Kibuspace
Kibuspace is the institutional repository of Kibabii University, the repository preserves the University's research legacy and all aspects of knowledge generated by KIBU community for posterity
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Trends of Sugarcane Farming in Nzoia Sugar Company: A Historical Analysis of Growth and Decline
(IRE Journals, 2025-05-25) Simiyu, Elydah Nangila; Muchanga, Kizito Lusambili; Wapukha, Precious Joan; Khakina, Peter Nyongesa
This study examines the historical trajectory of sugarcane farming at Nzoia Sugar Company (NSC) in Bungoma County, Kenya, from its establishment in 1975 to 2020. Using the Cumulative and Cyclical Interdependence Theory by Karl Gunnar Myrdal as a theoretical framework, the research traces how initial development cycles transformed into negative spirals affecting both the company and the surrounding community. Through qualitative research methods including interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, the study reveals how NSC progressed from initial success to eventual decline, identifying critical factors that contributed to this trajectory. The findings demonstrate how institutional, community, and individual factors interact to create cycles of growth or decline in agricultural economic activities, offering valuable insights for agricultural policy and management of agro-industrial enterprises in developing contexts.
Sugarcane Farming in Nzoia Sugar Company, Bungoma, Kenya: A Review of the Employees’ Benefits, 1978-2020
(Jumuga Journal of Education, Oral Studies, and Human Sciences (JJEOSHS, 2025-09-25) Simiyu, Elydah Nangila; Kizito Lusambili Muchanga; Wapukha, Precious Joan; Khakina, Peter Nyongesa
Sugarcane farming is one of the main agricultural-based economic activities practiced in Bungoma County. This article sets out to explore the socio-economic impact of sugarcane farming on employees of Nzoia Sugar Company (NSC) in Bungoma County, Kenya, from 1978 to 2020. The research is anchored on cumulative and cyclical interdependence theory and capability theory. In its methodology and design, it utilizes historical research design and collects data through; oral interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The respondents were 14 in number, comprising NSC employees, retired NSC officers and local administrators. In its findings, it reveals that sugarcane farming initially provided significant socio-economic benefits, including regular income, housing, healthcare, education, and skill development. However, from the year 2000 onwards, financial challenges led to deteriorating conditions with delayed salaries, reduced social services, and increased employee vulnerability. Further, its findings indicate that while NSC has contributed to infrastructural development, human capital formation and community empowerment during its prosperous years, the company's decline has created negative cumulative effects on employee welfare and community development. The research recommends a revitalization of the sugar industry through improved governance, technological upgrade and
sustainable financing mechanisms.
A Comparative Study of Natural Radioactivity and Associated Radiological Hazards of Imported Sanitary Ware Products Sold in Kenya
(IRESPUB Journal of Natural & Applied Sciences, 2024-08-25) Natang’ah, Edwin Chemos; Waswa, Michael Nakitare; Khakina, Peter Nyongesa; Kibe, Horace Eyinda
Natural radioisotopes are present in all ceramic products used in building construction at varying rates. The primary source of outdoor
radiation that residents of homes or workplaces are exposed to is these radioisotopes. Determining the radiation levels of ceramic items used in buildings is crucial. In this investigation, Thallium doped sodium iodide detector NaI(Ti) was used to measure the natural radioactivity levels (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in twelve ceramic sanitary ware products manufactured in India, China and Uganda imported and used in Kenya. For the studied samples, the average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides were 19.5±0.99Bq/kg, 89.75±4.49Bq/kg and 405.75±20.29Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K respectively. With
the exception of the average 232Th concentration of studied samples, these results are lower than the global average values (50, 50, and 500 Bq/kg).Values for radium equivalent activity (Raeq), gamma index (Iγ), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (HIn), absorbed dose rate (ADR), annual effective dose (AED), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were also computed in order to assess the radiological risks resulting from naturally occurring radionuclides of the ceramic sanitary ware samples under examination. The mean of the radioactive hazard parameters (Raeq, Iγ, Hex, HIn ,D, and AEDE,) computed for every sample of ceramic sanitary
equipment was discovered to be below the upper bounds suggested by global organization safe for ELCR which registered slightly higher values.
Solving Unemployment in Kenya by Integrating Education, Training and Market
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024-08-25) Khakina, Peter Nyongesa
Africa’s youth unemployment rate is estimated to grow from 10.7% as in 2020 to 42% in 2030 with the current education and training. According to the National Council for Population and Development, Youth (15 – 34 year old), who form 35 percent of the Kenyan population, had the highest unemployment rate of 67 percent in 2017. The major cause of unemployment is various types of mismatches. The general objective of the study was to find out the mismatch between skill acquisition at the university and the absorption at the job market. A sample of 50 students from science and mathematics related courses who had completed industrial attachment was used for the study. Another 100 degree graduates were asked what they were doing after graduation. Seventy five percent (75%) of those who went for attachment confirmed a mismatch of what they learn at the university and what is at the industry. Sixty five percent (65%) of the graduates were in a vertical education mismatch employment and 35% were still searching for employment. Generally, it was observed that there is a mismatch between education, training and the market. There is need to prioritise the implementation of training programmes based on the demand in terms of study level and field of study, an update of curricula by integrating the lacking soft, digital and job search skills, a settlement of a collaborative network between employers and training institutions, an implementation of mentoring programmes and an investment of enterprises in the adequate training of youth as social responsibility.
A Reduction Factor for Buckling Load of Spherical Cap Shells
(Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 2011-12-26) Khakina, Peter Nyongesa; Zhou, H.
The classical buckling theory usually overestimates the buckling load of shells. In this study, a reduction factor is determined using geometrical parameters so as to reduce the classical buckling load to a more realistic value based on the post-buckling load. It is observed that the buckling load is directly proportional to the thickness and rise and inversely proportional to the span of the spherical cap. Finite element modeling and simulation using ABAQUS was conducted to determine the buckling behavior of a spherical cap
shell subjected to different initial geometrical imperfections. The load-deflection curves drawn from the simulation formed a plateau at the post-buckling load. It is observed that as the initial geometrical imperfection is increased, the value of the initial buckling load is almost the same as the value of the post-buckling load on the plateau. The results obtained from different shells were used to derive a formula for the reduction factor.