Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology

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    Access to and Use of ICT's in the Provision of Information to Distance Learners in Kenyan Universities
    (2018-03-13) Kamau, Grace Wambui; Kiplang’at, Joseph; Odini, Cephas
    The purpose of the study which informs this chapter was to investigate access to and use of ICTs in the provision of information to distance learners at the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Kenyatta University (KU) libraries; and to make recommendations for improvement. The study employed a mixed methods research design. Stratified, purposive and census sampling techniques were alternately used to select key participants namely: distance learners, directorate of distance education, deans of schools and chairmen of departments, university librarians and senior library staff. A sample of 200 distance learners and 56 respondents from the other strata was selected. Data was collected through a semi–structured questionnaire administered to distance learners, semi-structured interviews with the other respondents and documentary review. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The key findings of the study were that: distance learners had limited access to and use of ICTs; they could not access e-resources from the university library remotely; and they experienced challenges in accessing information through ICTs. Distance learners will benefit from this study from improved access to information through ICTs thereby increasing the quality of their education. This study will also inform university libraries in Kenya in general and the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University libraries in particular on improving their information services for distance learners through ICTs.
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    Adsorption and detection of some phenolic compounds by rice husk ash of Kenyan origin
    (2002) Mbui, Damaris N; Shiundu, Paul M; Ndonye, Rachel M; Kamau, Geoffrey N
    Rice husk ash (RHA) obtained from a rice mill in Kenya has been used as an inexpensive and effective adsorbent (and reagent) for the removal (and detection) of some phenolic compounds in water. The abundantly available rice mill waste was used in dual laboratory-scale batch experiments to evaluate its potential in: (i) the removal of phenol, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene (resorcinol) and 2-chlorophenol from water; and (ii) the detection of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (pyrocatechol) and 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene (pyrogallol) present in an aqueous medium. The studies were conducted using synthetic water with different initial concentrations of the phenolic compounds. The effects of different operating conditions (such as contact time, concentration of the phenolic compounds, adsorbent quantity, temperature, and pH) were assessed by evaluating the phenolic compound removal efficiency as well as the extent of their color formation reactions (where applicable). RHA exhibits reasonable adsorption capacity for the phenolic compounds and follows both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Adsorption capacities of 1.53 × 10−4, 8.07 × 10−5, and 1.63 × 10−6 mol g−1 were determined for phenol, resorcinol and 2-chlorophenol, respectively. Nearly 100% adsorption of the phenolic compounds was possible and this depended on the weight of RHA employed. For the detection experiments, pyrocatechol and pyrogallol present in water formed coloured complexes with RHA, with the rate of colour formation increasing with temperature, weight of RHA, concentration of the phenolic compounds and sonication. This study has proven that RHA is a useful agricultural waste product for the removal and detection of some phenolic compounds.
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    Adsorption of Congo Red Dye from Aqueous Solutions Using Roots of Eichhornia Crassipes: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies
    (Elsevier, 2014) Wanyonyi, Wycliffe Chisutia; Onyari, , John Mmari; Shiundu, Paul M
    Adsorption of Congo red (CR) from aqueous solution using dried roots of Eichhornia crassipes was studied. Batch experiments were carried out for sorption kinetics and isotherms. Experimental results obtained showed that adsorption process was highly dependent on contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and particle size. The sorption equilibrium for Congo red dye by E. crassipes (roots) was reached within 90 minutes and adsorption efficiency of up to 96% achieved. The sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model while Freundlich isotherm model was best applicable for obtaining the equilibrium parameters. These results demonstrate that roots of E. crassipes are effective, environmentally friendly and low-cost biomaterial for dye removal from aqueous dye solutions and industrial effluents.
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    Adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions using Eichhornia crassipes
    (2013) Wanyonyi, Wycliffe Chisutia; Onyari, John Mmari; Shiundu, Paul M
    Adsorption of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution using dried roots, stems, and leaves of Eichhornia crassipes biomass obtained from Lake Victoria was studied. Batch experimental results revealed that the adsorption process was highly dependent on adsorbent dosage, initial MB concentration, E. crassipes particle size and aqueous solution temperature. The isotherm data fitted Freundlich mathematical models with maximum dye adsorption of 35.37 mg g−1. Roots adsorbed over 99 % of the MB in <5 min. Sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. Results provide evidence that E. crassipes is an effective and inexpensive biomaterial for dye removal from aqueous dye solutions and industrial effluents.
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    Adsorption of Pb (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes): Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies
    (2014) Anzeze, Davis Amboga; Onyari, John Mmari; Gichuki, John W; Shiundu, Paul M
    The Eichhornia crassipes roots for the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated. The adsorption of Pb (II) ions was found to be affected by solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature. The equilibrium was analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The data was found to have a closer correlation with the Freundlich isotherm as evidenced by a higher correlation coefficient (R2). The biosorption capacity for E. crasippes was found to be 16.350 mg g-1. The Kinetics data was also subjected to pseudo-first-order and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The data could be explained better using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
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    Air and blood lead levels in lead acid battery recycling and manufacturing plants in Kenya
    (Taylor & Francis, 2012) Were, Faridah H; Kamau, Geoffrey N; Shiundu, Paul M; Wafula, Godfrey A; Moturi, Charles M
    The concentration of airborne and blood lead (Pb) was assessed in a Pb acid battery recycling plant and in a Pb acid battery manufacturing plant in Kenya. In the recycling plant, full-shift area samples taken across 5 days in several production sections showed a mean value ± standard deviation (SD) of 427 ± 124 μg/m3, while area samples in the office area had a mean ± SD of 59.2 ± 22.7 μg/m3. In the battery manufacturing plant, full-shift area samples taken across 5 days in several production areas showed a mean value ± SD of 349 ± 107 μg/m3, while area samples in the office area had a mean ± SD of 55.2 ± 33.2 μg/m3. All these mean values exceed the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's permissible exposure limit of 50 μg/m3 as an 8-hr time-weighted average. In the battery recycling plant, production workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 62.2 ± 12.7 μg/dL, and office workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 43.4 ± 6.6 μg/dL. In the battery manufacturing plant, production workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 59.5 ± 10.1 μg/dL, and office workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 41.6 ± 7.4 μg/dL. All the measured blood Pb levels exceeded 30 μg/dL, which is the maximum blood Pb level recommended by the ACGIH®. Observations made in these facilities revealed numerous sources of Pb exposure due to inadequacies in engineering controls, work practices, respirator use, and personal hygiene
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    An Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge Legislation and Policies in Kenya
    (2019-07-24) Chepchirchir, Sally; Kwanya, Tom
    Since the dawn of history, humanity has always sought more knowledge to feed families, stay healthy, argue with neighbours, and understand the immediate environment, among other issues. Before scientific approaches of knowledge discovery emerged, local ways of solving problems were already strongly established. These ways have persisted to date and comprise what is known as indigenous knowledge (IK). As society scientifically developed, IK became a neglected area whose potential as a resource in development was forgotten. This neglect has led to myriad socioeconomic challenges affecting food security, environmental conservation, health and social cohesion, among others. Therefore, the need to rediscover and mainstream IK in development is great. This need is anchored on the understanding that IK is the basis for local-level decision making in agriculture, healthcare, food preparation, education, natural-resource management, and a host of other activities. One of the perspectives of enhancing the creation, use and perpetuation of IK is enactment of facilitative policies and legislation. This chapter analyses the IK legislation and policies in Kenya and the extent to which they have been implemented and thereafter recommends strategies which can be used to enhance the impact of IK in socioeconomic development in Kenya. Data that informed the study leading to this chapter were collected through content analysis of the existing IK policies and legislation. Additional data were collected through key informant interviews with information science professionals and policy makers. The study revealed that several legislative and policy provisions on the regulation, preservation, management, use and development of indigenous knowledge exist in Kenya. However, there are many gaps in the content and implementation of these provisions which should be addressed to enhance their impact on the promotion, growth and perpetuation of indigenous knowledge in Kenya. The findings here may be used by information practitioners, policy makers and communities to enhance the creation, use and impact of IK.
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    An analysis of the opportunities for information technology in improving access, transfer and the use of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya
    (MCB UP Ltd, 1999) Kiplang’at, Joseph
    Presented at the SCANUL‐ECS Conference held in Kenya 23‐26 July 1998. Examines the opportunities of information technology (IT) in improving access, transfer and use of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya. This paper has used the term “information technology” to include CD‐ROM, computer networks, desktop publishing, interactive video, packet radio, expert systems, geographical information systems and satellite communications. The methodology adopted by the study was the use of case studies of the organisations and institutions that use IT in disseminating agricultural information to the rural population in Kenya. The study was limited to agricultural information. The information technologies examined include CD‐ROM, computer networks, video and desktop publishing. Highlights the advantages and limitations of IT in disseminating information in the rural areas of Kenya. Among the factors that make IT relevant for rural development are vast storage, fast and inexpensive communication channels, links between different media, easy and enjoyable use at comparatively and steadily declining costs. Concludes that for IT to have more impact on rural development, it should be needs driven, rather than technology driven. This can only be achieved if the needs of the users are placed at the centre and appropriate technologies adopted.
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    Application of Information Systems Theories in Library and Information Science Research: A Content Analysis
    (2019-07-17) Onyancha1, *Omwoyo Bosire; Kwanya1, Tom
    There is a widely-held belief that the library and information science (LIS) field does not have theories of its own but borrows heavily from a variety of fields. One of the subject domains from which LIS borrows theories is information systems (IS). The purpose of this study was to examine the extent and nature of application of information systems theories in the library and information science research using content analysis techniques. The study extracted relevant data from the Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and Library Information Science Source (LISS) databases using the names of 130 IS theories. Data was analysed to determine the most commonly applied theories; the trend of application of the theories in LIS research; the nature of theory application; and the LIS subject areas in which IS theories are mostly applied. The findings reveal that the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) were the most commonly applied theories in LIS research; theoretical triangulation is rarely applied in LIS research; specific subject areas of IS application in LIS research are diverse with technology acceptance topping the list. Conversely, LIS researchers are increasingly conducting research on areas that relate to ICTs, hence substantial visibility of IS theories in the LIS literature. This pattern has immense implications on LIS research, education and training.
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    Application of resource dependency theory and transaction cost theory in analysing outsourcing information communication services decisions: A case of selected public university libraries in Kenya
    (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 1983) Kiplang’at, Joseph; Gichoya, David; Mwai, Naomi Wangari
    Purpose – The aim of this paper is to establish how resource dependency theory (RDT) and transaction cost theory (TCT) can inform decisions to outsource ICT services by public university libraries in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a multiple case study strategy in four selected public universities libraries in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents and data collection was done using a semi-structured interview schedule. Findings – The study highlights how RDT and TCT theoretical perspectives illuminate some of the reasons, and problems associated with Information and Communications Technology outsourcing in Libraries. The paper concludes with recommendations and the way forward. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to the outsourcing of information technology services in four public university libraries in Kenya, namely, Kenyatta University (KU) in Kahawa, Nairobi; Moi University (MU) in Eldoret; University of Nairobi (UON) in Nairobi; and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Thika. This being a qualitative study (and taking into consideration the subjective views where bias could occur), the researchers ensured that the research was reliable by recording and taking notes during the interviews and by using peer-debriefing and professionals in the field to ascertain their views. Practical implications – The paper provides practical insights into outsourcing of Information Technology (IT) services in Public University libraries and information centres in Kenya. This study is useful for university libraries, information professionals, information communication technology professionals and university management. Social implications – The implications of the study are that outsourcing needs to be guided by clear policies that are documented and communicated to all the stakeholders. Originality/value – This research assesses IT outsourcing services in selected public academic libraries in Kenya
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    ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF JOB PERFORMANCE (TEACHING AND RESEARCH) AMONG ACADEMIC EMPLOYEES IN HIGHER LEARNING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN ZANZIBAR
    (2015-07-31) KEMBU, APOLLO
    The purpose of the study is to determine the level of job performance among academic employees in higher learning public institutions in Zanzibar.Despite the important role played by job satisfaction on academic employees’ performance, information about levels of academic employees’ job satisfaction factors and performance among higher learning public institutions in Zanzibar is not available. This has limited the ability of the institutions to address job performance related problems so as to meet accountability measures, such as Teaching and Research Performance Standards (TRPS) and institutions success and growth.The target population for this study consisted of all permanent academic staff (Senior Lecturers, Lecturers, Assistant Lecturers and Tutorial Assistants) working in the higher learning public institutions in Zanzibar. The total of 214 academic employees and 30 students were selected to avail information concerning the study. Data gathering methods involved both primary and secondary sources. The questionnaires about job satisfaction and academic employee performance were created based on a job description questionnaire
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    Attribution Theory: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Information Systems Success
    (2015-07-29) Ndede-Amandi, Atieno A.; Snead, Ken C.; Magal, Simha R.; Christensen, Linda F.
    Abstract Information systems research often employs user satisfaction with, use of, and perceived organizational benefits of, newly-developed systems as measures of information system success. Further, this stream of research attempts to associate these measures of success with a myriad of hypothesized determinants involving organizational, personal, task, and system characteristics, as well as characteristics of the implementation process. Initial research in this area was criticized for the dearth of theoretical underpinning employed. Subsequent to these criticisms, underlying theory from a variety of disciplines now guides much of this research. Of particular interest to this research effort are the tenets of a well-established theory in the area of social psychology-attribution theory. While attribution theory has been employed in some of the more recent works investigating factors related to information system success, none of these works simultaneously consider the theory’s information and motivational antecedents along with the success/failure nature of the system’s outcomes, users’ perceptions of the causes of the outcomes (attributions), and the reported level of user satisfaction with the system. In response, the current study develops a model for the simultaneous empirical examination of these issues by incorporating them into a behavioral decision making methodology administered to Professional MBA students. The study’s results support the relevance of attribution theory as a theoretical framework for understanding those factors determining users’ attributions for information system-related outcomes, as well as the influence of these attributions and the nature of the system outcome on the level of users’ satisfaction with the system.
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    Attribution Theory: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Information Systems Success
    (2015-08-03) Atieno, Ndede-Amadi
    Information systems research often employs user satisfaction with, use of, and perceived organizational benefits of, newly-developed systems as measures of information system success. Further, this stream of research attempts to associate these measures of success with a myriad of hypothesized determinants involving organizational, personal,task, and system characteristics, as well as characteristics of the implementation process. Initial research in this area was criticized for the dearth of theoretical underpinning employed. Subsequent to these criticisms, underlying theory from a variety of disciplines now guides much of this research. Of particular interest to this research effort are the tenets of a well-established theory in the area of social psychology-attribution theory. While attribution theory has been employed in some of the more recent works investigating factors related to information system success, none of these works simultaneously consider the theory’s information and motivational antecedents along with the success/failure nature of the system’s outcomes, users’ perceptions of the causes of the outcomes (attributions), and the reported level of user satisfaction with the system. In response, the current study develops a model for the simultaneous empirical examination of these issues by incorporating them into a behavioral decision making methodology administered to Professional MBA students. The study’s results support the relevance of attribution theory as a theoretical framework for understanding those factors determining users’ attributions for information system-related outcomes, as well as the influence of these attributions and the nature of the system outcome on the level of users’ satisfaction with the system.
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    Attributional Bias as a Source of Conflict Between Users and Analysts in an Information Systems Development Context - Hypothesis Development
    (2015-07-29) Ndede-Amandi, Atieno A.; Snead, Kenneth C.
    One potential Obstacle to Effective information system development involves the conflict between users and developers. It has been argued that information systems development personnel have different perceptions of what constitutes systems effectiveness than do users. Systems objectives are accomplished from the developers viewpoint when the system has technical validity. Systems objectives are accomplished from the users viewpoint when the system has organizational validity. Differences in the assessment of information systems project success are accentuated when users perceive the project as a failure. Attribution theory, a social psychology theory, is employed here to explain the source and outcome of such conflict. Also discussed are alternative ways of resolving those differences.
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    Automated exploration and exploitation of flow-injection response surfaces
    (Elsevier, 1990) Wadell, A.P; Shiundu, P.M; Wentze, P.D
    Three-dimensional plots of instrumental responses vs. chemical concentrations or flow parameters have been 1 obtained in an automated manner on a computer-controlled flow-injection methods development system. Consideration of several alternative responses for flow-injection systems is shown to help characterize a chemistry more thoroughly and reveal the best experimental conditions. One may see the effects of individual experimental variables (reagent concentrations, pH, flow-rates, etc.), the interactions of these variables, instrumental factors and limitations of the surface exploration procedure employed. Chemical systems studied were the photometric determination of phosphate, palladium(II), iron(II) and persulfate. The propriety of automated response surface mapping is demonstrated and the efficacies of simplex and grid search approaches to response surface exploration are contrasted. Responses obtained include absorbance at peak maximum, relative standard deviation of maximum absorbance, time from injection to peak maximum and wavelength of maximum absorbance. Higher dimensional response surface representations of peak shape and absorbance spectra are also presented. The results show that the response chosen governs the general shape of the surface and the height at any point. This approach to automated characterization of chemical reactions in flow analysis is critically assessed
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    Big Data in Land Records Management in Kenya: A Fit and Viability Analysis
    (Springer International Publishing, 2014) Kwanya, Tom
    Abstract. Big data is data whose size is beyond the ability of commonly used software tools to capture, manage, and process within tolerable time. The concept of big data has been necessitated by the growing capacity of the available information systems to facilitate the capture, processing, storage and use of large volumes of variable but credible data fast enough to generate optimum value for the users. Land records in Kenya have been over the years managed through paper based systems which are vulnerable to loss, wear and tear, compromise and poor usability. Consequently, land administration processes became inefficient, time consuming, unreliable, costly and ineffective. To address these challenges, the Government of Kenya in 2007 resolved to automate all land records and transactions by developing and deploying a land information management system founded on big data technology which is capable of holding vast and diverse data sets on land ownership and transactions. The decision to automate land records and transactions was in compliance with the provisions of the country’s National Land Policy launched in 2009. This study assessed how well the technology used by the new electronic system fits the needs and contexts of the users of land records in Kenya. The study was conducted as an exploratory research based on the fit-viability theory. Data for the study was collected using interviews with 48 users of the new land information management system. The findings revealed that big data has a high fit and viability for the performance of land records and transactions management in Kenya. In spite of the high fit and viability, it was noted that the viability of the system is hampered by inadequate infrastructure,skills, organisational culture and organisational structure. Addressing these challenges through essential infrastructure development, institutional strengthening and capacity building will enhance the viability of the land records management system. The findings of this study may be used by policy makers in other developing countries to model big data projects. The findings may also be used by the managers of big data projects to enhance their fit and viability so as to yield optimum impact for their stakeholders.
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    Biodegradability of Poly (lactic acid), Preparation and Characterization of PLA/Gum Arabic Blends
    (2008) Onyari, John M; Mulaa, Francis; Muia, Joshua; Shiundu, Paul
    In this study, the biodegradation of PLA films using microorganisms from Lake Bogoria (Kenya) were investigated. The biodegradation tests done using certain strains of thermophilic bacteria showed faster biodegradation rates and demonstrated temperature dependency. The biodegradation of the PLA films was studied using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and light microscopy. The biodegradation of PLA was demonstrated by decrease in molecular weight. The preparation and characterization of PLA/Gum Arabic blends were also investigated using DSC, TGA, TMA and NMR. In summary, the results obtained in this research show that PLA films undergo fast biodegradation using thermophiles isolated from Lake Bogoria. The PLA/GA blends studies show it is possible to prepare films of varying hydrophobic–hydrophilic properties for various applications.