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
A Model of Tuberculosis and DiabetesCo-Infection with Optimal Control
(2023-12-30) Musyokia, Eunice Mueni; Mutuku, Winfred Nduku; Imbusi, Nancy Matendechere; Omondi, Evans Otieno
Aims/ objectives:Tuberculosis and diabetes co-infection is a complex health issue, thus, effectivemanagement requires understanding disease dynamics and interactions. This paper expands the existingmodel to incorporate the co-infection of diabetes and tuberculosis to understand disease complications better.Methodology:The study employs the next-generation matrix to calculateRCand utilizes LaSalle’sinvariance principle. It demonstrates that the model achieves global asymptotic stability at the disease-free equilibrium (DFE) whenRC≤1. The Volterra-Lyapunov matrix is then employed to establish globalasymptotic stability of the endemic equilibrium whenRC>1. Based on the Jacobian matrix, local stabilityanalysis suggests the potential for epidemic eradication whenRC≤1, whileRC≥1indicates a risk ofepidemic spread. Numerical solutions using ODE45 in Matlab R2021b are employed for the analysis.
Results:The sensitivity analysis highlighted the significant impact of TB transmission coefficientβanddiabetes acquisition rateα1onRC, emphasizing the need for optimal control measures targeting thesefactors.Conclusion:A decrease in TB transmission coefficient led to a reduction inRCfrom1.0863to0.1845,suggesting the potential effectiveness of control strategies. The study also recommends exploring modelsconsidering different diabetes types in future research.
Firm Characteristics and Financial Performance of Licensed Microfinance Banks in Kenya
(International Research Journal Publishers, 2025-03) Munyithya, Veronica Muli; Musau, Salome
Microfinance institutions significantly contribute to the financial sector by providing credit facilities to low-income earners and the unbanked population. However, the rising economic crisis in Kenya has adversely affected the financial performance of Microfinance institutions, raising concerns about their sustainability. This study aims to investigate how firm characteristics such as capital adequacy, bank size, and management efficiency impact the financial health of microfinance banks in Kenya. The research spans a six-year period from 2018 to 2023, a time marked by rapid expansion in the microfinance sector and significant economic challenges, including the devaluation of the Kenyan shilling, corporate consolidation, and the takeover of financial institutions. The theoretical framework of the study is underpinned by Capital Buffer Theory, Economic Theory and Efficiency Structure Theory. A descriptive research design was employed, collected secondary data from the published financial reports of the 13 licensed microfinance banks in Kenya, using a census sampling method. Ethical and logistical standards were rigorously followed, ensuring voluntary participation and maintaining data confidentiality. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between capital adequacy and financial performance. Management efficiency also showed a significant positive correlation with financial performance, while bank size showed a weaker relationship. Panel regression further confirmed that capital adequacy and management efficiency had a positive impact on financial performance, whereas bank size had a minimal effect. Conclusions from the study indicate that firm characteristics significantly influence financial performance. Larger banks due to economies of scale and diversified portfolios, tend to perform better, implying that growth and expansion strategies can enhance financial stability. Capital adequacy emerged as a crucial determinant of financial health, with well-capitalized banks being more resilient to financial shocks and better positioned for growth. Management efficiency also played a key role, with better-managed institutions showing higher profitability through cost control and optimal resource allocation. These insights can guide policymakers and bank managers in crafting strategies to bolster the financial resilience of Microfinance institutions s, with an emphasis on maintaining robust capital adequacy ratios and enhancing managerial capabilities to drive longterm sustainability and competitiveness.
Corporate Governance Practices and Performance of Imarisha SaccoinBomet County Kenya
(IBMED, 2023-11) Koskei, EdnaChepkurui; Bett, Shadrack
The problem in the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations industry, particularly in the teaching industry in Bomet County, is the presence of challenges related to corporate governance and organizational performance. There are issues with accountability, transparency, and risk management practices. Additionally, low levels of financial literacy among members, limited access to finance, and inadequate technology and systems further contribute to the performance-related challenges faced by these Savingsand Credit Cooperative Organisations. The study was on the effect of Corporate Governance practices on the performance of Imarisha Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation in Bomet County. The purpose of this study was to investigate how board competence, legislation, roles and responsibilities and internal controls affects performance Imarisha Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation. The literature review focused on various theories which includecore competence model, regulatory capture theory, legalistic theory, attribution theory and the balanced scorecard theory. The study design adopted was descriptive in nature considering a total population of 65 senior management, middle management,and support staff of which a complete census will be considered. Stratified sampling was used since the population was already broken down into the respective categories. Data was gathered using questionnaire and it was tested for validity and reliability. Content validity was tested with a content validity index threshold of 0.8 or higher. Reliability was tested with a Cronbach's alpha threshold of 0.70 or higher. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that board competence, legislation, roles and responsibilities, and internal controls had a positive and significant effect on performance, that is, β= 0.469, p < 0.05), β=0.022, p < 0.05, β=0.404, p < 0.05) and β=0.045, p < 0.05 respectively. The study concluded that board competence, legislation, roles and responsibilities and internal controls improve performance. The study recommended that board members should continue to have strategic thinking skills and front the vision of the organization. Imarisha SACCO should have adequate internal policies that help to govern SACCO activities. Duties of board members at the organization should continue being properly described. The oversight committees should continue to meet regularly to oversight SACCO activities. The study recommended that further studies should be conductedon effect of corporate governance practices on performance of Imarisha SACCO in Bomet County. Indicators of corporate governance practices adopted in the study are board competence, legislation, roles and responsibilities and internal controls. The study recommends a similar study to be conducted on the subject matter but should be conducted on SACCOs’ in other Counties in Kenya
Development of Two Multiplex PCR Assays for Rapid Detection of Eleven Gram-Negative Bacteria in Children with Septicemia
(Tropical Medicine and Health, 2024) Miringu, Gabriel; Musyoki, Abednego; Muriithi, Betty; Wandera, Ernest; Waithiru, Dan; Odoyo, Erick; Shoji, Hisashi; Menza, Nelson; Ichinose, Yoshio
Aim This study aimed to develop a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of major Gram-negative etiologies of septicemia and evaluate its performance. Methods Multiplex PCR (mPCR) assays were developed targeting 11 bacterial strains. Species-specifc primers were confrmed using known clinical isolates and standard strains. Gradient PCR was performed on each primer against its target bacterial gene to determine its optimal amplifcation condition. The minimum detectable DNA concentration of the two assays was evaluated by adjusting bacterial DNA concentration to 100 ng/μL and, tenfold serially diluting it up to 10 pg/μL with DNAse-free water. The diagnostic accuracy of mPCR assays was established by subjecting the assays to 60 clinical blood samples. Results Two mPCR assays were developed. Optimal primer annealing temperature of 55 °C was established and utilized in the fnal amplifcation conditions. The assays detected all targeted bacteria, with a 100 pg minimum detectable DNA concentration. Pathogens were not detected directly from whole blood, but after 4 h and 8 h of incubation, 41% (5/12) and 100% (12/12) of the bacteria were detected in culture fuids, respectively. The assays also identifed Salmonella spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae co-infections and extra pathogens (1 E. coli and 2 K. pneumoniae) compared with culture. The sensitivity and specifcity of the mPCR were 100.0% (71.7–100.0) and 98.0% (90.7–99.0), respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 1.00 (1.00–1.00). Conclusions The mPCR assays demonstrated substantial potential as a rapid tool for septicemia diagnosis alongside the traditional blood culture method. Notably, it was able to identify additional isolates, detect co-infections, and efciently detect low bacterial DNA loads with high sensitivity, implying its value in enhancing efciency of diagnosis of septicemia
Public Participation Influence on Sustainability of Water Projects in Makueni County, Kenya
(Journal International of Social Science & Humanities, 2024-11) Jacob, Winfred Mwende; Moi, Edna
The main objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of public participation on the sustainability of
water projects in the Makueni sub-county. Evaluating the effects of participatory management, planning, and
monitoring on the sustainability of water projects in Makueni Sub County-Makueni County was the specific
aim of the study. Theoretically, sustainability theory and community participation theory underpinned the
research. Target population 34,352 households, 117 members of the Project Management Committee, and 15
county officers are the study's target population. A sample size of 380 was selected using simple random
sampling. The 15 technical officers were selected using a census, yielding a sample size of 395 in total. For
the goal of triangulating data, both quantitative and qualitative data for the study was collected using a
structured questionnaire, which employed a descriptive research design. Using SPSS version 23, descriptive
analysis of the collected data was performed before being shown as graphs and frequency tables. To describe
the link between the variables, a multiple regression model was employed. The regression analysis
demonstrates that participatory planning has a strong and positive effect on the sustainability of water
projects in Makueni Sub County. It shows that as the level of community involvement in planning activities
increases, the sustainability of these projects improves significantly. Similarly, participatory management
positively influences sustainability, indicating that engaging local communities in the management and
decision-making processes of water projects contributes to their long-term success. Additionally, the analysis
highlights that participatory monitoring is associated with better sustainability outcomes. The study
recommends that increased community involvement in monitoring and evaluation activities helps identify and
address issues promptly, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and durability of water projects.