Journal Articles

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Taaluma: Jarida la Chakita
(Utafiti Foundation, 2026-02-27) Simiyu, Fred Wanjala; Miruka, Fridah
Microwave assisted synthesis of oleic acid modifed magnetite nanoparticles for benzene adsorption
(Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 2021-01-30) Masuku, Makhosazana; Ouma, Linda Immaculate; Pholosi, Agnes
Benzene is a carcinogenic, mutagenic and highly toxic nonpolar organic compound, its presence in water occurs as a result of leakage of underground pipes and improper effluent disposal. Adsorption techniques have proven to be efficient for benzene removal from water providing a low maintenance method with high removal efficiencies. Nanoparticles provide high surface areas for adsorption and magnetite particles are specifically advantageous owing to their magnetic characteristics. Magnetite surfaces require modification with hydrophobic compounds for the adsorption of nonpolar pollutants. Herein, magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) were modified with oleic acid to form a magnetite-oleic acid composite (MNP-OA) via microwave synthesis for the adsorption of benzene from simulated wastewater. Infrared analysis confirmed the interaction between magnetite and oleic acid and particle diameters were determined by XRD analysis as 19.7 nm and 17.1 nm for MNP and MNP-OA respectively. Magnetic measurements indicated that both materials were superparamagnetic with a decrease in saturation magnetization after modification due to the non-magnetic layer on the surface. Oleic acid modification improved the benzene uptake of magnetite nanoparticles by approximately 30 % while kinetic studies suggested that a concentration driving force controlled the adsorption process. The adsorbent was regenerated and was efficient for five adsorption-desorption cycles.
Monitoring of Annual Effective Dose (Aed) in Surface Soils of Ahero Rice Fields, Kenya
(Journal of Engineering and Technology for Industrial Applications, 2023-12-30) Wanyama, Mukanda Kere; Waswa, Michael Nakitare; Ouma, Linda Immaculate
The annual effective doses (AED) both AED (in) and AED (out) in the surface soils of Ahero rice fields, Kenya were investigated. The associated health risk of the soils from the four fields Field 1, Field 2, Field 3 and Field 4 was measured using gamma ray spectrometric technique employing Sodium Iodide Thallium doped detector. Five surface soil samples were collected at a depth of 15 – 20 cm from the Field 1, Field 2, Field 3 and two samples from Field 4. The average AED (in) of 0.30 ± 0.01 mSv/y and an average AED (out) of 0.20 ± 0.01 mSv/y for field 1, an average AED (in) of 0.19 ± 0.01 mSv/y, an average AED (out) of 0.20 ± 0.01 mSv/y for field 2, an average AED (in) of 0.28 ± 0.01 mSv/y and an average AED (out) of 0.18 ± 0.01 mSv/y for field 3 and an average AED (in) of 0.34 ± 0.01 mSv/y and an average AED (out) of 0.23 ± 0.01 mSv/y for field 4. All the AED values both in and out from the four fields were below the recommended level of 1mSv/y. The values indicate that there is no health hazard associated with the surface soils of the study area to the farmers and the general population.
Optimizing Cr(VI) adsorption parameters on magnetite (Fe3O4) and manganese doped magnetite (MnxFe(3-x)O4) nanoparticles
(Physical Sciences Review, 2023-07-23) Ouma, Linda Immaculate A.; Pholosi, Agnes; Onani, Martin
Magnetite as an adsorbent is efficient since iron oxides have high affinities for heavy metal pollutants and are environmentally friendly. Manganese oxides provide catalytic properties which are desirable during the remediation of multi valent pollutants. Magnetite (Fe3O4) and manganese doped magnetite (MnxFe(3-x)O4) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized to determine the manganese doping effects on magnetite’s crystal and surface properties. Fe3O4 and MnxFe(3-x)O4 showed similarities in crystal morphology indicating that manganese doping did not alter the nature of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Manganese doping improved magnetite’s thermal properties as well as its surface area providing improved adsorption characteristics. The as-synthesized particles were applied in the optimization of hexavalent chromium adsorption. Adsorption proceeded under similar conditions for both adsorbents indicating their structural similarities. Higher efficiencies were observed on the doped adsorbent due to increased surface area and the presence of additional functional groups. Solution pH significantly affected the adsorption process aiding in the reduction of Cr(VI) ions to the less toxic Cr(III) species. The adsorption distribution coefficient KD indicated that manganese doping significantly improved magnetite’s affinity for hexavalent chromium. Adsorption and reduction were determined to responsible for pollutant reduction in solution at optimal conditions of pH 2, 5 g/L and 100 mg/L for adsorbent mass and solution concentration.
An Insight into the Adsorption Mechanism of Hexavalent Chromium onto Magnetic Pine Cone Powder
(Springer, 2019-07-23) Ouma, Linda Immaculate A.; Naidoo, Eliazer B.; Ofomaja, Augustine E.
The remediation of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] contaminated water has been a challenge due to its high toxicity and mobility in the environment. Adsorption has so far been the most promising method for the treatment of chromium containing water due to the availability of low cost materials capable of chromium sequestration. The mechanism for hexavalent chromium removal has however not been fully understood with many studies pointing to a reduction-coupled mechanism. In this study, a composite material consisting of agricultural waste material (pine cone) and magnetite nanoparticles was used for the remediation of hexavalent chromium contaminated water with a focus on the removal mechanism and adsorbent regeneration studies. The mechanism was identified to be adsorption-coupled reduction where Cr(VI) was reduced on the adsorbent surface to the less toxic trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] before being adsorbed. The adsorbed chromium was successfully desorbed using NaOH allowing for concentration and chromium recovery. The adsorbent material was applied in three adsorption-desorption cycles without a significant loss in adsorption capacity.
Iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized by lignocellulosic waste as green adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater
(European Physical Journal of Applied Physics, 2017-07-06) Ouma, Linda Immaculate; Naidoo, Eliazer B.; Ofomaja, Augustine E.
Magnetite nanoparticles and magnetite-pine cone nanocomposite were prepared and applied in the adsorption of hexavalent chromium from water. Pine cone powder stabilized the nanoparticles and acted as a support while simultaneously introducing functional groups which improved metal adsorption. The nanocomposite retained the nanoparticles magnetic properties while improving chromium adsorption efficiency. Adsorption of hexavalent chromium on both materials was pH and concentration dependent with the most efficient adsorption occurring at pH 2 and 75 mg/L. On both materials, chromium adsorption was spontaneous with Gibbs free energy values of −19.2 kJ mol−1 to −23.7 kJ mol−1 and −18.0 kJ mol−1 to −24.2 kJ mol−1 for nanoparticles and nanocomposite respectively between 298 K and 319 K. The changes in enthalpy and entropy were determined to be 44.4 kJ mol−1, 212.7 J K−1 mol−1 and 78.3 kJ mol−1, 323.3 J K−1 mol−1 for the prepared nanoparticles and nanocomposite respectively.
Effects of reaction parameters on the growth and optical properties of PbSe nanocrystals
(Journal of Nano Research, 2015-07-15) Ouma, Linda Immaculate; Mushonga, Paul; Onani, Martin O.
Colloidal syntheses of PbSe nanocrystals (NCs) have been widely investigated and the properties of nanocrystals have been shown to vary with reaction conditions, time, concentration and chemistry of reagents as well as the surfactants used. In this work the effects of reaction temperature, solvents, ligand purity, lead and selenium sources on the optical and structural properties of PbSe nanocrystals were investigated. PbSe NCs synthesized at 90 °C were observed to be spherical and had a narrower size distribution as compared to those synthesized at higher temperatures. 1-octadecene, trioctylphosphine and oleylamine were investigated as solvents for NC synthesis with the non-coordinating solvent octadecene showing the fastest growth rate with medium sized NCs. The coordinating solvents trioctylphosphine and oleylamine produced larger and smaller NCs respectively; this could be attributed to solvent interference during NC nucleation and growth phases. Oleate ligands were used during these syntheses and the ligand purity was not observed to have a significant effect on the NC optical and structural properties. The selenium precursor used affected the NC size and their optical properties while the lead source influenced both the NC shape and size. Lead acetate produced cubic NCs which were larger than the spherical NCs obtained when lead oxide was used.
Consistency And Stability Analysis of a Mathematical Model of Chlorine Concentration in Contact Tanks Using Numerical Solution of A 1- Dimensional Convection- Diffusion Equation
(IRE Journals, 2022-01-22) Owuor, Lucas Otieno; Kwach, Boniface O.; Tireito, Frankline; Ouma, Linda Immaculate
In this paper we consider the consistency and stability analysis of the modified convection diffusion equation: ut ut +mux − nLuxx = 0, which describes the mass transfer of chlorine in contact tank water disinfectant. We employ the concept of Dufort-Frankel based on Richardson’s scheme to discretize the modified equation. This resulted to a numerical scheme algorithm. The consistency was analyzed by Taylor’s expansion of the discretized scheme, which was found to be consistent with the original modified equation. In addition, stability was analyzed by using matrix method. The numerical computation results showed that the scheme was conditionally stable. This has been concluded by numerical computations to illustrate the consistence and stability of the scheme.
Synthesis And Characterization Of Struvite By Aqueous Precipitation Using Wastewater And Hot Spring Water
(IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2024-07-22) Nasambu, Edith; Maingi, Francis; Ouma, Linda Immaculate
Struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) is a phosphate mineral that has recently become a prudent venture for many researchers due to its nutritional value to plants in the field of agriculture. The cost of production of this mineral heavily relies on the cost of the magnesium source used. In this study, hot spring water was investigated as a potentially cheaper natural source of magnesium ions while sewage wastewater was used as a source of phosphate and ammonium ions for the struvite synthesis. The synthesized struvite composite was then characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The precipitate purity and phosphorous recovery were analysed. XRF results showed that synthesized struvite majorly consisted of magnesium oxide and phosphorous oxide. XRD analysis showed the presence of orthorhombic crystalline phases between 4-9 degrees (2𝜃) with struvite peaks at 2𝜃 values 15.8, 20.9and 46.3 which matched struvite ICDD card information. SEM revealed irregular, crystalline, and rod-like morphological structures that were consistent with those identified in the literature. The synthesized composite contained a percentage purity of 68.61% and phosphorous recovery of 76.15%. The presence of phosphorous and nitrogen in the struvite which is plant macronutrients makes the composite potential fertilizer for agricultural applications.
Synthesis, optical and morphological characterization of doped InP/ZnSe NCs
(Physica B: Condensed Matter, 2013-07-22) Mushonga, Paul; Ouma, Linda Immaculate; Madiehe, Abram M.; Meyer, Mervin; Dejene, Francis B.; Onani, Martin O.
We report on the Ag-, Fe-, and Co-doping of InP/ZnSe QDs using the growth-doping method. Doping the InP/ZnSe NCs with Ag caused a red-shift in the emission spectra with increasing dopant levels while the PL intensity decreased. Fe-doping resulted in blue-shifted emission spectra. The cobalt-doping (Co-doping) had no effect on the emission peak position. Instead, it had a quenching effect on the PL intensities. The HRTEM images showed well-defined lattice fringes for the doped InP/ZnSe NCs while the XRD analyses showed that they retained their zinc blende structure even after doping.
Assessment of Natural Radionuclides in the Top Soil Sample of Ahero Fields, Kenya
(International Journal of Modern Developments in Engineering and Science, 2023-05-22) Mukanda, Kere Wanyama; Waswa, Michael Nakitare; Ouma, Linda Immaculate
A total of 17 soil samples of Ahero fields were collected at a depth of 15 – 20 cm; five samples each of mass 170g were collected from field 1, 2, 3 and two samples from field 4. The field 1 was where rice seedlings were already transplanted, field 2 was one in which transplanting was being done, field 3 was one in which rice had been harvested and the field had just been ploughed while field 4 was a field in which farming had not been done for two years. The activity concentrations were measured, identified and detected using NaI(Ti) detector that were used in calculation of Radium Equivalent, External Hazard Indices and Internal Hazard Indices. The average radium equivalent were 185.82 ± 7.04 Bq/kg, 119.19 ± 5.95 Bq/kg, 168.78 ± 8.44 Bq/kg and 208.81 ± 10.44 Bq/kg for fields 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The average internal hazard index was 0.50 ± 0.02 mSv/y, 0.32± 0.01 mSv/y, 0.45 ± 0.03 mSv/y and 0.57± 0.03 mSv/y for fields 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. On the other hand, the average external hazard indices for the fields were 0.59 ± 0.02 mSv/y, 0.37± 0.01 mSv/y, 0.54± 0.02 mSv/y and 0.65± 0.03 mSv/y for fields 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Generally, the results from the study indicate that the radiological health risk associated with the top soils of the studyarea is insignificant.
Radiological Risk Assessment of 238u, 232th And 40k in the Top Soils of Ahero Paddy Fields of Kisumu County, Kenya
(Journal of Engineering and Technology for Industrial Applications, 2022-08-22) Mukanda, Kere Wanyama; Waswa, Michael Nakitare; Ouma, Linda Immaculate
A radiological risk assessment of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the top soils of Ahero paddy fields of Kisumu County has been measured using NaI(TI) gamma ray spectroscopy. A total of 17 samples were collected at a depth of 15 - 20 cm and measured for activity concentrations of three radionuclides which were used to calculate the absorbed dose rates and Annual effective dose rates of the samples. Samples were collected from fields at various stages of farming process i.e., four (4) weeks after transplanting (field 1), during transplanting (field 2), after harvesting and land ploughed (field 3) and a control field (field 4) where rice farming had not been done for 2 years. The average activity concentrations for the three radionuclides for field 1 were 32.63 ± 1.63 Bq/kg for 238U, 104.69 ± 5.20 Bq/kg for 232Th and 75.00 ± 3.2 6 Bq/kg for 40K. The average activity concentrations of the radionuclides from field 2 were 16.97 ± 0.84 Bq/kg, 68.03 ± 3.40 Bq/kg and 70.31 ± 3.51 Bq/kg for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively. The average activity concentrations of the radionuclides from field 3 (post harvesting) were 28.92 ± 1.44 Bq/kg, 91.73 ± 4.58 Bq/kg and 122.60 ± 6.13 Bq/kg for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively. The average activity concentrations of the radionuclides were 29.74 ± 1.48 Bq/kg, 121.11 ± 6.05 Bq/kg and 87.51 ± 4.37 Bq/kg for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively. The average Absorbed Dose Rates were 81.50 ± 4.07 nGy/h for field 1, 52.59 ± 2.62 nGy/h for field 2; 74.68 ± 3.73 nGy/h for field 3 and 91.79 ± 4.59 nGy/h for field 4. The values were below the permissible limit of 1500 nGy/h, thus the radiological risk associated with the top soils of the Ahero Paddy fields of Kisumu County, Kenya is insignificant.
Effects of alum, soda ash, and carbon dioxide on 40–50 year old concrete wastewater tanks
(Physical Sciences Review, 2023-11-06) Maundu, Mutua; Ouma, Linda; Maingi, Francis
Concrete is among the foremost used construction materials around the world, however, there is limited information to determine how aging concrete is affected by chemicals. Concrete is used in the construction of domestic and industrial infrastructure including walls, beams, roof slabs, pipes and drainage systems. With increasing industrialization, chemicals are continuously released contributing to concrete degradation. Sulfuric acid is one of the most detrimental chemicals to concrete, yet it is commonly used in most industries. The effects of carbon dioxide, alum, and soda ash on 40–50 year old concrete structures were determined. Results showed the presence of Fe3+ ions with a mean concentration of 3.24 ± 0.02 mg/L in the residuum on the alum tank. This was due to the slightly acidic alum solution reacting with calcium hydroxide and iron in the concrete matrix over years thus depriving concrete of its binding power. The high amount of soda ash, a strong base, corrodes the concrete walls and surfaces hence creating cracks on the concrete matrix. Carbonation effects brought about by carbon dioxide were also observed at the time of the study.
Sequestration of Heavy Metal Pollutants by Fe3O4-based Composites
(Springer, 2022-07-22) Ouma, Linda Immaculate; Onani, Martin
Heavy metal pollution poses a grave environmental threat. Some of the most toxic metals are highly mobile and, therefore, easily transported through ground water systems, thus, affecting large areas. Over the last decade, adsorption has been greatly focused on as a strategy for contaminated water treatment. Its versatility and relative ease of application have been a major determinant of its preference. Nanosized adsorbents have high surface areas and are size tunable and, hence, have been favored in adsorption applications. The magnetic properties of nanosized magnetite (Fe3O4) have made them particularly favorable. Magnetite composites with various materials have widely been applied in the adsorptive treatment of real and synthetic water containing heavy metal pollutants. This review outlines the application of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Fe3O4 organic composites in the adsorption of heavy metal ions in aqueous solution. The reviewed articles indicate that the formation of Fe3O4 inorganic–organic composites improves the adsorption efficiencies of the composites and improves their applicability by providing magnetic separability. The presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the composite materials also provides for improved reusability of the adsorbent. Generally, the formation of these composites tends to make adsorption a more viable alternative to conventional water treatment options for heavy metal pollutants in water.
Activity Concentration and Associated Radiation Dose in Machinjoni Dumpsite in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya.
(International Journal of Novel Research and Development, 2023-09-22) Barasa, Ezekiel Simyu; Waswa, Michael Nakitare; Ouma, Linda
The activity concentration in Machinjoni dumpsite has been investigated. Activity concentration was measured using a 76 mm x76 mm NaI (Tl) detector using gamma ray spectrometry technique and various radiological parameters calculated to quantify the level of radiological hazardousness posed by the dumpsite on those interacting with the dumpsite. The mean activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the dumpsite were 16±0.83 BqKg-1, 68±3.4 BqKg-1 and 60±3 BqKg-1 respectively. 232Th exceeded the permissible limit of 45 BqKg-1 while 238U and 40K were within permissible limits. The radiological hazard calculated in this study was absorbed dose rate. The calculated values of absorbed dose rate ranged from 29±1.45 to 140±7.03 nGyhr-1 with a mean of 51±2.56 nGh-1 and were lower than the world mean value of 84 nGhr-1. From the values it can be seen that there is significant radiation it parts of the dumpsite even though the mean values were all below permissible world values.
Response Surface Methodology Analysis Of Animal Manure Mixtures On Macronutrient Content
(IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2024-08-22) Magero, Simon; Ouma, Linda; Maingi, Francis
The macro and micronutrient composition, pH, and absorptivity of manure from livestock and poultry differ. To increase the nutrient content of soils, several types of manure must be combined. One strategy to increase manure efficiency is mixing ratio optimization. This study aimed to ascertain the nutrient levels of manure from various farm animals and assess the interactions between the manure and the resulting nutrients. Polynomial equations were created as a mathematical model to tie the factors to the responses. The central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to investigate the impact of different animal manures on macro nutrients that were chosen as responses. RSM was also used to determine each manure type's level of significance as well as the interactive effects. According to the findings of the study, goat manure was richest in phosphorus (1.27%), potassium (1.24%), and calcium (4.68%), whereas poultry manure was richest in nitrogen (1.45%). The study showed that while a combination of cattle and swine produced a mixture high in nitrogen, blending goats, poultry, and swine manure gave the highest phosphorus levels. A mixture of cattle, goat, and pig manure was provided an organic fertilizer that was rich in calcium and potassium. To assist in blending different types of wellchosen animal manure for the creation of the intended nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, second and third-order polynomials were devised. Calcium, potassium, and phosphorous fitted best in a third–order polynomial while nitrogen was fitted in a second-order polynomial.
Competency-Based Curriculum as a Catalyst for Enhancing E-Learning: An Empirical Review
(International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, 2023-09-14) Ongare, Roselida Maroko
The educational realm has experienced substantial shifts due to the growing integration of e-learning and the emergence of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as an innovative educational paradigm. This empirical review seeks to investigate the potential harmonization between CBC and e-learning through a thorough analysis of established research. The primary objective of this review is to uncover the synergistic possibilities between these two approaches and to present empirical substantiation of how CBC can strengthen the effectiveness of online learning. Through a comprehensive examination of diverse research studies, this review aims to determine the intrinsic benefits and challenges tied to the fusion of CBC within e-learning contexts. Moreover, it aims to clarify the far-reaching implications for educational institutions and policymakers as they navigate the complex intersection of these progressive methodologies.
Assessing ICT Infrastructure Requirements for AI-Powered Virtual Assistants in Delivering ICT Technical Support to Kenyan Public Universities
(International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, 2023-08-14) Oyile, Paul Oduor; Ongare, Roselida Maroko; Ikoha, Anselemo Peters
In recent years, the global landscape has witnessed a significant surge in the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for devising intelligent solutions across corporate entities and institutions of higher education. This paper underscores the profound impact of AI in shaping the landscape of smart solutions and particularly emphasizes the deployment of AI-powered virtual assistants. These virtual assistants hold the potential to revolutionize ICT technical support provision in public universities by expediting the resolution of routine technical issues faced by students and potentially reducing dependency on dedicated ICT support personnel. However, the successful implementation of such transformative technology necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the requisite ICT infrastructure. This study aims to meticulously analyze the essential ICT infrastructure components crucial for the effective deployment of AIpowered virtual assistants. Employing a content analysis approach, the study gathered pertinent data from a corpus of 20 peer-reviewed journal articles centered on the themes of "ICT infrastructure" and "AI-powered Virtual Assistant." The investigation disclosed prominent AI platforms such as IBM Watson, Google Dialogflow, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Lex as prevalent choices for Natural Language Processing in constructing AI-powered virtual assistants. These platforms exhibited inherent capabilities encompassing natural language comprehension, processing, and generation. Programming languages such as JavaScript, Java, C#, SQL, Python, and Php emerged as popular choices for coding the AI-driven chatbot. Core hardware requirements included servers, smartphones, routers, and PCs. Pertinent software components encompassed Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Operating Systems (OS), and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). Furthermore, Facebook and WhatsApp emerged as prevalent messaging platforms for the testing, deployment, and user interaction aspects of the AI-powered chatbot. The outcomes of this study are anticipated to provide valuable insights for policy makers, IT practitioners, and university administrators, facilitating informed decision-making on the strategic integration of AI-powered virtual assistants to bolster ICT technical support for students.
Commonly Requested ICT Technical Support Services by Students in Public Universities in Kenya: A Case Study of Kibabii University
(Kibabii University, 2023-09-14) Oyile, Paul Oduor; Ongare, Roselida Maroko; Ikoha, Peters Anselemo
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional methods of instruction and learning, leading educational institutions to adopt online learning environments heavily reliant on ICT. However, providing effective and consistent ICT technical support posed challenges, with limited staffing and absences. This study aimed to investigate the commonly requested ICT technical support services by students in public universities in Kenya. The research questions focused on identifying the commonly requested ICT services and the frequently requested ICT technical support per service. The study utilized a case study research design, focusing on Kibabii University and involving 389 students and 16 ICT staff members. The student sample was selected through stratification into different faculties and schools, followed by random sampling. Data were collected through interviews and an online survey, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. The findings of the study revealed that the most frequently requested technical support services by students were related to eLearning services, email services, and online application and clearance services. Among these, eLearning support emerged as the most popular technical support service, while ERP support was the least popular. The results of this study hold significance for policy makers and university administrators as they seek to enhance the provision of technical support for ICT. The findings can inform decision-making processes regarding resource allocation, training, and infrastructure development to meet students' ICT support needs effectively. Moreover, the study sets the foundation for the development of a student-centered ICT technical support and infrastructure provision architecture, leveraging AI-powered virtual assistants to cater to students' ICT support requirements on behalf of ICT staff. In summary, this research sheds light on the commonly requested ICT services and technical support needs of students in public universities in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of a student-centric approach to ICT support.
Internet Usage for Women Entrepreneurship Sustainability: A Study of Selected Rural Woman Entrepreneurs of Small Businesses
(International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology, 2021-04-14) Ongare, Roselida Maroko; Ikoha, Peters Anselemo; Wabwoba, Franklin
Sustaining technologies and innovations are important driving forces behind the modern day businesses and the working space. These technologies enable businesses to improve their products and services in a way that makes them compete with competitors in the same marketspace. The Internet is a sustaining technology that is currently altering the economic, social and political landscapes by changing the way people live, do business and work. The Internet if used properly can provide effective tools and services to support sustainable entrepreneurship with the potential of empowering women entrepreneurs economically, socially as well as contributing to environmental conservation and protection. This study sought to analyse Internet usage by women entrepreneurs of small businesses in rural areas. The study was premised on the fact that maximum utilization of the Internet by women entrepreneurs of small businesses in rural areas would provide opportunities to accelerate the country’s social, economic and environment well-being. The study initially sought to predict the relationship between usage of Internet and sustainable development of women entrepreneurs of small businesses, then explored the detailed views of these women concerning the use of the Internet and finally compared the relationship between its usage and entrepreneurship sustainability. The findings show that Internet usage has positive and significant effect on entrepreneurship sustainability of women entrepreneurs of small businesses studied. The target population was women entrepreneurs of small businesses in Siaya County. A sample size was 272 and a response rate of 91.91% was achieved. Simple random sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used to aid in data collection. Survey research design was used and questionnaires were used to collect data. Data analysis was done using PLS-SEM statistical model and descriptive, inferential and predictive statistics that encompassed regression and correlation were used to analyse the data. Ethical issues arising from the research such as informed voluntary consent, no harm to participants, confidentiality of information and data integrity were accounted for. The reliability of the research tool was arrived at using composite reliability test and Cronbach’s Alpha test. Validity of the research instrument was assessed using factor analysis. The significance of the study lies in its ability to provide valuable insights into the aspects of Internet usage in business and entrepreneurship sustainability.

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