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Characterisation of selected cowpea accessions using morphological, biochemical and molecular markers and development of dual purpose f1 cowpea genotypes
(Chuka University, 2024) Njihia Joyce Nyairera
Cowpea is versatile dual-purpose crop that offers many human health benefits. However, grain and leaf yield remain low, which is often associated with the use of unimproved local varieties, biotic and abiotic stresses. The dual-purpose cowpea varieties have a higher water requirement compared to grain varieties. Therefore, there is need to develop dual purpose cowpea varieties with low water requirements so as to take advantage of drought tolerance trait found in cowpea plants. The objective of this study was to characterize a selected set of germplasm using morphological, molecular and biomarkers, develop dual purpose F1 cowpea genotypes, and to identify a set of candidate traits. This will help to identify trait variation of characters of interest and breed for diverse traits. This study used a collection of 50 cowpea accessions. In addition, a subset of six accessions was used for the production of F1 genotypes. The six accessions were crossed using a partial diallel design to produce 15 F1 hybrids. A Randomised Complete Block Design was used to evaluate the 50 accessions, 15 F1 and their parents in the field under imposed water stress and well water conditions with three replications and over two cultivations. Water stress was imposed at 28 days after sowing, where watering was done at the rate of 100 ml per plant per accession after every five days until maturity. Data was collected on growth and yield variables. At 35 days after sowing, leaf samples were harvested for metabolite profiling. About 20 accessions were genotyped using 12 SSR markers. Quantitative data was subjected to analysis of variance using SAS version 9.4 and significant means separated using the Least Significant Difference at α = 0.05. Data from SSR markers was subjected to Analysis of Molecular Variance to identify genetic variation among accessions and Euclidean distances was used for cluster analysis. The study showed that there was significant (p < 0.05) variation in all growth and yield variables amongst the genotypes studied. Several genotypes including NA101, NA3, NA11, MA24 and MA2 were identified to be drought tolerant and also potential genotypes for grain production. The allelic range for the genotypes that were studied was from 1 to 11 alleles which showed a wide variation among markers. The SSR markers revealed considerable genetic diversity in the cowpea population studied. Markers VM70, VM31, and VM68 were the most informative, showing high numbers of alleles, gene diversity, and PIC values. Two markers (VM61 and VM19) were monomorphic in this population. The Structure results indicate the high morphological variation observed among the accessions studied. There is significant variation in quercetin and myricetin content among the genotypes. Genotypes such as MA67 X NA11 and NA60 are particularly represented extreme cases in the concentration of these flavonoids. he results suggest potential for developing cowpea varieties with improved yield while maintaining moderate levels of beneficial flavonoids. The accumulation of the flavonoids was observed as a part of the plant’s adaptive response to mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress. Grain yield was strongly influenced by traits such as number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, terminal leaf length and width, plant height and biomass yieldMA67 X NA60, NA20 X NA60, MA50 X MA56 and MA50 X NA60 were identified as potential genotypes for grain production. F1 hybrids such as MA67 X NA60, NA20 X NA60 and MA50 X MA67 are potential dual-purpose genotypes due to their high yield potential for both grain and vegetable production. Genotypes MA50 X NA60 and KK06 X MA67 hybrids exhibit better drought resistance demonstrating the potential likely combination of favourable traits from parents. Several genotypes, particularly MA67 X NA60 and NA20 X NA60, demonstrated strong heterotic potential for both yield and biomass. The wide variation in heterosis across the F1 hybrids suggests that specific combining abilities play a crucial role in determining hybrid performance. Some crosses show positive heterosis for both yield and biomass while others show contrasting responses, indicating the need for balanced selection in breeding programs. Those genotypes that show a high level of diversity as discovered in this study should be harnessed to improve accessions that are less favoured. The characterized cowpea accessions should be utilised for breeding programs aimed at developing improved varieties with desirable traits.
Assessment of the contribution of the Anglican church in addressing the boy child crisis in the diocese of Embu, kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Nyaga Moses Murithi
Leaders from Embu County have raised red flags over the diminishing numbers of boys in some schools and involvement in crime as well as drug abuse. Within the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Embu boy child is rated behind in education, a situation that might lead to lack of male leadership in future. This has translated to gender imbalances at higher educational levels which in turns hinders social mobility. The impact of this neglect on the boy child’s life is that; some have dropped out of school leading to high number of uneducated boys, others have joined outlawed sects, others have engaged into drugs and substance abuse, violence, manipulation by politicians in electioneering period among other criminal activities. The Church as a social institution is mandated to bridge gaps within the society. The purpose of this research was to access the ways in which the Anglican Church Diocese of Embu can address the boy child crisis. The objectives of the study were: to establish the nature and extent of boy child crisis in the Anglican Diocese of Embu; to investigate why there were no programs within the Anglican Church Diocese of Embu addressing the boy child crisis, and finally to suggest ways in which the Anglican Church Diocese of Embu can address the boy child crisis. This study was significant because it addressed the plight of the boys in Church and society. The study also contributed in the field of sociology of religion because it dealt with the role of religion in society. It adopted Structural Functionalism theory which addresses social interactions and relationships, and their role on development and growth of human beings in the society. The study employed cross sectional descriptive study design. The target population was 26108 men, women and boy child in ACK Churches in the Diocese of Embu. The study involved 50 Churches stratified into 7 archdeaconries and a sample of 254 men and women, and 73 boy child selected by Stratified Proportionate random sampling. The researcher purposively selected 21 Clergy and 35 Church elders. The total sample size for the study was 383 respondents, and questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to analyze the data. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26.0 computer software for Windows and then presented it in form of tables and charts form. The findings highlighted various challenges faced by boys, including risky sexual behaviors, involvement in crime, domestic violence, economic hardships, and mental health issues. Gender disparities in education contributed to lower academic performance and increased vulnerability. Barriers such as insufficient mobilization, financial constraints, lack of skilled personnel, and community reluctance towards church programs limited effective intervention. Additionally, pastoral efforts in schools and boy child-focused seminars showed promise. The study recommended enhancing community engagement and passion for the well-being of boys, along with further research on societal pressures, training needs for crisis management, and spiritual development.
Assessment of pesticide use practices and residue levels in locally produced kales and domestic water sources in Kiegoi location, in the upper Nyambene catchment, meru county, kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Chumar Kennedy
Pesticides are widely used to protect crops from pests and diseases infestations. However, the use of pesticides in most developing countries poses serious environmental and food safety hazards. These chemicals often leave residues in vegetables post-harvest and may contaminate water sources through runoff and groundwater percolation. Given their intrinsic toxicity, the production, distribution, and use of pesticides require strict regulation and control. This study investigated farmers’ compliance to applicable standards by assessing pesticide residues in selected locally produced kales and domestic water sources in the upper, middle and lower zones of Kiegoi location. To achieve this, this study sought to determine the commonly used pesticides, analysed samples of kales and samples of water for domestic use and pesticide use practices was also documented. A total of 68 respondents were purposively sampled using structured questionnaire during October-November 2023 and April-June 2024. Using a stratified random sampling method, 54 water and 54 kale samples were collected and analyzed across wet and dry seasons. Samples were packed in labelled zip-lock bags, placed in a cool box, and transported to KEPHIS Analytical Chemistry Laboratory in Nairobi, Kenya where extracts were analyzed using MO301-GC-MS/MS. The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) protocol was followed for sample preparation and data processed using SPSS version 26. An independent t-test determined statistically significant differences in pesticide residue concentrations in kales and domestic water source between dry and wet seasons and compared to WHO's designated MRLs. The results indicated that 97.1% of farmers use pesticides to protect kale from pests and diseases. The most commonly used pesticides were Dithane M-45 (22.1%), Deltanex (14.7%), Nuvan (11.8%), and Captan 50 WP (11.8%). Other pesticides like Diazinol, Cyperkill, and Trophy each accounted for
7.4%, while Rufast and Roundup made up 4.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Alarmingly, 80.9% of farmers did not follow recommended mixing and dilution practices, 69.1% did not use protective gear, 72.1% could not correctly interpret and follow pesticide labelling instructions, 55.9% relied on agrovet stores for pesticide decisions, and 92.6% had no formal training on safe pesticide use. Residue analysis showed Captan concentrations ranged from 0.01533 mg/kg in the wet season to 0.04700 mg/kg in the dry season, showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). Deltamethrin residues ranged from 0.01467 mg/kg in the wet season to 0.04200 mg/kg in the dry season, with a significant difference (p=0.000). Diazinon concentrations increased from 0.01567 mg/kg in the wet season to 0.02567 mg/kg in the dry season (p=0.046). Dichlorvos and Diazinon residues exceeded their MRLs of 0.02 mg/kg and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively, while Dieldrin surpassed the WHO MRL of 0.05 mg/kg during the dry season, suggesting a potential food safety hazard. Mancozeb and Deltamethrin concentrations in water were found to be within the WHO MRLs of 0.02 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l, respectively. However, Diazinon and Dieldrin levels exceeded the WHO MRLs of 0.01 mg/l and 0.05 mg/l. According to the WHO classification of pesticides, Dieldrin is a Class 1a pesticide that is extremely hazardous and restricted for use. Cypermethrin, Acetochlor, and Acrinathrin levels were below their respective WHO MRLs of 0.1 mg/l, 0.3 mg/l, and 0.05 mg/l in both seasons.
Effect of non-monetary incentives on employee performance in commercial banks in Nyeri county, kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Wanjiku Charles Gitau
The banking sector remains a crucial pillar of Kenya's economy, with the total assets of commercial banks steadily growing, reaching approximately Ksh 7.3 trillion in 2020, according to data from the Central Bank of Kenya. Despite this growth, employee performance in the sector has been a concern, with reports indicating a turnover rate of around 15% in recent years, as noted by the Kenya Bankers Association. The general objective of this study was to establish the effects of non-monetary incentives on employee performance in commercial banks in Nyeri County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to establish the effect of employee welfare, training, and Employee Autonomy on employee performance and to examine the moderating effect of work experience on the relationship between non-monetary incentives and employee performance. The study was guided by the Functional Theory of Labour Welfare, Social Learning Theory, and Self-Determination Theory. A descriptive research design was used, with the unit of analysis being employees working in commercial banks in Nyeri County, and the unit of observation being their performance. The target population was 543 respondents, with a sample size of 230 determined using the Yamane formula. Simple random sampling was employed, and data was collected through structured questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted in Murang’a County to pre-test and validate the questionnaire before the main study. Murang’a was selected for its similarity to Nyeri County in terms of socio-economic conditions, ensuring the pilot results were relevant for improving the study design. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS version 28, with a confidence level of 95%. The study's findings showed that employee welfare (β = 1.811, p < 0.05), employee training (β = 0.441, p < 0.05), and Employee Autonomy (β = 0.822, p < 0.05) significantly improved employee performance. Work experience had a direct significant effect (β = 0.455, p < 0.05) and moderated the impact of non-monetary incentives on performance. The study concludes that non-monetary incentives play a crucial role in enhancing employee performance and recommends investing in welfare programs, continuous training, and increased Employee Autonomy while leveraging the experience of long-serving employees.
Principals' leadership skills, personal characteristics and the performance of public secondary schools in South Rift region, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Barkwang Stephen Ngetich
Performance of educational institutions continues to be a cause of concern to stakeholders due to the significant role of these institutions to the individual learner, the community and the nation in general. For secondary schools, principals are the overall leaders charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the schools are effectively and efficiently managed and therefore, meet their set goals. The leadership skills of a principal to a great degree determine how the institution he or she leads is managed. Previously, studies have attempted to underscore the existing relationship between principals' leadership skills and students' academic performance in disregard of other concepts of institutional performance. This study sought to determine the relationship between principals' leadership skills, personal characteristics and the performance of public secondary schools in South Rift region, Kenya as a contribution in bridging the existing knowledge gap. The specific objectives of the study were; determine the relationship between principals' financial management skills, establish the relationship between principals' instructional leadership skills as well as determine the relationship between principals' human resource management skills and institutional performance. It also sought to establish the influence of principals' personal characteristics as well as the institutional characteristics in the relationship between principals' leadership skills and institutional performance. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional survey research design and correlational research design with mixed methods approach that used both qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample of 336 was obtained from 2050 respondents, comprising 1023 principals, 1023 senior teachers, and 4 County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (CQASOs) using multistage sampling techniques. Data was obtained from 331 individuals who participated in the study giving it a return rate of 98.51%. They responded to questionnaires items and interview guide. Prior to this, the research instruments were pretested in Kajiado county. Data obtained was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 computer software. Frequency and percentages were used to describe the existing relationship between study variables while hypothesis was tested using logistic regression at 95% level of significance. Findings showed that principals financial management skills, their instructional leadership skills as well as their human resource management skills were each positively and significantly related with institutional performance. Further, principals' level of education as well as their experience was found to positively and significantly influence the relationship between principals' leadership skills and institutional performance. Similarly, type of school was found to significantly influence the relationship between principals' leadership skills and institutional performance. It is therefore recommended that Ministry of Education in collaboration with Teachers Service Commission should ensure that school principals get adequate in-service training on financial management and human resource management prior to their deployment and refresher training periodically undertaken to enhance their leadership and management skills for better institutional performance.