School of Science and Technology

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Achieving Operational Efficiency by Adopting ICT in Diplomatic Records Management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya
(Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Book Publishing Journal of Information and Technology, 2022-10) Kajuju, Frida; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Serede, George
Information and Communication Technologies have become a critical success factor for service delivery in Kenya's public sector. Applying ICTs in service delivery has become a game changer in public records management. It has completely transformed records management work procedures, methods, and principles. The study aimed to assess how operational efficiency can be achieved by adopting ICT in diplomatic records management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya. The study was guided by records continuum and hybrid theories and adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 887 Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees, from which a sample of 87 participants was selected using a stratified and purposive sampling approach. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data, which was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and content analysis. The study revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had embarked on the assimilation of ICTs into its operational activities as a component of e-service delivery. As a result, the study established that diplomatic records, which were vital in achieving operational efficiency, were being created, accessed, and used in electronic format. Inadequate infrastructure for electronic records management programs was, however, found to be a significant hindrance to the realization and use of diplomatic electronic records. The study recommends that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs develop and execute a comprehensive electronic records management policy and regulatory framework to integrate e-records into Ministry's operational efficiency and service delivery. The Ministry of foreign affairs should collaborate with Information Communication and Technologies Authority to develop infrastructure for electronic records management systems to ensure that all software acquired for managing electronic records capture records management requirements to achieve operational efficiency and improved service delivery.
Adoption of Paperless Communication in Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Insights from Marsabit County Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya
(Journal of Information and Technology, 2025-09) Diba, Bilinga Kosi; Paul, Gichohi Maku; Edith, Murugi
This study examined the adoption of paperless communication as an eco-friendly practice for promoting environmental sustainability at Marsabit County Teaching and Referral Hospital (MCTRH), Kenya. The study is guided by the Green Information Technology (Green IT) Theory, which emphasizes sustainable ICT practices across their life cycle to promote eco- friendly digital records management and environmental sustainability. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting hospital staff. Structured questionnaires were administered to 117 respondents, supplemented with key informant interviews picked using stratified random and purposive sampling, respectively, that ensured representation across departments. Validity of the instruments was established through expert review, while reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.7. Ethical approval was granted, and informed consent was obtained from participants. Out of the 117 targeted respondents, 114 returned completed questionnaires, yielding a 97% response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations), while qualitative insights were thematically analyzed. The results show that respondents strongly acknowledged the role of paperless communication in reducing paper usage, streamlining workflows, and enhancing accessibility. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited ICT infrastructure, inadequate digital literacy, and unstable internet connectivity were identified as barriers to effective adoption. These findings corroborate recent studies highlighting that digital tools reduce environmental footprints while improving operational efficiency. The study concludes that paperless communication holds significant potential for advancing environmental sustainability at MCTRH but requires deliberate support. It recommends the hospital administration to prioritize ICT infrastructure investments, institutionalize policies on paperless communication, and provide regular staff training. Such efforts would enhance both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability outcomes.
African Culture & the Girl-Child Education: The Case of Ilchamus community, Baringo County, Kenya
(Jumuga Journal of Education, Oral Studies, and Human Sciences (JJEOSHS), 2024) Rebecca, Lempassy Lemelwai; Lucy, Ikiara Kanyiri; Clement, Nkaabu
This research article underscores the cultural factors that influence girl-child education among the Ilchamus community. Various literatures were reviewed and gaps were successfully identified. It embraces descriptive research design. It utilises purposive and snowballing techniques since the initial research that culminated into an article was basically a mixed research. The sample size of the study was 350 respondents. It establishes that; the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), often linked with traditional rites of passage, is typically followed by early marriage, which disrupts girls’ education. Additionally, early marriage typically curtails educational opportunities for girls, as they are often expected to take on domestic responsibilities and childbearing, leaving little room for schooling. In this regard, it concludes that; cultural practices like FGM and early marriages are deeply rooted barriers to girl-child education in the Ilchamus community, while the role of parents’ education and cultural transitions reflect more nuanced influences on educational outcomes.
The Aspect of Assurance of Digital Institutional Repository Service Provision to Postgraduates Students at Selected Universities in Meru County
(International J ournal of Professional P ractice (IJPP), 2023-06) Tsenga, Sophia Mjeni
Theses, dissertations, reports and other research works by university communities are housed in digital institutional repositories in the library department. Postgraduate students are expected to utilize these resources; hence, the nature of services provided therein is critical. The provision of digital institutional repository service in university libraries is expected to be courteous, professional, and credible. Professionalism is demonstrated through politeness, trustworthiness, honesty, friendliness, respectfulness and competence of the institutional repository staff serving users. These attributes usually communicate assurance and heighten customer satisfaction. The feeling of assurance is also reinforced by the experience that a user gets when interacting with the repository website; for example, the friendliness of the webpages. However, incidences of users getting disinterested and losing patience with institutional repositories have continued to be reported.This paper reports part of findings of a large study which aimed to determine how adopting SERVQUAL model can improve digital institutional repository information services to postgraduate students at universities in Meru County. This paper assessed the assurance of digital institutional repository service provision. It employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population constituted library head of sections and post-graduate students. Purposive sampling was employed to get librarians, while simple random sampling, to select students. A sample size of 101 was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data quality was achieved by checking construct, content and face validity, while reliability was ascertained using Cronbach alpha. Data was analysed descriptively and thematically. The study found that the level of assurance in digital institutional repositories at universities in Meru County was moderate. Assurance aspects are supported by elements like: knowledgeable staff, customer- centric service, adequate ICT infrastructure, resources and facilities; customer awareness; and adequate funding. The study recommended creation of awareness, staff training and upgrading the repository technology to enhance assurance aspects
The Aspect of Assurance of Digital Institutional Repository Service Provision to Postgraduates Students at Selected Universities in Meru County
(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023-08) Tsenga, Sophia Mjeni; Gichoya, David; Gichohi, Paul Maku
Theses, dissertations, reports and other research works by university communities are housed in digital institutional repositories in the library department. Postgraduate students are expected to utilize these resources; hence, the nature of services provided therein is critical. The provision of digital institutional repository service in university libraries is expected to be courteous, professional, and credible. Professionalism is demonstrated through politeness, trustworthiness, honesty, friendliness, respectfulness and competence of the institutional repository staff serving users. These attributes usually communicate assurance and heighten customer satisfaction. The feeling of assurance is also reinforced by the experience that a user gets when interacting with the repository website; for example, the friendliness of the webpages. However, incidences of users getting disinterested and losing patience with institutional repositories have continued to be reported.This paper reports part of findings of a large study which aimed to determine how adopting SERVQUAL model can improve digital institutional repository information services to postgraduate students at universities in Meru County. This paper assessed the assurance of digital institutional repository service provision. It employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population constituted library head of sections and post-graduate students. Purposive sampling was employed to get librarians, while simple random sampling, to select students. A sample size of 101 was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data quality was achieved by checking construct, content and face validity, while reliability was ascertained using Cronbach alpha. Data was analysed descriptively and thematically. The study found that the level of assurance in digital institutional repositories at universities in Meru County was moderate. Assurance aspects are supported by elements like: knowledgeable staff, customer- centric service, adequate ICT infrastructure, resources and facilities; customer awareness; and adequate funding. The study recommended creation of awareness, staff training and upgrading the repository technology to enhance assurance aspects.
Assessing Financial Investment and Maximization of Electronic Resources Usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University
(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers: Journal of Information and Technology, 2024-09) Kochumba, Teresia Atieno; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Nkoroi, Lilian
Purpose: Academic libraries, such as those at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) and Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), have invested heavily in electronic resources to enhance academic performance and research output. These investments, funded by parent institutions, partners, and donors, are costly, prompting libraries to justify their spending and develop strategies for maximizing resource utilization. This study assessed financial investments and the maximization of electronic resource usage by analyzing budget allocations, user perceptions, utilization patterns, and benefits derived from these resources. Methodology: Guided by Edward Freeman’s 1984 Stakeholder Theory, the study employed a descriptive survey design with a target population of 23,039 and a sample size of 426, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty, and library staff. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, with pretesting conducted at the University of Nairobi’s Mombasa campus. Results: The findings revealed that TUM and KeMU collectively spent $124,320.12 on electronic resources, with 83.8% of library staff expressing satisfaction with the budget, while users reported low perceptions of budget allocations. However, 75.8% of users actively utilized these resources and reported substantial academic benefits. Conclusions: Financial investments significantly impact resource maximization, and involving users in the acquisition process could improve budget alignment with user needs. It recommended increased investment in electronic resources, staff training, user engagement in acquisition, and user involvement in resource reviews to enhance satisfaction and resource utilization. Further research is suggested to explore factors like user needs assessments, technological infrastructure, and information literacy programs to develop comprehensive strategies for optimizing electronic resource management in university libraries
Barriers of access to primary healthcare services by National Health Insurance Fund capitated members in Uasin Gishu county, Kenya
(BMC Health Services Research, 2024) Were, Barbara Nawire; Mwangi, Eunice Muthoni; Muiruri, Lillian Wambui
Purpose The study identifies provision of primary healthcare services using the capitated health model as a pre- requisite for promoting positive healthcare outcomes for a country’s population. However, capitated members have continued to face challenges in accessing primary healthcare services despite enrolment in the National Health Insur- ance Fund (NHIF). This study sought to determine if variables such as patient knowledge of the NHIF benefit package, NHIF Premium Payment processes, selecting NHIF capitated health facilities, and NHIF Communication to citizens’ influences access to primary healthcare services. Method A cross-sectional analytical research design was adopted. Data was collected from patients who were using NHIF cards, who were drawn from health facilities. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire where some of the questions were rated using the Likert scale to enable the generation of descriptive statistics. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics which was conducted with the aid of SPSS version 25. Bivariate analysis was conducted utilizing Chi-square to facilitate the comparison of the independent and the dependent variables. Data was presented in tabular formats where each of the specific objectives was used as parameters of interest to the study. Results The study found that four independent variables (Patient knowledge of NHIF Benefit Package, NHIF Premium Payment processes, Selecting NHIF capitated Health Facility, and NHIF Communication to citizens) were significant predictors of access to capitated healthcare services with significance values of .001, .001, .001 and .001 respectively at 95% significance level. Conclusions The study found that familiarity with the NHIF benefit package significantly influenced NHIF capitated members’ access to primary healthcare services in Uasin Gishu County. While most members were aware of their healthcare entitlements, there’s a need for increased awareness regarding access to surgical services and depend- ents’ inclusion. Facility selection also played a crucial role, influenced by factors like freedom of choice, NHIF facility selection rules, facility appearance, and proximity to members’ homes. NHIF communication positively impacted access, with effective communication channels aiding service accessibility. Premium payment processes also signifi- cantly linked with service access, influenced by factors such as payment procedures, premium awareness, payment schedules, registration waiting periods, and penalties for defaults. Overall, patient knowledge, NHIF communication, premium payment processes, and facility selection all contributed positively to NHIF capitated members’ access to pri-mary healthcare services in Uasin Gishu County.
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.
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
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.
THE CONTAMINATING EFFECTS OF COFFEE PROCESSING HONEY WATER, CASE OF OTHAYA COFFEE SOCIETY, NYERI COUNTY, KENYA
(International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, 2024-05) Mutua, Paul Mbua; Muchiri, John Munderu; Mugambi, Mworia
Kenya's economic growth heavily relies on agriculture, with coffee production being a key subsector. Coffee processing consumes significant surface water, generating coffee honey water as a by-product, which contaminates downstream water sources and affects local communities. This study aimed to assess the contaminating effects of coffee honey water on surface waters, determine contaminant levels, evaluate pollutant impacts, and analyze socio-economic effects on the population. A mixed research design was employed; involving four experimental blocks with three treatments per block, utilizing a total squares randomized design with four replicates to minimize variability. Twelve surface water samples were collected from upstream, interception, and downstream points, along with four untreated coffee honey water samples from lagoons. The physicochemical properties of these 16 samples were analyzed. Additionally, descriptive statistics from closed and open-ended questionnaires involving 79 respondents from the Othaya Coffee Society Management and 30 local households were analyzed. Findings indicated negative impacts on local communities due to water pollution from coffee processing, with high acidity, organic matter, nutrients, and suspended solids degrading water quality. The study concluded that effluents from wet coffee processing did not meet WHO standards for treated effluent discharge. Recommendations included ensuring treatment of coffee effluents before discharge, implementing proper wastewater treatment facilities in coffee industries, and enforcing regulations by authorities like NEMA. Further research is recommended to explore the effects of coffee pulp on water contamination and the impact of city planning policies on wastewater management in industrial areas such as Othaya town.
Digital Resources Accessibility as A Strategy for Enhancing User Engagement in University Libraries in Meru County
(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers: Journal of Information and Technology, 2024-09) Mutuma, Martin Muthomi; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Nzioka, Catherine M.
Purpose: The engagement of users in university libraries is defined by the interactions between students, faculty, and staff with library resources, services, and facilities. Digital resource accessibility serves as a critical strategy to enhance user engagement in university libraries by removing barriers to access and facilitating remote access. The study investigated the challenges and opportunities of enhancing user engagement in university libraries through digital resource accessibility, focusing on Meru County, Kenya. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital resource accessibility as a strategy to increase user engagement in Meru County's universities. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, targeting 13,000 undergraduate students, 665 postgraduate students, and 25 library staff from Meru University and Kenya Methodist University. A sample of 716 participants was selected using stratified and simple random sampling for students, and purposive sampling for library staff. Data was collected via questionnaires and interviews, with qualitative data analyzed thematically and quantitative data processed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics. Results: The findings revealed that while students generally engaged well with online databases and public access catalogues, they struggled with e-journals and institutional repositories due to usability challenges and the poor quality of digital resources. These issues hindered effective engagement, as the resources also often failed to meet academic needs. Conclusion: The study concludes that improving the quality and user-friendliness of digital platforms is critical for enhancing user engagement. It recommends that university libraries in Meru County collaborate with publishers to improve digital resource quality and provide students with targeted training to navigate digital platforms more effectively. This study contributes to the field by offering actionable insights into how universities can optimize digital resource accessibility to boost user engagement, thus providing a valuable framework for libraries in similar educational contexts.
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.
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 Gibberellic Acid on Sprouting of Arrowroot (Colocasia esculenta L.) Rhizomes in Different Media
(2025-07) Macharia, Kinyoro Joseph; T. E., Akuja; D. M., Mushimiyimana
Arrowroot [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] is traditionally propagated through headsets or suckers. However, initiating an arrowroot crop remains a challenge due to shortages of propagation materials. This study investigated the potential of nodal cuttings derived from rhizomes produced by arrowroot corms to develop into plantlets suitable for propagation. Potted arrowroot mother plants were treated with varying concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3): 100, 250, 500, and 750 parts per million (ppm), leading to the development of corm-rhizomes. A pot experiment was conducted using a split-plot design nested within a completely randomized design (CRD) framework, with four replications to ensure statistical rigor. The sprouting media constituted the main plot, while the application of GA3 (gibberellic acid) was assigned to the sub-plots. The resulting rhizomes from the GA3 treatment were sliced into two-node cuttings and sown in either river sand or sawdust-filled pots. The pots were then placed in controlled sprouting chamber with ideal temperature and humidity conditions. The highest sprouting percentage of 96% was recorded for nodal cuttings propagated in river sand and treated with 500 ppm GA3, 250 ppm (81%), 750 ppm (79%), while 100 ppm yielded the lowest rate at 79%, with same GA3 concentrations in the sawdust demonstrating varying lower percentages. The interactions between GA3, Media and time were highly significant. Therefore, river sand emerged as the superior medium for initial growth. These findings underscore the potential of this propagation method, but further research into single-node cuttings and the evaluation of the resulting plantlets under field conditions is essential to evaluate the scalability and yield performance for arrowroot 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.
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.
Effect of Phosphorus Application on Yield of Sweet Potatoes in Embu West Sub-County, Kenya
(African Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 2022-10) Wanja, Mugai Tabitha; Mugambi, Mworia; Koome, Martin
Sweet potato is a crop that plays a great role in food security in Kenya since it is a drought resistant crop, takes a short time to mature and is highly flexible. The main economic activity in Embu West Sub County is agriculture, which is the economic pillar of Embu County with most farmers there being small scale farmers and depending on this sector for their livelihood. Phosphorus as a plant nutrient is a key component of several chemical compounds necessary for metabolic activities, flowering, and root development; hence, it is essential for proper plants growth including sweet potatoes. This study purposed to evaluate how P application affects yield of three sweet potato varieties in Embu West Sub County. The sweet potato varieties used were SPK004 (V1), Kenspot 3 (V2) and Kenspot 4 (V3). The P fertilizer levels used were 0 kg/ha (P1), 25 kg/ha (P2), 50 kg/ha (P3), and 75 kg/ha (P4). Data on two specific yield parameters was collected at harvest; the collected data was summarized using excel. Analysis of variance of the data was done using SPSS version 23, at α=0.05. For treatment means that were significantly different, LSD as Post hoc test was used to separate them. The study showed significant yield potential difference in the yield parameters among the three sweet potato varieties with Kenspot 4 being the highest producer of both total and marketable tubers yield. The study showed that the amount of P applied significantly affected yield of sweet potatoes with a P level of 50 kg/ha producing significantly higher yields.
EFFECT OF SAVING LITERACY ON INVESTMENT DECISION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN MERU COUNTY
(EPRA International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies, 2024-08) May, Chorongo Kitawa; Fredrick, Mutea; Adel, Kanyiri
The education sector in Kenya receive the largest share of the country's budget, with a significant portion allocated to paying teachers' salaries, as they constituted a large portion of the employed workforce. This study aimed to assess the effect of saving literacy on investment decisions among public secondary school teachers in Meru County, Kenya. It investigated why teachers in Meru County struggled to invest for their future and explored the role of their financial literacy in contributing to this issue, as indicated in the Solution SACCO annual report for the year 2022. The study was anchored under Financial Literacy Theory. Empirical analysis was conducted based on the study's objectives and conceptual framework. The target population for the study consisted of 1,825 teachers from public secondary schools in Meru County. A descriptive research design was employed, gathering data from primary and secondary sources. Purposive sampling was used to select accessible schools in the nine sub-counties within Meru County, while a simple random sampling technique was applied to select 328 respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was tested on 30 respondents from Tharaka Nithi County, constituting 10% of the sample size, and feedback from the university supervisors was used to address any ambiguities or irrelevant questions. The researcher distributed and collected questionnaires using the drop-and- pick method. After collecting the data from the field, it was reviewed to identify errors such as spelling mistakes and unanswered questions. The data was then coded and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis. The findings were presented through tables, and regression analysis, ANOVA tests, and coefficients of determination were conducted to examine correlations and establish the model equation. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate mean values and standard deviations, and Pearson correlation analysis was employed for hypothesis testing. Subsequently, the findings were compiled into summaries, reports, and frequency distribution tables. The analysis of multiple regression indicated that the R^2 value stood at is 0.691, suggesting that the variables related to financial literacy accounts for 69.1% of change for variation in investment decisions made by TSC teachers in public secondary schools in Meru County. The findings concluded that employees generally exhibit prudent financial practices, as seen in their efforts to avoid loan defaults, read credit terms carefully, repay borrowed money promptly, and use unsecured loans judiciously. The study recommended for adoption of a culture that emphasizes saving and investing among teachers in the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and suggest for an attempt to explore non-economic elements that might affect teachers' investment decision-making processes.