Journal Articles

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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.
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
(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.
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.
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.
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.
An analysis of non-formal curricular activities in Mumias sub-county, Kenya
(Human resource management academic research society, 2013-09-01) Oloo, Abisaki; Mutsotso, SN.; Poipoi, Moses
The presence of non-formal curricular activities in schools and the availability of resources that promote the same are indicators of possible implementation of NFCAS. Hence the focus of this study was to analyze the NFCAS offered in secondary schools in Mumias Sub-County, Kakamega County. In order to achieve the set objectives the researcher sought to establish the NFCAS that are available in secondary schools and the NFCAS that were popular, the adequacy of the facilities that promote NFCAS and the frequency of participation of students in NFCAS. Descriptive survey design was employed. Random sampling was undertaken to identify the school types while purposive sampling was used to select the respondents that were information rich. 16 schools, 22 heads of schools, 154 teachers, 1154 students and 1 District Quality Assurance and Standards Officer were derived from the total population. The NFCAs available included a variety of games and sports, clubs and societies and performing arts; Football, Netball and Volleyball were most popular games whereas basketball was the least popular The study concluded that student’s access to and participation in non- formal curriculum activities is limited due to lack of adequate facilities and unavailability of time. Recommendations of the study were that the scope of the activities be broadened to involve whole school populations and that schools strengthen their support of the activities. In conclusion the Ministry should ensure that guidelines on registration of schools based on availability of space be adhered to.
Antimicrobial Coumarins from the Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes), from Kenya
(International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 2016-01-01) Baraza, Lilechi D.; Wekesa, Wekesa; Korir, Cheruiyot Jackson; Juma, Fredrick B.; Ochieno, Dennis; Wairimu, Kamau R.; Osogo, Aggrey; Heydenreich, Matthias
Pleurotus ostreatus has been widely used as food because of its nutritional and medicinal properties. These have been attributed to the presence of macronutrients, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, among other secondary metabolites. There are, however, few reports on the antimicrobial activities of different classes of purified compounds from P. ostreatus. This led to the current study, the objective of which was to chemically characterize the antibiotic activities of P. ostreatus against selected human pathogenic bacteria and endophytic fungi. Chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic methods and by comparison with values of related structures reported in the literature. Pure compounds from P. ostreatus were tested in vitro against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and endophytic fungi (Pencillium digitatum and Fusarium proliferatum). A new compound, (E)-5,7-dimethoxy-6-(3-methylbuta-1,3-dienyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (5-methoxy-(E)-suberodiene) (compound 2), along with ergosterol (compound 1) and 5,7-dimethoxy-6-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (toddaculin; compound 3), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of P. ostreatus. The growth of S. aureus, F. proliferatum, and P. digitatum colonies was inhibited in media containing compound 2, with minimum inhibitory concentrations closely comparable to those of conventional antibiotics.
Application lifecycle management activities for quality assurance in software development
(International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, 2017) Otibine, Tobias Okumu; Mbuguah, Samuel; Kilwake, Juma; Tsinale, Harriet Loice
Lifecycle Management approaches promise more systematic and efficient ways to support the development and management of complex products. The concept of Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) indicates the coordination of activities and the management of artifacts during the software product‟s lifecycle. Most of the currently available unified ALM solutions are either based on basic version control and other 'low level' point-to-point integrations, or advocate the adoption of a new and expensive all-in-one solution from a single vendor. The problem with these current solutions is that the first does not go far enough to really provide the previously described benefits of applying an ALM solution, while the second one is often associated with high costs in tools, infrastructure and personnel which in turn affect the quality of software developed for SME‟s and middle level organizations. This paper discusses the effect of application lifecycle management activities on quality assurance in software development. The research employed multiple case study design. The data collection tools included Questionnaire, Observation and Interviews. ALM activities were found to be a direct predictor of Software quality assurance in software development. The research found out that ALM elements and their relations together with good documentation were very key in coming up with an efficient ALM solution and with improved process support and better knowledge and experience on ALM, application lifecycle management activities greatly affected the quality of software's developed thus improving on quality assurance in software development.
Assessing argumentative normativity in the english medium Kenyan newspaper editorials from a linguistic-pragmatic approach
(2012) Ben, Nyongesa; Wekesa
The paper explores argumentative Normativity in the English medium newspaper editorials in Kenya. The paper aimed at establishing whether the editorials meet the logical, dialectal and rhetorical demands as aspects of Normativity. Four editorial texts were analysed from a Linguistic-Pragmatic approach. The Rhetorical Structure Theory and Text-Type Theory were used as descriptive tools. The findings show that editorials in the Kenyan newspaper discourse adhere to the classical structure of argumentation and that different clause relations signal the editorial structural components, opinion and arguments though implicitly. Interpersonal relations are preferred to ideational-textual relations. Pragmatically, editorials are written to shoulder the burden of proof; however, this is determined by the acceptability or unacceptability of the claim depending on the context and external constraints playing a role within the particular argumentative framework in which this claim is supposed to play its argumentative role.
Assessing quality of open source software based on community metrics
(International Journal of Software Engineering and Its Applications, 2015) Ndenga, Malanga Kennedy; Méhat, Jean; Ivaylo, Ganchev; Wabwoba, Franklin
The purpose of this study is to analyze data from Open Source Software (OSS) community with an objective of identifying community metrics that can predict quality of OSS projects. We experimented with data from Apache OfBiz and Apache httpd-2 server OSS projects. We applied linear regression technique to the dataset to assess the strength of possible relationships of variables and also examined possible trends amongst variables. From the analysis, we found out that the size of user mailing list has a correlation with number of reported bugs. We concluded that the size of user mailing list community may not be an accurate representation of the entire user community that adopted the project basing on quality. However Backlog Management Index was found to be a better metric for assessing how projects manage issues reported by users.
Assessment of lecturers perceptions on students-lecturers evaluations in universities in Kenya: a case study of Kibabii university
(2018-11) Maiyo, Julius K.
The common approach method of evaluating instruction in higher education classes is to have students provide feedback on "effectiveness" of learning in a given period. Evaluations generally request specific feedback on measures of teaching effectiveness and on particular aspects of a course, as well as global rating questions. Countless myths and misperceptions regarding course evaluations exist and inevitably influence faculty, university administrators and student perceptions. In spite of solid research to counter these assumptions, such beliefs persist and continue to spread. The study was envisaged to focus on assessing lecturers perceptions on students’ lecturer evaluations in universities. Its specific objectives were; to examine lecturers’ perception on students’ competence in evaluating their teaching effectiveness, to determine the influence of gender, experience, professionalism, departmental discussions and designation on lecturer’s perception of student’s competency in evaluating lecturers teaching effectiveness and to examine lecturer’s perceptions on the formative and summative purpose of students in the evaluations. The study was conducted in Kibabii University and targeted all the teaching staff of the University. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The data was collected using a questionnaire that was validated and reliability of 0.917 was attained. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that there was no significant difference between male and female lecturers about their perception on students’ evaluation. The study revealed that feedback on students’ evaluation helps lecturers to improve their teaching and interaction. The respondents disagreed that reports from the students’ evaluation be used for promotion and increment of their salary. The study concludes that inadequate instructional materials is among the key factors that affect the quality of teaching and learning. The study recommended that the University should provide adequate instructional materials and enhance conducive environment for learning.
Autoregulation of ccl26 synthesis and secretion in a549 cells: a possible mechanism by which alveolar epithelial cells modulate airway inflammation
(2005) Abonyo, B. O.; Alexander, M. S. Alexander; Heiman, A. S.
Abonyo, B. O., M. S. Alexander, and A. S. Heiman. Autoregulation of CCL26 synthesis and secretion in A549 cells: a possible mechanism by which alveolar epithelial cells modulate airway inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 289: L478 –L488, 2005. First published April 29, 2005; doi:10.1152/ajplung.00032.2005.— Eotaxins (CCL11, CCL24, CCL26) originating from airway epithelial cells and leukocytes have been detected in bronchoalveolar lavage of asthmatics. Although the alveolar epithelium is the destination of uncleared allergens and other inflammatory products, scanty information exists on their contribution to the generation and regulation of the eotaxins. We envisioned a state whereby alveolar type II cells, a known source of other inflammatory proteins, could be involved in both the production and regulation of CCL24 and CCL26. Herein, we demonstrated that all three eotaxins are constitutively expressed in A549 cells. IL-4 and IL-13 stimulated a concentration-dependent secretion of CCL24 and CCL26. The cytokines did not act synergistically. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D abrogated IL-4- and IL13-dependent CCL26 but not CCL24 secretion. Both IL-13 and IL-4 stimulated CCL26 synthesis that was inhibited in a concentrationdependent manner by CCL26 but not CCL24. Only CCL26 reduced expression of CCR3 receptors by 30 – 40%. On the other hand, anti-CCR3 pretreatment reduced IL-4 IL-13-dependent CCL26 secretion, implying autoregulation. A CCR3-specific antagonist (SB328437) significantly decreased IL-4-dependent synthesis and release of CCL26. Eosinophils treated with medium from IL-4-stimulated A549 cells preincubated with anti-CCL26 showed a marked decrease of superoxide anion production compared with anti-CCL24 treated. These results suggest that CCL26 is a major eotaxin synthesized and released by alveolar epithelial cells and is involved in autoregulation of CCR3 receptors and other eotaxins. This CCL26-CCR3 ligandreceptor system may be an attractive target for development of therapeutics that limits progress of inflammation in airway disease
Barriers to implementation of green ICT in Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Technology, 2012) Wabwoba, Franklin; Wanyembi, Gregory W.; Omuterema, Stanley
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is playing an increasingly important role in both business and private undertakings. Its use in several areas in the world economy has brought about increased demand for electronic equipment. The rapid pace of technology advancement and the drop in hardware prices has led to increased demand and acquisition resulting in increased production and use of hardware. However, the increased ICT uptake has increased costs and demand for energy where electricity is the main power source. Electricity notably is a major contributor to climatic change because the coal or oil that helps generate it does releases carbon dioxide, pollutants, and sulphur into the atmosphere. With environmental degradation, rising costs of doing business and power demand and demand for social responsibility, going green is no longer an option. There are green ICT technologies in the market to mitigate the concerns but unfortunately they are not bearing fruit that calls for an understanding of barriers to implementation of the same in developing nations like Kenya. The study used multiple case study approach. The study population included ICT managerial, technical and end user human resource and public university ICT graduate students. The multiple study was conducted in one leading sugar manufacturing industry, a communication commission regulatory body and one public university offering ICT from certificate to PhD level. Respondents were either interviewed or responded to a questionnaire. The study established that green ICT technologies are available in Kenya and are not barriers to its implementation. The paper highlights the barriers to implementing green ICT in Kenya. The paper recommends alignment of ICT personnel towards enhancing green ICT implementation in the light of the barriers.
Biodegradation of carbofuran in soils within Nzoia River Basin, Kenya
(Journal of Environmental Science and Health, 2015-04-06) Onunga, Daniel O.; Owino, Isaac; Ngigi, Anastacia; Osogo, Aggrey; Orata, Francis; Getenga, Zachary; were, Hassan
Carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl methylcarbamate) has been used within the Nzoia River Basin (NRB), especially in Bunyala Rice Irrigation Schemes, in Kenya for the control of pests. In this study, the capacity of native bacteria to degrade carbofuran in soils from NRB was investigated. A gram positive, rod-shaped bacteria capable of degrading carbofuran was isolated through liquid cultures with carbofuran as the only carbon and nitrogen source. The isolate degraded 98% of 100-μg mL−1 carbofuran within 10 days with the formation of carbofuran phenol as the only detectable metabolite. The degradation of carbofuran was followed by measuring its residues in liquid cultures using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Physical and morphological characteristics as well as molecular characterization confirmed the bacterial isolate to be a member of Bacillus species. The results indicate that this strain of Bacillus sp. could be considered as Bacillus cereus or Bacillus thuringiensis with a bootstrap value of 100% similar to the 16S rRNA gene sequences. The biodegradation capability of the native strains in this study indicates that they have great potential for application in bioremediation of carbofuran-contaminated soil sites.
Building Materials from Stabilized Soils: The use of under-utilized resources for Low Cost Building
(International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology, 2013-01-01) Kwach, Boniface Otieno
Cartoons can talk? visual analysis of cartoons on the 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya: a visual argumentation approach
(Sage Publications, 2012-05) Wekesa, Ben; Nyongesa
The growing influence of the visual media in contemporary society is quite alarming; hence, learning to explicate them is inevitable. This is a paradigm shift from verbal argumentation to visual argumentation. The aim of this article is to contribute to the understanding of visual analysis and visual literacy, a part of discourse analysis. Visuals employ a number of rhetorical devices; however, understanding the effectiveness of these devices is still a challenge. Adopting Visual Argumentation Theory, the article analyzes argumentation in cartoons on the post-election violence that rocked Kenya in 2007/2008. From the analyses, it is concluded that visuals can argue as simply and forcefully as their verbal counterparts. The blending of caricature and portraiture makes them even more explicit as portraiture denotes the characters so that we can recognize who they are; caricature ridicules them, analogy attributes actions to them in a satirical or sarcastic way, and cultural memory is needed to access the reference to the analogies. Visuals are designed to make the reader think not only about the event or the people being portrayed but also about the message being communicated. This means visuals have the ability to stretch the truth beyond caricature or mere amusement.
Causes and trends of public transport motorcycle accidents in Bungoma county, Kenya
(2016) Singoro, Brian Wanyama; Wakhungu, Jacob; Obiri, John; Were
There has been a drastic increase in the use of motorcycles as a means of transport worldwide due to various reasons. In Kenya, the increased use of motorcycles has been seen over the last decade. This increase has brought forth many challenges, including motorcycle accidents on disproportionate scale comparative to the world statistics. Indeed motorcycle accidents constitute a major cause of death and injuries to thousands of people every year. In spite of this, motorcycle accidents remain a neglected problem in Kenya. This study sought to determine the causes and trends of motorcycle accidents in Bungoma County. The study population comprised 400 people from households of motorcycle riders involved in accidents and those not involved. Key informants in the motorcycle transport industry were interviewed. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design to establish the causes, incidences/trends, and vulnerability of motorcycle accidents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of data. The study was anchored on both the crunch model and the wish to die and domino theory. The study found that human error is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. This is imparted on by poor regulatory and enforcement regimes. Structured and comprehensive training of riders on traffic code and regulations will most likely reduce accidents and associated economic losses. Collective action measures such as motorcycle Saccos for voluntary enforcement and pooling of resources, to aid riders in case of injuries and death, should be explored and pursued. The study provides information and insights on disaster risk reduction for policy formulation on motorcycle accident mitigation. From the results, the proposed strategies that can be employed to curb motorcycle accidents in the order of magnitude are: training of motorcycle riders; observing speed limits; improved roads; not driving while under the influence of drugs/ alcohol; not carrying more than one passenger; improved enforcement by police; proper motorcycle maintenance; wearing protective clothes/ helmets/ boots; wearing reflective jacket; and not driving while tired.
CCL26-targeted siRNA treatment of alveolar type II cells decreases expression of CCR3-binding chemokines and reduces eosinophil migration: implications in asthma therapy
(2009) Errahali, Younes J.; Taka, Equar; Abonyo, B. O.; Heiman, Ann S.
The underlying infl ammation present in chronic airway diseases is orchestrated by increased expression of CC chemokines that selectively recruit leukocyte populations into the pulmonary system. Human CCL26 signals through CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), is dramatically upregulated in challenged asthmatics, and stimulates recruitment of eosinophils (EOSs) and other leukocytes. CCL26 participates in regulation of its receptor CCR3 and modulates expression of a variety of chemokines in alveolar type II cells. Utilizing the A549 alveolar type II epithelial cell culture model, we carried out studies to test the hypothesis that CCL26-siRNA treatment of these cells would ameliorate Th2-driven release of the eotaxins and other CCR3 ligands that would, in turn, decrease recruitment and activation of EOSs. Results demonstrate that CCL26-siRNA treatments decreased interleukin4-induced CCL26 and CCL24 expression by > 70%. CCL26-directed small-interfering RNA (siRNA) treatments signifi cantly decreased release of CCL5 (RANTES), CCL15 (MIP-1δ), CCL8 (MCP-2), and CCL13 (MCP-4). In bioactivity assays it was shown that EOS migration and activation were reduced up to 80% and 90%, respectively, when exposed to supernatants of CCL26-siRNA-treated cells. These results provide evidence that CCL26 may be an appropriate target for development of new therapeutic agents designed to alleviate the underlying infl ammation associated with chronic diseases of the airways.

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