Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://erepository.kibu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/98

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 604

Access to basic education in Kenya: Inherent concerns
(Academic Journals, 2007-10-30) Maiyo, JK.; Odebero, S.O.; Mualuko, N.J
Basic education being the minimum education that every Kenyan must have for progressive existence in society is a crucial factor. That is why Kenya subscribes to the international protocol that established Education for All (EFA) in Jomtien, Thailand 1990 and the world education forum in Dakar, Senegal, 2000. Since then, the Kenya Government in her Education Sector Strategic Plan and Sessional paper No. 1 of 2005 has articulated how to attain goals for education. For instance early childhood education which tries to ensure development of the whole personality of the child’s physical, mental, and socio-emotional attributes faces challenges such as lack of access to early childhood education mostly caused by poverty, regional and gender disparities, policy framework, and HIV/AIDS among others. At primary school level where children stay longest in the schooling years and they develop more motor skill, further cognitive skills along with higher socialization than the early childhood education level, has children failing to access education due to poverty, gender imbalances, regional imbalances among other concerns. Secondary education which creates a human resource base higher than the primary education along with training youth for further education and the world of work registers restriction to many children due to concerns of poverty, gender imbalances, insecurity regional disparity among others. This article articulates in detail the above concerns discussing their manifestations in Kenya. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made on how to improve access to basic education in Kenya. Among the recommendations are: To make basic education free and compulsory, improve provision of health services, intensify fight against demeaning cultures, give special attention to children with disabilities, avail employment opportunities to the youth, assure security to all in conflict prone zones and tighten bursary disbursement procedures.
Access to basic education in Kenya: inherent concerns
(Academic Journals, 2007-10-30) Odebero, Stephen O.; Maiyo, Julius K.; Mualuko, Ndiku J.
Basic education being the minimum education that every Kenyan must have for progressive existence in society is a crucial factor. That is why Kenya subscribes to the international protocol that established Education for All (EFA) in Jomtien, Thailand 1990 and the world education forum in Dakar, Senegal, 2000. Since then, the Kenya Government in her Education Sector Strategic Plan and Sessional paper No. 1 of 2005 has articulated how to attain goals for education. For instance early childhood education which tries to ensure development of the whole personality of the child’s physical, mental, and socioemotional attributes faces challenges such as lack of access to early childhood education mostly caused by poverty, regional and gender disparities, policy framework, and HIV/AIDS among others. At primary school level where children stay longest in the schooling years and they develop more motor skill, further cognitive skills along with higher socialization than the early childhood education level, has children failing to access education due to poverty, gender imbalances, regional imbalances among other concerns. Secondary education which creates a human resource base higher than the primary education along with training youth for further education and the world of work registers restriction to many children due to concerns of poverty, gender imbalances, insecurity regional disparity among others. This article articulates in detail the above concerns discussing their manifestations in Kenya. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made on how to improve access to basic education in Kenya. Among the recommendations are: To make basic education free and compulsory, improve provision of health services, intensify fight against demeaning cultures, give special attention to children with disabilities, avail employment opportunities to the youth, assure security to all in conflict prone zones and tighten bursary disbursement procedures.
Access to water in Kenya’s coast region
(2018) Ignatius, David O.; Hassan, Farida A.; Morara, George N.; Osore, Melckzedeck k.; Mutua, Benedict M.; Kitaka, Nzula K.
Water is considered a basic commodity and essential for life - living on planet earth is dependent on it. However, access to water has been and will continue to be a dilemma for a majority of the residents at the coast of Kenya. A close look at the window on “Coastal Resources and People” reveals that water is a key resource but despite its immense importance, many people especially in the rural areas and among the Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMG’s) do not have adequate access to potable, reliable and convenient sources of water. Lamu, currently considered among water scarce counties in Kenya as per the Lamu County Integrated Development Plan (http://lamu.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/LAMU_CIDP-Revised.June_2014-1.pdf), faces serious challenge of provision of potable water to its residents. With the influx of people from other parts of the country as a result of the implementation of the Kenya Vision 2030 flagship project - Lamu Port Southern Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, the current water stresses is only expected to worsen. The Lamu County Government plans to address the ever-increasing demand for access to water but resources to actualise these plans are yet to be consolidated. To complement this situation, Kenya Coastal Development Project (KCDP), a World Bank funded project is working with local communities in Lamu in the development and implementation of community-led water projects targeting to increasing access to water at the household level. This paper will focus on community-based approaches to understand the water-web in Lamu East Sub-County to provide an assessment of opportunities, challenges and sustainability implications. Primary data is used on surveys, Social Assessment (SA),Vulnerable and Marginalised Group Plan (VMGP), observations and recommendations from the Lamu CIDP. It further proposes that direct usage of saline water, seawater or brackish water, for sanitation purposes could alleviate the freshwater shortage.
Action Research: The panacea for challenges in ESL teaching in Kenya
(Horizon research publishing, 2017-04) Okoth, Teresa A.; Simiyu, Irene
Teachers of English in contexts where English is a second language are constantly thinking about their practice. It may be about routine classroom events or an initiative that one wishes to implement but wonders how best to. While solutions to some of these concerns may be found in In-service experiences, literature and study findings, most of the solutions do not consider the context and are majorly prescribed in a one-size-fits-all manner. The situation is not helped by in-service opportunities that are organized to avail ‘new’ knowledge which facilitators feel teachers lack. This is exacerbated by the lack of follow-up support that teachers may require when implementing the new ideas in their classes. However, this need not be so as demonstrated by literature and studies which reveal that teachers can learn from their practice and in their context by identifying the challenging area and working alone or with colleagues. Action Research (AR) is one method that has been indicated for a number of reasons. Its key attribute is that it allows teachers to engage in collaborative actions that will lead to their understanding of practice while at the same time developing themselves professionally. This positional paper will make a case for AR as a solution to the challenges that face language instruction in the Kenyan ESL context. The paper will also briefly point out the thorny issue of ethical considerations in researching one’s practice. The authors consider this an invitation to debate on how teachers can navigate ethical issues in the Kenyan ESL context.
Activity-based learning strategies used by teachers in public pre-primary schools in Kenya
(East African Journal of Educational Studies, 2022-05-23) Andiema, Nelly Cherop
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how activity-based learning is implemented in public pre-primary schools in Kenya with specific reference to West Pokot County, Kenya. The new curriculum being implemented in pre-primary schools in the country demands that activity-based learning be used to foster learning by children in schools. The research utilised a mixed methodology research approach. The target population comprised teachers (1677) and headteachers (417) drawn from 417 Pre-primary centres in West Pokot County. A sample size of 10.0% representing 41 headteachers and 168 public pre-primary school teachers was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. to collect data, questionnaire was administered to pre-primary teachers, interview was conducted for sampled head teachers and researcher collected secondary data through observation method. Data collected was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The study found that activity-based learning was occasionally used (M=3.19, SD= 0.54) by teachers in public pre-primary schools in the study area. Teachers failed to use the recommended methods because of the non-availability of adequate and quality instructional resources. The study recommends that teachers should be supported by parents, government, and school management in the acquisition of the right infrastructure and instructional resources. Teachers also need to be provided with additional training on activity-based approaches implementation in schools.
Acute oral toxicity evaluation of some polyherbal formulations in albino wistar rats.
(Orgz, 2008) Vijayabalaji, V.; Joshua, Allan J.; Kumar, Pavan G.; Murali, B.; Suryanarayana, ML.; Siamba, Donald N.
The objective of the current study was to assess the acute oral toxicity of some herbal veterinary preparations in female albino Wistar rats as per the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals, Acute oral toxicity-Fixed dose procedure (Test guideline 420). The investigational substances, NaturalivTM liquid and Zist® liquid are used in poultry for hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, respectively. NaturalivTM liquid was tested at 5000 mg kg-1 b.wt., whereas Zist® liquid was evaluated in sequential manner to one animal each at 2000 and 5000 mg kg-1 b.wt. in the sighting study, followed by four animals at 5000 mg kg-1 b.wt. in the main study. The treated animals were observed for mortality (twice daily), adverse clinical signs (once daily), changes in weekly body weight gain and gross necropsy findings. All the treated animals survived throughout the study period.
The adequacy of instructional materials and physical facilities and their effects on quality of teacher preparation in emerging private primary teacher training colleges in Bungoma county, Kenya
(2013-01) Likoko, Sarah; Mutsotso, Stanley; Nasongo, Joseph
The research was carried out in eight private teacher training colleges in Western Province in Kenya. The study sample was selected through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The sample comprised of eight college principals, 43 tutors and 416 second year teacher trainees. Pilot testing of the research instruments to establish how the sampled population would respond to the question items contained in the research instrument was very useful. Data was collected through questionnaires and observation checklists. The SPSS computer package was utilized in the analysis of descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The research findings were presented the results in form of frequency tables and pie-charts. The research established that the rapid emergence of private primary teacher training colleges had a negative impact on quality of teacher preparation. These institutions were faced with challenges such as; lack of adequate facilities like libraries and inadequate instructional materials. These factors continue to have negative effect on the quality of graduates produced
Adult education learners’ recruitment: Challenges and prospects for re-engineered access to adult education in Kenya
(Academic Journals, 2009-07) Mualuko, Ndiku J.; Muthamia, Hellen; Ipara, Isaac O.; Obaki, Samuel
A research survey was designed to investigate the factor affecting participation of illiterate adults in adult education in Kenya and suggests ways to improve on the literacy levels. From the findings it was established that lack of conducive learning environments for adult learners, unavailability of enough instructional materials, negative attitude towards learning and shortage of professionally trained trainers for adult learners were some of the factors hindering many illiterate adults from participating in adult education programmes. It was recommended that the government and other agencies should take more responsibility in supporting adult education to make it more attractive to adult learners to attend the programmes by providing adequate funding and facilitating teacher training. The need for effective involvement of the learners in curriculum developed was emphasized.
Advances in composite integer factorization
(2013) Wanambisi, Aldrin W.; Aywa, Shem.; Maende, Cleophas.; Muketha, Geoffrey Muchiri.
In this research we propose a new method of integer factorization. Prime numbers are the building blocks of arithmetic. At the moment there are no efficient methods (algorithms) known that will determine whether a given integer is prime or and its prime factors [1]. This fact is the basis behind many of the cryptosystems currently in use.
Advances in composite integer factorization
(International Knowledge Sharing Platiform, 2013-01-01) Wanambisi, Adrin W.; Aywa, Shem; Maende, Cleophas; Muketha, Geoffrey Muchiri
In this research we propose a new method of integer factorization. Prime numbers are the building blocks of arithmetic. At the moment there are no efficient methods (algorithms) known that will determine whether a given integer is prime or and its prime factors[1]. This fact is the basis behind many of the cryptosystems currently in use.
Advances in composite integer factorization
(Mathematical theory and modelling, 2013) Wanambisi, Aldrin.; Aywa, Shem.; Maende, Cleophas.; Muketha, Geoffrey Muchiri.
In this research we propose a new method of integer factorization. Prime numbers are the building blocks of arithmetic. At the moment there are no efficient methods (algorithms) known that will determine whether a given integer is prime or and its prime factors [1]. This fact is the basis behind many of the cryptosystems currently in use.
Aerosol optical depth and precipitation rate projections over east africa utilizing self organizing map
(The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge, 2017-03-01) Makokha, John Wanjala; Angeyo, H.K.; Muthama, John Nzioka
Assessment of future aerosols impacts on both regional and global climate change requires a comprehensive projection tool that reliably provides information on aerosol evolution characteristics with high fidelity. In the current study, we propose an algorithm based on Self-Organizing Map (SOM) and Community Atmosphere Model 4 (CAM4) for long term Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Precipitation Rate (PR) projections over East Africa. To start with, AOD and PR retrievals from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) respectively were cross validated with simulation from CAM4 so as to assess the uncertainty between the measured and simulated retrievals from 2000 to 2014.The error analysis between CAM4 simulations and MODIS measurements (from 2000 to 2014)shows a close match where R2 varies from 0.58 to 0.83 with a corresponding RMSE of between 0.014 and 0.065 (for AOD). Likewise, the uncertainty between simulate and measured PR from CAM4 and TRMM showed an estimated R2 to range between 0.40 and 0.78 while the RMSE varied from 0.021 to 0.091 in the same period and study sites. Based on proposed SOM algorithm and simulated CAM4 retrievals over each study site, an increase of between 1.34-2.43 % for AOD and a decrease of between 1.03-1.98 % in PR are projected over the region by 2030.
Agriculture chemicals’ related hazards control
(KARI publication unit, 2014) Ondieki, JO.; Lanyasunya, TP.; Lokwaleput, IK.; Mutunga, TK.; Siamba, Donald N.; Bwire, JM.
IN recent years, food safety standards have become a more prominent issue for global trade in agricultural and food products (Jaffee and Henson, 2004a; and Josling et al., 2004). Of particular concern is the potential impact of food safety standards, whether promulgated by governments or private sector buyers, on the ability of developing countries to gain and maintain access to markets for highvalue agricultural and food products, especially in industrialised countries. In part this reflects the growing preponderance of these standards, but also more widespread recognition of the degree and manner in which trade flows can be affected. Concerns are greatest in the case of low-income countries, given their typically weaker food safety and quality management capacities that can thwart efforts towards export-led agricultural diversification and rural development. This paper explores the impact that food safety standards are having on the performance of developing countries with respect to agricultural and food product exports, drawing on a programme of research at the World Bank (see World Bank, 2005). While recognising that food safety and quality standards can act to impede exports, an attempt is made to ‘rebalance’ the policy debate in this area. The paper outlines how the proliferation and increased stringency of food safety standards is creating a new landscape that, in certain circumstances, can form a basis for the competitive repositioning and enhanced export performance of developing countries. In particular, the foundations of this competitive repositioning is explored and related, in turn, to the manner in which developing country governments and/or private sector suppliers respond to evolving standards.
Algebraic approach to composite integer factorization
(International journal of mathematics and statistics, 2013) Wanambisi, W.; Aywa, Shem.; Maende, C.; Muketha, MG.
There various algorithms that can factor large integers but very few of these algorithms run in polynomial time. This fact makes them inefficient. The apparent difficulty of factoring large integers is the basis of some modern cryptographic algorithms. In this paper we propose an algebraic approach to factoring composite integer. This approach reduces the number of steps to a finite number of possible differences between two primes.
Algebraic approach to composite integer factorization
(European Centre for Research, Training and Development : IJMSS, 2013-03-01) Wanambisi, Adrin W.; Aywa, Shem; Maende, cleophas; Muketha, Geoffrey Muchiri
There various algorithms that can factor large integers but very few of these algorithms run in polynomial time. This fact makes them inefficient. The apparent difficulty of factoring large integers is the basis of some modern cryptographic algorithms. In this paper we propose an algebraic approach to factoring composite integer. This approach reduces the number of steps to a finite number of possible differences between two primes.
Allelopathic potential of mexican sunflower [tithonia diversifolia (hemsl) a. gray] on germination and growth of cowpea seedlings (vigna sinensis l.)
(2015) Musyimi, D.M.; Okelo, L.O.; Okello, Victor Samuel; Sikuku, P.S.
Invasive plant species when introduced into new environments may result into a number of ecological problems (Howard et al., 2000). They may influence other species through pathways such as allelopathy or phytotoxicity (Samuel et al., 2005; Imeokpara and Okusanya, 1994; Ayeni et al., 1997). Allelopathy is the inhibitory or stimulatory effect of a plant on another by chemicals released from the donor plant to the environment (Taiwo and Makinde, 2005; Bano et al., 2012). Allelopathy is a process by which plants release chemical compounds in their vicinity (Rice, 1984). Studies have shown that different plant parts release toxic metabolites into the soil that affect adversely germination and growth of plants (Kumar et al., 2008).
Ambiguity in translation of metaphors: A case of Dholuo and Kiswahili
(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2014) Oluoch, Stephen J.; Ipara, Isaac O.; Kobia, J. M.
This study investigates ambiguity in the translation of Christian religious metaphors from Dholuo into Kiswahili through a pragmatic approach. Data is drawn from the sermons delivered in Dholuo and translated into Kiswahili. Sampled texts are analyzed and classified in a category referred to as ambiguity. The findings show various causes of ambiguity, mainly, socio-cultural differences and wrong inferences. This can be generalized to apply to translation problems associated with similar contexts. The article gives insight and suggestions in the application of pragmatic theories of communication in translation.
Analysis of drought and wet-events using SWSI-based severity-duration-frequency (SDF) curves for the upper Tana river basin, Kenya
(Science Publishing Group, 2018-06-12) Raphael Muli Wambua, Raphael Muli; Mutua, Benedict M.; Raude, James Messo
Drought and wet-event patterns in the Upper Tana River basin have significantly been changing due to variation of climatic and human-induced factors. This paper presents the analysis of drought and wet-events using Severity-DurationFrequency (SDF) curves for the Upper Tana River basin, Kenya based on Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI). The extreme value EV1 (Gumbel) frequency distribution function was used to formulate SDF curves. The developed SDF curves were used to develop isoseverity maps for the basin. From the results, the event-probability show that likelihood of drought events increased linearly with increase in magnitude of SWSI while the return period of drought events increased exponentially with decrease in magnitude of SWSI. The findings show that the probability and magnitude, the return period and magnitude of drought have linear and exponential regression coefficients of 0.984 and 0.980 respectively. On the other hand the probability of wet-period events decreased linearly with increase in magnitude of SWSI while the return period of the events increased exponentially with increase in magnitude of SWSI with regression coefficients of the linear and exponential functions of 0.804 and 0.881 respectively. This indicates that both the drought and wet-events probability and magnitude, and the return period and magnitude have a strong correlation. Spatially, it was found that generally the river basin exhibit an increasing pattern in cumulative SWSI in south-eastern areas than the north-eastern and generally a more increase in extreme wet-events than droughts in the basin. The developed (SDF) curves are critical for design of hydrologic, hydraulic and water resources supply systems while the spatial event-patterns can be incorporated in prioritized mitigation of extreme events.
Analysis of drought effect on annual stream flows of river Malewa in the lake Naivasha basin, Kenya
(Radiance Research Academy, 2014-09-15) Kyambia, Marshal M.; Mutua, Benedict M.
The main parameters of drought phenomenon are the longest duration and largest severity for a desired return period. These parameters form the basis for designing water storage structures to cope with drought effects. In this study, these drought parameters were estimated using the probability based theory. The sample estimates of the mean, coefficient of variation, skewness, correlation and information on the probability distribution of flow sequence, were used as the basic input parameters. The truncation level was considered at mean level of the annual flow sequences of River Malewa in Lake Naivasha basin. In this basin, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 2-year droughts may persist continuously for 6, 4, 3, 2 and 1 years respectively. From the probabilistic approach for a normal probability distribution function, high values of coefficient of variation resulted in high values of the actual severity. The results show that there is drought severity in Lake Naivasha basin especially in parts experiencing high inter-annual variability in annual flow regimes.
Analysis of fecal coliform levels at watering points along the upper reaches of river Isiukhu in Kakamega county, Kenya
(2018-04-24) Kindiki, Sarah.; Kollenberg, Mario.; Siamba, Donald N.; Sifuna, Anthony.; Wekesa, Clabe.
Diarrheal diseases often attributable to poor sanitary conditions and fecal contamination of drinking water remain a leading cause of mortality for children younger than five years. Water contaminated with human faeces, for example from municipal sewage, septic tanks and latrines, is of particular concern. Animal faeces also contain microorganisms that can cause diarrhea. Kakamega County in Kenya has a diarrhea prevalence rate of 20.2%, which is the highest in the country; a good proportion of these cases are believed to be water borne. This study was designed to determine fecal coliform levels in water samples collected from watering points along the upper reaches of River Isiukhu in Kakamega County, Kenya. Fifty-four samples were collected between August and October 2015 from nine sampling points, comprising springs and watering points along the river. Water samples were filtered on nitrocellulose filters by vacuum filtration; fecal coliform counts were conducted using membrane filters cultured on mFC agar to establish contamination levels. The results indicated that counts ranged from 200 cfu/100 ml – 1450 cfu/100 ml in river sampling points and ranged from 0 cfu/100 ml – 44 cfu/100 ml in springs sampling points. The fecal coliform counts for River Isiukhu and most springs surrounding it exceeded the WHO recommended drinking water coliform (or E. coli) count value of 0 cfu/100 ml indicating that water from the upper reaches of River Isiukhu and springs is not fit for drinking before treatment, especially during the wet seasons, based on WHO drinking water standards.

Browse

Browsing Journal Articles by Title