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Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
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Safety and Health Management in Selected Kenya Tea Development Agency Factories in Bomet County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Kipkoech, Bett Hillary
The objective of this research was to establish the safety and health risk management in Kenya Tea Development Agency Factories in Bomet County. The study used cross sectional analytical research design that allowed data collection at one point in time and involved photography, interviews, observation and measurements (air quality and noise) for data collection. The independent variables were classified under individual and system characteristics. Individual characteristics were the demographic variables while system characteristics were the hardware that make up a tea factory. The intervening variables were the system that make up safety and health management system and administration in the factory. The study was undertaken in Bomet County which has eight KTDA tea processing factories. The target population was employees in Tea Factories managed by KTDA. The study population was 1019 workers in tea factories in Bomet County with a sample size of 317 employees. Simple random sampling gave every worker a chance to be included in the study. The Yamane (1968) sample size determination formula was used in the study since the target population was less than 10,000 people. Authorization was obtained from Kenyatta University Graduate School and ethical clearance sought from Kenyatta University Ethical Review Committee while the research license was obtained from NACOSTI. Access to the KTDA Factories was granted by management through the managing director at the head office. Informed consent was sought from workers before participating in the study. Focus Group Discussion guide, interviewer administered questionnaires, noise meter and particulate counter were used for data collection. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies and percentages. The inferential statistics; chi square and binary logistic regression model was used to test association between variables. Qualitative data was grouped according to emerging themes. Data was presented using charts and tables. The prevalence of occupational injuries in the tea factories was 41.3%. In the sampled factories and specific sections, Kapkoros Tea Factory and Withering sections recorded higher mean equivalent noise levels (91.4 dBA and 97.3dBA) above exposure limits (90.0dBA) stipulated under The Factories and Other Places of Work (Noise Prevention and Control) Rules, 2005 while both PM2.5 and PM10 levels in sampled factories were below OEL and generally high at the sorting section (0.34mg/m3 and 1.035 mg/m3) but within the exposure limits specified under The Factories and Other Places of Work (Hazardous Substances) Rules, 2007. The study established that provision of PPEs, workplace occupational audits, risks assessments, occupational trainings and occupational examination of workers were the mitigation strategies employed by the factories in safety and health risks management. Level of education (p=0.0001) and work experience (p=0.0001) were statistically significant socio-demographic characteristics and predicted safety and health risks management. The study recommends the employer to institute tests on the efficiency and adequacy of all safety risk mitigation strategies. The study findings can be used for policy formulation and institutionalize changes when managing OSH risks in Kenyan tea industry.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Low Cost Domestic Solar Water Heating System in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Kwach, Sarah Acholla
Kenya’s energy consumption is dominated by biomass, with an estimated 75% of
households relying on firewood and charcoal for cooking, heating, and lighting. This
dependency accelerates deforestation, contributes to indoor air pollution, and poses severe
health risks. Yet, Kenya’s equatorial location provides abundant solar energy, averaging 4–6
kWh/m² per day, making solar water heating (SWH) a sustainable and eco-friendly
alternative. Despite this potential, SWH technology adoption has been limited due to high
installation costs, dependence on imported copper collectors, and inadequate local
manufacturing capacity.
This study focused on the design, construction, and evaluation of low-cost flat plate solar
water heating systems (FPSWHS) using locally available materials, tested under real
Kenyan climatic conditions. The experiments were carried out at Kenyatta University in
Kiambu County (1°10'50.0"S, 36°55'41.0"E) between March and May 2015, a period
marked by alternating sunny and cloudy weather patterns. Two prototype systems were
developed: System A, incorporating an aluminum absorber plate, and System B, utilizing
galvanized steel. Both were designed and fabricated locally at the Kenya Industrial Research
and Development Institute (KIRDI). A commercially manufactured copper-based collector
imported from China (System C) was used as the control. System sizing was based on the
estimated hot water demand of a typical five-member household, with each person requiring
approximately 20 liters of water heated to 50°C per day. Using local solar irradiance data
(approximately 800 W/m²), estimated daily water consumption, and standard thermal design
equations, each system was optimized to efficiently meet domestic hot water needs
The experimental setup comprised three flat plate solar water heating systems, each with a
collector area of 2 m², tested simultaneously under actual field conditions. Solar radiation
was measured using a pyranometer, while outlet water temperatures were recorded hourly
using digital thermometers positioned at the outlets of each system. All three systems
successfully heated water above the 50°C threshold recommended by the World Health
Organization (WHO) for safe domestic use. The highest outlet temperatures recorded were
78.7°C for the copper collector, 74.1°C for aluminum, and 69.4°C for galvanized steel, with
corresponding mean outlet temperatures of 63.5°C, 61.2°C, and 57.3°C, respectively.
Thermal efficiencies were calculated as 34.0% for copper, 32.8% for aluminum, and 28.8%
for galvanized steel. Although the galvanized steel system demonstrated the lowest
efficiency, it was the most economical, costing Ksh 45,996.80 (USD 353.82), which is
approximately 20% less than the aluminum system at Ksh 54,160 (USD 416.61) and
significantly cheaper than the copper system at Ksh 68,664 (USD 528.18). Additionally, the
aluminum collector showed a payback period of 24 months, indicating a favorable balance
between performance and investment.
The findings demonstrate that low-cost, locally manufactured solar water heating systems—
particularly those constructed with galvanized steel—offer an affordable, sustainable, and
effective solution for meeting domestic hot water needs in Kenya. The widespread adoption
of such systems has the potential to significantly reduce reliance on biomass fuels, thereby
mitigating environmental degradation and deforestation. Additionally, improved access to
clean hot water can enhance public health outcomes by reducing waterborne diseases and
improving hygiene. These benefits align with the objectives of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and
contribute to the achievement of global sustainability goals.
School Determinants Influencing Social Skills Development among Learners with Mild Intellectual Disabilities in Units in Siaya County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Otieno, Beatrice Anyango
Social skills development is an important aspect of education among children with intellectual disabilities for independent living. The purpose of this study was to analyze the school determinants influencing social skills development of learners with mild intellectual disabilities in special units in public primary schools for learners with intellectual disability in Siaya County. Most learners with mild ID lack social skills, this is exhibited by challenges they face in the community. The study therefore looked at; instructional strategies, teachers training, instructional resources and physical facilities in relation to social skills development. The theoretical basis of the study was based on Vygotsky's theory of social development. In the study, a mixed method approach with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative aspects was employed. 10% of the 24 schools that serve learners with modest intellectual disabilities were included in the sample. A total of 189 respondents from the research location made up the target group, which included (137) learners with intellectual impairments who took part in the study, 12 head teachers who were interviewed, 12 deputy head teachers, and 29 teachers who completed the questionnaires. The researcher used purposive random sampling to select special units in public primary schools for learners with ID to take part in the study. The main research instruments, which were used, included open-ended questionnaires, interview guides and observation checklists. Validity was ensured through expert consultation from supervisors. Triangulation, piloting and test retest was adopted to increase reliability of qualitative data. After two weeks, the researcher picked up the completed surveys that were given to the target schools. The researcher also conducted in-person interviews at the school. In Siaya County, one special unit for learners with intellectual disabilities served as the pilot site. Quantitative data was examined using a computer program, the statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 22, and displayed in tables, graphs, and charts. Qualitative data was gathered, analyzed thematically, and given in narrative form. From the study findings, it was indicated that teachers were equipped with the knowledge to teach social skills to learners with intellectual disabilities. The head teachers informed this study that inadequate teachers without required skills may not capture all the needy learners with MID due to high population with a majority being the regular learners. This study recommended that there is need for enhanced home practice by learners, training learners with mild intellectual requires a lot of patience, increase the frequency of trainings and involve parents and significant others in the training programs. Also, teachers need to employ Scaffolding which is a technique for changing and extending instruction to learners and aid in their acquisition of new abilities.
Workforce management strategies and job satisfaction among Kenya Airways employees
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Chacha, Cherubine Bageni
Kenya Airways operates in a globalized and demanding industry where customer satisfaction, safety, and operational efficiency are paramount. In order to thrive in such an environment, the airline industry needs a skilled, motivated, and satisfied workforce. Workforce Management Strategies play a crucial role in achieving these goals, making it imperative to assess their influence on employee satisfaction. This study used a descriptive research design with a sample size of 300 employees, representing 20% of the total target population. There is a dearth of empirical research specifically examining the impact of workforce management strategies on job satisfaction within the aviation industry, specifically concerning Kenya Airways. Participants were drawn from various departments within the organization, including HR, Operations, Finance, Commercial, and Flight Operations. Primary data sources were employed effectively through questionnaires, which were carefully scrutinized for consistency and completeness. The collected data underwent modification, computation, classification based on similarity, and entry into SPSS Software for analysis. By analyzing quantitative data, descriptive statistics were produced, including measures of central tendency like mean and standard deviation as well as percentages to summarize the data. Figures and tables were utilized for data representation, providing visual clarity and facilitating interpretation. In order to gain a thorough grasp of the factors influencing the study's relevant outcomes, multiple linear regression analyses were also used to investigate the relationships between the variables. from the results, R2 = 0.321 implying 32.1% of variation in job satisfaction in Kenya airways was explained by workforce strategies, namely; skills optimization strategies, talent acquisition strategies, knowledge management strategies and succession planning strategies. The study concludes that performance feedback helps employees identify areas for skills improvement, moreover, encouraging employees to participate in skills building workshop and conferences helps them to understand emerging industry trends and challenges to help them prepare adequately which leads to job satisfaction. The study recommends that knowledge management strategies encourage human resource managers to put in place platform which are use friendly to facilitate knowledge sharing by the experienced employees
Efficacy of Digital Marketing Platforms on Performance of Star-Rated Hotels in Mombasa County, Kenya: Moderating Role of ICT Infrastructure
(Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Mbitha, Angore Benedict
The growing reliance on digital marketing has transformed the hospitality industry, with online platforms becoming key tools for enhancing hotel performance. In the county of Mombasa Kenya, star-rated hotels face increasing competition in a market where tourism is a significant economic driver. Despite the widespread adoption of digital marketing strategies, there is limited understanding of their specific impact on hotel performance, particularly in the context of ICT infrastructure. While ICT infrastructure is often assumed to be a critical enabler of digital marketing effectiveness, its actual role in moderating this relationship remains unclear. This gap in the literature formed the basis of the study, which sought to explore the efficacy of digital marketing platforms in improving hotel performance, with a specific focus on the moderating role of ICT infrastructure. Guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Commitment-Trust Theory, this study explored how internal capabilities (e.g., digital marketing strategies) and relational trust (e.g., customer engagement) influence hotel performance. These theories are particularly relevant in explaining how hotels leverage digital marketing tools and ICT resources to gain competitive advantage and foster customer loyalty. Using an explanatory research design, the study investigated the impact of email marketing, social media marketing, online travel agencies (OTAs), and website optimization on the performance of star-rated hotels in the county of Mombasa. Data were collected from 18 hotels, and statistical analyses were employed to assess the relationships between these digital marketing strategies and hotel performance, while also examining the moderating effect of ICT infrastructure. The findings revealed that email marketing and social media marketing significantly enhance hotel performance, with personalized campaigns improving customer retention and social media engagement boosting visibility and brand perception. OTAs were found to extend market reach, increase occupancy rates, and attract international bookings. Website optimization, with its emphasis on SEO, mobile-friendliness, and user-centered design, was also positively associated with improved performance, particularly in terms of direct bookings and customer satisfaction. Likewise, ICT infrastructure had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between digital marketing strategies and hotel performance. This suggests that ICT infrastructure not only facilitates digital marketing activities but also strengthens the impact of these strategies on performance outcomes. The findings highlight that the quality of digital marketing execution, coupled with the level of ICT infrastructure, plays a crucial role in driving key hotel performance metrics such as repeat purchase, guest purchase behavior, average daily rate, and occupancy rate. This study contributed to the growing body of literature on digital marketing in the hospitality industry by providing valuable insights into how hotel managers in the county of Mombasa can optimize their digital marketing strategies for improved performance. It also supports the prevailing assumption that ICT infrastructure is a key driver of success, emphasizing that effective strategy execution is the primary determinant of performance. The integration of RBV and Commitment-Trust Theory in this context adds depth to our understanding of how internal resources and customer relationships jointly drive hotel performance in the digital age.