Maseno University Research Articles

Growth and Gas Exchange Responses of Maize and Banana Plants in an Intercrop with Agroforestry Tree Species in Vihiga County, Kenya

Agroforestry trees have been reported to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, coupled with leaves and twig decomposition. High human population pressure in Vihiga County has led to reduced land area under farming. This has resulted into increased demand for food and consequently forced smallholder farmers in the region to carry out poor farming practices such as continuous cultivation and clearing of trees to avail more land for crop production. The poor farming practices have occasioned severe land degradation, climate change and reduced farm productivity. However, it is not known how intercropping maize and banana with Sesbania sesban, Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena diversifolia impacts on the growth and gas exchange parameters of maize and banana. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of intercropping agroforestry tree species with maize and banana on maize and banana height, leaf area, number of leaves, stem diameter, intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rate and net photosynthesis in Vihiga County. The study was conducted at Maseno university farm located in Vihiga County in Kenya. The Williams varieties of banana of the same age were obtained from KALRO-Thika. Seeds of selected agroforestry trees were obtained from KEFRI – Muguga, planted in a seedbed and the seedlings raised in nurseries before being transplanted in the study plots. Hybrid maize seed (H513) was purchased from an agrovet. Banana holes were dug 2x2 feet, 20 Kg of decomposed cow dung manure + 20 Kg of top soil + 200g of NPK fertilizer added in each banana hole before planting. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications was used with seven treatment levels of unfertilized Maize (M), Banana (B), Maize + Banana + Calliandra (MBC), Maize+ Banana+ Leucaena (MBL), Maize+ Banana+ Sesbania (MBS), Maize + Banana (MB) and Fertilized Maize (MF). Maize was planted at 0.75 m inter row by 0.3 m spacing. Fifteen (15) tagged maize and four (4) banana plants in each plot were sampled for measurement of height, number of green leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rate and net photosynthetic rate. The data was subjected to Analysis of Variance using Genstat statistical package version 15.2. Means were separated using Fischers’ protected LSD test at 95% confidence level. The MBS treatment showed higher growth in terms of height, leaf area, number of leaves and stem diameter throughout the study period. Increased growth seen under fertilized maize was not significantly different from those under MBS. Gas exchange responses had no significant differences (p≤0.05) among most treatments. However, agroforestry tree species had shown higher intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rates and net photosynthesis of maize and banana plants. Sesbania sesban reported maximum intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rates and net photosynthesis as compared to those treatments without agroforestry trees. Therefore, incorporating nitrogen-fixing trees in farming could have a positive impact on growth, increased carbon (IV) oxide intake, transpiration rates and net photosynthetic rate. Sesbania sesban promoted growth and recorded higher gas exchange parameters of maize and banana. These findings may be used to advice smallholder farmers of Vihiga County on the best intercropping system and agroforestry tree species to adopt for maximum maize and banana yield.

Bio control of water hyacinth with Cercospora piaropi and Myrothecium roridum corn oil formulations for enhanced water resources management and conservation

Water hyacinth hinders extraction and supply of clean water by clogging intake systems. Despite control efforts, it has remained resurgent and difficult to manage under current methods. Efficacious control for the weed is therefore necessary. This study’s goal was determination of effect of corn oil spore formulations of Cercospora piaropi Tharp and Myrothecium roridum Tode Fries on; disease intensity, relative shoot length and relative biomass of water hyacinth. It was conducted in Maseno University and in a greenhouse at Kibos in Kisumu situated at latitude 00 37’ S and longitude 370 20’ E. The conditions were 25 to 300 C and 22 to 270 C temperature averages during the day and night respectively and 60 to 69% relative humidity. Isolations of C. piaropi and M. roridium were made, grown on PDA, harvested and formulated in corn oil at 1x105, 1x106, 1x107, 1x108 and 1x109 spores/ml. Healthy plants were misted with the corn oil formulations and placed in 90 cm diameter and 1.5 cm depth plastic basins filled with 20 liters of water that had been kept in a container for 24 hours for chlorine to be released. The experimental design was completely randomized design with three replications. Disease intensity, relative shoot length and relative biomass were determined biweekly for 6 weeks. Analysis of variance on the means was done using SAS Institute, Inc.1999 computer software and LSD (p?0.05) used for mean separation. Disease intensity, AUDPS, relative shoot length and relative biomass scores for both pathogens showed a significant (p ?. 05) increase as the concentration of spores in the formulations increased. Cercospora piaropi and M. roridum in corn oil formulation at 1x108 and 1x109 spores/ml were found effective for lowering water hyacinth biomass and shoot growth respectively and with potential for use in open waters for water hyacinth control.

Improving work and employment opportunities for women with psychosocial disabilities: an action research protocol.

In Kenya, employment rates for persons with disabilities are very low and those with psychosocial disabilities have even more dismal rates of employment. This situation has negative impact on the individual’s recovery, quality of life, mental and physical health. The systemic exclusion of persons with psychosocial disabilities in work and employment disproportionately affects women. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of disability inclusion training to improve work and employment opportunities for women with psychosocial disabilities in Tana River County, Kenya. The study will adopt a mixed methods research design using action research approach. A sample of women with psychosocial disabilities will be trained using a researcher designed disability inclusion training manual, while employers and other stakeholders will be trained on inclusive employment. Trainings will be tailored to suit different employers and for different types of psychosocial disabilities. Interactive learning and linking sessions involving the two groups and process evaluations will be conducted at different time points to measure the impact of the intervention. Findings from this pilot study will inform future research on work and employability programs for rural women with psychosocial disabilities. The study protocol was approved by Maseno University Ethics Review Committee (MUERC/00851/20). Findings from this study will be disseminated through conference presentations and scientific publications in peer reviewed journals.

Response of soybean (Glycine max L.) to application of lime and phosphate fertilizer in an acid soil of western Kenya

The effect of combining lime and phosphate fertilizer on the performance of soybean (Glycine max L.) was investigated in a pot experiment consisting of nine treatments of three rates of lime (0, 4 and 8 t ha−1) in a factorial combination with three rates of phosphorus (0, 15, and 30 kg P ha−1) at Maseno University in western Kenya. There was a significant interaction between the lime and phosphorus rate on the biomass dry weight of soybean. At the rates of 0 and 4 t ha-1 of lime, the biomass dry weight of soybean increased with increasing rates of phosphorus but at 8 t ha-1 of lime, the dry weight of soybean increased from 0 to 15 kg P ha-1 but declined at 30 kg P ha-1. There was however no significant interaction between lime and P rates on grain weight but the effects of both P and lime rate were significant. When applied without lime, 30 kg P ha-1 gave significantly higher grain (5.3 g pot-1) weight than 15 kg P ha-1 (1.6 g pot-1) of soybean, which was also significantly better than the control (0.0 g pot-1). When applied without phosphorus, both lime rates at 4 and 8 t ha−1 significantly increased grain weights of soybean compared to the control, but the grain weights of soybean between the two lime rates did not differ significantly. The highest yields of soybean were obtained when 4 t ha−1 of lime was applied with 30 kg P ha−1 (19 g pot-1). Therefore, this study demonstrates that the ameliorating deleterious effects of soil acidity through liming should simultaneous be accompanied by application of P fertilizer at appropriate rates.

Comparative Studies of Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity oc Carica papaya L. Extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans

Carica papaya extracts are known for their traditional medicinal uses. The ability of its parts to control thegrowth of common pathogens in the laboratory has been tested in different parts of the world usingdifferent varieties of C. papaya. This study was initiated to compare the phytochemical and antimicrobialactivity of different plant parts extracts of C. papaya var. papayi GAV4 on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcusaureus and Candida albicans. C. papaya plant parts were collected from a farm in Kiboswa (Kisumu):coordinates 0.0245°S and 34.7474°E, and then were transported to Maseno University Botany Laboratory.Seeds, green leaves and bark were washed thoroughly with tap water, rinsed in sterile water and dried afterwhich they were ground using a grinder. From each of the three plant parts, three types of extracts wereprepared using water, acetone and ethanol in the concentrations 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Theantimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested on microbes growing on agar plates by inoculation with thedifferent concentrations using diffusion method and replicated 3 times. Extracts were isolated using Soxhletapparatus and MIC determined by serial dilution, zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters. Meansfrom the measurements were separated and compared at significance level P = 0.05. Phytochemicalspresent included alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, glycosides, anthocyanins and terpenoidswhile anthraquinones were absent. Ethanol bark extract on C. albicans showed higher inhibition and therewere significant differences in inhibition among the plant parts and extracts used. In concentrations used,25% was significantly different from 50%, 75% and 100%. The results obtained in this study confirm thatC. papaya has antimicrobial activity on E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans; and has also shown high potentialsfor use as a potential source of antibiotics to treat diseases caused by these microorganisms.

Determinants of Sexual Functionality Among Men Who Utilize Sex Enhancing Drugs

This paper is based on the findings of a study carried out on the determinants of sexual functionality among men who utilize sex enhancing drugs (SEDs). The study was submitted as a thesis in partial fulfillment for the award of a degree of Master of Public Health Maseno University in the year 2019. The research design was cross sectional. Data for this study was collected using socio-demographic and International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires from a sample of 67 men above the age of 18 who were sampled purposively. The results from descriptive analysis indicated that 55% of the study participants are aged between 30 and 49 years, 64% are educated to secondary school and above, 68% have an occupation, 71% are non-smokers, 40% ride a bicycle, 91% are physically active and 30% have co-morbidity. On sexual functionality, 95% have some level of erectile dysfunction, at 85% a similar number have varying levels of orgasmic dysfunction and sexual desire. 98% have some level of intercourse dysfunction. The study demonstrate that the determinants of sexual functionality include age, marital status, education, alcohol consumption, bicycle riding, physical activity and co-morbidity. The study identifies socio-demographic factors, lifestyle and co-morbidity as risk factors to sexual functionality. It recommends that sexual functionality be given deserving public health attention.

“Curating Kisumu” and “Curating East Africa:” Academic Collaboration and Public Engagement in the Digital Age

AbstractThis essay examines the origin, permutations, potentials, challenges, and implications of two successive, collaborative public history research, teaching, and learning projects undertaken by the Department of History at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Department of History and Archeology at Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya between 2014 and 2018. The two projects explored how opportunities created by the mobile revolution in Africa could be leveraged to generate new ways of acquiring historical information and knowledge between students and faculty in universities separated by enormous distances and by disparate social, economic, and political experiences. Specifically, the projects examined how the cellphone revolution could reshape the production and dissemination of knowledge about important sites, places, events, and people in modern Africa. The essay examines the conception and permutations of the two projects; identifies and explores their potentials and challenges; and proffers thoughts and suggestions that may guide similar future endeavors.

SCINDA-GPS derived TEC depletions and amplitude scintillations over Kisumu, Kenya during selected quiet and storm days of 2013 and 2014

Total Electron Content (TEC) depletion and amplitude scintillation (S4) can be derived from, SCINDA-GPS receivers situated in various parts of the equatorial region. In this paper we present results of characterization of TEC depletions and amplitude scintillations over Kisumu, Kenya (Geomagnetic coordinates: 9.64o S, 108.59o E; Geographic coordinates: 0.02o S, 34.6o E) for both selected geomagnetically quiet and geomagnetically disturbed conditions between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2014 using data derived from the Kisumu NovAtel GSV4004B SCINDA-GPS receiver situated at Maseno University. TEC depletions and amplitude scintillations affect Global Positioning System (GPS) signals in the ionosphere as they propagate from the satellite to the receiver. This study aims to investigate day to day variability of TEC depletions and amplitude scintillations over Kisumu, Kenya during both geomagnetically quiet and geomagnetically disturbed days of 2013 and 2014 which was a high solar activity period for Solar Cycle 24. Seasonal variability of TEC depletions and S4 index is also presented. The Receiver Independent Exchange (RINEX) data for the years 2013 and 2014 was retrieved from the Kisumu SCINDA-GPS receiver, processed to obtain Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC), S4 and Universal Time (UT) and fed into MATLAB to generate VTEC and S4 plots against UT for each selected quiet and storm day within the 2013 and 2014 period. The obtained results showed a diurnal variation of TEC where TEC was minimum at pre-sunrise, maximum during daytime and minimum during nighttime. The minimum TEC during pre-sunrise and nighttime was attributed to reduced solar intensity while maximum TEC during daytime is attributed to increased solar intensity. Most of the selected quiet and storm days of the years 2013 and 2014 showed TEC depletions and TEC enhancements corresponding with enhanced amplitude scintillations between 1800UT and 20:00UT. This might be attributed to the rapid rise of the F-layer and the increase in the vertical E x B plasma drift due to the Pre-reversal Enhancement (PRE) of the eastward electric field. Post-midnight TEC depletions and amplitude scintillations were observed for some days and this was attributed to the effect of zonal winds which brought post-midnight enhancement of the E x B drift. The percentage occurrence of amplitude scintillations for the selected quiet and storm days exhibited a seasonal dependence with equinoctial months having higher occurrences than the solstitial months. The higher average S4 index during equinoctial months might be attributed to increased solar intensity resulting from the close alignment of the solar terminator and the geomagnetic meridian. Â

Relationship Between Personality Types and Career Choice Among Undergraduate Students of Maseno University, Kenya

Training institutions in most parts of the world place high premium on those who excel in examinations based on scholastic intelligence. In Kenya, students are admitted into available undergraduate degree programmes in public universities based on their performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Yet, the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree programmes offered in the School of Education at Maseno University have a strong bearing on personality types and not all the students admitted can fit in them. Academic qualification remains a challenge to a majority of students (79.4%) in choosing a career; hence a significant number (94%) of students end up settling for what is available rather than their choice. Apparently, limited attention has been given to exploring the relationship between students’ unique personality-occupational interests hence the current low (7%) college career satisfaction level. The purpose of the study therefore, was to establish the types of personality and their relationship with career choice among first-year B.Ed students of Maseno University, Kenya. The objectives of the study was to establish Holland personality types across gender; to determine the level of relationship between personality types and career choice in the B.Ed programmmes of Maseno University The study was guided by the Holland Code Theory (1997). Correlation and descriptive survey designs were adopted for the study. The target population consisted of the 490 first-year B.Ed students admitted in the Academic year 2011/2012 in the School of Education. The study sample consisted of 220 first-years B.Ed students drawn using proportionate stratified sampling. Data was collected by use of Questionnaire and document analysis guides. The questionnaire was piloted using 10% (n = 49) of the study population Pearson Product Moment correlation was used to determine reliability at alpha level 0.05. The questionnaire had an acceptable reliability index of 0.84. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mode, frequency counts and percentages. Gender difference in personality types was examined using percentages and mean gender differences across personality types. Further, the degree of relationship between personality types and career choice was established using cross tabulation with chi-square test and Likelihood Ratio test. Qualitative data was transcribed into text form of emerging themes and reported. Gender was found to be strongly correlated to personality types ( X = 34.962, df= 5, p= .000) with more males classified as realistic and investigative and more females as social type. The results of the of the chi square test likelihood ratio test show very high (p<.000) level of relationship between personality types and career choice. The study concludes that students at Maseno University can be classified into the six Holland personality types which correlate significantly with gender. The study further concludes that there is also a significant relationship (p<.000) between personality types and career choice. The study recommended that the need to investigate factors at the university environment which influences the development of personality types among female and male students. Significantly, the study provides a useful guide to students, education policymakers and university staff for career choice, training and retention efforts and placement. Keywords: Personality, Gender, Career choice, degree program DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-14-14 Publication date: May 31 st 2020

Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Fingerlings Fed on Soybean (Glycine Max) Compared to Dagaa (Rastreneobola Argentea) Meal with Diet Supplement of Maize Bran.

A study was conducted at Maseno University to evaluate the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed on soybean (Glycine max) and dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea) meals separately. The experimental feeds used were Glycine max and Rastrineobola argentea. A total of 160 fingerlings were used during this experiment. The fingerlings were fed at 5% of their mean body weight on daily basis for 5 weeks and the feed amount adjusted after every sapling in relation to body weight. There were 2 replicates for each feed therefore 4 hapas were used hence 40 fingerlings for each hapa net. The concrete pond used was drained and left to dry for 4 days to kill any available parasites before filling with water. After filling the pond with water, it was fertilized using DAP to promote the growth of phytoplankton in the water before stocking with the fingerlings. Sampling was done weekly to determine SGR and FCR of the fingerlings from each hapa. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v. 16.02. Although there was observable difference, statistically there was no significant difference between the two treatments. In weight p=0.73 (p>0.05) and length p=0.61 (p>0.05). The average temperature during the project period was 24.4°C+/- 0.33 while the pH was 8.87+/- 0.28.

Relationship Between Types of Intelligence And Career Choice Among Undergraduate Students Of Maseno University, Kenya

Training institutions in most parts of the world place high premium on those who excel in examinations based on scholastic intelligence. In Kenya, students are admitted into available undergraduate degree programmes in public universities based on their performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Yet, the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree programmes offered in the School of Education at Maseno University have a strong bearing on types of human intelligence and not all the students admitted can fit in them. Academic qualification remains a challenge to a majority of students (79.4%) in choosing a career; hence a significant number (94%) of students end up settling for what is available rather than their choice. Apparently, limited attention has been given to exploring the relationship between students’ innate occupational skills and interests hence the current low (7%) college career satisfaction level. The purpose of the study therefore, was to establish the types of intelligence and their relationship with career choice among first-year B.Ed students of Maseno University, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to establish the types of intelligence across among male and female students and to determine the degree of relationship between types of intelligence and career choice. The study was guided by the Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory (1983). Correlation and descriptive survey designs were adopted for the study. The target population consisted of the 490 first-year B.Ed students admitted in the Academic year 2011/2012 in the School of Education. The study sample consisted of 220 first-years B.Ed students drawn using proportionate stratified sampling. Data was collected by use of Questionnaire and document analysis guides. The questionnaire was piloted using 10% (n = 49) of the study population. Pearson Product Moment correlation was used to determine reliability at alpha level 0.05. The questionnaire had an acceptable reliability index of 0.84. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mode, frequency counts and percentages. A type of intelligence was established using percentages and mean. Further, gender difference in types of intelligence was examined using mean gender differences. Further, the degree of relationship between types of intelligence and career choice was established using cross tabulation with chi-square test and Likelihood Ratio test. Qualitative data was transcribed into text form of emerging themes and reported. The results showed that first-year students scored very high in interpersonal intelligence (90.9%) and relatively lower on visual-spatial intelligence (75.5%). The study found significant difference between male and female in logical/mathematical ( df 35, p = 0.005 ), verbal/linguistic ( df 38, p = 0.004 ) and existentialist ( df 34, p = 0.000 ), music-rhythmic ( df 37, p = 0.012) and bodily-kinesthetic (df 33, p = 0.015) intelligence in favour of males and no significant difference in visual-spatial ( df 33, p = 0.06 ), interpersonal ( df 47, p = 0.142, ), intrapersonal ( df 19, p = 0.408 ) and naturalistic ( df 34, p = 0.16 ) intelligence domains. Results of the chi square test show that there is a significant relationship (r=.182, p<.000) between types of intelligence and career choice. The results of the likelihood ratio test show very high (p<.000) degree of relationship between types of intelligence and career choice. The following conclusions are drawn; Students at Maseno University can be classified into the nine Gardner’s intelligence types; Gender differences exist in specific types but not all types of intelligence and that there is a significant high degree of relationship (r=.182, p<.000) between types of intelligence and career choice. The study recommended that the need to investigate factors at the university environment which influences the development of multiple intelligence among male and female students. Significantly, the study provides a useful guide to students, education policymakers and university staff for career choice, placement training and retention efforts. Key words : Multiple Intelligence, Gender, Career choice, degree programme DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-33-14 Publication date: November 30 th 2019

Cost-effectiveness of conditional cash transfers to retain women in the continuum of care during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period: protocol for an economic evaluation of the Afya trial in Kenya

IntroductionA wealth of evidence from a range of country settings indicates that antenatal care, facility delivery and postnatal care can reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity in high-burden settings....

Total electron content and scintillations over Maseno, Kenya, during high solar activity year

Proper characterization of total electron content (TEC) and scintillation is very important to global positioning system (GPS) users in communication, navigation, ionospheric or atmospheric studies. Quiet time variation of TEC is useful in the estimation and removal of ionospheric delay for global navigation satellite systems single-frequency positioning. During geomagnetic storms, the variations of ionosphere deviate from their quiet day pattern and can cause significant effects on short-term prediction of various ionospheric parameters. The dynamics of the ionosphere change from region to region; therefore, in order to evaluate and improve the performance of global models of the ionosphere, numerous studies of variations using measured ionospheric parameters from stations globally are useful. This paper presents for the first time variations in the TEC and scintillation at Maseno University (geomagnetic coordinates, 9.64°S, 108.59°E), Kenya, investigated using a NovAtelGSV400B GPS receiver for the high solar activity year 2014. The GPS-measured TEC values were compared with the modeled TEC values by the latest International Reference Ionosphere model (IRI-2016), with a view to evaluate the performance of this version of the model. The largest TEC values were observed from 1300 to 1500 h local time throughout the year with the largest diurnal values occurring in March equinox and smallest during June solstice. The largest TEC values are attributed to extreme ultraviolet radiation coupled with upward $$\vec{E} \times \vec{B}$$ plasma drift velocity. Nighttime enhancements in TEC attributed to the ‘fountain’ effect occurred during some months. Scintillation correlated with depletions in TEC occurred in the period between 1600 h local time to 1900 h local time (post-sunset) sector during some months, with the strongest value of − 0.91 being experienced in March equinox. Scintillation was absent during geomagnetic storms studied mainly as a result of the time of onset of the recovery phases of the storms. In addition, the geomagnetic storms were manifested in GPS-measured TEC as negative ionospheric storms. The IRI-2016 model gave a good prediction of measured values except for its overestimation of measured TEC in the months of May and June. Further, a new insight shown by the results is the ability of the IRI-2016 model to predict post-sunset TEC enhancements during some months contrary to previous versions reported by other researchers in East Africa. However, model is not quickly sensitive to transitions from one season to another. This result contributes to the improvement of the current IRI model by recommending the introduction of an input into the model that is sensitive to transitions in seasons in future versions of the model.

Perceived Benefits and Making a Career Choice in the Hospitality Industry: Is it Worth it?

Over the years, the university has graduated students in the Hotel and Hospitality (H&H) fields. However, existing statistics reveal that the majority of these graduates are not looking for work in the hotel industry or starting a business in their field of study. This paper discusses the findings of a study that seeks to establish demographic factors that influence the attitudes of undergraduate hotels and hospitality students towards career choices in the industry. The study was conducted at Moi University, Hotel and Hospitality Management Department, Uasin Gishu District, and the Department of Ecotourism, Hotel and Institutional Management of Maseno University (ECOHIM) in Kisumu District and used a sample of 145 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire and interview schedule and analyzed using SPSS ver. 25. The results of the study suggest that perceived benefits have a positive and significant effect on students' career choices in the industry (β = 0.013, ρ <0.05). As a result, this paper argues that personal interests play an important role in attitude formation. Most students see this industry as having a reputation and have no qualms about working in it. However, it was noted that there were students who were less interested and had negative attitudes about the industry. This paper thus recommends that attention be given to these students through career guidance and counseling. Educators must communicate the benefits of working in the industry and the possibility of a career in the hospitality industry and companies to students. They must make them aware of the development of mobility, diversity of jobs in industry and other career information to create greater student interest in careers in the industry. Indeed, knowledge of career identity and long-term career planning will better enable students to build realistic and suitable career expectations.

Phytochemical Composition of Lippia javanica (Burm. F) Sprengel and Evaluation of Its Botanical Extracts on Aphid (Aphis craccivora) C.L (Koch) Management on Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

Lippia javanica (Burm F.) Spreng occurs naturally in Eastern, Central, and southern Africa. The species is also known to occur in the tropical Indian subcontinent. Lippia javanica is exploited widely for its potential uses as an herbal tea, in ethno medicine, pharmacognosy, and as a botanical pesticide. Despite the general utilization as a botanical pesticide, little is known about the phytochemical composition and efficacy of the extracts of L. javanica on common aphid of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp in Kenya. This study ascertained the non-volatile phytochemical compounds, and assessed the efficacy of the crude extracts of L. javanica on Vigna unguiculata aphid (Aphis craccivora) C,L (Koch). Phytochemical composition of the L. javanica was determined by screening of the crude extracts for presence or absence of the bioactive compounds. The screening test was conducted at the botany laboratory of Maseno University, Kenya in September 2016. The evaluation of the effectiveness of L. javanica extracts against Aphis craccivora, was conducted at Nzouni sub-location, Makueni County from November 2016 to March 2017. A completely randomized block design with five treatments (1%, 5%, 10%, positive, and negative controls) was adopted for the field efficacy experiment. Lippia javanica was found to be rich in phenols, flavonoids, flavones, cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins, anthocyanins, proteins, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids that could be postulated to exhibit toxicity effects on aphids. Application of the extracts irrespective of concentrations significantly suppressed aphid pest population at P≤ 0.05. The suppression and inactivity of aphids increased with increasing concentration. It is notable that the mixture of L. javanica extracts at 10% surpassed 1% and 5%. In addition, the 10% extract favorably competes with the synthetic insecticide such as Atom or Osho Syngenta.

The Effects of Institutional Support Factors on Lecturer adoption of eLearning at a Conventional University

Conventional Higher Education Institutions in Kenya are in the process of implementing eLearning projects. These initiatives are, however, fraught with challenges. At the Maseno University eCampus, an evaluation of statistics on the institutional LMS after two years of implementation revealed that many lecturers had minimal or no log-in statistics, an indication that there was a gap in the adoption of eLearning. This study investigated factors explaining lecturer adoption of eLearning. A sample of 55 lecturers was selected and a questionnaire administered on their personal and institutional support factors for eLearning adoption. The findings revealed that the lecturers had a positive perception of the usefulness of eLearning and high self-efficacy in the adoption of eLearning. The gap in eLearning adoption was perceived by respondents to be a result of inadequate institutional support. The results suggest that lecturers are likely to be better adopters of eLearning not only when knowledge management processes and policies related to eLearning are developed but also where the institution works towards building and supporting a community of eLearning adopters.

Ketamine for sedation in acutely painful procedures in Kenya: findings after implementation of the Every Second Matters-Ketamine package

Abstract Background Adequate pain management for painful procedures improves the quality and safety of patient care and has become accepted as a basic human right. In low-resource settings, pain relief for painful procedures is scarce because of cultural, attitudinal, legal, and system-related reasons, as well as a scarcity of anaesthetists. A practice of “hold still”, where patients are forcibly held down during painful procedures, remains common in Kenya and in other low-resource settings. In December, 2013, we launched the Every Second Matters-Ketamine (ESM-Ketamine) package in Kenya, for use during emergency surgery when no anaesthetist is available. Here, we aim to describe how non-anaesthetists who were trained in an ESM-Ketamine programme broadened use of their skills to provide procedural sedation for patients in need of painful procedures when an anaesthetist would not have been previously called. Methods Medical officers, nurses, and clinical officers in Kenya undertook a 5-day ESM-Ketamine competency-based training programme for non-anaesthetists. We provided every facility in the ESM-Ketamine initiative with wall charts, checklists, and kits. Trained providers recorded patients' demographic data, pre-operative diagnoses, the procedure or procedures undertaken, medications administered, and ketamine-related adverse events. Partners Healthcare and Maseno University gave ethical approval for the programme. Findings Between Dec 1, 2013, and July 30, 2018, 62 ESM-Ketamine providers across 11 facilities administered ketamine to 512 patients undergoing painful procedures in non-training settings where an anaesthetist would previously not have been called. 273 patients (53·3%) were male and median age was 23 years (IQR 11–36 years). The five most common indications were: incision and drainage, debridement, or both (159 [31·1%]); fracture reduction (56 [10·9%]); circumcision (41 [8·0%]); wound repair (29 [5·7%]); and foreign body removal (26 [5·1%]). Median ketamine dose was 2·0 mg/kg (IQR 2·0 –3·0). Hallucinations or agitation treated with diazepam were reported in 45 patients [8·8%]; brief oxygen desaturation occurred in 22 (4·3%) patients. Prolonged (>30s) desaturations below 92% occurred in two patients (0·4%). The lowest desaturation was 85%. All patients recovered uneventfully. There were no deaths or injuries associated with ketamine use in the programme. Interpretation The ESM-Ketamine package appears safe for use by trained providers in support of procedural sedation when previously an anaesthetist would not have been called. Scale-up of the ESM-Ketamine package may support the human rights imperative that every person deserves pain relief when undergoing a painful procedure. Funding None.

Comparison of severity of Phytophthora colocasiae (taro leaf blight) disease on in-vivo and in-vitro Pacific-Caribbean and Kenyan taro (Colocasiae esculenta) grown in Kakamega county (Kenya)

Taro (Colocasiae esculenta) is an important tuber crop of Kakamega - Kenya. It is nutritionally very rich. Taro leaf blight (TLB) is the most devastating pathogen for its production worldwide and current management strategies are not effective in its control. Studies on TLB disease severity has been done worldwide. However, determining and comparing the disease severity between regions of the world has not been adequately done. Before this study, TLB disease severity on Pacific and Kenyan taro grown in-vivo in Kakamega - Kenya was unknown. Furthermore, knowledge on the differential effect of weather on taro accessions obtained from different regions of the world was scanty. TLB disease severity was assessed on Pacific-Caribbean taro accessions obtained through tissue culture from Pacific- Caribbean. Kenyan taro was obtained from various counties in Kenya. The research aimed at examining and comparing TLB disease severity on Pacific and Kenyan taro. The study was conducted at MMUST University of Science and Technology farm and Maseno university laboratory and greenhouse. All experiments were arranged in a CRD and replicated five times. Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and the means separated with Least Significant Difference. The results showed that mean disease severity among the Pacific and Kenyan taro varied from 33.2% - 53.5% respectively. TLB disease severity in both in-vivo and in-vitro studies presented higher percentage on Kenyan than Pacific- Caribbean taro. The in-vivo severity range for Kenyan and Pacific taro were; 9.8-28.5% and 4.9-14.8% respectively. Likewise, Kenyan taro maintained higher percentage severity in-vitro, ranging from 20-44% whereas Pacific taro ranged from 9.4-30%. Kenyan Siaya accession KNY/SYA/51 recorded the highest disease severity in-vivo. The lowest disease severity in-vivo was obtained from the Pacific taro CE/IND/06. The study suggested that region of origin of taro, varietal difference and weather would influence TLB severity. This study indicated the need for breeding for resistance to taro leaf blight.

Extent of Involvement of Parents in the Identification of Children with Special Needs in Kenya

<div><p>The assessment of children with special needs is an important component of SNE. The process of educational assessment involves identification of children with special needs and disabilities, administration of tests and intervention. The Educational Assessment and Resource centers (EARCs) in Kenya are mandated to provide assessment services. The principles of assessment require the involvement of parents in the assessment process. Preliminary survey on 120 parents from 10 counties whose children had special needs reveals that only 51(43%) parents were involved in the assessment process. The roles of parents include provision of background information; instruction of children during the administration of the tests and training children after assessment. What is unknown is the extent of parental involvement in the assessment process at the EARCs in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to establish the extent of parental involvement in the identification of children with special needs in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; examine the involvement of parents in the identification of children with special needs. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The target population was 47 assessment teachers, 94 parents of children assessed and 47 parents of children to be assessed from 47 centers in 47 counties in Kenya. Saturated sampling technique was used to select assessment teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select parents of the already assessed children and 41 parents of those to be assessed. Questionnaires, interview guides, observation schedules and document analysis guides were used for data collection. Face and content validity of the instruments were ascertained by experts from the department of Special Needs Education Maseno University. Reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study on 10% of the population using test-retest. The acceptable reliability was set at r = 0.70.Quantitative data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and mean scores. Qualitative data was organized and reported in an on-going process as themes and sub-themes. The study found out that there was a minimal involvement of parents in the assessment process at the centers in Kenya (M=2.18). The study concluded that assessors with training specifically in assessment were positive in involving parents in the assessment process at the EARCs compared to those who had qualifications in SNE without a specific training in assessment. The study recommends that a certificate or diploma course tailored to train assessors in assessment procedures, assessment techniques, guidance and counseling, referral and placement procedures be introduced at a relevant institution to train only assessors. It is also recommended that a policy on assessment procedures to harmonize assessment services in Kenya be enacted by the government. The research findings may help to improve parental involvement in the assessment process at the EARCs in Kenya.</p></div>

Stakeholders’ Perception on Instructional Effectiveness in Maseno University, Kenya

Higher education in Kenya has experienced tremendous growth since independence. With only one public university with an enrolment of less than 1000, the number stands at twenty two public universities with student population of over 150,000. This growth has been attributed to the introduction of module II programs and increased private and public funding for university education. However, despite the increase in enrolments, there has been no commensurate development and/or improvement of the requisite teaching staff and other teaching and learning resources. Consequently, stakeholders have raised concerns on the instructional effectiveness and the quality of education provided in public universities in Kenya. This study was conceived to establish the effect of university expansion on instructional effectiveness in Maseno University. The study was anchored on the education production function theory and adopted a descriptive design. The study was carried out in Maseno University. The target population was 7,377 comprising of 7,000 undergraduate students and 377 lecturers of Maseno University in the 2011/12 academic year. Simple random sampling was used to select 2,100 students and 114 lecturers making a sample of 2,214. Data was collected using a questionnaire for students and lecturers and document analysis. Research instruments were validated using face and content validity while reliability was determined using the test-retest technique at r= 0.7. A pilot study was conducted in Maseno University and the data collected used to determine the reliability of research instruments. Data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages by aid of SPSS version 17 and analyzed objectively and presented in tables. Based on these findings, it was concluded that both the teaching staff and students highly did not have enough confidence in the effectiveness of the instructional processes at Maseno University.