PHD-Department of Art and Design

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    Assesment of the properties of silk fibre and fabric produced by bivoltine silkworm, bombyx mori L.(Lepidoptera: bombycidae) in Nairobi, Kenya.
    (2011-08-09) Nguku, K. Everlyn
    Concern about global warming has led to renewed interest in the more sustainable use of natural fibres. Among the natural fibres, silk indeed commands considerable respect. Silk is a proteinaceous polymer secretion in the form of a cocoon, consisting of a continuous filament. Although it has been in use for centuries worldwide, Bombyx mori silk is one of the least researched fibre in Kenya. It has many unique physical advantages and properties which make it the highest priced natural fibre. The purpose of this experimental study therefore, was to evaluate properties of silk fibre, fabric and cocoons produced by the B. mori silkworm, through the rearing of six selected silkworm strains. Two locations, the Commercial Insects Programme (CIP) laboratory (S 1) and the CIP farm (S2) W ere set up in order to study the performance of the selected strains during two seasons, the long rains (LR) and short rains (SR). This study revealed that there was a significant difference in the means of cocoon, pupa and shell weight in the two locations and seasons. ICIPE I had the highest cocoon and pupa weight, in the two locations and the highest mean shell weight in location S I. Results established that the longest silk filament length, 1183.35m, was obtained from ICIPE I during the LR season, and weighed 0.355gms. Silk winding breaks varied amongst the different strains, with ICIPE I having the least counts. Average tenacity and elongation for the raw silk analysed was 3.93g/d and 18.5% respectively and differed between the seasons and strains. It was further observed that silkworm strains with high elongation had the least number of winding breaks due to increased elasticity. Cleanliness and neatness percentages differed among the strains, and notably ICIPE I's cleanliness and neatness percentages were higher than the other silkworm strains during the two seasons, 96 and 93% respectively. There was no significant difference in the fabric mass per unit area in the two locations at P < 0.05 (P = 0.0001) and during the two seasons (P = 0.0001). Evaluation of the influence of the various silkworm strains had on the breaking load revealed that there was no significant difference on the warp and weft at P < 0.05 (p=0.0188) and (p=0.0006) respectively amongst the six strains. Auxiliary indications established that the different silkworm strains used in this study were significant in the tearing strengths of both warp and weft (P < 0.05) (p=0.989) and (p=0.776) respectively. ICIPE I recorded the shortest . larval development period in S1 during SR and it was significantly shorter (F = 12.61; df = 71; P = 0.05) compared to the other strains. From the research findings, it can be concluded that there is a link between the silkworm strains and ecological conditions during rearing, which determine the larval performance. Consequently, the larval performance characteristics significantly influence the silk cocoon, fibre and fabric properties. In addition, the cocoon properties, collectively with fibre production processes play a major role in determining the fibre properties, which when combined with fabric production processes influence and determine the fabric properties. W major outcome of the study was the establishment of a silk fibre quality control laboratory. Further ICIPE I silkworm strain was identified as having the most economical traits and most suitable for field rearing in Kenya, compared to the other five strains. This study recommends the Kenya Bureau of Standard (KEBS) together with the relevant textile stakeholders should draft a standard method against which silk fabric in Kenya can be tested and graded. In addition, further research on suitable silkworm strains and training in silk production processes at all levels for production of quality silk products.
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    Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing Training, Competency and Usage in Textile Industries of Northern Nigeria
    (Kenyatta University, 2020-03) Gausa, Solomon
    Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is the use of technology to design and produce textile goods with greater productivity at low cost. It s usage demands some level of training and competency. The purpose of the study was to assess CAD CAM training, competency and usage in textile industries of Nor thern Nigeria in order to develop a CAD CAM training model. The objectives of study were to identify the level of CAD-CAM training received, to examine the competencies of textile staff, to determine the relationship between work experience and CAD-CAM usage, to establish the relationship between the availability of CAD-CAM program and CAD-CAM usage, to determine the organizational leadership and financial influence on CAD-CAM usage, and to develop a CAD-CAM training model Purposive sampling was used in se lect ing the states and industries. Stratified sampling was used to divide the unit of analysis into strata such as CEOs, designers, and technologists. Census sampling was used in selecting eight CEOs. A sample size of 152 was selected from a population of 196. Self-administered questionnaires were shared to CEOs, designers, and technologists. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey to collect quantitatively data with a response rate of 96.1% (146), then analyzed it, using statistical package for social science (SPSS) 20. Descriptive statistics were used to generate, group and summarize the data in terms of tables, percentages, means and standard deviation. Pearson‟s correlation was also used to determine associations between availability of CAD-CAM program, work experience, CAD-CAM training, staff CAD-CAM, staff competency, leadership style, financial status, and CAD-CAM usage. The study findings revealed a low level 44.2%) of CAD CAM training training; this was significantly related with CAD-CAM usage. Similarly, 76.0% of the staff lack competency in CAD-CAM technology, this was significantly related with CAD-CAM usage. Lack of leadership support and financial investment in CAD-CAM technology are some of the key issues impeding CAD-CAM usage. Leadership style in textile industries is weak, and does not have any mediating effect on CAD-CAM usage in the industries. Additionally, financial status has no significant influence on CAD-CAM usage. Multiple linear regressions were performed in determining the independent variables that were related to the dependent variables and to infer the correlational relationship. Six hypotheses were tested at p<0.05 alpha index, four out of the six were statistically significant; (availability of CAD-CAM program, t=2.508, p< 0.014; work experience, t=4.524, p< 0.010; CAD-CAM training, t=13.179, p< 0.020; and staff competency, t=2.145, p< 0.039), hence the study rejected them, while the two, leadership style (t=0.083, p< 0.934) and financial status (t=0.249, p< 0.804) were retained because they were not statistically significant. Finally, a CAD CAM training model was developed from the result of the findings for the textile industries. The study recommends tthat textile industries, stakeholders and government should use the developed training model to improve workers‟ training and re-training capacity in CAD-CAM through Public Private Partnerships, (PPPs), with software developers through promotion and after-sale training. Industries leaders and government should invest in CAD-CAM technology to make it available for use.
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    Effects of Drawing Approach and Class Setting on Symbolism of Children's Drawings on Conflict Experiences: A Study of Primary School Pupils in Nairobi County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2014) Wambugu, J. W
    Though drawing is one of the methodologies of teaching conflict resolution within Peace Education, the structured drawing approach within group setting currently in practice is limiting in free expression of emotions by children on subjective experiences. This is due to the restrictive nature of this drawing approach and the distractive nature of group work that inhibits children's ability to concentrate on feelings. This denies the teacher access to affective data that can assist in transformative behaviour of the learner. In order to determine the most appropriate drawing approach and class setting that would enable children to express this affective data, this study investigated the effect structured and unstructured drawing approaches and individual and group class settings on symbolism expressed in children's drawings on conflict experiences. The theoretical framework guiding the study was a confluence of the emotionalist theory of art, micro theories of conflict and Piaget's theory of cognitive and affective development whose convergence was on symbolism as a means of expressing emotive information from the sub-conscious mind. Since the drawing tasks were experiential in nature, the research adapted an ex posta facto design within the framework of quasi-experimental study design to find out the effect of the independent variables upon symbolism, which was the dependent variable. Social cultural environment, drawing approach and class setting were the independent variables while symbolism expressed in the drawings was the dependent variable. Age, gender and socio-economic regions formed the framework for categorically analyzing data from the drawing contents. The study population was primary school children aged 7-12 drawn from low, middle and upper middle income regions of Nairobi County. Normal chi-squares were used to test the data since it was in nominal values. The findings of this study indicated that the social cultural environment influenced thematic expressions of conflicts and the kinds of aggressive behaviour depicted in the symbolism. Literal expression through physical modes and metaphorical characterization of the negative valence of conflict was significantly higher in unstructured drawings while individual class setting had the least peer influence on the expressed symbolism. The results indicate the need for teachers to consider the social cultural background of children when extracting affective data since it informs the symbolism. Results also showed that for free expression of feelings and ideas, children need an unrestrictive (unstructured) drawing approach and an individual class setting free from distractions. It is the recommendation of this study that draw-telling through unstructured drawing activities should be encouraged not just in art classes but across all subjects in the primary curriculum as a channel for children to express their feelings on conflict and other issues. Alongside this, teachers should consider individual class setting for purposes of creating an appropriate atmosphere for free expression of emotive content.
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    An exploration of the creative performance of secondary school and the implications for the teaching of art in Kenya
    (2012-01-04) Oludhe, David Owuor
    The contribution art can make towards the personal development of pupils has been curtailed in Kenyan schools by a variety of factors internal and external to the subject. This study attempts to illuminate the teaching/learning of art in secondary schools in Kenya with the view to offering practical suggestions for possible improvements. The study is grounded on a premise supported in literature that, of all values of learning art, creativity is the key value and one through which all other values are realized. In this regard, then, the creative performance of pupils is conceived as indicative of the efficacy-level of school art programmes. This study was designed to explore the relationship between the domains of art and the domains of creativity. Four factors of art were identified as: 1. Subject matter/Theme (F1), 2. Expressive quality (F2), 3. Composition (F3) and 4. Choice and use of media (F4); While, the domains of creativity included: 1. Flexibility, 2. Fluency, 3. Originality, 4. Elaboration. The study shows that creative expression in art derives motivation from exposure, practice and an enabling environment. Based on this inference, a framework for teaching has been synthesized. The study recommends that pedagogic approaches should emphasize opportunities for creative expression through adequate exposure and practice. The enabling environment should provide for materials and ideas within a cultural context.
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    Exploration of the Interface between Korean and Kenyan (Maasai) Ink-Painting Techniques in the Creation of New Intercultural Art Through Painting
    (kenyatta university, 2023) Wha, Kim Myung; Kamau Wango; Khadi Jessica Gimode
    This study sought to explore the hybridization of the Korean and the Maasai art painting in order to create an artistic interface that translates into new painting or what can be described as ‘new art’. Historically, Korea is a highly literate society, therefore, ink was an automatic ingredient and readily available resource. In contrast, the Maasai have had a non-literate culture for the longer part of their history and hence their painting is more practical in orientation. Moreover, the philosophy behind the perception and appreciations of colours by the two art communities under study are also different. Scholars on paintings have observed that new and authentic art paintings could be accomplished when at least two societies' ways of life are hybridized in a painting. Hybridization in art happens when material culture or other ways of life such as rites of passage from two communities blend to make new artistic forms. The main objectives of this study are to: identify the tenets of ink-painting techniques and subject matter in Korean and Maasai mainstream artwork; determine the aesthetic approaches such as use of colours, form, textures and compositional principles of Korean and Maasai in ink-painting art; establish hybridization of painting approaches and renditions by combining Korean and the Maasai painting images; and to create an artistic interface between Korean and Maasai painting by fusing their major artistic tenets to yield new inter-cultural art. This study is anchored on three theories namely: Harrington's (1990) ecological theory, Saussure’s 1878 in Chandler (2002) semiotic theory, and Csikszentmihalyi's (1988a) systems theory. This study employed exploratory research design to collect data for analysis. The questionnaire was an important tool that was used to recruit professional artists who produced ink-painting artwork that were examined by a team of experts. The outcome is fusion of the matter featured in paintings that show hybridized new art forms. The new art shows wavelengths that depict different combinations of colour region, which is also known as isotropic aesthetic through brushstroke that determined the new art form. The hybridization is a contribution to artistic knowledge in addition to serving as a reference point for students who wish to carry out comparative studies in art. It is envisioned that this study shall be a catalyst towards a new artistic revival among diverse communities in Kenya and abroad.
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    Exposure to Digital Paintings on Male Sex Offenders’ Attitudes towards Sexual Crimes: Case of Nairobi West Prison, Nairobi City County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2021) Adhiambo, Benta G; George Vikiru; Christine Wasanga
    Crime is an act in violation of the criminal law. Global statistics indicate that sexual offending is among the leading crimes in many countries, with close to one billion people falling victim. The high prevalence of sexual offending is an issue of concern considering the significant negative effects on the victims, their families and the larger society. In Kenya, the high numbers of sexual offending are attributed to re-offending, where previous convicts revert to their criminal behaviour. Whereas global studies estimate rates of sexual re-offending to be as low as 5-25% over periods of 5-10 years, in Kenya the rates are above 40% yearly, leading to overcrowding in prisons. Stiff criminal penalties prescribed against sexual offences and the existing rehabilitation programs have not deterred the perpetrators. This is despite the fact that consequences of sexual offending undermine the fulfillment of the national goals encompassed in Vision 2030, the National Health Sector Strategic Plan II and global development goals embraced in Millennium Development Goals. Arising from this data has been the need to develop offence-focused interventions intended to lower the possibility of re-offending. Unlike Kenya, Canada, Australia and the USA have successfully implemented the use of art-based programmes to minimize re- offending. Attitudinal impacts of these art-based programs among incarcerated offenders however remain largely unexplored. Studies in the cited countries have focused on active participation with minimal emphasis on passive participation, including Mere Exposure. This study therefore sought to examine the place of visual art in reducing cases of reoffending by investigating the effects of exposure to digital paintings on male sex offenders’ attitudes towards sexual crimes. The study targeting incarcerated male sex offenders in Kenya was conducted in Nairobi West prison, a male offenders’ facility in Nairobi City County. A mixed method research approach with a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed. Sixty-one study respondents were selected by stratified random sampling from male convicts of defilement and rape, aged 18-45 years. The respondents were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions involving viewing the digital paintings in exhibition and via projection in Rapid Serial Visual presentation respectively. An attitude questionnaire was used for pretest and posttest attitude measures, while a five-point Likert scale was used to measure the responses to the digital paintings. A Paired T- Test was used to determine the differences in attitudes towards crime at pretest and posttest. Significant differences were found between posttest1 and pretest (t=-3.117, p-value=0.003) and between posttest 2 and pretest (t=-2.161, p-value=0.035). The R-squared of the regression models linked improved attitude scores to repeated exposure to digital paintings. Regression analysis based on Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) was done and the results showed that painting style (p-value = 0.047), colour schemes (p-value = 0.000) and exposure frequency (p-value = 0.002) significantly influenced the sex offenders’ attitudes towards sexual crimes. The study findings were ultimately used to recommend a model for utilizing digital paintings to foster negative attitudes towards sexual crimes among male sex offenders. This was envisioned to reduce cases of re-offending, decongest prisons and have a large workforce out of prison to drive the government’s development agenda.
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    Use of Visual Illustration in the Interpretation of Proverbs in Secondary Schools in Kikuyu District, Kiambu County, Kenya
    (2012-11-05) Kamau, Wango; Wallace K. Mbugua; Buckner K. Dogbe
    The centrality of the current study was the need to establish whether visual Illustrations when presented together with text, increase the uptake of meaning in proverbs among the students in secondary schools in Kikuyu District. The method of interpretation of proverbs currently used in secondary schools is a linguistic one; meaning the usage of text alone. The current study, therefore, specifically sought to determine whether the effectiveness of visual illustration can augment the linguistic method in the interpretation of proverb content. This study was, however, anchored upon the basis that communal values, seen through and guided by a community's philosophy are enshrined in its culture. Proverbs have been described by many oral literature scholars as a sub genre that probably best underscores this philosophy. The current study, therefore, sought to examine the proverb as an avenue for the inculcation of social wisdom. In incorporating and reaching the body of youth, the current study used the regular or formal teaching and learning process. According to the current secondary school syllabus (KIE, 2003) proverbs are indeed taught in the secondary school curriculum. Subsequently, the field work of the current study was carried out in Kikuyu District of Central Kenya. A quasi- experimental design was applied where one group of students was exposed to proverbs in the linguistic form (control group) and other students in specified groups (categorized according to types of illustration) were exposed to proverbs in illustrated form (experimental groups). The data was both quantitative and qualitative. The basis of the theoretical framework was convergent theories where the main informative one was the visual literacy theory derived from the larger theories of communication. Other confluent theories were the pragmatic theory in Art; and Gestalt/Behaviorism/Cognitive theories that inform teaching and learning. The convergent concepts culminated in a conceptual model that is outlined in detail in the theoretical framework. The data was analyzed qualitatively in the case of written responses and quantitatively where responses culminated in percentage frequencies which were subjected to relevant statistical tests. The results of the current study indicated that visual illustration as a mode, when presented with text, aided the interpretation of proverbs in secondary schools to a significant extent in most types of illustration compared to text alone. The Chi-square computation for the overall percentage frequencies of the experimental versus the control showed that there was a significant degree of association between the use of illustrations combined with text and the responses in the interpretation of proverbs, and a further test of equality of proportions indicated that uptake of meaning occurred when illustrations combined with text were used against text alone. This subsequently indicated that visual illustrations combined with text were indeed a useful method of presentation and interpretation of proverbs. The current study therefore contends that since visual illustration alone does not effectively aid the uptake of proverbs, and that text alone is surpassed in the level of uptake by text accompanied by illustrations in most categories of the illustrations, then visual illustration combined with text is more effective than the linguistic method alone. The current stud, therefore, recommends the introduction of visual illustrations in the interpretation of proverbs in secondary schools.