DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "Mbataru, Patrick"

Browsing by Author "Mbataru, Patrick"

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Cash Transfer and the Economic Well-Being of Persons with Severe Disability in Wajir County, Kenya
(IJCAB Publishing Group, 2019) Abdille, Issa Kurash; Mbataru, Patrick
Social interventions such as cash transfers provide the much needed support to vulnerable people. People living with disabilities continue to remain economically deprived, experiencing high levels of poverty. In Wajir County, this crisis is more exacerbated by the nomadic setting where disabled persons are left behind as other individuals move. They are left to cater for themselves due to their mobility constraints. The welfare of these people continue to deteriorate since they are unable to work and highly depend on others and hence do not have the capacity of self-sufficiency. These people remain dependent on the government and non-governmental agencies. The effect of cash transfer programs however, is not fully known. This study sought to assess the effect of cash transfer on the economic well-being of people with severe disabilities in Wajir County. The study is founded on the Maslow’s theory of needs, the sustainable livelihoods framework and the rights-based approach. The study employed mixed methods research design and targeted all family heads for all the 183 under the Persons with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer in Wajir North and Tarbaj sub-Counties as at 2015 and 19 senior officials working with the sub-counties’ social development offices. The study used primary data obtained through semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. Data analysis methods that be employed involved quantitative and qualitative approaches. The qualitative data was analysed using content analysis where the information obtained was reported in a narrative form and direct quotes. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Quantitative data analysis was facilitated by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20. Descriptive statistics such as the rate of response, frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation were used. Inferential statistics generated included correlation and regression analysis. The study findings showed that cash transfer supported household income, healthcare access, investment in productive activities and empowerment had positive and significant effect on the economic wellbeing of persons living with disabilities in Wajir County. The study concluded that if the cash transfer programme was to achieve its objectives and transform the economic wellbeing of the beneficiary households, the aforementioned support areas needed to be adequately embedded in the programme’s plan. The study made several recommendations among them that the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services Programmes should consider increasing the monthly disbursements given to persons living with disabilities so that they can venture in to activities that would give them supplementary incomes. There can be other activities within the programme meant to support the beneficiaries to be self-reliant so that they do not have to rely on the transfers throughout. The study also recommends that the officials overseeing the cash transfer programme for persons living with disabilities should have follow up programs especially for beneficiaries who have ventured in to productive activities so that they can support them to expand their income generation activities. The programme can partner with other development partners such as donors and NGOs and also the county government to create a fund where beneficiaries can get more assistance both financial and non-financial in order to expand their activities. The study further recommends that the programme should provide networking programs were beneficiary households can interact with various organizations so as to secure livelihood opportunities such as employment among others.
Determinants of Cotton Production Among Smallholders Farmers in Kenya: The Case of Makueni County
(2014-11) Kimani, Martin Githuku; Mbataru, Patrick; Ngeno, Weldon; Kiruthu, Felix
This study was carried to determine cotton production among smallholder farmers in Makueni County. The study was based on the following objectives to: Identify the challenges experienced by smallholder cotton farmers in Makueni County; indicate the responses by the Government towards cotton production in Kenya and evaluate the role of policy and institutional incentives in the production of cotton. This study was conducted in the low rainfall cotton growing areas of Makueni, county in Kenya because it is among the major areas of cotton production in Kenya where the cotton yields both at county and at farm levels are well below potential. This study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study was smallholder « 1 ha) farmers who produce cotton under rain fed conditions and Extension Officers, CODA officers and KARl Officers with a sample frame of 3455 small scale farmers. Purposive sampling of target population in the cotton growing areas of Makueni County was sampled. In addition, a multistage random sampling was used to select sample of 103 cotton growers (respondents) and 12 various agricultural and cotton growing officials. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data from selected individual framers and interview guide. Pilot study was done on randomly cotton growing farmers within the county. This was mainly to verify whether the items generated by the researcher displays stimulus homogeneity hence valid and reliable. The instrument was evaluated for content validity that is the extent to which the questionnaire content, which includes vocabulary, sentence structure and the questions, are suitable for the intended respondents. The studies assessed reliability by split half method. In conclusion, because Kenya's cotton sector is generally characterized by a large number of smallholder farmers with a low average yield and poor quality cotton fiber outputs making competition to be an issue particularly for small holder farmers not only in Makueni County but the entire country. The study mainly recommends that competitiveness of the cotton sub sector in Kenya should be addressed; at the moment the cost of production is high due to costs of electricity and use of outdated technology - these issues must be addressed in order to improve efficiency of production, lower costs and improve competitiveness. The state of infrastructure must also be addressed, as these are some of the concerns raised by the stakeholders to help small scale farmers. The study suggests that further studies on effects of cotton production among farmers should be carried in other parts of the country for comparison before generalization.
Does Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties Enhance Household Food Security in Maize growing Zones of Eastern Kenya
(www.iiste.org, 2014) Bett, E.K.; Ouma, James; Mbataru, Patrick
The paper evaluates the effect of intensity of adoption of improved maize varieties on household food security measured by per capita consumption expenditure, per capita maize consumption and farmer’s assessment. Three hundred and fourteen households were interviewed in the moist transitional zones of Embu, Meru South and Imenti South sub-counties in Kenya in September and October 2013. Intensity of adoption of improved maize varieties varies continuously and this feature allows estimation of the dose response function. The dose response function was estimated using generalized propensity score useful for analyzing causal effects of continuous treatments. The results indicated an increasing dose response function between intensity of adoption and per capita food consumption expenditure. The food consumption expenditure increased from KES 76 at 0.04 area share of improved maize varieties to KES 237 at 1 area share. Per capita maize consumption increased from 77 kg at 0.04 to 104 kg at 0.20 area shares of improved maize varieties but assumed diminishing return after 0.20 area shares. Likewise, the probability of food security increased from 58% at about 0.05 acres to 79 % at 1.4 adoption level. After 0.05 area share, the probability of food security decreased. Policies that increase maize productivity and ease farmer’s adoption constraints can enhance food security of households.
Drivers of adoption of Improved Maize varieties in Moist Transitional zone of Eastern Kenya
(2015-03-04) Bett, E.K.; Mbataru, Patrick; Ouma, James
Despite its role in food security in Kenya, maize deficit has increased in the recent years posing serious food security threat. This worrying trend necessitates careful review of adoption. The paper quantifies determinants of adoption and intensity of use of improved maize varieties in moist transitional zone of Eastern Kenya based on data collected between September and October 2013 from 314 farming households. Double hurdle model was used to estimate the determinants of adoption and intensity of use of improved maize varieties. Many of the institutional factors: extension contacts, farmer group membership, distance to input market and extension office were significant in explaining the probability of adoption. Fertilizer use, livestock and consumer worker ratio were identified as important farm characteristics in the adoption. Age was the only household characteristic that was associated with the likelihood of adoption. These factors were not important in the intensity of adoption. Intensity of adoption was explained by intercropping of maize and legumes, ownership of mobile phones, household size, remittances, confidence in extension workers and availability of seed of improved maize varieties. Given that different sets of factors determined the probability and intensity of adoption, considering the two decision processes for the purpose of identifying appropriate strategies for increasing productivity is critical. The results suggest strengthening of farmer’s groups, particularly innovation platforms, and extension services. Since distance to input and output market was factor in adoption, improving infrastructure would reduce transaction cost and encourage farmers to adopt modern technologies. Policies aimed at enhancing maize productivity and the adoption of improved maize by improving and maintaining the household asset base should also be central to food security strategies.
Effects of Devolution on the Restructuring of the Provincial Administration in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi City County
(IJCAB Publishing Group, 2020) Mutinda, Cynthia M.; Mbataru, Patrick
Devolution in Kenya is about decentralising political, financial and administrative powers to forty seven counties. Kenya had practised devolution through the one year Majimbo government which lasted in 1964, before the highly centralised provincial administration was established. The provincial administration was centralised and gained control over all decentralized ministerial functions in the country; as an extension of the executive office of the president in the field. The Constitution stipulates that the provincial administration be restructured to align with the devolved administrative structure. Little research has been done on the structural frictions that arise from the fact that central governments are keen to retain or recapture the same authority that have been devolved to the lower level governments. Therefore, on this basis this study sought to establish the effects of implementing devolution on the operations of the Provincial Administration. The study was anchored on the objectives of establishing how devolution had shaped the structure of the Provincial Administration in Kenya; examine the extent to which functions of both County and National Government Administrators are interlinked and to identify the challenges faced in the implementation of Schedule Four of the Constitution. Both primary and secondary data were used. The study was guided by the Structural Functionalism theory of Emile Durkheim, which compare the society to an organism comprising of structures that influence each other for its own existence. A case study design was used with Nairobi City County as the study area. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample size for the questionnaires from the sample frame. Further the study used purposive sampling technique to select key informants for the interview guide. SSP version 21 and Content analysis were used to analyse the descriptive data. Data was presented in tables, charts and prose form. The study found out that the provincial administration had restructured through change of tittles and administrative units but not functions, there were points of roles interlinkages some of which are not procedurally and devolution was facing challenges such as: - revenue allocation, administrative and bureaucratic culture, organisational capacity and stakeholder mistrusts. The study concluded that duplication of functions by both levels of government still exists and that the aligning of the provincial administration with the schedule four was yet to be fully attained. Devolution advance national unity by recognising diversity and that it promotes participatory and transparent exercise of authority. The study recommends the enactment of legislation on functions to regulate the constitutional functions of the two levels of government and that commission on Revenue allocation to focus on Wards as the point of reverence in budgeting as they happen to be the service delivery vocal point. It further recommends the need for concerted efforts in creation of awareness on matters devolution through a structured civic education program. The fourth schedule needs to be implemented in tandem with the county government act 2012, for separation of functions between the National and County governments. There is need further research on devolution in future and to widen the study by including a bigger samples size, widening its scope and other variables not covered by this study.
Globalization and Conflict in Central Kenya: The Case of Nyeri County, 1980-2010
(IISTE, 2014) Kiruthu, Felix; Mbataru, Patrick
While conflicts are common in Africa, contextualizing them against the backdrop of globalization calls for new research. This paper focuses on the source of conflict in a rapidly urbanizing rural region in Kenya. Specifically, it looks at globalization and conflict in central Kenya. It links the conflict in the county of Nyeri to the emergence of Mungiki vigilantes and armed militias by arguing that economic decline occasioned by collapse of cash crop and dairy farming contributed to the intensification of conflict. The paper found out that there is a close relationship between neoliberal economic policies and origins of conflict in central Kenya. The study was based on content analysis of documents and oral interviews. Oral interviewees were identified through snowballing techniques. The paper recommends that for the government of Kenya to tackle the issue of conflict, focus must be given to economic growth. Unemployment particularly among the youth must be tackled urgently
Policy and efficiency nuts in agrifood marketing system: a case study of macadamia nuts in Kenya
(2016-09) Muroiga, Wilfred M.; Wanderi, P. M.; Mbataru, Patrick; Kithinji, F.
The study sought to assess the efficiency of agrifood marketing system in Kenya, focusing on market concentration, quality control systems, information flow, price policies, margins, promotion and advertising, as well as market organisational structures. To achieve this, the study relied on the world economic triangle model and social marketing theory. The World Economic Triangle Principle was used in providing information on global markets and global value chain, while social marketing theory was used in providing the strategic orientation of macadamia marketing to increase efficiency. 292 respondents were taken from 32 randomly selected markets in the five counties of Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Nyeri. Each set of questionnaires was tailored to elicit particular information from the respondents who were 162 farmers, 28 middlemen, 7 processors, 30 retailers and 65 consumers. Data from the field was cleaned, coded and saved for processing using SPSS version 20. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used alongside statistical models such as regression, correlation, Chi Square and ANOVA, in determining the efficiency.Data were categorised into themes and subthemes using thematic content analysis method based on the objectives of the study. Findings from the study showed that lack of proper organisational structures, poor pricing policies, lack of centralised authority for quality control standardisation and certification of macadamia for exports and lack of proper training for traders are some factors of lowering the efficiency.This study recommends proper organisational structures on macadamia systems to be set and good information flow systems be developed to improve efficiency of macadamia marketing system in Kenya. It is expected that, well operationally and efficient developed marketing systems will meet new global marketing models and marketing requirements. Keywords: Efficiency, Agrifood, Marketing System, Macadamia Nuts, Kenya
The Role of Mobile Phone Technology in Resolving Communal Conflicts in Mandera County, Kenya
(International Journal of Current Aspects, 2020) Eymoi, Mohamed Ibrahim; Mbataru, Patrick
The unprecedented global adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is rapidly changing the way people are communicating in solving problems. For several years now, the role of ICTs has become important in the way people construct their relationships in conflict resolution. Yet little is known on the dynamism of this interaction. It is not clear how mobile technology has contributed toward conflict resolution, and this study will contribute to the knowledge on the role of mobile telephones in conflict resolution. The purpose of this study was to explore how the mobile phone technology contributed in resolving communal conflicts in Mandera County, Kenya. This study was guided by three theories: conflict transformation theory, diffusion of innovations theory and social representation theory. The conflict Tansformation Theory is adopted as the main theory of analysis. The main idea of this theory is transforming negative conflict into constructive conflict, deals with structural, behavioural and attitudinal aspects of conflict. This study adopted a descriptive survey. The population for this study consisted of 301 employees in ICT and security department where stakeholders in technology and security sectors and the public. Primary and secondary data was analysed according to the objectives. Primary data was derived from questionnaires formulated to target employees in ICT and security department. The data analysis included qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative data was summarized and categorized according to common themes and was presented using frequency distribution tables, graphs and charts. Content analysis was used mostly to arrive at inferences through a systematic and objective identification of the specific messages. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results confirmed that short message service, social media plateform, instant messaging applications, and video conferencing play a role in resolving communal conflicts in Mandera County. The study concludes that Short Message Service, Social Media Platforms and Instant Messaging Applications can be used conflict such as communal conflicts. Video Conferencing can be used to solve conflict such as relationship conflict, arises from differences in personality, style, matters of taste, and even conflict style as well as conflict in the workplace like task conflict. County government of Mandera must come up with ways of incorporating mobile phone technologies such as Short Message Service, Social Media Platforms, Instant Messaging and Video Conferencing on matters conflict resolution. The study recommends that the County Government of Mandera in collaboration with the National Government need to come up with agencies to regulate the use of social media as a medium to communicate in times of conflict since they are sometimes prone to misuse.
The Effects of Financing on Completion of Government Road Projects: A Case of Kenya National Highway Authority
(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers, 2023-11) Chibole,Patricia Aponga; Mbataru, Patrick
Maintaining steady completion of road construction projects in the government of Kenya has been an issue of concern to the government, stakeholders, and contractors. Therefore, there have been numerous cases of delays and non-completion of projects which have contributed to irreparable loss to the government and the economy as a whole. Studies done on road construction tend to concentrate on the success of the projects, to add more knowledge, this study sought to address the problem of completion of government road construction projects. This study sought to fill this gap by analyzing the effects of financing on the completion of government road construction projects in Kenya with special reference to the Kenya National Highway Authority. This research adopted a descriptive approach and the target population was composed of 240 management staff of the Kenya National Highway Authority. The researcher used a stratified random sampling procedure to select a sample size of 72 respondents. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings revealed that financing had a positive and significant effect on the completion of government road projects. The project’s budget is crucial and it has an influence in all areas of both project planning as well as implementation. It is crucial to keep track of expenses for various work packages and total costs in a project. The road project financier should produce a clear schedule of funds on all project cycles and have devoted qualified staff members who are capable of creating scenarios of effective timeliness and implementation. This makes timely funding and project planning easier to manage, and it can be useful for projects similar to the current project
Tomato Market Efficiency Analysis: A Study of Nyeri and Karatina Markets, Kenya
(2013-12-23) Mwaura, V. W.; Nyairo, N.M.; Mbataru, Patrick
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Kenya. It contributes about 26% of the annual GDP directly and 25% indirectly. Over 70% of Kenyans particularly those living in the rural areas earn their livelihood from it. Sustainable agricultural growth is therefore crucial for improving their living standards and stimulating economic growth. It is estimated that over 25?~OO ha of the total cultivated land in Kenya are under fruits and vegetables production and'that over 80% of the total producers are small scale farmers. It is also estimated that over 90% of the total fruits and vegetables produced are traded in the local markets. Agricultural produce marketing is vital in Kenya and other developing countries as it creates an incentive to improved production thus positively contributing to food security and household income. Improved agricultural production increases the demand for farm inputs and implements which promotes industrial growth. Marketing creates job opportunities both directly and indirectly hence contributing to millennium development goal (MDG) number one on extreme poverty and hunger eradication. Through marketing, those living in low and none productive areas like municipalities are able to get enough food supplies. Literature shows that despite its importance, agricultural produce marketing has been neglected by researchers for long not only in Kenya but also. in other developing countries. There has been a lot of research on how to increase agricultural production as opposed to marketing improvement. This has resulted to low development of the existing marketing systems. Literature also shows that agricultural produce marketing has been low in efficiency not only in Kenya but also in other developing countries. Moreover, most agricultural produce like tomatoes and other fresh vegetables are highly perishable and cannot be stored for long. Tomatoes are highly sensitive to poor handling and exposure to excess heat. They are highly demanded countrywide but produced only in suitable areas or in greenhouses by able farmers. Moreover there has been production increase caused by adoption of greenhouses in recent years. Due to these factors, tomatoes require a highly efficient marketing system. Market efficiency is affected by market structure and conduct among other factors. Nyeri and Karatina markets are expected to differ in structure based on their size difference. Their current level of efficiency is not known. This study therefore, will look at the efficiency of tomatoes marketing and the factors that influence it in Nyeri and Karatina markets, within Nyeri County, Kenya. A survey will be conducted by interviewing a sample of tomato market traders in the two markets of study. Sampling of tomato market traders will be done using simple random sampling method. Those sampled will then be guided to fill the questionnaire. The data so collected will be synthesized and recorded in excel spread sheet. Analysis will be done in four stages. The first stage will' involve determination of marketing cost and market margin. In the second stage market efficiency level will be determined as percentage. In stage three, the efficiency percentage obtained in stage two will be regressed on some independent variables hypothesized to have effects on market efficiency. This will be done to estimate their effect on the efficiency. Stage four will compare the efficiency of the two markets. The findings of this research will increase the level of Knowledge on marketing efficiency. It will facilitate planning for improvement of agricultural produce marketing. This will translate to better farm gate prices, better consumer prices and reasonable profit for traders. Farmers and traders will therefore earn more income, while consumers will have some savings. The beneficiaries of this study therefore will be farmers, traders, consumers and Kenyan citizens at large will benefit from the contribution made to the economy.

Browsing by Author "Mbataru, Patrick"

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