Kitui County Research Articles

Application of SARIMAX model to forecast weekly Irish potato retail prices: a case study of Kitui County, Kenya

Application of SARIMAX model to forecast weekly Irish potato retail prices: a case study of Kitui County, Kenya

Determinants of coping strategies among agropastoralists in Kitui and Isiolo counties, Kenya

Agropastoralists in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs) face various shocks that threaten their livelihoods and expose them to significant health and economic risks. While existing studies often focus on climate-related shocks, they frequently overlook other challenges faced by these communities. A comprehensive understanding of how agropastoralists manage diverse shocks is essential to developing effective vulnerability reduction strategies. This study examined the major shocks experienced by agropastoral households in Kenya’s ASALs, their primary coping strategies, and the determinants informing the choice of the strategies adopted. Using cross-sectional data from 371 households in Isiolo (203) and Kitui (168) counties, this study applied descriptive analysis and multivariate probit (MVP) models to assess coping strategies and influencing factors. From 2016 to 2021, households faced shocks, such as droughts, livestock pests and diseases, crop pests, theft, and intercommunal conflicts. Regional variations were observed: crop pests were common in Kitui, whereas Isiolo experienced higher theft and conflict rates. Coping strategies include income diversification, asset sales, increased farm labor, and reduced food expenditure. Severe droughts and conflicts led to migration, while floods caused extreme measures such as withdrawing children from school. Key factors influencing coping strategies include household demographics, farm characteristics, and market proximity. Households with more adults, higher literacy, or greater income from crops and livestock are less likely to adopt costly strategies. This study recommends integrated interventions to enhance resilience to both climate and non-climate shocks.

Effect of Knowledge Succession on Business Continuity of Community-Based Organizations in Kitui County, Kenya

Business continuity is the ability of a business enterprise to outlive the dream bearers who began it, so it can continue thriving long after the people who began it have left. Knowledge succession is the ability of a dream bearer to groom another or several others to continue the good work they began when they started the business. This study wishes to add a pool of knowledge by addressing the effect of knowledge succession on business continuity. The context the study was done in is Community-based organizations (CBOs) in Kitui County, Kenya. The study applied cross-sectional survey research. The unit of analysis was 228 CBOs in Kitui County while the unit of observation was 228 chairmen of CBOs. The study used Taro Yamane formula to derive a sample size of 145 participants. Primary data was collected using hand delivered questionnaires. Data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics reviewed a high agreement with the statement on knowledge succession with an overall mean of 4.12 which implied that the organization prepared the employees for future leadership positions. Regression analysis between knowledge succession and business continuity indicates a beta coefficient of 0.404 and a p-value of 0.001 suggesting that knowledge succession had a significantly positive effect on the continuity of CBOs in Kitui County. The findings imply that knowledge succession plays a critical role in the continuity of CBOs in Kitui County. The study recommends using digital knowledge management systems, and mentoring fresh employees to enhance their versatility.

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.

Maintaining groundwater collection over the rainy season with water ATM price reductions: a study in Kitui County, Kenya

ABSTRACT Rainy seasons across rural sub-Saharan Africa see a dramatic reduction in the collection of groundwater from water points, exposing communities to health risks and reducing sustainability of service providers. Kenyan water service provider FundiFix operates water points in dispersed rural communities in semi-arid Kitui County and sees five to ten times less water collected, and revenues close to zero, during rainy seasons. Water ATMs record precise volumes of water dispensed and allow for timely price changes. It was hypothesised that reducing price from 3 KES to 1 KES per jerrycan would cheaply maintain clean water collection and possibly increase revenue. FundiFix tested this intervention over the March-April-May 2023 rainy season at three water ATM piped schemes and communicated the price reduction to users, with a fourth control unchanged. This did little to nothing to maintain the collection of water at dry season levels. This shows other practitioners that to address the seasonality challenge price reductions need to be combined with deeper understanding of user behaviour, which requires further study. This study only cost 100 USD in lost revenue from reduced price. Implications for practitioners are outlined. Conditional transfers of water credit to users, rather than price reductions, are discussed.

Impacts of cooperatives interventions on forest conservation and beekeeping: a case study of Kamaki farmers’ cooperative society in Kitui county, Kenya

This study was designed to examine the impact of KAMAKI Farmers Cooperative Society interventions on forest conservation and beekeeping in five locations within the South Eastern part of Kitui County, Kenya. The locations included Kalivu, Athi, Maluma, Kasaala and Ikutha, collectively abbreviated as KAMAKI for the purposes of this study. Cooperative interventions empowered and provided trainings to KAMAKI bee farmers on beekeeping activities, facilitating knowledge sharing and exchange on beekeeping activities with natural resource conservation among bee farmers in KAMAKI. The specific objective of the study was to determine awareness level on the link between forest conservation and beekeeping among bee farmers in KAMAKI. Data were collected on the perception of bee farmers on the link between forest conservation and beekeeping, how bees linked to forest that enhance beekeeping, perception of KAMAKI bee farmers on the ability to plant and identify forest tree types and bee forages for beekeeping. The study adopted a purposive sampling with a sample size of 215 household respondent bee farmers across KAMAKI. Data were gathered through field explorations and observations, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. The data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics by use of frequency tables. Out of the 215 household respondents bee farmers, 170 trained household respondent bee farmers (79.1%) demonstrated a better understanding on the link between forest conservation and beekeeping compared to 45 untrained household respondent bee farmers (20.9%) who had less awareness on this link. Therefore, the in-depth of the study recommends to KAMAKI Farmers Cooperative Society and Community Based Organizations to continuously provide more trainings that support beekeeping with forest conservation in order to increase household incomes of KAMAKI bee farmers.

Effects of climate change on the availability of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Kavonge and Museve hilltop forests in Kenya

The study evaluated the effects of climate change on the availability of NTFPS in Kavonge and Museve hilltop forests in Kitui County, Kenya. The specific study objective was to assess local community perception on rainfall and temperature patterns on NTFPs availability. A sample size of 120 respondents were selected for the study using the Yamane formula. A purposive sampling method was used to select villages within 5 kilometer radius to both hilltop forests and a systematic transect line design of 1km by 1km was used to select households for data collections. Data were collected by employing structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus groups discussions. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, bar charts), chi-square test and logistic regression. The result revealed that majority 83.0% of respondents strongly agreed that climatic conditions of the area has changed. The results submit that 96% of the respondents perceived an increase in temperature pattern during this recent period of 2018-2023 while, 100% perceived a decrease in rainfall pattern during this recent period of 2018-2023. The logistic regression model results revealed that, age, education, occupation and residency period significantly (p &lt; 0.05) influenced community perception of climate change (rainfall and temperature) patterns on NTFPs availability in the study area. It is ascertained that the Kavonge and Museve forests edge communities still rely on the available NTFPs as a safety net when faced with unfavorable circumstances, such as crop failure due to climate change. However, it was reported that the available quantities of NTFP are declining due to climate change. I conclude that, available NTFPs will continue to decrease if stringent sustainable utilization and management measures are not implemented.

Land suitability assessment for mango production in Kitui County, Kenya

Land suitability assessment for mango production in Kitui County, Kenya

Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Language Use and Identity Construction Among Women in Kitui West Constituency, Kenya

This research seeks to examine and describe the complex interaction between language and identity in the lives of the women of Kitui West Constituency, Kitui County, Kenya. Grounded in ethnography, this study explores the cultural and social factors that inform language variations and identity construction in diverse women’s collectives. The targeted institutions include church-related organizations, SACCOs, and informal community-based organizations. The combined focus on qualitative and quantitative methodology: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and sociolinguistic questionnaires fills a gap in knowledge pertaining to language and identity in multilingual African settings and provides impetus for reflections on language policy as well as women’s rights and emancipation reveal the gendered interdependence between the patterns of language choice and societal factors such as education, religion, urbanization, and economic activity. The analysis of the data provided shows that women in Kitui West have diverse linguistic resources that they negotiate every day while juggling between cultural and socially imposed roles and rights. Consequently, it fills a gap in knowledge pertaining to language and identity in multilingual African settings and provides impetus for reflections on language policy as well as women’s rights and emancipation.

Effect of Knowledge Succession on Business Continuity of Community-Based Organizations in Kitui County, Kenya

Effect of Knowledge Succession on Business Continuity of Community-Based Organizations in Kitui County, Kenya

INFLUENCE OF CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KITUI WEST SUB-COUNTRY KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

&lt;p&gt;This study sought to investigate influence of career guidance and counselling services on academic performance of secondary school students in Kitui West Sub-county Kitui County. A descriptive survey research design was employed in the study. The population of the study was 33 principals, 33 heads of guidance and counselling departments and all 7903 students in 33 public secondary schools in Kitui West Sub-county. The sample consisted of 16 schools, 16 principals, 16 guidance and counselling heads of departments, and 381 students. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The null hypothesis was tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 level of significance. The study found that career guidance and counselling services demonstrated a positive significant influence on academic performance (f = 15.179, p≤0.00), with students achieving higher grades benefiting more from those services. The study recommended that Schools should enhance career guidance and counselling services by developing initiatives that specifically target combating career stereotyping. The findings of this study may be of significance to teacher counsellors, teachers, students, school administrators and entire community because they may provide information on how career guidance and counselling services can be used effectively to improve academic performance among secondary school students.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0719/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Influence of Process Innovation on Performance of Civil Registration in Kitui County

Influence of Process Innovation on Performance of Civil Registration in Kitui County

Influence of Ethical Procurement Practices on Performance of Kitui County Government, Kenya

Influence of Ethical Procurement Practices on Performance of Kitui County Government, Kenya

Non-governmental organizations’ development interventions and community empowerment in Kitui County, Kenya

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are crucial actors in international development, addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development in communities worldwide. Despite concerted NGO efforts, Kitui County in Eastern Kenya remains underdeveloped, grappling with significant challenges in education, healthcare, women empowerment, and food security. With 48% of its population living in poverty, surpassing the national average, and 39.4% facing food insecurity, Kitui County is in urgent need of intervention. This study investigates the impact of NGO interventions on community empowerment in Kitui County, focusing on education, health, and women empowerment sectors. Drawing on the Empowerment Theory and Sustainable Development Theory, a pragmatic research approach was adopted, employing a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 384 residents aged 18 and above, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings reveal that NGO interventions have positively influenced education, with 66% acknowledging improved access to quality education through provided materials and teacher training programs. In healthcare, immunization campaigns (65%) and maternal and child health clinics (65%) have significantly reduced mortality rates and increased health awareness. Women empowerment initiatives, including microfinance and leadership training, have empowered women economically (64%) and facilitated their advocacy for rights (69%). This study underscores the vital role of NGOs in enhancing community empowerment in Kitui County. It emphasizes the need for sustained NGO interventions tailored to local contexts to address multifaceted development challenges effectively.

EFFECTS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING PRACTICES ON BIOMASS YIELD AND MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) IN SEMI-ARID KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Sorghum is an important source of fodder in the semi-arid areas of Kenya. However, its biomass yield has remained low due to the low soil moisture content which is associated with low rainfall. &lt;strong&gt; Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate the synergistic effects of combining rainwater harvesting practices on biomass yield and the morphometric traits of sorghum in semi-arid Kitui County. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;: The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design under rainfed conditions between March and August 2021 at the Research Farm of South Eastern Kenya University. It had twelve treatments, including three farming systems (conventional flat planting, ridge and furrow, and zai pits) with three soil mulching types (transparent plastic film mulch, black plastic film mulch, and grass mulch). The farming systems without mulching were used as control treatments. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Fisher’s protected Least Significant Difference test at 0.05 %. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The zai pits with black plastic film mulch and flat planting with grass mulch had the highest and lowest moisture content of 68.65% and 52.5% respectively compared to flat planting. The highest biomass yield was observed in ridge-furrow with black plastic film mulch (3283.33kg ha-&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;) and ridge–furrow with transparent plastic film mulch (3266.03) and was not significantly different. The lowest biomass yield was recorded in conventional flat planting and zai pits and was not significantly different. In all treatments, there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in morphometric traits. &lt;strong&gt;Implications: &lt;/strong&gt;The farming system and the type of soil mulching determined the increase of soil moisture content, biomass yield, and morphometric traits. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: Combining ridge-furrow and black plastic mulch is recommended to improve the biomass yield of sorghum in semi-arid Kitui County, and other areas with similar agroecological conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

Non-governmental organizations’ development interventions and community empowerment in Kitui County, Kenya

Non-governmental organizations’ development interventions and community empowerment in Kitui County, Kenya

Farmer Perceptions on the Effects of Termites in Kwa Vonza Location, Kitui County, Kenya

Aims: This study aimed to assess (i) the perception of Kwa Vonza farmers regarding the presence of termites in their land, (ii) the perceived importance of termites, and (iii) how they control termites in their properties. Study Design: This study is based on responses to a questionnaire sent to farmers. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Kwa Vonza Location, Yatta Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya, between April and November 2017. Methodology: 60 questionnaires, each comprising 20 multiple-choice questions, were sent out to farmers. Out of these, 54 responses were received. Where the response did not require a Yes or No answer, it elicited a response from a standardized five-point scale to demonstrate agreement with the provided proposition. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, in which percentages were tabulated, and frequency tables were generated using Microsoft Excel. Results: 73% of farmers perceived their land as infertile, with the causes ranging from soil erosion, drought, and mono-cropping. 87% of farmers acknowledged termite infestation in their farms but perceived them as destructive. Termite infestation was attributed to deforestation, drought, and flooding. Chemical control was the method of choice to manage termites. Conclusion: Kwa Vonza farmers do not perceive termites as of any agronomic significance but view them as destructive agents. Further research to address the complex issue of soil management at the farm-scale level that involves farmers is necessary to fill gaps in scientific knowledge and produce advice for practical use.

Physical and Environmental Factors Influencing Accessibility to Sanitation and Hygiene Services Among People Living with Disabilities in Kitui County, Kenya

This study aimed to find out the physical and environmental factors influencing accessibility to sanitation and hygiene services among PLWD in Kitui County, Kenya. The study employed a cross sectional survey method. Disability status varied, with 44.2% having physical/mobility disabilities, 34.4% with visual disabilities, and 21.4% with hearing disabilities. In terms of physical and environmental factors, 95.6% had access to latrines, Improved pit latrines were the most common (52.3%). 93.3% reported sufficient space inside latrines, challenges included slippery floors (28.2%) and limited privacy (23%). Inferential statistics, employing logistic regression, identified significant associations. The logistic regression analysis elucidated significant factors influencing hygiene and sanitation accessibility among people with disabilities in Kitui County, Kenya. Socio-economic variables, including occupation (B = -0.212, p = 0.032), income (B = -1.068, p = 0.184), and education level (B = 0.457, p &lt; 0.001), exhibited notable associations. Physical and environmental factors, such as latrine design for people with disabilities (B = -0.566, p = 0.077), played a crucial role. This study identified substantial challenges hindering people with disabilities (PLWD) from accessing adequate sanitation and hygiene, revealing critical issues related to physical and environmental barriers.

Social-Economic Factors Affecting Accessibility to Sanitation and Hygiene Services Among People Living with Disabilities in Kitui County, Kenya

Persons living with disabilities refer to individuals with persistent mental, physical, sensory or intellectual deterioration while interacting with varied barriers may prevent equal participation in society compared to other population. People living with disabilities (PLWD) are greater than five times probable to be found in the position of being unable to access sanitation and hygiene services as compared to normal people in the same community. There are significant gaps and limited knowledge in implementation of WASH policies across the country. This study aimed was to determine the social-economic factors affecting accessibility to sanitation and hygiene services among PLWD in Kitui County, Kenya. The study employed a cross sectional survey method. Socio-economic status indicated a high proportion of participants with limited education (51.1% with no formal education, 35.2% with primary education), and a pervasive low income (98.6% earning less than 10,000) and unemployment (85.3%). Socio-economic variables, including occupation (B = -0.212, p = 0.032), income (B = -1.068, p = 0.184), and education level (B = 0.457, p &lt; 0.001), exhibited notable associations. This study identified substantial challenges hindering people with disabilities (PLWD) from accessing adequate sanitation and hygiene, revealing critical issues related to socio-economic factors, physical and environmental barriers, communication gaps, and institutional shortcomings.

Influence of Self-Image on Learning Efficacy among the Learners with Physical Impairments in Public Regular Primary Schools in Kitui County

Learners with physical impairments have a right to quality education within regular schools. However, learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments in regular public schools has been on a downward trajectory. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out how self-image affected learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments in regular public primary schools in Kitui County. Correlational and phenomenological research designs were triangulated to give a unified perspective of the study. A mixed research methodology whereby quantitative and qualitative data were concurrently collected was applied. The target population was 89,745 participants, which included 56,875 learners, 2,607 teachers, 30,221 parents and guardians and 42 curriculum support officers. Purposive sampling techniques were used in identifying the sample of the study. The sample size was 265 respondents comprising 162 teachers, 51 learners with physical impairments, 47 parents of the learners with physical impairments and 5 Special Needs Curriculum Support Officers. Data collection tools were questionnaires, an interview schedule, observation checklists and a focused group discussion guide. Quantitative data were computed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25, and results were analysed through descriptive methods and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in narrative form. From the findings, the researcher established that there was a significant relationship between self-image and learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments in regular schools. Poor self-image among the learners with physical impairments triggered by negative attitudes and stereotypes from the school community were impediments to the learning efficacy among the learners with physical impairments. The study recommended educational psychologists, special needs curriculum support officers and teachers to spearhead psychological makeups among the learners with physical impairments to appreciate themselves and improve their learning efficacy