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LEADERSHIP STYLES OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARIANS AND PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN KENYA
(TUK, 2024-10) 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 mixed-method research approach 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 Kenyan university library context. Traits include robust decision-making, integrity, motivation, inspiration, and visionary thinking characterised by effective leadership. Among various leadership styles, democratic leadership emerged as the most effective in promoting efficient library service delivery. Conversely, bureaucratic and authoritarian leadership styles adversely affected employee satisfaction and performance. Leadership was established as a critical factor in achieving library objectives, aligning with institutional goals, and motivating staff. 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 leadership positively influenced employee engagement and job satisfaction, while bureaucratic leadership stifled creativity and negatively impacted library performance. Charismatic leadership's effects were context-dependent, demonstrating a variable impact. Autocratic leadership exhibited potential advantages, while laissez-faire leadership resulted in decreased employee engagement. In light of these findings, a series of recommendations have been put forth: promote gender equity, enhance staff competencies, foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, expand information resources, seek user feedback and continuous improvement. Effective leadership qualities in university libraries ensure that library leaders possess adaptable qualities aligning with the library's unique requirements, promoting innovation, maintaining a balanced leadership approach, and cultivating a collaborative work environment. 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 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.
GRADUATION BOOKLET 2024
(TUK, 2024-11-26) TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
EFFECTIVENESS OF BAOBAB-PEARL MILLET BLEND ON BONE MINERAL DENSITY OF WOMEN AGED 40-65 YEARS IN KITUI COUNTY, KENYA
(Technical University of Kenya, 2024-03-01) Immaculate, Kieti
Osteoporosis is a condition marked by low bone mass and bone tissue loss, which makes a person weak and frail. Osteoporosis, one of the most incapacitating diseases of older people, increases the risk of bone fractures, notably in the hip, spine, and wrist. Women over the age of 45 occupy a third of the hospital beds, on average. 24.3% of Kenyans are estimated to have osteoporosis. The main objective of the study will be to establish the nutrient content of baobab fortified pearl millet flour and assess its impact on bone health among women aged 40-65 years and with osteoporosis at Kitui East sub county, Kitui County. The study will adopt an experimental interventional trial study design. The sample size will be 93 female osteoporotic patients. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) data will be obtained by performing DEXA scan Absorptiometry tests on the women to get their Standard Deviation (SD) levels whereby a SD of 2.5 and above will be considered normal. Baobab dry fruit pulp, pearl millet and baobab fortified pearl millet flour will be analyzed for the nutrient content of selected nutrients of importance to bone health. Calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, vitamin C and zinc will be analyzed. The interventional trials on women with osteoporosis will make use of two formulations of pearl millet flour supplemented with baobab. Data on the study sample's nutritional status, physical activity level, and health-related characteristics will be gathered using a standardized questionnaire. With the exception of the nutritional status data, which will be entered and analyzed using the Nutri-survey computer package, data from the structured questionnaire will be entered and analyzed using SPSS version 19 software. Bone mineral density, the nutritional value of baobab-fortified pearl millet flour, and respondents' nutritional status will all be interpreted using World Health Organization (WHO) cutoff values. Chi-square (x 2 ) will be used to establish the associations between categorical data on BMD and Body mass Index (BMI). Persons Correlation (r) will be done to establish the association between continuous data. Data will be generated into means, frequencies and percentages and grouped into tables, charts and graphs. A p value of (p< 0.05) will be considered significant. Since many scientific researches has shown that majority of women don’t consume adequate bone health nutrients such as calcium in their diets, there is need of developing a nutrition intervention product which can provide the required bone health nutrients to prevent and manage osteoporosis
TOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SODIUM METABISULFITE AND MITIGATION OF ITS EFFECTS BY STANDARDIZED Ginkgo biloba EXTRACT (EGb-761) IN A MOUSE MODEL
(2023-11-01) Wairimu, Nancy
Sodium metabisulfite (SMB), is a biocide and antioxidant agent generally used as a preservative in food and beverage industries, but can oxidize to harmful sulfite radicals. A standardized Ginkgo biloba (EGb-761) is well characterized, with 24% flavone glycosides (primarily quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and 6% terpene lactones (2.8-3.4% ginkgolides A, B and C, and 2.6-3.2% bilobalide). Notably, Ginkgolide B and bilobalide account for about 0.8% and 3% of the total extract, respectively. EGb-761 has demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, beneficial for the treatment of toxicants and diseases that exhibit oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study sought to investigate the putative ameliorative effects of EGb-761 against SMB-induced toxicity in mice. Thirty-two male Swiss white mice were randomized into control, SMB-treated, SMB + EGb-761-treated and EGb-761-treated groups. EGb-761 (100mg/kg/day) and SMB (98mg/kg/day) were administered by gastric gavage for 40 days. Body and relative organ weight, haematological profile, serum electrolytes and lipid profile, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-10, nitric oxide (NO),tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced (GSH) levels and organ damage and pathology have been estimated. Oral administration of EGb-761 restored SMB-induced decrease in body weight and prevented SMB-induced thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis and anaemia. Further, EGb-761-treatment protected against SMB-induced liver and kidney injury depicted by decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, uric acid and albumin. Furthermore, EGb-761 treatment attenuated SMB-driven dyslipidemia and metabolic acidosis. Besides, EGb-761 supplementation abrogated SMB-driven oxidative stress as depicted by stabilized GSH levels in the brain, liver, kidney, spleen, heart and lungs. SMB induced a significant increase of tissue levels of MDA, NO, IFN-γ and TNF-α were abrogated by EGb-761 treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed that exposure to SMB resulted in liver and kidney damage. It was noted that EGb-761 nullified those adverse pathological lesions. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that oral administration of standardized Ginkgo bilobaattenuated SMB-induced alteration of hematological parameters, metabolic acidosis, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress and organ damage. These findings provide a novel approach that can be optimized for preventing or treating exposure due to SMB toxicity
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.