Kenyatta University Repository
Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
IMPORTANT LINKS
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Livestock Farmers’ Intentions to Adopt Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands: What Role Do Behavioural Factors Play?
(Sustainability, 2025-08) Chepng′etich, Evaline; Mbeche, Robert; Ateka, Josiah Mwangi; Obebo, Forah
Pastoral livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa are under an increasing threat from climate change with arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) being especially vulnerable. Climatesmart agriculture (CSA) is widely promoted as a strategy for enhancing resilience among smallholder livestock farmers by improving productivity, increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening adaptive capacity. However, CSA adoption rates among pastoralists remains low. While existing studies emphasise socio-economic and institutional factors, this study explores the often-overlooked behavioural dimensions, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions, which critically influence adaptation decisions. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study investigates the behavioural drivers of CSA adoption among 737 livestock farmers in Kenya’s ASALs. Using ordered probit regression and structural equation modelling–confirmatory factor analysis (SEM-CFA), the results reveal that attitudes and perceived behavioural control are significant predictors of farmer intention to adopt CSA practices, with perceived behavioural control being the most influential predictor. Farmers with a positive attitude and confidence in their ability to implement CSA practices are more likely to adopt them. The study findings suggest that efforts to promote CSA adoption should prioritise transforming attitudes and building practical confidence by increasing exposure to demonstration farms and implementing awareness-raising initiatives within pastoral communities
Influence of Technological Factors on Performance of Electronic Queue Management Systems among Outpatients in Radiant Group of Hospitals, Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Journal of Medicine, Nursing & Public Health, 2025-08) Chepkemoi, Naomi; Kithuka, Peter; Kabeu, Emma
Long waiting times and congested queues in healthcare facilities worldwide have led to the adoption of Electronic Queue Management Systems (EQMS) to streamline service delivery, but their effectiveness depends critically on the performance of underlying technological components.Thus, this study sought to examine the influence of perceived technological factors on the performance of EQMS among outpatients at the Radiant Group of Hospitals in Nairobi City County. The study employed a cross-sectional design anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Queue Management Theory (QMT), targeting patients in the outpatient department. Astratified proportionate sampling approach was used to select 335 respondents from a population of 1,460 patients, while key informants were identified purposively.Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods, with findings presented in tables, charts, and narratives. The results revealed that technological factors significantly influenced EQMS performance. Key positive determinants included system capacity (OR=1.589, p=0.002), adherence to queue discipline (OR=0.923, p=0.043), and reduced waiting time delays (OR=1.129, p=0.021). Conversely, technical challenges such as system malfunctions (OR=1.509, p=0.052) and unreliable internet connectivity (OR=0.826, p=0.001) emerged as notable barriers to effective system use. The study concludes that the success of EQMS is highly dependent on its technological robustness, reliability, and user-friendliness. The study recommends the integration of a mobile application for real-time queue updates, the introduction of multilingual interfaces to improve accessibility for diverse patient demographics and the incorporation of voice-guided instructions and braille signage to support patients with special needs.
Development of an Electrochemical Nano-biosensor for Rapid and Sensitive Diagnosis of Bilharzia in Kenya
(sabinet, 2018) Odundo,Joseph; Naumih, Noah; Andala,Dickson; Kiragu,Janet; Masika,Eric
Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is still affecting more than 250 million people, killing about 200 000 annually and
leaving millions of others debilitated. Current diagnostic tools have extremely low validity and are not readily applicable for
rapid diagnosis in rural and remote areas. In low-grade infections, microscopy, the most commonly used method, may have
low sensitivity. For example, in suspected cases, up to five real sample specimens are recommended for increased sensitivity.
The rise of nanotechnology has created the potential to significantly improve the current diagnostic approaches. Conjugating
antibodies with nanoparticles pools the distinctive properties of the nanoparticles with the specificity and selectivity of the antibodies in the recognition of the antigen. This in return leads to a very versatile and specific mixed product with improved analytical signal which is important for fast, sensitive and real-time point-of-care diagnosis. In this work, we report the use of
nanotechnology to develop a simple and sensitive nano-biosensor which consisted of a nano-strip with immobilized gold
nanoparticles conjugated with bilharzia antibody, and demonstrated its potential for diagnosis of bilharzia antigen. A detection
range of 1.13 × 101 ng mL–1 to 2.3 × 103 ng mL–1 of bilharzia antigen in stool samples and with a limit of detection of 8.3887 ×
10–2ng mL–1 was attained, indicating the potential of the nano-biosensor to be used to detect bilharzia antigen in stool samples.
Service Automation, Data Analytics and Digital Payment Solutions: The Future of Competitive Advantage of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2025-07) Musau, Nelly Nthenya; Muathe, Stephen Makau
In an era of rapidly evolving technologies, the banking industry in Kenya must adopt digital transformation to enhance competitiveness and improve customer experience. This study examined the effect of digital transformation strategies on the competitive advantage of commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya, with a focus on three key dimensions: service automation, data analytics, and digital payment solutions. Theoretically, grounded in the Generic Competitive Strategies Framework, the Resource-Based View, the Dynamic Capabilities theory, the Technology Acceptance Model and the Diffusion of Innovation theory, the study employed a descriptive research design targeting 412 functional heads across 39 commercial banks stratified by size. A multi-stage sampling approach that combined proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques was used to select a sample of 203 participants determined by Yamane’s formula. Primary data were collected through structured surveys, with the research instrument validated by subject matter experts among 15 respondents to ensure reliability. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient confirmed internal consistency (threshold ≥ 0.7). Data analysis utilised descriptive and inferential statistics, with findings presented visually for clarity. Results demonstrated that service automation, data analytics and digital payment solutions strategies significantly influenced competitive advantage, although their individual effects varied. These findings highlight the need for a strategic customer-centric approach to digital transformation, advocating for selective automation that preserves human interaction in high-value services, improved feedback mechanisms, robust data governance and advanced analytics tools. In addition, banks should refine digital payments, promoting user experience, fraud prevention and service differentiation supported by regulatory frameworks that foster security and innovation.
Contribution of Different Frass Fertilizer Products on Enhanced Growth, Yield and Nutrient Quality of Broccoli [Brassica Oleracea]
(Frontiers in Plant Science, 2025-08) Kagehi, Noella; Beesigamukama,Dennis; Tanga, Chrysantus M.; Ngugi, Mathew P.; Subramanian, Sevgan; Khamis, Fathiya M.
Vegetables are crucial for food security and income, but in developing countries their production is hindered by low soil fertility. Although the insect frass fertilizer is a potential solution, its use is constrained by limited product choices. Unlike conventional fertilizers, which are available in different forms, the insect frass fertilizer is mostly available in solid form. Here, we evaluated the effects of different black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) products on broccoli [Brassica oleracea] growth, yield, and nutritional profiles. Solid, liquid BSFFF, chitin-fortified solid BSFFF, chitin-fortified liquid BSFFF, and commercial organic fertilizer (Safi) were applied at rates equivalent to 250 kg N ha-1 for two cropping seasons. The control treatment consisted of unfertilized soil. Results showed that solid and chitin-fortified solid BSFFF products significantly increased broccoli leaf growth and chlorophyll concentration by 54% and 11%, respectively, compared to the other BSFFF products. Soils amended with BSFFF products produced broccoli with higher number of heads (28 – 158%), fresh yield (26 – 138%), dry yield (17 – 60%), and aboveground biomass (7 – 117%) compared to Safi and control treatments. Broccoli grown in soil amended with BSFFF had higher nitrogen (84%), phosphorus (93%), potassium (51%) uptake, and agronomic use efficiency (4.6-fold) as compared to Safi and the control. Additionally, the application liquid BSFFF produced broccoli heads with higher levels of crude fat (61%), carbohydrates (16%), and calcium (38%) compared to other BSFFF products. Conversely, broccoli grown using chitin-fortified BSFFF exhibited the highest levels of crude protein, potassium, crush ash, and phosphorus. The net income and gross margin achieved with BSFFF treatments were 19 – 26-fold and 29 – 63-fold higher than values obtained Safi, respectively, with higher profitability achieved using chitin-fortified BSFFF formulations. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of different BSFFF formulations in supporting circular economy for safe vegetable production, and improved food and nutrition security