Production In Kenya Research Articles

Foreign Direct Investment and Its Effect on Agricultural Productivity Kenya

Kenya has historically been one of Africa's top destinations for foreign direct investment. Foreign direct investment is critical for Kenya's agricultural sector, offering capital, technology transfer, and skill development that enhance productivity and economic growth. Despite agriculture being a primary economic driver, challenges such as limited capital, outdated farming techniques, and insufficient infrastructure continue to hinder growth. The research explores the contribution of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity in Kenya as well as to assess the effect of foreign direct investment on the productivity levels of small-scale and large-scale farmers in Kenya for a period 1993 to 2022. Neoclassical growth theory, Endogenous theory were key in guiding the study. This study adapted the causal research design employing time series data from World Bank spanning from years 1993 to 2022. Data was analyzed the data both descriptively and by inferential statistics. The findings of correlational analysis revealed a moderate positive relationships (r= 0.3213) between Foreign direct investment and agricultural productivity. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the significant positive effect of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity with a coefficient of 0.3661 and p value 0.0014<0.05. This signifies that, in the short term, a 1% increase in foreign direct investment results in a 36.61% rise in the growth of Agricultural productivity, assuming all other variables remain constant. The findings implied that foreign direct investment inflow has the ability to create employment, technological development and improve access to international markets playing a pivotal role in accelerating the agricultural productivity. The Kenyan government should have more effective foreign direct investment strategies to facilitate technology transfer agreements between foreign investors and local agricultural enterprises, additionally, the government should pursue macroeconomic policies that attract foreign direct investment by providing an investor-friendly environment.

Supply and Demand of Processed Potato Products in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda: Variety Requirements of Processing Companies and Implications for Trait Prioritization for Breeding

AbstractThe potato processing industry in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda is expanding rapidly. This study assesses the current situation and outlook of the local industrial potato processing sector and the alignment of the industry’s variety requirements with the priorities set by breeders. Currently, potato processing companies in the three countries use both varieties selected locally from public international germplasm and varieties introduced by Dutch seed companies, and their suitability for processing is discussed as well. Overall, the processing industry pays high attention to traits affecting processing efficiency and consumers’ acceptance while breeders, in spite of being aware of the characteristics required for processing varieties, are more focused on traits related to production and disease resistance. As the processing sector develops further, breeders will have to pay increased attention to the progressively stricter requirements of the industry, striking the right balance between farmers’ and processors’ variety requirements. While their opinions on the farmers’ acceptability of processing varieties diverge, breeders and industry agree about the challenges represented by the limited access to quality seed and poor business linkages between value chain actors in securing the supply of varieties suitable for processing. Based on these findings, it is recommended to pay more attention to both the development of dual-purpose varieties and the strengthening of the potato value chain through the improvement of business linkages between seed producers, farmers, and processing companies.

Assessment of the Traditional Processing Methods in the Reduction of Aflatoxin Levels in Maize and Maize Products in Kenya

Aflatoxins are fungal secondary toxic metabolites produced predominantly by certain strains of the Aspergillus molds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Kenyan traditional processing methods in reduction of aflatoxin in maize. The traditional methods used included; alkaline cooking using Magadi soda and maize cob ash, decortication by pounding wet maize with mortar and pestle, dehulling in mechanical mill and exposure to solar radiation. Standardization of alkali cooking was done before actual treatment of the contaminated samples. Naturally contaminated samples of maize were sampled and used in the experiment. Aflatoxin analysis before and after each of the treatments was done using ELISA method and total aflatoxins expressed in parts per billion (ppb) (dry weight basis). The results were subjected to statistical analysis at 5% significance levels (p≤0.05). The reduction of aflatoxin was found to be highest when maize was boiled in maize cob ash solution which resulted in loss of aflatoxin from 83.1±0.3 ppb to 7.0±3.9 ppb. Dry decortication reduced aflatoxin from 51.3±15.3 to 9.6±0.8 ppb, boiling in Magadi soda led to a drop from 59.5±3.818 ppb to 13.4±0.424 ppb, solar irradiation caused a drop from 60.8±1.8 ppb to 13.7±0.1 ppb and pounding in Magadi soda resulted in least loss of aflatoxin from 81.5±0.3 to 72.7±0.2ppb. Aflatoxin loss in all the treatments was significant except for dry decortication. Only dry decortication and boiling in maize cob ash solution brought down the aflatoxin levels to below the maximum allowable limit as set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (10ppb)

Quality, supply chain, and use of Trypanocidal drugs among camel keepers in north-eastern Kenya: A cross-sectional study

The non-cyclic trypanosomiasis (surra), caused by Trypanosoma evansi, and mechanically transmitted by biting flies, hinders camel productivity in Kenya. Trypanocides are the most commonly used drugs to control surra. However, emergence of drug resistance by the parasites is a major limitation to control efforts. There is limited information on the quality of trypanocides, the supply chain and drug-use practices among camel keepers potentially contributing to development of drug resistance in Kenya. We sought to fill this gap by conducting a cross-sectional study among camel keepers in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, Kenya. We mapped the trypanocide drugs supply chain through quantitative and qualitative surveys. We administered a semi-structured questionnaire to camel keepers to generate data on trypanocides-use practices, including the types, sources, person who administers treatment, reconstitution, dosage, route and frequency of administration, among others. Additionally, we tested the quality of trypanocidal drugs retailed in the region. We mapped a total of 55 and 49 agro-veterinary outlets and general (ordinary) shops retailing veterinary drugs in the two counties, respectively. These comprised of 29 and 26 agro-veterinary outlets, as well as 24 and 25 general shops in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, respectively. Overall, the respondents experienced 283 surra cases in the three-month recall period, which were treated with trypanocides. The majority of these cases were diagnosed by camel owners (71.7%) and herders (24.1%). A significant proportion of the cases were treated by camel owners (54.8%), herders (35.3%), the owner's son (3.2%) and veterinary personnel (1.1%) (χ2 = 24.99, p = 0.000). Most of the households sourced the drugs from agro-veterinary outlets (59.0%), followed by general shops (19.8%), veterinary personnel (2.1%), and open-air markets (0.4%) (χ2 = 319.24, p = 0.000). Quinapyramine was the most (56.9%) predominantly used trypanocide in treatment of surra, followed by homidium (19.8%), isometamidium (15.9%), diminazene aceturate (6.7%), and ethidium (0.7%) (χ2 = 340.75, p < 0.000). Only a meager proportion of respondents (15.2%) used the drugs correctly as instructed by the manufacturers. We recorded an association between correct drug usage, with the person who administers the treatment (χ2 = 17.7, p = 0.003), and the type of trypanocide used (χ2 = 19.4, p < 0.001). All the drug samples tested had correct concentrations of active ingredient (100.0%), and therefore of good quality. We have demonstrated that whereas the trypanocides retailed in the region by authorized vendors are of good quality, there is widespread incorrect handling and use of the drugs by unqualified individuals, which may contribute to treatment failure and emergence of trypanocide resistance.

Agronomic Advances and Challenges of Chia Production in Kenya: A Review

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an annual tropical plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In Kenya, Chia has gained significant attention in recent years due to its nutritional benefits and increasing demand in the local and global market. This review aims to explore the potential of chia production in Kenya as a source of income for farmers. The review highlights the agronomic requirements of chia, including soil, water, and climate conditions, as well as practices necessary for successful cultivation. Chia production is becoming a favorite enterprise for most farmers in Kenya due to its ease of management and short growth period. However, a seamless production has been encountered by several challenges, including scarce information regarding its agronomic management practices, poor yielding varieties, emerging pests and diseases, and poor harvesting and post-harvesting techniques. The growing demand for chia globally presents an opportunity for Kenyan farmers to tap into this market and generate income through export. Chia, has the potential to become a new golden crop for Kenyan farmers, contributing to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. However, to realize this potential, there is a need for investment in research, extension services, and market linkages to support chia production, improve agronomic practices, and create a sustainable market for the crop.

Evaluation of biological control option for Bagrada bug (Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister)) in Kenya

Brassica production is important for economic development of Kenya. Bagrada bug, a significant pest of brassicas, affects their yields and quality, currently posing a threat to both local and commercial vegetable production in Kenya. Biological control of bagrada bug using natural enemies is a cheaper and environmentally friendly method. The study aimed to identify native egg parasitoid species in Kenya. A field prospection survey of the bagrada bug egg parasitoid was done by a series of bagrada bug egg exposure in different parts of the country. Freshly laid bagrada bug eggs in cards were exposed for possible parasitism in the field for three days. The eggs were later carried to the laboratory at NSRC to await hatching. Two egg parasitoid species Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae) and Gryon sp. were identified during the study after a period of bagrada bug egg exposure in Machakos and Kisumu. Two cards with parasitized bagrada bug eggs were recovered from Machakos from which one card yielded four parasitoids of one species Trissolcus basalis and the other yielded two parasitoids Trissolcus basalis and Gryon sp. One card with two parasitized eggs by Trissolcus basalis was recovered from Kisumu, however, there were no parasitoids identified in Nanyuki, Naivasha and Kitengela where bagrada bug is also prevalent. Results showed parasitoid presence in fields with high bug populations compared to areas with few or no Bagrada bug infestations. Conducting trials in both laboratory and field settings is recommended to obtain clear data on the effectiveness of the identified egg parasitoid in managing the bagrada bug population.

Cyberattack, cyber risk mitigation capabilities, and firm productivity in Kenya

Cyberattack, cyber risk mitigation capabilities, and firm productivity in Kenya

Determinants of climate change adaptation strategies and intensity of use; micro level evidence from crop farmers in Kenya

Climate change and its negative impacts pose a threat to crop production in Kenya. However, climate change adaptation strategies have the potential to address the challenges faced by crop farmers. Despite this, there is limited literature to inform policy on the best interventions to help farmers deal with climate issues. This study assessed the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies and the intensity of their use among 723 crop farmers in Busia County, Kenya, selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), multinomial logit regression, and the ordered probit model. The climate change adaptation strategies were categorized into crop diversity, cover crops, use of drought-resistant crops, and irrigation. According to the results, the factors contributing to the uptake of the different adaptation strategies were age, household size, access to credit, training access, off-farm income, group membership, frequency of receiving climate change information, and extension services. The major factors influencing the uptake of multiple climate change adaptation strategies were access to credit and off-farm income. The study shows that certain adaptation strategies, such as using cover crops, do not require credit and offer an important option in an environment with limited resources. On the other hand, adaptation measures such as irrigation demand financial resources for farmers to implement them, highlighting the importance of information and awareness in adopting adaptation strategies and the supportive role of financial resources, particularly for adopting multiple strategies. Therefore, this study suggests implementing policies and interventions that encompass knowledge-based strategies such as extension services, training, climate change education, group participation, and financial mechanisms like income generation activities and access to credit. These integrated strategies will enable farmers to adopt various climate change adaptation methods for sustainable crop production.

Rice husk biochar for carbon sequestration, soil fertility and plant health improvement: A review

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered one of the ozone layer gases that contribute to climate change. As the area under agricultural use expands, the level of CO2 from soil as an agricultural by-product increases in the atmosphere. Burning rice husks in open air, decomposing plant materials among other activities release CO2 directly to the atmosphere. Rice husks as a by-product of rice production in Kenya has both the potential to be a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) and production of biochar. Production and deposition of rice husk biochar (RHB) into soil is thought to be one of the viable options for permanent carbon storage with related benefits to soil fertility. This review seeks to consolidate information from various studies that highlight the innovative way of using RHB in combating climate change, improving soil fertility, plant health and crop yields. Studies that have demonstrated beneficial use of RHB were evaluated to prepare this review. When RHB is used as a soil amendment, it has the ability to increase soil carbon storage, mitigate 10% of the current anthropogenic carbon emissions, improve pH and raise Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), increase available plant nutrients, enhance inherent plant immunity, increase crop yields and improve water quality by increasing retention of nutrients and agrochemicals for plant utilization. A review of the benefits of RHB use in agriculture and climate change mitigation will enhance its adoption. The review further emphasizes the usefulness of pyrolysis in turning organic waste into bioenergy, compost and other beneficial products while protecting the environment. Key Words: Carbon dioxide, climate change, global warming, innovation, ozone layer, temperature.

Regulatory Compliance of Cosmetic Products in Kenya: A Narrative Review on Quality and Safety

This study reviews the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products in Kenya, with a focus on consumer risks and potential public health impact. A narrative review study design was employed and a literature search was conducted using government reports, publications, academic databases, and other relevant sources. Keywords such as cosmetic industry challenges and cosmetic regulation in Kenya were employed to search the literature for papers. Data focusing on regulatory frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, adverse reactions, and industry challenges was then extracted and discussed in the form of a narration. The growth of the cosmetic industry, fueled by urbanization, a rising middle class, and increased grooming awareness, has attracted both local and international investors, presenting challenges in maintaining product quality and safety standards. Seven cases of adverse reactions related to cosmetics were reported by Pharmacy and Poisons Board between 2018-2023. The current study identifies noteworthy challenges by examining Kenya’s regulatory framework, led by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Kenya Bureau of Standards. Enforcement disparities within international standards, variance in regulations on prohibited ingredients, inconsistent labeling requirements, industry dynamics, and counterfeiting, compounded with the complex nature of safety assessments raise concerns for cosmetic regulators, distributors, and manufacturers. The study highlights existing gaps in regulatory oversight emphasizing the necessity of robust enforcement mechanisms. Compliance assessments by KEBS and PPB encompass the evaluation of ingredients, formulations, microbial contamination, packaging, and labeling. Factors contributing to regulatory noncompliance include poor product quality aggravated by supply chain complexities in the vast and diverse sector. The cosmetic cottage industry inadvertently presents a quality risk to consumers due to limited process and testing capacity. Reported adverse reactions, particularly to mercury-containing skin-lightening products, raise concerns about public health implications. This study advocates for continuous product monitoring and heightened vigilance. The review proposes improvement strategies, emphasizing a dynamic regulatory approach, periodic ingredient reviews, a centralized product approval system, and alignment with global manufacturing standards. Targeted consumer education initiatives focusing on product quality attributes, adverse reaction reporting, label reading, and counterfeit awareness are recommended.

The Determinants of Low Wheat Productivity in Kenya

Agriculture contributes 24% directly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 60% of the export earnings and about 75% of industrial raw materials. Food crops subsector contributes about 30% to the Kenyan GDP. Among the cereals in Kenya, wheat is the second most important after maize. Wheat has a substantial contribution to poverty reduction, food security and creation of employment. Due to the high growth in population, increased urbanization, and related changing trends in food consumption patterns, the demand for wheat and wheat products is on the increase. Demand for wheat products is apparent in the preference of confectionery, pasta and breakfast cereals. Wheat demand in Kenya has been swelling hence production has not been able to certify it leading to importation of huge quantities to fill the gap between demand and supply. Increased imports diminish local prices. This becomes a disincentive leading to decline in wheat production. In regard to the importance of wheat enterprise in the country, a survey was conducted to determine factors that have led to decline in wheat production and there after give recommendations for future research. Primary data was collected by use of structured questionnaires to a sample size of 344 wheat farmers in selected wheat producing counties of Kenya. Results of the survey reveal that factors contributing to low wheat production consists of: pests, diseases and Shortage of improved wheat variety seed, droughts, heavy rains, and high cost of farm inputs. Through wheat research, the country will increase production, reduce the amount of wheat imports hence save the country’s foreign exchange. The study was undertaken in Narok and Nakuru Counties of Kenya. A sample size of 344 farmers was involved in the survey. Njoro BWII the most famous variety accounting for 30.4% of the total wheat varieties cultivated followed by Kwale (10.41%), Kenya Korongo (10.28%), Eagle10 (6.17%), and Kenya Kingbird (5.21%). All these (5) varieties collectively account 55.71% of the total varieties cultivated by the farmers in the study areas. Some of the varieties are more than 20years old. This indicates that wheat varietal turnover is very low. As a recommendation, to improve wheat production in Kenya, adoption of the new improved technologies should be accelerated to reduce the adoption lag period, varietal turnover rates should be increased and wheat production risks eliminated or minimized. Additionally, appropriate development programmes and policies promoting new technologies should target disease and pest management, input and output distribution, seed multiplication and diffusion.

Analysis of Genetic Variability of Potato Induced Mutants Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

Aims: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is ranked fourth amongst the world’s major stable food crop and second in Kenya after maize and thus plays a vital role in food and nutrition security and sustainable development. Despite its importance, potato production in Kenya is still low due to abiotic and biotic constraints. Traditional breeding and improvement have been difficult due to the narrow genetic diversity of the crop owed to the complex tetrasomic inheritance patterns. Induced mutation has been used to generate genetic variations in potato from which desired putative mutants are selected. In most cases the level of genetic variability is not known. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic variability of potato mutants using SSR markers. Study Design: The study involved three potato varieties; Asante, Kenya Mpya and Kenya Sherekea which are high yielding and commercially grown varieties in Kenya. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: They were irradiated at different dose rates of gamma rays at Co60 source at FAO/IAEA laboratories, Seiberdorf Austria in 2014. A total of 163 mutants were advanced to M1V4 generation at the University of Eldoret between 2015 and 2018. Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted to assess the diversity with 20 SSRs markers. Results: All the 20 SSR primers were polymorphic with 6-19 bands amplified per primer and marker STM5127 showed the highest allele number (19) using PowerMarker software. The STRUCTURE analysis suggested that the potato mutants were clustered into six sub-populations based on the unweighted pair-group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) thus, the accessions were divided into three major clusters. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 8.6% of total molecular variance was attributed to diversity among sub-populations, while 91.4% of variance was associated with differences within sub-populations. Conclusion: This study highlights the most comprehensive investigation of the genetic diversity and population structure of potato mutants, and provides valuable information for genetic improvement, and systematic utilization.

An optimal control model for Coffee Berry Disease and Coffee Leaf Rust co-infection

In the 1980s, coffee production in Kenya was peaking at an average of 1.7 million bags annually. Since then, this production has been declining to the current production of below 0.9 million bags annually. Coffee berry disease (CBD) and Coffee leaf rust (CLR) are some of the causes of this decline. This is due to a lack of sufficient knowledge on optimal control strategies for co-infection of CBD and CLR. In this research, we derive a system of ODEs from the mathematical model for co-infection of CBD and CLR with prevention of CBD infection, prevention of CLR infection, the treatment of CBD-infected coffee plants, the treatment of CLR-infected coffee plants, the treatment of CBD-CLR Co-infected coffee plants, elimination of Colletotrichum kahawae pathogens and elimination of Hemileia vastatrix pathogens to perform optimal control analysis. An optimal control problem is formulated andsolved using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The outcomes of the model’s numerical simulations indicate that combining all controls would be the best strategy for slowing the spread of the CBD-CLR co-infection.

Influence of Cultural Factors and Regulatory Policies on Uptake of Life Assurance Products in Kenya

Life assurance products have been used over the years as both an instrument of protection and a tool for investment. Cultural factors feature prominently among the factors that influence the uptake of Life assurance. This study sought to establish the influence of cultural factors on the uptake of Life assurance products in Kenya, moderated by Regulatory policies. The study was anchored on the Human Life Value Theory. The independent variables in the study were the Cultural factors, the dependent variable was the uptake of Life Assurance products, and the moderating variable was regulatory policies. The study employed a Descriptive survey research design and was quantitative in nature. The sample size of the study was 537 respondents calculated using the Taro Yamane (1970) formula from a study population of 6376 Public Primary school teachers in Kisumu County. The study used primary data, which was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression. The findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between Cultural factors and Life Assurance product uptake among policyholders in Kisumu County, where Cultural factors alone could explain 30.1 percent of the variance in the uptake of Life Assurance products. Equally, there is a strong relationship between Cultural factors, regulatory policies, and uptake of Life Assurance products. The study resolved inconsistencies in theory, policy, and practice, thereby bolstering the argument that insurance companies should consider Cultural factors that increase the use of life assurance products.

Effect of Mulching as a Weed Management Strategy in Field Production of French Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in Western Kenya

There has been a 2% decrease on French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) production in Kenya due to factors such as weeds, pests and diseases and the challenge of controlling them using chemicals that result in high rejection rate or interception in the export market because of chemical residues. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the growth and yield of French bean cultivars and to determine the effect of different mulching materials on weed density. Field experiments were carried out at KALRO Kitale, Trans Nzoia county Kenya. Season 1 was carried out during long rains of April and June 2021 and season two during the short rains of August and October 2021. Black polythene and grass mulch were compared with two hand weedings and no weeding in a Randomized Complete Block Design experiment with three replications. Data on growth and yield of French Beans were collected and subjected to ANOVA using GenStat to determine the significant differences between the treatments. The means were separated using Fisher’s Unprotected LSD at 5% significance level. Growth and yield of French Beans was significantly influenced by the treatments (p≤0.05). Plants grown under black polythene and grass mulch had the tallest height and the highest number of leaves and branches as well as number of pods and cumulative pod yield as compared to those that were hand weeded and unweeded. The highest yield of 2138 and 2597 kg/ ha was obtained under black polythene mulch in season 1 and 2 respectively. This was significantly higher than that obtained from grass mulch, hand weeding and unweeding. In conclusion polythene and grass mulch improved growth and yield of French beans and reduced weed density. It is therefore recommended that farmers should adapt mulching as a cultural weed management strategy.

Agronomic management response in maize (Zea maysL.) production across three agroecological zones of Kenya

AbstractMaize (Zea maysL.) productivity in Kenya has witnessed a decline attributed to the effects of climate change and biophysical constraints. The assessment of agronomic practices across agroecological zones (AEZs) is limited by inadequate data quality, hindering a precise evaluation of maize yield on a large scale. In this study, we employed the DSSAT‐CERES‐Maize crop model (where CERES is Crop Environment Resource Synthesis and DSSAT is Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) to investigate the impacts of different agronomic practices on maize yield across different AEZs in two counties of Kenya. The model was calibrated and evaluated with observed grain yield, biomass, leaf area index, phenology, and soil water content from 2‐year experiments. Remote sensing (RS) images derived from the Sentinel‐2 satellite were integrated to delineate maize areas, and the resulting information was merged with DSSAT‐CERES‐Maize yield simulations. This facilitated a comprehensive quantification of various agronomic measures at pixel scales. Evaluation of agronomic measures revealed that sowing dates and cultivar types significantly influenced maize yield across the AEZs. Notably, AEZ II and AEZ III exhibited elevated yields when implementing combined practices of early sowing and cultivar H614. The impacts of optimal management practices varied across the AEZs, resulting in yield increases of 81, 115, and 202 kg ha−1in AEZ I, AEZ II, and AEZ III, respectively. This study underscores the potential of the CERES‐Maize model and high‐resolution RS data in estimating production at larger scales. Furthermore, this integrated approach holds promise for supporting agricultural decision‐making and designing optimal strategies to enhance productivity while accounting for site‐specific conditions.

Human Factors Contributing to Accidents and Disasters in Road Transport of Petroleum Products in Kenya

Over the past few decades, Africa has witnessed enormous increase in the number of accidents take occur during road transport of petroleum products. Some of these accidents escalated into disasters because of release of products, with subsequent explosion and fire, resulting in several injuries and fatalities. With the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the focus is on disaster risk reduction, rather than disaster response. This paper identifies human factors as a major cause of road transport accidents that lead to disasters when petroleum products are released. The study area was Kenya, but the findings are applicable across the continent. The Tripod Beta methodology, an incident investigation tool, was applied to analyse some of the disasters that had occurred in the downstream petroleum sub-sector in Kenya. The analysis identified root causes of accidents and highlighted the need to focus on tanker drivers as the key stakeholders for risk reduction. The root causes were applied in the development of the questionnaire that was used in a survey. The survey was carried out using random sampling, with a sample size of 391 tanker drivers. The study concluded that tanker drivers in the age group of 30-40 years, with 6-10 years’ driving experience and minimum educational level of secondary school, displayed the best performance in prevention of accidents and spills that could lead to disasters. Tanker drivers who meet these criteria should be the target of recruitment by transporters, followed by structured safety training, to achieve Goal Zero: no accident, no spill, and no disaster in the industry.

Factors Influencing Selection and production of Common Bean Cultivars in medium Potential Agro Ecological Zone of Imenti South Sub-County, Kenya

Varietal selection is a key aspect in common bean production in Kenya since different varieties are bred for specific agro ecological conditions. In Kenya, many common bean varieties are found growing under medium agro ecological zones, however, some farmers have been found to grow some bean varieties not suited to preferred ecological zones. The current study was thus carried out to assess the factors that affect varietal selection and production of common beans in medium potential agro ecological zones of Imenti South Sub County, Meru County. The target population was 300 common bean farmers. A sample size of 75 farmers derived from Gaatia, Kathanthatu, Kiambogo and Kiigene villages using Nassiuma Formula. A structured questionnaire was administered to collected data on socioeconomic factors, common bean production systems and agronomic practices. The collected data weresubjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 9.4 and Significant means separated using least significant difference at p&lt; 0.05. The findings on socio-economic factors revealed that farmers with higher levels of education produced more beans per unit area. Approximately 10.52 % of the 22.37 % of the farmers with tertiary college education had a production of 1.4 – 1.9 tonnes/ha. Majority (88.16 %) of the farmers applied DAP planting fertilizer,while none of the farmersapplied rock phosphate. Moreover, the highest percentage (34.9 %) of farmers who applied DAP had attained tertiary level education. Most (18.42 %) middle aged farmers did not apply rhizobium inoculant during planting. The most popular production system was mixed cropping (46.7 %) and the least was intercropping (6.59 %). Mixed cropping was highest in farmers who planted GLP 585 (13.33 %) and least in KAT B1 (10.23 %). Sole cropping was highest in Mwitemania (12.0 %) and least in Rose coco (6.58 %). Crop rotation was highest in Rose coco (5.26 %) and least in GLP 585, Mwitemania and KAT B1 (2.63 %). Intercropping was highest in Rose coco (2.63 %) and least in GLP 585, Mwitemania and KAT B1 varieties at (1.32 %).Bean variety KAT B1 despite being bred for semi-arid agro ecological zones, performed fairly well in medium potential agro ecological zones. Bean variety KAT B1 can be recommended for production in medium potential agro ecological zones to enhance common bean production and food security in Kenya.

Towards a Framework for Enhancing Construction Project Labour Productivity in Kenya

Based on labor productivity, construction projects in Kenyan cities and beyond will either succeed or fail. Absence or insufficiency of labor productivity management makes it difficult or impossible for clients and contractors to accurately estimate project costs, which causes costs to rise, profits to decline, project execution times to lengthen, projects to stall, and industry confidence to decline. The topic of construction labor productivity is investigated in this exploratory study among Nairobi-based practitioners and on Nairobi-based projects. It defines the word and assesses the body of literature that is currently available. Next, it assesses several facets of labor productivity in building projects and among practitioners. Lastly, it clarifies significant aspects of CLP in the sector.

Impact of Cash Transfers Programme on Agricultural Production in Kenya: Focus on the Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Orphans and children from low-income households are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of a widening wealth gap, given their position at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The majority of these households reside in rural areas and are primarily involved in farming activities. Governments can employ initiatives such as cash transfers (CTs) to alleviate the impact of economic uncertainty on the impoverished. After the implementation of the cash transfer program targeting orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya, this paper focuses on analysing its impact on agricultural output and labor supply. Employing a difference-in-differences estimation method, the study revealed that families of orphans and vulnerable children who received cash transfers experienced an 8.5% increase in agricultural output. Expenditure on labor supply and recruitment of employees for agricultural activities within households headed by orphans and vulnerable children surged by 121% following the program's initiation, as compared to households led by non-orphans and non-vulnerable children. These findings offer further evidence supporting the necessity for governments to augment both direct and indirect cash transfers to marginalized populations, particularly orphans. This underscores the significant impact cash transfers wield on their overall quality of life. Implementing affirmative policies targeted at these groups remains crucial for bolstering their social well-being. Future studies should include youths who are ravaged by high rates of unemployment due to limited opportunities within various governments.