CW-School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Nadharia kama Mwongozo wa Utunzi na Uhakiki katika Fasihi
(University of Nairobi - Department of Linguistics & African Languages, 1992) Wafula, R. M.
The Potential of Tohono O'odham Z16 Maize as a New Breeding Germplasm for semi-Arid Areas of South East Kenya
(1999) Shisanya, C.A.; Hornetz, B.
The major objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of new maize variety in semi-arid environment of Southeast Kenya, with a view to making recommendations on its suitability for incorporation into the maize breeding programme at the national Dryland Farming Research Centre (NDFRC), Katumani, Kenya. Aspects like Phenology, crop water requirements and the diurnal leaf water potential (LWP) of Tohono O'odham Z16 (TOZ16) maize (Zea mays L.) were compared to those of locally grown varieties, Makueni DLC (MDLC) and Katumani composite B, (KCB) under two water treatments: irrigated and unirrigated, to determine its suitability for the maize breeding programme. The experiment design was randomized complete block design with four replicates per treatment. under irrigation treatment, TOZ16 attained physiological maturity within 70 days compared to 95 and 110 days for MDLC and KCB, respectively. under unirrigated treatment, leaf rolling was more pronounced with TOZ16 as compared to MDLC and KBC. These has been shown to be evidence for plant adaption to water stress and results in a marked reduction in effective leaf area thus reducing radiation load. MDLC and KBC are required ca. 41% and 52% more water than TOZ16, respectively. Under irrigation treatment, TOZ16 maize attained a minimum leaf water potential (LWP) of approximately-2.38 MPa compared to -2.85 and -3.00 MPa attained by MDLC and KBC respectively. The susceptibility of these latter two maize varieties to water stress was evidence by the fact that they quickly increased their hydrature level early in the morning compared to TOZ16 which tend to maintain its lower level for relatively longer period of time. Following these study it is strongly that TOZ16 be incorporated into the maize-breeding programme at NDFRC. The study shows that TOZ16 possesses physiological characteristics that could be positively exploited by plant breeders in the search of drought adapted maize cultivars for the semi-arid areas of southeast Kenya
Government for Kenya in the information age: Serikali or serikali?
(Kenya Library Association, 2000) Ombaka, D.M.
Conflict resolution in higher education: the case for moral authority and leadership integrity in management processes
(Kenyatta University, 2001) Aseka, Eric Masinde
Language Disparities in the Education Sector: The Case of Hearing Impaired Learners in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Wamae, Gertrude
Technological disparities affecting the use of geographical information systems (GIS) in third world countries
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Obando, Joy Apiyo
Thispaperpresents the existing disparities in technology and infrastructure that have hindered the effective applicationof Geo~raphic Information Systems (GIS) in third world countries. It is noted that GIS has increasingly becomeimportant over the last 30 years as a tool for analysis and synthesis of data, thus enhancing decisions made in various sectors. Comparison is made of selected third world countries including Kenya in terms of available infrastructurethat is necessary for use of GIS. The challenges facing third world countries in fully engaging in the GISworld are presented, as well as the importance of GIS for planning and management within these regions. Strategiesfor the third world to participate more effectively within today's rapidly expanding techno-world are provided.It is critical for the third world countries to engage in science and technology for development. To overcomethe effects of the disparities in technology and increase the level of use of GIS in third world countries, it is recommended that existing infrastructure be enhanced and, linkages developed and/or strengthened to enable continuousnetworking and information sharing
Code Switching in Multilingual Situation: Opposing Views
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Ogutu, Emily Atieno; Kanana, Fridah Erastus
In a multilingual situation where individuals have command of more than one language in which to communicate, people tend to engage in the simultaneous or alternate use of two or more languages during conversation. This results in a Sociolinguistic phenomenon known as Code Switching. Opposing views have been expressed regarding the use of Code Switching: Some language users view Code Switching negatively saying that it is impolite, especially where there is a mixed audience, and that it not only reflects the speaker S lack of competence in one or all of the languages involved, but that it also hinders the attainment of competence in the target language for those learning a second or third language. On the other hand, there are those who view Code Switching positively saying that it is a creative aspect of language use, a reflection of complex bilingual skills used for effective communication in multilingual situations. This paper explores the opposing views regarding the use of code switching and considers some data that support the positive view of Code Switching in relation to the Kenyan language situation. The paper proceeds to suggest that, if the view that Code Switching is a positively creative aspect of language use is adopted, then Code Switching can be used for the promotion of all the languages at play in a multilingual society
Applications of biotechnology in fostering health and well-being: directions for health and medical research in developing countries
(Kenyatta Universiry, 2003) Mumah, S. C. J.; Muoma, J. V. 0.; Mwaniki, J. W.
Biotechnology and Globalization are the two critically important forces of the 21st century, which not only carry with them immense potential benefits in medicine, but also risks. Biotechnology has a considerable potential for improving human health of the developing countries now and in thefuture since information generated by advances in genetics and biotechnology has major benefits for the prevention, diagnosis and management of communicable and genetic diseases. While the benefits of technological advances in biotechnology may be obvious, regulatory principles and capacities at both National and International levels are inevitable to sajeguard the publlc health against potential risks and hazards resulting from research and its application. Such principles as the WTO and TRIPS on intellectual property rights and patenting and Cartagena protocols on biosafety become imminent. Some of the applications of biotechnology in medicine and agriculture include, among others, DNA diagnostics in the management and control of communicable diseases and identification of drug resistant organisms; control and management of genetic disorders; production of genetically modified agricultural products. Although these applications are likely to benefit comparatively more of the poor countries today than the richer countries, most biotechnology research is carried out in the developed world and is primarily market-driven. Most of Sub-Saharan countries currently have either rudimentary, fragmentary or not yet being able to evolve biotechnology capabilities. There is however, an urgent need to initiate a process whereby developing countries can gain the kind of expertise in biotechnology, which is required for application to their own particular health needs. This paper discusses the ethical issues, , potential risks intellectual property rights and applications of biotechnology infostering health and well-being. It also points out the future direction of biotechnology and its enormous potential for improving health care in resource poor developing countries of the Sub-Saharan Africa region
Bantu Cultural and Linguistic Shift on Contact with Nilotic Luo: A Case Study of Languages around Lake Victoria
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Shivachi, Caleb
The Luo are Nilotic peoples and as they came into contact with the lacustrine Bantu namely; Gusii Kuria, Suba and Luhyia, alongside process of cultural and linguistic shift took place at the expense of bantu speakers. Once in contact the one time Bantu speakers changed over to become Luo speakers and generally the former would fee offended in reminded of their Bantu origins. This paper surveys the cultures particularly of the Luo speakers inorder to find pointers as to why the bantu willingly, so to speak, abandoned their cultures and languages in preference to Luo. No other indigenous language in Kenya other than Kiswahili seems to have influenced so many others as Luo did. In most cases some of the languages and dialects referred to in this research have disappeared others are in the process of shift and yet others are barely surviving the process of shift to Luo. Ironically the Bantu groups involved in contact with Luo attribute their cultural and linguistic shift to"Luo arrogance". The research will attempt to give reasons for shift and illustrate some of the linguistic processes of shift.
Language and Swahili Free Verse: Disparities, Implications and the Way Forward
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Masinde, Edwin W.
Parities and disparities in attaining global health: the way forward for developing countries
(Kenyatta Universiry, 2003) Mumah, C. J. S.
The 20th Century witnessed a revolution in human health and well being. Average life expectancy at birth in many industrialized countries nearly doubled from around 45 years in 1900 to more than 70 years in 1999 (UN, 1976). Less developed counties also enjoyed dramatic, albeit less extensive, improvements in living standards and declines in mortality. However, as some health threats have receded, others have emerged. Some disease causing microbes have become resistant to medicines commonly used to treat them. Aspects of modern life appear to encourage unhealthy behavior, such as smoking, high fat diets and risky sexual practices. And, there is substantial gap in mortality and disability among and within countries. A growing recognition of this disparity prompted the World Health Organization to mount an international effort to attain "health for all" (WHO, 2000). This paper looks at trends in health over the past century and identifies the ways that nations could adopt to pursue the goal of better global health. It explores the multiple factors that determine health, stressing the need for action from the individual to the international level to improve health.
Causes of gender insensitivity in the provision of low-income housing in the city of Nairobi,Kenya
(2003-09) Muiruri, P. W.
Under development as a reflection of gender disempowerment and injustices in society: The way forward
(2003-09) Gachara, Joshua
Our societies are in pathetic state and are gradually recovering from their traditional amnesia to the wake of modern civilization. However, in both traditional and modern, the societies are experienriing a state of gender disempowerment, gender injustices characterizing human rights abuse and an imbalance of roles played by member. This makes them not realize and utilize their maximum potentials towards development, hence lowering human dignity. The paper critically assesses issues raised in the above; elaborate them and relate how each hinders economic development. It discusses how these problems can be tackled through institutions such as the government; NGOs, and how they canfully participate in handling certain issues. Such issues include domestic violence,female genital cut, African taboos and traditions in relation to gender, and the effects of male domination in civil warfare.
Song: an agent in social deconstruction of gender
(2003-09) Ndungo, C. M.
The song is an essential part of many Kenyan communities. It caries serious implications of societal values and inspirations. While other oral art forms are controlled by traditions in content and form, songs possess unique freedom. The song is the most flexible genre of oral literature. This characteristics hinges on the fact that the song is capable of taking new ideas or words and fit them into the song without changing its structure, rhythm or body movements (Kabira and Mutahi, 1988). This enables the song to be a genre, which is responsive to change in every day life of the community. It is in this light that the paper explores the role of the song in gender socialization and how it can be used as a harbinger for change in addressing gender stereotypes.
How Nduumo - a Gikuyu women's poetic form functions as a vehicle of protest against traditional and modern sexist oppression in Kenya
(2003-09) Muhoro, Mwangi P.
The women s Liberation movement, civil society activists, women rights affirmative action, women caucus, NGOs, CBOs and gender sensitive organizations have been on the fore front in advancing the case for equity and equality not only in the third world countries but in the developed world. The social struggles for equality has been and remains a contentious issue which more often than not revolves around ender disparities in the access to state resources. The womenfolk are entitled for basic protection of human rights and the right to exploit their own wealth. Thispaper addresses gender issue through thepoetry created by Nduumo women artistes as aform ofpursuing power emancipation reality in the third world matrix. What is Nduumo poetry? Who performs it? Where and how? In brief, Nduumo is a cultural dance for girls, young and elderly women in the Gikuyu community of Kenya. It is a folk dance performed in Nyakinyua (elderly women) groups as they participate in the development of the nation. Nduumo poetry is central in Kenya s social and political structure. It is the poetry of harambee functions, political rallies, women social meeting and also as an electioneering tool to key politicians in Kenya. Nevertheless, protests against male chauvinism and sexiest oppression are central in Nduumo poetry. In the paradigm of poetry and society, it is a verbal weapon for voicing social, cultural, political and economic affairs in the unprecedented disparities in a patriarchal and male dominant world.
Socio-cultural and gender issues in substance abuse in Kenya
(2003-09) Njoroge, Martin
In the global scene, today substance abuse is said to contribute to many social problems, including the break-up of family structures, decreased productivity, injuries and automobile accidents. Criminal activity is often the result of / substance abuse or the desire of money to purchase drugs. There are many factors that lead members of a specific society to abuse drugs. These could be religious, curative, cultural, social or recreational. However, some questions do arise: are there any gender disparities in substance abuse? Are there socio-cultural factors that, for example, push a man to substance abuse and leave out a woman or vice versa? What socio-cultural and gender issues do children, adults and the elderly face that predispose them to substance abuse in Kenya? What does the current literature on substance abuse say as regards gender disparity in thefield? In this paper, we purpose to address the problem of substance abuse in Kenya and discuss how socio-cultural and gender disparities interplay in pushing both male andfemale members of society into substance abuse den. There is also a review of literature on gender and substance abuse specifically highlighting any disparities in how society generally view men and women who abuse drugs. In our discussion, the term social denotes all that relates to human society while culture summates the total range of the inherited ideas, beliefs and knowledge which constitutes the shared basis of social action. In discussing gender issues, we take account of special pre-dispositions or strengths that come about because of being male or female.
Politics of transition and democracy in Africa - Keynote Address
(2003-09) Aseka, Eric Masinde
Revitalizing African music studies in higher education: conference lessons for Kenyan universities
(2006) Wekesa, Peter Wafula
Ethnic indigene and nation building in Kenya: a critical survey of the 1962-1963 Kalenjin-Luhya boundary clashes in Aldai and its implications for the 'new nation'
(Moi University, 2007) Lubanda, Eliud N.; Omanga, Duncan M.
The advent of colonialism and the attendant activities of formal government authority over the African peoples and drawing of boundaries brought a new dimension of relationship between the communities resident in Aldai. Whereas the Kalenjin speaking peoples regarded themselves as the 'owners' of the area currently known as Aldai, the colonial government lumped them together with the Luhya and Luo speaking peoples under one Central Kavirondo and subsequently North Nyanza Province. Treasured cultural practices like female circumcision and cattle raiding were banned. Traditional enmities between the tribes were re-awakened, and a state of perpetual tension ensued between the communities living side by side in this period. This is reflected in the reports of the colonial administration during the drawing of the borders.There were problems between the neighboring Nandi and Tiriki of Serem. The Tiriki were forbidden from working in Nandi land (KNA 1956 DC/KBT/82 LND 16/1/1 Document No. 39) This paper discusses the arbitrary boundary making activities of the colonial government in this largely un-researched Aldai area in Western Kenya. How the boundary drawing project was the laying ground for some of the insidious ethnic differences between the neighboring communities. And finally, reflect on the challenge of nation building vis-a-vis ethnic identity in the light of troubled emerging ethnic relations in the Kenya.
Globalisation and the New Pan East Africanism: Exploring Borderland Research and Theoretical Issues in the Study of Regional Integration
(The Africa-Asia-Latin America Scholarly Collaborative Program., 2008) Wekesa, Peter Wafula
Intellectual discourses on regional integration in Africa have continued to gener¬ate diverse and often contradictory debates and responses. A common con¬vergence in these debates, as they have increasingly come to be associated with the current process of globalisation, is that regional integration is not only desirable but also necessary. The latter consensus seems to be justified on the premise that individual states cannot readily achieve their social, economic and political goals in isolation from their neighbours. Thus, the desirability of promoting regional integration continue to be widely acknowledged by multilat¬eral agencies, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), national governments and academics on the continent. The concept of Pan-East Africanism, seen as the new initiative to integrate the East African states of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is contextualized within the emerging global realities and trends. This paper sets out to review the state of regional integration efforts in East Africa. Viewed within the context of Pan-East Africanism, the paper explores some of the theoretical and methodological backgrounds informing current research on regional integration. Away from the often-accepted state-centric and mainly economistic theoretical formulations, the paper offers some critical reflections on regional integration based on the new emerging borderland perspectives. It specifically argues that people centred top-up theoretical perspectives offer a more informed and practical approach to regional integration in East Africa

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