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Access to Scientific Information and Quality in Higher Education in the African Region: The Critical Role of Information Literacy.
(CUEA Press, 2011) Kavulya, Joseph M.
This paper examines first, why information literacy is a major factor in quality education in higher institutions of learning (HEIs) and crucial in the emerging knowledge society. Secondly, it examines literature to provide an overview of the current status of information literacy in the African region. Finally, it examines key challenges that universities in the region face and strategies they can adopt to ensure quality of learning outcomes through information literacy. The paper concludes that information literacy is a fundamental element of the survival skills required by young people in the knowledge economy of the twenty-first century. There is substantial development of information literacy in universities in the Sub-Saharan region although this development is uneven. The paper proposes a number of measures that can be undertaken to successfully implement information literacy programmes such as collaboration between academics and librarians collaborate in developing appropriate strategies for delivering information literacy training, integrating information literacy into the teaching and assessment process by establishing viable library services as an key component in the educational process.
Adoption of e-books in university education in Sub-Saharan Africa: A possible conceptual framework
(The Maktaba: Journal of the Kenya Library Association, 2012) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Kiruki, B
Adoption of Electronic journals in scholarly communication in African Universities: A review of the critical issues
(Eastern Africa Journal of Humanities and Sciences, 2004) Kavulya, Joseph M.
The advent of new information technologies, and i particular the internet offers advantages in terms of rapidity of scientific and scholarly communication and universities worldwide are fast moving from subscription of journals in print to electronic formats.However, for universities in Africa the transition to e-journals is hampered by high subscription costs as well as challenges relating to the administration, access and archiving of e-journals. This paper argues that, if African scholarship is to benefit fully from e-journals the above issues and specifically those of internet infrastructure, lack of informtion and specially those of internet infrastructure, lack of information and communication technology skills among librarians and inadequate budgetary support to university libraries in Africa have to be addressed
An Empirical Analysis of Commercialization of Smallholder Farming: Its Inclusive Household Welfare Effects
(Journal of Economics & Commerce Management, 2016-04-18) Mustapha M. Wasseja, Samwel N. Mwenda, Musundi Sammy, Jerobon Josephine, Pascal Ochieng
This paper assesses the potential impact of commercialization of agriculture on household welfare of farmers in eastern Kenya under the Mwea rice scheme. The study consists of cross-sectional data collected with structured survey questionnaires. Stratified sampling was adopted with each of the four zones in the District forming a stratum. The number of respondents was 368 selected conveniently with the help of the National agriculture advisory services officers. The causal relationship and impact of commercialization on welfare were estimated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The analysis results revealed significant positive relationship between commercialization and household welfare, with key variables of market access and internal farming activities positively and significantly contributing to improved household incomes and farm outputs. The regression result further predicted a 16.9% improvement in household welfare if farmers actively worked on improving market access and internal farm activities like fertilizers and pesticides. It’s therefore recommended that farmers work on all aspects that can improve on their farm outputs and also get links to both nearby and far markets. Formation of saving schemes will help them pool resources to buy inputs like tractors, lobbying central and local governments for infrastructure in the districts and negotiating better output prices. All this will help improve farmers’ household welfare and standards of living in this area.
An inventory and assessment of exotic and native plant species diversity in the Kenyan rangelands: Case study of Narok North Sub-County
(2015-05-25) Winnie W. Cheche, Eunice W. Githae, Stephen F. Omondi and Adiel M. Magana
A botanical inventory and diversity of exotic and native species was assessed in the rangeland of Narok North sub-County, Kenya. A total of 72 species were recorded, composed of 64 species of trees and shrubs and eight species of herbs. They belonged to 34 families and 52 genera. Fabaceae was the richest family with 16 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae (five), Moraceae and Myrtaceae (four each). In total, 48 species were native and 24 exotics with a diversity index H of 1.082 and 0.604, respectively. Hypericum revolutum, a native shrub, was the most dominant with an importance value of 3.81, followed by three exotic species; Datura suaveolens (an invasive species), Dovyalis caffra and Hibiscus rosa- sinesis with importance values of 3.40, 3.35 and 3.23, respectively. The native species were abundant in undisturbed areas while the exotics were most common in areas with vegetation cover less than 60%. Four invasive alien species were encountered namely; D. suaveolens, Lantana camara, L. trifolia and Opuntia ficusindica. They all had a high density that indicated greater establishment success. This inventory affirms that the rangelands of Narok North are undergoing serious changes in vegetation structure and composition due to human activities and requires urgent attention to conserve biodiversity and genetic resources.
ANALYSIS OF THE VOLATILITY OF REAL EXCHANGE RATE AND EXPORTS IN KENYA USING THE GARCH MODEL: 2005-2012.
(http://jmsr.rstpublishers.com/, 2016-08) MOHAMMED MUSTAPHA WASSEJA, MWENDA SAMWEL N., MUSUNDI SAMMY W., NJOROGE ELIZABETH
The real exchange rate has proven to be an important factor in international trade because it is expected that exports respond to real exchange rate movements with respect to the characteristics of the importing and exporting countries. Exchange rate volatility increases uncertainty of profits on contracts denominated in foreign currency and subsequently dampens trade and economic growth. This study investigated how real exchange rate volatility affected exports of key Kenyan commodities to the European Union and United Kingdom, namely; tea, coffee and horticulture to the European Union. The presence of exchange rate volatility was determined using the GARCH model. A Bounds testing and Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to establish the presence of a long run relationship between exchange rate volatility and commodity exports. Findings revealed that exchange rate volatility affected tea exports to the UK and horticulture exports to the European Union. Foreign income played an important role in explaining tea and coffee exports to the UK and EU respectively.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Potato Tuber Yield
(Science Publishing Group, 2015-07-12) Dennis Kariuki Muriithi
The Author investigates the operating conditions required for optimal production of potato tuber yield in Kenya. This will help potato farmers to safe extra cost of input in potato farming. The potato production process was optimized by the application of factorial design 23 and response surface methodology. The combined effects of water, Nitrogen and Phosphorus mineral nutrients were investigated and optimized using response surface methodology. It was found that the optimum production conditions for the potato tuber yield were 70.04% irrigation water, 124.75Kg/Ha of Nitrogen supplied as urea and 191.04Kg/Ha phosphorus supplied as triple super phosphate. At the optimum condition one can reach to a potato tuber yield of 19.36Kg/plot of 1.8meters by 2.25 meters. Increased productivity of potatoes can improve the livelihood of smallholder potato farmers in Kenya and safe the farmers extra cost of input. Finally, i hope that the approach applied in this study of potatoes can be useful for research on other commodities, leading to a better understanding of overall crop production.
An assessment of Innovative Use of Smart Devices by University Staff and Students: A Literature Review
(Kenya Library Association, 2020) Njue, James; Kiilu, Vincent Bob
Rapid technological convergence has led to the emergence of smartphones—feature-rich phones that combine the voice and text messaging functions of basic phones with powerful computing technology that can support applications, sensing, Internet access, and wireless connectivity with other devices. The emergence of smart mobile devices has revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and interact with people, as well as the way we share information and knowledge. The objectives of the study were to establish the type of smart devices used by learners in universities, to find out benefits of using smart devices by learners in universities, to determine the negative effects of using smart devices by learners in universities. Literature was reviewed on type of smart devices used by learners in universities, benefits of using the smart devices and the negative effects of using smart. The study was mainly based on review of literature. A combination of search terms and/or key words were used to gather relevant data concerning smartphone use in universities. The common types of smart devices used in learning are smartphones, tablets, laptops palm tops and e‐readers. Smartphones are used for real time communication, teaching and learning, connecting to the internet, storage of information, taking abstract photographs of notes as well as sharing the captured data or information. Smart devices have also been used for Arabic Braille Recognition and transcription for the visually impaired. However, some students in universities, globally, spent a lot of time on social sites, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Academia, and MySpace networking instead of concentrating fully on studies The study was mainly based on review of literature. A combination of search terms and/or key words were used to gather relevant data concerning smartphone use in universities.
Challenges facing information literacy efforts in Kenya: a case study of selected university libraries in Kenya
(MCB UP Ltd, 2003) Kavulya, Joseph M.
The ability to access, evaluate and use information is a prerequisite for lifelong learning, and a basic requirement for the information society. At the university level, students are expected to contact independent exploration in diverse disciplines and topics and therefore, irrespective of their areas of study, they need to use information effectively. They should not only master the skill of finding information in print format or electronic formats, but also be able to evaluate and use it competently both in their study activities as well as in their later lives. This paper examines why the acquisition of these information skills is a matter of necessity and they are a prime factor in quality learning in Kenyan universities. It concludes that although there have been efforts to ensure information literacy among university students, there is need to build on these efforts through collaborative efforts between librarians and faculty members particularly through joint curriculum design and implementation.
Challenges facing information literacy efforts in Kenya: A case study of selected university libraries in Kenya
(Emerald Publishers, 2003) Kavuly, Joseph Muema
The ability to access, evaluate and use information is aprerequisite for lifelong learning, and a basic requirementfor the information society. At the university level,students are expected to contact independent explorationin diverse disciplines and topics and therefore, irrespectiveof their areas of study, they need to use informationeffectively. They should not only master the skill of findinginformation in print format or electronic formats, but alsobe able to evaluate and use it competently both in theirstudy activities as well as in their later lives. This paperexamines why the acquisition of these information skills isa matter of necessity and they are a prime factor in qualitylearning in Kenyan universities. It concludes that althoughthere have been efforts to ensure information literacyamong university students, there is need to build on theseefforts through collaborative efforts between librariansand faculty members particularly through joint curriculumdesign and implementation.
Challenges in the Provision of Library Services for Distance Education: A Case Study of Selected Universities in Kenya
(African Journal of Library and Information Science, 2004-06-04) Kavulya, Joseph Muema
With the increasing popularity of distance education, focus has turned to the role of libraries in the distance learning process. It is widely agreed that like their campus-based counterparts, distance education learners need adequate library services if they are to gain quality education. This paper examines the efforts being made by Kenyan university libraries to fulfil the information needs of the distance education students in their respective institutions. It concludes that although efforts have been made, there is room for improvement through adequate planning, financing and especially through collaboration between information personnel and those who design and implement such distance education programmes.
Challenges in the Provision of Library Services for Distance Education: A Case Study of Selected Universities in Kenya
(2004-06-04) Kavulya, Joseph M.
With the increasing popularity of distance education, focus has turned to the role of libraries in the distance learning process. It is widely agreed that like their campus-based counterparts, distance education learners need adequate library services if they are to gain quality education. This paper examines the efforts being made by Kenyan university libraries to fulfil the information needs of the distance education students in their respective institutions. It concludes that although efforts have been made, there is room for improvement through adequate planning, financing and especially through collaboration between information personnel and those who design and implement such distance education programmes.
Chlorido-(η6-p-cymene)-(bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane- κ2N,Nl)Osmium(II) Tetrafluoroborate, C17H22BClF4N4Os
(MDPI, 2022) Mambanda, A.; Kanyora, A. K.; Ongoma, P.; Gichumbi, J.; Omondi, R. O.
The powder of the arene osmium(II) complex, [Os(II)(dpzm)(η6-p-cym)Cl]BF4 (dpzm = di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methane; η6-p-cym = para-cymene), with a formula of C17H22BClF4N4Os (referred to herein as 1) was isolated from the reaction of [(η6-p-cym)Os(µ-Cl)(Cl)]2 with dpzm dissolved in acetonitrile and under a flow of nitrogen gas. It was characterized by spectroscopic techniques (viz., FTIR, 1H NMR, UV-Visible absorption). Yellow crystal blocks of 1 were grown by the slow evaporation from the methanolic solution of its powder. The single-crystal X-ray structure of 1 was solved by diffraction analysis on a Bruker APEX Duo CCD area detector diffractometer using the Cu(Kα), 2 = 1.54178 Å as the radiation source, and 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and the C2/c (no. 15) space group.
Classroom Discourse in a Multilingual Context: The Case of Selected Primary Schools in Chuka Division, Tharaka- Nithi County, Kenya.
(Journal of Literature ,Languages and Lingustics, 2015-03-11) Nancy Wangui Mbaka
The sociolinguistic situation in Kenya is triglossic in nature (Schmied, 2012) English is at the top of the rank as the official language. Kiswahili has been in the middle as the co-official and national language. It is also used as the country’s lingua franca.The indigenous languages are at the base of the hierarchy. This paper sought to evaluate whether the language-in-education policy is implemented in the classroom. The study was a case study carried out in Chuka Division, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The paper establishes that teachers mainly use code- mixing in the classroom and also in official domains. The findings in this paper contribute to scholarly literature in Sociolinguistics and are of great benefit to curriculum developers in the ministry of education in Kenya.
Clock Synchronization in Distribued Distant Objects
(2015-12-12) Charles K. Gitonga
Clock synchronization in distributed system relies on an existence of external clocks for synchronization to occur. The messages are sent over a network. For distant objects, there can be a communication breakdown. The study aims to highlights the shortcomings of clock synchronization in related distant objects when there is breakdown in the communication links. Clock synchronization in distributed systems is briefly discussed with the shortcomings of each outlined. The proposed algorithm seeks to overcome these shortcomings in distant objects. The algorithm needs to be developed and tested further to ascertain its correctness. Development of such algorithm has not been accomplished in this study.
Comparative Effects of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid and Benzylaminopurine on Seed Potato Tuber Sprouting and Yield of Resultant Plants
(Science Publishing Group, 2015-09-17) Martin Kagiki Njogu , Geofrey Kingori Gathungu, Peter Muchiri Daniel
Seed potato tubers planted immediately after harvest is characterized by delayed plant emergence, poor establishment and low yields. Gibberellic acid (GA) and Benzylaminopurine (BA) or their combinations cause dormancy breakage though little information is available on their combined application to dormancy termination. The effects of foliar application of GA and BA on potato tuber sprouting and subsequent yield were studied. Three potato varieties with different tuber dormancy period; ‘Asante’ (short dormancy), Dutch Robyjn (medium dormancy) and ‘Kenya Sifa’ (long dormancy) were planted at National Potato Research Centre, Tigoni and sprayed with a factorial combinations of 0, 50, 100, 300 ppm GA and 0, 50, 75, 100 ppm BA separately and combined at the rate of 1000 lts/ha spray volume towards the end of maturation. The resulting tubers were put in diffuse light storage (DLS) and data on number, length and vigour of sprouts recorded. Sprouted seed tubers were subsequently planted and evaluated for both growth characteristics and yields. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and significantly different means were separated using Fisher’ s protected least significant difference at p≤0.05. Higher rates of foliar application of GA+BA (300 ppm + 100 ppm) compared with the control (0 + 0) resulted in significant increase insprout length (cm), number ofsprout/tuber, sprout vigour (score), and % sprouting from 3.24 to 7.02 and 3.84 to 9.03, 2.04 to 4.45 and 2.07 to 4.8, 1.7 to 3.06 and 1.63 to 3.23, 61.21to 86.67and 63.3 to 83.7 in Asante, 2.94 to 8.03 and 2.8 to 7.99, 1.84 to 5.24 and 1.87 to 4.76, 1.3 to 3.0 and 1.27 to 2.63, 50.61 to 92.7 and 52.7 to 85.7in Dutch Robyjn and 0.79 to 6.43 and 1.32 to 6.99, 0.61 to 3.49 and 0.79 to 3.33, 0.61 to 3.03 and 0.73 to 2.83, 22.12 to 85.76 and 28.3 to83.7 in Kenya Sifa after storage in 2008 and 2009 respectively. A combination of BA and GA resulted in significantly more growth than using only GA or BA alone at the same level. Similarly the subsequent tuber numbers per plant and yield (tons/ha) in resultant plants increased from 7.13 to 12.53 and 24.66 to 32.27, 6.93 to 10.47 and 16.73 to 23.37, and 5.63 to 9.6 and 17.53 to 30.13 in Asante, Dutch Robyjnand Kenya Sifa respectively. Combined application of GA + BA at varied rates can be used to improve sprouting characteristics of seed potato and yield of resultant plants.
Cooperation or Competition: Reflections on the Future of Parliamentary Library and Research Services
(Association of Parliamentary Libraries in Eastern & Southern Africa (APLESA), 2015-04) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Since the first of its kind was founded in the late 18th century, parliamentary libraries have played a critical role in supporting parliamentarians in their legislative and oversight role. Today world over, parliamentary libraries are recognized for supporting elective democracy around the world by enabling members of parliament to obtain information, analysis and advice which is objective and independent because it takes a perspective beyond government policy. At the same time in the changing information landscape characterized by information explosion, competition from other information sources and ubiquitous ICTs, parliamentary libraries face an uncertain future. This paper explores the current information challenges faced by parliamentarians as well as those faced by parliamentary libraries in addressing the information needs of this clientele. The paper argues that there is a need for collaboration as the way into the future if parliamentary libraries are to be effective in fulfilling their mandate.
Current status of fodder production, conservation and marketing in the arid and semi-arid lands of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016-04-29) Levi Mugalavai Musalia, Gilbert Abura Odilla, Onesmus Munene Nderi and Viona Muleke
The purpose of the survey was to document the current status of fodder production, conservation and marketing in the arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) Divisions of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The survey covered specifically Nkondi, Igambang’ombe and Tharaka Central divisions. A sample of 74 livestock farmers selected through stratified random sampling was engaged in the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design and data was collected using a structured questionnaire to obtain farm level information from livestock farmers. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Chi-square statistics was used to test the relative significance between land owned and fodder production. The majority of the respondents (68%) owned between 1 and 6 acres. The results indicated that most farmers did not grow fodder crops. The main type of fodder produced by farmers in the study area was Napier grass (cultivated by 10% of the respondents). Although a number of livestock farmers grew napier grass, it was not adequate for marketing and conservation. The results further indicated that only 1% of the respondents grew fodder on a piece of land between 1 and 3 acres thus implying that the amount of fodder grown was too little and could not cater for the livestock feeds required. There was a significant association between land sizes and fodder production (p < 0.05). Thus preference was given to crop cultivation due to limited land and approximately 80% of the respondents conserved maize stalks and other crop residues for their livestock. Fodder production, conservation and marketing were very low despite the high potential for its production and the possibility of becoming an income generating enterprise. The study therefore recommended for outreach programmes to train farmers on fodder production, conservation and marketing through Chuka University in collaboration with the area extension agents.
CURRICULUM AND ETHICS: A DECONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF KENYAN EDUCATION SYSTEM
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2019-05-07) Ruth Mutunge Mwanzia ,Prof. Njoki Wane, Prof. George M. Muthaa
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 and morally upright individuals for generations. With the introduction of formal education, the responsibility of inculcating ethics to children was taken up by schools. 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. There is need to investigate the influence of deconstruction and reconstruction of Kenyan education curriculum on ethics among learners. 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. 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.
Demystifying Mathematics: Handling Learning Difficulties in Mathematics among Low Achievers in Kenyan Schools
(Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa, 2022) Njoroge, G.
Mathematics is a compulsory subject in both primary and secondary schools in Kenya. However, learners’ poor performance in the subject in Kenya national examinations year in year out remains a serious concern for teachers of Mathematics, parents, curriculum developers, and the general public. This is particularly worrying because of the importance attached to the subject in national development hence the need to find out what could be affecting learning of Mathematics in Kenyan schools. The research on which this paper is based sought to examine the factors that influence performance in Mathematics in Kenyan schools; identify the characteristics of Mathematics learning disabilities; determine how the learners with such learning disabilities can be assessed and identified and interventions for these difficulties implemented. A case study was undertaken on class six learners in a primary school in Nairobi County. The tools used for the research were: classroom observations and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed by the teachers with the help of the researcher. This paper therefore highlights the findings from the research, discusses the implications of the findings and suggests the way forward as far as teaching, learning and assessment of Mathematics in Kenyan schools is concerned. Perhaps with the application of the right interventions, poor performance in Mathematics in the national examinations in Kenya will be a thing of the past.

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