RP-Department of Fashion, Design & Marketing
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Item Approaches in researching human measurement: MMU model of utilising anthropometric data to create size charts(EuroMed Research Business Institute, 2008) Otieno, R.Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a model of researching clothing anthropometrics at the Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK (MMU model), to demonstrate steps in devising size charts by analysing raw data, to relate key aspects of size charts to raw data, and to generate debate on such methods that impinge on the disseminated knowledge in this specialised area. Although sizing is important to consumers, retailers and manufacturers, this area has received scarce attention in the literature. Design/methodology/approach – The MMU model presents step‐by‐step processes in generating size charts. Data from 150 women generated descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentiles); these were utilised to devise seven sizes of a body measurements table. Correlations were used to determine relationships, resulting in size charts with a defined size range and grading increments that are relatable to utilisation by consumers, retailers and manufacturers. Findings – A step‐by ‐step model of analysing raw data is presented. A verifiable size chart, codes, grading increments and size limits relatable to data are generated. The usefulness of size charts is therefore contextualised. Research limitations/implications – This paper discusses only one model of researching clothing anthropometrics and provides a related conceptual framework; this could be the basis for future research and debate in this area. Practical implications – For competitiveness, efficient sizing is useful for marketing, especially in creating niches, targeting customers and facilitating consumer satisfaction. Originality/value – The MMU model provides an initial conceptual framework at one institution, a benchmark for similar practice in academia and industry and subsequent debate in literature.Item Body Measurement Technology and Utilisation: Implications for Africa(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2013-10) Otieno, Rose BujehelaAnthropometry is fundamental in medicine, ergonomics, clothing, nutrition, fitness and health among other areas. Although utilised worldwide for clothing purposes, body measurement was based on manual and more recently, digital methods mainly in selected countries especially in the West. Current trends focus on new technology including state-of-the-art body scanning and subsequent utilisation and integration of such data in medicine, ergonomics, clothing design, health and fitness. Major national surveys continue to be conducted worldwide, but these are proprietary especially because of the cost implications and funding arrangements. While some measurement of African populations has been conducted, documentation and dissemination of such data is limited, thereby creating an apparent gap in knowledge and its application. The purpose of this paper is to contextualise body measurement in clothing technology and the utilisation of such data in Africa; and to present views from clothing technology perspectives that were collected from specialists and final year university students. Using an interview schedule, data were collected and analysed. Areas for focus were knowledge, educational programmes, usability, availability, new technology and its uptake, research and utilisation in industry. Findings reveal the urgent need for current comprehensive anthropometric data regarding African populations such as the Kenyan one. Poor resources and relevant knowledge, technology cost, poor up-take are reasons for lack of utilisation. To leverage funding, collaboration between governments, educational and research institutions on the one hand and related industry on the other is recommended. Integration of new digital and scanning technologies in body measurement could enhance global competitiveness; with validity and usability of such data across the different disciplines. The importance, context and implications of body measurement technology in clothing in Kenya and Africa are discussed.Item Challenges and Opportunities for Handicraft Traders as East Meets West at Open Air Markets in Nairobi, Kenya(The international journal of costume culture, 2010) Oigo, E. B.; Wanduara, M. W.; Nguku, E. K.East and West meet in Kenya as tourists to enjoy the climate, hospitality and tourist attractions. Handicraft traders target tourists from the East and the West to buy handicrafts. This research was carried out among textile handicraft traders in open air markets in Nairobi, Kenya to find out their product range, customer base and issues affecting their businesses. The study found that only 25% of the handicraft traders exported abroad. Most of the traders would like to and would benefit more from export trade; however they face challenges in doing so. Handicraft traders are constrained in exporting their products to the East and West because of insufficient information, inadequate capital and lack of contacts in the export location.Item The competencies of fashion design teachers in public institutions of higher learning in Nairobi County, Kenya(2016) Kaindi, Isika Juliet; Mburugu, Keren; Nguku, Everlyn; Obere, Almadi‘Real’ fabric draping involves the use of sample textile, fabric or cloth to make patterns or garments on a model or dress form stands manually. The technique is suitable for ready-to-wear and couture garment designs and has numerous advantages, including satisfaction with garment fit, accurate proportions of fabric division and reduced time waste. Numerous studies in Kenya have been carried out on the subject of Home Science. However, little documentation exists on ‘real’ fabric draping for design in Kenya. This paper anchors its discussion on the findings of a study that sought to assess the usage of ‘real’ fabric in draping by teachers in public institutions of higher learning and fashion designers in Nairobi County, Kenya, and assesses the competencies of fashion design teachers in Nairobi County, Kenya. It also examines the relationship between the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design, on the one hand, and the teachers’ area of training on the other hand. The study was guided by the activity theory and pedagogic activity system structure. Employing a cross-sectional survey research design, five public institutions of higher learning were purposively selected. ------------------------------------------------------------------ * Corresponding author. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2016) Volume 26, No 1, pp 278-291 279 The sample size comprised five heads of department, 32 teachers and 266 students. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used. The results revealed that very few public institutions of higher learning use ‘real’ fabric draping for design. Majority of the teachers were not trained in the area of fashion design. Chi-square analysis results yielded a fairly strong relationship between use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design and pattern development technique taught (V= 0 .646; p < 0.0001*) and sources of curriculum (V= 0.623; p < 0.0001*). Use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design had a weak association with teachers’ area of training (V = 0. 018; p < 0.006). It was concluded that the teachers area of training was not highly associated with the use of ‘real’ fabric draping. This may be due to the fact that most fashion design teachers were trained in clothing / garment design and are able to understand the technique. Pattern development technique taught and sources of curriculum and teachers’ area of training are the key issues associated with the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design in public institutions of higher learning. This paper recommends that public institutions of higher learning should ensure that teachers engaged have the adequate skills to teach ‘real’ fabric draping for design as a practical unit. This would ensure that the students acquire pertinent skills imparted as prescribed in the curriculum.Item The Cultural Genogram: Experiential Entrepreneurship through a Global Lens(The Business and Management Review, 2017-04) Rolle, J.D.; Billy, Iris; Zarbabal, Khasadyahu; Kisato, Jacquelyn; Acevedo, RobertoExperiential entrepreneurship has become a significant pedagogy in preparing American students to compete in the dynamic and consolidating global economy. Whereas the model of experiential learning facilitates collaboration between industry experts, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders, it is imperative to look at entrepreneurship from a global perspective. Medgar Evers College has a mission for social justice and socio-economic transformation. Through the Entrepreneurship & Experiential Learning (EEL) lab, students are exposed to industry leaders, faculty and other stakeholders to the benefits of global entrepreneurship and experiential learning. This paperis a case study that discusses lessons learned on innovation, culture and entrepreneurship from students and faculty’s exposure to innovation and international entrepreneurs from Kenya, Chile, Costa Rico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, China, London, Paris, Japan and Thailand. Additionally, the paper addresses the implications on entrepreneurial learning by encouraging diverse perspectives and practicefor the student entrepreneurs in the 21st century. The originality of the paper is in it’s diversity of perspectives – it is a collaboration of faculty and staff on three different continents and three academic institutions.Item Development of a conceptual framework of the role of sizing in marketing strategy within clothing firms: Indications from in‐depth interviews with manufacturers(Emerald, 2000) Otieno, R.The aim of this research was to develop a conceptual framework of the role of garment sizing in the marketing strategy of clothing manufacturing firms in Kenya. From the review of literature, salient components of marketing principles and practices that had been analysed by preceding authors provided the theoretical basis for this qualitative study. The procedures for the in‐depth interviews with 13 clothing manufacturers and ten retailers are explained. Based on grounded theory techniques, the data from the interviews were analysed, resulting in a conceptual framework for determining marketing strategy in this clothing market. Results showed that these firms are still market production oriented, and may face severe competition from inward‐bound competitors who are marketing oriented. This exploratory study contextualised the role of size charts in the marketing strategy of clothing firms.Item E-Marketing Utilisation among Apparel MSEs in Nairobi, Kenya(African Journal of Textile and Apparel Research, 2015) Kisato, J; Wandaka, I.; Muigai, D.The ubiquitous nature of the internet has provided a new marketing platform for the cotton, textile and apparel value chain. Utilisation of E-Marketing strategies has been challenging for many micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, there is paucity of data on how utilisation of E-Marketing affects the enterprise’s performance. This paper, investigated the utilisation of E-Marketing strategies and the influence on the performance of MSEs’ in the fashion/apparel industry in Nairobi County, Kenya. This study used a cross section analytical survey method and a questionnaire to collect data from 156 fashion enterprises that had an online presence by December 30th 2012. A sample size of 170 enterprises was selected from a population of 226 enterprises. The response rate was at 91.7%. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling method. The data was analyzed using (SPSS) version 19.0. Descriptive statistics were generated and frequency distributions were used to describe the demographics of the respondents, characteristics of the enterprises, utilization of EMarketing strategies and their effect on the MSE’s performance. Regression analysis and one way ANOVA were used to examine the linear relationships between the independent and the dependent variables. This study adds new knowledge on utilisation of E-Marketing in fashion MSEs in Nairobi county, Kenya and provides insight into how utilization of E-Marketing strategies affect performance. This study recommends that more fashion entrepreneurs should be innovative and keep abreast with developments in the eBusiness environment to increase their market share and profitabilityItem Education and Innovation in the Digital Age: Synergizing Technology and the Business of Learning(Kenya Institute of Education, 2013) Kisato, J.Kenya's education and training curricula aims at ensuring that the creation, adoption, adaptation and usage of knowledge become part of formal instruction. Under Education and training the Government aims at providing a globally competitive quality education, training and research for development. (Kenya Vision 2030). Higher learning in tertiary institutions and universities has embraced Information technology to keep abreast with the changing times both in curriculum delivery and administrative processes. In the creative design area, this is no exception. Departments of Architecture, Design, Fine Art and Fashion Design and Marketing are embracing computer technology in curriculum delivery and implementation to prepare students for the job market. This paper seeks to address the creative process in design and the adoption of computer technology in design among visual designers. The study is based on the hypothesis that Computer Aided Design (CAD) training is a skill that is vital for the employability of the youth in both local and international educational and business markets. In an effort to understand the level of adoption of CAD in the design process, existing theoretical and empirical literature was used. A critical analysis of data collected from secondary sources, interviews and direct communication with design students from various Kenyan Universities was done. The findings of this study are significant to institutions offering visual design courses by giving feedback on the opportunities and challenges of adopting Computer Aided Design . It will also stir concern in universities to actively engage in the research of creating CAD croqouis for subjects such as mathematics and the sciences to enhance performance in secondary and primary schools. This in essence will synergize.Item Effects of Working Mothers on Child Development in Kenya(Education Resources Information Centre, 1991) Tumuti, D.W.More women have entered the job market than ever before. With the current socioeconomic changes and with more women attaining education, the number of working women is going to increase rapidly. Most of the working women are of childbearing age and have both preschool and school-age children. While women have to work, it is becoming rather difficult for them to get good substitutes for child rearing. Poor child rearing has been associated with poor child development. The effect of the current child rearing practices has not been questioned in Kenyan society. Its effects should be of major concern not only to parents but also to employers, educators, and the society at large if children are expected to grow normally. Erikson's stages of psychological and cognitive development have been used as a yardstick to illustrate the effect of the current child rearing in Kenya. Kenyan women are being encouraged to enter the job market by current socioeconomic changes and by the education system and this is not expected to change. The role of housemaids, day care centers, and other forms of child rearing will remain dominant. It is important therefore to explore all possible compensatory measures that would limit the possible ill effects associated with current upbringing of children to ensure advantageous and purposed child rearing. (Author/ABL)Item Employability of Fashion and Garment Making Students from Youth Polytechnics of Kenya(Vetri Publications, 2013) Mbugua, Gladwell W; Kamaul, Peninah Wakiuru; Wamutitu, Joseph MworiaSkills training in fashion and textiles should lead to employability and job creation for its graduates. This is important for youth development and industrial growth as envisaged in Kenya’s vision 2030. This paper reports on the different views collected from the employers in fashion and clothing industries who include: clothing factory managers, tailors, designers and trainers in Gatundu and Thika districts. A questionnaire was used to collect responses from 30 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. The questionnaire sought responses from the stakeholders on the competencies required for the Youth polytechnic fashion and garment making trainees to fit appropriately into the job market. The data obtained were qualitative in nature and exposed gaps in occupational skills - interpersonal, empowerment and critical thinking. The findings of the study are likely to benefit curriculum developers for youth polytechnics (YPs) and Vocational training centres’ (VCTs) programs, the teachers, students and the fashion and textile industries who are the main employersItem Employability of Fashion and Garmet Making Students from Youth Polytechnics as Perceived by Employers in Gatundu and Thika Districts, Kenya(2013) Mbugua, Gladwell W; Kamau, Peninah W.Skills training in Fashion and Textiles should lead to employability and job creation for its graduates. This is important for youth development and industrial growth as envisaged in Kenya’s vision 2030. This paper reports on the findings from a survey conducted to collect views on the appropriate employability skills required by employers in Fashion and Clothing industries. Participants included; clothing factory managers, tailors designers and trainers in Gatundu and Thika district. An interview was used to collect responses from 30 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. The respondents were required to give their views on the competencies required for the Fashion and Garment making trainee to fit appropriately in the job market. The data obtained was qualitative in nature and exposed gaps in occupational skills, interpersonal, empowerment and critical thinking skill. The findings of the study are likely to benefit curriculum developers in TVET program, the teachers, students and the Fashion and Textile Industries who are the main employersItem Enhancing Graduate Employability through Community Engagement: A Case Study of Students’ Community Service at Kenyatta University(American Research Institute for Policy Development, 2013) Tumuti, D. W.; Mule, L. W.; Gecaga, M.; Manguriu, D. G.Kenya is increasingly looking to universities to prepare individuals who are employable, can contribute to the country’s socio-economic development, and can improve the country’s standing in the global arena. This paper argues that community engagement presents higher education with an opportunity to enhance graduate employability by helping to develop generic skills while benefiting off-campus communities. Focusing mainly on Kenyatta University (KU), the authors examine the potential of one community engagement program—Students Community Service Programme (SCSP)—in these two areas. The article also discusses ways that community engagement can be improved in Kenyan universitiesItem Ethical practice and methodological considerations in researching body cathexis for fashion products(Emerald, 2007) Otieno, R.; Apeagyei, P. R.; Tyler, D.Purpose The paper seeks to identify ethical issues arising from body cathexis research and analyse categories for attention. To also highlight methodological considerations in generating body size data through measurement for fashion products. Design/methodology/approach This study presents instrumental activities and strategies for conducting and implementing focus groups for investigating body cathexis and related body measurements for fashion products. Five homogenous groups of 30 females aged 19‐44 years, were employed. Purposive and proportionate sampling procedures involving both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied and analysed by triangulation. Aspects of the methodology of measurement are presented in this paper but analysis of measurement data is presented in a subsequent paper. Key ethical principles by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), UK have been also evaluated in relation to the integrity of such a study. Findings The study found that deciding on procedures regarding collating data on psychological issues related to garment fit is an obscure process that is not clearly documented in literature. It raised significant issues relating to sensitivity to respondents' concerns when conducting an investigation into body cathexis for fashion products. A framework for ethical and methodological practice in researching body cathexis and ethical deliberation in generating body measurement data has therefore been presented. Originality/value This study presents guidelines for ethical practice and develops an ethical framework for research and professional practice.Item Evaluation of Different Cocoon Stifling Methods on Raw Silk Quality.(2012-04-12) Nguku, Everlyn KameneItem Fabrication of a Sustainable Biodegradable Packaging Alternative for the Fashion Industry from Banana Waste(EANSO, 2024-02) Musombi, Stephanie Kobehlo; Wanduara, Mercy; Kisato, JacquelinePackaging has both functional and aesthetic purposes. Kenya requires more sustainable biodegradable packaging options after a plastic ban was introduced in 2017 affecting numerous industries such as fashion. Banana stems and peels are part of the waste produced in Kenyan farms, suggested for the construction of biodegradable paper packaging material for the fashion industry. The objectives of this study were: to extract banana stem (BS) fibres using a decorticating machine; pulp the BS fibres using banana peel lye (KOH); and construct samples of paper packaging material from the pulp treated with KOH. The research design for this study was experimental. Kiganda banana stems collected from Kisii County were used in this study. The paper packaging material wasconstructed by pulping the BS using the KOH as a delignification reagent and then converting the pulp to paper by mounting it on mesh frames to dry. The findings reveal that in BS fibre extraction, decorticating one banana stem takes 10 minutes yielding 105 g of dry BS fibre. It also revealed that the handmade paper-making process takes 8 hours and 12 minutes including drying time to create an A4 size paper with the majority of the time (8 hours) being used for drying. The yield from the KOH pulped BS fibre was determined to be 68%. It was clear from the findings that KOH is comparable to commercial industrial alkalis like Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) as a delignification reagent for BS fibres as it yields much pulp which produces good packaging material. Part of the recommendations for further research include the exploration of an industrially scaled paper-making process by the paper packaging manufacturing industry using KOH to pulp BS fibres. It is also suggested that research be done on using non-decorticated stems and varied concentrations of KOH to establish the most economical method.Item Fashion Design: ‘Real’ Fabric Use in Draping and Curriculum Implementation in Public Institutions of Higher Learning in Nairobi County, Kenya(IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 2016-08) Kaindi, Isika JulietThe wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic and is a feature of most human societies. Fashion design is an artistic and functional industry that helps to clothe people while incorporating style. Fashion design goes beyond just a designer thinking of a garment, sketching it and then sewing it together. All these activities require extensive and intensive training and exposure to practical work in fashion design. Based on the study that assessed the usage of ‘real’ fabric draping for design in public institutions of higher learning Nairobi County, Kenya, this paper examines the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design in public institutions of higher learning and the relationship between use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design and source of curriculum, pattern development taught and students’ attitudes. The study was guided by the Activity Theory and Pedagogic Activity System Structure. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed. Five public institutions of higher learning were purposively selected in Nairobi County, namely Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya, Kenya Technical Teachers College, Kenya Textile Training Institute and Nairobi Technical Training Institute. The sample size comprised five heads of department, 32 teachers, 266 students and 30 fashion designers. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used. The results revealed that very few public institutions of higher learning used ‘real’ fabric draping for design. Majority of the teachers were not trained in the area of fashion design. Chi-square results yielded a fairly strong relationship between use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design and pattern development technique taught (V= 0 .646; p < 0.0001*) and sources of curriculum (V= 0.623; p < 0.0001*). It was concluded that pattern development technique taught, sources of curriculum and teachers’ area of training are issues associated with the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design in public institutions of higher learningItem Influence of Pattern Drafting and Free-Hand Cutting Technique on Apparel Fit among Fashion Designers in Koforindua, Ghana(IPRJB, 2018) Bakker-Edoh, Dymphna; Mburugu, Keren G.; Oigo, BosiboriPurpose: To assess the influence of pattern drafting and free-hand cutting technique on apparel fit among fashion designers in Koforindua, Ghana. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey was considered adequate for this study as it has the advantage of soliciting respondent’s views on the nature of the situation as it existed at the time of a study (Creswell, 2012; Mugenda, 2008). The design is an efficient way of collecting information of a large group of people within a short time using questionnaires. The survey design was deemed appropriate for this study as it has the advantage of seeking the views of informal dressmakers and tailors on the use of pattern drafting and free-hand cutting in apparel construction. It allowed for the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques in the study. This paved way for better understanding of a phenomenon under study. The use of these methods offered the opportunity to have in-depth information and also the weakness in one method is compensated for by the strength in another method (Creswell, 2012). Results: Pattern drafting was scored higher than free-hand cutting. Concerning how measurements were being taken, it was realized that there was great disparity between the two groups in the way measurements were taken and recorded. The group using pattern drafting scored good (75%), the group using the free-hand cutting had a low score of 34%. In other words, they showed low skills in taking measurement in all the apparel they sewed. The implication is that measurement taking was a great problem that needed to be addressed as far the use of free-hand cutting method is concerned. Proper taking and recording of measurement for future references was not part of their style. Standing position of clients during measurement taking was not given the needed concern. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended more vocational training on pattern drafting to increase the accuracy in dress crafting. Additionally, the study advocated for IDTA to enact policy to incorporate pattern drafting and other methods of apparel construction into the training curriculum of apprentices to develop interest in the use of these methods right from the onset.Item Instructional Resources for Skill Acquisition in the Art of Millinery for Higher National Diploma: A Study of Fashion Design in Technical Universities in Ghana(EANSO, 2023) Agordah, Faustina Emefa; Kaindi, Isika Juliet; Kisato, JacquelineThis study assessed the impact of instructional resources used in skills acquisition in millinery art in fashion design in technical universities in Ghana. The study examined the available instructional resources used in the skills acquisition in millinery art by higher national diploma (HND) fashion design students in five selected technical universities in Ghana. The study used a descriptive survey design. The study population was 249 students at HND Level 200 and 31 lecturers of millinery art in the five selected technical universities in fashion design departments. The study used multistage and stratified sampling techniques to collect data from the respondents. Data was collected using an observation checklist, a closedended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyse data. The overall regression was statistically significant R2 = .508, F(20, 228) = 11.794, p < 0.05, indicating that the instructional resources used impacted millinery skills acquired. The study found that cutting scissors, milliners’ pins and straw proofed statistically significant as predicted in the millinery skills acquired by the HND fashion design students, which implied that these were the instructional resources used most often; however, the study also discovered that the essential instructional resources were not available to be used in skills acquisition in millinery art in the technical universities. It was recommended that the technical universities support the fashion design departments to acquire the needed instructional resources for skill acquisition in milliner art.Item Managerial Perceptions on Apparel Fit Made with Pattern Drafting and Free Hand Cutting Techniques(AJP, 2018) Bakker-Edoh, Dymphna; Oigo, Bosibori; Mburugu, Keren G.Purpose: To assess the management perceptions on apparel fit made with pattern drafting and free-hand cutting techniques. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey was considered adequate for this study as it has the advantage of soliciting respondent’s views on the nature of the situation as it existed at the time of a study (Creswell, 2012; Mugenda, 2008). The design is an efficient way of collecting information of a large group of people within a short time using questionnaires. The survey design was deemed appropriate for this study as it has the advantage of seeking the views of informal dressmakers and tailors on the use of pattern drafting and free-hand cutting in apparel construction. It allowed for the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques in the study. This paved way for better understanding of a phenomenon under study. The use of these methods offered the opportunity to have in-depth information and also the weakness in one method is compensated for by the strength in another method (Creswell, 2012). Results: The results revealed that dressmakers and tailors’ preference to free-hand cutting was influenced by the method they were trained with. Additionally, standardization of apparel production among the members can best be achieved by intensifying the use of pattern drafting as part of apprenticeship training to ensure accuracy in fit among informal dressmakers and tailors locally. The respondents were asked to state their views on whether educational level hinders the progress of their training. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: Reason why informal dressmakers and tailors were not using pattern drafting in apprenticeship training might be related to the fact that pattern skills seemed too difficult to understand and the period of training might be short to grasp the details of the method. Taking their educational level and period of training into consideration, it would be very difficult for the apprentices to cope with the contents that come with patterns. This implies that, there is the need to inculcate the use of pattern drafting as part of training curriculum of apprentices and also increase the period of training to allow both masters and apprentices gain better grasp of the pattern drafting skills. When trainees are given adequate training skills on the use of pattern drafting, they would improve and this would in effect manifest in the high standard on fit of apparel among the dressmakers and tailors in the informal setting in the near future. The study recommended future studies to focus on the factors influencing training and acquisition of both skills of apparel constructions. This will help the policy makers rectify the structure of education accordingly to improve the way skills are disseminated and executedItem The Nature of Work and Problems of Rural Women in Kenya: Implication for Home Economics(Education Resources Information Centre, 1990) Tumuti, D.W.Home Economics is a profession which helps families and individuals to improve their quality of life. The majority of families in Kenya live and work in rural areas where facilities and resources are limited. Women provide 60-80% of the farm labor. Despite the hard working conditions, rural women have a major responsibility in promoting the standard of living in rural areas. They need professional help in order to utilize the available resources wisely. Home Economics curriculum at all levels of education should include some subsistence farming, food storage, and utilization and should incorporate family and population concepts in all Home Economics related subjects. There is a need to carry out research and to develop appropriate labor and time saving tools and equipment for the tasks performed by rural women both in their homes and on their farms. Training institutions offering Home Economics should develop outreach programs as an extra-curricular activity to visit and educate the rural community around the institutions. When dealing with an area that is as comprehensive as rural families' welfare, a proper coordination and integration within all the government and non-government agencies working for rural development is needed in order to avoid wasting of resources and to minimize duplication and confusion that would be created in the field. (ABL)