RP-Department of Fashion, Design & Marketing
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Processes Deployed in Construction of Ghanaian Traditional Costumes in the Technical Universities in Ghana(WJRR, 2023-10) Dzitse, Celestine Elikem; Mbugua, GladwellEven though multiple studies have been done on traditional costumes in most developed countries over the years, only a few of such studies have been done in the context of Ghanaian Traditional Costumes. Specifically, not a single study is found on construction of GTCs in Ghana and the need of emphasis of GTCs over western costumes as part of the Fashion Design and Technology programme (FDP) in Technical Universities in Ghana. This study sought to investigate the processes employed in construction of GTCs in fashion design and technology programme in the TUs. It adopted convergent mixed method design through which qualitative and quantitative data was collected from students, lecturers and HoD affiliated to six out of the ten TUs in Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, Cope Coast, Tamale and Ho. Target population was 1265 comprising head of departments (HoDs), lecturers and students. Simple random sampling was used to select six universities from the ten TUs. Purposive sampling was used in sampling 24 lecturers of fashion design including HoDs, and Proportion sampling was used to sample 306 FDSs. Total sample size was 330. A combination of descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis was used to interrogate relationships between processes employed by lecturers and construction of GTCs. The results showed that the lecturers employed R-T-W production processes in teaching construction of Ghanaian traditional costumes. However, there were numerous challenges in the efforts to promote construction of the GTCs. Therefore, the study concluded that addressing the challenges can enable more constructions of the GTCs by the students during and after graduation from Fashion Design and Technology programme.Item Properties of Sustainable Packaging Paper Fabricated from Banana Fibers Using Banana Peel Lye as a Pulping Delignification Reagent(Tylor and Francis, 2024-06) Musombi, Stephanie Kobehlo; Kisato, Jacqueline; Wanduara, MercyThis study aimed to establish a sustainable fabrication method for packaging paper using a Potassium-based delignification alkali; banana peel lye (BPL) to pulp banana stem fibers. This was an experimental study where Caustic soda was used as a positive control. The packaging paper was constructed using a handmade craft method described by TAPPI 2002. The packaging properties were tested according to the KEBS EAS 859:2017 standard for packaging, which outlines the minimum/maximum requirement for three properties; bursting strength, tearing resistance, and water absorbency. The results indicate that the pulping process using BPL yielded more fiber than the NaOH pulping process at 68% and 56%, respectively. The test results for the packaging paper revealed that BPL and NaOH packaging paper surpassed the minimum KEBS requirement for bursting strength and tearing resistance however it had a high water absorbency rate. The property tests statistical analysis showed that for all three tests, there was no significant difference between the packaging papers made with BPL and those made from NaOH indicating that BPL is a suitable replacement for NaOH. Further research is recommended to improve water absorption properties as well as to experiment with surface enhancement treatments such as dyeing.Item 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 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 Prerequisites for Millinery Art Skills Acquisition by Higher National Diploma Fashion Design Students in Ghana(EANSO, 2023) Agordah, Faustina Emefa; Jacqueline, Kisato; Isika, Juliet KaindiThe art of millinery has been in decline despite its significant contribution to the performance of fashion design students in the industry. This study investigated the prerequisite skills of HND fashion design students in the acquisition of millinery art skills in technical universities in Ghana. The sample consisted of 249 HND level 200 students and 31 millinery art lecturers from five selected Technical Universities. The study employed multistage and stratified sampling methods to gather data from the participants. Data was gathered through the utilisation of an interest inventory and a semi-structured interview guide. The study data was analysed using frequency tables to assess the relationship between prerequisite skills and the acquisition of millinery art skills. A Chi-square Test of Independence was conducted to examine the association between the millinery art skills acquired and practised in the participants’ institutions. The findings revealed that the students possessed the necessary skills and exhibited a genuine interest in millinery art before enrolling in the Fashion Design program. However, their interest waned following their instruction in millinery art at different educational institutions. The null hypothesis indicating that there is no relationship between the institution attended and the millinery art skills acquired and practised by students, was rejected based on the statistical analysis. The chi-square value was 135.42, with 4 degrees of freedom and a sample size of 249. The p-value was found to be 0.000, which is less than the significance level of 0.05. The study suggests that Technical Universities should assist lecturers in obtaining industrial training in millinery art. This will improve the acquisition of millinery art skills.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 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 Study on the Influence of Fiber Properties on Yarn Imperfections in Ring Spun Yarns(Science Alert, 2012-10-20) Ochola, J.; Kisato, J.; Kinuthia, L.; Mwasiagi, J.; Waithaka, A.Fiber to yarn conversion process has been affected by several factors which include properties of raw material, level of technology, machinery and skill of machine operators. In cotton fibre spinning, the cost of raw material plays an important role, since it accounts for over 50% of the total cost of the ring spun yarn. Yarn imperfection (neps, thick and thin places) on the other hand is an important yarn parameter which affects yarn and fabric processing, and quality parameter. In this study, the relationship between fiber properties and yarn imperfections has been investigated using statistical and Monte Carlo techniques. The linear regression analysis developed models that generated coefficient of regression (R) value of 0.68, 0.65 and 0.68, respectively for neps, thick and thin places, respectively. The sensitivity analysis for statistical models showed that yarn twist, micronaire value, fiber maturity, trash area, fiber length, fiber strength and fiber yellowness are the influential factors for affecting yarn imperfections. Others factors that included trash grade, fiber uniformity, spinning consistency index, fiber reflectance, yarn linear density, trash content, fiber elongation and short fiber index should also are considered while studying yarn imperfection of cotton ring spun yarns.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 Preparing Students for Entrepreneurship Careers(Center for Global Research Development, 2022-12) Rolle, Jo-Ann; Billy, Iris; Acevedo, Roberto; Kisato, JacklineStatistics show after completing a degree program most minorities have formidable challenges in obtaining employment on a global scale. This issue spans our three (3) countries USA, Chile, and Kenya and our main solution to the high rates of unemployment is job creation through entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship (creation and innovation) is being recognized as a key factor for economic development and additionally the SMS sector has become a relevant tool to achieve a substantial economic growth. Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (MEC-CUNY), a recognized Institution for economic development & entrepreneurship with the hope of finding a solution to the unemployment of our young graduates has launched partnerships with both Industries and Universities on a global basis. MEC-CUNY has organized and launched two international conferences on Corporate Social Responsibilities and Social Entrepreneurship empowerment with the participants the academy and industry. Entrepreneurship Capacity building in institutions that serve minorities has been a challenge with few sustaining outcomes. MEC-CUNY has developed a comprehensive and integrative approach, one that combines multiple co-curricular activities including entrepreneurship training; business plan pitching; and study abroad to countries such as China, Thailand, Japan, Kenya, Jamaica and Dominican Republic. MEC-CUNY has forged collaborations with Kenyatta University (KU) and has created a solid and formidable network of innovators to assist in this drive towards self-employment in entrepreneurship. Currently, approximately seventy small businesses have been created and given technical support in Kenyatta University who has also made changes in the student curricula as well as given incentives to the academic staff to undertake research on entrepreneurship. Both MEC-CUNY and the Kenyatta have collaborated so as to make available valid tools to measure the outcomes of both academic staff and students. Similar experiences are being made in some countries in South America and Latin America. In this presentation we will share an analysis of the data, significant findings on motivators and challenges for student entrepreneurs, and environmental factors that may contribute to pursuing entrepreneurial careers.Item Social Media Marketing in Micro and Small Fashion Enterprises in Nairobi, Kenya(Center for Academic Research, 2016-12) Kisato, Jacqueline; Wandaka, Isabella; Rolle, JoAnneIn an age of consumer generated media, social media has a powerful role to play in marketing an enterprise’s brand online. Despite the growth of e-fashion and E-Marketing, there is paucity of scientific literature to analyze effect of social media marketing. In addition, scholars have questioned whether E-marketing is suitable for fashion related products, which do not allow the buyer to feel or fit the product. This study sought to establish the use of social media marketing and its effect on performance in fashion enterprises in Kenya. Random sampling method was used to select a sample size of 170 enterprises. Descriptive statistics was generated to describe the demographics of the respondents, characteristics of the enterprises and utilization of social media. Regression analysis and one way ANOVA was used to examine the linear relationships between social media use and performance. The main findings of the study were that Facebook marketing significantly influenced customer retention while twitter marketing significantly influenced return on investment, social media marketing was useful to increase market share in fashion enterprises.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 Performance of Six Bivoltine Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) Silkworm Strains in Kenya(The Open Entomology Journal,, 2009) Nguku, E.K.; Adolkar, V.V.; Raina, S.K.; Mburugu, K.G.; Mugenda, O.M.; Kimbu, D.M.The economic and field performance of six Bombyx mori Linnaeus bivoltine strains were evaluated, namely ICIPE I, Chun-Lei X ZhengZhu (C X Z), QuiFeng X BaiYu (Q X B), Quingsong X Haoyoe (Q X H), Suju X Minghu (S X M) and 75xin X 7532 (75xin). Performance was based on larval, cocoon, pupa and shell weights, relationship of food consumption to larval weight, cocoon weight and shell weight. ICIPE I recorded the shortest larval development period in Location 1 (S1) during the short rains (SR) (26.53 + 5.05 days) and it was significantly shorter compared to that of the` other strains. It also had the highest cocoon shell weight (CSW) in location 1 (S1) and location 2 S2), 0.38 and 0.36gms respectively. ICIPE I and C X Z strains gave better performance for the parameters evaluated and are most suitable for the Kenyan conditionsItem Pattern Drafting and Free-Hand Cutting Technique on Apparel fit(Cari Journals, 2018) Bakker-Edoh, Dymphna; Oigo, Bosibori; Mburugu, Keren G.Purpose: To assess the effect of pattern drafting and free-hand cutting technique on apparel fit. 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 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%), while the group using free-hand cutting had a low score of 34%. In other words, they showed very poor skills in taking measurement in all the apparel sewed. The implication is that measurement taking was a great problem that needed to be addressed as far asthe 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 proper 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 employers