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Predictors of Youth Livelihood Outcomes in Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2016-11) Njuguna, Christine Wambui
Youth are faced by challenges of unemployment, underemployment and working poverty which influence their livelihood outcomes. These challenges facing youth have drawn global attention. The purpose of the study was to determine the predictors of youth livelihood outcomes in Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi County. Specifically, the study sought to establish the relationship between individual attributes of youth and youth livelihood outcomes, to determine the relationship between household characteristics of youth and youth livelihood outcomes, to explore the influence of typology of livelihood strategies on youth livelihood outcomes, to analyze the influence of youth focused interventions on youth livelihood outcomes and to establish predictors of youth livelihood outcomes in Kamukunji Sub-County. Anchored on Department for International Development (DFID) livelihoods framework and the General Systems Theory the study applied cross-sectional survey research design to gather data from 201 youth and 11 state and non-state actors. Data collection tools included structured questionnaire, key informant interview schedule and focus group discussion guide. Analysis was conducted using descriptive frequencies and inferential statistics namely Chi-square, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and ordered logistic regression. Findings from inferential statistics established a relationship between individual attributes and youth livelihood outcomes (χ2= 44.47; d.f. =14; ρ<0.01). Specifically, age (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05), household headship (p<0.01), individual savings (p<0.05), individual assets (p<0.01) were important predictors of youth livelihood outcomes. A relationship also exists between household characteristics and youth livelihood outcomes (χ2= 203.18; d.f. =12; p<0.01) whereby aggregate household monthly income (p<0.01), paternal education (p<0.05) parental influence (p<0.05), number of dependants (p<0.01) and household assets (p<0.01) were important predictors of youth livelihood outcomes. As a whole, livelihood strategies did not influence youth livelihood outcomes (χ2= 12.32; d.f. =12; ρ>0.05). However, specific livelihood strategies whose parameters attained statistical significance were: wage employment (β=0.74, p<0.05) and arts/talent (β=0.26, p<0.05). Finally, there was a relationship between youth focused livelihood interventions and youth livelihood outcomes (χ2= 18.70; d.f. =7; p<0.05) so that membership in youth groups (p<0.01), financial institutions (p<0.01) and state funds (p<0.01) were important positive influences of youth livelihood outcomes. In conclusion, it emerged that individual attributes, household characteristics and youth focused interventions were important predictors of youth livelihood outcomes. It is recommended that state and non-state actors should conduct needs assessment before formulating intervention programs based on individual attributes and household characteristics of youth. State and non-state actors should implement elaborate and expansive business incubation and mentorship programs for youth. To improve livelihood outcomes for all youth, development agencies should ensure that youth focused interventions target all typologies of livelihood strategies undertaken by the youth.
Upholding Judicial Independence in Kenya: Challenges, Context and Solutions
(Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, 2024-09) Milej, Tomasz; Ogada, Evans
The Kenyan Judiciary is grappling with a renewed onslaught on all the pillars of its independence. The unprecedented gun attack on a magistrate within a courtroom, the barrage of public attacks from the Executive and the Legislature, widespread perceptions of systemic corruption within the corridors of justice, crippling budget cuts, and unexplainedninternal redeployment of judges are some of the violations of the constitutional protections of judicial independence.
On the one hand, the judges in Kenya have made bold decisions and declarations to promote prudent public policy, protect socio-economic well-being, and curtail the avarice of the people in power. Nearly all judicial decisions that those in power interpret as detrimental to their interests are met with threats of budget cuts and reminders to judges about the social contract that elected representatives have with the people. Members of the Executive, including the President and his deputy, and the Members of Parliament, often publicly issue threats against individual judges and the Judiciary, reminding the judicial officers about the power of the purse and the powerful tools of the State at their disposal. So far in 2024, the Judiciary has been attacked for declaring the discriminatory housing levy unconstitutional, voiding the government’s health insurance plans on similar grounds, deeming as illegal the rushed deployment of the Kenyan military to the streets to quell widespread youth protests, and nullifying the tax laws for violating the constitution. On the other hand, the Judiciary has had to contend with a pervasive perception that the powerful pay judicial officers to avoid being brought to book, or that the Judiciary is politically manipulated for favourable verdicts. The perception arose after key players within the criminal justice system – the police, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Director of Criminal Investigations, and even government agencies— dropped cases against the Deputy President, some Cabinet ministers, and some public officers. The Kenyan Supreme Court banned a senior counsel for publicly “scandalizing, ridiculing and outrightly denigrating” the court, and for accusing the judges and the court of “acts of corruption, incompetence and outright bribery”. These controversies have created a perception that perhaps the Judiciary is not independent and is susceptible to political manipulation and judicial collusion for self-preservation. In liberal democracies such as Kenya, the Judiciary is the bastion of justice. Its decisions preserve order, deliver justice, hold the powerful to account, deal with impunity, and grease the wheels of democracy by promoting social, political, and economic well-being in a country. Therefore, this policy paper addresses concerns about judicial independence, interrogating the pervasive corruption and lack of
transparency within the Kenyan judiciary and their significant impacts on judicial independence. It takes a closer look at the systemic corruption and perception of corruption that undermines the rule of law, examining how political interference and bribery erode public trust in judicial institutions. It illustrates how corruption, political interference, threats of budget cuts (and actual cuts), and blocked appointments compromise the impartiality and integrity of judicial proceedings, judicial officers, and the Judiciary. The paper highlights how political pressures can undermine judicial independence while also recognising the efforts of
honest judges striving to maintain their autonomy in such a challenging environment. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing judicial transparency and combating corruption, political meddling, and financial threats, to restore faith in Kenya‘s legal system and uphold the principles of justice and fairness
Phenotypic Characterization of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) Genotypes in Ethiopia for Selection of Those Possessing Optimal Dual-Purpose
(Peertechz, 2021-03) Gitore, Selamawit Abebe; Danga, Benjamin; Henga, Sylvia; Gurmu, Fekadu
his research mainly focuses on the morphological characterization of genotypes of sweet potatoes present in Ethiopia for the selection of those with optimum
dual-purpose (as food and feed characteristics). From August to December 2019, alpha lattice design using two replication was performed under fi eld condition for this
experiment. At 90 days and 180 Days After Planting (DAP), morphological characterization of the 40 sweet potato varieties based on 16 vine, leaf characters and storage
root descriptors was performed. In order to exclude those that clearly did not meet the minimum appropriate value of the descriptors provided for selecting dual-purpose
cultivars, fi eld observational yield trials were conducted using CIP descriptors. The data generated in this study, using RSTUDIO software, Agricole kit, Partially Balanced
Incomplete Block (PBIB), test function, were subject to Variance Analysis (ANOVA). The substantially different mean values were compared using the Tukey test at the
p< 0.05 stage. Cluster and main component analyses were both conducted using SPSS software (version 20.0). There were major differences among the 40 varieties in
almost all of the leaf, vine and root characters examined except Central Leaf Lobe (CLL), Petiole Length (PL) and Storage Root Cortex Thickness (SRCT). Calculations
based on root to vine ratio formulas were used to classify dual-purpose use varieties. When the 40 sweet potato genotypes were also tested for dual-purpose use, the
analysis found signifi cant phenotypic diversity using the data from the calculation and analyzed data from morphological descriptors. Varieties with R/V values in the 0.2-
0.3 range are recommended as dual-purpose high forage varieties, whereas those with R/V values in the 0.3-0.55 range are graded as dual-purpose high root varieties. As
a result, 30 varieties can be recommended as dual-purpose based on the root/vine ratio
Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Legislative Harmonization and Enhancement of Regional Cooperation: Case of The East African Legislative Assembly
(Centre for Democracy, Research and Development (CEDRED), 2023-09) Ogolo, Erick Owino; Mwea, Caroline Wandiri
The role of parliamentary diplomacy in legislative harmonization and enhancing regional
cooperation, as exemplified by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), is pivotal in
facilitating the integration and development of the East African Community (EAC). EALA,
comprising elected representatives from six East African partner states, serves as a critical
platform where rigorous debates, negotiations, and the exchange of ideas take place to align
legal frameworks and policies. This harmonization not only fosters a conducive environment
for regional cooperation but also promotes transparency, accountability, and public
participation in the legislative process. Through parliamentary diplomacy, EALA bridges
political divides, builds mutual understanding, and contributes to the sustainable development
and prosperity of the East African region, highlighting its essential role in advancing the
goals of regional integration and cooperation in an interconnected world. The study examined
how parliamentary diplomacy contributes to the process of legislative harmonization and the
enhancement of regional cooperation within the EALA, using a mixed methods approach.
The study found out that there is a crucial role of parliamentary diplomacy; there are
persisting challenges in harmonization; there is greater contribution to regional cooperation
and there is need for continuous investment and dialogue. In conclusion, the study
underscores the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting legislative harmonization
and regional cooperation within the EALA and the broader EAC. EALA's parliamentary
diplomacy efforts have proven effective in aligning legal frameworks, fostering transparency,
and building trust among member states. However, challenges such as varying levels of
commitment and implementation issues persist and require continued attention. The
recommendations offered in the study are crucial for enhancing the impact of parliamentary
diplomacy within EALA and the EAC. Strengthening diplomatic training and capacity building programs will equip parliamentarians and officials with the necessary skills to
navigate complex negotiations effectively. Consistency in implementing harmonized
legislation, along with enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, is essential to
bridge the gap between policy formulation and actual implementation. Promoting inclusivity
by involving a broader range of stakeholders and engaging the public through awareness
campaigns can bolster transparency and accountability in regional cooperation efforts. Lastly,
sustained dialogue and consultations among member states are vital for addressing disparities
and ensuring a shared commitment to the goals of regional integration and development.
Dietary Mycotoxins: An Overview on Toxicokinetics, Toxicodynamics, Toxicity, Epidemiology, Detection, and Their Mitigation with Special Emphasis on Aflatoxicosis in Humans and Animals
(MDPI, 2024-11) Kibugu, James; Munga, Leonard; Mburu, David; Maloba, Fredrick; Auma, Joanna E.; Delia, Grace; Lindahl, Johanna F.
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi and ubiquitous dietary contaminants. Aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins with high prevalence and toxicity, have raised a high level of public health concern, the most prevalent and toxic being aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Many aspects appertaining to AFB1 poisoning are not well understood. Yet this information is necessary to devise appropriate surveillance and mitigation strategies against human and animal aflatoxicosis. This review provides an in-depth update of work carried out on mycotoxin poisoning, particularly aflatoxicosis in humans and animals, to identify gaps in knowledge. Hypotheses explaining the functional significance of mycotoxins in fungal biology and their dietary epidemiological data are presented and briefly discussed. The toxicology of aflatoxins and the challenges of their mitigation are discussed in depth. It was concluded that the identification of potential mycotoxin-hazard-prone food items and quantification of the associated risk of cancer ailments in humans is a prime priority. There is a dearth of reliable sampling methodologies for estimating AFB1 in animal feed. Data update on AFB1 in animal feed and its implication in animal production, mitigation strategies, and elucidation of risk factors to this hazard is required. To reduce the burden of aflatoxins, surveillance employing predictive technology, and biocontrol strategies seem promising approaches.