Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology

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    ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING E PROCUREMENTADOPTION BY SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES IN NYERI COUNTY – KENYA
    (2023-11-01) GITONGA, PETER
    Worldwide, SMEs have been seen as catalysts of economic growth and empowerment more so in emerging economies such as Kenya where they constitute more than 80% of all business entities. Growth in technology and huge technological advancements led to innovations such as e-procurement which is the application of information systems and usage of electronic means such as internet in carrying out procurement activities and process leading to numerous benefits. However, previous studies have shown that SMEs in unindustrialized nations have not fully adopted e-procurement or there is no adoption at all. Similarly, there is little literature on implementation of e-procurement by SMEs in emerging economies. Objectives of the study were assessment of organizational, technological and environmental factors as factors that influence e-procurement adoption by SMEs in Nyeri county as well as establishing the moderating effect of government policies on the relationship between factors affecting e procurement adoption and the adoption of e-procurement by SMEs in Nyeri County. The study was premised on Diffusion of innovation thery and the Technological Organizational Environmental (TOE) adoption framework theory in assessing e-procurement implementation by SMEs. This study applied inferential statistics so as to inference the population and enable generalization of the research findings. Descriptive statistics were used to measure variability and provided data summaries and results presented in tables. The study sampled 195 respondents from a target populace of 377 firms by use of stratified sampling method. Data gathering was by use of questionnaires where 128 responses were gotten from the sample. SPSS system was used for data analysis. A pilot study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the study which yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.72 (72%) with an internal consistency of 99.2% hence the tools of data collection was deemed reliable. The study through logistic regressions analysis found that organizational, technological and environmental factors had no significant relationship on adoption of e-procurement. It also found that government policies had no moderating effect on independent variables that influence acceptance of e-procurement by SMEs. The research concluded that e-procurement implementation by SMEs was still very low and recommended that SMEs should be sensitized and encouraged to use e-procurement. It also recommended further studies to establish barriers that could still be hindering adoption and also the best forms of e-procurement technologies that SMEs can comfortably adopt
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    A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PENCIL BEAM AND COLLAPSED CONE CONVOLUTION DOSE CALCULATION ALGORITHMS IN PELVIC AND THORACIC TREATMENT PLANS
    (2024-02-22) Dina, Moraa
    Different algorithms used to calculate doses in radiotherapy planning adopt different techniques in simulating doses received by the target (tumor) volume. Such differences can come about in terms of dose distribution in the target volume and doses received by surrounding organs. Due to such differences, it is necessary to take into consideration the best algorithm suitable for a range of mediums i.e homogeneous and heterogeneous mediums. The differences in the way different algorithms simulate doses in different media may bring about dosimetric variations which can relatively affect treatment outcomes in 3D-conformal radiotherapy. The primary focus of this research was to compare dose variations for two dose calculations algorithms namely, Pencil Beam (PB) algorithm and the Collapsed Cone Convolution (CCC) in highly and less heterogeneous mediums. The study was an analytical retrospective study consisting of 8 pelvic and 7 thoracic treatment plans approved and scheduled to undergo 3D- CRT. The treatment plans were generated using PB and the same treatment plans recalculated using the CCC calculation algorithm. Dosimetric variations between the two dose calculation algorithms were observed and evaluated based on variations in plan parameters such as dose received by the tumor volume and the dose received by critical organs (OAR’s). Minimum and Maximum mean dose values were obtained from PTV and OAR’s from the two dose calculation algorithms. Differences in dose values between the two algorithms were analyzed using standard errors (SE) to determine if in fact the differences were significant. At a CI of 95% (P=0.05), it was found out that the two calculation algorithms demonstrated insignificant dose differences to a treatment plan. PB algorithm demonstrated high dose received to the tumor volume compared to the CCC algorithm. A visual analysis of the results using box plots demonstrated that the two algorithms showed no major differences in doses received by the PTV and OAR’s. It made no significant difference to a treatment plan if the planner (Medical Physicist) would adopt either of the algorithms in calculating doses for cervix or esophagus treatment plans using ONCENTRA Treatment Planning System.
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    DECISION QUALITY: THE IMPACT OF PROCESS REDESiGN AS AN INTANGIBLE, BENEFIT ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT DECI SIONS
    (2015-07-31) Ndede-Amandi, Atieno A.
    IT investment decisions often focus on tangible costs and benefits such as technical, strategic, and financial issues. Less tangible benefits such as process redesign integration, bave been largely ignored. Decisions makers who rely solely on these tangible costs and benefits for their assessment of IT investment value without integrating intangible benefit consideration may be making sub-optimal decisions and investments. This study looked at rhe important, yet often overlooked, intangible benefits consideration in the IT investment decision process with particular focus on process redesign as an intangible benefit. Survey questionnaires were sent out to a sample of 949 firms in three industries: healthcare, chemical, and insurance to solicit information from the chief information officer (CIo) on the level at which they integrate process redesign consideration in the IT inr-eshnent decision. Several important findings resulted from this research effort. First, the study irm"nr;fied seven component factors of process redesign and used these factors to measure the M of process redesign integration into the IT investment decision. Second, the study mfirmed, empirically, that there was an association between the consideration of tangible and intangible benefits. Those firms that expend large effort or resources towards tangible benef,rts consideration also spend more effort or resources toward intangible benefits consideration than otherwise. Third, it was empiricaliy determined that certain process redesign benefit factors received greater consideration than others. Fourth, it was determined #mr decision makers considered tangible benefits to be more important than intangible hmefits consideration and expended a greater portion of effort or resources towards the mideration of the former. Finally, this study found that the strategic relevance of IT in an organization was associated with the level of effort or resource deployment towards intangible benefits. Additional areas for further research were also identified.
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    The Design and Use of AIDS- Posters in Kenya
    (2013) Pido, John Peter Odoch
    The hypothesis of this study is that differences in aesthetic and communication systems confound the efficacy of posters used in efforts to control IDV-AIDS in Kenya. The study is based on empirical observation of the apparent failure of AIDS education campaigns to influence risk-taking behavior. Applying the theories and principles of design education as a filter and an analytical tool, the study takes into account the models and practice of several disciplines including communication, health education and health care delivery. The lack of substantial success of the health education approach, in general, and posters, in particular in curbing AIDS in Kenya invites questions on the efficacy of posters as a medium of communication. The study focuses on the poster, and in so , doing takes into account various parameters including perception of disease, sexuality, and design for health education as well as aesthetics and communication systems. Using archival data, relevant literature in several disciplines, participant observation as well as qualitative and quantitative analysis of data gathered in the field, the study established that conflicts among various models impact negatively on the efficacy of posters rendering them more or less ineffective in the campaign against AIDS. The field sample consisted of seventy eight users of posters and eleven health Workers in Kisumu who were interviewed to find out their opinions on the effectiveness of posters in the fight against AIDS. In general, the concerned users think that posters are not effective in controlling HIV infection and the spread of AIDS in Kenya. A few selected posters were analyzed with views to advancing recommendations for improving on the design of AIDS-posters and heal the education in general. The conclusion of the archival, experiential and observational components of this study coupled with the data gathered by report from a surveys ampleist hat posters are an inappropriate and ineffective medium for communication about HIV/AIDS if the objective of that communication is to slow down,or halt the spread of the virus
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    A Digital Design Training Model for Jua Kali Artisans in Kenya
    (2021-06-09) Kidenda, Mary Claire Akinyi
    Interaction with Kenyan informal sector artisans – also known as the Jua Kali (JK) has suggested that their skill acquisition through the informal traditional apprenticeship (TA) system, which is devoid of theory, constrains their product quality and incomes. The JK sector accounts for 84.8% of the national labour force, and produces affordable goods and services for a majority of Kenyans. Thus, appropriate design practice and planning skills among artisans are imperative for uplifting many Kenyans’ livelihoods quality and incomes, contributing to Kenya Vision 2030’s development objective of transforming the country to middle income status. The objective of the research reported here was to establish the status of design practice and planning skills among the JK artisans, with the aim of developing and testing a competency based Digital Design Training Intervention (DDTI) model encountered in the literature, with which to remedy skills shortfalls through m-learning. The model aims at bridging the skills development gap by delivering a tailor-made, learner-centred, competency-based design training model that is accessible online or through mobile technology. Available anytime anywhere with no tuition fees involved, the DDTI would uplift the supply of properly trained JK artisans, in keeping with Vision 2030’s aspirations. The study involved a mixed methods research approach alongside an action research design. The first phase employed situational analysis involving qualitative and quantitative data collection, to establish the existing design and planning skills acquired through TA and the workplace, and the gaps needing attention. The second phase engaged the artisans in the development of a competency-based design-training model for delivery through m-learning, accessed through the web or mobile technology. The final phase tested the model’s efficacy among the JK artisans, and among government officials for relevance to Vision 2030’s policies and strategies. The testing established that the DDTI’s web-based and mobile phone-based Unstructured Supplementary Service Data models could enhance the JK artisans’ design practice and planning, thereby promoting Vision 2030 objectives. These ground-breaking findings introduce ICT into a new realm, the JK manufacturing sub-sector. The study also makes the important finding that Kenya lacks a nationally integrated database on the primary livelihoods sector, whose establishment would allow more nuanced analysis of the role of the JK sector.
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    THE E-GOVERNMENT ARTIFACT IN THE CONTEXT OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: TOWARDS A NOMADIC FRAMEWORK
    (2009) Muganda, Nixon O
    This thesis is concerned with exploring alternative conceptualizations of the e-government artifact relevant to developing countries in Africa. The premise is that e-government, as an artifact of human conception, remains relatively poorly developed at the levels of theory, methodologies and practice. The investigation is focused on two problematic areas of e-government: its conceptualization and its operationalization as an artifact. There is evidence to suggest that conceptualization of e-government takes place at various levels : international, national, local. The thesis therefore explores how e- government is taking form by focusing on the following research question: "How is the e-government artifact conceptualized in the context of a developing country"? The analysis draws on various perspectives; some of which are grounded on empirical results of the study, while others are based on an analysis of literature. Under the alienating conditions of social exclusion, the emergent e-government artifact emerges as an evolving and technical artifact, with strong managerialist orientations of augmenting and reinforcing central governments control over its polity . To achieve this defining logic, the focus or ideology for addressing the social problem of governance is that of information Taylorism with an emphasis on economic rationality and some form of political rationality. Two consequences are highlighted: • an evolution of public administration towards a technocracy, and • increasing the efficiency of the bureaucracy through managerialization. To address the shortcomings of this artifact concept, the study further presents literature and insights from prior analyses to underpin a nomadic e-government model for building information infrastructures (NECE Framework). The emphasis of the framework is on the need to adopt long term organizing visions in building these infrastructures by focusing on using the existing installed base as a foundation. The nomadic framework, anchored on strong modular design borrowed from an information infrastructure perspective, is clustered around three major layers of building confident local communities ; building nomadic networks of governance and building flexible infrastructures . The 'glue', cementing these layers elevates a critical need for building social, human, digital and physical resources targeting the individuals, various organizing forms and formal institutions, services and physical infrastructure respectively. Such an approach to building an e-government information infrastructure is postulated to minimize the unintended negative social implications of its adoption.
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    EFFECT OF FIRM SIZE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRATEGIC PLANNING DIMENSIONS AND PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN KENYA
    (2017-07-20) ALI, MAHAMUD
    Strategic planning has been regarded as a prerequisite to successful organizational outcomes and while the contexts of strategic planning differs by sector and geographical orientation, there is renewed interest in strategic planning- performance linkage in developing economies, this, due in part to the realization of the role of firm based factors such as strategic planning dimensions. This study aimed to determine the relationship between strategic planning dimensions and firm performance in the manufacturing sector in Kenya and to establish, the moderating effect of firm size on the relationship between strategic planning and firm performance in the manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study was informed by not only the low performance of the manufacturing sector over the past two decades, but also, by the mixed results and contentious debate on the effect of strategic planning dimensions of management participation, functional integration, strategic orientation and strategic control on performance. The study has adopted the use of multidimensional constructs to study strategic planning dimensions and performance linkage. The study utilized a cross sectional survey design, while stratified simple random sampling were used to obtain the sample comprising 191 firms in twelve subsectors among manufacturing firms in Nairobi and its surroundings. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire for key managers involved in the strategy formulation and implementation. Out of the 191 questionnaires administered, 111 were returned and found usable questionnaires, representing 58% which is adequate for this stream of research. SPSS Software was utilized to analyze data. Inferential data analysis was carried out by use of correlation analysis. Regression models were fitted using multiple regression analysis and hypothesis testing were done using standard F and T-tests. The study revealed that strategic planning analyzed through the dimensions of management participation, functional integration, strategic orientation and strategic control were significant and positively related to firm performance. However, firm size, was not found to moderate the relationship between strategic planning dimensions and firm performance in the manufacturing firms in Kenya. Thus, emphasis on specific strategic planning dimensions contribute positively to both large firms and small firms despite their difference in resources and development levels. The study contributes to the strategic planning performance discourse in the context of developing countries and furthers the discussion on the factors moderating in the relationship between strategic planning dimensions and firm performance. The study confirms that, firm size is neither a prerequisite nor a factor for successful application of strategic planning dimensions in both small and medium and large firms in the manufacturing sector in Kenya. The study recommended high participation and involvement of top management in the whole process of strategic planning, anchoring of deliberate functional integration processes in the firm, heightened strategic oriented paradigms for market orientation, customer focus and competitiveness and the development, design and customization of management control systems to enhance implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the strategic planning process outcomes.
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    EFFECT OF FOOD SAFETY AND FOOD QUALITY ON CUSTOMER CHOICE OF DINING DESTINATIONS IN KENYA.
    (Technical University of Kenya, 2022-10) ONDARA, ROBERT ORENGE
    The effect of Food safety (FS) and Food Quality (FQ) on customer’s destination choice (DC) remains controversial. A number of empirical studies conducted in Kenya failed to seek the manner in which consumers themselves perceived FS and FQ in order to choose their destination of choice. Owing to this contradiction, this study was to determine the effects of FS and FQ on customer choice of dining destinations in Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to assess the relationship between food quality and customer choice on the dining destinations in Kenya, to determine the relationship between food safety assurance and customer choice on dining destinations in Kenya, to determine the relationship between food monitoring and surveillance systems and customer choice of dining destinations in Kenya, to assess the moderating effect of top management commitment on the relationship between food safety and quality and customer choice of dining destinations in Kenya and to assess the moderating effect of customer-based factors on the relationship between food safety and quality and customer choice of dining destinations in Kenya. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this study where1058 guests were sampled based on 49% average bed occupancy statistics. Additionally, 54 hotel staff (managers and Sous chefs) were purposively selected from 4-star and 5-star hotels in Kenya. Self-administered questionnaires and structured interview schedules were employed to collect data from respondents. Qualitative data collected through interview schedules was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The study found out that there was positive significant relationship between FQ, FS and FSM in determining customer’s choice of dining destinations (p-values 0.015, 0.005 and 0.044). The study also found out that there was a moderating effect of top management commitment on the relationship between FQ, FS and choice of customer’s dining destination (p-value = 0.004). While there was a general agreement that top management are committed in affirming food safety and quality, it was also revealed that for every positive improvement in top management commitment, there would be a corresponding positive rate of influence on dining destination choice. The output of the models with and without interaction confirmed that the moderation effect of customer-based factors was found not to be significant but presented itself as an explanatory variable (P=0.25). Although the study presented unique insights into food safety, quality, monitoring as well as surveillance; there were a number of limitations based on the empirical as well as conceptual settings. The study failed to investigate the physical, chemical as well as microbial contaminations that can cause unsafe food. This therefore could be a prime area for future research.
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    EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM SUSTAINABILITY IN MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA
    (Technical University of Kenya, 2022-09) ROTICH, LABAN KIPKEMOI
    The tourism industry contributes significantly to global economic development, particularly in terms of job creation and wealth creation in developing nations and regions where tourism is frequently the primary source of revenue. However, there is worldwide concern on climate change as one of the biggest obstacles for attaining development. The tourism sector in Kenya that is nature based is not immune to climate change. This study used systems theory to investigate the effects of climate change on natural resources and tourism sustainability in Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). The extent to which climate change affects natural resources that tourism depends on is explored. The specific objectives of the study were: To establish the effects of climate change on natural resources in MMNR; to identify the effects of natural resources on tourism sustainability in MMNR; to determine the relationship between climate change and tourism sustainability in MMNR; and to explore the mediating effects of climate change and natural resources on tourism sustainability in MMNR. Explanatory and descriptive research designs were used in this study. In Narok County, the target population was 169,220 households, 300 tourists, and 18 experts. Simple random sampling, convenience sampling, and snowball sampling were used to sample 507 respondents that included 399 households, 90 tourists, and 18 experts. Key informant interviews were used to collect data from climate change experts and tourists while structured questionnaires were administered to the heads of households in the local community. The Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was used to evaluate instrument reliability, while expert opinion was used to determine validity. Data from the interviews was analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) technique was used to evaluate changes in vegetation cover using satellite images. Rainfall and temperature data were analyzed using the Man Kendall trend test. With the help of SPSS V.23, quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The relationship between the variables was determined using linear regression while the mediation effects were tested using the Process Macro. The study findings indicated that there was a positive significant relationship between climate change and natural resources (β=0.286 and p=0.000), a positive significant relationship between natural resources and tourism sustainability (β=0.393 and p=0.000); and controlling for the mediator (natural resources), climate change remained a significant predictor of tourism sustainability (c‟ = 0.730). Therefore, rainfall and temperature variations trigger a mediating effect on vegetation that supports wildlife populations which forms the foundation of Kenya‟s tourism. These wildlife populations have the potential to influence sustainability of the tourism industry. The study findings raise the need for urgent interventions by the tourism industry stakeholders to consider developing alternative wildlife based tourism products in the advent of declines in wildlife populations as a result of erratic rainfall and temperature patterns. In addition, tourism destination managers need to have contingency plans in the advent of extreme climate events. It is crucial that relevant policy frameworks aimed at addressing climate change effects and its associated risks on wildlife that the tourism industry thrives on are enacted and fully implemented.
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    EFFECTS OF CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ON ACCOMMODATION ROOM RATES IN THE TSAVO-AMBOSELI WILDLIFE TOURISM DESTINATION AREA, KENYA
    (Technical University of Kenya, 2023-07) OKUNYA, MARK NELSON YOBESIA
    The ecosystem services concept advocates for incorporation of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) in park management plans. However, park managers face difficulties articulating the CES in policy ready metrics and park tourists facilities operators lack information on visitor preferences for elements of the accommodation experience like facility’s environmental attributes. The study adopted a mixed methods design to collect qualitative data from purposively sampled park staff and quantitative data from a census of operational accommodation facilities in the Tsavo Amboseli Wildlife Tourism Destination Area in Kenya. The study relied on a deliberative geographical information system (GIS) protocol where park staff mapped the distribution of CES in three contiguous most visited parks in Kenya, Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli National Parks. By combining geospatial CES data with quantitative data on accommodation facility attributes, the study build a hedonic pricing model (HPM) to explore the impact of park CES benefits on room rates. The model was then used to assess how facility attributes, including CES, globally and locally influenced room rates in the study area. Results of the geospatial analysis revealed CES concentration with benefits intensities (I = 0.44 -2.93/km2) and diversity (𝐻∗=.48−.62) at geological, hydrological, and cultural park features while topographic and ecological features diffused the benefits. The study confirmed the joint-provision of CES at hotspots for landscape aesthetics (𝑍=5.38;𝑝<.01), spiritual/religious reverence (𝑍=5.67;𝑝<.01), ecotourism & recreation (𝑍=4.30;𝑝<.01), knowledge and scientific research (𝑍=4.10;𝑝<.01) in Tsavo West and historical and heritage appreciation (𝑍=5.71;𝑝<.01) in Tsavo East. The research highlighted differences in room rates (F (2, 44) =5.46; p = .01) for facilities in the three parks. Results of the global HPM (G-HPM) suggested that a plunge pool, private balcony, bathrobe, concierge service, chain affiliation, ecolodge, and proximity to a landscape aesthetics hotspot jointly influenced room rate (F (8, 38) = 9.66; p <.001). These attributes explained 60% of global variability in rates. Ecolodge status had the largest positive influence on rates (β =.41, t = 4.26, p < .001) followed by distance to a landscape aesthetic hotspot that had an inverse effect (β = -.22, t = -2.11, p = .04). The study estimated a geographically weighted regression HPM (GWR-HPM). The GWR-HPM predicted 69% to 90% of the variability in the room rates suggesting better explanatory power in parts of the study area compared to the G-HPM. The GWR-HPM confirmed spatial variations in the facilities’ attributes-room rate relationships and affirmed the influence of ecolodge on room rates in 98% of the observations. The GWR-HPM revealed that proximity to landscape aesthetics hotspots positively influenced rates in only 2% of locations, contradicting the distance decay principle. This suggests that facilities could not capitalize on CES benefits in their pricing decisions at the destination scale due to the public nature of the CES benefits in the Parks. The study demonstrates applicability of the deliberative method in assessing protected area CES values. Park managers can rely on results of such a process to provide legitimate inputs into conservation decisions. The study results demonstrate the influence of visitor preferences for accommodation objective and environmental attributes on room rates and suggests that park accommodation facilities can rely on the spatial hedonic pricing model to derive indices to be used in their product pricing, development, and positioning decisions. The study concludes that the ecosystem services concept expands the understanding of values in terrestrial protected areas by highlighting the socially constructed benefits of ecosystems. Additionally, the influence of facility amenities, visitor services, and environmental characteristics on room rates reveals park visitors' preferences and expectations regarding the park accommodation experience.
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    EFFECTS OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND RETENTION STRATEGIES ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA
    (2020-09-01) Obwaka, Eddie
    Knowledge transfer is the sharing of experiences within an organisation. The sharing is rooted in the field the expert is knowledgeable in. Knowledge retention is the capturing of an expert’s knowledge so that an organisation does not lose the knowledge during transition caused by events such as death, retirement or resignation of their employees. In such instances, intellectual capital is lost when employees are unwilling to share the knowledge they possess and leave with it. The challenge facing organisations in the 21st Century is how to transfer and retain knowledge. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of knowledge transfer and retention strategies on service delivery in Nairobi City County Government. The specific objectives of the study were to: investigate the knowledge transfer and retention methods used by the Nairobi City County Government, Kenya; establish knowledge transfer and retention challenges and their effects on service delivery in Nairobi City County Government, Kenya; determine the relationship between knowledge transfer and retention methods and service delivery in Nairobi City County Government, Kenya; and propose strategies of enhancing positive influence of knowledge transfer and retention on service delivery at the Nairobi City County Government. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed methods research design. The target population of the study was 12,363 respondents from the Nairobi City County Government, Kenya. The study applied a multi-stage sampling technique. The first stage involved stratified sampling through which the respondents were divided into top level management, middle level management and lower level employees. This was then followed by an information-oriented purposive sampling to select information-rich subjects from top level management. Simple random sampling was used to select participants from the middle and lower level clusters. Thus, a total of 40 out of 84 directors of departments were selected from the top level management and 706 respondents from middle management and lower level management. The total sample size for the three clusters was 746 respondents. The study used interview schedules and structured questionnaires to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential statistics by help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) while the qualitative data was analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti. This study established that the most preferred method of knowledge transfer and retention in Nairobi City County Government was departmental meetings. The challenges hindering knowledge transfer and retention were lack of support from top management, technophobia, lack of funding, performance contracting and fear of job losses. The study confirmed that the knowledge transfer and retention challenges affect service delivery by the Nairobi City County Government in terms of accessibility, timeliness, quality, accountability, efficiency and costs. These findings demonstrate that knowledge transfer and retention methods positively influence service delivery. The study proposes a knowledge transfer and retention framework that can positively influence service delivery. The findings can be used by the county government to leverage on knowledge transfer and retention as a way to improve services.
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    ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE SHARING THROUGH SELF-ARCHIVING IN INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES BY FACULTY IN SELECTED PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
    (2019-04-01) KAMURI, MARY WANJIKU
    ABSTRACT Knowledge sharing is a tool for competitive advantage in every organization. Academic institutions have embraced and adopted this practice especially amongst academicians by creating a conducive environment for knowledge exchange. One of the practices adopted to make knowledge sharing successful is through self-archiving in institutional repositories in Kenya. Despite having an open access policy in place, statistics indicate that there is a low or no report of activities of self-archiving in most institutional repositories. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge sharing through self-archiving by faculty in selected private universities in Kenya, and to propose strategies to maximize self-archiving in institutional repositories. The objectives of the study were to: investigate full-time faculty members’ awareness on self-archiving; establish how often full-time faculty publish or self-archive; explore motivators for self-archiving by the full-time faculty in the selected private Universities; establish the impeding factors affecting self-archiving by faculty in the institutional repositories; and propose strategies to maximize self-archiving in institutional repositories. This study was informed by Social Exchange Theory and was a qualitative multicase study. The population of the study was drawn from fulltime faculty and librarians from Strathmore University and United States International University Africa. This study employed purposive sampling to come up with a sample size of 26. Semi structured interviews were conducted on all the respondents from both Strathmore University and United States International University-Africa. Desk research was performed on the virtual documents from both Universities as well. A Pilot study was conducted at Strathmore University. Data was analyzed thematically and presented in thick description. The findings indicated that selfarchiving in the institutional repository is not practiced by the faculty and concluded that the faculty views self-archiving as a practice with no benefits attached to it. The study recommends self-archiving mandate as one of the key factors of success to this practice. The findings of this study are useful to academic institutions by proposing strategies to maximize knowledge sharing through self-archiving in institutional repositories.
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    ENHANCING QUALITY AND VISIBILITY OF RESEARCH THROUGH OPEN ACCESS SCHOLARLY PUBLISHING IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
    (Technical University of Kenya, 2023-11-01) Adika, Fredrick
    The landscape of scholarly publishing is evolving rapidly due to the influence of the Internet and open access practices, including disciplinary and institutional repositories, and open access journals. This study aimed to explore how researchers at Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University can enhance quality and visibility of their research through open access scholarly publishing practices. The specific objectives were to: Examine the contribution of open access scholarly publishing to quality and visibility of research output by researchers at Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University; Determine the benefits of enhancing quality and visibility of open access scholarly publishing at the Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University; Determine the challenges faced by researchers in enhancing quality and visibility of open access scholarly publishing at the Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University; establish how quality and visibility of scholarly publishing can be enhanced by researchers at Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University; propose strategies to improve quality and visibility of open access scholarly publishing by researchers at Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University.The study was guided by the Actor Network Theory and the Theory of Fair Use and utilized a convergent parallel mixed methods research design. The target population comprised 714 academic staff from Technical University of Kenya, 225 academic staff from Strathmore University, 190 postgraduate students from Technical University of Kenya, and 935 postgraduate students from Strathmore University, totaling 2064 subjects. A sample size of 324 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires and structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and presented through charts, tables, and graphs, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed and presented in narrative form. The study revealed variations in the understanding of open access scholarly publishing contributions, benefits, and challenges among graduate students and academic staff at the two universities. Open access was found to contribute to research quality and visibility through increased usage, improved decision-making, cost savings, citation impact, and greater research impact. However, challenges faced by respondents included lack of awareness, preservation issues, restrictive copyright assignments, inadequate funding, and the presence of predatory journals. Recommendations included the development of clear guidelines for promoting open access within the institutions, formulation of policies to support quality research, awareness campaigns on open access benefits, and implementation of stricter quality measures to enhance research output. Additionally, the study underscored the importance of improving support for open access publishing and fostering a culture of open access within the academic community
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    ENHANCING SERVICE QUALITY FOR LIBRARY USER SATISFACTION AT THE COLLEGE OF INSURANCE NAIROBI, KENYA
    (Technical University of Kenya, 2022-11-01) MUSANYA, CELESTINE
    Satisfaction for library users has been a concern of researchers and practitioners alike in the library and information sciences field. For academic libraries to succeed in supporting effective teaching, research and learning missions, they must become more user-focused in delivering their services. The study aimed to investigate service quality for user satisfaction at The College of Insurance Library in Nairobi, Kenya, and recommend strategies that can be used to enhance it. The specific objectives of the study were to; Establish the services offered at the College of Insurance Library; Determine the level of service quality at the College of Insurance Library; Examine whether there exist relationships between service quality and library user satisfaction at the College of Insurance Library; Determine the challenges faced in the provision of quality information services and propose strategies to enhance the quality of services at the College of Insurance Library. The Value Expectancy Theory, Assimilation Contrast theory, and SERVQUAL and LibQUAL+™ Instruments informed the study. The study employed convergent mixed methods approach methodology. The target population was 1660, including 1500 students, 155 academic staff and five library staff, of which a sample of 433 was selected, which comprised 316 users (students), 112 academic staff and five librarians. A purposive sampling technique was used to determine all the library staff. Simple Random sampling was used to select academic staff and students. Qualitative data was collected through semi structured face-to-face interviews and analysed using thematic analysis, while quantitative data was collected through questionnaires and analysed using SPSS 21. The findings indicated that: The College of Insurance Library offered inadequate services; the service quality was average, and finally, the study established customer relations from the staff. The study concluded that the library should listen to its users and use the feedback to improve service quality. It further recommends staff training and motivation, increased working hours, the need for more library staff, enhanced security and constant evaluation of the services. This study contributes to the existing studies examining service quality and library user satisfaction, and its empirical results may be helpful to the College of Insurance Library management in helping to bridge service quality gaps.
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    AN EVALUATION OF THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MUSIC EDUCATION IN PRIMARY TEACHERS’ TRAINING COLLEGES IN KENYA: A CASE OF KISII COUNTY
    (2022-11-01) SAMBU, ALICE
    The use of technology is not a new venture in the teaching and learning of music; it has assisted music educators for centuries. Harpsichord and piano are examples of old technological gadgets that were of great importance to those who first used them, just as recently invented devices such as computers, electronic keyboards, and compact discs (CDs) are to those who use them today. This study evaluated the use of technology in Primary Teachers' Training Colleges in Kenya, the case of Kisii County. The following are the study objectives: to examine what technology is used in teaching music in Primary Teachers Training Colleges (PTTCs); to establish the extent to which available technology is used in PTTCs; to identify challenges to technological integration, and to establish possible solutions to the challenges faced in the use of technology in PTTCs. The study employed a mixed-method approach to data collection and analysis. The target population consisted of 1500 student teachers, 4 principals, and 8 music tutors from the four teachers' training colleges in Kisii County. The study used purposive and systematic sampling techniques to select all the 4 principals of the primary teachers' training colleges in Kisii County, the 8 music tutors, and the 150 student teachers. The study sampled a total of 162 respondents. Questionnaires, an in depth interview guide, and documented data were used as research instruments. The data processing was done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)program. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics, that is, in the form of frequencies and percentages. The Quantitative data was presented in the form of tables and charts. The qualitative data was analyzed, categorized into themes, and presented in narrative form. The study established that providing access to the required technological and non technological resources such as chalkboards, flip charts, keyboards, pianos, television/videos, audio CDs, and radio resources for all students; lack of electricity, provision of adequate administrative support, and technical issues were significant challenges to the use of technology in PPTCs. It was concluded that chalkboards, local resources, flip charts, audio CDs, recorders, and pianos/ keyboards were sufficiently available for teaching and learning music. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education provide adequate funds to PTTCs to purchase the required technology. In addition, the ministry of education should organize training seminars for music tutors on technology to facilitate their use in the teaching and learning of music. Further, administrators of PPTCs should adequately plan music halls to facilitate electricity access points for use with the available technology.
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    A FRAMEWORK FOR INCENTIVES IN KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND SHARING BY ACADEMIC STAFF AT THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
    (2019-04-01) OWITI, JACKSON OMONDI
    ABSTRACT Incentives for knowledge creation and sharing demonstrate an institution’s commitment to knowledge creation and sharing. The existence or absence of incentives can encourage or discourage individuals from contributing towards knowledge creation and sharing. The research aimed to investigate the role of incentives in knowledge creation and sharing by the academic staff at The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K). The secondary objectives of the study were to: investigate academic and administration staff perceptions of knowledge creation and sharing process at TU-K; establish the types of incentives in place for academic staff at TU-K; investigate the extent to which incentives encourage academic staff at TU-K to create and share knowledge and propose an incentives framework for knowledge creation and sharing by academic staff at TUK. The study was guided by both organisational knowledge conversion theory by Nonaka and Takeuchi’s (1995) and social exchange theory by Homan’s (1961). The study employed mixed method design (convergent parallel design) which involves collecting and analysing two independent aspects of quantitative and qualitative data at the same time or in a single phase. The study used stratified random sampling and purposive sampling to come up with a sample size of 314 drawn out of a target population of 627. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, and analysed using MS excel and discourse analysis and presented in charts and tables. The findings indicated that TU-K did not have a formal incentive framework for their academic staff and there were notable gaps in ways the university encourages knowledge creation and sharing. A Positive effort towards enhancing knowledge creation and sharing is with the establishment of directorate of innovation and knowledge exchange. The study concluded that knowledge creation and sharing is critical process that should be supported and valued by the University through provision of both financial and non-financial incentives. Recommendation include adoption and implementation of an integrated financial and non-financial incentives framework. Implications of this study is that it contributes to different areas within the field of information and knowledge management and combines the fields of incentives and knowledge creation and sharing by developing existing research on social exchange theory and the knowledge organisation theory. Keywords: Knowledge creation, Knowledge sharing, Framework of incentives, Technical University of Kenya.
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    HEALTH FOOD PRODUCTS AS A TOOL FOR MARKET GROWTH AMONG RESTAURANTS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
    (TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA, 2019-06) CAROLYNE, KHASOA WASIKE
    Though research shows that pro i. ion of nutririon informa tion on menus increases the number 01 pcople \\ ho use it to cl 'ct healthier mea l choices. the effect of healti1 fo oe! products on growt h of the h alth food market is not known. Research also shows that bealth eaLing is about fat end energy content of fo d. he re is, however. e idence that health rood market trends have long shift d from fat and energy lev Is in food to other components Ihal ar hased on cu:-wmers' ideas of what constitut es hea lth earing. TI1is srudy sough! to in\'cstigate heald l food produ cts a il t oj fl [ growing th market amo ng restaurant . The study adopt ed a cro , eClioJlal analytical design wl!u~e sample wa~ drawn u:-.i ng r allllofJl and purpo ivc sampli ng procedures for restaw-an ts, head. of department alld targeted customers. Ot t of thc L47 healrh food restaurants in airobi City County , 74 wcre randomly ~a.tnpled and included ill the study. Re pondents for the study entailed 296 heads of department and 382 customers yiclding a total of 6 8 resp onden s. Data was cull ct cl using structured questionna ires anti observation checkli (S . The coneeted data was screened an d analysed by irequencles. perce ntages. correlation, cross tabu atlOn. chi-square and multiple logistical regression. Data was presented by u se of tables. graphs anti prose explanations. W hereas 678 ljll s[ionnai res were administe red to respondents. a respon,: e rate of 97c k was achieved, accounting for (15 7 respondents. On the othe r hand. observation checklists that 74 health food product reo(aurants had 84o/r rc:spon se rate (6 2 health food product restaurants). Results of the study I'll w that the products on orfer perceived by restaurant cu to mers as health were: traditional foods, III di cinaL products cooked using health cooking methods (59%); vege tarian food products (19. 2%): gluten free products ( 12.2%) and sea food (9.6%). The tu dy eSLablished that a sign ificant relationship existed beLwee n health food products on offer jn restaurants in N airobi City and customer needs (a Pearson carrel ati on r value of -0 093 , a regression p valu =OOOL Li near logistic r value of 0.000 and X2. 0.443; a= 0.05 ). actors tha t signi ficantly in fluenced custom r needs for h alth food products were: desire to lead a hea lth hfestyle. family culture ; medical prescription: media, school and book ' (con-el ation p 'JlLlc of 0.001 ; o. = 0.( 5) Variables uf the . LUd y lhat were fOLlnd to be significant in growth If the he alth food product market were : capacity- menus (p =00(0), equipmetlt (p = OOOU ), rr duct quality (p == 0.000), raw ma terials (p = 0.01 3) and trained -taft' (p = 0.05); cllsromcr ,.Itisfaction- salisfied (p =0.(00). dis.-atisfied (p = 0.00 1). cmd vel') d issatisfied (p = 0.000). Oln r va riab l ~ [hat were significant iT marke t growth we re : loyal ty- non loyallY (p =0.0(0) ,mJ minimal 10 'aity (p = 0.( 15); intcrv lu ng factors-meeling frien Is (p == 0.(02) and l.Ul1\enience of restau ra nt locati on (p =0.000); ma rket re::;pon'ie: amI 'orlo-economic fac tors -(1r HOD and cm:tomers. The sLudy further fou nd th at marke t growth depended on the '1e~llt hy tood products on offer. It was. however, e stablished [ha t only 3.5 '70 (R:' = 0.035) of rlJrk l growth of the sampled restauranb could be accounted for by the health food product.s , lrfer. Tn order to significantly grow the hea.l th food market in reslauranb, there is need to I -.:rease the number of res aurants that offer he althy food products as well as restaurant .: _pa 'ity (inte nsify training of staff in health food and ss i t restaurants to source for _~[ ro li ate equipment) to offer this cadre of products. The study further concluded that _..11th f) d products 011 offe r in rc taurants in tl is ru l1~t category shoul cl cnt. it traditional. l~dkl L rroduc(s co k'd lIsillg he( Ith coo ing me thods, v get. rian, glute n i'ree and sea pr1 1duct.- tLlne vari tIes (l , lOw~ er. be pnJ vld tl hased 011 lli P r 'ei ve r! cus!omer
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    HEALTH FOOD PRODUCTS AS A TOOL FOR MARKET GROWTH AMONG RESTAURANTS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
    (TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA, 2019-06) WASIKE, CAROLYNE KHASOA
    Though research shows that pro i. ion of nutririon informa tion on menus increases the number 01 pcople \\ ho use it to cl 'ct healthier mea l choices. the effect of healti1 fo oe! products on growt h of the h alth food market is not known. Research also shows that bealth eaLing is about fat end energy content of fo d. he re is, however. e idence that health rood market trends have long shift d from fat and energy lev Is in food to other components Ihal ar hased on cu:-wmers' ideas of what constitut es hea lth earing. TI1is srudy sough! to in\'cstigate heald l food produ cts a il t oj fl [ growing th market amo ng restaurant . The study adopt ed a cro , eClioJlal analytical design wl!u~e sample wa~ drawn u:-.i ng r allllofJl and purpo ivc sampli ng procedures for restaw-an ts, head. of department alld targeted customers. Ot t of thc L47 healrh food restaurants in airobi City County , 74 wcre randomly ~a.tnpled and included ill the study. Re pondents for the study entailed 296 heads of department and 382 customers yiclding a total of 6 8 resp onden s. Data was cull ct cl using structured questionna ires anti observation checkli (S . The coneeted data was screened an d analysed by irequencles. perce ntages. correlation, cross tabu atlOn. chi-square and multiple logistical regression. Data was presented by u se of tables. graphs anti prose explanations. W hereas 678 ljll s[ionnai res were administe red to respondents. a respon,: e rate of 97c k was achieved, accounting for (15 7 respondents. On the othe r hand. observation checklists that 74 health food product reo(aurants had 84o/r rc:spon se rate (6 2 health food product restaurants). Results of the study I'll w that the products on orfer perceived by restaurant cu to mers as health were: traditional foods, III di cinaL products cooked using health cooking methods (59%); vege tarian food products (19. 2%): gluten free products ( 12.2%) and sea food (9.6%). The tu dy eSLablished that a sign ificant relationship existed beLwee n health food products on offer jn restaurants in N airobi City and customer needs (a Pearson carrel ati on r value of -0 093 , a regression p valu =OOOL Li near logistic r value of 0.000 and X2. 0.443; a= 0.05 ). actors tha t signi ficantly in fluenced custom r needs for h alth food products were: desire to lead a hea lth hfestyle. family culture ; medical prescription: media, school and book ' (con-el ation p 'JlLlc of 0.001 ; o. = 0.( 5) Variables uf the . LUd y lhat were fOLlnd to be significant in growth If the he alth food product market were : capacity- menus (p =00(0), equipmetlt (p = OOOU ), rr duct quality (p == 0.000), raw ma terials (p = 0.01 3) and trained -taft' (p = 0.05); cllsromcr ,.Itisfaction- salisfied (p =0.(00). dis.-atisfied (p = 0.00 1). cmd vel') d issatisfied (p = 0.000). Oln r va riab l ~ [hat were significant iT marke t growth we re : loyal ty- non loyallY (p =0.0(0) ,mJ minimal 10 'aity (p = 0.( 15); intcrv lu ng factors-meeling frien Is (p == 0.(02) and l.Ul1\enience of restau ra nt locati on (p =0.000); ma rket re::;pon'ie: amI 'orlo-economic fac tors -(1r HOD and cm:tomers. The sLudy further fou nd th at marke t growth depended on the '1e~llt hy tood products on offer. It was. however, e stablished [ha t only 3.5 '70 (R:' = 0.035) of rlJrk l growth of the sampled restauranb could be accounted for by the health food product.s , lrfer. Tn order to significantly grow the hea.l th food market in reslauranb, there is need to I -.:rease the number of res aurants that offer he althy food products as well as restaurant .: _pa 'ity (inte nsify training of staff in health food and ss i t restaurants to source for _~[ ro li ate equipment) to offer this cadre of products. The study further concluded that _..11th f) d products 011 offe r in rc taurants in tl is ru l1~t category shoul cl cnt. it traditional. l~dkl L rroduc(s co k'd lIsillg he( Ith coo ing me thods, v get. rian, glute n i'ree and sea pr1 1duct.- tLlne vari tIes (l , lOw~ er. be pnJ vld tl hased 011 lli P r 'ei ve r! cus!omer
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    IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT AND RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THE COUNTY PENSION FUND FINANCIAL SERVICES IN KENYA
    (2019-04-01) MAGWILU, STEPHEN AYUYA
    ABSTRACT The County Pension Fund (CPF) Financial Services is a retirement fund established in Kenya under the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) Act No. 01305 of 27th July, 2013. It is registered with the Retirement Benefits Authority for the staff of county governments with headquarters in Nairobi. This study investigated the implementation of Electronic Document and Record Management System (EDRMS) at the CPF with a view of proposing possible solutions to the challenges for successful implementation of EDRMS at CPF.The objectives were to: examine the functionality of EDRMS implemented at the CPF; establish the factors that influence the successful implementation of EDRMS; and establish the challenges of implementing the EDRMS at the CPF. The study was informed by the Records Continuum Model. This study adopted a case study design using a qualitative research approach. A sample of twenty six (26) out of a population of sixty four (64) were drawn from departmental heads, records management officers, ICT personnel and a focus group discussion with clerical officers were picked using purposive sampling. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews with the respondents. The thematic analysis was done using the ATLAS.ti software. Findings of the study established that the EDRMS was functioning effectively with increased multi-sharing of records and documents. However, implementation was faced with challenges such as high cost of maintenance, lack of a records retention and disposal software module and technophobia. This study concludes that EDRMS has improved the quality and consistency of CPF records management processes. The study recommended amongst others, investment on staff training specifically those dealing with EDRMS and change management, embracing new technology such as cloud computing to enhance records storage, installation of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software which will enhance search capability of content and development of a records retention and disposal software module. The implementation process of EDRMS is a resource-intensive and complex with many challenges. This study provides practical implications on solutions and guidance on implementation of EDRMS.
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    INDIGENOUS RAINMAKING PRACTICES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN WESTERN KENYA
    (2012-12-01) OMUHAMBE, BILHA
    This study investigated the Indigenous rainmaking practices & implication on Climate Change in Western Kenya. The study particularly focused on the Nganyi clan of Bunyore which is a sub-ethnic group of the Abaluhya community living in Vihiga County. The study found out that climate in Western Kenya has changed drastically as a result of atmospheric changes.This change has affected the rainy seasons.. The specific objectives of the study were to: (a) investigate the prevalence, evidence, seriousness, and effects of climate change in Western Kenya;(b) analyse the local community’s response to the effects of climate change in Western Kenya; (c) identify and document indigenous rainmaking practices which can be used for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Western Kenya; (d) describe how the traditional rainmaking practices can be used to confront the consequences of climate change; and(e) explore strategies which can be used to mainstream traditional rainmaking in building climate change resilience in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vision 2030 and the “Big 4” Agenda in Kenya. The research approach was qualitative. Primary data was collected through interviews using interview guides with open-ended questions. The population of the study were traditional rainmakers in Western Kenya and weather forecast experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department. Secondary data was collected through documentary analysis of relevant literature. Data was analysed qualitatively and used a case study design. The local community has responded to climate change by planting drought resistant crops that can withstand the changes, and planting trees to attract rainfall. Traditional rainmaking practices such as making of rain, prevention of rain from falling, and prediction of rain can be used to enhance the community’s capacity to adapt to and/or mitigate climate change effectively. Related knowledge of how to arrest lightning, thunderstorm and hailstorm can also be used to confront the consequences of climate change such as drought, , and overgrazing. Through traditional rainmaking, the community under study has been able to mitigate and adapt to the changes in climate to some extent. It is evident from the study that traditional rainmaking can contribute to food security, improved manufacturing through the provision of raw materials, healthy livelihood, social security, increased employment through sustainable agriculture, as well as safeguarding houses from thunder and floods. For this to happen, there is a need to mainstream traditional rainmaking in the national response to climate change through documenting, popularising and validating the practice