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Process Control as aTotal Quality Management System and Performance of Selected Tea Processing Firms in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties of Kenya
(Journal of Strategic Management, 2025-04) Mbae, Mwiti; Muli, Jedidah
The tea sector is considered a key pillar of the national economy accounting for 25 percent of total export earnings. However, the general performance of the sector as reflected in the incomes attributable to farmers, cost of production, conversion factors, and total yields has been declining. Informed by the deteriorating performance indicators, tea processing firms have been pursuing quality initiatives to enhance performance as represented in theory. The investigation wanted to prove the effect of process control as a total quality management system on the performance of tea processing firms. The investigation choose a descriptive research design and the target population comprised eight tea processing firms managed by Kenya Tea Development Agency. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted in the analysis of data. The Pearson correlation analysis output showed that process control as a total quality management system has a positive and statistically notable relationship with performance of tea processing firms. Despite the findings that general performance of the tea processing firms was fairly good, it was established that the tea processing firms was operating with a significantly high average cost of production occasioning need to pursue containment measures. It is recommended that the tea processing firms should explore further cost containment initiatives to check escalation which dilutes the ultimate returns attributable to shareholders. To improve on process control as a total quality dimension, the study recommends heightened pursuit of this dimension of the total quality management system as results indicated great benefits towards enhancement of organizational performance. The study recommends enhanced appreciation and acknowledgment of the quality management system as a process that requires enhanced empowerment of stakeholders to positively contribute to improvement.
Effect of Workload on Motivation of Teachers in Public Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya
(International Journal of Management Studies and Social Science Research, 2025-04) Namunyak, Lydia; Obere, Eliud
Motivation plays a crucial role in the lives of teachers and has significant implications for both educators and their students. Lack of motivation among teachers has been an issue affecting many secondary schools’ teachers including those in Kajiado County, Kenya. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of workload on the motivation of teachers in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Maslow’s theory of Motivation. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used in analysis. Descriptive statistics showed that respondents agreed that workload affected the motivation of teachers in Kajiado County, Kenya. Regression analysis showed that workload affected motivation positively and significantly (β = 0.125, Sig. = 0.047). The study concludes that a manageable workload ensures teachers can dedicate ample time to lesson planning, grading, and providing individualized support to students and recommends allowing teachers to take emergency leave days as it is essential for addressing the human and personal aspects of their lives, promoting well-being, and maintaining a positive and supportive school environment.
PlantGENE Report on Panel Discussion: Advancing Plant Biotechnology in Africa
(Springer, 2025) Malzahn Aimee A.; Songstad Nicole; Tripathi Leena; Ihuoma Okwuonu; Sithole‑Niang Idah; Runo Steven; Wagaba Henry; Kouassi Modeste; Kaeppler Heidi; Gordon‑Kamm William; Keunsub Lee; Wayne Parrott; Nigel Taylor; Rogers Christian; Gafney Jim; Van Eck Joyce; Veena Veena
This report provides an overview of the content and data collected from the “Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities
Plant Transformation Research in Africa” panel discussion. Organized by PlantGENE, this event brought together scientists
and stakeholders across the globe to examine the complex challenges and emerging opportunities in plant transformation
research in laboratories across Africa. The discussion, rooted in insights from a panel of six leading scientists, highlights
critical issues including restrictive regulatory environments, prohibitive costs, and the inconsistent availability of essential
research materials. Additionally, the pervasive “brain drain” phenomenon, where skilled researchers leave the continent for
better opportunities, exacerbates the difculties faced by African scientists. Despite these challenges, the report also identifes signifcant advancements, particularly in the growing recognition of African leadership within universities and national
agricultural research systems (NARS). These institutions, supported by highly skilled faculty and motivated graduate students,
are producing high-quality research that contributes to global scientifc knowledge. The panelists emphasized the necessity of
creating an environment that encourages African scientists to remain on the continent and address local challenges through
innovative research. Strengthening intra-African networks and fostering collaborations with the global scientifc community
are proposed as essential strategies to achieve this. This report underscores the critical need for substantial investments from
both global and African organizations, working with African governments, to support these eforts. Furthermore, it calls
for science-based decision-making and fair regulatory frameworks to align with unique opportunities and risks associated
with technological advancements in Africa. This paper details the observations of six panelists and analyzes the results of
attendee surveys in order to document these challenges and opportunities while advocating for sustained investment and
strategic partnerships to build a thriving bioeconomy across Africa.
Evaluation of Formulated Strigolactone Analogs for Striga Management in Kenyan Agriculture
(Elsevier B.V, 2025) Muhammad Jamil; Mutinda Sylvia; Jian You Wang; Barminga Damaris; Mwihaki Agnes; Navangi Lynet; Okiyo Teresa O.; Patil Rohit H.; Ngatia Titus; Mudavadi Patrick; Runo Steven; Al-Babili Salim
Striga hermonthica, an obligate root parasitic weed affecting cereal crops, poses a significant threat to global food
security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Germination of Striga seed largely relies on signaling molecules released by
the host roots, mainly strigolactones (SLs). Suicidal germination is an effective strategy for reducing Striga seed
banks in infested soils by applying SL analogs in the absence of a host. However, the challenge remains in
developing suitably formulated SL analogs for field application. In this report, we assessed the activity of two SL
analogs, MP3 and Nijmegen-1, in both granular and liquid formulations in laboratory and greenhouse settings,
and conducted mini-field and field trials to evaluate their effectiveness under farmers’ conditions, using maize as
the host crop in Kenyan agriculture. We observed a significant induction of Striga seed germination reaching up
to 56 % in laboratory germination bioassays and a reduction in Striga emergence by up to 77 % in greenhouse
pot studies. In mini- and field trials in different infested fields, we recorded up to 80 % and 65 % reduction in
Striga emergence, respectively. In conclusion, the formulated SL analogs demonstrate significant potential to
reduce Striga infestation in maize fields in Kenya and are promising candidates for use by farmers due to their
simplicity, ease of handling, stability, and effectiveness
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Performance: A Case of National Bank of Kenya
(International Academic Journal of Human Resource and Business Administration, 2025-01) Wachira, Mary Wanjiru; Wainaina, Lawrence
Improving organizational performance which entails using organizational resources correctly to achieve set goals and objectives is an important aspect for every organization that seeks to survive in the crowded and competitive market. This has led to banks and other organizations adopting a strategic leadership style to ensure they perform at the optimum. The focus of this investigation was to establish the association between human capital development and how the NBK performs in the market. NBK is a registered commercial bank in Kenya with a countrywide branch network. NBK has continued to perform poorly both in terms of profits and customer deposits even when other banks record improved performance. It was conducted within the national bank of Kenya by involving the head office and 9 branches in the coast region. The study was guided by the resources-based view (RBV) and Transformational leadership theories. The research employed a descriptive survey design. To actualize this, the researcher conducted a census using an interview guide to collect data from 18 senior managers at the national bank head office located at the National Bank Building Harambee Avenue, Nairobi. The study also used a self-administered questionnaire with predetermined responses requiring respondents to pick only one item per question. The tool was administered to 36 branch management staff in the coast region (Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Nyali, TUM, Bondeni, Changamwe, Nkrumah, and Ukunda). The study registered an 80% return rate which is acceptable for analysis. Analysis for the study data was done using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation while the relationship between study variables was tested using bivariate correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The study analysis show that results of analysis showed that human capital development is statistically significant to organizational performance at ninety-five percent level of confidence. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that the organization should continuously develop its human capital to make the bank increase its performance in the market