Researcher's Publications

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The Syntax of Dholuo Anaphors and Case Assignment
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2021-04) Onyango, J. A; Nandelenga, H. S.; Ogutu, E. A.
Anaphors which include the reflexive and reciprocal manifest differently in languages all over the world. As referent items, they occur as morphological, syntactic or lexical. In this paper, a different focus is taken by assignment of case to determine grammaticality of sentences that contain anaphors. Data was drawn from native speaker intuition and secondary data from scholars. The data was subjected to validation by being verified by six adult native speakers. Different types of anaphors collected were analyzed using descriptive and qualitative research designs. Case Theory, a module of Government and Binding Theory was used as the tool for analysis. The analyses report that Dholuo language exhibit both lexical and non-lexical words as anaphors which occupy object position. The non-lexical anaphor –r ‘self’ or ‘each other’, does not occur in isolation; it is attached to the verb and followed by a personal pronoun. It is also established that Dholuo anaphor is assigned morphological accusative case by the verb, the antecedent is assigned abstract nominative case by INFL(ection); while the preposition assigns oblique case to its object to satisfy the case filter principle. However, Exceptional Case marking (ECM) occurred where the anaphor in an infinitival IP was exceptionally assigned accusative case by the verb from the matrix. But, where the Complementizer Phrase (CP) and Prepositional Phrase (PP) occurred, ECM does not apply since they are barriers to government. Conversely, Case Theory could not account for assignment of case to an extra anaphor in the sentence like wuon ‘self’ in Dholuo that occurred with the anaphor –r ‘self’ ‘each other. Therefore, there is need for a linguistic theory that captures the assignment of case to two anaphors that occur in constructions.
Superabsorbent Hydrogel derived from Lemon Juice/Ethylenediamine with Maleic Acid as a Cross-Linker
(International Journal of Composite Materials, 2021-10-30) Titus M. Kasimu; Harun M. Mbuvi; Francis M. Maingi
Hydrogels are 3-dimensional polymer network materials with the ability to absorb a large amount of water. The current advancement in technology has increased their demand in the fields of industrial and environmental applications. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from lemon juice. The preparation involved linking lemon juice (LJ) with Ethylenediamine (EDA) via an amide linkage to obtain HLE-1 hydrogel. The polymer hydrogel was then cross-linked with maleic acid via an ester linkage to form HLE-2 hydrogel. Characterization was done using FT-IR, SEM, and XRD. The optimization of the swelling conditions was studied by varying contact time and the dosage of both lemon juice and the cross-linker. XRD analysis showed the conversion of amorphous hydrogel HLE-1 to crystalline hydrogel HLE-2 upon cross-linking. The FT-IR spectra showed a new strong symmetric stretching -COO- peak at 1079.83 cm-1 in HLE-2 indicating successful ester linkage. SEM analysis showed pores of different sizes and shapes in HAE-2 compared to a rigid, concrete, and smooth surface in HLE-1. Upon the optimization of the synthesis conditions of the cross-linked hydrogel, a swelling capacity of 925% was obtained. Crosslinking the hydrogel improved its water absorption ability. The high swelling capacity of the hydrogel provides a baseline for potential application in agriculture, especially in semi and arid regions.
The Specific Heat Of Boson-Fermion Pair Condensate In Optimally-Doped Cuprates
(Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST), 2021-12) Mukubwa, A.; Makokha, J. W.; Masinde, F. W.
Recent studies have shown that the interaction between a finite momentum Cooper-pair boson and a fermion supports superconductivity in cuprates. Specifically, the occurrence of a superconducting energy gap in cuprates is defined by the collective excitation of boson-fermion pair condensates (BFPC) above the ground state. The ground state energy of BFPC in these materials show dependence on single-fermion spins. We study the specific heat of a BFPC in high temperature cuprates based on the ground state energy which represents the total internal energy of the system. The model results are in close proximity with the empirical findings. For instance, the specific heat of the model in Y123 is determined as 𝟏𝟏𝟖.𝟗 𝐉𝐦𝐨𝐥−𝟏𝐊−𝟏, which close to the measured value of 𝟏𝟐𝟕.𝟖 𝐉𝐦𝐨𝐥−𝟏𝐊−𝟏.
Student Mobility Procedures Manual Development Strategy for International Offices in Universities
(IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 2021-12) Owoche, P.
Background: Policies reflect the rules guiding the implementation of the organizational process. Procedures, on the other hand, represent an implementation of policy and need to be responsive to the changing work environment over time as new tools emerge, new processes are designed, and the risks associated with an area change in response to internal or external environmental changes. This paper aimed to come up with a strategy for developing a student mobility procedures manual for an international office in a university. Materials and Methods: In this paper content analysis was used to analyze the activities carried out in the life cycle of student mobility from recruitment and selection to credits transfer and post mobility evaluation. Results: The categorized student mobility activities into four broad categories of recruitment and selection; pre-travel; arrival, stay, and departure; and after mobility. The paper suggested a student mobility procedures manual development approach that uses five work packages of international office staff capacity building; procedures manual development; operationalization; quality control and monitoring; and dissemination. Conclusion: The ultimate goal for a procedure document is for the design to be simple, consistent, and easy to use. To ensure a consistent format between documents, the university needs to develop a manual template to help the writers of the procedures get started. The guidelines in this paper can be very useful in structuring and compiling the manual content. The paper emphasizes stakeholder engagement in the entire lifecycle of the procedures manual.
Effective Microorganism Effect on the Growth and Yield of Spider Plant (Cleome gynandra L.)
(IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 2021-12-21) Kerubo, F. N.; Okello, S. V; Oluko, P. S.
Cleome gynandra was tested under different Effective Microorganisms (EM) levels in a CRD greenhouse pot experiment. The study used two varieties (MSL-17 and MSL-F3), combined with five EM concentrations (EM 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/L) on ferralsol soil in Kibabii. Normal agronomic management practices were carried out. Data was collected weekly on plant height, leaf area, leaf fresh and dry weight, days to 50% flowering, leaf number, soil microbial count, water and chlorophyll content. Spider plant varieties varied significantly (P≤0.05) in number of days to seedling emergence, local spider plant variety recorded lower seed germination than the exotic variety (MSL-F17). Plant height decreased by 7.0% with reduction in EM concentration level. Number of days to flowering was significantly affected (P≤0.05) by EM concentration level. Single leaf area significantly decreased (P≤0.05) with decline in EM concentration level for both varieties. Control (EM 0g/L) led to a significant reduction in spider plant single leaf area by 10.97%. Reduction of EM concentration level reduced chlorophyll content by 8.2 % across the varieties. Increased chlorophyll content due to increasing EM concentration level may be attributed to nutrient richness due to use of EM. High EM concentration level at EM 200g/L led to a significant (P≤0.05) reduction in spider plant single leaf area that could be attributed to significant (P≤0.05) increase in chlorophyll manufacture as well as plant cell turgor pressure. Leaf relative water content significantly decreased (P≤0.05) with reducing EM concentration. Increase in EM concentration significantly increased (P≤0.05) leaf yield by 25.7% and 14.0%, in exotic and local varieties respectively. Increased EM concentration at 200g/L significantly increased (P≤0.05) plant height, number of leaves per plant, single leaf area, chlorophyll content, leaf relative water content, and leaf yield. There exist significant genotypic differences in adaptation to EM concentration levels among the evaluated genotypes. Spider plant varieties varied significantly (P≤0.05) in agronomic traits, with variety MSL-17 at EM 200g/L, recording superior agronomic traits for growth, hence may be used for production and in the development of improved spider plants. MSL-F17 could be recommended for adoption by small scale farmers for direct production.
Glycerol/lemon juice/based green superabsorbent hydrogel cross-linked with maleic acid
(2022) Titus M. Kasimu; Harun M. Mbuvi; Francis M. Maingi
Superabsorbent hydrogels continue to be very important materials due to their applications in several technologies. Unfortunately, most superabsorbent hydrogels currently on the market are acrylate-based products that are non-biodegradable, and, most importantly, some concerns exist about their toxicity for use in agriculture. This study aimed at synthesizing and characterizing biocompatible superabsorbent hydrogel derived from lemon juice. The process involved polymerizing lemon juice (LJ) with glycerol (G) monomers to form polymeric material (HLG-1). HLG-1 was then converted to HLG-2 by crosslinking with maleic acid. Characterization of the hydrogels was done using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesis conditions producing optimal swelling capacity were studied by varying contact time and dosage of both lemon juice and the cross-linker. The FT-IR results showed a peak at 1528 cm-1 and 1591.34 cm-1 associated with –COO- stretching indicating successful polymerization and crosslinking processes. XRD analysis showed conversion from amorphous to crystalline phases upon crosslinking. SEM micrographs showed clear pores with large surface area in HLG-2 compared with the rigid and constricted surface of HLG-1 hydrogel. A maximum swelling capacity of 910% was obtained upon synthesizing hydrogel HLG-2 with lemon juice, glycerol, and maleic acid of a volume ratio of 5.4: 3.75: 3.75 respectively. Crosslinking the hydrogel with maleic acid was found to improve the water absorption capacity of the hydrogel. The superabsorbent hydrogel with such high swelling and water absorption ability has the potential of being applied in arid and semi-arid regions to boost agricultural production.
Sexual Objectification of Women in Selected Kipsigis Popular Songs of Kenya
(World Journal of Innovative Research (WJIR), 2022-01) Ruto, L. K.; Nandelenga, H. S; Wamaitha, L. M.
Songs perform key roles in the society such as entertainment and education but can project certain ideologies and stereotypes. This study examined the objectification of women in selected Kipsigis popular songs. The researcher purposively picked 15 songs from speakers of Kipsigis popular artists, 30 respondents and five composers. An interview schedule was used to obtain the relevant information from the respondents and composers of the songs. The study was guided by Politeness Theory by Brown and Levinson (1978). The results of the study indicated that artists objectify women as instruments, female sex organ as food and a place while sexual intercourse is portrayed as a journey, war and work to mitigate their offensiveness. It is believed that the findings of this study would be of great significance in information dissemination to the media, schools and churches in censuring and sensitization of songs that objectify women. Also, the results of this study is expected to be instrumental in mitigating offensive expressions that cause harm and shame to the listeners of Kipsigis popular songs through proper interpretation of words and phrases that objectify women.
Super Absorbent Hydrogel Derived from Activated Charcoal Functionalized with Ethylenediamine and Cross-linked with Maleic Acid
(International Journal of Materials and Chemistry, 2022-01-13) Titus M. Kasimu; Harun M. Mbuvi; Francis M. Maingi
Superabsorbent hydrogels represent a set of polymeric materials with three-dimensional networks capable of holding a huge amount of water due to their hydrophilic nature in their structure. Their application in industries and the environment is of prime importance. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from activated charcoal. The activated charcoal (AC) was functionalized with ethylenediamine (EA) using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst in the absence and presence of maleic acid as a cross linker to synthesize HCE-1 and HCE-2 superabsorbent hydrogel respectively. Characterization of the hydrogels was done using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesis conditions producing optimal swelling capacity were studied by varying contact time and dosage of both activated carbon and the maleic acid. The results showed presence of C-N- stretching vibration at 1590.99 cm-1 in FT-IR spectrum of HCE-1 indicating interlinking between AC and EA monomers. XRD analysis showed a shift from amorphous to crystalline upon crosslinking. SEM analysis showed dense mast homogenous morphology with clear pores network in HCE-2 compared to the rigid rough surface observed in HCE-1 hydrogel. The dose ratio of AC: EA: maleic acid of 6:5:2 produced hydrogel with highest water absorption capacity of 1089.7±0.6%. Crosslinking the hydrogel with maleic acid was found to improve the water absorption capacity of the absorbent. The study provides a baseline for the application of the hydrogel in agriculture, especially in semi and arid regions.
Relationship between Liquidity Management and Performance of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, 2022-04) Fred Gichana Atandi; Joshua Olang’o Abuya
The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between liquidity management and performance of savings and cooperative societies. The study was conducted through a cross – sectional, descriptive and correlational survey designs. Primary data collection was conducted using self-administered structured questionnaires. The study considered five (5) Matatu saving and Credit Cooperatives societies operating in Kitale town main stage with a total of 79 employees. The study concluded that there was a very strong positive significant relationship between liquidity management and performance of SACCOs. The study recommended that SACCOs management to ensure that specific loan processing and recovery period is observed to meet its obligations whenever they fall due in order to maintains adequate liquidity for its day-to-day operations. The study also recommended that SACCOs to provide regular training to its members before advancing loans to them. The study also recommended that SACCO’s managements should be keen on improving its liquidity and strengthen liquidity management for their respective SACCOs to be competitive and investors get value for their money.
Debt Collection Strategies and Financial Sustainability of Mobile Lending Firms
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN ACCOUNTING, FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES, 2022-05-08) Fred Gichana Atandi; Gideon Kirui
The importance of this study was to improve the financial performance of mobile lending firms which are ever increasing while many of them are struggling with high loan default rates which will eventually negatively affect the sustainability of all mobile lending firms. The study methodology applied was cross sectional, descriptive and correlational survey designs using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The target population of the study was 900 respondents but the selected sample size used in the study was 269 respondents. Data collected was both primary and secondary which was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The major findings of the study indicated that there is a need to improve on credit recovery efforts to ultimately enhance the firm's income and minimize losses, credit collection strategies should encourage borrowers to repay their debt rather than antagonizing them and ineffective financial management policies can eventually cause inefficiency in financial services. The study proposes further research to be conducted on the effect of government regulations on performance on sustainability of mobile lending firms.
The Role of Community Radios in the Development of Slum Areas
(International Journal of Innovative Science & Technology, 2022-11-10) Manje I.W.
This study sought to examine the role of community radio in promoting the development agenda of slum areas with a specific focus on Pamoja FM that serves Kibera slums in Nairobi. This case study utilised a descriptive design using qualitative approaches. The study utilised interviews, observations, and review of documents as the strategies of collecting data. Data was collected from a census sample of five newsroom staff and thirty regular listeners of Pamoja FM together with key informants who were interviewed and also participated in focus group discussions to provide information on the role of Pamoja FM in promoting the development agenda of their communities. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data based on study objectives and fieldwork. Data was presented in narrative form and direct quotations. The role of community radio in the provision of information and knowledge for development in slum areas were found to include fostering of peace building, promoting security, overcoming language barrier challenges in communication, encouraging community participation and mobilisation in development matters, acting as a government watchdog, empowering communities economically, and providing communities with a form of communication that they can closely identify with. The study concluded that community radio is a crucial part of the communication process that aids in social change because of its potential to facilitate participation and inclusion in development agenda
Media Viability Needs Assessment
(KCOMNET & GIZ, 2023-11-21) Manje, Isaac Wamalwa
KCOMNET through Umoja Radio for Peace (UR4P) project recently conducted a media viability needs assessment activity targeting 41 CRS. In 2021, the Media Futures East Africa Project, jointly implemented by the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media & Communications and DW Akademie, investigated the state of innovation & media viability in Kenya. However, from the report presented, community radio was conspicuously missing out from the media viability needs analysis. The focus of was purely on print & commercial radio & television. This informed the need to conduct a media viability needs assessment for community radio. Cognizant of the fact that media viability needs assessment for community media is noticeably missing from recent studies, this assessment investigated the media viability needs of community radio. Media viability is the ability of media outlets to operate financially & editorially independently while still ensuring high-quality journalism. A media viability needs assessment is a process of identifying & assessing the needs of media outlets in order to support their long-term financial sustainability & empower them to produce high quality journalism in an editorially independent manner.

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