Embu County Research Articles

Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance of Nawiri Sacco Society Limited in Embu County, Kenya

This study explored the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and financial performance in the context of Nawiri Sacco Society Limited in Embu County, Kenya. Given the dynamic nature of CSR and the divergent results from global studies on its impact on financial performance, this research aimed to shed light on whether CSR activities contributed positively to Nawiri Sacco's financial outcomes. Specifically, it examined how stakeholder expectations, regulatory compliance, CSR-related costs and risks, and industry characteristics affected the Sacco’s financial performance. The research employed a regression model to evaluate these factors, with a notable emphasis on how stakeholder pressures and regulatory frameworks shaped CSR's financial implications. Data was collected from 85 executive members through structured questionnaires, achieving an impressive 88.9% response rate, which supported the reliability of the results.The findings indicated a significant relationship between CSR and financial performance, revealing mixed effects among the different CSR factors. For instance, stakeholder expectations showed a negative impact on financial performance, suggesting that while stakeholder engagement was critical, excessive focus could strain financial resources. Conversely, regulatory compliance, cost implications, and industry characteristics demonstrated a positive association, highlighting the potential of CSR to improve financial outcomes when effectively managed. These insights reinforced the need for a balanced CSR strategy that aligned with both social responsibilities and financial goals. This study contributed to existing literature by focusing on a Sacco's CSR practices, adding a unique perspective on how socially responsible initiatives could affect financial performance in cooperative institutions, particularly within the Kenyan context.

Parenting Practices as Predictors of Problem Behaviours among Form Two Students in Embu County, Kenya

Purpose: Problematic behavior in high school is a problem that needs to be addressed. The few studies done have not yet concluded what is the major predictor of problem behaviours in secondary schools. This study focused on parenting practices as predictors of problem behaviour among form two students in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County. The research was anchored on social learning theory. Methodology: A correlational research design was employed in this study. The study population consisted of 18-day schools and 14 boarding schools in Mbeere South Sub County. The target respondents were 8822 form two students. A sample size of 383 students was selected using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results: The results showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between parenting practices and problem behaviour. Conclusion: The study concluded that parenting practices such as parental behavioural control, parental psychological control, parental warmth, and parental acceptance are negative predictors of problem behaviour of students. It was suggested that parents should strive to express parental warmth to their children. Parents should also express acceptance to their children by way of helping them manage stress and problem-solving, helping them with things they are unable to do, and complimenting them. Further, parents are advised not to express too much control over their children.

Abstract A077: Chemical hair relaxer use and chemicals of concern in select hair relaxer products in two counties in Kenya: An analysis of inequities in environmental exposures from personal care products

Abstract Despite the widespread use of hair products, including chemical relaxers, little is known about the prevalence and patterns of use in populations outside the United States. Furthermore, there is emerging interest in the investigation of these products as key sources of exposure to chemicals of concern (CoCs), some of which may be associated with breast cancer. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and patterns of use of chemical relaxers among women in Embu and Nakuru Counties in Kenya, along with addressing key knowledge gaps about hair product use, practices, and perceptions of use. Additionally, we aimed to assess the presence of CoCs by examining product labels of selected relaxers widely used by women in these counties, where breast cancer incidence rates are increasing and concern about exposure to toxic chemicals in hair products is high. A total of 746 women aged 15-50 years enrolled in a questionnaire-based study, which ascertained sociodemographics, ever and current use of chemical relaxers, and perceptions of harm around hair product use. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were used to evaluate associations between participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of hair product use in relation to the use of relaxers. Based on respondents’ responses, we purchased 22 commonly used hair relaxers in the target counties and recorded label information (including the ingredient lists). To identify CoCs, we cross-checked the lists of ingredients against the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) Red List and European Union (EU) Prohibited/Restricted Substances Annex II and III, Regulation 1223/2009. Nearly 60% of participants reported ever use of chemical relaxers, with a little over one-third (35.7%) reporting current use of these products. On average, participants reported moderate-to-high levels of concern about exposures and general health effects from using hair products, and relatively high levels of perceived risk of breast cancer related to product use. We found that all 22 relaxers evaluated listed ≥1 CoCs in the products’ ingredients list. We documented 27 CoCs in total: 6 (23.08%) are categorized as Tier 1 (do not use CoCs for everyone) per the CSC Red List and 4 (14.81%) are prohibited substances per the EU Annex II of Regulation. This study contributes to a growing body of literature documenting CoCs listed on cosmetics labels, particularly products that are disproportionately used among Black and African ancestry populations globally. Further, this study justifies the need for increased public awareness of potentially harmful chemicals in hair products marketed and sold in Kenya. Improving the understanding of patterns of use of specific products and their chemical ingredients – which may be hormone disruptors and/or carcinogens – and exploring the role of environmental health literacy on product use is critical for developing interventions to reduce potentially harmful exposures found in these products. Citation Format: Nia C. Jenkins, Amber Rockson, Alexis Schaefer, Dustin T. Dunkin, Dede K. Teteh-Brooks, Mary Beth Terry, Jasmine A. McDonald, Beatrice Irungu, Esther Matu, Cecilia Kimani, Teresa Olisa, Adiba Ashrafi, Adana A.M. Llanos. Chemical hair relaxer use and chemicals of concern in select hair relaxer products in two counties in Kenya: An analysis of inequities in environmental exposures from personal care products [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A077.

Effect of Security Personnel in Provision of Quality Education in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County, Kenya

Provision of quality education requires a multidimensional approach incorporating other players in the subsector including security personnel. Quality education needs a safe and secure environment. This study assessed the effect of security personnel in providing quality education in 165 public secondary schools of Embu County, Kenya. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of security personnel in provision of quality education in public secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya. Institution theory by Meyer and Rowan was adopted. This study involved descriptive survey design and utilized qualitative research method. Stratified, purposive techniques were used to select the sample size. Data was collected by observation, use of open-ended questionnaires, and in-depth interview. Pretesting of instruments was done to determine validity and reliability. A sample size of 20% was used for population above 50, 30% for any category above 10 but not exceeding 50. Census was used for cases below 10, All principals, one student per school and all security personnel in public secondary schools were targeted. Results were presented using tables, pie charts and graphs. Relevant authorities were sought permission to collect data for the study. Findings indicated that security personnel were very important in providing conducive environment for learning, more than half of them were not trained, terms of service were not clear. The research recommends that: security personnel should be trained and involved in school administration, policy should be reviewed to spell clear terms of employment and further studies in other education institutions like special education and polytechnics.

The Aembu access to land and labour systems on food crop production and food security up to 1906

This study sought to analyse how the pre-colonial Aembu organised their land and labour systems in food crop production for guaranteed household food security up to 1906. The pre-colonial African societies had either matrilineal or patrilineal systems of land ownership, while labour was gender specific. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Embu East, Embu West and Embu North sub-counties of the larger Embu County. Purposive sampling with a snowballing technique was applied to get 50 respondents who were interviewed from a target population of 16,144. The study corroborated data from oral, archival records and secondary sources. The findings were that the pre-colonial Aembu food crop producers had elaborate systems of land rights and land use under clan heads. The land access system accommodated practices like shifting cultivation and intercropping; the pre-colonial division of labour in food crop production combined all household members and those other forms of labour like communal, paid and corporate were sourced from outside the household. The study concluded that the pre-colonial Aembu were food secure in spite of occasional rainfall failure, locust invasion and warfare, while the articulation of pre-colonial and capitalist land and labour systems exposed the society members to food insecurity. The study contributed to the pre-colonial social, political and economic historiography of the Aembu people. The study recommends that the post-colonial government should employ strategies that can be effectively used to mitigate food crop production insecurity by focusing on the adoption of various traditional methods of land and labour access.

Leveraging the complex interplay between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, seasonal dynamics, and genotypic diversity to optimize maize productivity in semi-arid agroecosystems

Maize production under low-input agricultural systems in semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the synergistic impacts of climate variability and suboptimal agronomic practices. Harnessing soil microbiota, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), represents a pivotal strategy for bolstering low-input systems. However, their functional utility is contingent upon their compatibility with the prevailing environmental conditions and biotic interactions. This study examines the influence of two distinct AMF inoculants on the growth and yield attributes of diverse maize genotypes across varying seasons within semi-arid regions of Kenya. We hypothesized that AMF inoculants exhibit differential adaptability to varying environmental sites and seasons, and their interaction will enhance the provision of key ecosystem services important for maize production. Field experiments were conducted in three semi-arid Counties (Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, and Kitui) during the 2019/2020 cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with three replications and three treatments was adopted. Treatments consisted of Rhizatech (a commercial AMF inoculant), a consortium of AMF isolates (Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae), and a non-inoculated control. In season one, notable interaction effects were observed for both site × maize genotype (p = 0.0007) and site × AMF inoculation (p < 0.0001), whereby Duma 43 genotype had the highest yield in Embu (11.93 t ha−1) and Kitui (11.76 t ha−1) counties, and Rhizatech and consortium inoculation consistently led to elevated grain yields across all three genotypes in Kitui, surpassing non-inoculated controls. AMF inoculation notably augmented phosphorus (P) uptake, with Rhizatech demonstrating a 79.7 % increase and consortium showing a 38.7 % increase in shoot P content compared to control plants in season 1. These findings highlight the complex interplay between AMF effectiveness, seasonal variations, and maize diversity. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these seasonal shifts, allowing for optimized AMF inoculation strategies for improved maize performance under diverse conditions.

Factors Affecting Socio-Economic Status of the Residents of Mbeere North; Embu County Kenya

Mbeere North, a rural constituency in Embu County, Kenya, faces significant socio-economic challenges despite its potential for agricultural productivity and resource utilization. The region, inhabited predominantly by the Mbeere community and characterized by diverse ethnic groups, suffers from inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and education, and a reliance on subsistence farming. These issues are exacerbated by environmental degradation and climate change, leading to high poverty rates and economic instability. This study assessed the socio-economic status of Mbeere North's residents by identify the factors influencing their well-being. The research employed a descriptive design, targeting a sample of 150 residents, including households, community leaders, business owners, and providers of education and healthcare. Data collection methods included questionnaires and interviews, with a focus on key areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and economic activities. The findings revealed a population with low levels of education, limited healthcare access, and average monthly household incomes of KES 15,000. Infrastructure development is rated moderately, with significant variability in perceptions among respondents. The theoretical framework integrated Gary Becker's Human Capital Theory and Structural Functionalism. The paper presents analysis of descriptive statistics on socio-economic indicators, alongside the results of regression analysis. This analysis sheds light on the relationships between various independent variables, including education, health, economy, infrastructure, social services, and welfare, and the dependent variable, socio-economic status. Regression analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the independent variables (education, healthcare, and infrastructure) and socio-economic status, with an R value of 0.75 and an R Square of 0.5625. In conclusion, Mbeere North requires targeted interventions to improve infrastructure, diversify agriculture, and enhance healthcare and education services. Recommendations include promoting agro-processing industries, investing in modern farming techniques, and developing eco-tourism. These strategies are essential for fostering economic growth, improving living standards, and achieving sustainable development in the region. Keywords: Effects of Socio-Economic Status on the Residents of Mbeere North; Embu County Kenya.

Microfinance Services and Household’s Income among Saving and Internal Lending Community Groups in Evurore Ward, Embu County, Kenya

The research established loans, savings and training services effect on the income of household’s income among saving and internal lending community groups in Evurore Ward of Embu County, Kenya. Greeman Bank model, Saving-Asset Accumulation model and Village Saving Model served as theoretical base of the study. Descriptive design was implemented following a population of 562 SILC practicing group members in Evurore Ward where proportionate sampling technique was applied to arrive at 291 respondents. Primary data was sourced employing the utilization of structured questionnaire. The outcome unveiled a significant positive effect of microfinance loans on household’s income; the effect of microfinance savings on household’s income among SILC groups was not statistically significant but positive; microfinance training had a significant positive effect on household’s income among SILC groups in Evurore Ward, Embu County, Kenya. The survey recommends that to further enhance the income-generating potential of SILC groups, it is necessary to promote increased access to microfinance loans. This can be achieved by collaborating with microfinance institutions, NGOs, and government agencies to expand the availability of microfinance loan programs tailored to the needs of SILC groups in the area. Keywords: Microfinance Services, Microfinance Lending, Microfinance Training, Microfinance Savings, Household Income

Hair Dye and Relaxer Use among Cisgender Women in Embu and Nakuru Counties, Kenya: Associations with Perceived Risk of Breast Cancer and Other Health Effects.

Despite widespread use of hair products globally, little is known about the prevalence and patterns of use in populations outside the United States. As some hair products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and EDCs have been linked to breast cancer, which is increasing globally, in this study, we addressed key knowledge gaps about hair product use and practices, and perceptions of use among women in two counties in Kenya. Using community-engaged approaches in Embu and Nakuru, Kenya, we recruited women aged 15-50 years to complete a questionnaire that ascertained hair product use in the last 7-14 days, ever using hair dyes and chemical relaxers, and participants' perceptions or harm around hair product use. In multivariable-adjusted regression models, we evaluated associations between participants' sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of hair product use in relation to if they have ever used hair dyes and relaxers. In our sample of 746 women (mean age, 30.4 ± 8.1 years), approximately one-third of participants reported ever using permanent and/or semi-permanent hair dyes, with approximately one-fifth reporting current use. Almost 60% reported ever using chemical relaxers, with a little over one-third reporting current use. Increasing age and having an occupation in the sales and service industry were statistically significant predictors of hair dye use (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06 and OR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.38-3.03, respectively) and relaxer use (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06 and OR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.30-2.87). On average, participants reported moderate-to-high levels of concern about exposures and general health effects from using hair products, and relatively high levels of perceived risk of breast cancer related to hair product use. However, in contrast to our hypotheses, we observed mixed evidence regarding whether higher levels of perceived risk were associated with lower odds of ever using hair dyes and relaxers. These findings add new knowledge to the extant literature on hair product use among women in Kenya, where breast cancer incidence rates are increasing. Improving the understanding of patterns of use of specific products and their chemical ingredients-which may be hormone disruptors or carcinogens-and exploring the role of environmental health literacy are critical for developing interventions to reduce potentially harmful exposures found in these products.

Towards Sustainability of Eco-tourism through Ecopreneurship, a Case Study of Camp Ndunda Falls in Embu County, Kenya

Towards Sustainability of Eco-tourism through Ecopreneurship, a Case Study of Camp Ndunda Falls in Embu County, Kenya

Influence of resource planning practices in faecal sludge management system in Embu County

The study aimed to assess the influence resource planning influences the implementation of a faecal sludge management system in Embu County between March and December 2022, adopting a descriptive research design. The population included 655 individuals, with a sample size determined using Taro Yamane's formula for landlords and a census method for top managers, technical officers, contractors, and individuals involved in exhausting. Research instruments comprised scheduled questionnaires and interviews, with ethical considerations obtained from relevant authorities. Data analysis utilized SPSS Version 26 for both qualitative and quantitative data, employing thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive and inferential analyses for quantitative data. Findings revealed a notable gender imbalance and age-related impacts on perceptions in fecal sludge management. Resource planning effectiveness indicated strengths in objective setting, communication, and risk management, significantly influencing system implementation. Recommendations include strengthening the strategic framework, enhancing vision and mission statements, refining financial planning, addressing role comprehension gaps, aligning resource planning with project timelines, and implementing regular monitoring and evaluation for ongoing improvements. Overall, the study emphasizes the pivotal role of resource planning in the success of fecal sludge management projects and highlights areas for improvement to enhance effectiveness.

Project Control and Project Performance of Irrigation Projects in Embu County, Kenya

Project Control and Project Performance of Irrigation Projects in Embu County, Kenya

Service Provision Strategies and Performance of Cleaning Organizations in Embu County, Kenya

The business world of the twenty-first century is defined by rapid and significant changes in market trends, technological advancements, globalization, as well as a change in consumer needs and preferences. Consequently, the changes in the business environment, have forced organizations’ management to realize that the current strategies are ineffective and thus the need for new effective strategies in response to the changing environment. This study sought to examine the influence of service provision strategies on performance of cleaning services organizations in Embu County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the resource-based view, Porter’s generic strategies model and the expectancy disconfirmation theories. The study adopted a descriptive research design and purposive sampling to get the sample size. The research employed primary data which was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were picked after they had been filled by the respondents. The Cronbach’s alpha test was used to check the reliability of the questionnaire with a level of 0.7 and above confirming the internal consistency. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS software. The study findings showed that customer retention strategy, cost leadership strategy, customer retention strategy and customer innovation strategy have a positive and significant influence on firm performance. It was concluded that having effective customer feedback strategies (complaints management system, online and non-online surveys and social media engagements) contributes to the improved performance of the cleaning service companies. It was also concluded that that adoption of economies of scale, economies of scope and enhancing operational efficiency can contribute to a more competitive and resilient business, positively impacting the performance of the cleaning service companies. The study recommended that customer feedback mechanisms should be enhanced through the integration of real-time feedback mechanisms to capture customer sentiments immediately after service delivery allowing for prompt issue resolution. It was further recommended that the cleaning firms should further adopt and implement cost-effective measures. The cleaning firms should focus on strategies that enhance customer loyalty.

Enhancing educational excellence: An analysis of teacher capacity building and its impact on instructional delivery in public secondary Schools in Kenya

This study investigates the relationship between teacher capacity building, instructional delivery, and effectiveness in public secondary schools. Utilizing the descriptive survey methodology, data were collected from 400 teachers in Embu and Tharaka-Nithi Counties, Kenya. A survey questionnaire was used for data collection, whereby the efficacy of instructional delivery was assessed through a Likert-scale survey consisting of 17 items. Demographic information highlighted the diverse composition of the teaching workforce, with varying age groups, educational qualifications, and work experience. The study explored teachers' participation in professional development programs, revealing substantial engagement in subject-specific training among other capacity building programs. Findings indicated high agreement among teachers on statements related to syllabus completion, assignment design aligned with objectives, and regular collaboration with colleagues. Some areas for potential improvement were identified, including the incorporation of student questions to guide lessons, ensuring adequate instructional materials, and integrating higher-order thinking strategies. Capacity building was found to have a significant influence on the effectiveness of teachers in instructional delivery, whereby teachers who had attended more courses obtained higher means scores in instructional delivery than those who had attended fewer or no courses. The study contributes to the understanding of teacher capacity development's impact on instructional practices and effectiveness. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing professional development tailored to teachers' needs, emphasizing collaborative strategies and resource provision. Policymakers, educational administrators, and teachers can leverage these insights to inform targeted interventions that enhance the overall quality of instruction in Kenyan public secondary schools.

Perception and Knowledge of Solar Photovoltaic Technology in Climate Change Mitigation by Households in Embu County, Kenya

Climatic changes continue to impact our ecosystems and livelihoods globally. In the past few decades, have experienced an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events, precipitating to the three planetary crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Embu County in Kenya has not been spared from the resultant climate change impacts. Although globally solar energy is promoted as a sustainable source of energy, its uptake in Embu County remains low. The study sought to assess the uptake of solar photovoltaic technology by households in climate change mitigation and identify the determinants of solar photovoltaic technology uptake. Cross sectional data from a sample size of 395 households in Mbeere- north Sub County in Embu County was collected using data collection tools including questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Purposive and simple random sampling was employed to select the respondents for inclusion in the study. After data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed to analyze the data including SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences). The results indicate an overall increasing temperature and overall decreasing rainfall in Embu County. Income demonstrated a greater influence compared to other factors in determining the decision to adopt solar appliances at p =0.397. A significant proportion of respondents (36.9%) reported having limited awareness of climate change and its impacts. Social and mass media were main sources of climate information. There was a positive significant correlation between respondents who displayed awareness of climate change and its impacts and the adoption of solar energy and awareness on solar energy adoption as a solution to climate change at p values of 0.348 and 0.140. The results assisted in assessing the uptake of solar photovoltaic in climate change mitigation in Embu County and identify the determinants driving households on the uptake of solar photovoltaic technology.

Influence of Community Pressure on Principals’ Compliance with Procurement Regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County, Kenya

Public procurement has become an issue of public attention and debate, and has been subjected to reforms, restructuring, rules and regulations. Most of developing countries have undertaken strategies to reform their procurement systems. Compliance with public procurement regulations in Kenya continues to be low in public entities despite efforts made by the Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA) to put in place measures to improve compliance. The study sought to analyse the influence of community pressure on Principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County. The study employed positivism research paradigm and a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population for the study was all the 132 public secondary schools in Embu County consisting of 132 principals, 132 deputy principals, 132 bursars, 1320 suppliers and 660 procurement committee. A sample size of 98 public secondary schools was determined by the Kothari (2013) formula for calculating small sample sizes. A sample of 490 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling by picking 1 principal, 1 deputy principal, 1 bursar, and 1 members of procurement committee and suppliers in each of the 98 secondary schools. Primary data was collected using questionnaires which were pretested for reliability and validity to determine their suitability for use in the study. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and results presented using charts and tables. Inferential statistics, correlation, multiple regression analysis were used establish the nature and magnitude of the relationships between the variables and to test the hypothesized relationships. Out of the 490 questionnaires administered three hundred and ninety five (395) were returned representing 80.6% response rate. The study indicates that majority of the respondents disagreed that community pressure influenced principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in secondary schools with an aggregate mean score of 2.85 and a standard deviation of 1.237. The null hypothesis tested was that there is no significant influence of community pressure on Principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County. Inferential statistics showed that the coefficient of determination was significant with a value of 0.339 and p= 0.000. The t-statistic and corresponding p-value were 10.336 and 0.000 respectively. Therefore, at P &lt; 0.005 level of significance the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected and accepts the alternate hypotheses (HA) implying that there is a significant influence of community pressure on Principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County. It therefore, means that when the principals are able to manage the pressures exerted by the community then there are higher chances of the principal to be compliant with the procurement regulations. On the basis of these statistics, the study concludes that there is significant positive relationship between management of community pressure and compliance with procurement regulations. The study concluded that the principals do not succumb to the community pressure to bend the procurement regulations in the public secondary schools to favour suppliers rather they adhere to the guidelines. The suppliers to the schools also induce unethical practices like corrupting the school tendering committee members and therefore strong enforcements of laws should be implemented. The study recommends that there should be strict compliance with government regulations on public procurement since this will assist in checking procurement committee performance in public secondary schools. All schools procurement committee members should strictly adhere to procurement ethics to avoid conflict of interest in procurement matters as this can compromise procurement committee performance in public secondary schools

A Model for Total Cost Determination in Open-Source Software Ownership: Case of Kenyan Universities’ Learning Management System

The adoption of open-source products is slowly increasing; the increase, however, is slower than expected, considering that most open-source products are freely available. Researchers and scholars have attributed the adoption levels to, among other things, a lack of know-how of the total cost of ownership of the open-source software. Thus, it is crucial for the cost of owning the software to be developed. While an ongoing endeavor to develop a model to determine the total cost of ownership of open-source software, the models have proved to be less accurate and do not capture essential elements. Moreover, there has been a rising call for organizations to adopt open-source software to lower the software costs incurred on proprietary software. If the cost of owning open-source software were known, it would be beneficial as several organizations and institutions could adopt it readily. The data was collected from Universities in Kiambu and Embu Counties. Linear regression analysis was done to help develop the model, and a mathematical model was developed. The proposed model was: total cost of open-source software ownership = direct + +indirect + hidden costs. To validate the model, it was subjected to expert validation. The model will be an outstanding contribution to information technology as it will make it possible to come up with the total cost of owning open-source software.

Assessment of factors influencing adoption of postharvest loss reduction practices along the mango value chain in Embu, Machakos, and Nairobi counties, Kenya

Use of loss reduction practices are critical to ensuring losses are reduced significantly along the value chain. This necessitates for the need to assess the factors that influence adoption of the loss reductio practices to have better targeting and development. Therefore, the current study assessed the factors that influence adoption, and multistage sampling technique was employed. The counties and the sub-counties were purposively selected, and the mapping began from Nairobi which is the main market for mangoes. Wholesalers, and retailers were interviewed making use of snowballing, while farmers were randomly selected. A total of 70 farmers were selected, 74 wholesalers, and 98 retailers were sampled.From the study, at the farm level results revealed that about 38.7 % of the farmer respondents prefer use of stick and bag. On the other hand, about 37.1 % of farmers in Machakos had preference of hand picking as the main method of harvesting. Wholesaler preferred the use of cartons in Nairobi, while those in Embu and Machakos had higher preference of use of shades. Result from the empirical model showed that credit was a critical factor to use of the practices at the farm with a 40 % influence on use of multiple practices. Experiencing higher losses influenced adoption of the practices by 4.3 %, and would influence use of multiple practices by 19.2 %. Organized selling was the critical factor for wholesalers and influenced adoption by 43.4 %.Retailers in Embu and Machakos on the other hand, were 19.9 % less likely to take up the practices. The results further showed that higher PHL influence retailer to take up loss reduction practices by 30.2 %, and those that were more experience were 20 % more likely to take up the practices.From the result it was thus concluded that cost effectiveness, ability to reduce losses, and increase of incomes were some of the things actors were interested with before they could take up any loss reduction practice. Through the study it was evident that high PHL less to higher use of the practices, and also positively influence the intensity of use of the practices. It was thus recommended that there is need for upgrading the current low-cost technologies to make them more user friendly so that they are not time-wasting during harvest, and for the traders they are able to carry optimal quantities that lead to profit maximization.

Transport and distribution in public primary schools in Kenya: a study evaluating cost, technology, delivery time, and inventory problems in Embu County

Transport and distribution in public primary schools in Kenya: a study evaluating cost, technology, delivery time, and inventory problems in Embu County

A Modified Climate‐Smart Push‐Pull Technology for the Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in the Semiarid Lands of Kenya

Successful use of push‐pull technology in the control of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) in maize has been limited to areas that receive optimal rainfall as opposed to the semiarid areas. This study sought to determine the viability of a modified push‐pull technology designed for drier areas. The technology involved the use of the drought‐tolerant Brachiaria grass as a potential replacer of Napier grass as a pull crop, alongside drought‐tolerant green‐leaf Desmodium (Desmodium intortum) and edible legumes as push crops. The study was conducted in Mbeere South Subcounty in Embu County, Kenya. The experiments were laid out in split plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots contained Napier and Brachiaria grasses as comparative pull crops while the subplots tested the performance of the drought‐tolerant green‐leaf Desmodium and edible legumes (cowpea, pigeon pea, and green gram) as push crops. A maize monocrop was used as the negative control. The pest dynamics were determined using the area under damage/pest curve (AUDPC). The highest pest incidence was observed in the maize monocrop treatments with AUDPC range of 64–65.5 as compared to the intercrop treatments with AUDPC range of 45–56. The AUDPC for damage severity ranged from 24 to 24.5 in the maize monocrop treatments and 15.5 to 18.7 in the intercrop treatments. These findings implied that the drought‐tolerant green‐leaf Desmodium and the edible legumes can be adopted as effective push crops in the modified push‐pull technology. Brachiaria and Napier grasses portrayed similar suitability as pull crops implying that the two can be used interchangeably as pull crops based on farmers’ preference. This study confirmed the viability of the modified climate‐smart push‐pull technology in the management of fall armyworm in dryland areas.