School of Science and Technology

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EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF USING SCAFFOLDING TECHNIQUES TO SUPPORT JAVA PROGRAMMING ON A MOBILE PHONE
(IADIS International Journal on WWW/Internet, 2016) Mbogo. K, Chao
The ubiquity of mobile phones provides an opportunity to use them as a resource for construction of programs beyond the classroom. However, limitations of mobile phones impede their use as typical programming environments. This research proposed that programming environments on mobile phones could include scaffolding techniques specifically designed for mobile phones, and designed based on learners’ needs. Experiments were conducted with 142 learners from three universities in Kenya and South Africa in order to investigate the effect on learners of using the theoretically-derived scaffolding techniques to construct Java programs on a mobile phone. The results provided empirical evidence that scaffolding techniques specifically designed for mobile phones and designed based on learners’ needs could effectively support the construction of programs on a mobile phone.
Beyond “yesterday’s tomorrow”: future-focused mobile interaction design by and for emergent users
(Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 2017-04) Jones1, Matt; Robinson1, Simon; Pearson1, Jennifer; Joshi2, · Manjiri; Raju2, Dani; Mbogo3, · Charity Chao; Wangari4, Sharon; Joshi2 ·, Anirudha ·; Cutrell5, Edward; Harper6, Richard
Mobile and ubiquitous computing researchers have long envisioned future worlds for users in developed regions. Steered by such visions, they have innovated devices and services exploring the value of alternative propositions with and for individuals, groups and communities. Meanwhile, such radical and long-term explorations are uncommon for what have been termed emergent users; users, that is, for whom advanced technologies are just within grasp. Rather, a driving assumption is that today’s high-end mobile technologies will “trickle down” to these user groups in due course. In this paper, we open the debate about what mobile technologies might be like if emergent users were directly involved in creating their visions for the future 5–10 years from now. To do this, we report on a set of envisioning workshops in India, South Africa and Kenya that provide a roadmap for valued, effective devices and services for these regions in the next decade
Barriers to the Adoption of E- Learning in Kenyan Schools: A Review Study
(African Journal of Computing & Information Systems (AJCIS), 2017-09) Kamau, Joyce Waithera; Mbogo, Chao; Chege, Dorothy
E-learning is learning that is supported by use of electronic technology aided by computers. Emphasis on teacher centered teaching could be changed to student centered with the emergence of using E learning technologies in schools thus creating an environment that is interactive and interesting for learning. A pedagogical shift has been facilitated by E-learning entailing an interaction between learners and Teachers in education. Recent studies portray a gloomy picture about the adoption of E learning. This paper analyzes the trends and progress in the adoption of E-learning with the aim of offering areas of key interventions for stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector. The result is a set of recommendations in enhancing the adoption of E-learning in Kenyan institutions.
Effect of Different Spacing Intervals on Growth and Yield of Cowpea Varieties in Kilifi County, Kenya
(International Journal For Research In Agricultural And Food Science, 2018-08) Nderi, Leonard Mugendi; Kamau, Peter; Njoka, Ellis Mbaka
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] walp) is an ancient leguminous plant that is indigenous to Africa. It was domesticated in sub-Saharan Africa and is now widely adapted and grown throughout the world. Cowpea is commonly cultivated in the Southern United States, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and throughout the tropics and subtropics. In Kenya, cowpea is the most important grain legume after common beans and pigeon peas. In Kilifi County and the entire Coastal Kenya, cowpea is considered as the most important African leafy vegetable (ALV), being a major source of dietary protein, especially for the rural and urban poor. The major constraints facing cowpea production in Coastal Kenya include unavailability of quality seed, lack of technical packages, low plant population and general lack of awareness of the potential the crop holds in mitigating poverty and malnutrition challenges in the community. A field experiment was carried out at Mtwapa Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) demonstration farm to determine the effect of different spacing intervals on growth and yield of cowpea varieties. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. It consisted of four cowpea varieties namely Ken kunde, Katumani 80 (K80), KVU 27-1 and Machakos 66 (M66) and three spacing intervals (40 cm x 20 cm, 50 cm x 20 cm and 60 cm x 20 cm). The results showed that KVU 27-1 had the highest mean pod length, mean 100 seed weight and mean total seed weight per plot. Machakos 66 had the highest mean above ground biomass whereas Ken Kunde had the highest mean harvest index. It is suggested that cowpea variety KVU 27-1 and spacing interval 50 cm x 20 cm be adopted in cultivation of cowpeas in Kilifi County, for maximum grain yield production.
Effect of Network Accessibility on Record Maintenance in Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Kenya: (A Case Study of Nyandarua Institute of Science and Technology)
(IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2019-08) Kariuki, Pauline W.; Githinji, Stanley; Mathangani, Salome
Effect of Network Accessibility on Record Maintenance in Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Kenya: (A Case Study of Nyandarua Institute of Science and Technology)
(OSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2019-08) Kariuki, Pauline W.
Satisfaction with E-Resources and Perception of Libraries by Postgraduate Students at Daystar and Multimedia Universities in Kenya
(International Journal of professional Practice (IJPP), 2020) Murithi, Caroline Kathomi; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Irura, Grace
University libraries are expected to provide current, varied, sufficient and authoritative information resources for all academic programs on offer, and adopt information communication technologies in information provision and management. However, issues of support services offered on e-resources, competencies of library staff, provision of diverse eresources and satisfaction with e-resources are some of the issues that cause dissatisfaction among postgraduate students. This study sought to examine how satisfaction with e-resources influences perception of libraries by postgraduate students at Daystar and Multimedia Universities in Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to determine satisfaction with eresources; to establish postgraduate students’ perception towards libraries; and to establish the effect of satisfaction with e-resources on perception of university libraries. Most postgraduate students’ perception of university libraries is inappropriate. This is attributed to users experience and satisfaction which they have had with e-resources. It adopted a descriptive survey research design in sampling 116 postgraduate students and 4 library staff using simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods respectively. Primary data was collected through online questionnaires and interview guides. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. The results revealed that satisfaction with e-resources had a significant correlation with perception of university libraries. An R squared of 0.415 was found, implying that satisfaction with e-resources accounts for 42% of variations in perception of libraries by postgraduate students. The study concluded that satisfaction with eresources has a statistically significant influence on postgraduate students’ perception of university libraries. The implication is that satisfaction with e-resources is a critical determinant of postgraduate students’ perception of university libraries. The university library management needs to strengthen the satisfaction related aspects such as friendliness, professionalism, communication, reliability, and timeliness, which seem to be strong drivers of perception.
Chemical composition of Moringa oleifera Lam. and Moringa stenopetala Bac. leaves from Kenya
(International Journal of Plant Research, 2020) Nathaniel, Ebenezer Udofia; Onyancha, Jared Misonge; Mugambi, Mworia; Ncene, William; Moriasi, Gervason Apiri
The species of Moringa are native to India and Africa. However, they are cultivated in Tropical and sub-tropical countries mainly for nutrition and health products. In Kenya, most research has been done on M. oleifera and little on M. stenopetala. The paucity of consistent information of comprehensive chemical composition of the two species is generally observed. The purpose of this study was to find out the phytochemical and nutritive elements in M. oleifera and M. stenopetala collected from Kilifi and Isiolo counties in Kenya respectively. Standard chemical evaluation methods were used to establish qualitative and quantitative chemical composition of the two species in this study. Qualitative screening revealed alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, phytosterols, saponins, tannins, coumarins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and vitamins. Proximate chemical composition revealed significant difference in composition of carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, saponins ash and crude fibre between M. oleifera and M. stenopetala leaf powder at p ≤ 0.05. However, there were no remarkable differences in the composition of crude lipids, crude proteins and moisture content in the leaf powders of M. oleifera and M. stenopetala. The study revealed essential and non-essential amino acids and no significant differences in composition at p ≤ 0.05 between the leaf powders of M. oleifera and M. stenopetala. Remarkable differences in composition of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) between M. oleifera and M. stenopetala were also noted (p < 0.05). However, there were no difference in composition vitamins (B6, B9, A and C) between the leaf powder of M. oleifera and M. stenopetala at (p < 0.05). Finally, the composition differences of calcium and potassium were significant between M. oleifera and M. stenopetala leaf powders at (p < 0.05), while there were no outstanding differences in the composition of copper, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium between M. oleifera and M. stenopetala leaf powders.
A Digital Storytelling Model for Increasing Information Security Awareness among Kenyan Smartphone Users
(International Journal of professional Practice (IJPP), 2020) Lynet, Kosgey; Chao, Mbogo; Mwaniki, Nyaga
The proliferation of smartphones in Kenya has resulted to smartphone users’ overdependence on their phones for everyday activities. This increased interaction with smartphones poses a threat to users’ privacy and security. The exposure to threats establishes a need to understand users’ security awareness and behavior when using their mobile phones. To investigate user behaviour while using their mobile phones and their understanding of cyber security risks, this study surveyed 393 Kenyan smartphone users on security features that they implement as well as their understanding of potential security threats. The results show that most Kenyan Smartphone users are aware of security threats facing them and are greatly concerned about related security risks. However, users still make poor behavioral choices related to the use of smartphones, making them vulnerable to cyber security attacks. This paper proposes a Digital Storytelling (DST) model that forms a basis of creating a digital storytelling media that can be used to increase cyber security awareness among Kenyan smartphone users.
Utilization of Online Past Examination Papers and Academic Performance of Information Technology Students at Jomo Kenyatta University- Eldoret Campus
(Journal of Education and Practice, 2020) Chelulei Kipkosgei, Kennedy; Gichohi, Paul; Irura, Grace
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of utilization of online past examination papers on academic performance of IT students at Jomo Kenyatta University. Methodology: Descriptive survey research design was used in this study. Respondents were the 105 undergraduate students in Information Technology Department and 2 librarians in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology-Eldoret Campus. They were sampled using stratified sampling, while Head of library and the library staff in charge of e-resources in JKUAT Eldoret Campus were purposively included in the study. Primary data was collected from students using closed-ended questionnaires, while interview guide was used on librarians. To ensure validity and reliability, pre-testing of research instruments was done on 20 undergraduate students of Mount Kenya university-Eldoret Campus in the department of Information Technology. D Descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage, frequencies and standard deviation, SPSS (version 22) was used in analysing data. Univariate and multiple regression analysis were used to test the hypothesis and overall model respectively. The results were presented using tables and explanations. Results: There is a positive and significant relationship between online past examination papers and academic performance of IT undergraduate students of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology - Eldoret Campus. The study had a normal mean of 4.7 and standard deviation of 0.58. The online past examination papers had R estimation of 0.715. The P estimation of constant was significant (.000), consequently R square value was used. The R square estimation of 0.711 inferred that online past assessment papers anticipated 71.1% of the fluctuation in the academic performance. It had a beta of 0.504 at p<0.012 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: This study reports positive and significant relationship between online past examination papers and academic performance. The study recommends that more policies be developed so as to enable students to access diverse examinations papers, not only from JKUAT library, but also government examination bodies such as Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC). This will improve university students’ research skills and enhance their academic performance. The study contributes to the theory by acknowledging that an undergraduate student will always weigh various online electronic resources available based on their applicability to the student’s academic needs. If they suit their needs, the student will continue to utilize them further but when the needs are not met, the student stops utilizing the online past examination papers.
Identification of learning disabilities for implementation of individualized educational programme in taita-taveta county, public primary schools
(KEMU, 2020-01) Mwabili, Jeslinah Waleghwa Mwagodi; Kathuri, Nephat Justus; Owiti, Beatrice
The purpose of this study was to assess implementation of Individualized Educational Programme (IEP) by teachers, on learners with LD in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to establish how teachers identify learners with learning disabilities. The study was grounded on Constructivist Theory of Instruction by Bruner, (1966). The study adopted descriptive research design and targeted 226 teachers trained in Special Needs Education (SNE), distributed in 46 public primary schools, the study sample comprised of 45 teachers and nine head teachers. The study was limited to teachers trained in Special Needs Education (SNE), and their respective head teachers, in public primary schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. A questionnaire with simple and precise questions was formulated to adequately provide information on the research objectives and help to achieve meaningful conclusions on the topic of study. Test-retest method was applied to assess the reliability of the data collection instrument. Data collected was coded, cleaned, categorized and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Information analyzed was presented using tables and charts, accordingly. The results of this study provide useful information on effective use of IEP strategies by teachers. The results indicated that most teachers identified pupils with LD through writing, reading, comprehension, speech, behaviour, and their academic performance. Teachers, head teachers, assessment personnel, parents and other professionals were involved in the process of identification. Parents, especially mothers, were more concerned about their children's school work, and attended meetings organized by the school to discuss about their children’s academic problems. It was concluded that mechanisms that were used to identify students with LD in schools were mainly through assessing their performance, reading, writing and comprehension, levels of concentration in class, use of checklists in specific areas and their speech and behaviour. It was recommended that parents, classmates/peers and doctors, should be more involved more in identifying learners with LD. Frequency of teacher’s updates to the head teachers should be increased to enable teachers carry out early intervention measures. There is a need to encourage fathers to be more concerned about their children's school work, and further attend meetings organized by the school to discuss about their children’s academic problems.
The effect of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers on the growth and yield of yellow grams (Vigna radiata L.)
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development., 2020-06) Kona, Risper Sarah Ondieki; Mushimiyimana, David; Kamau, Peter A
Yellow gram is a cheap source of protein often grown by small scale farmers in Kenya; it is well adapted to even in areas that receive less optimal rainfall and matures in less than 120 days. Yellow gram crop is widely grown and a cheap source of protein for inhabitants in Kisii region; its productivity continues to decline despite the continued use of nitrogenous and phosphate fertilizers. Previous research done has shown that yellow grams do not respond well to nitrogen and phosphorus unless the soils are deficient in these nutrients. Consequently, the growth and yield of Yellow gram depends on fertilizer requirements among other factors such as climate and agronomic practices. This research was done to determine optimal levels of potassium and phosphorus inorganic fertilizers application to realize maximum yields of yellow gram production in the region. A Randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment consisting of three replicates was carried out in Magwagwa area of Kisii County between September to December, 2018. This experiment was carried out on red volcanic soils having 0.12% N, 15 ppm P205 and 56 ppm K2O. The treatments were: three levels of potassium fertilizer (K0: No potassium (control); K1:20 kg K/ha; and K2:30 kg K/ha) and the second factor was three levels of phosphorus (P0: No phosphorus (control); P1: 20 kg P/ha; and P2: 30 kg P/ha). The effect(s) of the treatment combinations on stem height (in cm), branch number per plant, pod number per plant, pod length (in cm), number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and grain yield per hectare were evaluated. The data collected was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 21.0 tool to determine the effect of different treatments. Significant differences in results of the treatments were separated using the Least Square Differences (LSD). Results revealed that different levels of K and P fertilizer application significantly (p<0.05) influenced the growth and yield of Yellow grams. The maximum plant height (94.8 cm), branch number (12/plant), number of pods (98/plant), seed number (10 seeds/pod), length of pod (10 cm), 100-seed weight (29.78 g) and grain yield (4414 kg/ha) were recorded from plots that received 30 kg/ha K2O and 30 kg/ha P2O5, while the control recorded the lowest results. The 30 kg P2O5/ha and 30 kg K2O/ha fertilizer levels enhance yields immensely and were directly proportional to branch density, pod formation and pod length.
TO DETERMINE AGRONOMIC AND ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES OF INTERCROPPING SUNFLOWER WITH COMMON BEANS
(IJRDO-Journal of Educational Research, 2020-07) MASOMBO, MICHAEL
A field research trial on intercropping sunflower (Helianthusannuus) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaries) was first held at the Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) farm in Nandi County in the short season of 2016. The purpose of the research was to investigate the agronomic and economic potential of intercropping the two crops. Particularly, the field trial was done in randomized complete block design (RCBD) coupled with three imitations. Sunflower variety H8998 and Mwitemania common beans (GLP 92) were sown simultaneously. The treatments included sole beans B (45 x 10 cm), sole sunflower S1 (75 x 30 cm), sole sunflower S2 (90 x 30 cm), and the intercrops of sunflower/bean (single and double rows of beans with the two sunflower spacing S1 and S2). Clearly, the results exhibited that sunflower plant height, head diameter, 100 seed weight, and number of pods per plant in case common bean was not significantly affected while days to maturity for beans and the yields of these two food crops were massively effected by the intercropping systems. Land equivalent ratio (LER) ranged between 1.32 and1.54 for all the four intercropping systems. Monetary equivalent ratio (MER) varied between 0.99 and 1.20 with three out of the four intercrops combinations having MER > 1.0. Sunflower S2 (90 x30 cm) intercropped with double rows of beans had highest LER (1.54) and MER (1.20). The results indicate there was land use advantage and economic efficiency where each LER and MER value exceeded 1.0. Therefore, the intercropping method needs to be intensively practiced to maximize total crop production per unit area.
Proposed octave-small based security framework for mobile banking among commercial banks in democratic republic of congo
(Global scientific Journals., 2020-07) Makeusa, Olivier Fumbu; Njenga, Chao Mbogo Kamotho
Most customers of commercial banks in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been losing vast amounts of money from their accounts to fraudsters and hackers, who are taking advantage of weak security controls. This has necessitated the present study to be conducted for recommending a mobile banking security framework based on Octave-small approach for commercial banks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The study adopted a descriptive research design and used 549 branches of the eighteen commercial banks in Democratic Republic of Congo, where theKrejcieandMorgan formula was adopted in obtaining a sample size of 227 respondents. The study findings show that asidentifying critical organisational information has a statistically significant positive influence; identifying threats to information systems critical assetshad a statistically significantpositive influenced; there is statistically significant and positive influence of analysing infrastructure vulnerabilities; and risk mitigation has a statistically significant positive influence on mobile banking among commercial bank in Democratic Republic of Congo. The study recommends anoctave-s based mobile banking security framework comprising of five processes; defining sensitive organizational M-Banking information, identify the security requirements of the vital asset, creating key components of vulnerabilities, create a risk profile for each asset, and developing a corporate security policy and mitigation strategy.
To determine agronomic and economic advantages of intercropping sunflower with common beans
(IJRDO-Journal of Educational Research, 2020-07) MASOMBO, MICHAEL; Koome, Martin M.; Maushimiyimana, David; Kamau, Peter A.Kamau
A field research trial on intercropping sunflower (Helianthusannuus) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaries) was first held at the Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) farm in Nandi County in the short season of 2016. The purpose of the research was to investigate the agronomic and economic potential of intercropping the two crops. Particularly, the field trial was done in randomized complete block design (RCBD) coupled with three imitations. Sunflower variety H8998 and Mwitemania common beans (GLP 92) were sown simultaneously. The treatments included sole beans B (45 x 10 cm), sole sunflower S1 (75 x 30 cm), sole sunflower S2 (90 x 30 cm), and the intercrops of sunflower/bean (single and double rows of beans with the two sunflower spacing S1 and S2). Clearly, the results exhibited that sunflower plant height, head diameter, 100 seed weight, and number of pods per plant in case common bean was not significantly affected while days to maturity for beans and the yields of these two food crops were massively effected by the intercropping systems. Land equivalent ratio (LER) ranged between 1.32 and1.54 for all the four intercropping systems. Monetary equivalent ratio (MER) varied between 0.99 and 1.20 with three out of the four intercrops combinations having MER > 1.0. Sunflower S2 (90 x30 cm) intercropped with double rows of beans had highest LER (1.54) and MER (1.20). The results indicate there was land use advantage and economic efficiency where each LER and MER value exceeded 1.0. Therefore, the intercropping method needs to be intensively practiced to maximize total crop production per unit area.
Effects of Water Conservation Methods and Cropping Systems on the Growth and Yield of Maize and Beans
(International Journal of Recent Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences (IJRRIS), 2020-07) Kuru, Kennedy; Mushimiyimana, David; Njoka, Ellis
Maize and beans form a significant part of the diet for thousands of households in Uganda and neighbouring countries, but the yields of these crops have been greatly affected by erratic rains and prolonged droughts. Irrigation schemes are often prohibitively expensive for small-scale farmers in Uganda and elsewhere. Low-cost water conservation practices such as double digging and mulching and effective cropping systems have the potential to enhance the production and yield of maize and beans under variable rainfall conditions without requiring capital input from farmers. This article reports on investigating the effect of double digging, mulching and intercropping systems on the growth and yields of maize and beans in Wairaka, Jinja District, Uganda. Using a randomized complete block design with three replications of the treatments, we collected data on the plant growth and yield parameters. The results showed that the growth of maize and beans were found to be higher in double digging, intercropping, and mulching. Double digging increased maize and beans plant heights by 0.91% and 20.78% respectively over single digging. Similarly, the cob length, total maize yields, seeds per pod, and total bean yields by 4.79%, 0.57%, 39.39%, 3.01% was enhanced double digging, respectively. Inter-cropping of maize and beans increased the maize plant height, cob length and total maize yield by 0.54%, 5.52%, and 2.43% respectively over maize monocrop while the bean plant height, seeds per pod and the total were increased by 4.33%, 22.86%, and 3.26% respectively over bean monocrop. Mulch significantly affected the growth and yields of both maize and beans. The mean increase in maize plant height was 1.36% and 0.29%, and bean plant height was 12.76%, and 7.06% in the case of dry banana leaves and dry grass, as compared to the control (no mulch). The mean cob length difference and total maize yields were 4.96%, 2.90% and 1.57% 0.93% while the seeds per pod and total bean yields were 25% and 12.5% and 5.00% and 3.68% in the case of dry banana leaves and dry grass, respectively, over the control (no mulch). The low-cost methods we investigated, mainly double digging, dry banana leaves mulches, and maize-bean intercrop, are promising in ensuring yields against erratic rainfall and drought and can be recommended to farmers.
Mobile credit apps adoption and continuous use in a growing digital economy
(Global Scientific Journals, 2020-08) Palang'a, Josephat Nyongesa; Kamotho, Adrian; Munene, David
Since the launch of Commercial bank of Africa’s MShwari in 2012, Kenya’s first digital banking product which offers a savings account and access to digital credit, the market for digital credit has expanded rapidly in Kenya. Digital credit is now offered by most commercial banks as well as privately developed loan apps from able lenders. In the first two years, CBA through its M-Shwari product had already dished out over 20 million loans to 2.6 million borrowers while Kenya Commercial Bank’s KCB-Mpesa helped them to grow from 200,000 new loans per year to about 4,000,000 (Totolo, 2017). A recent report from FSD Kenya indicates that 29 per cent of mobile phone owners in Kenya have borrowed from MShwari and there are over 49 loan apps in the country. Also, according to the report, in Kenya’s digital lending market share, M-Shwari is leading followed by KCB MPesa at twelve per cent, Equity Eazzy at four per cent, Tala at 1.8 per cent and MCo-op Cash at 1.3 per cent (Mbogo, 2018). This paper aims to examine the determinants of Mobile Credit Apps adoption and continuous use in a growing digital economy, case study Kenya. The researcher used descriptive survey research design. The target population was smart phone users in Nairobi, its environs and 2 rural areas with a good number of mobile smart phone use. The researcher selected a sample of 600 users from the targeted areas. The researcher used purpose random sampling to select the respondents. Data was collected from the primary source. The collection of primary data was done using a combination of structured survey questionnaires and personal interviews, which were administered to the respondents. The data was edited then cording and tabulation was carried out using SPSS. The data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. The findings revealed that the economic factor has a significant effect on the use of mobile credit in Kenya. The research was done on some 600 individuals in Nairobi County and its environs. Practical implications– The findings offer FinTech providers, financial institutions and the government with a better understanding of what contribution digital credit brings to the improvement of individuals’ livelihoods. The research contributes to the application of new mobile technology in the financial sector. The findings also help financial institutions consider mobile technologies when aiming to improve financial access to the unbanked individuals.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFORMATION LITERACY TRAINING AND STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION AT KENYA SCHOOL OF LAW LIBRARY
(African Journal of Emerging Issues (AJOEI)., 2020-08) Nga'Nga', Judy wairimu
The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between information literacy training and students’ satisfaction at the Kenya school of law library. Failure by the libraries to meet customer needs and expectations leads to user dissatisfaction. The quality of information services has been deteriorating in many libraries including the Kenya school of law library. Although there are studies on student satisfaction in Kenya, there is none done on evaluation of the connection between information literacy training and students’ satisfaction at Kenya school of law library. It employed quantitative approach and used descriptive survey research design. The main research instruments for the study were questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The computed P-value was 0.000 at 95% confidence level implying that information literacy training had a positive and significant relationship (r=.726) with students’ satisfaction. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected and concluded that information literacy training had a significant relationship with student satisfaction at KSL Library. The study concluded that information literacy training had a statistically significant and positive relationship with student satisfaction at the KSL library. Quality of information literacy trainings was identified as critical in influencing students’ satisfaction at the Kenya school of law library. The study recommended that the KSL library management should implement measures to enhance provision of information literacy training services. Some of the measures include online training on various databases, consultation meeting with the librarian, improved network connectivity and preparation of user guides.
Modelling a Forecasting Platform for Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya
(Lukenya University Multidisciplinary Journal (LUMJ), 2020-09) Mburu, J. M
Small and medium enterprises’ contribution to Kenya’s GDP growth is vital. The use of technology to predict business operations and performance is the next frontier in ensuring business sustainability, job security and a generally good business environment. The study aimed at dealing with this information gap and equipping SME owners and managers with the right information to make informed decisions based on their data and experiences. Predicting business operations is a critical task for small and medium enterprises. With increased unpredictability in the business environment, small enterprises find themselves in the receiving end simply because they do not have the tools in decision making like their counterparts who have well established business decision-making tools. SMEs can now tap into the power of data to support decision-making. Data on sales and purchases collected by SMEs is readily available and SME owners can now benefit from the use of predictive analytics to forecast sales and purchases. The data allows SME owners to have added confidence in decision making to help propel their businesses to success.
Effects of Intercropping Cowpeas with Maize and Phosphorous Levels on Growth and Yields of Cowpeas in Meru County, Kenya
(Journal of Agriculture, 2020-10) Omundi, Joshua Marube; Mushimiyimana, David; Mugambi, Mwaoria
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a legume that is grown for various uses Humans consume it as grain or leaf vegetable and as fodder by livestock. It has high nutritive value and high palatability. It is widely produced in sub-Saharan Africa as a source of income. It is drought tolerant and can suitably be used as an intercrop in an intercropping system. The low yield of cowpea among smallholder farmers due to declining soil fertility has increased the need for site specific fertilizer recommendation. Land fragmentation and reduced arable land makes intercropping of cereals and legumes inevitable. A field experiment was conducted at Kianjai ward in Tigania West Sub County of Meru County during the March –May rain season of 2015 to investigate the effects of intercropping cowpeas with maize and four different levels of phosphorous on growth and yields of cowpeas. The treatments were sole cowpeas, sole maize, sole cowpeas planted with (0 kg/ha, 25 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha and 75 kg/ha SSP) and cowpeas intercropped with maize at (0 kg/ha, 25 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha and 75 kg /ha SSP). The design of the experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. The results show that with mean plant heights of 41.56 cm, 42.43 cm, 43.00 cm and 45.03 cm respectively for 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg/ha of SSP, plant height at maturity were significantly affected by both fertilizer levels and cropping system (p<0.05). The number of pods and cowpeas grain yields were significantly also significantly affected (p<0.05). Sole cowpeas recorded the tallest plants, highest number of pods. The mean grain yields for 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg/ha of SSP were 400 kg, 496.88 kg, 593 kg and 699.88 kg respectively with 75 kg/ha. All the Land Equivalent Ratios for intercropping system were greater than one (LER>1) thus showing that intercropping was beneficial. Intercropping cowpeas and maize at 75 kg/ha phosphorous gave the highest Land Equivalent Ratio. It is recommended that in a cowpeas-maize intercropping system application of 75 kg/ha should be adopted. More work should be done to determine effects of intercropping cowpeas with cereal crops other than maize.