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
Spatial Distribution of Maize-Raiding by Monkeys, Damage Level and Economic Loss in Farms Bordering Saiwa Swamp, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-07) Wafula, Moses Muyala
Maize-raiding by monkeys has often been cited as the leading source of HumanMonkey Conflict (HMC) around conservation parks. Monkey species such as Vervet
and De Brazza’s are considered to be serious pests because of their adaptability,
intelligence, opportunism, agility and reliance on maize crops for nutritional value.
Often, their habitats border those of humans and in most cases extend their foraging
ranges to cultivated farms making HMC a frequent occurrence. Communities bordering
conservation parks often engage in small scale farming. Apart from the menace of
maize-raiding by monkeys, the farmers also face other challenges like high cost of
inputs, unpredictable weather conditions and poor market prices for their produce. Such
was the situation for farmers surrounding Saiwa Swamp National Park (SSNP). This
study was carried out in three areas bordering SSNP i.e. Saiwa, Sitatunga and Sinyereri.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the status of HMC in SSNP through mapping
of the incidents of maize-raiding by monkeys, establishing the damage and economic
levels as a result of maize-raiding by monkeys and determining the relationship between
the incidents of maize- raiding by monkeys and distance from the park boundary. The
Garmin GPS was used to obtain the coordinates of areas foraged by monkeys. The
coordinates were downloaded into the Esri ArcGis software where spatial maps on the
conflict areas, levels of maize damage and resultant economic losses, maize-raiding
distances as well as the monkey species involved were generated. Chi-square goodness
of fit and Chi-square for contingency tables were the main tools of statistical analysis
and null hypothesis rejected at p<0.05. Linear regression was carried out and an
equation generated to predict the incidents of maize damage with distances of the farm
from the park boundary. The results showed that maize-raiding incidents varied by area,
X
2
(2, N=24) =7, P=0.0302. The levels of maize damage also varied by area, X
2
(2,
N=24) =8.533, P=0.01403. As one moved from the park boundary into the cultivated
maize fields, the number of maize-raiding incidents reduced, X2
(3, N=24) =27.667,
P=0.0001. A linear regression line of y=-0.01x+6.74 that predicted the incidents of
maize damage(y) with the distance of the farm from the park boundary (x) was
generated. The results were also significant for the monkey species raiding maize, X
2
(3,
N=24) =9.75, P=0.00764 with the vervet monkey being the most problematic monkey
species. Colobus monkeys were never recorded raiding maize. The results indicated that
the monkeys of SSNP pose a great danger to maize farming and therefore their
population ought to be managed.
Application of Online Church Services and Participation by Kenya Anglican Youth Organization in Cathedral Deanery, Thika Diocese, Kiambu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Ngari, Jackline Gaceri
This study investigated the adoption of online church platforms on youth participation within the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) deanery, addressing the decline in traditional youth attendance versus growing digital engagement in online church participation. Since 2017, the ACK has been promoting platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Twitter. Guided by Siemens' (2005) Connectivism Learning Theory, the research examined technology implementation at ACK’s St. Andrew’s and St. Monica’s Mugumo-ini parishes. Since 2017, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has actively promoted the use of online church platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter driven by a decline in youth church participation. However, despite such initiatives, church attendance by the youth, stood at 10%. This shift aligns with the growing number of young people engaging with online platforms. The study explored the adoption of online church services and youth participation within ACK deanery, focusing on the involvement of young people in planning services and the challenges they face in online worship. Guided by George Siemens' (2005) Connectivism Learning Theory, the research examined how technology and innovation are implemented at ACK’s St. Andrew’s and St. Monica’s Mugumo-ini parishes. Empirical data on online services, youth engagement, and platform-related challenges were reviewed. A mixed-methods approach with a descriptive research design was employed, targeting a population of 1,055 and drawing a sample of 15% (159) through proportionate and purposive selection. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to members of Kenya Anglican Youth Organisation (KAYO) and parents/guardians, FGD was carried out among church leadership and technical staff, whereas the bishop was interviewed. A pilot study was conducted in Memorial Parish and was not considered in the final study. This was done by calculating Pearson’s correlation and Cronbach Alpha, which met the 0.7 threshold. Face validity was carried out to ensure the accurateness of the questionnaire and interview schedule. Data collected was then analysed descriptively and thematically. The findings of the study showed that the church adopted Facebook at (84.6%), Twitter (0%), YouTube (38.5%), and WhatsApp (61.5%). On involvement of the youth, the study found that the church involved the youth in technical support 61.5%. Challenges faced by the youth in online church participation included distraction by other social media (61.6%), internet connectivity at 23% and cost of data at 15.4%. The study found that overall online church attendance among the youth stood at 38.5%. The study overall recommendations were that; the church ought to utilize YouTube and Facebook for live streaming, run online church services for the youth for a maximum 30 minutes, and use of WhatsApp for online bible study services. Further, the study recommends that the church should involve the youth, in planning, and implementing online church services and activities rather than limiting them to technical support. These may include offering strategic training on innovative online technologies to church leadership and monitor online youth participation by assessing statistics after each online service/activity.
Land Disputes and the Consequences on Socio-Economic Activities of Households in Chiakariga Ward, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Thiong’o, Samuel Kabir
Demand for food, population growth and climate change have put pressure on land
resources, resulting in emerging land disputes and conflicts globally when not
resolved on time. In African countries, about 80% of the population resides in rural
areas where they carry out agricultural activities. Kenya witnessed inter-ethnic
conflicts in 2007 triggered by post-election violence, access and control of land
resources. This prompted the Government of Kenya to accelerate titling programs to
provide security of tenure to mitigate the effects of conflicts. Tharaka-Nithi was
among the counties that benefitted from the titling program. The objective of this
study, therefore, was to investigate the consequences of land disputes on social and
economic development in Chiakariga ward, Tharaka-Nithi County. The study
investigated the sources of land disputes, the consequences of these land disputes on
social and economic development and the local informal procedures adopted by the
households to resolve land disputes. The study used descriptive research design
targeting 1598 households affected by land disputes. Purposively sampling technique
identified Chiakariga ward, Tharaka-Nithi County, where the demarcation of land was
in progress raising many land disputes. The study was guided by both eco-violence
and honey pot theories. A Sample of 85 households was selected using systematic
random sampling out of 94 targeted, where open and closed ended structured
questionnaires were administered to the respondents to collect quantitative data. Three
focus group discussions (FGDS) and ten key informants with in-depth knowledge and
experience in land disputes were purposely sampled to collect qualitative data which
was analyzed by creating themes around the study objectives. These three research
methods were used to collect primary data. Secondary data was obtained from
journals, reports from MLPP and County reports. Quantitative data was analyzed in
terms of percentages and summarized into frequency distribution tables, bar graphs
and pie-charts. It was then, followed by a brief explanation. The study according to
objectives concluded that land claims, boundary issues, succession of land, sale of
land, use of land, size of land, politics and discrimination of women were sources of
land disputes. The study further concluded that the existence of land disputes affected
household social economic activities in terms of income, food production and nature
of houses constructed within the ward. The study further concluded that the
households affected by the land disputes adopted local informal strategies to mitigate
the consequences of the land disputes. Mostly they used the MLPP 96.8%, the
Ministry of Interior Coordination to resolve their land disputes 93.6% and exceptional
Environment and Land High Court 85%. Other households used traditional methods
through community clan elders and traditional oathing 95% as an alternative form of
dispute resolution mechanism. The study recommended that the national government
to strengthen and formalize land allocation procedures, encourage marking of
physical boundaries, promote gender equity, improve succession and sale of land
procedures and encourage traditional methods as alternative dispute resolution
mechanisms to resolve land disputes amicably. Findings from the study are beneficial
to stakeholders in the land sector and policymakers in the county and national
government to make decisions that minimize causes of land disputes and quick
resolutions when they occur to spur social and economic developments
Behavioral Response of Glossina pallidipes to Trypanosome-Induced Semiochemicals under Laboratory and Field Conditions in Kwale County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-08) Rungua, Chiro Rungua
Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) transmitted by the Glossina spp is a major
constraint to livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite various
control efforts. Trypanosome-induced semiochemicals found in urine of infected
cattle are predictive AAT biomarkers with potential for use as baits for tsetse trapping
enhancement. The objective of this study was to investigate the urine from
trypanosome infected cow and its modified semiochemicals as effective attractants
for infected Glossina pallidipes with an economical dispenser for field application.
Coupled Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used to analyze cow urine
odor profiles to identify Trypanosoma congolense (T. c) modified semiochemicals.
The chemistry of urine from trypanosome-infected cow was mimicked by formulation
of blends of T. c modified semiochemicals. The flies’ response to the various
treatments were conducted using bioassays in the laboratory and field. Laboratory
bioassays involved free flight dual choice testing the fly’s response to urine from
trypanosome infected cow. Field evaluations involved comparing the baited trap
catches against un-baited trap used as a negative control. Both liquid and dry
formulation dispensers were evaluated whereby dry dispensers proved the most
economical and effective way of dispensing the test compounds due to its single
loading. The urine from trypanosome infected cow and its modified semiochemicals
were evaluated for their attractiveness to infected G. pallidipes by screening of field
caught flies using ITS1 primers to determine their infection rates. Infection rates were
checked through molecular biology techniques which involved DNA extraction, PCR,
gel electrophoresis and sequencing. Urine from trypanosome-infected cattle exhibited
induced semiochemicals and elevated levels of existing semiochemicals.Urine from
trypanosome infected cow attracted significantly more flies in both laboratory (t=3.15,
p=0.003) and field bioassays (F=4.2, p=0.03). Traps baited with dihydro-α-ionone
and 3-ethylphenol attracted significantly more G. pallidipes compared to un-baited
control trap, (dihydro-α-ionone, p=0.04, and 3-ethylphenol, p=0.02). Three blends of
T.c modified semiochemicals (NB1, NB2 & NB3) attracted significantly more G.
pallidipes compared to un-baited control trap (F=10.31, p= 0.001). NB1 attracted
significantly more blood-fed G. pallidipes compared to un-baited negative control trap
(Fisher Exact Test, p=0.0001). There was no significant difference between mean G.
pallidipes catches using dry and liquid formulation dispensers (p=0.7257). Traps
baited with urine from Tc-infected cow attracted five times more infected G.
pallidipes compared to those baited with urine from healthy cow (Fisher Exact Test,
p=0.001). NB1 attracted twice the number of infected flies whereas NB3 attracted
three timesinfected flies as compared to un-baited control trap. Trypanosome-induced
semiochemicals demonstrate their ability as effective attractants for infected G.
pallidipes. The results of this study are vital for developing new trypanosomiasis
control strategies using effective baits for G. pallidipes
The Link between Basketball Officiating Expertise Level and the Referees’ Performance during Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League Play-Offs 2022–2023 Season
(Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Ilaoh, Godfrey Mwaloma
All sports depend on officiating to make the competition fair and moving forward—that is, sports should always be moving toward the objective of crowning a victor. In high-performance sports, officials are essential because they maintain order and regulation in an intricate and frequently unpredictable sporting event. The official basketball rules and regulations that control interactions between the different elements of the basketball community are set out by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) (FIBA 2023). The game of basketball is managed by a number of officials, key among them being referees and umpires. Several studies have investigated the performance of football and rugby referees in different jurisdictions. However, there is minimal information on the performance of basketball referees. The main objective of this study was to establish any link between the level of expertise in basketball officiating and the performance of the referees/umpires in Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League Play-Offs. The specific variables under investigation were: (i) knowledge and application of rules, (ii) mechanics of officiating and (iii) physical fitness during the 2022-2023 KBF Premier League Play-Offs season. The target population was 11 referees who officiated during the premier league play-offs level. Purposive sampling was used to select 11 referees officiating during the basketball play-offs. A questionnaire was used to collect data concerning knowledge of the game and application of rules; while the beep test was used to collect data that revealed their physical fitness. A recorded video was used to analyse the referees’/umpires’ mechanics and game management skills. Version 20.0 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used to code and analyze the data. For categorical variables, descriptive statistics were used, and at a significance level of 0.05, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was used to evaluate hypotheses. The outcomes showed significant correlation between the study's factors and the referees' performance: Knowledge of the rules and performance, r = 0.86, p = 0.006; Mechanics of officiating and performance, r = 0.99, p = 0.000 and Physical fitness and performance, r = 0.80, p = 0.017. It was therefore, recommended that KBF organizes more structured technical training programmes for the development of the referees, evaluate referees/umpires’ performance, and incorporate mentorship programs to induct new officials to mitigate the deficiencies in match officiating noted in the study. The policy formulation by relevant bodies on recruitment and training of basketball referees in Kenya should ensure that there is gender parity not only in the management of the game but also among the referees officiating the game. The study also recommended further investigation on the relationship between age and experience of referees and their overall performance in the KBF premier league play-offs. Additionally, further studies of referees officiating during the regular season of the premier league and those at lower leagues may add valuable contribution to the literature on basketball officiating in Kenya.