Kenyatta University Repository
Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
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Prevalence of banana diseases and post-harvest losses in Kenya, and biocontrol potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi against Fusarium wilt
(International Journal of Horticultural Science, 2024) Ombori, O.; Muthini, J. M.; Kimiti, J. M.; Kamore, H. K.; Njeru, E. M.; Nchore, S. B
The demand for bananas (Musa spp.), which is ranked as the most important fruit crop in Kenya has been on the rise owing to both their
dietary contribution and income generation. Meeting this demand has however been hampered by losses during production or post-harvest. This
study assessed banana disease and post-harvest losses in leading producing counties in Kenya namely; Kisii, Nyamira and Embu. The study also
assessed the efficacy of Rhizophagus irregularis in controlling Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. Structured questionnaires were used to collect
data on post-harvest losses. Disease scoring tables, charts and photos were used to confirm observed symptoms and hence, disease occurrence and
severity. AMF biocontrol efficacy experiment was conducted using tissue culture bananas grown in the greenhouse. The study revealed that most
smallholder farmers were unaware of the causes or the prevalence of post-harvest losses. The findings also revealed a significant difference (p<0.05)
in the severity of banana diseases across various cultivars from the three counties. The AMF treated bananas showed a significant difference
(p<0.05) in plant height, total leaf area and chlorosis in comparison to other treatments. The study also revealed a reduction of Fusarium’s
pathogenic effects including chlorosis, reduced leaf surface area and eventual necrosis.
An Analysis of Patients’ Spinal Injury Costs at the National Spinal Injury Hospital in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Global scientific journal, 2024) Korir, julius k.; Karanja, Lorna Wangari; Yitambe, Andre
Global statistics indicate that based on the extent of spinal cord injury, the first-year cost ranges between $300,000 and $1,000,000.
[1]. A review of 68 studies [2], indicated the cost of injury varied widely with mean costs ranging from $14 to $17, 400 and the
cost per disability-adjusted life year averted for injury-prevention interventions ranged from $10.90 for speed bump installation
to $17,000 for drunk driving and breath testing campaigns in Africa. Health economists are interested in evaluating spinal cord
treatment interventions as economic investments. For these stakeholders, a key question is the relationship between the reduction
of spinal cord injuries and national income growth as measured by GDP metrics. Public health officials are more focused on
promoting health, preventing spinal injuries and related mortalities as well as reducing their health and social burden. The general
objective of this study was to analyze the patient costs of spinal cord injury at the National Spinal Injury Hospital, Nairobi County,
Kenya. The four specific objectives of the study were to determine the total costs of spinal cord injury in the first year of diagnosis
and treatment at the National Spinal Injury Hospital, to determine the variations in total costs of spinal cord injury due to ownership of health insurance, to establish the variations in total costs of spinal cord injury based on extent of the injury and to establish
the variations in total costs of spinal cord injury based on the employment status of the patients at National Spinal Injury Hospital.This was an analytical cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative methods on a sample of n=169. Purposive sampling was also
employed to recruit participants comprising spinal injury patients in the first year of diagnosis and data were collected using
structured questionnaires and secondary data review. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 where descriptive statistics were
used to show frequencies and percentages for variables. ANOVA test was used to test the statistical mean differences in the total
SCI costs among the SCI patients at NSIH based on their employment status and extent of the spinal injury while paired t-test was
used for health insurance status. Findings indicate that it average costs the spinal cord injury patient KSh. 928,326.73 in treatment
costs in the first year of diagnosis. The average of sum of the annual direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect
costs of productivity losses for the 169 patients was KSh 187,048, KSh 173,541 and KSh 567,738 per patient respectively. Further,
it shows that the employment status of the patients do result in significant differences in the total SCI costs among the different
groups ( P=0.000) while the extent of injury and health insurance status does not result in significant differences in the total SCI
costs( P=0.6617 and t=-0.6129 respectively). This study will inform the National Spinal Injury Hospital on the importance of health
economic studies in the management of SCI patients.
Digital financial innovations and financial deepening of commercial banks in Nairobi City County Kenya
(Strategic Journals, 2024) mundia, calor wanjira; makori, daniel
This study explored the effects of digital financial innovations on the financial deepening of Kenyan commercial
banks so as to gain a better understanding of this phenomenon. The study aimed to investigate the following
specific objectives: ascertain the impact of mobile phone banking, evaluate the influence of ATM banking,
ascertain the impact of online banking and determine the effect of agency banking on the financial deepening of
commercial banks in Kenya in the connection between financial innovations and financial deepening of
commercial banks in Kenya. The study was conducted in Nairobi City County since that was where the banks have
headquarters. The study was underpinned on the following theories the innovation diffusion theory, disruptive
innovation theory, agency theory and the market power theory. This study was conducted using descriptive and
explanatory research design that is cross sectional. The target audience consisted of 39 commercial banks that are
licensed and functioning in Kenya as of December 31, 2022. The research involved secondary panel data. The
primary source of secondary data was the annual banking report published by CBK. The analysis in this research
was conducted using the SPSS version 20. Multiple regression was used to examine the correlation between the
independent and dependent variables. The study's results were shown via the use of tables, charts, and figures.
The study found that mobile phone banking, ATM banking, online banking and agency had positive significant
effects on the financial deepening Kenyan commercial banks. The study concludes that mobile phone banking
allows banks to reach a larger customer base, especially those in remote areas where physical bank branches are
limited. With the widespread availability of ATMs across the country, customers no longer have to rely solely on
bank branches for their banking needs. Online banking offers convenience and accessibility for customers in Kenya.
Agency banking has significantly increased the accessibility of financial services for individuals in remote or
underserved areas. The study recommends that commercial banks can invest in user-friendly interfaces and
intuitive design to make mobile banking more accessible and convenient for customers. One-way commercial
banks in Kenya are enhancing their ATM services is by increasing the number of ATMs across the country. With the
increasing use of smartphones in Kenya, commercial banks can develop mobile banking apps that provide a
seamless and convenient banking experience. One way to enhance agency banking in Kenya is to recruit more
agents in rural and marginalized communities where traditional bank branches are scarce.
Leadership Development Strategy in Succession Planning and Employee Performance in the State Department for Public Service, Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Strategic Journals, 2024) Onyango, Maureen; Makhamara, Felistus
employee performance is correlated with the failure of managers or administrators in the public sector to recognize and
implement an effective succession strategy that could motivate its employees. The report from the Public Service
Commission in Kenya highlighted issues such as a bloated workforce, a high wage bill, absence of succession planning
policies, stagnation, and the challenge of retaining skilled employees. Within the State Department for Public Service,
there has been a persistent challenge regarding employee performance, significantly impacting the efficient delivery of
government functions. This study aimed to explore how Leadership Development Strategy affects employees perform in
the State Department of Public Service in Nairobi City County, Kenya. This research focused on two theories: Human
Capital Theory Social Exchange Theory and one model called the Relay Succession Planning model. This study used a
descriptive research design. The group was focusing on 419 workers in the different departments at the State
Department of Public Service. 30% of the respondents which came to 126 participants were used. The study used
stratified random sampling to gather information from the respondents taking part in the study. Both primary and
Secondary information were collected. An open ended questionnaire was also used. 10% of the sample size which came
to 13 respondents were picked for pilot study. The instrument's reliability was evaluated by using Cronbach Alpha with a
minimum requirement of 0. 7. To ensure validity, the study assessed content construct and face validity. Closed-end
questions in the survey helped to gather quantitative data while open-ended questions allowed for the collection of
qualitative data. This rigorous approach would help in gathering accurate and reliable information for our study. The
data collected for this study was analyzed in two different ways. Qualitative data which includes information gathered
through interviews or observations were analyzed using thematic analysis. On the other hand quantitative data which
included numerical information like survey responses was analyzed using a software called SPSS 22- The results of the
analysis was presented in tables to make it easier to understand and interpret. The research found a significant positive
correlation between leadership development strategy and employee performance in Nairobi’s State Department for
Public Service. The study concludes that effective leadership is essential in public service as it directly impacts service
delivery, employee morale, and public trust. The study recommends that the State Department can implement training
programs that address both technical skills and soft skills, such as leadership and communication. The State Department
should pair emerging leaders with experienced mentors within the department to provide guidance, support, and
knowledge sharing
Effect of Agile Management Practices on Project Performance of Smart Applications Limited
(Research Publish Journals, 2024) Githara, Georgina; Tumuti, Joshua
Effective project management stands as a cornerstone for organizational growth, particularly in the
healthcare sector where innovative practices are imperative for delivering high-quality services. Despite
advancements, challenges persist, including technology project failures, inadequate research, and issues of
transparency. Smart Applications Limited, a provider of ICT services, operates within this dynamic environment,
facing pressures to adapt to disruptive digital technologies while ensuring project success. This study seeks to
investigate the effect of agile management practices on project performance of Smart Applications Limited.
Adopting a mixed-method research design, this study integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain
comprehensive insights into project management dynamics. The target population comprises 60 project managers
within Smart Applications Limited, with data collected through questionnaires. Utilizing the census sampling
technique ensures the inclusion of all managers from relevant departments. The study employs the multiple
regression model to establish correlations between project management styles and performance indicators at Smart
Applications Limited. By addressing these objectives, this research contributes to filling the existing gap in
understanding success factors for project implementation in the healthcare sector. Through insights gained, Smart
Applications Limited and similar organizations can enhance their project management strategies, fostering
sustainable growth and resilience in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape