Universities In Kenya Research Articles

Effect of Shade Intensities on Growth, Biomass and Grain Yield of Green Grams (Vigna radiata) and Maize (Zea mays) in Kitui County

Maize and green grams are important food security crops grown and consumed in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. High temperatures and low soil moisture lead to yield reduction. A two-season study was conducted to investigate the effect of different shade intensities (0 %, 50 % and 70 %) on green gram and maize growth, biomass and grain yield in Kitui County (1.4° S, 37.9° E). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) farm. Results showed that maize had significantly (p<0.05) higher plant height, Ear height, cob weight, total biomass and grain yield per hectare in 50%, followed by 70% and lowest in 0%. Green gram plants had significantly (p<0.05) higher number of pods, seeds per pod, total above-ground biomass and grain yield per hectare 50 % (1759 kg/Ha), 70 % (1553 kg/Ha) and lowest in 0% (478 kg/Ha). The plants grown under 50% shade intensity had higher grain and biomass yield for both green grams and maize compared to those under 70% and 0% shade intensity, which may be attributed to adequate moisture due to reduced evapotranspiration. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity on green grams farming system yield and break-even price was best at 50% shade intensity. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity in maize farming systems is not significant. To improve grain and biomass yield of both green grams and maize for food and nutrition security, study recommends the use of 50% intensity in growing green grams in ASALs due to benefits including soil moisture conservation, improved plant growth, yield, economic efficiency and cost-benefit ratios

Influence of Organizational Resources on the Performance of Public Universities in Kenya

Public universities in Kenya are under both moral and legal obligations to perform three important functions, which are providing excellent teaching, research, and community outreach. These functions are important because if they are well performed, the country will realise its vision for 2030. However, the performance of public universities in Kenya is still far below expectations based on both global and regional comparisons. The study, therefore, is intended to determine if the performance problem in the universities can be solved by the organisational resources; hence, the objective of the study is “to determine the influence of organisational resources on the performance of public universities in Kenya.” A mixed approach consisting of both quantitative and qualitative research designs was used. The quantitative data was obtained using a questionnaire, while the qualitative data was obtained through interviews. The collected data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. From the analysis, it was found that organisational resources had positive statistical significance for the performance of public universities in Kenya (β = 0.504; t = 5.936; p<0.05). The study, therefore, concluded that effective human, financial, and physical resources definitely lead to positive improvements in the performance of public universities in Kenya. It was therefore recommended that the government of Kenya should plough more resources into the universities as a way of improving their performance.

Market orientation and performance: A comparative Study of private and public universities in Kenya

The purpose of the study is to explore whether there are significant differences between private and public universities in terms of market orientation components. The study examines whether there is a significant difference between customer focus, market intelligence, competitor orientation, inter-functional coordination and performance of universities in Kenya. Comparative studies on market orientation and performance of Public and Private Universities in Kenya, have been studied in many settings over the past several years and specifically none in Kenya. The research adopted descriptive research design on Public and Private Universities in Kenya. Primary data were collected from 115 respondents using a survey questionnaire administered to staff and students of both private and public universities in Kenya. Respondents were sampled using stratified sampling and purposive sampling method. Market intelligence generation, competitor orientation and inter-functional coordination are significant for both private and public universities, while customer orientation was insignificance in both universities. The results of the study indicate that there are significant similarities between private and public universities. In addition it implies that universities have embrace market oriented activities towards students’ satisfaction, students’ retention, student growth and increase of number of programmes. This paper puts forward market orientation practices which can inform policies and guide other academic institutions that would want to meet their students’ needs and services. The paper introduces the concept of market orientation for those institutions who may have not embrace the market-oriented practices in university sector in Kenya.

Establishing Factors Leading to the Pre-service Education Students’ Choice of Teaching as a Career

This paper established factors leading to the pre-service education student’s choice of teaching as a career. The third and fourth year pre-service education students from six public and private universities in Kenya were the respondents. Concurrent mixed method approach was employed in this study. Purposive, cluster and convenience sampling methods were used. Data were gathered using questionnaires and interviews. In data analysis, frequencies, means and standard deviation were used. The study established that the following factors affected pre-service education student’s decision to become teachers. (i) Fallback, (ii) External factors, (iii) Self-concept (iv) Altruistic reasons (v) Extrinsic reasons and (vi) Intrinsic motivation. The findings established that all the influential factors were important to the pre-service education students to join the teaching profession. None of the influential factors was very important to their decision to choose teaching as a career. The pre-service education students pointed out that their high school grade is what really determines their career path. Fallback as one of the influential factors was found to have been slightly important in their decision to enter the teaching profession.

Mentorship for capacity building among young scholars in knowledge translation, research, and practice in universities in Kenya

ABSTRACT Mentoring is instrumental in professional development and capacity building to enhance attitude, skills, and knowledge. It’s need in Kenyan higher education institutions cannot be overstated. However, there exists gaps in mentoring implementation, thus its impact has not been felt. The study explores mentorship as a strategy for building capacity of young scholars in research, knowledge translation, and practice in universities. Specifically, the study assesses prevalences of mentoring skills and the environment that promotes mentoring culture. The results showed that while the majority of the mentees (88.3%) and 53% of mentors had adequate skills for mentoring, they needed to perfect the less developed functional mentoring skills. Combined, 56% of mentors and mentees shared very good functional mentoring skills relevant for effective mentoring. Also frequent communication, similar research interest, institutional support for mentoring, and mentoring guide an promote the culture of mentoring relationships. Practical implication for mentoring program leaders, mentors and mentees are discussed.

Commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights at Universities as an Additional Revenue Stream

This paper investigates the commercialization of Intellectual Property (IPRs) at universities and the potential for universities in Kenya to leverage their Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as a vital revenue source. Even though they possess significant intellectual assets, many universities have failed to utilize IPRs and in turn, losing opportunities for income generation. The paper introduces the concept of IP commercialization and the legal IP framework in Kenya and proceeds to discuss how research conducted in institutions of higher learning can be commercialized through an analysis of best practices and case studies. The discussion outlines the relevance of Intellectual Property to universities, the strategies for universities to maximize the value of their IPRs and establish sustainable income streams. Drawing upon relevant literature and academic research, it provides insights into the commercialization process, legal considerations, and the role of technology transfer offices in facilitating successful IPR monetization. The paper concludes by establishing that by implementing proactive strategies and fostering a culture of innovation, universities in Kenya can unlock the full potential of their intellectual assets and achieve financial sustainability.

Promoting Digital Literacy: The Uptake of OER by Members of Faculty in Teaching and Research for a Technological Transition in Institutions of Higher Learning

In this era of technology, Open Education Resources (OER) are seen as opportunities to give access to high-quality educational and informative materials internationally. The sharing of knowledge and information resources is the primary goal of higher education institutions. Thus, the ladder of education as a means of achieving social and economic mobility is removed using OER. Libraries across the world are rethinking their programs and operations to better fit the needs of the modern world. Successful library services in Africa depend on providing everyone with information and knowledge. The majority of OER initiatives centre on the formal education sector, which includes polytechnics, universities, and colleges. In Kenya’s higher education institutions, not much is being done to promote OER. Understanding and keeping up with the changing nature of the knowledge landscape is essential for effective change management in the library profession. Despite the severe financial situations faced by many institutions, there is a growing need for teaching resources and support systems. Through a review of faculty members’ uptake of OER in teaching and research, this study aims to advance digital literacy in Kenyan higher education institutions. The survey design was used, and data was collected using questionnaires. The population was 655 members of faculty. The findings have implications for universities and libraries on curriculum development and updating the existing one. The observation will influence universities, stakeholders and other regulatory bodies to establish policies supporting the adoption of OER and create effective frameworks for OER uptake for teaching and research by faculty members at universities in Kenya.

Enhance Kenya University Undergraduate Employability Through Team Sports Participation: University Students Athletes

Purpose: Employability is a major issue worldwide, and Kenya is increasingly looking to universities to develop employable undergraduate students. A low undergraduate unemployment rate is considered as a sign of a thriving economy, while a high unemployment rate is seen as a waste of national resources. The aim of this study was to examine how undergraduate participating in team sports in Kenya university can enhance employ ability
 Methodology: The study used a desktop approach where literature was sought from different sources. The research was carried out with consideration given to previous theoretical literature, both published and unpublished. 
 Findings: Most employers look for specific skills and attributes in job prospects in addition to academic requirements. These attributes, known as employability skills, aren't job-specific, yet they can boost undergraduate student athletes’ employability since they increase productivity and value at work also have an impact on ability to grow career wise.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Team sports has the potential to provide marginalized and underprivileged undergraduate athletes with adequate abilities, skills, and pathways to job or social enterprise-based possibilities. Participation in team sports can bring young people together in the pursuit of universal peace and a desire to improve themselves. Hence, university management should have good organization, facilitation, and oversight should be provided by university sports management.

A 5E-based learning experience to introduce concepts relevant in Quantum Physics

We here present and discuss a 5E-based learning activity focused on introductory concepts of Quantum Physics experienced at the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering of a Kenyan University. The described constructivist environment aimed at supporting an effective understanding of concepts very relevant in Modern Physics, such as wave-particle dualism, discretization, de Broglie wavelength, Heisenberg Uncertainty principle, atomic models, particle in a box, etc., by triggering a chain of reasoned investigation, inquiry, problem solving, and collaboration with peers. As it is well known, the 5E-based learning cycle is a student-centred instructional approach which helps learners to broaden their views on the concepts and link together the ideas, by means of five phases of instruction: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation. Our findings show the proposed workflows successfully engaged students into active learning, stimulating the activation of the inquiry process and, at the same time, supporting the clarifying of important experimental and technological aspects of modern physics. This learning path represents a feasible example of a combination of a traditional lecture-based teaching method with laboratory and computational activities.

The Importance of Customer Focus on the Institutional Performance of Private Universities in Kenya

Institutions of higher learning (universities) have gradually adopted the total quality management (TQM) system to ensure quality product offerings and achieve competitive advantage. Universities in sub-Sahara Africa are vehicles of economic and human development through the provision of a trained labour force and research output. These organisations face elevated environmental dynamism in the provision of quality education. Due to conceptual gaps in the application of TQM in universities in SSA, the study assessed the critical importance of customer focus on the institutional performance of private universities in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design and targeted seventeen (17) privately chartered universities founded by religious-based institutions in Kenya. The study used a census sampling technique and randomly sampled 17 heads of administrative sections, functional departments and academic sections. Questionnaires were used as a primary tool for data collection, with the instrument being piloted at Carlile College, Kenya. Cronbach's Alpha reliability testing indicated that the instrument achieved scale reliability. The study employed both descriptive and inferential analysis. Institutional performance significantly and positively correlates with the customer focus (r = 0.580, p < 0.05) and explains 33.61 % of variations in institutional performance with an effect size of β1 = 0.5132 (t = 10.04, p< 0.05). The findings showed that customer focus as an element of TQM significantly influences the institutional performance of these universities. The study recommends that these universities inculcate and institutionalise customer-focused practices during the implementation of quality assurance. This study is of significance to the stakeholders in privately – chartered universities in Kenya and related contexts, as it will offer more enriching information on total quality management

Pre-service Education Students’ Commitment Level to Their Career Choice

The study attempted to establish commitment level to career choice of pre-service education students in six public and private universities in Kenya. The third and fourth year pre-service education students were the respondents. Correlational research design and concurrent mixed method approach was employed in this study. Purposive, cluster and convenience sampling methods were used. Data were gathered by the use of questionnaires and interviews. In data analysis, frequencies, means, standard deviation, linear regression and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were used. The pre-service education students were found to be moderately committed to their career choice. The study recommends Improvement of career guidance in schools so that students clearly understand and choose careers in relation to their interest and abilities because this will increase their commitment to their career choices and reduce the job hopping being experienced in the world of work.

Socio-demographic factors of fashion purchase. A case of apparel consumption among kenyan university students

There has been a rapid growth of global fashion industry. Kenya like other developing nations is fighting for a slice of this growth and positioning itself as a competitive contributor to the same. In this regard, both the fashion marketers and the academia are becoming increasingly interested in variables of fashion consumption. This paper investigated the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics of university students and apparel purchase. Demographic characteristics of students such as age, gender, marital status and religion play a key role in students’ apparel fashion consumption decision making. Targeting 4 public and 16 private universities, this study sampled 7 universities and 534 students. However, 503 questionnaires were completed hence used. Using a questionnaire to collect data, a chi square tested the null hypothesis; Socio-demographic characteristics of university students have no relationship with their apparel consumption. Results showed that there was no significant relationship between age and fashion need conceptualization (x2 = 7.905, df =5, p-value = 0.162) among university students. There was no significant relationship between students’ gender and evaluation of all information before making an apparel purchase (p-value = 0.066) though females were more likely to conceptualize a need before buying new clothes than males. The study revealed that there was a significant relationship between marital status of students and evaluation between possible alternatives (p-value =0.043). Religion of the students had no significant relationship with any stage of fashion consumption. Summatively, the study results showed that demographic characteristics of respondents had no significant relationship with apparel fashion consumption decision making among university students (chi-square = 15.000, df = 12 and p-value = 0.241).

Mental Distress, Coping Strategies, and Academic Achievement among University Students

Emerging research suggests that the global prevalence of youth mental distress has increased considerably during COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health among Kenyan Youth had already been deteriorating prior to the pandemic. This is largely attributed to academic pressure, financial constraints, interpersonal relations, and adjustment to university environment. Negative coping strategies, such as alcohol and substance use, adversely affect academic advancement, and mostly lead to students drop out. It is often unclear what preventive measures and interventions might be effective for university students. This study (a) examines the relationship among mental distress and undergraduate students’ academic achievement and (b) assesses the role of coping strategies in this relationship. The study adopted a descriptive survey and correlational research design. Participants were 277 students (Females = 52%, Males = 48%) randomly sampled from four universities in Kenya (two public and two private). Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the relevant authorities. The majority (91.3%) were aged above 18 years. Self-report Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) and Stress Coping Strategies Questionnaire (SCSQ) were adopted to measure mental health and coping strategies, respectively. Students indicated their Grade Point Average (GPA) as shown in the university system. Findings indicated that a significant negative correlation was established between overall mental distress and GPA (r = - .15, p = .01). Unexpectedly, coping strategies did not mediate the association between mental distress and academic achievement as measured by the GPA. The findings are discussed in relation to previous studies and implications for university education.

The Prevalence of Drug Abuse as it Relates to Psychosocial Reasons among University Athletes in Selected Competitive Sports in Kenya

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of drug abuse as it relates to psychosocial reasons that include peer pressure, social environment, emotional state and relationships; among university athletes involved in selected competitive sports.
 Methodology: The study used a mixed methods research design with an intention to capture and utilize both qualitative and quantitative data. The study sample comprised 300 respondents. Out of the 300 students, 173 (57.7%) were male and 127 (42.3%) were female players derived from six selected competitive sports at the universities in Kenya. The selected sports were badminton, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and rugby. Stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling was used to select 10 universities proportionately (4 private and 6 public), the method was the most appropriate to capture universities with women rugby in addition to the five other selected sports. The study sought to investigate the prevalence of drug abuse due to factors such as psychosocial, medicinal and competition. SPSS computer version 20 was used to process data. The data was presented in form of tables.
 Findings: Data indicated clearly that athletes had abused drugs due to various psychosocial reasons. The prevalence per gender was close at 18% and 12.12% for males and females respectively. Peer pressure was regarded as a great contributor to drug abuse among the youth. Another psychosocial indicator is the emotional state of a particular individual. Students, just like other members of society, go through various challenging situations in life. The other indicator regarding drug abuse due to psychosocial factors is depression. Four (4, 40%) of the 10 dean of students interviewed said that students were victims of drug abuse due to depression. They alluded the depression cases mostly to relationship issues and financial challenges while the students are in session. The data was presented in form of Tables.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Learning Theory, Stress-Coping Theory and Social Control Theory may be used to anchor future studies. It is recommended that university athletes be sensitized on proper use of sports to relieve stress and maintain emotional balance. Further, only qualified coaches and sports officers should be allowed to mentor and man sports in the universities. According to some heads of sports seven out of the ten (70%) and 4 of the 10 (40%) deans of students interviewed, some coaches may not report cases of drug abuse by athletes. This could be attributed to the fact that the coaches, who mostly are on casual basis, could fear experiencing bad blood with the players thereby threatening their jobs. Trained sports officers and coaches should accompany the university athletes always and act as worthy mentors to the young athletes.

The Nexus between Supplier Selection Practices and Procurement Function Performance: A Kenyan Public Universities Perspective

Purpose: This study aimed to unveil how supplier assessment and governance influenced procurement function performance.
 Methodology: The study employed a post-positivist research philosophy and a causal-comparative design. The study used multi-stage sampling to arrive at the sample of respondents of 93 procurement officers. Quantitative data was collected through self-designed structured questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27). Demographically, the study included predominantly experienced, educated male and female professionals.
 Findings: The findings of the study revealed that supplier selection significantly and positively impacted procurement function performance. Specifically, supplier assessment exhibited a noteworthy positive effect on procurement function performance (β = .517, p < .001), underlining the critical role of due diligence, evaluations, and appraisals among suppliers. Similarly, supplier governance demonstrated a substantial positive effect on procurement function performance (β = .310, p = .001), highlighting the significant roles of supplier selection transparency and conflict resolution mechanisms in procurement processes.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study unveiled how supplier assessment and governance influenced procurement function performance anchored in the Resource Dependence Theory (RDT), The study's results confirmed that robust supplier selection practices, grounded in supplier assessment and governance, significantly improved procurement function performance in Kenyan public universities. Strengthening supplier assessment protocols and governance mechanisms emerged as imperative for optimizing outcomes in procurement functions.

Assessment of the Influence of Parenting on the Increase of Students’ Suicidal Tendencies in Selected Public Universities in Kenya

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally, with students being the most affected. Parents and relatives play a crucial role in eradicating suicidal thoughts in students. However, less has been done on how parenting contributes to suicidal tendencies in students, hence this study. A social survey that targeted second-year students in public universities was employed. Five universities were selected using the convenience sampling technique, while the purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. Data were then analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and graphs, charts, and tables were generated. The study reported that many parents interacted well with students, with most variables recording above 70%. On the parental level of involvement in students' lives, fewer parents (<36%) were reported to be involved always. On parental availability, a higher percentage (56%) was recorded to be available in their children's lives only when they become aware of suicidal intentions. Even though parents interact with and are involved well in students' lives, their availability when the students experience suicidal thoughts is wanting, hence an increase in completed suicide. Therefore, a strong association between parents and their children is recommended to monitor and identify earlier any unusual change in the behaviour of the students. This information could be useful to policymakers on how to improve mental health in learning institutions.

Social comparison and overall adjustment among freshmen in one public university

The freshmen in universities continue to face adjustment issues to new environments. Thus, transition to the university is characterized by expected independent decisions as compared to the previous secondary school teacher controlled learning environment.When the transition challenges are not well managed by the university administration, then it could lead to the emergence of psychopathology, as pre-existing mental health problems are exacerbated or new symptoms emerge in response to novel environmental stressors.The present study examined the relationship between social comparison and overall adjustment among the freshmen in one selected public university in Kenya. The study was informed by Social Comparison Theory (SCT) and Student Integration Theory.This study was anchored in the positivist research paradigm. The study was guided by the cross-sectional survey research design. The sample size comprised 213 freshmen in one public university in Western Kenya. The Social Comparison Scale and Adjustment Questionnaire were used to collect data. The validity results indicated that the Keiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) was 0.753. The Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity at 95% level of confidence was significant (p-value of .000 < 0.05). The finding shows that there was a low negative (r = -.142, n =213, p<.05) relationship between social comparison and overall adjustment among the first year university students. The study concludes that the social comparison regression model was adequate to predict overall adjustment among first year university students [F (1, 211) = 4.366, p< .05)].The study recommends that the university counseling center should develop holistic counseling therapies, which would enhance coping skills, seeking support, and counseling seeking behaviours among first year students

Consumer Attitude and Purchase Intention of Counterfeit Phones Among Masters Students in Selected Public Universities in Kenya

Consumer Attitude and Purchase Intention of Counterfeit Phones Among Masters Students in Selected Public Universities in Kenya

Techno-Economic Assessment of Solar–Grid–Battery Hybrid Energy Systems for Grid-Connected University Campuses in Kenya

This paper presents the techno-economic feasibility of using grid-connected PV hybrid systems to supply power in large grid-dependent academic institutions. The study was conducted using the administration building of Moi University in Kenya. The power consumption profile of the building was collected using a PCE-360 power analyzer. The peak load demand was found to be 60 kW. Using random variability constants of 4% for day-to-day and 4% time-step load variability, a peak demand of 70.58 kW was obtained, which was used in our simulation. The solar radiation and temperature data for this site were collected from the weather station of the university. The hybrid system was simulated using HOMER Pro software. It was found from the simulation results that the optimal system was the solar PV/grid without battery storage, which had a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of KSH 8.78/kWh (USD 0.072), net present cost (NPC) of KSH 27,974,492 (USD 230,813), capital expenditure (CAPEX) of KSH 26,300,000 (USD 216,997), and a simple payback period (SPBP) of 5.08 years for a 25-year life span. This system, when compared to the existing grid, showed an 83.94% reduction in the annual electricity bill of the administration building. These results demonstrate a reduction in energy cost by a renewable energy fraction of 67.1%.

Role of Church Affiliation and the Sexual Behaviour Choices of Students in Selected Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: The current study sheds light on the role of church affiliation in shaping sexual attitudes and behaviour. Not enough was known about how Christianity can influence the construction of values and beliefs that discourage risky sexual behaviour among adolescents at universities in Kenya. Little was understood on the role of church affiliation explaining variation in adolescent sexuality among Christian communities at universities. Spirituality is an understudied subtype of religiosity yet it may explain patterns of sexual behaviour. Most studies that have examined the relationship between sexual behaviours and religiosity have focused on sexual intercourse. These studies have not examined other sexual behaviour choices, like internet sex.
 Methodology: Using a mixed-methods design, the relationship between church affiliation and sexual behaviour was examined. In quantitative analysis, a stratified probability sample of (n=176 students) who attend regular prayer sessions in three universities: the Kenyatta University (KU) Main Campus, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Karen Campus, and the Daystar University was used. Qualitative interviews were conducted with university administrators, chaplains, and other church workers. Undergirding the study was the social identity theory, which articulates the idea of people seeking to gain membership and acceptance in any social group.
 Findings: The findings suggest church affiliation has a significant effect on sexual attitudes, values, and behaviour. There seems to be an interaction between extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity, with frequent church attendance appearing to induce more conservative sexual beliefs, attitudes and behaviour. Church affiliation had a significant effect on sexual behaviour choices, which includes internet sex and cohabitation and extreme sexual activities.