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IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON WATER QUALITY IN THE UPPER ATHI RIVER CATCHMENT, KENYA
(TUK, 2024-05) WATURU MARGARET
V
ABSTRACT
In the past few decades, the impacts of human activities on water quality (WQ) have been demonstrated to have a strong negative effect on downstream users. In spite of this linkage, little is known about the specific effects on the Upper Athi River Catchment (UARC). The catchment has experienced rapid industrialization coupled with an increased human population that has led to the encroachment of the watershed. This study aimed at: (1) determining the levels/concentrations of physicochemical parameters (pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), temperature, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Chlorophyll a and heavy metals (Iron, Zinc, Lead, Copper, Manganese and Chromium) at different sampling sites in different seasons, (2) assessing Land Use Land Cover Changes (LULCC) in relation to water quality in the UARC using Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies, and (3) generating scenarios to predict future water quality trends by utilizing one-dimensional river and stream water quality (QUAL2Kw) and forecasting models. WQ samples were collected every month from February 2017 to December 2018, and analyses for nutrients and heavy metals were done in the laboratory following standard methods for water and wastewater analysis. WQ data was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and further subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test. Dry and wet seasons data were analysed using ANOVA. Historical Landsat satellite data was acquired for the periods 1990, 2004, 2010, 2014 and 2018 to prepare LULCC maps of the study area. A hybrid classification technique was used to classify LULCC into six categories. The physicochemical parameters showed spatial-temporal variations, with a significant increase in TSS, Turbidity, and BOD recorded during the wet seasons. Nutrient concentrations were higher in stations adjacent to industrial, agricultural, and domestic effluents as compared to those in upstream areas. TP values were higher in two tributaries, Nairobi River at Njiru (0.17 mg/l) and Mathare (0.25 mg/l) than in Kikuyu springs (0.009 mg/l). Multiple regression analysis showed that EC, DO, Zn and Pb were significantly associated with urban areas (p < 0.009, p < 0.042, p < 0.031, and p < 0.02, respectively). Correlation results presented strong R2 values between the observed and predicted: temperature: 0.82, electrical conductivity: 0.99, total dissolved solids: 0.94, biochemical oxygen demand: 0.66, chlorophyll a: 0.89, total nitrogen: 0.75, and total phosphorus: 0.94. These results depict the model's reliability in predicting water quality parameters in rivers and streams, even in watersheds with little data availability. There was a strong correlation between the urban area and water quality parameters, with Cr (r = 0.56) and Pb (r = 0.80) as the most significant parameters. Shrubland was the most dominant land use type (56.5%) in 1990 but declined considerably to (49.16%) in 2018, mainly due to conversion into urban and agricultural land uses, whose increase tripled (from 0.93% to 3.11% and 5.66% to 18.17%, respectively). From the models, it was shown that DO will continue to decline towards the year 2030, indicating increased pollution. In contrast, EC, TSS, BOD, and iron will increase significantly in tandem with the present trends in LULCC. The implication is that pollutants will increase to unsafe levels in the UARC if appropriate watershed management actions are not taken in good time. Significant land cover degradation is expected to occur if no mitigation measures are instituted, creating a threat to biodiversity conservation and the survival of local communities.
MODELLING CANCER OCCURRENCES IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES THROUGH INFODEMIOLOGY
(TUK, 2024-10) KIBE LUCY WACHERA
ABSTRACT
This study addresses the information-seeking behaviour and production of cancer in East African Community (EAC) countries through infodemiology. The study analysed cancer information searching trends and informetric patterns from 2004 to 2023, examined the relationship between cancer search trends and occurrences, established the association between search trends and informetric patterns, and modelled cancer information demand and supply in EAC countries. The study was guided by Millers’ monitoring and blunting theory, Health Belief Model and Wilson’s 1996 model of information behaviour. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. Information-oriented purposive sampling was used to sample the countries. Convenience sampling was adopted for demand-based infodemiology using Google Scholar and PubMed while purposive sampling was used for supply-based infodemiology. Data collection involved web scraping and search engine queries using Google Trends and Harzing's Publish or Perish. Ethical considerations included anonymisation, minimisation, responsible data use, and ethical clearance. The findings illustrate peaks in information interest during specific months, particularly August, September and October, likely driven by health awareness campaigns and events. There was a high interest in information on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, preventive measures, and awareness of different cancer types. Predominant regions and cities for information-seeking included Kijabe, Nairobi, Eldoret, Nanyuki, Kisumu, and Mombasa in Kenya; Kampala, Ishaka, Arua, and Kasangati in Uganda; Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Kigoma in Tanzania; and Kigali and Kibaha in Rwanda. Cancer research showed a rising trend in scholarly publications in the period under review. Journal articles dominated the research, with Google Scholar indexing a broader range, including theses and preprints, while PubMed focused more on traditional research articles and clinical trials. The research themes initially focused on women's health and general cancer epidemiology, shifting towards specific cancer types and screening practices. Themes like cervical cancer screening and patient care emerged, reflecting changing research dynamics and healthcare needs. The research demonstrated varying levels of citation and impact within the academic community. In Kenya, 56% of the articles had been cited; in Uganda, 55% received citations. In Tanzania, 60% of articles were cited, while in Rwanda, 57% were cited. The authorship patterns in cancer research publications revealed notable variations. In Kenya and Uganda, most articles were authored by a single author (27.24% and 29.26%, respectively. In Tanzania and Rwanda, research was mainly co-authored, with most articles having four authors (33.57% and 32.17%, respectively). The cancer information search trends and incidences showed high search volumes corresponding with high incidence rates for breast cancer in Kenya, prostate cancer in Uganda and breast and prostate cancers in Tanzania and Rwanda. Kenya exhibited a positive correlation between web searches and publications (r =.323). In Uganda, this correlation was moderately strong (r = .435). Tanzania showed a significant positive correlation (r = .788). At the same time, Rwanda presented the strongest significant correlation (r = .862). The study proposes the Health Connect Centre Web application to address the interplay between information demand and supply. The Web app integrates user-friendly interfaces, a robust search core API, and comprehensive backend systems. Other recommendations include enhanced public awareness campaigns, community engagement, tailored information resources, and collaborative research initiatives. Policy implications stress targeted health communication and digital accessibility. Integrating infodemiology improves healthcare delivery by optimising resource allocation and public health messaging. Theoretical implications validate frameworks' relevance in understanding information dynamics.
SERVICE QUALITY DIMENSIONS, INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND STUDENT SATISFACTION IN SCHOOLS OF BUSINESS OF CHARTERED UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
(TUK, 2024-03) KIMAITA JANE NAITORE
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of service quality dimensions on student satisfaction in universities in Kenya and specially students in the Schools of Business. Service quality is a measure of the extent to which a service meets and exceeds customer expectations; which in turn creates a competitive edge for the organization. For the purposes of this study, service quality was measured under four dimensions, namely service tangibility, responsiveness, reliability and accessibility. Satisfaction, on other hand, is the extent to which service delivery meets the student expectations, was assessed on the basis of; customer loyalty, referrals, positive word of mouth and student retention. Tremendous growth of university education in Kenya has brought enormous challenges some of which have continued to compromise the quality of services delivered to students. The specific objectives of the study included: to establish the effect of service tangibility on student satisfaction in Schools of Business of Chartered Universities in Kenya, to find out the effect of service responsiveness on student satisfaction in Schools of Business of the Chartered Universities in Kenya, to determine the effect of service reliability on student satisfaction of Schools of Business of Chartered Universities in Kenya, to assess the effect of service accessibility on student satisfaction in Schools of Business of Chartered Universities Institutions in Kenya and to establish the moderating effect of Information Communication Technology on the relationship between service quality dimensions and student satisfaction in Schools of Business of Chartered Universities in Kenya. The study was based on Positivism philosophy and the Cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. Sampling was done in two stages: stage one was sampling of the universities which were the unit of analysis while stage two was sampling students from the sampled universities. Primary data was collected from 400 respondents; questionnaires were self-administered to students during the common units’ classes. Descriptive statistics namely; cross-tabulations, frequency distributions and median were used to summarize the data whereas inferential statistics was used to establish the magnitude and the direction of the relationship. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (2020) version 27 was used for data analysis. The study used the Multinomial Logistic Regression Model after the proposed Ordinal Logistic Regression Model was found inappropriate when the test of parallels estimation was carried out.
Results revealed that among the four hypothesis that were tested on both the main effect MLR model and Moderated MLR model service tangibility and service responsiveness were found to be statistically significant. Results of the study indicated that service quality had a significant effect on student satisfaction in Schools of Business of Chartered universities in Kenya. This was based on two service quality dimensions (service tangibility and service responsiveness) that were found significant across all categories under the main effect model and the moderated effect MRL environment. This study is expected to benefit various stakeholders in the education sector among them Higher Education Institutions Management, Commission for University Education, Ministry of Education and Government of Kenya (GoK) in developing essential education policies regarding quality. Scholars and researchers also could use the study as a basis for further research.
LEADERSHIP STYLES OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARIANS AND PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN KENYA
(TUK, 2024-08) HONGO HENRY OGADA
ABSTRACT
Effective leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of university libraries, with head librarians serving as critical figures in influencing the library's performance and culture. This study examines the diverse leadership styles employed by head librarians and their impact on library performance in Kenyan universities. The objectives of this research encompass an analysis of leadership's significance in Kenyan university libraries, an exploration of the applied leadership styles, an investigation into library performance levels, an examination of the relationship between leadership styles and library performance, and the proposal of leadership styles with the potential to influence university libraries in Kenya positively. A pragmatic research paradigm and a convergent parallel mixed-method research design were adopted to achieve these objectives. The study encompassed twelve public and private university libraries in Kenya, aiming to discern potential distinctions and commonalities across these institutions. Utilising a multi-stage sampling technique, the research initially stratified universities into public and private and then further stratified the population into three categories: library staff, library users, and head librarians. Data collection methods comprised questionnaires for quantitative data and key informant interviews for qualitative data. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for quantitative data and Atlas.ti and VOSviewer tools for qualitative data. The findings of this study shed light on the critical elements of leadership styles in the context of the Kenyan university library. Traits include robust decision-making, integrity, motivation, inspiration, and visionary thinking, characterised by effective leadership. Among various leadership styles, democratic leadership and transformative leadership styles emerged as the most effective in promoting efficient library service delivery. Regarding library performance, the research revealed that most users visited the library weekly for research, academic study, book borrowing, and technology utilisation, indicating high satisfaction. Nonetheless, specific aspects, such as technology and equipment maintenance, required enhancement. The study further highlighted a direct link between leadership styles and library performance. Democratic (B = 0.198, p = 0.504) and transformational (B = 0.133, p = 0.654) leadership styles show positive but non-significant associations with library performance. Bureaucratic leadership (B = -0.792, p = 0.021) significantly decreases performance, reflecting its rigid, hierarchical nature. Transactional (B = -0.167, p = 0.664), autocratic (B = -2.204, p = 1.00), and charismatic (B = -0.417, p = 0.222) styles do not significantly impact performance. Laissez-faire leadership (B = -1.000, p = 0.005) significantly reduces performance due to its hands-off approach. In light of these findings, a series of recommendations have been put forth: enhance leadership development and flexibility, support staff development and recognition, improve library resources and infrastructure, strengthen management support and collaboration and adapt to changing user needs. The implications of this study are broad. Education policymakers should prioritise leadership development within university libraries, creating a supportive environment for effective leadership. Professionals in library and information science must underscore the significance of continuous training that is aligned with library goals. The study aligns with the Path-Goal Theory, emphasising the adaptability of leadership styles, motivation, and leadership's impact on the library environment. By embracing these recommendations, university libraries can establish themselves as indispensable resources in the digital era, fostering academic achievement, research, and innovation within the academic community.
TOWARDS CRITICAL LIBRARIANSHIP FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS IN SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN KENYA
(TUK, 2024-10) SAWE EMILY CHERONO
ABSTRACT
University libraries today operate in a dynamic, technology-driven environment that requires them to continuously adapt and enhance research support services in order to meet the evolving needs of proactive researchers. The ever-changing and dynamic scholarly environment calls for examining university library research support services since doctoral students depend on university libraries for information. As university libraries work to improve RSS and, to assist doctoral students, there was a need to assess their preparedness and conformity to 21st-century information ideals. This study investigated how a critical librarianship approach could enhance research support services among doctoral students in selected public university libraries in Kenya. Specifically, this study examined the existing research support services for doctoral students, assessed the extent of research support services utilization by doctoral students, established strategies used by university libraries to offer research support services for doctoral students, and identified challenges faced by libraries in providing research support services. To achieve these objectives, this study was guided by critical librarianship theory. The research adopted a pragmatic paradigm, which provided a basis for using mixed research methods encompassing qualitative and quantitative approaches in the form of a convergent parallel research design. The study population were doctoral students, university librarians, and library staff involved with research support services from universities in Kenya. The study purposively selected eight universities and respective libraries from whom data was collected from 283 doctoral students through a questionnaire, 26 library staff, and seven university librarians using semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis using SPSS, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically using ATLAs.ti. Quantitative data was presented using tables and charts, while qualitative data was presented as narratives and appropriate verbatim quotes. The study findings showed that university libraries offered a range of RSS, library resources were the most used by doctoral students, and research impact services were the least used. The strategies used to empower the students were online and face-to-face instructional services and collaborations with research scientists. The challenges found include poor communication, inadequate qualified staff to provide research services at the doctoral level, and unavailability of doctoral students. The study concluded that the provision and use of RSS for doctoral students in specific university libraries vary from one service to another, and several strategies to empower doctoral students were used by university library staff, albeit with several difficulties emanating from both the university libraries and doctoral students. The study recommended recruitment of adequate and competent library staff to adequately guide doctoral students, and vigorous awareness creation and sensitization campaigns on crucial research support. The findings will inform the development of critical librarianship programs and initiatives and offer insights on strategies to market RSS effectively. The proposed framework would ideally guide university libraries in enhancing the availability and usability of RSS.
Keywords: Research Support Services; User Empowerment; Librarian Empowerment; librarian power; User Disempowerment, critical librarianship; University Libraries; Kenya