Laikipia University Journals

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Albinism as a Literary Trope in Goro Kamau’s Ghosts and Fortune Hunters
(Laikipia University, 2022) Mutie Stephen.,; Albert Rutere.
Debates on the centrality of literature to the modern man have been steadily gaining momentum in literary circles. Writers have also been accused of their disinterest stance in issues that hound the 21st century society. This paper examines albinism as both a literary motif of exposing and indicting other myriad problems affecting modern society and a symbol of resistance in Goro Kamau’s Ghost and Fortune Hunters. The paper argues that since Kamau gives the narrative of albinos’ predicament, he opens other layers of social, political and economic issues affecting the ordinary person in the society, most of which are a product of modernity. The problems range from poverty, corruption, crime, abuse of the law, only to mention a few. Indirectly, the author indicts modern society for marginalising the albinos simply because of their skin colour. By critiquing modern society, the author becomes a conscious examiner of his community. This argument is primarily located within the ideological lenses of postcolonial theory and supplemented by the reader-response theory. Using these theories, this paper examined albinism as a trope for highlighting and condemning issues like poverty, corruption, crime, and abuse of law. The paper obtained its primary data for analysis and presentation from a close reading of the selected text. This study will immensely contribute to literary criticism of children and adult literature as well as literature, politics, and social justice, among other related disciplines. Keywords: Albinism, fortune, ghosts, hunters, marginalisation, unmasking
Antimicrobial Activity of Kenyan Laikipia County Leonotis mollissima Plant Extract
(Laikipia University, 2022) Kinuthia, Wanjiru Esther.
The use of herbal medicine is expanding rapidly across the world due to the high bills involved in the importation of modern medicinal drugs. About 80 percent of the African population use traditional medicine from plants to treat common infectious diseases caused by microorganisms. The main objective of this research was to determine the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts and isolated compounds of Laikipia University Leonotis mollissima (Lion’s ear) from the Lamiaceae family. The plant was studied in this research due to its wide use by local communities of Kenya for medicinal remedies. Its decoction is used by the Marakwets of Kenya to treat microbial diseases. The plant was sampled from Laikipia University Kenya, identified, air dried and voucher specimen kept for reference in the Biological Department of Egerton University in Kenya. Crude extracts from dry powder of the leaves were successively extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol for seventy-two hours. With repeated column chromatography, Leonotis mollissima dichloromethane leaves (79.69 g) crude extract yielded compounds 1 (Sederin), 2 (20-hydroxylucidenicacid D2) and 3 (labdane). Identification of pure compounds was achieved by 1H and 13C NMR (500 MHz) spectroscopy. Chemical shifts (δ) were expressed in ppm relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as internal standard and coupling (J) in Hz. On screening for antimicrobial activity, all crude extracts showed an MIC (Minimum Inhibition Concentration) of < 0.1 mg/mL to > 0.5 mg/mL on all test microorganism (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Candidas albican. Compounds 1 and 3 had an MIC of > 0.16 mg/mL on all test microorganisms while 2 compound had an MIC of 0.10 mg/mL. The IC50 (Inhibition Concentration that reduces the effect of microorganisms by 50%) for all crude extracts and isolated compounds was less than that of Amoxil® and Doxycycline® antibiotics on all test micro-organisms on calculation with Graphpad Prism 8 free download computer program at different concentrations. This is a confirmation that Leonotis mollissima contains compounds that can be isolated and used as drugs to treat various diseases including microbial infectious diseases. Keywords: Kenya, Laikipia County, leonotis mollissima, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC)
Biogas Technology Uptake in Tanzania: Improving Energy Pliability, Challenges and Prospects
(Laikipia University, 2013) Wawa, Anna Ibrahim.,; Hashil, Twalib Abdallah.
Energy crisis is a serious problem in Tanzania and its shortage is serious especially in oil and wood fuel, particularly in the rural areas. Several NGOs in the country have therefore introduced biogas technology as an alternative source for renewable energy. Despite its potential, the adoption of biogas technology is however low. This paper tries to address the issues through which biogas technology can be harnessed to improve the current shortage of energy in Tanzania. It discusses such a possibility especially by examining three important areas; the current energy status of the country, challenges on uptake of biogas technology as an alternative energy source, and the future prospects of making biogas technology an effective source of energy in the country. Categorically, authors argue that the provision of energy services has to be implemented through an interdisciplinary process that addresses the interface between climate change, energy provision services, and the role and needs of targeted groups within Tanzania. An ideal prospect of biogas technology in Tanzania depends mainly on local anchorage as an important factor for supporting income-generating activities and government financial support towards fulfilling requirements in respect to alternative energy sources. Ultimately, the prospects of biogas technology in Tanzania can be viewed from its usefulness in the fields of rural energy, agriculture, health, residential housekeeping, and environmental conservation, thus contributing to achieving poverty reduction goals in the development policies. The lesson is that lack of government involvement in promoting and supporting biogas activities will negatively affect the speed of its uptake. Key word: Biogas Technology, Energy, Pliability, Challenges, Prospects
Conversational Songs of Meru Men: The Hidden Proverbial Wisdom in the Performers’ Pragmatic Rivalry
(Laikipia University, 2013) Rutere, Mugambi Albert.,; Kirigia Eliud.
The main objective of this paper is to examine the social significance of conversational songs as sung by Meru men in the Meru community of Kenya, while making a critical linguistic and literary analysis of them. Meru men have a variety of song performances which address the community’s daily activities and are very popular for their educative and entertainment value embodying the community’s accumulated experience passed from one generation to the next. To name a few, there is reenta performed by elderly men, auuthi performed by young, energetic, newly circumcised men and kirarire and Kiama performed across age groups. Though performed in different styles and instrumentation by different age groups, the songs are similar in form and content and take a protracted conversational structure, involving the soloist, the respondent and the choral audience. Proverbial wisdom characterizing the songs is replete with aphoristic expressions, which are highly rated as a source of knowledge. The songs comprise the soloist’s witty lines punctuated with repetitive affirmative syllables aaha -iiihi characterized by a rousing rhythm and a lilting tune. The songs are rich in analogy and metaphor, revealing the community’s verbal economy, in which word power is mystic. The data for this paper was collected by the first author for a period of ten years as a participant as well as a performer in his own right. The songs are used to demonstrate the proverbial knowledge underpinning the pragmatic (mock) rivalry between the soloist and his interlocutor in passing Meru community’s knowledge from one generation to another. This paper demonstrates the vibrancy of Meru men’s creative impulse as custodians of the community’s wisdom. A.L. Austin’s (1962) Speech Act Theory and H.P Grice’s (1975) Theory of Conversational Implicature are used to analyze the songs. Key words: conversational songs, proverbial wisdom
Determination of Maximum Residue Levels (Mrls) Of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Karate 1.75 Ec) and Pre-Harvest Interval (Phi) on Tea in Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2013) Cheshari Emily C.,; Sudoi Vincent...(et. al)
Globally, 1031 species of arthropods are associated with the intensively managed tea. All parts of the plant, leaf, stem, root, flower, and seed, are fed upon by at least one pest species, resulting in an 11%–55% loss in yield if left unchecked, hence the need for use of pesticides. With climate change and increasing temperatures the need is greater. Lambda-cyhalothrin is an insecticide currently registered and used in Kenya for control of several insect and mite pests in diverse crops. This study established residue levels for lambda-cyhalothrin in fresh tea leaves, black tea and brewed tea. The study evaluated the effect of tea preparation procedures on pesticide residue levels in tea and monitored the decline of pesticide residues under normal harvest time intervals. The samples were collected at various intervals after application of the pesticide at maximum proposed application rate of 3.0 Lha−1 (i.e. worst- case conditions allowable) according to instructions on the label. The study was carried out at Timbilil estate of Tea Research Foundation of Kenya in Kericho. Extraction of lambda-cyhalothrin from Karate treated samples was accomplished using 50% acetone in hexane. Analysis of the samples was done by Gas Chromatography (GC). The pesticide residue concentrations in the tea samples were calculated using the power curve fit; y = bxm. Results show that the levels of the pesticide residues decrease with increase in the pre-harvest interval days. The processing and brewing of tea appear to affect the residues of lambda-cyhalothrin most significantly. The residue levels from the study were lower than the maximum residue levels (MRLs) allowed within the European Union. Therefore, if this pesticide is used according to the established pattern it will pose no risk to the consumers of tea. Key Words: Residue levels, lambda-cyhalothrin, PHI, MRLs Tea, Kenya
Effect of Antiretroviral Drugs on Cd4 Cells and Viral Load in HIV Patients Attending Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2013) Mugwe N Jane.,; Gicheru M Michael.,; Ng’ang’a Zipporah.
CD4 count and viral load are part of laboratory data, which give guidelines on commencement and subsequent monitoring of chemotherapy. Among the primary goals of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) are optimal and durable suppression of viral load and the preservation and /or restoration of immunologic function. The objective of the current study was to assess the virological and immunological responses of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected individuals with administration of ART and establish the relationship between CD4 count and viral load in the study population, assessing the effect of chemotherapy. The study was conducted on 80 individuals who attended the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centre in the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital, Nakuru, and who consented to the study. Parallel testing for HIV was performed using Determine and Uni-Gold HIV ½ test kits, and discordant results were confirmed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). CD3, CD4 and CD8 counts were determined using Beckton Dickson (BD) FACScount while viral loads measured using Exavir load kit prior to commencement of ART regimens. Virologic and immunologic responses were determined by measuring CD4 counts and viral load at two weeks following commencement of chemotherapy and monthly for three months thereafter. Viral loads and CD4 counts for the study population were found to be highly inversely correlated (r=0.948, p<0.001). Key words: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Viral loads, CD4 counts, antiretroviral therapy
Effect of Harvest and Postharvest Practices on Seed Quality of Jute Mallow Vegetables
(Laikipia University, 2013) Maina, Faith N.W.,; Muasya, Reuben M...(et .al)
African leafy vegetables (ALVs) are an important source of nutrients, income and traditional medicines in Kenya. However, their production has been constrained by lack of high quality seed due to varied farmers’ harvest and post harvest practices. Limited research has been undertaken on the production of quality ALVs seed on farmers’ fields. This study was carried out to investigate to identify optimal harvest and post harvest practices as far as seed quality of jute mallow (an ALV) is concerned. Field experiments were established in Kakamega and Siaya districts using Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. Agronomic, harvest and post harvest practices identified during a farmers’ survey were used in these field experiments. Seed viability (measured by % germination) and vigour (measured by speed of germination index) was determined for the seeds obtained from the field experiments. Data obtained from field experiments was subjected to ANOVA and T-tests using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). In Kakamega, seeds harvested at black pod stage from non defoliated plants, which were hand shelled and dried in the sun had higher percent germination and speed of germination indices for both seasons. In Siaya, jute mallow seeds harvested from non defoliated plants at black pod stage had significantly higher percent germination and speed of germination indices than other combinations. Season and site significantly affected percent germination and speed of germination index of the seeds harvested during field experiments. It was concluded that seasons, harvest and post harvest practices need to be considered by farmers in their quest to obtain good quality jute mallow seeds. Key words: Jute mallow; Seed quality, germination indices, vigour
Effects of Experiential Cooperative Concept Mapping Instructional Approach on Secondary School Students’ Motivation in Physics in Nyeri County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2013) Wambugu, W Patriciah.,; Changeiywo, M Johnson.,; Ndiritu, G Francis.
The study of Physics in Secondary Schools is necessary in building up knowledge, basic skills, attitudes and competencies necessary for human resource needs in socio-economic development. Students in Universities and Tertiary colleges should therefore be motivated to enrol in Physics and pursue courses that require Physics. Although learner centred instructional approaches have been encouraged in teaching secondary school Physics, there has been low student enrolment in Physics at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). This study aimed at finding out the effects of Experiential Cooperative Concept Mapping (ECCM) on students’ motivation to learn Physics. Solomon Four Non-equivalent Control Group Design under the quasi- experimental research was used. A stratified random sample of 12 Secondary Schools was drawn from Nyeri County. Four boys’ alone schools, four girls’ alone schools and four co- educational schools were randomly assigned to four groups with a total of 513 Form Two students. Students in all the groups were taught the same Physics content of Magnetic Effect of Electric Current. The experimental groups were taught using ECCM approach while the control groups were taught through Regular Teaching Methods (RTM). Two groups were pre-tested prior to the implementation of treatment. After five weeks, all four groups were post-tested using the Student Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ). The instrument was validated and pilot tested before use. The reliability coefficient for SMQ was 0.81. The instrument was scored and data analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA at a significance level of alpha equal to 0.05. The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the motivation means of students who were taught through ECCM and those taught through RTM. The researchers recommend the use of ECCM in addressing motivation of students towards learning physics and the current low enrolment in the subject in Kenya. Key words: Experiential Cooperative Concept Mapping (ECCM), Regular Teaching Methods (RTM), Secondary School students, Physics, Motivation, Nyeri County.
Effects of Interaction of Graduates in Empowering Rural Communities through a BAC- GORTA Scholarship-Training Programme of selected areas in Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2013) Kingau, M John.
Training institutions dealing with agriculture and rural development in Kenya face major challenges in their approaches and methods to education and training. These challenges include but are not limited to; inadequate funding, falling student enrolment, inadequate practical skills, poor quality and irrelevant programmes, diminishing graduate employment opportunities and lack of clear and well articulated vision and mission. This has led to inability of such institutions to achieve their training and education objectives. Consequently, some development partners have shown greater concern and interest in supporting training institutions in Kenya. Against this background, a study was carried out on one such scholarship programme in selected parts of Nyanza, Rift-Valley and Western provinces of Kenya. Both qualitative and survey research design were adopted in the study. Data was collected from a sample of 100 graduates selected from a population of 280 past graduates. A questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The collected data was collated, coded and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at significance level of 0.05. This paper examines the effects of the scholarship training programme offered by Baraka Agricultural College in Kenya and supported by GORTA, a Northern development partner. The results show how the scholarship support scheme facilitated in the empowerment of communities and enabled them attain some levels of sustainable development. Further, the paper reveals that through the scholarship scheme, graduates have actively played their roles in their communities by contributing positively to changes in communities’ livelihoods as well as achieving their self-reliance expectations. This study concludes by highlighting the need for support for training institutions and key persons in the community to act as facilitators of development and consequently provides recommendations to various stakeholders. Key words: learning, scholarship, rural, empowerment, communities, development
Effects of selected plant materials on the whole body compositions and hepatosomatic index of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)
(Laikipia University, 2013) Obwanga B.O.,; Liti D...(et .al)
An eight week study was carried out to determine the effect of substituting freshwater shrimps Caridenea niloticus with 2 plant materials on the whole body composition and the hepatosomatic index in diets used to feed the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in diets. Cassava leaves (CLM) and Boiled tea leaf residues (BTLR) were used to replace freshwater shrimps from diets used to culture the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.). The study was carried out in Sagana Aquaculture Centre both in aquaria set up in a hatchery and in hapas set up earthen ponds where 10 post fingerling fish were used in triplicates. The following were used in the experiments: CLM in aquaria (initial mean weight 10.90±0.64g fish-1; mean length 6.20±0.25cm fish-1) and in hapas set up in fertilized earthen ponds (initial mean weight 10.55g fish-1 mean length 8.17±0.23cm fish-1) and BTLR in aquaria (initial mean weight 12.36±1.1g fish-1; mean length 8.43±0.27 cm fish-1) and hapas (initial mean weight 10.98±0.75g fish-1 and mean length 8.77±0.3 cm fish-1). Four (300g/kg) practical diets were formulated to contain 0%, 25%, 50% or 100% of the test ingredient. The 0% test ingredient (Sagana diet) was used as the control and the performance of fish fed on the other diets were compared to it. The diets were fed to fish in glass aquaria and in hapas in a pond at 10% of their body weight in triplicates. Carcass chemical composition showed similar effect of diets on body moisture content at 25% CLM and 100% CLM in hapas. At 50% CLM the diets caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in the whole body moisture level. Substitution up to 50% CLM showed similar effect on body moisture in fish cultured in aquaria. 100% CLM significantly (P<0.05) increased whole body moisture, significantly (P<0.05) decreased whole body crude protein and significantly decreased Hepatosomatic Indices (HSI) in fish grown in aquaria. HSI was similar at 0% CLM, 50% CLM and 100% CLM but increased significantly (P<0.05) in hapas. The diet had the same effect (P>0.05) on the whole body chemistry (moisture, total ash and crude protein) in the fish raised in hapas. In glass aquaria total body ash increased (P<0.05) significantly with increase in BTLR inclusion. Crude protein decreased significantly at 100% BTLR. The HSI was significantly (P>0.05) high at 100% BTLR in hapas, while in the aquaria there was a significant increase in hepatosomatic index with increase in BTLR inclusion. The study concluded that the two ingredients could be used with limited success in aquaria due to their effect on the O. niloticus. However the ingredients can be used to replace freshwater shrimps from diets used to culture O. niloticus in fertilized earthen ponds. Key word: Oreochromis niloticus, whole body composition, hepatosomatic index
Efficacy of Guidance and Counselling Programme in the Paramilitary Establishment among National Youth Service Trainees and Trainers in Gilgil Training College, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2022) Mukadi, Enos Barasa.,; Waiya, Lydia
The National Youth Service (NYS) is a department in the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs entrusted with the responsibility of offering vocational training to the youth. The Basic Paramilitary Training Programme exposes recruits to psycho-social problems hence the need for guidance and counselling services. Trainees and trainers’ attitude of guidance and counselling programme determines its effectiveness in the paramilitary establishment. The purpose of this study was to determine the trainees and trainers’ attitude on the effectiveness of guidance and counselling programme in the paramilitary establishment in Gilgil training college, Kenya. The study used the ex post facto research design. The target population was all NYS trainees and trainers. The college had a population of 242 paramilitary trainers and 2473 trainees. A sample of 24 paramilitary trainers and 252 trainees were selected through stratified and simple random sampling procedures. The required data were collected through questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to the respondents after being pilot tested for reliability and yielded a reliability index of 0.83 for paramilitary trainers’ questionnaire and 0.90 for trainees’ questionnaire. The questionnaires were also subjected to scrutiny by the researchers to establish their validity. Descriptive statistics included percentages, means and frequencies which were used to analyse the data on trainees and trainers’ attitude of the guidance and counselling programme. Inferential statistics included t-test and Pearson coefficient test used to test the hypotheses of the study. The posited hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the guidance and counselling programme was perceived positively by all NYS stakeholders. The study thus recommended that there was need to offer more appropriate training to officer counsellors and provide the necessary adequate resources for effective service delivery. Keywords: Basic paramilitary training programme, guidance and counselling, National Youth Service, trainees, trainers
Establishing the influence of School Infrastructure on Drug Abuse among Secondary School Students in Naivasha Sub- County, Nakuru County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2022) Nyagaka, K Lydia.,; Tarus, K. Prisca.,; Mayabi, M Janerose .
Drug abuse is a rampant problem in secondary schools and colleges in Kenya. High number of students are abusing drugs while in school. Some studies have indicated a correlation between drug abuse and school infrastructure. This study sought to investigate whether school infrastructure influenced secondary school students in Naivasha Sub County into drug abuse. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and was guided by Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura and the Modified Social Stress Model by Rodes and Jason and as modified by World Health Organization/Programme on Substance Abuse (WHO/PSA). The target study population was 31,626 respondents comprising 63 deputy principals, 63 guidance and counselling teachers and 31,500 students. A sample of 20 percent was considered suitable for schools. Therefore, 13 schools were randomly sampled for the study. Sampling for students was based on Krejcie and Morgan (1990) matrix whereby 380 students (form 2 and 3) were sampled. Simple random sampling method was used to select student respondents. Teacher counsellors and deputy principals were purposefully selected from the 13 sampled schools. A total sample size of 406 respondents was obtained. Three questionnaires presented in Likert scale were used in the study targeting students, teacher counsellors and deputy principals. The questionnaires were checked and validated by expert psychologists and counsellors from the Laikipia University, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Education Foundations. In ensuring reliability, test re-test method was applied by administering the questionnaire in a pilot study in two schools in the neighbouring sub-county of Gilgil. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.753, 0.812 and 0.823 were obtained for students, Deputy Principals and teacher counsellors respectively; indicating a high positive correlation. Frequencies, percentages and means were computed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The results revealed that school infrastructure influenced drug abuse among secondary school students in Naivasha sub-county. Based on the findings, the government, entrepreneurs and school administrators need to put up conducive infrastructure in schools because of its contribution in the reduction of drug abuse amongst students. However, research across Kenya would give a wider perspective on how school infrastructure influenced drug abuse in secondary schools. Keywords: Drug abuse, influence, school infrastructure, school administrators, students
Ethnicization and Power Contest: A Historiographical Reading of Ndung’u’s ‘A Friend of the Court’
(Laikipia University, 2022) Kipkorir, Julius.,; Chepkwony A.
While focusing on the nexus between popular fiction and history, this paper attempts to resurrect the intersection between the two social constructs. Popular fiction is shaped by the historical environment of the time. This paper demonstrates how Ndung’u, in his book, engages with the historical discourse of ethnicization and power contest within the context of Kenya’s politics. It is premised on the exploration of ethnic bigotry as encapsulated in Ndung’u’s A Friend of the Court. History and popular fiction coalesce in reconstructing the country’s transmogrification which depicts the morphing of society. This paper contends that history and fiction are two indices that intertwine since they are social constructs that mirror society. The boundary between fact and fiction, and history and fiction dissolves. The paper reveals a deconstruction process that subverts the essentialist and dominant modes of critical interpretation that privilege and subordinate literary texts on the basis of the dominant historical discourses. It provides an insight on contestation of power as a crux to navigate latitude on the political profligacy. This paper thus situates Ndung’u’s selected text, A Friend of the Court within the context of the current polemics of dialectics on ethnic bigotry that results from ethnicization of political power contest. Keywords: Balkanization, bigotry, discourses, ethnicization, historiography
Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies among Smallholder Farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2013) Ngigi, Margaret.,; Mshenga, Patience.,; Oloo, George Idi.
Climate change exacerbates the already daunting challenge facing the agricultural sector, and this is particularly the case in developing countries. Innovations in agriculture have always been important and will even be more vital in the context of climate change as it allows farmers to adapt efficiently to the changing climate. There are roughly 800 million food insecure people in the world today, each having this status because food is unavailable, unaffordable or they are too unhealthy to make use of it or some combination of the three. Assessing the potential effect of climate change on food production requires understanding the underlying determinants of climate change adaptation strategies in Bungoma County and how they have affected smallholder farming. The objectives of the study were to identify and evaluate indigenous and emerging climate change strategies currently in use by smallholder farmers in the study area. Quality extension services, credit facilities and access to information are usually vital in facilitating adoption of better and affordable climate change coping strategies which enhances small holder’s food production. The study identified various indigenous and emerging adaptation strategies and evaluated socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the choice of these strategies. The theory of utility, stated and revealed preference were used in the study. Purposive, multistage and systematic random sampling methods were used to select a sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Structured questionnaires and Participatory Rural Appraisal approach were the techniques used to collect data. The method of data analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. Mulching and soil fertility management were the most common coping and emerging strategies respectively. Unpredictable rainfall pattern and high temperatures were found to have adversely affected food production and rural livelihoods. Adaptations outside of agriculture were also important for livelihood diversification and increasing resilience to climate variability in study area. Government, research institutions and stakeholder need to provide climate change information to farmers through training. Soil fertility and water management were crucial in ensuring farmers adapted to climate change. Investments in infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems, extension services, credit schemes, and climate information systems would help create the enabling conditions for adaptation to climate change. Key words: Climate change, adaptation, adaptation strategies, food security and smallholder
Examining the Social Media Discourse: Towards a Linguistic Study of Facebook Posts Among a Selected Group of Kenyan Internet Users
(Laikipia University, 2022) Mwithi, Muthoni Florence
The sheer online ubiquity of Facebook is astounding. Facebook is changing the way billions of people in the world relate to one another and share information. A rapidly growing body of research has accompanied the meteoric rise of Facebook as researchers from diverse fields carry out studies on the site. This paper recognises the utility of FB as a novel tool to examine and interpret linguistic features for a selected group of Kenyan FB users. The article discusses and analyses the linguistic features in Facebook posts. Herring’s (2004) Computer-Mediated Discourse Analysis (CMDA) theoretical framework is applied to analyse the linguistic features. Online questionnaires were used to obtain data. Keywords: CMDA, Facebook, FB, Kenya, linguistic features
Genetic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Maize Streak Virus in Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2022) Pande, Daniel.
Maize streak virus (MSV) is one of the most important pathogens responsible for poor maize yields in Africa. For over the past 50 years, the MSV-A1 genotype has continually been moving back and forth between southern and eastern Africa and from East to West Africa. Despite Kenya being a maize producing country, very little is known of its MSV genetic diversity and geographical distribution of the circulating variants. In this study, a sampling survey was undertaken in the farmers’ fields to collect MSV prevalence and symptom severity, where a total of 178 complete MSV genomes were sequenced from both grass and maize. Both phylogenetic and phylogenetic tools were used to illustrate the genetic diversity and geographical distribution. The results showed that the MSVA lineages had a distinct but overlapping geographical distributions in the country and noticeable relationship between the MSV symptom severity and the percentage infectivity. Keywords: Genetic distribution, geographical distribution, Kenya, Maize streak virus, Mastrevirus
Going beyond Numbers: the Need for a Paradigm Shift in Understanding Women’s Political Participation in Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2013) Ndambuki, Jacinta.
Women continue to lag behind in many countries in the South in terms of political representation and efforts to understand this have mainly focused on the form of democracy such as numerical aspects of women’s participation in the political process. Numerical aspects of women’s representation though undoubtedly important in understanding women’s political participation does not seem to adequately address women’s lack of participation in politics. It is in view of this that I argue that there is need for a paradigm shift to give more attention to the substance of democracy i.e. the discursive aspect in the study of women’s political participation in Kenya. Drawing on findings from research on the representation of women’s issues in Kenya carried out in Makueni District, the argument in paper is that since language plays a critical role in the construction of reality, a study of language is critical to understanding women’s political participation. The study draws on an eclectic model that cuts across language, gender and politics. The findings of the study indicate that at the level of representation, women, politicians and other community leaders use deficit discourses to talk about women’s issues. They all draw on the prevailing discourses about women. This language reflects and reproduces the exclusion of women in the political process because it is hard for women to believe that they have a contribution to make when they are interpellated by these deficit discourses; it might explain the relatively low voices of women in the democratization process in Kenya. A dual focus on the form and substance of democracy illuminates the importance of participation in democracy as a means to social justice. Key words: Women’s agency, Deficit discourses, Participation, Democracy, Social justice.
Identification of Plant Species along the Riparian Corridor of the Iguameti Stream in Laikipia County Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2022) Obwanga, Ojowi Benson.,; Outa, Omondi James.,; Ngure, Veronica.
Abstract This study presents the first characterization of riparian vegetation on Iguameti Stream as well as a description of anthropogenic activities within the riparian corridor. Study points fell within the upper reaches of the stream within Laikipia University and lower reaches with a high density of human settlements and farming activities. Sample plots (30m×10m) in the upper and lower reaches of the stream were selected in the phytocoenoses of the study area in such a way that each sample plot was visually homogenous and that all floristic variation in the area was sampled. Based on physiognomical classification, three types of vegetation formations were identified: afromontane forest, woodland and swamp vegetation. Human activities include: introduction of exotic species; timber harvesting; damming; stream channelization; livestock grazing; and land tillage. The upper reaches exhibited minimal disturbance, a detailed vertical stratification with ample canopy, understory, shrub, herb layer, and ground cover dominated by indigenous vegetation. Trichocladus ellipticus, Allophylus sp., Teclea sp, Dombeya goetzinii, Ficus natalensis, Rhus natalensis, Pavonia urens and Cyathula cylindrical were dominant, while in the lower reaches, Pittosporum viridiflorum, Cupressus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Crotalaria agatiflora, Rhus natalensis, Hibiscus fuscus, Hypoestis verticillaris and Rubus sp. were dominant. Species loss was reported in the lower reaches where the buffer strips ˂5m on the left and right banks compared to ˃20m in the upper reaches. Steam damming has caused replacement of riparian vegetation with wetland plants like Crassula schimperi, Hydrocotyl sp., Oenanthe palustris, Sphaeranthus steetzi, Rorippa sp., Polygonum pulchrum, Typha sp. and sedges mainly Cyperus spp. and Fimbristylis sp. Canopy cover decreased from >90% in the upper reaches to < 60% in the lower reaches. Riparian vegetation loss in the upper reaches may cause habitat loss for Colobus guereza kikuyuensis and Aonyx capensis. Urgent strategic multi-disciplinary management of the riparian zone is needed to limit biodiversity loss. Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, climate change, Laikipia County, riparian vegetation, species loss
Identification, Characterization and Distribution of Aspergillus and Fusarium Species Isolated from Maize Kernels from Western Part of Kenya.
(Laikipia University, 2013) Nyukuri, N. J.,; Wagara, I. N.,; Matasyoh, J. C.
Moulds destroy more than 30% of crop yields and produce potentially poisonous mycotoxins. The most prevalent on foods are Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Mucor. Kenya has experienced dramatic outbreaks of mycotoxin poisoning resulting in loss of lives. The aim of the study was, to isolate and characterize moulds associated with maize from Lake Victoria Basin (LVB). Thirty samples of unaffected maize and mouldy maize were collected from Trans-nzoia, Kakamega and Kuria districts to determine the mould’s distribution. These areas are in mid altitude agroecological zones with warm and humid conditions which favors development of moulds and mycotoxins. Aspergillus and Fusarium were isolated and identified from these areas. Among the genus Aspergillus, twelve mycotoxigenic species and two atoxigenic species were identified and among the genus Fusarium, fourteen mycotoxigenic species were identified. In all the three districts, the most frequent Aspergillus and Fusarium species on maize were A. flavus at 23.1% and F. proliferatum at 20.3% frequency. The quantity of the moulds from mouldy and good maize was compared using T- test for each of the district but they were not significantly different. Key words: Mycotoxins, moulds, maize, Aspergillus and Fusarium
Influence of Selected Factors on Job Satisfaction among Middle Level Managers in Public Secondary Schools in Rongai District, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2013) Waiganjo M.,; Bowen, K Dave...(et.al)
Middle level managers in secondary schools play pivotal role in monitoring the implementation of school curriculum which is expected to translate to excellent school performance. However, many schools in Rongai District have continued to perform dismally in national examinations. According to the Rongai District Education Strategic Plan (2009-2014), the students’ performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations had continued to plummet continuously for five years. The same strategic plan identified low job satisfaction as one of the major factors which negatively affected performance in the district. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish the influence of selected factors on job satisfaction among middle level managers in secondary schools in Rongai district, Nakuru County, Kenya. This study employed a cross- sectional survey design. A Sampling frame of Middle Level Managers comprising Deputy Principals and Heads of department was constructed from all public secondary schools in Rongai district. A total of 144 out of a sample size of 153 Middle Level Managers selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques participated in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire which had a reliability coefficient of 0.83 calculated using Chronbach’s alpha formula. Multiple Regression model was used to analyze the data where Parsimonious models were obtained and validated. The most significant factor that influenced job satisfaction was found to be job-itself factor. Further analysis was carried to determine the influence of each specific job itself variable on job satisfaction. The study found that ‘pride in the job’ significantly influenced job satisfaction. The findings may be used by Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in the recruitment of middle level managers as well as creating clear opportunities for their advancement to boost their job satisfaction. Key words: Job-Satisfaction, Job -Related Factors, Job-Opportunities, Parsimonious Model