Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness &Agricultural Education

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ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING AGROFORESTRY ADOPTION AND MAIZE YIELD IN KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KIPNGENO DOMINIC
Maize is Kenya’s staple food crop. The Kenyan government has developed ambitious agricultural policies and programs to increase its performance and productivity to improve its rural citizens' livelihoods. Agroforestry is among the practices recognized as a technique of contributing to food security and economic development. However, its adoption rate remains low despite its capacity to improve crop yield, mitigate soil erosion, and reduce fuel wood and fodder scarcity. This study aimed to analyse the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry technologies for improved maize production in selected Sub-Counties in Kericho County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population was smallholder maize farmers who have and those who have not adopted agroforestry farming systems. A sample of 350 smallholder farmers was used in the study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-economic factors such as farm size, age, household size and education. Data collected on institutional factors included access to credit, extension services, farmer's group membership and availability of research institutions. Data collected was coded and analysed using STATA version 17. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry farming systems. A propensity score matching regression model was used to analyse the effect of agroforestry adoption on maize production. The findings showed that among the socio-economic factors, gender (p = 0.000), land ownership (p = 0.012), and income (p = 0.036) positively and significantly influenced the adoption of agroforestry. However, age, household size, land size and education did not significantly influence (p > 0.05) the adoption of agroforestry. Institutional factors such as extension services (p = 0.000), group membership (p = 0.001), credit (p = 0.000), and the availability of research institutions (p = 0.033) were found to influence adoption of agroforestry significantly. The propensity score matching was used to determine agroforestry adoption's effect on maize yield among selected farmers from the overall group. The nearest neighbor matching algorithm results showed that agroforestry adoption negatively affected maize grain yield by -1241.2 kg per ha. It is possible that the adopters did not follow the recommended spacing for the planted agroforestry trees. As a result, the canopies may have cast too much shade on maize crops, preventing them from receiving the necessary amount of sunlight. Despite agroforestry reducing maize grains production, the study findings indicated that farmers increased their overall income through the sale of tree products such as timber fruits, thus accounting for the positive and significance of agroforestry. The findings of this research mean that efforts to increase agroforestry adoption should not only concentrate on improving farm productivity but also on other benefits that can be derived from agroforestry. The study also encourages empowering farmers through credit access, quality extension services, and the formation of farmer groups to create awareness on how best farmers can utilize agroforestry to increase overall household income and farm productivity. Although the current findings indicate that agroforestry did not increase maize production, farmers can still gain from the farming system through the sale of tree products, among other benefits that complement household income.
EFFECT OF PERCEPTION, SOCIO-ECONOMIC, AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS ON ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN IRISH POTATO FARMING IN AINABKOI, UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KIPTOO AMOS
Globally, approximately 62% of farmers have embraced climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs). Adopting these practices presents the farmer a chance to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, in Kenya, adoption rate is less than 30%. In various parts of Kenya, Irish potato farmers are hindered by their perceptions, socio-economic, and institutional factors from adopting CSAPs. This study aimed to determine the effects of perception, socio-economic, and institutional factors on Irish potato farmers' adoption of CSAPs in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population was 1500 Irish potato farmers, and a sample of 196 farmers was selected using cluster sampling procedure. Data on the farmers' perceptions, socio-economic, and institutional factors were collected using both closed and open-ended questionnaires. Socio-economic and institutional data, along with CSAPs were analyzed using SPSS version 28 and econometric analysis through Stata version 17. Descriptive statistics were used to identify CSAPs used by Irish potato farmers, while categorical principal component analysis was used to estimate perception aspects on benefits, impact, risks, costs, and profitability of CSAPs, and multivariate probit model was used to analyze the socio-economic and institutional factors. The findings showed that 77.55% of the farmers had not used improved seeds varieties, while 22.44% had used them. Most farmers, 72.44% had not used soil management practices such as minimum tillage and improved fallowing, while 27.45% reported using them. Agroforestry practice was found to be adopted by 46.94%, while 53.06% indicated that they had adopted. Crop rotation was adopted by 56.12%, while 43.88% indicated that they had not used the practice. The crop mostly rotated with Irish potato was beans 36.22%, maize 10.20%, vegetables 8.16%, and oats 1.53%. Additionally, 43.88% stated that they do not rotate Irish potatoes with any specific crop. The study findings on perception showed that four of the perception aspects had more than one eigen values and were retained. The impact on farm variable had the highest eigen value of 4.458, coping climate change 2.180, knowledge level 1.216, and resilience had 1.182. The multivariate analysis showed that various socio-economic and institutional factors had positive relationships and were significant at different p-values to various practices. Land size dedicated to Irish potato cultivation showed a significant (p < 0.05), and negative association with the adoption of improved potato seed varieties, while having significant (p < 0.01) and positive relationship with intercropping, access to income had (p < 0.01), and a positive relationship with intercropping and conservation tillage practices. Extension services had (p < 0.01) and a positive relationship with soil management practices, schooling years had (p < 0.05) positive relationship with conservation tillage, credit access had significant (p < 0.01) positive relationship with minimum tillage, group membership had (p < 0.05), and positive relationship with improved Irish potato seeds, while the number of years in Irish potato farming had (p < 0.01) positive association with adopting organic amendments. Based on the findings the Irish potato farmers had embraced various climate-smart agricultural practices, driven by perceptions, socio-economic factors, and institutional support. The study recommends addressing farmers’ perception aspects while addressing their socio-economic and institutional factors to Irish potato farmers to increase farmers' knowledge and awareness of CSAPs. Additionally, governments and policy makers should formulate and implement supportive policies and incentives for CSAP. The farmers, policy makers, and government agencies, stand to benefit from increased adoption of CSAPs.
SECOND YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
(Chuka University, 2023-04-11) Chuka university
Culture as a Predictor of Effective Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Mbeere North, Kenya
(Advancements in Agricultural Development, 2022-01-17) R. Gikunda1 , D. Lawver2 , J. Magogo
The research advances the existing extension education knowledge by illustrating the relationship between culture and adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). Using a sample of 127, the study adopted a descriptive correlational design to gather data that addressed the hypotheses. The sample was selected randomly through systematic sampling procedures covering all parts of the sub-county. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Independent samples t-test and multiple regression analysis were applied in data analysis. The results indicated that farmers who received climate-smart information compared to farmers not receiving the information demonstrated significantly higher CSA practices adoption levels. A combination of cultural elements significantly predicted the adoption of climate-smart practices. The moderate effective adoption rates witnessed may have been contributed by limited access to extension services and cultural barriers. Among the cultural elements inability of extension agents to communicate in the local language was found to be the main inhibitor to effective dissemination and subsequent adoption. Hence, extension agents conversant with local language should be recruited to break the communication barrier to improve the diffusion of CSA practices. The county extension agents should be encouraged to use a mix of mass media extension education methods so as to expand the coverage.
Effect of Applying Organic Amendments and Chick pea Integration on Soil Chemical Properties in Different Cropping Systems In Central Kenya
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2018-11-15) Ndukhu,O.H,Wahome,G.R.,Jensen,H.H
A study was carried out to determine the effect of applying farm yard manure (FYM) and Minjingu rock phosphate (MRP) on soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon. The study involved field experiments under varying precipitation pattern, soil fertility levels and cropping systems over four growth seasons.Theexperimentaldesignwasarandomized completeblock(RCBD)withfourreplicationsinasplitplot arrangement where the main plots were the three cropping systems; monocropping, intercropping and crop rotation and the split plots were FYM and MRPand sampling done at crop physiological maturity. Soil pH, N, P K and C increased in the different treatments in the following order control < MRP< FYM in the three cropping systemsacrossthefourgrowingseasonsatbothsites.In maizeunderrotationwithchickpeacontrolhad;0.281% N,2.82%Cand10.68ppmP.FYM;0.554%N,4.41%Cand18.24ppmP.MRP;0.45%N,3.6%Cand41.08 ppm P.Maizechickpeaintercropcontrol;0.389%N,3.192%Cand13.4ppmP.FYM;0.531%N,4.98%Cand 41.02 ppm P. MRP; 0.49% N, 4.08% C and 50.9 ppm P. Soil under maize monocrop exhibited; control; 0.2% N, 2.59%Cand11.26ppmP.FYM;0.416%N,3.83%Cand18.01ppmP.MRP;0.28%N,3.13%Cand26.1ppmP. Almost a similar trend was observed in maize and tomato plots at both sites in all the growing seasons. Thus it can be deduced that, FYM and MRP application and legume integration in cropping systems improves soil fertility.
Effect of Price Changes on Green Gram Yield in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(science publishing group, 2023-06-20) Mathenge Beatrice Mugure1, *, Dennis K. Muriithi2 , Gathungu Geofrey Kingori
Abstract: Kenyans in Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs), rely heavily on green gram as a source of nutrition, earnings, and soil improvement, but yield has not kept up with growth in demand. Due to this, the Kenyan government's declared goal of improving food access, diversity, and nutritional status has been hampered in these areas. In comparison to the worldwide and national averages of 0.73 mt/ha and 0.67 mt/ha, respectively, the yield in Tharaka South Sub-County is still too low at 0.56 mt/ha, considerably below the crop's estimated 1.5 mt/ha national potential. Green gram yield is mainly constrained by fluctuating producer prices and rational producers may only improve yields in response to a price increase. This study aimed at analysing the green gram yield responsiveness to the commodity’s price changes in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2002-2021. The study employed descriptive research design and used secondary data. The data on seasonal green gram price and yield was collected from Tharaka Nithi County Department of Agriculture and analysed using linear regression model and qualitative methods. It was observed that the trends of green gram yield and price have been fluctuating over the study period. The green gram yield obtained during the October November December (OND) season was higher than the yield obtained during the March April May season (MAM). As portrayed by the economic law of demand and supply, green gram price during OND season was lower than the price offered during MAM season. Further the findings of the model showed that price changes explained 25.3% of the variables affecting green gram yield. Additionally, the findings of the regression analysis revealed that yield has been increasing at a decreasing rate as price increases by 1%. A 1% increase in price was associated with 0.47% decrease in yield probably due to reuse of seed. The study concluded that increasing green gram yield requires a supportive price, but this is not a sufficient condition but other support to reduce production risks should be provided. Further, access to certified seed should be enhanced to reduce chances of seed recycling or reuse. The study recommends the setting up of a functional agricultural commodity market for structured marketing of green gram as well as supporting production for sustainable yield.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY, ADAPTATION AND PRICE CHANGES ON YIELD AND GREEN GRAM PRODUCTION TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN THARAKA SOUTH SUB COUNTY, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) MATHENGE BEATRICE MUGURE
Globally, green gram is a significant pulse, particularly in Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs), as a source of food, livelihood, soil management and integrates easily into different cropping systems. Green gram availability in Tharaka South Sub County is equivalent to household income and food security. Despite this importance, green gram yield in Tharaka South Sub County is still low at 0.56 mt/ha far below the crop’s estimated national potential of 1.5 mt/ha and compares unfavorably with the global and national averages of 0.73 mt/ha and 0.67 mt/ha, respectively. Green gram yield is mainly constrained by climate variability, fluctuating producer prices and inefficiencies in production. Given that production of green gram is predominantly rain-fed, climate fluctuation affects the ideal conditions needed for the crop growth. Further, rational producers may only improve yield and technical efficiency in response to anticipated price increase. This study aimed at analysing the effect of climate variability, adaptation and price changes on yield and green gram production technical efficiency in Tharaka South Sub County. The research employed descriptive research design and utilize both primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained from 385 smallscale farmers selected randomly and five Key Informants’ Interviews (KII) who were purposively selected. Further, secondary data on seasonal rainfall, temperature, yield and farm gate prices was obtained from the Meteorological Services and County department of Agriculture, respectively. The analysis on the effect of rainfall, temperature variability and price, on green gram yield was analyzed using the pearson correlation coefficient, simple and multiple regression methods. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various adaptation strategies used by green gram farmers. The findings of the study showed that rainfall variability explained 30.4% of the variables affecting green gram yield. The findings of the model further showed that a 1% increase in rainfall during March-April- May (MAM) season increased green gram yield by 49.3% with no effect during OND (October-November-December) season. Temperature variability explained 28.5% of the variables affecting green gram yield. Further, the model findings revealed that a 1% increase in temperature during OND season decreased yield of green gram by 48.5% with no effect during OND season. A combination of rainfall and temperature variability resulted to the highet effect, and explained 34.2% of the variables affecting green gram yield. The assessment on the technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that use of minimum tillage was the most efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58%. Use of crop rotation, maximum soil cover, early maturing green gram varieties showed a technical efficiency of 75.55%, 74.86% and 73.09% respectively. Crop insurance as a climate adaptation strategy was the least efficient strategy at 51.67%. Price changes on the other hand explained 25.3% of the variables affecting green gram yield. The findings of the regression analysis showed that there existed an inverse relationship between output price and green gram yield. A 1% increase in price was associated with 0.47% decrease in yield probably due to reuse of the grains as seed. The study concluded that climate variability and output price had an effect on green gram yield. Based on the findings there was a positive effect between rainfall and green gram yield while temperature variability and price changes had a negative effect on yield. Futher, adaptation to climate change is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among smallscale green gram farmers. The study recommends that green gram farmers in ASALs need to adopt and intensify use of minimum tillage. A functional agricultural commodity market should be set for structured marketing of green gram. Further research institutions and department of agriculture need to ensure access to certified seed for the farmers to reduce chances of seed recycling or reuse.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS, AGRONOMIC PRACTICES AND COOPERATIVE DIVERSITY ON COFFEE YIELD GAP AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NYERI CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) NDUNG’U FLORENCE WAIRIMU
Coffee significantly aids in the reduction of poverty in households, increases the gross domestic product (GDP) of Kenya and generates tax revenue. However, the coffee yields have been declining over the last two decades which is revealed by the reduction in acreage by 30% from 170,000 ha in the 1980s to 108,199 ha in 2021. This has resulted to decrease in production by 70% making it hard for smallholder coffee farmers to benefit from the sector. The ultimate result is a large yield gap between farmers’ actual yields and the potential productivity of the coffee varieties from the KALROCoffee Research Institute, Ruiru. This study aimed at identifying factors (socioeconomic characteristics, agronomic practices and cooperative diversity) influencing coffee yield gap among smallholder coffee farmers in Nyeri Central sub-county, Nyeri County. A cross-sectional research design was used and through the systematic random sampling technique, a sample of 175 smallholder coffee farmers was drawn from the target population of approximately7000 coffee farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the study with its validity determined by the academic supervisors and the experts in the coffee sector. The reliability of the research instrument was also determined using the split half method. Primary data on coffee farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, agronomic practices and cooperative diversity were collected. The data on socio-economic characteristics, agronomic practices and cooperative diversity were analyzed as descriptive statistics using SPSS version 29 and their effect on coffee yield gap was determined using the fractional logit regression model in STATA version 17. The findings noted that the average farmers’ yields per hectare for Ruiru 11, Batian and SL 28 was 8,593.920 kg/ha, 3,545.277 kg/ha and 1,722.423 kg/ha, respectively. The yield gap estimated was 66,406.080 kgs, 53,454.722 kgs and 38,177.577 kgs for Ruiru 11, Batian and SL 28, respectively. Further, the yield gap index per farmer ranged between 84.99% to 96.90% and the yield gap index per variety was 88.54% for Ruiru 11, 93.78% for Batian and 95.68% SL 28. The model parameters indicated that gender of the household head, schooling years, household size, labour, weed management, disease management, extension, training as well as production and market information were negative but significant independent variables at p<0.05. The insect-pest management was found to have a positive and significant effect on coffee yield gap at p<0.05. The independent variables omitted in the model analysis were found to be insignificant and hence did not affect the outcome in this study. Moreover, negative coefficients indicated that an increase in each of the explanatory variables resulted in a decrease in the coffee yield gap, holding other factors constant. The marginal effect showed the number of units that the independent variable contributed to either increase or decrease the coffee yield gap. The study concluded that the smallholder coffee farmers’ age was 60 years which contributed to increased yield gap while households led by male individuals resulted to minimized yield gaps. Also, the smallholder coffee farmers were producing below their potential as depicted by the large yield gap estimate. Hence, this study suggests that farmers should fully implement the recommended agronomic practices fully and adopt the improved varieties especially Ruiru 11. Also, the Government and other stakeholders should support the extension services so as to increase coffee yields which would result in reduced coffee yield gap.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING SMALLHOLDER FARMER ADOPTION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES ON MAIZE PRODUCTION, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) GITONGA HELLENAH MWENDWA
Maize is among the most significant crops in Kenya for food security. Soil and water conservation practices adopted in maize production offer a potential solution to combat climate change by enhancing soil productivity and decreasing soil and water erosion thereby enhancing crop productivity and smallholder farmer’s farm income. Despite various interventions to practice improved soil and water conservation technologies (SWCs) in maize production, adoption of these technologies is low resulting to poor output due to various factors. Therefore, this study aimed at analyzing the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of SWCs and subsequent effect on maize yield in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey research design was used where multi-stage sampling method was applied. Three hundred and eighteen (318) households in Maara and Chuka Sub-Counties were interviewed from a population target of 5250 using a structured questionnaire to obtain data on socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the uptake of SWCs. Descriptive statistics were completed using SPSS version 28 while econometric analysis by Stata version 17. The Propensity Score Matching model (PSM) was employed on the effects of adoption of SWCs on maize yield while Multivariate Probit (MVP) model was employed on both socio-economic and institutional factors affecting the use of SWCs. The MVP model had positive coefficients which indicated that increase in either one of socio-economic and institutional factors increased the adoption of certain SWCs, farm size had a P-value at 1% on intercropping and irrigation, household size P-value at 5%, land topography a P-value at 5% on intercropping, grass strips and stone bunds, extension and training a P-value at 1% on intercropping and grass strips and membership P-value at 1% on intercropping and irrigation. The negative coefficients showed that increase in the factors decreased the adoption of certain SWCs, gender had a P-value at 5% on intercropping and P-value at 10% on mulching, education at 1% on minimum tillage and 5% on stone bunds, perception on soil erosion had a P-value at 1% on intercropping and irrigation and topography of the land had a P-value at 5% on crop rotation. The PSM model applied the logit regression model where positive estimates on socio-economic and institutional factors showed an increase in either of the factors had an increase in adoption of SWCs indicating significance on age at 5% on mulching, household size at 5% on intercropping, land size at 5% on irrigation, extension services at 1% on crop rotation and group membership at 10% on irrigation that influenced adoption of SWCs. The negative coefficients indicated that an increase in either of the factors decreased the adoption of SWCs where land size had a P-value at 5% on grass strips, household size had a P-value at 10% on terraces, age had a P-value at 10% on crop rotation and irrigation, access to extension services had a P-value at 1% on grass strips and group membership had a P-value at 1% on terraces. The PSM used three matching algorithms (Nearest neighbor, radius and stratification) to match the adopters and non-adopters that determined the Average Treatment Effects (ATT). Intercropping and irrigation were positively significant at 5% and 1%, respectively. The positive ATT indicated an average increase in maize yield from intercropping and irrigation as soil and water conservation practices (SWCs) at a range between 290 kgs to 375 kgs and 270 kgs to 725 kgs per hectare, respectively. Stone bunds and minimum tillage were negative and significant at 1%. The negative ATT was significant and showed that there was average decrease in maize production from stone bunds and minimum tillage as SWCs at a range of about 50 kgs to 287 kgs and 248 kgs to 690 kgs per hectare, respectively. The adoption level of SWCs was average given that there was low frequency of implementation by the smallholder maize farmers. Therefore, the study recommends that small-scale maize producers should practice more of intercropping and irrigation as SWCs for increased productivity and increased food security. There is also the need for government and stakeholders’ interventions which will enable small-scale maize farmers to increase on adoption of SWCs that results to improvement in crop output and income.
ANALYSIS OF TRANSACTION COST AND TRANSACTOR CHARACTERISTIC EFFECT ON MARKET OUTLET CHOICE AND GROSS MARGINS AMONG IRISH POTATO FARMERS IN KINANGOP SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KAMAU PATRICK MWANIKI
Irish potato ranks second after maize as an important food crop in Kenya. It has the potential to enhance food security and alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers. Irish potato market outlet choice is among the key decisions in every household since it determines the profits attained by the households. About, 90% of smallholder Irish potato farmers in Kinangop sub-county sell their produce to brokers at the farm gate which result in low (12%) gross margins. On the other hand, brokers sell the produce purchased from farmers to various market outlets earning up to 26-50% profit. Farmer’s profits are reduced by high transaction costs and transactor characteristics. This study therefore aimed at analyzing the transaction cost and transactor’s characteristic effect on market outlet choice and gross margins among smallholder Irish potato farmers in Kinangop sub-county, Nyandarua County. The study employed descriptive research design to collect cross-sectional data from a population of 14,000 smallholder Irish potato farmers. A sample of 241 smallholder Irish potato farmers were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Data on the transactor’s characteristics, transaction cost factors, market outlets, and gross margins was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A multivariate probit model determined the transaction cost and transactor’s characteristics effect on market outlet choice. Gross margin analysis and quantile regression models were employed to analyze the effects of transaction costs on gross margin. The results showed that majority (92.95%) of Irish potato farmers sold their produce to brokers, 4.56% sold to local market, 2.01 to urban and 1.66% to contracts. Study showed that Irish potato farmers incur an average of Ksh. 8265.14 per acre as transaction cost and information search (50%) contributed to the highest cost. From the multivariate probit results, Age, land size, market distance and phone access were significant (p<0.05) and positive on sale of potatoes through brokers. However, information access was significant (p<0.05) and negative on sale of Irish potato to brokers. Information access (p<0.05) was significant and positive on sale of potato in the local markets. However, land size, market distance, gender and extension service access were significant (p<0.05) and negative on sale of potatoes in the local market. The sale of potatoes in the urban market was significant (p<0.05) and positive for age, information and phone access. Contract markets were significant (P<0.05) and positive for land size, credit access and main occupation but significant (P<0.05) and negative for age, information and phone access. Indirect and direct input transportation cost, indirect market information cost direct market bargaining costs were significant (p<0.05) and negative on the likelihood of selecting brokers. Indirect market transport costs significantly (p<0.05) and positively influenced the likelihood of selling through the brokers. The likelihood of choosing the local market was significant (p<0.05) and positively influenced by direct input transport and direct market bargaining costs. At the first regression (25%) and median (50%) quantile; indirect input transportation, indirect market bargaining, indirect contract marketing, direct contract search, direct market bargaining and direct contract marketing costs positively and significantly (P<0.05) influenced gross margins. At 75% quantile indirect input transport, indirect market bargaining, direct market bargaining and indirect market information search costs significantly (p<0.05) and positively influenced farmers’ gross margins. Therefore, smallholder farmer’s characteristics and transaction costs can determine smallholder farmer’s market outlet decisions and profits. Therefore, the study recommends smallholder Irish potato farmers should be provided with adequate information and be encouraged to form active collective action groups to help in sharing information and collective marketing of Irish potato to minimize the transaction costs and maximize profits.
ANALYSIS OF MARKETING CHANNELS, INPUTS AND FARMER CHARACTERISTICS ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF ORANGE FLESHED SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION IN MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) JABUYA LAWRENCE OTIENO
Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.), particularly the orange fleshed, has gained prominence due to its ability to adapt to wide production ecologies and yield response to minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) can produce up to 50 tonnes per hectare, improving household income and nutrition in Kenya. However, production in Kenya remains low, with smallholder OFSP farmers producing an average yield of 14 tonnes per hectare. The influence of inputs, farmer characteristics and marketing channel factors on OFSP production by smallholder farmers in Western Kenya has not been fully studied. This research was carried out to assess the technical efficiency of orange fleshed sweet potato smallholder farmers through analysis of inputs, farmer characteristics and marketing channels in Suna East and Kuria West Sub-Counties of Migori County. A descriptive study design was adopted and a cluster random sampling technique was used to select 225 respondents from approximately 6500 OFSP farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data on input factors, smallholder farmers’ credit access and marketing channel variables. The key informants of the study were OFSP farmers with the assistance of the County government officials from Migori County. The data was entered into SPSS 28 software and analyzed using Stata 15 software. The Multivariate probit model was used to analyze the factors affecting the choices of smallholder OFSP farmers' marketing channels. The results showed that the distance to markets, grading, farmer age, education levels, storage capacity, market assurance, extension visits, group membership and cost of packaging materials influence the smallholder farmers' marketing channel choice decision. The stochastic frontier model was used to analyze the effect of inputs, farmer characteristics, and marketing channels on technical efficiency. The land set aside for OFSP production, planting vines, fertilizer, manure and family labour were the major inputs in the efficiency of OFSP production, according to the model parameters computed using the maximum likelihood method. The technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers varied, with the least efficient producing at 36.98 % and the most efficient producing at 99.93 %. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 78.07%, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 21.93%. The technical efficiency of smallholder OFSP production was highly influenced by the inefficiency variables like years of farming experience, gender, extension visits, market distance, size of the household, and access to training. Smallholder OFSP farmers produced 8.453 tonnes per hectare with available farm inputs. Farmers can significantly increase the existing level of OFSP technical efficiency of production in the region by concentrating on better use land, use of clean planting materials and hiring labour. Smallholder farmers should be advised to seek services from extension agents and attend training frequently to reduce production inefficiencies. In addition, interventions are required to strengthen the marketing and production capacities of smallholder OFSP farmers.
DRAMA-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH AND KISWAHILI LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING AMONG PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CHEPTAIS SUB-COUNTY, BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kenyatta, Robinson
Effective teaching and learning process is reliant on suitable approaches used during instructional process of a given subject area. Teachers’ effectiveness in content delivery has a definite influence on student concept learning and retention. Language learning is a critical facet that determines the communication aspect between the instructor and the learner. Teaching and learning approaches used in language learning should thus be chosen appropriately to realize educational goals in every curriculum. Learners’ academic achievement in Kiswahili language among KCSE students in Cheptais Sub County schools has been recording below average performance for more than five consecutive years as compared to other subjects. Poor performance has been related partly to inappropriate pedagogies used in Kiswahili language learning. Drama in Kiswahili language classroom offers lenses for learners to use their imagination, encourages adaptability, fluency and communicative competence. This study was designed to establish the use of drama-based instructional approach in teaching and learning of Kiswahili language among public secondary schools in Cheptais sub county, Kenya. The research design used in this study is descriptive survey involving Kiswahili language teachers and their students. Purposive sampling was used to select public secondary schools with form three class while stratified sampling was used to select strata schools; boys, girls and mixed categories. Simple random sampling was then used to select form three Kiswahili students and Kiswahili teachers as participants in the study. 342 form three students and 72 teachers were selected and responded to the questionnaire which was a sample from 24 secondary schools with 2346 students. Data was collected by use of questionnaires for students and teachers. The reliability of instruments was evaluated using Cronbach alpha whereby the value of 0.89 was attained and research items adopted for further analysis. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 in terms of descriptive statistics such as percentages and mean and inferential statistics such as chi-square to test the hypothesis at ∝=0.05 level of significance. Frequency distribution tables was used to present the data. The findings of this study showed that drama-based instructional approach is used and that it is mainly used in teaching grammar and literature and that its use significantly influences the teaching and learning of Kiswahili language. The study also established that a number of factors exist that seems to impede use of drama-based instructional approach in teaching and learning of Kiswahili language such as minimal time allocated to Kiswahili language lessons, lack of resources to instruct Kiswahili drama technique and its comprehensiveness in preparing learners to take part in drama-set activities. It is therefore recommended that Kiswahili teachers should enhance the use of learner centered approaches such as drama-based approaches in teaching and learning to foster learner conceptualization and to improve performance in the subject. Specific focus be given to other areas of the subject including comprehension and composition which though are challenging to learners have not been given adequate focus by teachers in use of the drama-based instructional approach and that teachers be facilitated to enable them overcome the challenges they face in teaching and learning while using drama based instructional approach.
A FORENSIC-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF KENYA SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENTS
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Ndumia, Elijah
Legal discourse has special grammatical and stylistic features which are meant to enhance precision of the intended message. However, the same features can also create alienation and exclusion because of their complexity. In addition, participants in the legal process make deliberate discursive choices to legitimize their clients and delegitimize the opposing team during litigation. This study undertook a forensic linguistic analysis of Kenya Supreme Court judgements on election petitions and civil cases with a view to explore the grammatical modality features, examine the transitivity processes, and to investigate the discursive features used for representation of legal ideology. The study was guided by Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics and Van Djik Critical Discourse Analysis theories. Qualitative design was used in conducting the research. The population for this study comprised all the judgements made by the Kenya Supreme Court since the promulgation of the repealed constitution in 2010. Purposeful sampling was used in the identification of eight judgements for the study; four judgements on election petitions and four judgements on civil cases. The sampled judgements were then downloaded from eKLR digital repository for a detailed exposition. Data was collected through expository reading of the judgements with focus on grammatical, lexical and discursive categories. A lexical grammatical check-list was used in the identification of different grammatical and stylistic features as used in the Kenya Supreme Court judgements. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and to highlight the key patterns and categories of meaning in the study. Guided by Systemic Functional Linguistics, different aspects of grammatical modality were studied. The features that were explored under modality include deontic modality, dynamic modality and epistemic modality features. From the study, it was evident that the deontic modal categories are used in the Supreme Court judgements to articulate the prescriptive nature of legal discourse. Secondly, dynamic modals verbs are used in the Supreme Court judgements to signify ability, volition, intention and willingness while epistemic modal categories help to articulate different degrees of belief and conviction concerning legal issues. Various transitivity processes were also examined and analysed. These processes include behavioural, mental, verbal, material, relational, and existential processes. The processes are used in the Supreme Court judgements to index the cognitive, objective, dialogic, and referential aspects of legal discourse. Guided by CDA theory, various discursive features representing legal ideology were also investigated. These features include use of lexical stylistic features, legitimation, presuppositions, argumentation, interrogative forms, metaphors, precedence and predication. These discursive features are used to enhance clarity in the judgements and to uphold the infallible nature of the legal process. However, the features are also used for purposes of legitimation, delegitimation and exclusion during the legal process. Ultimately, this study offers insight on the role of linguistic choices in legal discourse and highlights the ideological qualities inherent in legal judgements. The study adds to existing knowledge on Forensic linguistics, Legal drafting and legal ideology.
EFFECT OF PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON SERVICE DELIVERY AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kinyua, Jennifer
Procurement in public universities in Kenya has been recognized as essential in-service delivery since it affects how goods are procured and ensures tenders are awarded at the right time. However, this has not been the case because even though most of the public procurement reforms have been achieved and procurement policies and institutions are in place, the level of quality service delivery by the universities is still low which is seen to being contributed by poor procurement management practices. These poor procurement management practices in the universities has affected the way they assess their needs, carry out the tendering process and evaluate their suppliers. This study therefore sought to determine the effect of procurement planning, tendering process, supplier evaluation, procurement contract management and implementation of Public Procurement Disposal Act on service delivery among public universities in Kenya. This study was anchored by agency theory, resource-based theory and knowledge-based theory. Descriptive research design was used. Primary data was collected using questionnaire. The target population of the study was 31 public universities in Kenya. The study adopted census technique. A total of 31 Head of procurement department were the respondents. A multiple regression model was employed to bring out the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The hypotheses of the study were tested using t-test while the overall significance of the model was tested using F-test at 5% level of significance. The study established a negative significant effect of procurement planning when the procurement management practices are combined with (regression coefficient of -0.267,p value of 0.026<0.05).Further it was found that supplier evaluation and tendering process had a positive effect on service delivery with a (regression coefficient of 1.048 and 0.206,P-value was 0.000 and 0.038<0.05).Procurement contract management had (regression coefficient of 0.030,P value of 0.743>0.05). The study concluded that procurement planning, supplier evaluation and tendering process had a significant effect service delivery of public universities in Kenya and recommends that firms should do timely procurements, do a thorough market survey on suppliers and request for proposal and quotation. On the other hand, procurement contract management was found to be insignificant therefore it does not affect service delivery. The findings of the study will contribute to theory of procurement and policy making on procurement management practices. This study contributes to procurement discipline by providing a model that captures procurement management practices aspects and measuring their effect on service delivery. The study contributes to the body of existing knowledge by providing an attempt to procurement management practices and measuring their effect on service delivery of public universities. Following the information collected using questionnaires and analyzed, this study will form a data mine for future researchers in this field of procurement in Kenya. Based on the study findings it is recommended that; Companies should encourage implementation of procurement planning for the business needs at an early stage in order to prevent delay. for a more proactive effort from the procurement staff and other management staff on the need for supplier evaluation to minimize incomplete projects and measures should be put in place to ensure that firms adopt better ways of tendering and fair evaluation of bidders to enhance continuity of projects.
EFFECTS OF STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SAMBURU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Lesiriko, Rick
Implementing a strategic plan makes an organization action-oriented, fosters enhanced concentration and synchronization, and results in enhanced efficiency. Adoption of strategic plans in Kenyan secondary schools has encountered varying degrees of success based on the overall organizational performance targets. Irrespective of the fact that the majority of secondary schools use strategic planning, the productivity has been below standard, both nationwide and in the Northern Kenya region. There is limited research on factors predicting strategic plan implementation and its effect on student academic achievement, according to a survey of existing literature. Therefore, the study’s aim was to establish the effect of implementation of strategic plan on student performance, focusing on secondary schools in Samburu County, Kenya. The study aimed to establish the effect of management intensity, strategic alignment to mission and vision, strategic resource allocation, and strategic stakeholder involvement on the academic performance of learners in Samburu County's public secondary schools. The descriptive survey research design was employed to examine all fifty public secondary schools in Samburu County, Kenya, from which a sample of thirty public secondary schools was drawn. Purposive sampling was used to pick 153 participants from schools, principals, deputy principals, heads of departments, board of management chairs, and county quality assurance and standards officers. A questionnaire and interview schedule were used for data collection. The instruments were piloted for construct validity and internal reliability, respectively, to ensure their legitimacy and consistency. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). At a significance level of 0.05, the Chi-square was used to assess the study hypothesis. The outcomes were displayed in tables and graphs. The study found a significant relationship between strategic alignment during strategic plan implementation and the academic performance of secondary school students in Samburu County. Also, a significant association was established between strategic stakeholder participation during strategic plan implementation and academic performance in Samburu County secondary schools. The study, however, found no significant relationship between the variables, management intensity and strategic resource allocation respectively, during strategic plan implementation and the academic performance of secondary school pupils in Samburu County. Hence, the study suggests that schools should establish a strategic planning committee. In addition, the school's strategic plan implementation should match non teaching staff activities with their roles. The research also suggests that the government and schools should budget sufficiently for the strategic plan's implementation phase. Finally, the study suggests that there should be a greater involvement of stakeholders in schools during strategic plan implementation to improve the outcomes of the implementation efforts and, subsequently, school performance.
ISOLATION, CHARACTERISATION AND DETERMINATION OF ANTI BACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF SECONDARY METABOLITES OF Acremonium SPECIES FROM SOILS OF EMBU MUNICIPAL DUMPSITE
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Komen, Joan
Generally, antibiotics production relies on glucose or lactose as carbon and energy source. Alternatively, available raw materials such as agro-wastes have been used successfully as substrates in growth of micro-fungi. The growth of different fungi has been shown to differ with various substrates used. Therefore, there is need to select suitable agro-waste substrates for a given fungus. Moreover, natural fungi can be isolated from dumpsite soils instead of using a standard-fungi in production of antibiotics. To achieve efficient production of antibiotics, optimum growth conditions of specific fungi need to be determined. The objectives of this study were to isolate and characterise secondary metabolites produced by Acremonium spp from dumpsite soils, optimising the growth conditions suitable for the production of the cephalosporin and determine its antibacterial properties in-vitro. Isolation of Acremonium spp was done by spread plate method on potato dextrose agar treated with vancomycin to inhibit any bacterial growth. Acremonium spp colonies were characterised using their macroscopic and microscopic features. Response Surface Methodology was used to determine the optimal growth conditions (temperature, pH and substrates). Growth conditions of Acremonium spp were optimised using three levels of each input variables (temperatures range of 25⁰ C, 28⁰ C and 31⁰ C; pH of 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5; substrates (wheat bran and corn cob, and glucose and lactose used as control). The antibacterial activity of the chloroform-extract was tested in-vitro against three bacterial strains; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Data was collected on optimal growth conditions, yield of mycelia biomass and zones of inhibition. Data collected were subjected to one-way ANOVA to determine significant variation between treatments (levels of pH, temperature and substrates) on mycelial biomass yield and, antibacterial activity of the chloroform-extract using SAS version 9.4. Significant means were separated using LSD at α = 0.05. This study revealed that serial dilutions of 102 and 103 were suitable for the isolation of the fungus. The findings of this study revealed that treatments had significant (p < 0.05) effect on mycelia biomass yield. Generally, corn cob gave the highest mycelia biomass yield, while lactose gave the lowest yield. Corn cob yielded a mycelia biomass ranging from 0.90 g – 2.45 g while wheat bran yielded mycelia biomass ranging from 0.64 g – 1.77 g. The results of this study revealed that, the optimal growth conditions for Acremonium spp when using wheat bran as a substrate are, a pH of 7.32, temperature 28.24 ⁰ C and 5.88 g of wheat bran, while, using corn cob as a substrate are, a pH of 7.6, temperature 28.36 ⁰ C and 5.66 g of corn cob per 50 ml fermentative media. Using the optimum growth conditions, 629.69 mg/L and 559.68 mg/L amount of cephalosporin for crude and purified extract, respectively, was achieved. In-vitro antibacterial activity of the chloroform-extract at 6 mg/ml, 12 mg/ml and 18 mg/ml tested against E. coli, S. typhi and S. aureus showed zones of inhibition. TE, AMP, GEN, S, SX, COT NIT and NA were used as the positive controls while chloroform was used as the negative control to confirm sterility of the paper discs used. The study also revealed that some of the positive controls (TE, COT and SX) on E. coli gave significantly higher zones of inhibition than chloroform-extract at 6 mg/ml. Resistance to AMP was observed in all the bacterial strains. The study concluded that it is possible to isolate native Acremonium spp from dumpsite soils and optimisation of fungi growth conditions result to high yield of cephalosporin. The study recommends bioprocessing industries to consider utilising agricultural wastes as source of growth substrates in production of cephalosporin. This will not only curb environmental pollution but also bio-converse wastes into wealth and provide alternative cost-effective substrates for production of cephalosporin antibiotics.
IMPROVISED INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AND TEACHING OF ECDE LITERACY SKILLS IN KIAMBAA SUB-COUNTY, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Wacuka, Mary
Literacy skills play a significant role in everyday communication in life from infancy to early childhood through to primary school level and beyond. Learning during early years is important in building a firm foundation for children in literacy skills. A critical analysis of literature indicates a majority of studies especially in Kenya relate to the use of instructional resources generally. Literature specific to the link between use of improvised instructional resources and teaching of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) literacy skills is minimal thus having a gap for studies specifically focusing on the relationship between improvised instructional resources and teaching of ECDE literacy skills. The purpose of the study therefore was to establish the link between improvised instructional resources (IIR) and teaching of ECDE literacy skills in Kiambaa sub-county, Kiambu county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to establish the extent to which ECDE teachers improvise instructional resources used during teaching of ECDE literacy skills, to determine the extent of use of improvised instructional resources during teaching of ECDE literacy skills, to establish the influence of improvised instructional resources on the teaching of ECDE literacy skills and to find out the challenges that ECDE teachers face during improvisation of instructional resources. The study was guided by constructivist theories by Jean Piaget and Jerome Bruner. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The target population included 130 ECDE teachers and 26 headteachers. Census survey was employed which included all the ECDE teachers and their headteachers in the research. Piloting was undertaken by administering the instruments to 31 ECDE teachers and their headteachers in 5 ECDE centers in Kiambu county to establish validity and reliability. Content validity was established through expert judgment by the university supervisors. Reliability was established by the use of the Cronbach’s Alpha Method all variables achieving reliability the 0.7 Cronbach’s Alpha threshold. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was screened, coded and analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0 and presented using tables. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to describe the existing relationship between the variables. The research hypothesis was tested at 95% level of significance using Chi-Square. Findings indicated that visual resources are the most commonly improvised and utilized IIR during the teaching ECDE literacy skills. Chi-square results χ 2 (1) = 33.69, p < 0.001 indicated a significant influence of IIR on teaching of literacy skills. Teacher support and technical support were found to be the most prominent challenges to improvisation of instructional resources. The study concluded that most teachers improvised instructional resources at a high extent though they mainly improvised visuals such as charts and flashcards. The study therefore recommends that teachers should improvise and integrate various types of IR such audio, concrete and audio-visual resources during the teaching of ECDE literacy skills. Headteachers and the county government should also improve on the provision of instructional resources for the teaching of ECDE literacy skills.
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Jepkemoi, Julian
The performance of the manufacturing companies over the past few years has been declining as demonstrated by the decline in sector growth as well as the influence on the country’s GDP which dropped from 10% in 2014 to 7.6% in 2020. The manufacturing sector growth dropped from 3.6% in 2018 to 2.5% in 2019 and declined further to -0.1 per cent in 2020. As a result, Kenya's manufacturing sector is far from achieving the Big Four Agenda's projection that it will contribute 15% of the country's GDP by 2022. To address this trend, firms have attempted to incorporate information and communication technology in manufacturing process to innovate, increase productivity and improve resource efficiency. Enterprise Resource Planning system aids firms in effectively and efficiently managing their operations. Enterprise Resource Planning system integrates business activities that allow for a smooth flow of information and interaction across all divisions. This study aimed to determine the impact of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system on how manufacturing firms tended to perform in Kenya’s Nairobi County. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of production planning and control module, financial and accounting module, procurement module and human resource module on the way manufacturing firms performed. The five-stage growth model and systems theory formed the basis for the research. The descriptive research design was used. The population of the study consisted of 533 manufacturing companies in Nairobi County that were members of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. Krejcie and Morgan’s formula was used to obtain a sample size of 223 firms. In the study, stratified random sampling was used. With the use of Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25.0, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the data, which was collected using a structured questionnaire. To examine the association between variables, multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis were performed and hypothesis was tested using t-statistic and F- Ratios at 5% significance level. With a regression coefficient of 0.709 and a p-value of 0.000, the study discovered that the production planning and control module had a favorable and significant impact on firm performance. The effects of both accounting and financial modules on the performance of a firm were recorded to be both significant and positive. The statistical values included a regression coefficient of 0.547 and a p value of 0.000. Additionally, it was established that the human resource management and procurement modules had respective p-values of 0.000 and 0.000 and positive regression coefficients of 0.565 and 0.622. The study concluded that the performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi County was positively and significantly impacted by the modules for production planning and control, financial and accounting, procurement, and human resource management. Moreover, the combined effect of ERP components on the performance of manufacturing firms was statistically significant (p=0.00<0.05). The interaction between firm growth and ERP system had p-value of 0.514>0.05 implying that the relationship between the ERP system and firm performance was not statistically moderated by firm growth. The study recommends that firms should endeavor to adopt and use ERP system and adopt appropriate modules to cover key company functions. In addition, it also recommends that functions to be automated and integrated with ERP to boost organizational productivity. The study findings would be helpful to those involved in the manufacturing industry to appreciate how the ERP system affects firm performance. The research outcomes from the current study can also help future researchers and academicians by contributing to the existing knowledge gap and also acting as a reference point and recommendation for their work.
INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Thuita, Muthoni
The declining trend in the value added by food and beverage subsector to manufacturing sector in Kenya and the resulting decline in manufacturing sector as evidenced by the sector’s contribution to GDP, employment and overall sectoral growth has been a major concern. To reverse this trend, different scholars and studies have suggested the adoption of entrepreneurial practices as part of the solution. Therefore, thisstudy sought to establish influence of entrepreneurial orientation on performance of food and beverage manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi City County. This was achieved by determining the effect of innovativeness, pro-activeness and risk-taking on performance and moderating effect of organization learning. It was anchored on Schumpeter’s innovation theory, Covin and Slevin model and Resource based theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was 138 food and beverage manufacturing enterprises registered under Kenya Association of Manufacturers. A questionnaire was used as a tool, to obtain information from general managers of the enterprises. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and correlation analysis. Presentation of data was done using tables and figures. Out of 138 respondents, 97 responded making a 70.29% response rate. The study revealed statistically significant positive influence of innovativeness and pro activeness on performance with coefficients of 0.446 and 0.407 respectively with p values < 0.05 while risk taking significantly influenced performance negatively with a coefficient of -0.260 and p value < 0.05. The study further found that, entrepreneurial orientation comprising of innovativeness, pro-activeness and risk taking had the greatest influence on performance while organization learning did not significantly moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance (p= 0.097>0.05). Therefore, the study recommended that, food and beverage manufacturing enterprises need to assess their ability to engage in creative ideas and processes that results into development of new products, markets or technologies. Food and beverage manufacturing enterprises need to be on the ground through observing market trends so that they are able to detect if there is any change in the market and therefore proactively satisfy their customer’s needs and be pioneers in the industry to reap the benefits from new ideas or innovations. The study also recommended that, although firms are encouraged not to shy away from taking risks, they need also exercise caution when taking risks and develop risk treatment procedures. Food and beverage manufacturing enterprises can consider entrepreneurial orientation in their strategic planning process.
INFLUENCE OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ON RETENTION IN PRIVATE SECURITY FIRMS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Mustafa, Nancy
The problem of employee retention is global and affects organizations in developing and developed countries. Even though a lot has been done towards stemming the low retention rate problem in private security firms, the situation has continued to be experienced among these firms in Kenya. Efforts to ensure employees remain engaged will always ensure that employees remain encouraged and happy in their place of work and not search for new jobs. Low workforce retention increases organizations' cost of operation and brings about a negative effect on employee morale. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of employee engagement on retention in private security firms in Nairobi City County Kenya. The Specific objectives of this study were to: determine the effect of employee commitment, employee loyalty, job involvement, and team orientation on retention. The work environment was used as a moderating variable. This research was anchored on Kahn’s theory of employee engagement, two-factor theory, and theory X and Y. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of this research was 50 private security firms in Nairobi City County Kenya registered with Kenya Security Industry Association. The respondents of the study were human resource managers or their equivalent from all the security firms under study. Primary data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire. Data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS version 25.0 and presented using descriptive, inferential statistics, tables and figures. Diagnostic tests, for example, normality, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity were carried out to test if the assumptions of regression hold. Simple and multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between variables and the t-statistic at a 95% significance level was adopted in testing the hypothesis. The overall significance was tested using F-test. The study established a positive significant effect of employee commitment on retention with a regression coefficient of 0.799 with a p-value of 0.000. Further, employee loyalty and job involvement had a regression coefficient of 1.583 and 0.722 and p-values of 0.000 and 0.000 respectively. Team orientation had a regression coefficient of 0.431 with a p-value of 0.072 indicating it is insignificant. The interaction between work environment and employee engagement had a regression coefficient of 1.1996 and a p-value of 0.025. The study concluded that employee commitment, employee loyalty, and job involvement had a significant effect on retention in private security firms in Nairobi City County Kenya and recommends that private security firms ought to put strategies that encourage employee commitment, loyalty and job involvement which in turn would lead to increased retention. On the other hand, team orientation was found to be insignificant therefore it does not affect retention. Work environment was found to positively alter the relationship between employee engagement and retention. The findings of the research will contribute to theory, policy making, and human resource management practices to ensure an increase in employee retention rate.

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