Kenya Research Articles

From a Waste Cemetery to a Waste Hospital: Recreating Kisumu City’s Waste Management System

Background: With the new constitutional dispensation in Kenya, counties, cities and towns are creating and recreating their solid waste management systems. Taking Kisumu as a case, this study assesses the existing solid waste management system and how best to recreate it while giving special emphasis to its system configuration, governance framework and waste economy. Methods: Data was collected through group discussions, in depth interviews, document reviews, observations, and a city wide survey of solid waste generation and management. Results were analysed through content and critical analyses and descriptive statistics. Results and Conclusion: The existing configuration does not ensure service delivery to all while the governance framework is not up to the task at hand. Furthermore, the City’s waste economy fails to capture a number of waste resources but loses them to Kachok dumpsite as wastes. Recommendation: First, to better recreate the City’s solid waste management system, its configuration should be designed to ensure service delivery to all. Then its governance framework and waste economy be recreated to seamlessly and sustainably fit this configuration. Moreover, in order to increase the recovery of value from wastes, sorting at source and return funds should be engrained in the system. Additionally, the involvement of resident associations will help improve governance at the residential level. Finally, for all systems, processes, and facilities, performance standards, regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be established and enforced.

Taxable capacity and effort of value-added tax in Kenya

Domestic tax revenue mobilisation has received great focus among developing countries in order to achieve the development objectives with less reliance on foreign aid. The effort to mobilise revenue in developing countries has been undermined by some challenges such as high levels of non-compliance, low taxable capacity and effort averaging 10 to 20 per cent compared to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, which collect 30 to 40 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP). To achieve Kenya’s Vision 2030 development objectives, the tax administration is expected to collect over 20.7 per cent of GDP and ensure revenue growth of 10 per cent per annum (Republic of Kenya, 2007). This called for establishing how far the country is from reaching its maximum tax potential and the effect of various factors that determine the taxable capacity of the country. Emphasis was placed on value-added tax (VAT) due to its high revenueraising potential. Using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation technique and maximum likelihood for stochastic frontier approach, the study estimated the taxable capacity and effort of value-added tax (VAT). The results indicated that capital investment, manufacturing and private credit as a per cent of GDP impacted positively on taxable capacity while inflation, exports and agriculture negatively affected taxable capacity. The tax effort estimation results indicated that the average tax effort between 2011 and 2015 was 0.5, thus classifying the country under low collection, high effort category. Therefore, broadening the tax base through increased investments, manufacturing and improving on the efficiency of tax administration is fundamental in enhancing revenue mobilisation.

STUDENTS AND STAFF AWARENESS ON SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES IN PUBLIC BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TRANS-NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA

The Kenyan government is committed to ensure access, equity, participation, retention, completion and quality of education at all levels. Education is bound to be affected if safety and security concerns of students are not addressed fully. The objective of the study was to find out the levels of awareness of school safety measures among students and staff in public boarding secondary schools in Trans- Nzoia County, Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 40 principals, 754 teachers, 22,562 students and 84 security officers in 40 public boarding secondary schools in Trans-Nzoia County. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedure were used to select boarding secondary schools. The total sample was 403 respondents which comprised of 20 principals, 143 teachers, 220 students and 20 security officers. Questionnaires, interview schedule, document analysis, observation checklist and focus groups were used as data collection instruments. Data was analysed using descriptive statistical techniques that were frequencies and percentages. Data was presented in tables. The study established that, students and staff were not trained on safety requirements as per the Ministry of Education Safety Manual and therefore not aware of the safety measures. The student, teacher and any other stake holder should be sensitized on the safety rule. The school principals should ensure that all students and staff are trained on safety measures in order to prevent insecurity issues in boarding schools. Article visualizations:

Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditionally fermented legume products of Western Kenya

Fermentation as a processing technique has been used for a long time by people of Western Kenya to improve the quality of raw food material. During fermentation, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) synthesize vitamins and minerals, produce biologically active peptides with enzymes such as proteinase and peptidase, and remove some ant-nutrients. The medicinal and i¬‚avor enhancing properties of fermented foods are due to the presence of probiotics. This study aims at isolating and biochemically characterizing potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria from spontaneously fermented legume-based products from two locations in Vihiga County; Emuhaya and Mbale, Kenya. The results from the findings are presumptive indicator of probiotic bacteria in fermented legumes. RC0PU2, SB0PU3 and CP0PU1 isolated form Emuhaya can survive at low pH of 2 while SB0PU3 and CP0PU1 in addition can survive a salt concentration of 3%. SB0PU3 and CPOPU2 and RC0PU2, SB0PU2 and CPOPU3 can grow at high temperature of 45°C. RC0PU2, SB0PU2, GG0PU1, CP0PU1 and CPOPU2 can tolerate a salt concentration of 3%. Only two isolates RCOPU2 and CPOPU2 isolated from Mbale samples survived at the pH of 2. The findings from this study indicated that fermented legumes are potential sources of probiotics with unique characteristics. Key words: Probiotic potential, legumes, lactic acid bacteria.

Effect of sugarcane bagasse ash and manure amendments on selected soil properties in Western Kenya

This research determined the effects of incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash and cattle manure on soil pH, available P, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) during a 2 seasons’ field experiment in Kakamega County of Western Kenya. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design, 3 replications, and a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Sugarcane bagasse ash and cattle manure application showed highly significant effects on soil properties at P≤0.01. The combined application of 5 t ha-1 sugarcane bagasse ash with 5 t ha-1 cattle manure raised soil pH by 0.18, and with 10 t ha-1 manure by 0.17. These increments were higher than the positive control (2 t ha-1 lime alone), that raised soil pH by 0.03, while negative control (no amendment) decreased soil pH by 0.01 at the end of the 2nd season. Soil available P increased by 6 ppm due to 5 t ha-1 cattle manure and by 4 ppm due to 5 t ha-1 sugarcane bagasse ash. Soil CEC increased due to high application rates of cattle manure at the end of the second season. This study concluded that, the incorporation of sugarcane bagasse ash and cattle manure increased soil pH, available P and CEC. Key words: Available P, bagasse ash, cation exchange capacity (CEC), cattle manure, soil pH, Western Kenya.

EFFECTS OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON STUDENTS’ COMPLETION RATES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leadership style on students’ completion rates in secondary schools in Meru Central Sub County, Kenya. The study was guided by the systems and benchmarking theories and adopted the descriptive survey research design. A questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. A sample of 24 principals, 120 teachers and 240 students participated in the study. The study findings revealed that principals’ leadership style influenced completion rates among students in secondary schools in the sub county. It was therefore, concluded that the principal’s leadership style influences the students’ completion rates in secondary schools. The findings are significant as they could assist in redressing challenges of students’ completion rates arising from poor leadership as well as administrative skills. The findings could also help the relevant policy makers and bodies to formulate related education policies and establish the legal framework to enhance students’ completion rates. Article visualizations:

An Afrotropic element at the north-western periphery of the Oriental Region: Pseudomicrommata mokranica sp. nov. (Araneae: Sparassidae)

The surprising discovery of a new species of grass huntsman spider, Pseudomicrommata mokranica sp. nov. (♂♀), belonging to “the African clade”, is reported and described from south-eastern Iran, more than 4000 km away from the nearest recorded locality of the genus in Kenya. Similar vicariant occurrences of other sparassid taxa in Africa and Asia are discussed.

SCHOOL TYPE INFLUENCE ON THE LEVELS OF STRESS AMONG THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

The stress level among the secondary school administrators is relatively associated with the amount of work in different type of schools. Different type of schools receives different student with varied abilities hence the level of expectation by the education stakeholders vary from type of school to the other. This expectation is all focused on the school administrators who are expected to achieve both physical structure of the school and the academic achievement in relation to the ability of the students they receive. This study was interested in examining the influence of type of the school on the level of stress among the secondary school administrators in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study used analysis of variance ANOVA to test on the difference in the mean stress score among the secondary school administrators. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population was 1200 respondents who consisted of 400 secondary school principals, 400 deputy principals, and 400 senior teachers. A sample of 588 respondents was selected using purposive and proportionate stratified random sampling. The sample consisted of 196 principals, 196 deputy principals and 196 senior teachers. The study used questionnaires to collect the data, and focus group discussion was used to access the levels of stress among the School principals. The study found that the type of school significantly influenced the level of stress among the secondary school administrators since the p-value = 0.000, which was less than 0.05 significant level. The study further found that the secondary school administrators in Nakuru County in Kenya, have been applying different mitigation strategies to cope with stress. The study recommends that Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission and the School's Board of Management should keenly monitor class size and stress management programs in secondary schools to reduce stress among secondary school administrators. Article visualizations:

Botryosphaeriaceae associated with baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) and marula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich.) in agroforestry systems in Kenya

Indigenous fruit trees such as baobab and marula provide key nutrients and income for smallholders and enhance diversification of agroforestry systems in the drylands of Sub Saharan Africa. Cankers and diebacks are increasingly observed impacting baobab and marula in domestication trials and farms in Kenya, but little is known on disease occurrence and associated pathogens. Field disease incidence and severity was assessed. Fungal isolation and molecular identification was performed and pathogenicity of isolates was evaluated on baobab, marula and additional agroforestry trees. Nine taxa morphotypes belonging to genera Lasiodiplodia, Neofusicoccum and Dothiorella were identified co-occurring in both symptomatic and asymptomatic plant material. Seedlings inoculated with isolates of L. pseudotheobromae, L. theobromae and N. parvum showed similar symptoms with various degree of virulence. These findings suggest that species of Botryosphaeriaceae may occur as endophytes and also act as a disease complex, with the potential of infecting a wide range of trees in Eastern Kenya. Further investigation of ecology and impact of this potential threat to agroforestry systems in the African drylands, need to be performed in order to develop mitigation strategies. Key words: Adansonia digitata, agroforestry, Botryosphaeriaceae, Sclerocarya birrea, tree cankers.

Impact of Termination of Universal Primary Education on Lifelong Fertility and Child Educational Quality: Evidence From Kenya

This paper focuses on the long-term impacts of the termination of universal primary education (UPE) in the Republic of Kenya in 1988. We exploit this sudden change as a policy experiment to investigate whether female educational attainment affects total fertility and leads to improved educational outcomes for their children. In the Republic of Kenya, UPE was introduced in 1974 and terminated in 1988. We apply a fuzzy regression discontinuity design to assess the effect on female education at the threshold. The termination of UPE immediately reduced the length of female education by an average of 1.3 years. We find that each additional year of education reduced the average number of children per woman by 0.27 by the age of 26 and by 0.44 by the age of 37. Furthermore, additional maternal education reduces the likelihood of their children not being enrolled in school at the ages of 6 and 7 years by 20 percent. We examine three possible pathways: female labor outcomes, contraception, and assortative mating. Additional schooling significantly enhances knowledge of contraception and preventive measures against sexually transmitted diseases. Also, women with longer education tended to match with more educated partners, indicative of assortative mating, whereas the female labor outcomes channel seemed to be silent.

INFLUENCE OF ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG STUDENTS IN PRIMARY TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGES IN CENTRAL REGION KENYA

This study was designed to determine the relationship between academic self-efficacy on academic Performance among students in teacher training colleges in central region in Kenya. It was guided by Self-efficacy theory and adopted descriptive survey design. The study targeted all second year students in Public Primary Teacher Training Colleges in central region in 2019. Purposive sampling was used to select central region, second years’ students and Simple random sampling was used to select 197 students, and stratified sampling to select gender. The instrument used to collect data was academic self-efficacy scale. Academic Performance was inferred from the students mean grade obtained from the mid-course examinations. Means and standard deviations were used to describe the data, while quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. The relationships among the variables was examined using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and regression analysis was used to measure the strength of the relationship, independent sample t test was used to examine gender differences. Overall, academic self-efficacy positively and significantly correlated with academic performance with (r =.70, p 0.5). Based on the findings it was recommended that Educators, lecturers and other education stakeholders should create an enabling environment in order to enhance students’ academic self-efficacy which is a key determinant of academic performance. Article visualizations:

Factors influencing agripreneurs’ investment decision and level in clean seed potato enterprises in the highlands of Kenya

High quality seed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) supply has failed to meet the growing demand estimated at 250,000 metric tonnes from 161,000 ha of ware potato for cultivation by 600,000-800,000 small-scale farmers in Kenya. Increased investments by private seed potato multipliers could alleviate the shortage of seed potato by enhancing availability and accessibility to quality seed, and bridging the supply that currently meets less than 5% of the demand. The objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence agripreneurs’ investment decisions and level of investment in clean seed potato enterprise in the highlands of the Rift Valley, Kenya. The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey of 380 agripreneurs. The Double hurdle (Craggit) model analysis revealed that training, frequency of extension services, family history in seed potato business, years spent in school and selling price, significantly (P<.05) influenced the probability of agripreneurs’ decision to invest in clean seed potato enterprises in the highlands of Kenya. Initial land size put under seed potato production at the commencement of the enterprise, higher annual household income, number of cropping seasons, total land under seed potato and group membership fee also significantly (P <.05) influenced the decision and level of investment in clean seed potato enterprise.

Comparative coastal and marine tourism, climate change, and the blue economy in African Large Marine Ecosystems

This paper outlines potential opportunities for Africa's Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) development driven by blue economy from key strategic sectors including: Coastal and Marine Tourism; Climate Resilience; Environment; Blue Carbon and Ecosystem Services and Infrastructure. The sectoral approach is key to economic development in Africa with potential for income generation, employment creation and poverty reduction, as well as creating blue and green carbon sinks to address climate change problem and environmental management in African LMEs. The sectors establish linkages to countries' established Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change making it possible to promote Integrated Approach at national, regional and continental sustainable development in Africa. The approach is complemented by the utilizing desk-top literature review and secondary data source on LMEs in Africa for blue economy. This approach is supplemented with professional experts' views and opinions, and additional data gathered from field visits to 13 African countries in August 2019 and Nairobi, Kenya Africa Blue Economy Strategy Consultative Workshop in October 2019. The Blue Economy approach development in Africa will benefit both inland and coastal countries. It is recommended that a strong development of the continental tourism will boost the demand for tourism services and infrastructures. The development of eco-tourism will contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and reduce the ecological footprint. Blue Carbon and Ecosystem Services offer an opportunity to develop coastal wetland projects to mitigating climate change. Coastal protection, biomass production and water purification are among the most important ecosystem services delivered by African LMEs. Their current value is estimated to the average monetary value of carbon sequestration of about USD 130,000 per km2 of mangrove, salt marshes and sea grasses.

THE COMPLIANCE OF MANAGEMENT ON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS IN REGARD TO PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF PRIMARY TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGES IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

Demand for basic education by communities in Bungoma County has led to proliferation of many teacher training colleges. However, safety of learners in these colleges remains a major challenge to all college administrators. This reinforces a widely held view that the management has not fully implemented required safety measures in teacher training colleges. The purpose of this study will be to investigate the level of compliance by management to registration requirements on safety in Primary Teacher Training Colleges in Bungoma County Kenya. The study will be guided by the following objectives: To evaluate the college administration compliance towards registration requirements in regard to physical infrastructure in primary teacher training colleges in Bungoma County. The study concluded that college principals had a high positive compliance towards registration requirement in regard to physical infrastructure of teacher training colleges in Bungoma County. The study recommends that college administrators should enhance compliance on requirements in regard to physical facilities, health, hygiene and requirements concerning land sizes. Article visualizations:

LECTURER QUALITY IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA

Universities play a critical in preparing human resources for sustainable development of nations. There have been persistent concerns that public universities in Kenya are producing graduates inadequately prepared to effectively transition from learning to earning. Lecturers are the core agents in facilitating the development of relevant professional competencies and skills essential for graduates’ successful transition into the workplace. The debate on the quality of the graduate cannot ignore the quality of the lecturer. The purpose of this study is to examine lecturer quality in public universities in Kenya. The study used cross sectional research design. Eight universities representing 36.0% of public universities were sampled. A stratified proportionate random sample of 1,107 third and fourth year undergraduate students responded to the study. Thirty one key informants who included deans of schools, registrars in charge of academic affairs, directors of quality assurance, and chairpersons of students’ union participated in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire for students and interview guide for key informants. The tools were subjected to validity and reliability analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using factor analysis, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and content analysis. The research determined two valid and reliable dimensions which accounted for 62.95% of the variations in lecturer quality. The dimensions are lecturer’s professional attributes and instructional practices with professional attributes being the most important. Lecturer’s professional attributes is strongly related to instructional practices (r = 0.597, p Article visualizations:

Wangari Maathai in the Media: A critical perspective

No one is a prophet in their own land. The aphorism is far from a platitude in Kenya where an iconic international figure incarnated by Prof. Wangari Maathai was little appreciated in her homeland Kenya but feted globally. To be true, Wangari’s life trajectory is a reminder not only of the gender inequalities and iniquities that have beleaguered Kenya since time immemorial but also it is symbolic of an individual’s dogged determination to make the world a better place through sound management of the environment. It is, therefore, important to review how the media impacted on her life and more broadly how the media handles celebrities in Kenya. Of particular interest is the manner in which the male-dominated media in Kenya had been downplaying Wangari’s image as a leader save from the ‘tree-hugging’ stereotype. Similarly, Wangari’s political initiatives had little if any impact on Kenya due to her inexperience in playing dirty in the Kenyan political arena. Upon recognition by the Nobel Committee and her commendation, Wangari assumed a larger than life profile albeit in a media environment that was hardly friendly. Nevertheless, her contribution was not lost to Kenyans, Africans and the world at large. The world feted Wangari and Kenya had no choice. This article critiques the role of the media, mainly the mainstream media, and problematizes its coverage of Wangari’s epic efforts until 2012.

STAFF PERCEPTIONS OF THE SOURCES OF OCCUPATION STRESS ON JOB PERFORMANCE AND IMPLICATIONS ON CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

Occupational stress has become a vital issue to address in faith-based organizations because of its detrimental impact on job performance. In Christian higher institutions, where faith is integrated into teaching and learning processes the wellbeing of employees is required to accomplish the mission of the university. The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of staff on the sources of occupational stress so that appropriate measures are put in place to improve workers' wellbeing and productivity. This study is based on quantitative research conducted in two conveniently selected Christian universities in Kenya. Data was collected through a questionnaire based on open and close-ended questions. The descriptive survey design was used for the study while regression analysis was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Census survey sampling was used to determine the participants in the study. The total sample for the study was 158; comprising of full-time administrative and academic staff. The major sources of occupational stress include excessive workload (P =.016, Article visualizations:

A Comparative Study of Maternal and ChildHealth Outcomes of Pregnant Women Livingwith and without Disability in kakamegaCounty, Kenya

Objective: To assess the maternal and child health outcomes of pregnant women living with and without disability in Kakamega County, Kenya. Design: A population-based prospective case control study. Setting: The study was done in 12 Sub County in Kakamega County Sample: The study used a multistage probability sampling design to identify the sub counties that would be case and control groups and purposeful and snow balling sampling technique to identify the pregnant women living with disability who in turn identified an able-bodied pregnant woman that she is accessible to (n=196) Analysis: Data was analyzed through descriptive characteristic in which central tendencies and repeated measures ANOVA. Main outcome measures: Maternal and child outcomes before and after birth Results: Results for maternal outcomes 12 weeks into pregnancy showed that The study found that majority of the able-bodied (91.2%, n=31) and the disabled women (95.1%, n=98) did not have any vaginal bleeding, did not have severe abdominal pains (76.5%, n=26 and 84.5%, n=87), did not have paleness (94.1%, n=32 and 91.3%, n=94), neither severe headache or foul smell (88.2%, n=30 and 83.5%, n=94). The findings also showed that there were no significant differences in maternal outcomes amongst schedules one, two and three (f (1,135) =.256, p=.614, E 2 =0.002).In addition, there were significant differences between the able bodied and WLWD in a linear combination of maternal outcome observations from birth up to six weeks after delivery(Greenhouse-Geisser 1, 133 =.117, p=0.03, E 2 =0.246). There were also significant differences between the able bodied and disabled women in a linear combination of child outcome observations from birth up to six weeks after birth (f (1,133) =7.183, p=.008, E 2 =0.076) Conclusion. The study found out that maternal healthcare services lacked the flexibility and responsiveness to meet the unique maternity care needs of WLWD. The study recommends that further research should target the experience, use of services and needs of women with different and multiple disabilities from diverse groups, using qualitative as well as quantitative methodologies.

Education Attainment of Head of Household and Household Food Security: A Case for Yatta Sub - County, Kenya

This study examined the relationship between education attainment of head of household and household food security in Yatta Sub - County, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population was 19,349 households. A stratified random sample of 378 households was used in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire whose return rate was 81.0%. Majority (55.9%) of the households were headed by a male. Most (93.3%) of the heads of the households had formal schooling. Though a high proportion (56.4%) of the households were farmers, majority (53.3%) purchased food from the market. Most (63.5%) of the households were severely food insecure with hunger. It was found that the level of education attainment of head of household and level of food security were significantly related (x2= 84.495; df = 9; p= 0.000). As the education attainment of the head of household increased, the level of household food security also improved. However, it was observed that basic education graduates (primary and secondary education) were struggling to ensure household food security. This was partly explained by skills mismatch that hampered transition from learning to earning, negative attitudes towards informal employment and agriculture, lack of information on careers and job prospects and lack of capital to venture into enterprise creation. The study recommends that the Government should sustain efforts to provide free primary education, free tuition in secondary schools and improved access to postsecondary education considering that advanced levels of education attainment make a difference in households’ food security. Further, there is need for interventions to mitigate skills gap among the basic education graduates. Such interventions include training programmes for out of school adults to increase their adaptability and flexibility to realities of the formal and informal employment sectors including agriculture which is the main source of employment in rural areas.

Kenya – Nationwide Curfew Extended

Kenya – Nationwide Curfew Extended