1st International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2014

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1st International Research Conference Theme: “Enhancing Innovation for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century & Beyond” Proceedings
(Chuka University, 2015) Isutsa, D. K. (Ed.)
Hawking Of University Education in Urban Centers in Kenya: Challenges and Way Forward
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The demand of university education in Kenya has been increasing. Consequently, public and private universities have overenrolled to cater for this demand. Moreover, the universities have used this crisis to generate income to support both human and material resources needed for privately-sponsored students. To make education accessible to students, especially the working class, universities have moved to urban centers where they have strategically positioned themselves in satellite campuses. The main operation points of the universities are central business districts (CBD) in urban centers. Some of the universities that have not secured the coveted CBD premises have moved to the periphery. Proximity to the city notwithstanding, universities are engaged in stiff competition to outdo each other by introducing new and cost-effective courses which are taught in sandwich mode. Thus, the quality of the education offered in urban satellite campuses is brought into critical scrutiny in this paper with a view to establishing the challenges experienced and suggestions on how to improve the situation. This paper will rely on both primary and secondary data particularly records from selected private and public universities with regard to facilities and other resources. Observation and recording of information was utilized in data collection.
University Graduates’ Employability Skills Preparedness in Kenyan Economic Sectors
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The fast expansion of Kenyan universities has only focused on raising student numbers rather than improving the quality of education and research. These challenges are raising doubts on the level of their preparedness in their employ ability skills. This study investigated how graduates’ quality compared amongst various universities in Kenya, how university graduates from different sectors in Kenya compare in terms of employability skills, and the link between graduate quality and employ ability skills. Literature review was done on quality of education globally, in Africa, regionally and locally, while the conceptual framework on quality of graduates and work preparedness was developed to guide the study. The study used descriptive and exploratory designs to conduct qualitative analysis. The target population was 420 graduate employees and 46 supervisors/managers of the COYA 2013 companies who were given a 5 Likert Scale questionnaire ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). A survey of 5 public and 5 private universities was done to interrogate the university side of the research to get an all-inclusive perspective. Characteristics of the study variables were analyzed using SPSS and the relationship between variables was tested using Pearson’s correlation analysis. The study results showed that service and education (M = 4.5), finance (4.2), Agriculture (4.0), manufacturing (3.9), ICT (3.5), Regulatory (3.5), Communication (3.1), Hotel (3.0), insurance (2.9) and transport (2.0). Service, education and finance required more employability skills than other sectors. There was a positive link (P = 0.000) between present job competence, confidence, involvement and employability skills of graduates. The study recommends that universities should involve the industry in developing curricula to satisfy the university, graduates and labour market requirements.
Lost Opportunity: Peace Building Initiatives in Conflict Prone Areas
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Kenya has had ethnic conflict since the inception of multi-party democracy in 1992. In Molo Division in Nakuru County, a number of governmental and non-governmental reports underscore the social and economic ramifications of the violence. However, serious and sustained peace building efforts have been lacking in an effort to reconcile a society that has been fractured. This paper argues that there have been a number of opportunities that should have seized to reconcile citizens, but such opportunities were lost. The task of peace building has largely been reduced to mere calls for peaceful coexistence, without interrogating the fault lines that open the possibility of fresh ethnic outbreaks and violence. This paper critiques previous and current peace building initiatives in Molo Division. Data collection used focus group discussions, oral interviews, questionnaires and written documents, and analysis used the Coser Lewis conflict theory. The various peace initiatives have failed to address the issues that led to ethnic violence. Memorialization, restitution and restoration of land rights, creation of job opportunities for the youth and profiling of all victims of ethnic violence are critical ingredients for sustainable peace not only in Molo Division, but other parts of the country that have been affected by ethnic violence.
Effectiveness of Performance Contracting on Service Delivery in Public Universities in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The Government of Kenya introduced Performance Contracting (PC) in the public service to improve service delivery. This study investigated the effectiveness of PC in service delivery in the public universities in Kenya. It evaluated the level of involvement of university staff and students in PC, the effectiveness of PC in improving customer satisfaction and accountability, as well as feedback and conflict resolution. It was based on the assumption that respondents were aware of PC policies. It used descriptive survey design and targeted 132,021 subjects, comprising 84,290 students, 15,937 academic staff, 31,789 non-teaching staff and 5 directors of PC in five public universities. A normal sample size of 384 respondents was appropriate, but 500 were used to compensate for attrition. Purposive sampling was used to select directors and simple random sampling to select academic staff, non-academic staff and students. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used in data collection. Piloting was done in three public universities which had similar characteristics with the sampled universities. Reliability was tested using split half technique and Cronbach formula was used to compute reliability, resulting in 0.81, 0.78, 0.73 and 0.79 for academic staff, non-academic staff, directors and students, respectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS. A response rate of 93% was achieved. Majority of the staff were involved in PC and a positive correlation between level of staff involvement in PC and improvement in service delivery (0.699, α=0.05) resulted. A positive correlation between: effectiveness of PC and customer satisfaction (0.807), as well as feedback process (0.90) resulted. Public universities should regularly sensitize staff and students on PC and service delivery, reward staff that perform well in PC and involve students in development of service delivery charters. The Government should strengthen public universities in carrying out PC to progressively improve service delivery.
Reconstructionist Analysis on the Relevance of Secondary School Curriculum Content In Promoting National Cohesion among Students in Machakos Town Sub-County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Education is the primary means of promoting national cohesion, international cooperation as well as socio-economic development. Through school curricula, education enables a country to achieve its needs and aspirations. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has emphasized the importance of education in promoting cohesion and integration among Kenyan communities. However, the country is faced with ethnic divisions, religious intolerance and violence and this raises concerns on relevance of the school curricula content in promoting national cohesion. This study investigated the relevance of secondary school curricula content in promoting national cohesion. The study was based on the ideals and principles of a school curriculum as advocated by re-constructionism philosophy. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 409 respondents comprising of 360 student leaders, 48 teachers and Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer was used. Purposive sampling was adopted to select the respondents. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used in data collection. Validity of research instrument was ascertained by experts in Faculty of Education and Resources Development. Reliability of instruments was estimated using Cronbach coefficient alpha method and the coefficients obtained were 0.78 and 0.81 for teachers and student leaders’ questionnaire, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Secondary school curricula content gave the students little opportunity to reflect critically on issues affecting national cohesion which is attributed to lack of practical skills on issues related to national cohesion. The study recommends a review of secondary school curricula content to reflect on emerging issues on national cohesion and integration. This study provides critical information to educational stakeholders on the relevance of secondary school curricula content in promoting national cohesion.
Role of Language in Peace Building: a Case of Kenya’s 2008 Coalition Government
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
A study on conflicts around the world found that many countries were at high risk of instability and of these, most were in Africa. Although the African continent continues to glamour for the dire need of peace, it has continued to witness political conflicts arising out of disputed elections. This has often resulted in the formation of coalition governments as a mechanism to securing peace and stability. In doing so, various conflict mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, negotiation and peacekeeping have been employed by different bodies and/or agencies to restore peace in conflicting states of Africa. However, little attention has been paid to the use of language by the coalition leaders as a mechanism to conflict resolution and peace building. This is informed by the fact that language is the primary means to negotiate power and therefore cannot be ignored. This paper examines lexicalisation in the discourse of the two principals in the Kenyan 2008 Coalition Government negotiation for Portfolio Balance. Four written texts were purposively sampled and accessed from the official website of the former President and former Prime Minister. The study applies Fairclough’s approach of Language and Power and Social Theory anchored in Critical Discourse Analysis to tease out the lexical choices. The findings revealed that the two principals employed language that was mitigated, personalized and highly restrained in relation to hate speech. The language of political persuasion which guided citizens’ orientation and behaviour encoded respect, tolerance, optimism and reassurance for continued political support notwithstanding the underlying power struggles. Policymakers should incorporate the aspect of language in national laws and policies as a guiding principle in conflict resolution and peace building.
Contribution of the New Constitution in Promoting Kiswahili Use in Mass Media
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Media plays a major role in the society; it is the medium of providing information, it creates social integration, and promotes shared values, knowledge and entertainment. Proper use of standard language is essential to achieve these objectives. Media industry in Kenya has grown exponentially from the early 1990s. This growth has been characterized by the deployment of the latest technological innovations, increased number of frequency modulated radios and professional media practitioners. Many of the media houses in Kenya today are using different styles and methods to attract and keep listeners for their own economic survival. This paper investigates the effects of new constitution on the language used in the mass media. It highlights the gains that have been made specifically in promoting Kiswahili language as a national and official language as well as the challenges.
Role of Peace Committees in Peace Building and Conflict Management: A Case of Trans mara Sub-County
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Peace Committees programme in Kenya was rolled out in all districts in 2009 following the 2007/2008 post-election violence to aid in peace-building and conflict management. The programme has not made major breakthroughs in peace sustenance, which calls for its evaluation. This study determined the effectiveness of peace committees in peace building and conflict management, involvement of women and youth in peace building initiatives, and local measures in place to prevent recurrence of ethnic conflict. Systematic sampling was used to select households in each division from where respondents were derived. A total of 120 respondents were sampled for the study. The researchers purposively sampled DCs, DOs, OCSs and OCPDs. Simple random sampling was used to get 10 representatives from 5 organizations (Civil Society and Faith-based Organizations) working for peace in the area. Majority of the people involved in ethnic conflict were aged between 18 and 30 years. The main cause of conflict was ethnic/clan animosity (61.1%). Peace campaigns yield much in peace building. Thus peace resolution initiatives such as meeting people in churches, schools and campaigns should be adopted. Provincial administrators were the first to respond during times of conflict because they lived among the community and had the logistical capacity to reach scenes of crimes to assist affected individuals. Peace affects all spheres of life including achievement in education at all levels.
Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Development in Africa: A Review of Theory and Practice
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fosters development. Sufficient and effective action by the corporate world has resulted in development. The African continent has however not experienced commendable economic development through CSR. In some situations, communities have been exposed to health risks and greater poverty as companies expropriate community resources and claim to practice CSR for development. This study systematically reviewed literature on CSR and development in Africa over the last 10 years to identify the themes, incentives and challenges in the practice of CSR. Good governance, economic incentives, contextualization of CSR action, appropriate and robust legal and institutional frameworks are essential for CSR to play a meaningful role in developing the continent. This has been hampered by CSR initiatives being uncoordinated and failing to be integrated in core functions of organizations. It is also necessary to contextualize CSR to the needs and environment of Africa. Governments ought to provide a facilitative environment to encourage CSR for development in terms of policy formulation and setting in place oversight bodies to monitor and coordinate CSR activity. Corporate establishments need to form partnerships to reduce the overall cost of CSR and impact greatly on the development. Countries need to encourage companies to disclose their policies and practice so that they are held accountable to governments and communities adjacent to their establishments.
Consequences of Large-Scale Land Use Changes on Environment, Livelihood and Food Security in the Yala Swamp Ecosystem in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
African wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems and as such play an important role in ameliorating the effects of global warming, biodiversity conservation, as well as natural resources provision, which drives many rural economies. Yala swamp is a large fresh water wetland, a recognized biodiversity hotspot that supports local livelihoods in Lake Victoria basin. This study evaluated the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of converting large parts of the swamp to farming to support perceived food security. Primary qualitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews of randomly selected stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were administered to the stakeholders who included men, women and youth. Secondary data was collected from published work, books, print and electronic media. Although conversion of the Yala swamp wetland is contributing in Corporate Social Responsibility, there exists a strong conflict with the local community. Overall the local community and the environment have been negatively impacted and there will be long-term negative consequences regarding environmental degradation, food security and livelihood opportunities. The Kenyan government should commission a new Environmental Impact Assessment and enact and implement a strong wetland policy. There is need for awareness creation to enhance participation of local communities in decision-making. Other livelihood diversification programmes to reduce dependence on the wetland are also recommended.
Effect Of Development and Human Settlement on Bird Species Richness, Abundance, Diversity and Distribution: A Case of Chuka University and Surrounding Areas.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Different land use practices affect birds differently and create micro-climates, which avail different resources to birds, thereby affecting distribution abundance, richness and diversity. This study determined how development and human settlement impact avifauna by comparing three habitat sites with differing land use practices (developed/settlement area, farmlands and forest) against diversity, distribution and abundance of birds therein. The study area was near the University and recently developed, while study sites were based on their uses. Data collection used line transects randomly laid on the ground, and opportunistic visual encounters. Species richness of 72 birds resulted, with 40 species in the forest, 34 in the farmlands and 33 in the settled and developed areas. Species diversity was highest in the forest (H’=3.45) and was lowest in the settled areas (H’=2.91). Species abundance was highest in the farmlands (432 species), followed by settled area (395 species) and forest (198 species). Development in settled area was a major threat to avian community due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, collisions with buildings which obstruct bird movement and road kills. Human settlement and development have a potential of contributing to extinction of native species through habitat fragmentation and loss. Engaging scientists, managers, environmentalists, community and developers will identify ways that development can better incorporate maintenance of ecological integrity and sustainable development.
Smallholders’ Perceptions of Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity: A Case Study of Farmers in Varied Agro ecological Zones in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The current global warming has resulted in persistent droughts in Kenya. Farmers are now changing their agricultural practices to cope with the drought, which is usually accompanied by variation in biodiversity. This study determined how farmers perceive the changes over a period of 30 years. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires in Bungoma, Nakuru, Kajiado, Embu (Mbeere) and Kilifi counties. Climatic data was collected from weather stations and corroborated with that of Kenya Meteorological Department. Rainfall fluctuated considerably, amount increasing slowly over time, rainy season decreasing and storms becoming frequent. Dry periods were frequent and annual temperatures were increasing. Some animals, plants, birds and insects had either disappeared like elephants and lions in Mbeere; reduced like butterflies, and termites in all sites, or either increased in numbers (mosquitoes, weevils and red mites in all sites, tortoise and scorpions in Mbeere, Jatropha curcas and Lantana camara in Mbeere) or emerged (great grain borer in Mbeere and Kilifi, black Indian crow in Kilifi, Ipomoea sp in Kajiado and Prosopis juliflora in Kilifi). Farmers are now harvesting and conserving water in water pans, zai pits, and terraces. Some invasive plant species such as Prosopis juliflora were out-competing crops and pasture, predators were invading homesteads, carnivorous birds were becoming omnivorous and insect vectors and pests like mosquitoes and weevils were increasing their habitats to former cooler areas. Consequently, farmers were planting fast-growing multipurpose trees such as Senna siamea, rearing diverse animals and growing drought-tolerant crops.
Adoption and Utilization of Zai Pits for Improved Farm Productivity in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Small holder farmers in low midland zones of Tharaka-Nithi County are facing challenges in improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Low crop yields due to low erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration, and deteriorating soil health in smallholder farmers’ fields have led to a quest for sustainable production practices with greater resource use efficiency. To alleviate these challenges, impact of zai pits was assessed in terms of factors that influence adoption in Tharaka-Nithi County, located in low midland zones of eastern Kenya. Interview schedules were used to elicit information from 290 farmers. A descriptive statistical analysis approach was used to analyse data. There was significant relationship between farmers who had been visited by an agricultural officer and adoption ((2=6.019, P=0.05), where a higher percentage of farmers who had adopted had been visited by non-governmental extension agents. A significant difference existed between the average farm size of adopters and non-adopters (t=2.7, df=285, P=0.05). There is need to re-evaluate the role that socio-economic variables and farm characteristics contribute in adoption of Zai pits as a water harvesting technology.
Planning and Management of Natural Resources: A Case of Sub-Saharan Africa
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The world population has been increasing over time, causing an increase in demand for natural resources and threatening their replenishment. Most natural resources are non renewable. Excessive and unplanned exploitation leads to extinction, acute scarcity, widespread pollution, and uncertain feedback loops. This raises a need to discover new techniques which can effectively help in exploitation without compromising the needs and desires of future generations. There have been attempts to formulate policies on the usage of natural resources for most developing countries, especially those in the Sub-Saharan Africa, but planning and management of these resources still remains a major concern. Existing policies need to be re-evaluated to determine the rationale behind their failures. New policies focusing on planning and management of natural resources also need to be formulated and effectively implemented to improve economic growth and development. This paper reports on research, technologies and options for sustainable natural resource utilization and effective management of land, water, soil, wildlife, minerals and forests in the horn of Africa. It is possible to achieve sustainable development by controlling natural resources through proper management and planning.
Role Of Religious Studies In Environmental Resource Management For Mitigation Of Climate Change Toward Realization Of Vision 2030
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Attainment of Kenyan Vision 2030 heavily depends on climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, tourism and coastal zones. On the flipside, major rapid industrialization developments and urbanization anticipated to occur will affect pollution levels and generate larger quantities of solid waste, which will require effective disposal management. Kenya must begin climate change awareness creation to combat pollution and waste accumulation to ensure sustainable development. This effort demands greater resolve to use religious education’s socializing role to enforce the vision for the environment sector, which is “a nation living in a clean, secure and sustainable environment”. The present research was pegged on two theories: cognitive dissonance theory of attitude change, which states that inconsistencies between attitude and behaviour are uncomfortable, so people will change their attitudes to remove discomfort where dissonance is often removed by a shift in attitude, and the prior knowledge theory, which states that students who learn more at one level usually do better and are able to assimilate new knowledge at higher levels. Key findings were: Religious education that God placed man in the Garden of Eden to till and keep it at home; church and school are mirrors reflected by well kept environment is proved effective for attitude and behaviour change. Part of Kenyan culture is religious ‘notorious’ with over 75% population. Kenya should continue international efforts to promote sound environmental policies demonstrated by the country’s hosting of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters by domesticating them using her strength in religious education systematically to create awareness of environmental issues and responsibilities concerning climatic change, waste management and pollution prevention to implement environmental management policy.
Adapting To Climate Change: Evaluating the Implementation of Water Resource Management Strategies in Hotels within Lake Naivasha Environs
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Sustainability is complicated by the threat of climate change which presents tourism industry with considerable negative effects, creating an urgent need to manage and use such resources responsibly. Water Resource Management (WRM) has become critical in the tourism industry. Consequently, hotels have a unique responsibility in lessening the real and potential negative impacts on the water and promote sustainable water management and use. This study evaluated adoption of WRM strategies in hotels to attain water sustainability, the current structural and non-structural WRM strategies adopted by selected hotels in the environs of Lake Naivasha, perceived effectiveness of both the structural and non-structural WRM strategies adopted to enhance water sustainability, and structural and non-structural watcensus of 30 Class (A) registered hotels was conducted, and purposive sampling was used to select respondents. Convenience sampling was used to select managers for interviews. Primary data collection used questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data was synthesized from journals, text books, theses and other works and analysed using the SPSS program. Hotels had embraced WRM strategies through development of alternative water resources, water saving technologies, manuals and treatment of recycled water. Structural WRM strategies were perceived to ber management strategies in terms of sustainability in hotels within environs of Lake Naivasha. A e more effective as they impacted more on reducing operating costs, promoted environmental conservation and were more preferred than the non-structural strategies despite being more expensive to implement. Water sustainability is achievable through a combination of WRM strategies. Better water management policies should be formulated and complemented with technological utilization, stiffer penalties on pollution, community involvement, inclusion of donor funding and provision of incentives.
Effects of Sea Water Intrusion and Surface Water Salinity on Irrigation Water Quality in Ramisi
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
One of the major economic activities in Ramisi is cane growing. However, rain fed farming is not sustainable owing to erratic rainfall patterns and limited agricultural land. River Ramisi is saline, mineralized, unsuitable for domestic and agricultural use, and affected by seawater intrusion during high tides. KISCOL drilled 37 boreholes to bridge the water demand gap but quality is doubtful. This study determined suitability of water sources in Ramisi in terms of salinity and contaminants, risk of salt water intrusion and microorganisms levels. Water samples were collected from boreholes and Rivers Ramisi and Mkurumudzi and analyzed for organic constituents, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity physical and microbiological parameters using Standard Methods. The pH of the water ranged from 6.5-8.5 with exceeding limits for conductivity, chlorides, TDS, turbidity (25 NTU) and TDS (1,238 mg/l). Magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium and nutrients were below permissible levels for irrigation water. Thus River Mkurumudzi and groundwater sources are not at risk of sea water intrusion, but River Ramisi is not. Most surface water sources were contaminated with coliform and E. coli hence not suitable for domestic use. Further research is needed to ascertain quality of the water for both agricultural and domestic uses.
Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation: Climate-Smart Agro-Pastoral Practices: A Case Study of Narok County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pastoralism is described by a high reliance on livestock production systems for socio-economic wellbeing. In Kenya it is the dominant form of livelihood in the arid and semi-arid lands, which constitute more than 80% of the total land area, host about 10 m people and 70% of the national livestock herd. Despite these areas being the major meat producers in the country, production is threatened by climate related hazards as witnessed by livestock deaths, reduced daily yields and prices, degraded natural resources, and high incidences of livestock pests and diseases. The traditional coping strategies applied in terms of nomadic pastoralism, has been reduced due to fragmentation of rangelands, forcing them to transform towards sedentary lifestyles. Thus, what can be done to improve this sedentary lifestyle and how can it be sustained within the ASALs? What are the on-the-ground coping strategies that enhance environmental conservation? This study assessed the coping mechanisms applied to the changed lifestyle within the pastoral communities of Narok County that not only improve livelihoods through climate change adaptation but also contribute towards climate change mitigation. This was done using key informant and focus group discussions. Policy guidelines are provided on building capacity through participatory approaches to enhance long-term sustainable systems that will ensure food security to these vulnerable communities, while at the same time contributing to natural resource conservation and ecosystem services.
Amaranth Pigweed Beetle Damage Level Correlates to Environmental Temperature Regimes
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pigweed beetle Hypolixus haerens Boheman has been cited as a major insect pest of grain amaranth worldwide. This study evaluated injury level of both foliar and stem damage pests on eight varieties of Amaranthus hypochondriacus (L.) during two seasons of production at Katumani (LM4) and Kiboko ((LM5). Stem damage by beetle H. haerens correlates to environmental temperature. The hotter zone of low midlands five (LM5) was drier (43.7 ± 15.9 mm, 28 ± 2°C) than the cooler zone of low midlands four (LM4), which was relatively wetter (57.1 ± 13.8 mm, 24 ± 2°C). Beetle stem tunnel length inversely correlated with yield. The stem damage levels at the cooler zone were lower by 35, 42 and 47% in comparison to those from the hotter zone (LM5). Insect foliar damage level did not reflect direct grain loss. No variety was found resistant to H. haerens stem injury from the eight accessions evaluated. The wetter and cooler zone (LM4) was found to influence lower stem damage and subsequently 5-9 times higher grain yield than the hotter zone. In conclusion, considerations of the environmental factors in each agro-ecological zone would lead to right time of insecticide spray for management of the pests of grain amaranth to prevent yield loss.

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