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Determinants of effective library user education in public and private universities in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2012-05-07) Kavulya, Joseph Mwema
This study aimed at investigating the various factors that affect the effectiveness of library user education in private and public universities in Kenya. It also assessed how far these library user education programmes/practices are enabling the clientele to make the best use of library resources by giving them the appropriate library skills. The study covered two public and two private universities and involved 120 students in total, and 28 librarians. It utilized questionnaire and observation checklist in data collection. Being descriptive, it largely used descriptive statistics to analyse data and make inferences.The findings of the study indicate that the present library user education practices in Kenyan public and private universities have not succeeded in facilitating maximum utilization of information resources and services in the respective libraries due to reasons such as poor timing g of such progrmmes in the students university life, inadequate time allocation to these programmes and institutional factors e.g. Lack of proper policies on library user education as well as lack of evaluation of such programmes.The study recommends that among other steps, university libraries need to have well stated policies to guide them in the area of user education and more time should be allocated to these programmes. Each form of library user education should be guided by realistic objectives. Even more importantly, it underscores the need to evaluate these progrommes regularly.Therefore, the study has revealed the state-of-art concerning the performance of university libraries in user education, exposed the various shortcomings in library user education and the reasons for them. It further provides a basis for future action, in the planning an implementation of user education programmes.
Trends in funding of university libraries in Kenya: a survey
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2006) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Purpose – To investigate recent trends in funding and collection development in university libraries in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on primary data collected from four university libraries in Kenya as well as secondary literature relating to university libraries in Kenya. Findings – This paper concludes that funding of university library services in Kenya is inadequate. Due to diminished governmental fund allocations for these institutions, their library collection development levels have deteriorated and are characterized by low monographic purchases and limited journal subscriptions. This decline is at odds with rapidly expanding student enrolment levels. Private universities experience these problems too, but to a lesser extent. Originality/value – The paper recommends that to ensure that university libraries continue to provide adequate information services supporting teaching, learning and research, the adoption of a strategic plan in all areas of library management, and especially in funding and collection development, is needed.
Digital libraries and development in Sub-Saharan Africa A review of challenges and strategies
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2007) Kavulya, Joseph M.
The aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub-Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region. Design/methodology/approach – A selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries. Findings – The paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today’s digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub-Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development. Originality/value – The paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub-Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government-backed strategy on digital libraries.
Transforming Africa into a Knowledge-based society: Concretizing the case for Digital Literacies and Revision of ICT Strategies in the Education Sector in the Region
(IST-Africa, 2015) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Kyengo, Bernadette N.
In the recent past there has been a global push for the transformation of communities into knowledge societies as a strategy of achieving development. This transformation is expected to enable communities use knowledge to solve current societal problems, create employment, sustained democratic governance, and economic growth. Education is a key pillar in this process and in the African context of Africa, there is need to reform the educational strategy if countries in this region are to achieve this transformation. The new strategy should be include a curriculum reform to target digital literacies, intensive investments in ICT infrastructure in education sector, digitalization of curriculum content and re-alignment of human capacity among educators to the needs of knowledge-driven society. There is also need for continuous research on key knowledge society indicators to evolve best practices and ensure evidence-based approaches in ICT projects.
Library and information science education in the 21st century: report of a needs assessment study for training of LIS professionals in Kenya
(Finesse Publishing, 2006) Kavulya, Joseph
The library and information science field in Kenya is currently characterised by a proliferation of training programmes at all levels of study. Whereas some of the courses are created and offered by local universities and tertiary institutions other are provided through distance learning by foreign institutions. At the same time the global society is characterised by changes that affect practice in information field worldwide. This study was carried out as a contribution to the effort to understand the kind of curriculum for training of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals that equips its graduates with the right skills, knowledge and values required by the society and the current job market in Kenya.
Implementing E-learning and the quest for quality in higher education in sub-Saharan Africa: Conceptualizing the prospects and challenges
(2014-07) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Ombajo, Misava Edward
This paper explores the impact of implementing e-learning on the quality of higher education in Africa and the possible challenges that such initiatives have to overcome. It is envisaged that among other advantages, e-learning strategies can improve access, create better learning experiences for students, promote collaborations in the curriculum implementation, and provide efficiency in accessing academic information. However, e-learning initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges of ICT-related infrastructure, poor policy, and lack of requisite skills for Virtual Learning environments (VLEs) among the higher education workforce and other stakeholders. This paper concludes that there is a need for institutional strategies, and local and international collaboration among government agents, e-learning sponsors, educators, policymakers, ICT as well as and LIS professionals if the e-learning paradigm shift to yield benefits.
Research excellence and sustainable development in Africa: an overview of current concerns and prospects in the 21st century
(Chuka University, 2025) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Kyengo, Bernadette N.
This paper uses the concept of “research excellence” to investigate the contribution of research to sustainable development in Africa and propose strategies for enhancing research practice in the region. Specifically, the paper the causal relationship between research and sustainable development, the concept of research excellence, the factors that retard the growth of research in Africa, and propose strategies for enhancing research excellence in the African region. Significantly, the paper proposes that to improve the relevance and impact of research in sustainable development there is a need to enhance quality in assurance in research processes, intense investments in research infrastructure, a close collaboration between various stakeholders such as research agents, the local community, policymakers, and practitioners. More importantly, there need to revisit the scholarly communication ecosystem in the region with the view to make dissemination and access research information on the continent affordable and visible through more investment in digital libraries, repositories, and adoption of open access publishing of research findings
University Libraries in Kenya A Study of Their Practices and Performance
(Humboldt University of Berlin, 2004-02-19) Kavulya, Joseph M.
This study argues that the provision of library services in Kenyan public universities is characterised by extremely inadequate resources in terms of funds, information materials, equipment and staff. Private university libraries experience these problems albeit to a lesser degree. Although there is widespread opinion among students, lecturers as well as university administrators that university libraries play a critical role in the teaching, research, and learning activities, there is also awareness that university libraries in Kenya, especially those in public universities are not effectively providing services which has limited their role in research and learning in the university. Finally, modern information and communication technology is being incorporated in the management of university libraries in Kenya. However, this trend has been hindered by first, lack of funds to purchase equipment such as computers and set up networks, secondly by lack of skilled personnel in information technology, and finally by poor telecommunications infrastructure in the country. There is therefore need for adoption of strategic planning in all areas of library management and to remain viable sources of information, university libraries in Kenya have to make use modern information and communication technology. This will enable university libraries to facilitate better access to local and global information for example through electronic and internet media.
Influence of community participation in water resource management in luanda k’otieno beach in rarieda sub county, Siaya county Kenya
(The International Journal of Social and Development Concerns (IJSDC), 2019-10) Oguta, Costa Juma; Kavulya ,Joseph; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege
There is concern over the future of the world’s water resources due to rapid growth of human population and human activities such as deforestation, pollution which has led to water being scarce. This has made water resource management to become a topic which need to be discussed. In order to ensure Water resource management is sustained then integration across sectors is required and to place the emphasis on the community participation. The objective of the study was to examine the influence of community participation in managing the water resource of Luanda K’Otieno Beach, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design and data collection involved administration of questionnaires to respondents. Results from the study indicated that majority of the community members in Luanda K’Otieno beach were not involved in water resource management however majority of the community members were willing to participate in water resource management because there was great desire among community members to have reliable access to clean and safe water. The study concluded that there was generally low community participation in water resource management of Luanda K’Otieno beach. This was largely due to perceived dysfunctional beach management committee that was not doing its coordination role effectively and low levels of awareness on the importance of water resource management. The study recommended that there should be deliberate efforts by the County Government of Siaya through the department of fisheries to streamline the management of Luanda K’Otieno beach to address challenges with leadership and management challenges. In addition the beach management unit should mobilize and sensitize the community members around the beach on the importance of conservation of the water resources and why it is important that the such conservation efforts incorporates all members of the community.
Implementing E-learning and the Quest for Quality in Higher Education in sub- Saharan Africa: Conceptualizing the Prospects and Challenges
(2014-07) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Misava, Edward Ombajo
This paper explores the impact of implementing e-learning on the quality of higher education in Africa and the possible challenges that such initiatives have to overcome. It is envisaged that among other advantages, e-learning strategies can improve access, create better learning experiences for students, promote collaborations in the curriculum implementation, and provide efficiency in accessing academic information. However, e-learning initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges of ICT-related infrastructure, poor policy, and lack of requisite skills for Virtual Learning environments (VLEs) among the higher education workforce and other stakeholders. This paper concludes that there is a need for institutional strategies, and local and international collaboration among government agents, e-learning sponsors, educators, policymakers, ICT as well as and LIS professionals if the e-learning paradigm shift to yield benefits.
The Emerging role of Digital Libraries in E-learning: A Review of Challenges and O pportunities for Universities
(Strathmore University, 2008-09) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Both e-learning and digital libraries are gradually converging to transform the learning environment in many universities. This trend, which is widespread in developed countries, is gradually gaining momentum in sub-Saharan countries such as Kenya. Elearning is recognized as the ultimate convergence of learning and the internet approach to building the knowledge and skills of learners through web-enabled technologies. On the other hand, digital libraries provide technology-based information services and an organized collection of knowledge that is accessible to users via digital or electronic interface technologies to support the learning process. With the emergence of e-learning as a novel avenue to provide course content, digital libraries are viewed as appropriate means to provide supporting learning information services. This paper discusses the potential complementary interaction between library environments and learning environments to create more productive experiences for learners. The paper will also explore strategic and technological issues involved in creating systems that facilitate high-level and effective interaction between future e-learning environments and the digital library world.
EIB investment in education outside the EU
(Co-operative Bank of Kenya, 2017-12-13) Waithaka, Jackie; Kavulya, Joseph
Through the EIB’s Private Enterprise Finance Facility, an amount equivalent to EUR 1.1m was allocated to The Co-operative Bank of Kenya which on-lent the same to The Catholic University of Eastern Africa(CUEA) towards part-financing the construction of a learning resource centre at the Lang’ata campus, Nairobi. The facility is to used for financing of up to 50% of the total cost of each of the projects targeting private enterprises in agro industry, fishing, food processing, manufacturing, construction industry, transport, tourism, private education and healthcare and services. The bank granted Term Loan facility of Kshs. 750.0 Million for construction of Learning Resource Centre the total cost of the project being about Kshs. 1.7 Billion. The Pope Paul VI Learning Resource Centre (LRC) consists of three buildings namely a 3000 seater ultra modern Library, a 1200 seater state-of-the-art Conference facility and a 500 seater Cafeteria, all arranged around a 50m by 40m central Square and tied together by a covered walkway with outdoor seating.
The Role of Development Informatics in Wealth Creation among Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study from Kenya
(International Development Informatics Association., 2022-06) Kiringai Kamau; Guthiga, Paul Maina; Kavulya, Joseph
Development Informatics (DI) seeks to develop and disseminate theoretically-grounded and practice-oriented understanding of information and ICTs for socio-economic development. Good examples of DI application include integration of developmental ICTs in policy, economics, e-agriculture, e-governance, e-business and e-learning. Agriculture promotes the greening of the environment, a common feature in most rural agriculture. Seen from this perspective then DI focuses on technology solutions associated with systems and ICTs that bridge the efficiency gaps, resulting to growth in the economic and social good of all people. They are mechanisms and infrastructure for sharing and exchanging knowledge generated through research at national and regional levels and boosts human capital’s ability to rapidly absorb and use them. This paper reports on a DI initiative carried out to smallholder Diary farmers to enable them fetch better prices for their produce earns from the marketplace. This approach was to diminish the abuse of information asymmetries created by middlemen in the marketplace who use it to exploit farmers. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of how to change this scenario by promoting research in ICTs that integrate agricultural value chain activities of inputs, production care, harvesting, post harvest processing and management, and eventual marketing. The paper proposes the need to propagate research that integrates DI in smallholder farmer activities if knowledge and wealth are to be generated. This way DI emerges as a tool for achieving pro-poor empowerment and hence increases the wealth of a nation. The paper concludes that institutionalization of DI among smallholder farmer initiatives can provide an avenue for achieving success in sustainable DI implementation.
Challenges in the Provision of Library Services for Distance Education: A Case Study of Selected Universities in Kenya
(African Journal of Library and Information Science, 2004-06-04) Kavulya, Joseph Muema
With the increasing popularity of distance education, focus has turned to the role of libraries in the distance learning process. It is widely agreed that like their campus-based counterparts, distance education learners need adequate library services if they are to gain quality education. This paper examines the efforts being made by Kenyan university libraries to fulfil the information needs of the distance education students in their respective institutions. It concludes that although efforts have been made, there is room for improvement through adequate planning, financing and especially through collaboration between information personnel and those who design and implement such distance education programmes.
Maximizing Laboratory Production of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins for Use in Experimental Animal Feeds
(MDPI, 2022) Ochieng, P. E.; Kemboi, D. C.; Scippo, M. L.; Gathumbi, J. K.; Kangethe, E.; Doupovec, B.; Croubels, S.; Lindahl, J. F.; Antonissen, G.; Okoth, S.
Warm and humid climatic conditions coupled with poor agricultural practices in sub- Saharan Africa favor the contamination of food and feed by Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticil- lioides fungi, which subsequently may produce aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs), respectively. The growth of fungi and the production of mycotoxins are influenced by physical (temperature, pH, water activity, light and aeration), nutritional, and biological factors. This study aimed at optimizing the conditions for the laboratory production of large quantities of AFs and FBs for use in the animal experiments. A. flavus and F. verticillioides strains, previously isolated from maize in Kenya, were used. Levels of AFB1 and total FBs (FB1, FB2, and FB3) in different growth substrates were screened using ELISA methods. Maize kernels inoculated with three different strains of A. flavus simultaneously and incubated at 29 ◦C for 21 days had the highest AFB1 level of 12,550 ± 3397 µg/kg of substrate. The highest level of total FBs (386,533 ± 153,302 µg/kg of substrate) was detected in cracked maize inoculated with three different strains of F. verticillioides and incubated for 21 days at temperatures of 22–25 ◦C in a growth chamber fitted with yellow light. These two methods are recommended for the mass production of AFB1 and FBs for animal feeding trials.
Point Prevalence Survey to Assess Antibiotic Prescribing Pattern Among Hospitalized Patients in A County Referral Hospital in Kenya
(Frontiers in Antibiotics,, 2022) Kamita, M.; Maina, M.; Kimani, R.; Mwangi, R.; Mureithi, D.; Nduta, C.; Gitaka, J.
Antibiotic resistance causes higher morbidity and mortality and higher healthcare costs. One of the factors influencing the emergence of antibiotic resistance is the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Clinical practitioners’ incorrect prescription patterns and a disregard for antibiotic usage recommendations are the leading causes of this resistance. This study examined the antibiotic prescription patterns among hospitalized patients at the Kiambu Level 5 hospital (KL5) to find potential for hospital quality improvement. This study was conducted in July 2021, and all patients hospitalized on the study day were included. The information was extracted from patient medical records using a World Health Organization Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) instrument. Anonymized data was gathered, entered, and then SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Among the 308 surveyed patients, 191 (62%) received antibiotic medication, and 60.1% of the total were female. The pediatric ward, which had an antibiotic prescription rate of 94.1%, had the highest rate of antibiotic usage, followed by the medical ward (69.2%) and gynecological ward (65.6%). Over 40% of antibiotic prescriptions had a prophylactic medical indication. Penicillin G was the most prescribed antibiotic for community-acquired infections (32.2%), followed by 3rd generation cephalosporins (27.6%) and aminoglycosides (17.2%). Based on the AWaRe classification, 57% of the prescribed antibiotics were in the Access class while 42% were in the Watch class. Incomplete site of indication, lack of a method of administration, and length of administration are some of the conformities that were missing in the medical records. This study shows that antibiotic prescription rates are high, particularly for young patients, and there is a higher risk of antibiotic misuse. The data makes a compelling justification for using antibiotic stewardship practices in Kenyan hospitals.
Pupal Prodictivity of Larval Habitats of Aedes Aegypti in Msambweni, Kwale County, Kenya
(Springer, 2023)
Accurate identification of larval habitats of Ae. aegypti is considered an essential step in targeted control; of this important vector of several arboviruses including dengue and chikungunya viruses. This study determined Ae. aegyptiproductivity in selected larval habitats in Msambweni, Kwale County, Kenya. A total of 664 potential larval habitats were identified and classified based on their use and material into seven habitat types including: buckets, drums, jerrycans, pots, small domestic containers (SDC), tires and others during the habitat census survey. All Ae. aegypti immatures in 83 representative larval habitats were counted daily for 30 consecutive days during a wet and a dry season. All pupae were removed and allowed to emerge in the laboratory. Of 664 larval habitats examined at baseline, 144 larval habitats (21.7%) were found to be infested with Aedes aegypti larvae. 71% of the pupae were collected from tires and pots combined, which together accounted for 17% of the habitats. In contrast, buckets and SDC represented 55% of the total habitats, but only had an infestation rate of 11.8%, with just 13.5% of the pupae found in them. Multivariate analysis showed that only habitat type and the habitat to being movable were associated with pupal abundance. During the 30-day daily pupal production studies, only a few of the habitats harbored pupae persistently. In the wet season, pupae were collected from 28% (23/83) of the larval habitats. In the dry season, only 12% (10/83) of the habitats were ever found with pupae during the 30-day sampling period, with three habitats (all drums) accounting for 80% (293/365) of all the pupae collected. The results of the multivariate modelsfor the risk factors for pupal productivity showed that habitat type, placing of larval habitats in the backyard, larval habitats without purpose and rain water were significant predictors of larval habitat productivity during the wet season.Although the multivariate model for habitat type did converge, habitat type and large size larval habitats were the only significant predictors during the dry season. Drums, pots and tires were sources of more than 85% of Ae. aegypti pupae, reinforcing the ‘key containers concept’. Targeting these three types of habitats makes epidemiological sense, especially during the dry season.
Demystifying Mathematics: Handling Learning Difficulties in Mathematics among Low Achievers in Kenyan Schools
(Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa, 2022) Njoroge, G.
Mathematics is a compulsory subject in both primary and secondary schools in Kenya. However, learners’ poor performance in the subject in Kenya national examinations year in year out remains a serious concern for teachers of Mathematics, parents, curriculum developers, and the general public. This is particularly worrying because of the importance attached to the subject in national development hence the need to find out what could be affecting learning of Mathematics in Kenyan schools. The research on which this paper is based sought to examine the factors that influence performance in Mathematics in Kenyan schools; identify the characteristics of Mathematics learning disabilities; determine how the learners with such learning disabilities can be assessed and identified and interventions for these difficulties implemented. A case study was undertaken on class six learners in a primary school in Nairobi County. The tools used for the research were: classroom observations and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed by the teachers with the help of the researcher. This paper therefore highlights the findings from the research, discusses the implications of the findings and suggests the way forward as far as teaching, learning and assessment of Mathematics in Kenyan schools is concerned. Perhaps with the application of the right interventions, poor performance in Mathematics in the national examinations in Kenya will be a thing of the past.
Genome-Wide Identification of GASA Gene Family in Ten Cucurbitaceae Species and Expression Analysis in Cucumber
(MDPI, 2022) Zhang, K; Hu, Y; Yang, D; Yan, C; Li, N; Li, Z; Njogu, M. K; Wang, X; Jia, L
Gibberellic acid-stimulated in Arabidopsis (GASA), a unique small molecular protein of plants, plays an essential role in plant growth and development. The GASA family genes have been identified and studied in many plants. However, the identification of GASA gene family in Cucurbitaceae species has not been reported yet. Therefore, in this study, based on the available genome information on the Cucurbitaceae species, the GASA family genes in 10 Cucurbitaceae species including cucumber (Cucumis sativus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), melon (Cucumis melo), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), chayote (Sechium edule), and snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina) were identified with bioinformatics methods. To understand the molecular functions of GASA genes, the expression pattern analysis of cucumber GASA family genes in different tissues and stress responses were also analyzed. The results showed that a total of 114 GASA genes were identified in the 10 Cucurbitaceae species, which were divided into three subfamilies. Synteny analysis of GASA genes among cucumber, Arabidopsis and rice showed that nine cucumber GASA genes were colinear with 12 Arabidopsis GASA genes, and six cucumber GASA genes were colinear with six rice GASA genes. The cis-acting elements analysis implied that the cucumber GASA genes contained many cis-elements associated with stress and hormone response. Tissue-specific expression analysis of cucumber GASA family genes revealed that only the CsaV3_2G029490 gene was lowly or not expressed in all tissues, the CsaV3_3G041480 gene was highly expressed in all tissues, and the other seven GASA genes showed tissue-specific expression patterns. Furthermore, nine cucumber GASA family genes exhibited different degrees of regulatory response under GA, abiotic and biotic stresses. Two cucumber GASA genes, CsaV3_3G042060 and CsaV3_3G041480, were differentially expressed under multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, which indicated that these two GASA genes play important roles in the growth and development of cucumber.
Molecular characterization of wood ear mushrooms [Auricularia sp.] from Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya
(CREAM, 2016-01-01) Onyango BO, Mbaluto CM, Mutuku CS and Otieno DO
Mushrooms of the genus Auricularia, generally termed wood ear mushrooms are in high demand in Western Kenya due to their numerous medicinal and nutritional properties. Interventions to characterize and conserve the native wood ear mushrooms are necessary to mitigate possible extinction of this valuable bio-resource. Currently, the species richness and bio-geographical relatedness of the Kenyan native wood ears is not fully elucidated. This study used molecular sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the 28S nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nLSU) genes in species delimitation of six strains of wood ear mushrooms native to Kakamega Forest. Phylogeny of both the ITS and nLSU gene regions showed that three strains clustered with Auricularia delicata while the other three strains clustered with Auricularia polytricha at bootstrap support values of above 97%. An intragenomic dichotomy appeared to occur in the Auricularia delicata strains based on the genetic distance of the nLSU gene sequences. The wood ear mushrooms identified from the Kakamega Forest strains were Auricularia delicata and Auricularia polytricha and not Auricularia auricula as previously reported. This rich biodiversity needs further exploration to widen the nutritional and medicinal base of the rural populace who depend on the mushrooms through conservation, cultivation and commercialization activities.

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