Conferences

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4th International Conference
(KIBU, 2019) Kibabii University
Analysis of the aspect of drama in swahili play kitumbua kimeingia mchanga
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Ndung’u, Jackson
UtafitihuuumeongozwananadhariayautendajiiliyoasisiwanaWallaceBaconilikubainishaikiwatamthiliayaKitumbuaKimeingiaMchangailiyoandikwana S.A. Mohamedimezingatiakigezokikuukatikamatinizakidramaambachoniuwezowakuwasilishwajukwaaniaunimajibizanoyausemitu.Katikautafitihuutumevitathminivipengelevinavyochocheanakufanikishautendajiwatamthiliakwenyejukwaa.Maelekezoyajukwaa,mandhari, maleba, miondoko, sauti, uangazaji, kimyanamihimilinivipengelevyautendajiambavyohuwawezeshawaigizajikuwasilishaujumbewamwandishikwenyejukwaa.Utafitihuuumejaribukubainishajinsivipengelehivivinavyofanikishauwasilishajiwaujumbekwenyejukwaana pia kutajakwaufupidhimazinazofungamananamatumiziyavipengelehivi. Utafitihuuulihusishakusomamakalanakutumiwakama data yautafitihuuambayobaadayeilichanganuliwanamwishowekuelezeamatokeokwakutumiambinuyakimaelezo. Utafitihuu pia ulihusishaukusanyajiwa data mojakwamojakutokamaktabani. Mahali pa utafitipalikuwanimaktabakatikavyuovikuupamojanamaktabayakitaifanchini Kenya nakundilengwalilikuwatamthiliayaKitumbuaKimeingiaMchanga. Inatarajiwakuwautafitihuuutakuwamchangomkubwakwajamiiyawasomihasawanaoshughulikiautendajinavipengelevyakidramakatikafasihiandishi
Automatic vehicle barrie rcontrol and logging
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Kibet, Gideon; Shitsukane, Aggrey
Information management system has become an important part of our daily lives. Today, many vehicles are acquired and bought and this means that traffic management is becoming more and more complex. When vehicles are bought they are assigned identification numbers usually present in a plate that is fixed to both front and back of the car. Normally, vehicle logging is done manually by a gate attendant involved in noting down the vehicle’s registration number, type of vehicle, and time of entry before allowing vehicle entry to the premise. The vehicle is logged out when exiting in a similar manner. Automation of vehicle logging process at the gate as well as controlling a barrier to allow the vehicle to pass through is prototyped to supplement manual system which is usually a tiresome monotonous and quite unreliable process. To accomplish this automation task, cameras, sensors, microcontrollers and an image processing are integrated. A vehicle at the gate is detected then a series of processes are initiated to take the details of the vehicle before allowing it in or out through the gate by opening and closing a barrier. By automating the process, the various setbacks and limitations encountered with the use of the manual systems are eliminated. Such drawbacks include, erroneous and inaccurate logging of vehicle information, unreliability of the human element in a system, as well as poor time management. An automated system will ensure that control and logging of vehicles is done accurately and in time efficient manner. Use of such a system will eventually translate to social and economic development because more time and resources will be focussed on a much crucial sector in the society and less focus will be on minor elements such as getting past a manned gate or entry point.
Cloud computing adoption and firm performance: the mediating role of organizational mindfulness
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Otieno, John
Cloud computing as an emerging IT innovation has attracted a growing number of studies in recent years. Key amongst these studies is the adoption of cloud computing. Most studies investigating cloud computing adoption have proceeded along the contours of cloud computing adoption and its effect on firm performance. While extant studies indicate a positive effect of cloud computing adoption on firm performance, the mechanism through which the effect is accomplished is still a black box. This study aims at investigating the mediating role of organizational mindfulness (OM) in the relationship between cloud computing adoption and firm performance. The relationship between cloud computing, firm performance and OM was conceptualized through a priori research model consisting of both measurement and structural components. The research model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM). The model constructs; Cloud computing adoption, OM and firm performance were measured through reflective indicators. A firm level cross sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 93 firms in the financial, manufacturing and the ICT sectors to validate the model. The results confirm that there is a significant positive relationship between cloud computing adoption and firm performance. There is also a significant positive relationship between cloud computing adoption and OM. Additionally, the study indicates that there is a significant positive relationship between OM and firm performance. A major implication of this study is that organizations that manifest mindfulness are positioned to manage cloud computing effectively and thus improved firm performance. Likewise, by adopting cloud computing, an organization may be influenced towards mindfulness which in turn improves firm performance. The study also shows that the theory of OM plays a role in in understanding IT innovations adoption.
Competence network for e-inclusion and assistive technologies
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Guyo, Huka; Chege, Amos
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed how people communicate, transfer knowledge and perform everyday tasks. Access to internet is an important factor in African countries, where availability of computers and smartphones constantly increases. ICT-based assistive tools allow Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to learn, work in a well-paid job and participate in social activities. However, suitable assistive tools are often not available and unaffordable to people with disabilities. Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has established various resources in the sector of Assistive Technology (AT), including various Open Source designs for alternative computer input solutions under Competence Network for e-Inclusion and Assistive Technology (CNEAT) program. The objective of the program is to establish, collect, extend and share knowledge, tools and best-practice models for affordable Assistive Technology (AT) and its application. MUST has established AT centers for learners living with disabilities in Igoji Small Home, Kaaga School for the Mentally Challenged and Autistic Children, and Athi Special School in Meru County. The assistive devices were easily configurable (FlipMouse) and usable for persons without limbs; but insufficient due to the high population of users against the quantity of devices. 90% of users prefer to work using the assistive devices and 80% of users prefer to use the system frequently. 60% of the users found it easy to use and the various integrated functions of the system, while 80% felt very confident using the system. The Schools lack ICT devices that can enable them to access learning content provided by the Kenyan Government. Consequently, AT Centre at MUST is now fabricating FlipMouse and FABI for learners with disabilities. ATs would thus, raise self-efficiency of PWDs and hence reduce poverty for Sustainable Development.
Completeness of compact operators who’s norms are eigen values
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Ndong’a, Julia
The class of compact operators is fundamental in operator theory. Characterization of compact operators acting on different spaces has been fascinating to many Mathematicians. In this paper we consider the Hilbert and Banach spaces. Let X be a Banach space and T:X→X be a linear operator, then T is compact if it maps bounded sequences in X to sequences with convergent subsequences. The eigenvalue of an operator T, is a scalar λ if there is a nontrivial solution x such that Tx=λx. Such an x is called an eigenvector corresponding to the eigenvalue λ. The set of all eigenvalues of T is called the point spectrum of T. Abramorich, Aliprantis and Burkinshaw asserted that there is a sequence x_n of unit vectors such that lim┬(n→∞)⁡〖‖(‖T‖ x_n-Tx_n )‖=0〗. A vector space V is said to be complete if every Cauchy sequence in Vconverges in V. In this paper, we have investigated in addition to completeness theorem other conditions for completeness of compact operators whose norms are eigenvalues. Let {T_n }_(n∈N) be an orthonormal sequence of compact operators whose norms are eigenvalues. Then it has been shown that the sequence {T_n }_(n∈N) is complete if and only if 〈T,T_n 〉=0 for all natural numbers nimplies T=0. Eigenvalues find a wide range of applications. In Biometrics, eigenfaces are used for identification. The norm is a notion of measurement, that is, the length or size of a mathematical object applicable in areas like statistics. Compact operators also have applications in Quantum mechanics.
Coping adaptive strategies used by households and make policy recommendations for addressing future climate change impacts on livelihoods in Kapsokwony Division, Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Sindani, Bon
Long term and short changes in climate are disproportionately affecting all parts of the world in equal measure. The most impacted by vagaries of climate change are the most vulnerable and the poor who live in the developing world. Climate change and climate variability impacts the smallholder farmers though they continue to apply traditional technologies in order to cope with climate change vulnerability. In most of the parts the world over, coping strategies are lacking especially in the African States. The purpose of this study was to build new transformation knowledge by integrating the traditional and the modern adaptive technologies in order to transform lives of the indigenous communities in the study area. This paper therefore explores and highlights the existing and modern technologies which can be employed by farmers to counteract the impacts of climate change and climate variability. Data collected through in-depth and informant interviews together with Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and a structured questionnaire administered to 384 household heads in twelve sub-locations in the study area (Kapsokwony Division) formed the basis of these policy recommendations. The long and short term adaptive strategies and recommendations developed by all the actors including those from the academia and the traditional communities during the research are meant to build climate resilience and adaptive capacity at local and national levels. A framework that has been developed by this research will help support policy decisions in conservation agriculture and livestock rearing systems, water resource management, change in social behavior, accessing early warning information, promotion of organic farming and human health systems. If fully implemented these policy recommendations will go a long way to bring a paradigm shift that will improve livelihoods and enhance social economic development in the region. These recommendations can be replicated in any other region to bring about desired changes to a people impacted by climate change.
Customer engagement factors in twitter hotel brand pages
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Owoche, Patrick
Twitter has been adopted by many businesses. More and more tourism organizations are using Twitter to provide various services and interact with customers. This paper seeks to identify the factors influencing customer engagement in Twitter hotel brand pages. The main source of data used in this article is from Twitter’s insight data. The 34 selected Twitter Brand Pages were monitored regarding both the brand’s activity (posts) as well as the consumers’ interactions with the brand’s activity (likes, comments, etc.). The Fanpage Karma, a social-media monitoring tool was used to collect the data. A conceptual framework is provided that helps to understand the factors influencing the consumer engagement in Twitter brand pages. This paper proposes an empirical model based on Kenya Star rated brand pages, which can help in increasing the brand engagement in Twitter brand pages.
DCR/DSC 058: Social research methods
(KIBU, 2017-09-29) KIBU
DCR/DSC 058: Social research methods
Determination of the surface roughness parameter and wind shear exponent of Kisii region from the on-site measurement of wind profiles
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Ongaki, Labani; Kerongo, Joash; Maghanga, Christopher
The research sought to investigate the surface roughness parameter (α) and wind shear exponent (z_0) of the Kisii region (elevation 1710m above sea level, 0.68oS, 34.79oE). A two month experiment was carried out at three sites of Kisii region wheretwo PRO AcuRite 01036 Wireless Weather Stations with pro+ 5-in-1 Sensors were set at different hub heights above the ground and data sent and received by a display board set at a room through remote sensing at an interval of 12 minutes. Data was collected from the display board through the pc connect software, grouped into discrete data and then calculated to represent; mean wind speed, diurnal variation, daily variation and monthly variations. The calculated averages of wind speeds at hub heights of 10m and 13m were then used to determine the wind shear exponent and roughness parameter of the sites. The wind shear exponents were found to be 0.92, 0.41 and 0.52 for Nyamecheo, Kisii University and Ikobe stations respectively. The roughness parameter was also calculated and found to be 3.75m, 0.98m and 1.68m for Nyamecheo, Kisii University and Ikobe respectively with an average of 2.153m.
The effect of electric field on energy gap and transition temperature of a YBCO superconductor
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Masinde, F. W.
Superconductivity is defined as the vanishing of electrical resistance of a metallic conductor, an alloy, a doped semiconductor or an insulating oxide compound at low temperature. Superconductors are classified into two classes: conventional superconductors with transition temperature (T_c) with T_c<30K and high temperature superconductors (T_c>77K, boiling point of liquid Nitrogen). High temperature cuprate superconductors have a perovskite structure. They are ceramics (solid materials combining metallic elements with non-metals usually oxygen). They are made of CuO2 planes separated by metallic atoms. The highest achieved transition temperature of high temperature (HTSC) under high pressure is T_c⋍ 165K. If this phenomenon of superconductivity can occur at room temperature (T_c=300K), then there will be a technological turn-around in many fields of mankind. Scientists and engineers working in this field are faced with two major tasks; explaining high temperature superconductivity explicitly and achieving superconductivity at room temperature. Superconductivity charge carriers flows along CuO2 planes and Cooper pairs interact with each other as they flow. The interaction of Cooper pairs and positive ions leads to creation of an electric field (E) which in turn acts on the Cooper pairs. The interaction leads to perturbation of the system. The Hamiltonian of the system was formulated and converted into creation and annihilation operators for bosons and second quantization formalism used to find the value of energy gap (∆) of the system. The energy gap was obtained and its effect on transition temperature (T_c ) of a YBCO system was investigated. The effect of electric field (E) on an oscillating Cooper pair along the CUO2 was found to give the value of ∆ = 62.5 meV. The value of T_c was between 181K and 290K for ρ = 2∆/(K_B T_c )that may lie between 5 and 8. For a typical experimental value of ρ = 6 for a YBCO system the value of T_c turns to be 240K.
Factors associated with the practice of open defecation in Lodwar, Turkana County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Busienei, P.J.; Ogendi, G.M; Mokua, M.A.
Globally, approximately 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation that is, more than 35% of the world’s population. In Turkana County, the practice of open defecation remains a major challenge despite various efforts to combat it. This study was carried out in Lodwar town to assess the factors that are associated with the practice of open defecation. A social survey study design was used in this study. A stratified simple random sampling technique was chosen to select participants for this study. The sample was drawn from administrative units of Lodwar town covering the low-, medium-, and high-income households. Structured questionnaires containing both open and closed ended questions relating to the objectives of the study were administered to the participants representing the household heads within the study area. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted to obtain further information relating to the practice of open defecation in the region. The obtained information was analyzed using descriptive statistics, that is, frequencies and valid percentages. Pearson Chi Square Tests were also used to determine the influence of the various factors on open defecation in the study area. Thematic analysis was also used to analyze data from the KIIs and the FGDs. Significance level for all the tests were pegged at alpha ≤ 0.05. The results obtained from this study showed that the occupation of the household head was significantly associated with latrine ownership and consequently the open defecation practice (χ²=74.52; p<0.05). Similarly, education level of the household head was significantly associated with the practice of open defecation (χ²=107.32; p<0.05). 20% of the respondents stated that lack of strict laws that govern sanitation practices also influenced open defecation practices and lastly, whereas 44.4% of the study respondents stated culture as a highly influencing factor to the practice of open defecation. This study revealed that poverty as indicated by the occupation of the household heads, low levels of education and culture are the major contributing factors to the practice of open defecation in the study area. Provision of fecal disposal facilities as well as sanitation campaigns are recommended as this will reverse the sanitation situation in the study area.
Geo-morphometric analysis of sub-watersheds for flashflood hazard management
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Theuri, Dennis
Flash Floods are difficult to predict in terms of time and place of occurrence because they form rapidly. In addition, the rainfall depths and duration required to cause flash floods will vary with topography, channel characteristics and antecedent conditions. Knowledge of the flash flood hazards as well as vulnerabilities is a fundamental prerequisite in designing action plans for reducing flash flood disaster risks. However, many developing regions with observed flooding incidences are also regions of scarce hydrological data. The meteorological and rainfall systems within such developing regions are rarely well developed while the density of river gauging stations is also poor. However, a tentative flash flood hazard assessment may be achieved through morphometry, the analysis of terrain characteristics, for the factors that contribute to the occurrence of the Flash Floods. Through the study of basin morphometry, we can relate the basin and stream network geometries, shape and relief to the transmission of water and sediment in the basin. Morphometric parameters provide insight into the surface flow, discharge, permeability, infiltration, magnitudes of peak, mean runoff as well as runoff direction and volume. This paper describes a workflow for computing the geo-morphometric parameters from a Digital Elevation Model using QGIS, open source Geographic Information Systems software. The Geo-morphometric parameters were computed for the Breg-Brigach catchment, within the state of Baden Wuertemberg in Germany, normalized and combined to derive Flash Flood Hazard maps. In addition the paper discusses the potential of the Geo-morphometric parameters in Flash Flood Hazard Management by considering the relationship between these parameters and Flash Floods occurrences.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic among technical Institute trainees, its implication on their sexual behavior: a case of the selected technical Institute in Kimilili Bungoma Sub-County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) 1. Oroni, Nicholas; Wepukhulu, Rispah
This study was carried out to determine the impact of the knowledge of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (HIV/AIDS) among technical trainees on their sexual behavior. HIV/AIDS is currently one of the most threatening menaces to the current and future generations. The National and County Governments are employing intensive HIV/AIDS campaigns and have even provided a life skill curriculum to technical institutes. However, high level of new infections is still being reported among the youths and technical trainees in particular. This could be attributed to low level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among them. The study was carried out in Matili Technical Training Institute, Kimilili – Bungoma Sub-County, Bungoma County. Ex-post facto design was used. The target population of 350 students was use and a sample of 240 trainees, 155 male and 85 female was selected through stratified and proportionate simple random sampling methods. Data was collected by use questionnaires which were self administered by the researcher. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics namely; frequencies and cross-tabulations. The study findings indicated that on average 51% of the trainees do not have correct facts about HIV/AIDS. This is an indication of low knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and its impact on sexual behavior among trainees. It was further observed that teenage sex is common among technical institutes’ trainees with 45% of all respondents being sexually active. Trainees engage in unprotected or casual sex since 80% of the sexually active youths revealed that they have never used a condom. The study recommends that precise and simplified HID/AIDS information sources should be made available to technical institutes’ trainees. Which may include wall charts, brochures and HIV/AIDS information updates from the ministry of health; peer group directed programs on sexual behavior and the spread of HIV/AIDS should be strengthened in the technical training institutes. The finding and recommendations of this study are therefore, helpful in improving and re-inventing the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign strategies in Kenya.
Hotel website performance analysis: case of kenyan star rated hotels
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Owoche, Patrick
As travel & tourism organizations increase dependence on web applications for both internal productivity and external communication with customers and partners, performance optimization emerges as an essential business driver. Studies have demonstrated that website performance has a direct correlation with revenue in both ecommerce and advertiser-supported applications. Users expect rich web experiences, but they easily become impatient if pages render too slowly. This paper analyses the performance of star rated hotel website in Kenya and the common and current approaches used to address them. Sixty-four websites of star rated hotel websites were analysed. The tests were conducted via the WebPagetest.org server in Dulles, VA, using Chrome 48on a cable connection.The study identified the areas of need which can be addressed by web performance optimization best practices,
The impact of science and innovation in industrialization for social economic development in Bungoma sugar belts
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Juma, Fredrick
This paper investigates the impact of Science and ICT in industrialization for social Economic development in Bungoma County in western Kenya region. The subject of science specifically technological innovation and its impact on firms’ performances in different counties is yet to be exhaustively explored hence prompting need to do the study. This is because few research efforts have been made to investigate the low rate at which the sugarcane farmers are benefiting social economically from the different sugarcane factories set up. In order to enrich the literature, this paper assesses the derailed development of different innovative firm capacities of the different sugar factories by- products. The different by products include sugar, bagasse, molasses, green leaves, press mud and sugar cane wax. This study looks at the gap of innovation that will focus on different uses of the sugarcane by-products which can be highly beneficial not only in the Bungoma sugar belt but also the entire Kenya’s economy. The sample study has focused on the different sugar factories in the county through observation and administering of questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed using correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. The correlation result shows that product innovation and process innovation will have significant positive impact on the social economic development of the county. However, the regression result confirmed that product and process innovations has led to low yields to farmers and the factories at large leading to poor social economic development. This is because the by products from the sugar plant have not been put to proper use by developing innovative industries like, fodder firms to process sugarcane green leaves, fibre industry to make cattle feeds from bagasse, citric acid from molasses firm and Electricity generation hence leading to increased industrialization due to tapping of already available raw materials that has been untapped. Generally the study will focus on different feasible innovations in sugarcane industries. Additionally, through this innovation it will reduce the regular uprooting of sugarcanes due to farmers’ frustration due to poor or low payments by the current sugar industries since the firms are focusing on only sugar as main product. In conclusion science and ICT in industrialization for social economic development through innovations on the different sugarcane products are critical elements for enhancing the continuity in sugarcane farming and improving people’s life in the entire Bungoma County.
Incidence and prevalence of groundnut diseases in western Kenya
(KIBU, 2018) Arungaa, Edith Esther; Ochuodhob, Julius; Woyengoc, Vincent Were
Incidences of diseases often limits groundnut (Arachishypogaea L.) production which is an important legume crop in Kenya. The crop can thrive under low soil moisture regimes and is well adapted to the hot, semi-arid conditions. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of groundnut diseases, in western Kenya in order to formulate future sustainable solutions to farmers. Purposeful sampling was used to sample diseased plants from Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Siaya, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia representing different agro-ecological zones where groundnuts are grown. A total of 250 farms were surveyed in two growing seasons. Disease incidence was determined in every farm while prevalence was calculated per County. Fisher’s exact test was used to study associations between disease incidence and various seed qualities, cultivars grown and source of seed. The most prevalent disease observed was green rosette (84.6%), late leafspot (64.4%), early leafspot (49.3%) and chlorotic rosette (41.8%). Mosaic rosette, rusts, Alternaria leaf blight and web blotch were other diseases detected on groundnut. The mean incidence for early and late leafspot was 40.1% and 34.4%, respectively, while incidence for green, mosaic and chlorotic rosette was 24.4%, 28.7% and 18.8%, respectively. Diversity existed among groundnuts cultivars with the predominant seed types being large red, medium red and large brown. Improved cultivars were grown in 16.40% of sampled farms, having been introduced by ICRISAT and NGOs, while the rest comprised of local cultivars obtained informally. The Fisher’s exact test showed no association between disease incidence and the cultivars grown. Further, there was no association between the County of origin and incidences of green rosette and chlorotic rosette. However, significant associations were detected between disease incidences and the County surveyed for early leafspot, late leafspot and mosaic rosette. Because of the varied groundnut diseases in western Kenya, there is need therefore for further research towards increasing production of groundnuts through breeding and good agronomic practices.
Influence of greenhouse on pond water quality and growth performance of Nile Tilapia in cold areas
(KIBU, 2018-06-14) Akidiva, Alex
In aquaculture, temperature is a critical environmental factor influencing the fish growth. Behavioral and metabolic activities such as feeding and digestion of fish are directly influenced by temperature. Different fish species grow optimally at different temperature ranges and significant deviations will negatively affect the growth rate. Cold regions of Kenya, stunted growth of fish as a result of lower temperatures beyond recommended range hinders aquaculture. Current research aimed to evaluate the influence of greenhouse on pond water quality and growth rate of Nile tilapia to promote aquaculture in cold areas. Total of 240 monosex Nile tilapias were cultured in two ponds (120 in greenhouse pond and 120 in open pond). Initial length and weight were recorded and fish were sampled every fortnight for a period of six month. Indicators of growth performance (Specific growth rate and Absolute growth) were calculated at the end of the experiment. In the two ponds, physico-chemical parameters which include temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH were recorded daily. There was a significant difference in specific growth and absolute growth rates observed in fish grown in greenhouse and open pond (T-test, p<0.05). The calculated SGR was 1.38±0.05 and 1.06±0.08 while AG values were 2.35±0.06 and 0.60±0.09 for the greenhouse pond and open pond respectively. Results for dissolved oxygen and temperature from the two ponds revealed a significant difference (T-test, p<0.05) however, conductivityand pH had no significant difference. In conclusion, greenhouses for aquaculture in cold regions as a remedy for low temperature to culture Nile tilapia. Greenhouse environment maintains temperature cautioning pond from drastic temperature drop. In this experiment, greenhouse maintained water temperature in the range of 20.90 to 27.13˚C which is within the recommended range of 20.00 to 30.00˚C. As a result this technology promoted fish growth when compared to the open pond.
Latrine characteristics and conditions, open defecation hotspots and latrine coverage in Lodwar, Turkana County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Busienei, P.J.; Ogendi, G.M; Mokua, M.A.
Poor sanitation is a major challenge in the world with approximately 2.5 billion people lacking access to improved sanitation. The situation is even worse in developing countries like Kenya. In Turkana County, approximately 80% of the population lack access to improved sanitation, and thus practice open defecation. This study was carried out in Lodwar town to assess toilet characteristics and conditions as well as mapping out open defecation hotspots and latrine coverage in the study area. A social survey study design was used in this study. Structured questionnaires containing both open and closed ended questions relating to the objectives of the study were administered to the participants representing the 403 household heads selected for this study. Observation checklists were also used to obtain further information relating to the practice of open defecation in the region. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, that is, frequencies and valid percentages. Significance level for all the tests were pegged at alpha ≤ 0.05. The results obtained from this study showed only 19.1% of the households sampled possessed a latrine facility at their homestead. These were mainly simple pit latrines. The few number of latrines present in the study area were in very poor conditions with 46 latrines constructed using poor materials such as mud, wood, grass materials, mats and polythene bags which do not provide enough privacy to the users. A total number of 39 latrines had human feces scattered on their floors, 21 of them were/almost filled up with feces visible and 9 had stagnant water on their floors. The practice of open defecation in the study area is very rampant with the residents defecating almost everywhere including the government properties such as the arboretum, the stadium and along all the roads. The few number of latrines, poor construction materials and latrine untidiness are some of the factors that have led to poor latrine conditions and characteristics and consequently the widespread open defecation observed in the arboretum, along the roads, rivers, and nearby bushes and thickets. This is a major threat to public health. Provision of fecal disposal facilities as well as sanitation campaigns are recommended for improved environmental and human health.
Lean operations practices as a tool for healthcare and nutrition for all: a case study of public hospitals in Nairobi County
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Obwocha, Geoffrey
Healthcare and nutrition for all can be achieved by the application of lean operations practices in public hospitals to improve organizational performance. Research done has shown that private hospitals perform better than public hospitals in the delivery of their services. Lean operations practices can eliminate general inefficiencies, wastes in areas of production and provision of services and increase production. This paper sought to demonstrate how lean operations practices adopted by public hospitals in Nairobi County have led to enhanced efficiency and productivity. It also shows that lean operations practices can have an effect on performance if adopted by hospitals. Primary data was collected using semi - structured questionnaires administered through drop and pick method. A descriptive cross-sectional census survey was used on the hospitals in Nairobi County. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results found that lean operations practices have been moderately adopted by public hospitals in Nairobi County and that these practices can explain 50% of the variations in performance. This effect was found to be statistically significant given that the F-value was higher than the Critical value and the calculated p-value was below 0.05 at 95% significance level. The study also found that the variables of specifying value and value stream mapping would have a negative effect on performance if one unit of production is added, while the other variables of pull, flow, 5S and perfection would have a positive effect. This study concluded that application of lean operations practices leads to improvement in organizational performance and recommends that public Organizations need to embrace lean operations practices and undertake training especially on the element of striving for perfection as it springboard for continual improvement and development.

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