activity, non-toxicity and high availability. However, drawbacks that limit its application include its optical absorption that falls in the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum. To extend the optical absorption to a wider region of the solar energy spectrum, various dopants have been added to the oxide to improve its solar efficiency. TiO2 has rapid electron-hole recombination which leads to low rates of the desired chemical transformations in energy absorption. This research modified the structure and electronic properties of pure rutile TiO2 by doping it with alkaline earth metals Ca and Mg for improved photocatalytic application. The objectives were structural optimization of rutile TiO2 and alkaline metal (Mg, Ca) doped rutile using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and determination of electronic structure of rutile TiO2 and alkaline metal (Mg, Ca) doped rutile using DFT. The DFT method as implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO simulation package was used. The exchange correlation potential was treated with the Generalized Gradient Approximation. Total energy and ionic relaxation calculations were carried out after k-point and ECUT convergence tests. An ECUT energy of 40 Ry and 4x4x7 k-points were used for the total energy calculations. The optimized cell parameters for pure rutile crystal system are a = b = 4.603A c = 2.992A . There is an expansion of the crystal structure and its volume slightly increased. The calculated band gap of undoped rutile is 1.8 eV, which reduces doping with Mg and Ca. There is a shift of the valence band edge to higher energies and introduction of intraband dopant states. The changes in electronic structure are favorable for absorbance of a wider spectrum of solar energy and reduction of charge recombination during photo catalysis. Alkaline earth metal doping of TiO2 rutile modifies the structural and electronic properties of rutile TiO2 in a manner that would make it a more efficient photo catalyst. Co-doping with the alkaline metal dopants could be attempted to investigate the combined effect.
DETERMINANTS OF SPATIAL VARIATION AND ADOPTION OF DAIRY GOAT FARMING INNYERI COUNTY, KENYA
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2022) Mureithi, Stephen, W.; Wambugu, Stephen ,K.; Huho, Julius, M.
The study examined the spatial variations and factors influencing the adoption of dairy goat farming in Nyeri. The study adopted a descriptive household survey design. Three-stage systematic sampling technique was applied to select a representative sample of 215 households from a population of 248,050. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Secondary data was collected through a thorough review of available literature while primary data was collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. The results of the study showed that there existed spatial differences in adoption of dairy goat farming in Nyeri County. Chi-square test revealed that traditional goat farming experience, gender, household head age, agro-ecological zone, education, farmers’ group membership and access to extension services had significant impact on farmers’ dairy goat farming adoption decision in the study area. The study therefore recommends enhancement of dairy goat adoption through improving farmers’ access to extension services. More extension service providers should be trained and deployed to farm level. This will facilitate provision of timely and quality agricultural information on dairy goat farming. Policies geared towards empowering women also need to be promoted in order to increase their ability to engage in profitable dairy goat farming enterprises. In this regard, their access to financial resources and land should be improved. Farmers’ associations should also be strengthened so as to better play their role of offering technological, financial and informational support to farmers. The Ministry should collaborate with financial institutions to make credit accessible to farmers. Financial institutions should craft loan products tailored for smallholder farmers to assist overcome financial constraints. Keywords: Dairy goat farming, Spatial variation, Adoption
DETERMINANTS OF SPATIAL VARIATION AND ADOPTION OF DAIRY GOAT FARMING INNYERI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Mureithi, Stephen Wachira; Wambugu, Stephen K.; Huho, Julius M.
The study examined the spatial variations and factors influencing the adoption of dairy goat farming in Nyeri. The study adopted a descriptive household survey design. Three-stage systematic sampling technique was applied to select a representative sample of 215 households from a population of 248,050. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Secondary data was collected through a thorough review of available literature while primary data was collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. The results of the study showed that there existed spatial differences in adoption of dairy goat farming in Nyeri County. Chi-square test revealed that traditional goat farming experience, gender, household head age, agro-ecological zone, education, farmers’ group membership and access to extension services had significant impact on farmers’ dairy goat farming adoption decision in the study area. The study therefore recommends enhancement of dairy goat adoption through improving farmers’ access to extension services. More extension service providers should be trained and deployed to farm level. This will facilitate provision of timely and quality agricultural information on dairy goat farming. Policies geared towards empowering women also need to be promoted in order to increase their ability to engage in profitable dairy goat farming enterprises. In this regard, their access to financial resources and land should be improved. Farmers’ associations should also be strengthened so as to better play their role of offering technological, financial and informational support to farmers. The Ministry should collaborate with financial institutions to make credit accessible to farmers. Financial institutions should craft loan products tailored for smallholder farmers to assist overcome financial constraints.
EFFECT OF ADVANCE ORGANIZER TEACHING STRATEGY ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF STATISTICS TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS IN MERU SOUTH, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Wairambu, Kithinji Rugendo; Wanja, Mercy; Jagero, Nelson
This study investigated the effect of advance organizers teaching strategy on the secondary students’ conceptual understanding of topic statistics in mathematics, in Meru South, Kenya. The learning requirement in the 21st centuary is to develop life long learners who are able to cope with emerging issues in life. Mathematical knowledge and skills are required especially in high technological advancements in society. They are made of of principles, theories, constructs and concepts that need to be developed to meet emerging challenges. Topics in mathematics have unique level of learning challenges. This has made many students to perceive the subject as difficult leading to poor performance as compared to sciences such as biology, physics and chemistry. Mathematics instructional methods have been identified among the factors contributing to the problem of poor performance in secondary schools mathematics in Kenya. This study, therefore, sought to reverse this trend in performance. The research was based on constructivists’ theory pioneered by Ausubel. Solomon four quasi- experimental research design was used. Students in the experimental groups (E1 and E2) were taught using advance organizer teaching strategy and students in the control groups (C1 and C2) were taught using convectional teaching methods. The target population was all Form two students in 56 public secondary school of Meru. Purposive sampling was used to draw four Co educational schools in Meru South. Assignment of the schools to either experimental or control group was done through simple random sampling. The sample size of the study was 168 students.’ The instrument was Mathematics Conceptual Understanding Achievement Test (MCUAT). The research instrument was pilot-tested in a school in a secondary school with similar characteristics as the study sample in Maara Sub - County. Reliability was estimated using cronbach coefficient alpha method. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test, One-way ANOVA and Post-Hoc) analysis which was undertaken using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 at 0.05. The findings established that students taught using advance organizers had a higher level of conceptual understanding of statistics topic than those taught using conventional teaching methods. Thus mathematics teachers should ensure there is proper planning and preparation of learning materials to be presented prior to lesson presentation.
EFFECT OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING APPROACH ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PHYSICS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MERU, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Kairo, N. C.; Njagi, M. W.; Kamweru, P. K.
Physics occupies a significant position in secondary school curriculum because of its applications in everyday life. In spite of this importance, the academic performance of Kenyan students in the Physics subject has remained poor over many years. The fundamental challenge in teaching of physics is how to enhance students’ achievement in the subject. Innovative and learner-centered teaching approaches engage the learners in the learning process. Such approaches are effective for mastery of concepts and also enhance learners’ achievement in the Physics subject. Although Cooperative Learning Approach may help in enhancing students’ achievement in physics its effects has not been determined in Meru County. Hence, the study investigated the effects of Cooperative Learning Approach on secondary school students’ achievement in Physics in Meru County. Quasi experimental research design was employed and in particular Solomon’s four group design was used. A sample of 180 respondents was obtained from an accessible population of 6347. Simple random sampling was used to draw the participating four schools from the purposively selected sub county secondary schools. The assignment of selected schools to either experimental or control group was done by simple random sampling. The research instrument that was used was physics Achievement Test. The Reliability was tested by subjecting the instrument to a pilot study in a school in Tharaka Nithi County. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.786. Statistical package for Social Sciences version 25.0 was used for data analysis. The raw data obtained was analyzed descriptively using Mean, Standard deviation, Percentages and inferentially using parametric tests (one-way ANOVA and t-test). The level of significance for acceptance or rejection of null hypotheses was at α = 0.05. The findings of the study showed that the students taught using cooperative learning approach had relatively higher scores in the physics achievement test than those taught using conventional teaching approaches. Thus, cooperative learning approach enhances students’ achievement in physics more than convectional teaching approach. Physics teachers should incorporate cooperative learning approach in teaching to enhance students’ achievement in physics subject examinations.
EFFECT OF DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY ON PERFORMANCE OF SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES (SACCOS) IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Dereba, P. M.; Nkari, I. C.; Mwirigi, R.
Many enterprises adopt diversification strategy for the sole purpose of expansion and growth. The success of the diversification of an enterprise mainly depends on the choice and implementation of a strategy. Choosing an organizational structure that fits the type of diversification strategy used is fundamental to improving financial performance. This study established the effect of diversification strategy on performance of Sacco’s in Tharaka- Nithi. The studied population was 47 registered Sacco’s in Tharaka-Nithi according to SASRA Act 2010, with a sample size of 47 chairpersons of SACCOs. It adopted descriptive survey research design and data was collected through administered questionnaires to the respondents. Data was subjected to simple and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version. Diversification strategy was 3.62, indicating that the respondents agreed with the statements regarding adoption of diversification strategy in their SACCOs and if properly implemented, diversification strategy increased sales volumes and improved SACCO performance. There were increased products and services range offered by the SACCOs, reduced costs of transactions and increased customer base.
EFFECT OF LIQUIDITY RISK ON SHAREHOLDERS’ WEALTH IN COMMERCIAL BANKS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
(Chuka University, 2022) Mogusu, Margaret Wanjiru; Nkari, Isaac Micheni; Masinde, Joseph
Shareholders’ wealth is among key decisions in a firm because it has a bearing in overall investor perception and firm value. There has been concern about declining value of shareholders’ wealth among commercial banks listed at the Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE). Previous studies have linked financial risk to shareholders’ wealth. The researchers however fail to agree on the magnitude and direction of the effect. It is not established how liquidity risk would affect shareholders’ wealth of commercial banks listed at the NSE. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of Liquidity risk on Shareholders’ wealth of Commercial Banks listed at then NSE. Descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was eleven commercial banks that had been constantly listed at the NSE from 2013-2019. A census was conducted to collect data from the eleven banks due to the smallness of the population. Data was collected using a checklist. Data was obtained from published financial statements and the Banking survey publications for seven years from 2013 to 2019. Data was analyzed using simple and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 25.0. Hypothesis was tested using t-statistic at 5% significance level. The study found that liquidity risk had a negative effect on shareholders’ wealth (regression coefficient -0.556, p-value of 0.023). Firms that have high liquidity have more cash flow and are able to take investment opportunities and hence increase shareholders’ value. The study recommends commercial banks to come up with ways of minimizing this risk.
EFFECT OF SERVICE RELIABILITY ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY TO SUPERMARKETS IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Nyaga, Janet Wanja; Nkari, Isaac M.; Otiso, Henry
Although supermarkets in Meru have launched quality customer service programs aimed at ensuring customer loyalty to the supermarkets, their effect has not been evaluated. Supermarkets therefore risk losing loyal customers to online and other platforms. Increased interest in service quality is mostly motivated by understanding that the outcome of customer loyalty is as a result of better service quality. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of service reliability on customer loyalty to supermarkets. A descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was the 4140 Meru County Government staff who visit the 36 supermarkets in Meru County. A sample of 364 shoppers was picked using simple random sampling technique. The study employed a questionnaire to collect primary data which was collected by the help of a questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics was utilized with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Multiple linear regression model was employed in analyzing data and the hypotheses was tested at 5% level of significance. The findings of the study were then presented in form of tables, figures and equations. There was a positive significant effect of service reliability on service quality with regression coefficient of 1.153 and a p=0.000. It is anticipated that the findings of the study will help the management of supermarkets to devise strategies geared towards increasing loyalty for the stores and hence increasing their profitability.
EFFECT OF TICK CONTROL ON MILK REVENUE OF SMALLHOLDER DAIRY FARMERS IN KAPSERET SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka university, 2022) Bett, J.K; Nkari, I.M; Munyiri, S.W; Kimetto, E.J
Milk production is a viable economic enterprise in Kenya. It supports the livelihood of approximately four million Kenyans through food provision, income generation and employment. However, milk production per individual animal in Kenya, averaging seven to nine litres/cow/day, is low compared to the world’s best at 10,133 litres/cow/year (28 litres/cow/day). This means that Kenya produces an average of 20 litres of milk less per cow per day compared to the world’s best. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of tick control on milk revenue of smallholder dairy farmers in Kapseret Sub-county. Primary data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to show the strength of the relationship between the variables. Multiple regression model was used to assess the effect of tick control on milk revenue. Results were presented in tables, and descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The results indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship (r=0.263 & p=0.007) between tick control and milk revenue. Tick control practices essentially impacted cows’ health, which further influenced the level of milk revenue. The study concluded that tick control influenced milk revenue of smallholder dairy farmers in Kapseret Sub-county. The study recommended that smallholder dairy farmers need to be trained on the best and timely prevention measures of east coast fever. The government can encourage tick control practices by offering subsidized acaricides. This is because cows’ health has direct influence on milk production