School of Science and Technology

Adoption of mobile technology for knowledge management in manufacturing firms: a case study of Mahashakti Kenya Limited, Athi River

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Adoption of mobile technology for knowledge management in manufacturing firms: a case study of Mahashakti Kenya Limited, Athi River Rehal, Kirandeep Kaur Knowledge management is a field with a lot of potential that can benefit individuals as well as different types of organizations. Despite this fact, most organizations in Kenya have focused on knowledge storage, but have not adopted sharing of the stored knowledge. This study examined the adoption of mobile technology for knowledge management in Mahashakti Kenya Limited, Athi River. The study was guided by the following objectives: To assess the extent of adoption of mobile technology for knowledge management in Mahashakti Kenya Limited, Athi River to determine mobile technology platforms used for knowledge management in Mahashakti Kenya Limited, Athi River and to investigate the factors affecting the adoption of mobile technology for knowledge management in Mahashakti Kenya Limited, Athi River. The study was anchored on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. This study employed a descriptive survey design. The study collected data from all the 52 employees at the Mahashakti Kenya Limited based on a census method. The study utilized primary data which was collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and observations. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive, correlation and regression statistics. Qualitative data on the other hand, was transcribed, coded into themes and analyzed by use of content analysis. Quantitative data was presented using charts and tables. The study found that mobile technology was used to share information remotely in the company, share timely information and share different types of information. In addition, mobile technology has been efficient in knowledge management within the company. The study also found that the organization used short message services for knowledge management, as well as multimedia messaging services, websites, installable applications, phone calls, emails, WhatsApp, skype, zoom and flash screens. The study further found that the presence of information technology infrastructure and adoption of mobile technology by competitors affected the company’s strategy of adopting the technology. However, employee and management attitude did not largely affect the adoption of mobile technology in the company. The study concluded that the extent of mobile technology adoption, mobile technology platforms and factors affecting adoption of mobile technology positively influence knowledge management in Mahashakti Kenya Limited. The study recommends integration of mobile technology to all departments where it had not been integrated, as it has been found to be essential in knowledge management in the company. The study also recommends adoption of other platforms such as SharePoint and DotNet which can enable the company share information more and widely across departments. The study finally recommends training of all employees on mobile technology, to adopt the right attitude towards the technologies used for efficient knowledge management.

Evaluation of factors influencing residents’ environmental satisfaction of four housing development estates In Maralal town, Samburu County, Kenya

Sun, 01 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of factors influencing residents’ environmental satisfaction of four housing development estates In Maralal town, Samburu County, Kenya Obita, Dominic Moi The concept of environmental satisfaction by estate residents can be used to gauge the condition of the environment and policies on the provision of environmental services. The environmental conditions within four housing estates (Sunrise, Loresho, Milimani, and Town estates) in Maralal town, are in a poor state and need to be addressed. The concept of environmental satisfaction by the residents can be used to gauge the level of this problem and in the process seek environmental solutions and develop a policy to guide environmental activities in the estates. The study was guided by the following objectives: to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic factors (age, plot size and household number) on residents’ environmental satisfaction, to assess the influence of environmental knowledge on environmental satisfaction of residents, to determine the level of influence of collective action on residents’ environmental satisfaction, to assess the influence of place identity on the level of residents’ environmental satisfaction and to determine the level of influence of place dependency on environmental satisfaction of residents in four housing estates in Maralal town. The ex-post facto research design was adopted. A stratified random sampling was used to select households. A researcher administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 269 residents of the housing estates. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 95 % level of confidence in a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 26). The residents’ environmental satisfaction of the four housing estates was found to be high (M=4.75, SD= 1.09) based on a scale of 1-7. Positive statistically significant influences were found to exist between residents’ environmental knowledge (β = .639, t=13.58, p<.001), collective action (β=.687, t=15.46, p=.001), residents’ place identity (β=.597, t=12.16, p<.001), and residents’ place dependency (β=.629, t=13.21, p<.001). Non-significant (p>.05) influences were found between residents’ environmental satisfaction and age of the residents and size of plot owned by the residents. The Findings of this research may provide useful quantitative data on environmental conditions and quality of services provided to members of the four housing estates in Maralal town and to the stakeholders involved in environmental management. This information will also assist the National and County governments in formulating policies applicable environmental policies that have the greatest impact on well-being of the people.

Factors influencing the level of use of alternative sources of energy among the Maasai pastoral community in Kajiado West, Kajiado County Kenya

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Factors influencing the level of use of alternative sources of energy among the Maasai pastoral community in Kajiado West, Kajiado County Kenya Kanini, John Wandere Conventional sources of energy are normally expensive and have a negative impact on the environment, requiring the use of alternative energy sources that have minimum impact on the environment, which the Maasai pastoral community in Kajiado West have not adopted. There was therefore need to assess the factors influencing the level of use of alternative sources of energy with a view of addressing the issues. The specific objectives of the study were (i) to investigate the influence of level of awareness of alternative sources of energy on the level of their use, (ii) to examine the influence of technology availability and maintenance of alternative sources of energy on the level of their use, (iii) to assess the influence of affordability of alternative sources of energy on the level of their use and (iv) to determine the effectiveness of the sources of energy and the level of their use by the Maasai pastoral community in Kajiado West, Kajiado County. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The study targeted Maasai households in Kajiado West. The sampling frame was made up of the Maasai households that were specifically involved in pastoralism. A stratified random sample of 183 pastoral households were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 26). The level of use of alternative energy sources by Maasai pastoral households in Kajiado West was found to be low (M=2.09, SD=1.76) on a scale of 0 to 5, while their use of conventional energy sources was found to be higher (M=3.06, SD= 1.92). The level of use of alternative sources of energy by Maasai pastoral households in Kajiado West was statistically significantly influenced by awareness of the energy sources (β=.633, t=10.99, p<.001), availability of technology (β=.402, t=5.91, p<.001), affordability of the energy source (β=.648, t=11.44, p<.001) and efficiency of the energy source (β=.628, t=10.84, p<.001). The study concluded that Maasai pastoral households in Kajiado West had low level use of alternative sources of energy. The study also concluded that awareness, availability of installation technology, affordability and efficiency had a statistically significant influence on the level of use of alternative sources of energy within the target households. The study recommended that the County Government needs to create awareness of the usefulness of alternative sources of energy, encourage multi stakeholder networks related to the provision of renewable energy technology. The study findings will be useful to relevant stakeholders in particular enhancing the alternative sources of energy required to improve the community wellbeing and sustain the environmental conditions in the area. The findings will influence policy formulation in the area of energy.

Anthropogenic influences on the ecological integrity of the wildlife habitat along Kiserian-Kitengela-Isinya wildlife migratory corridor in Kajiado County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Anthropogenic influences on the ecological integrity of the wildlife habitat along Kiserian-Kitengela-Isinya wildlife migratory corridor in Kajiado County, Kenya Gichuru, Jerusha Njeri Human encroachment into protected areas normally has negative impacts to the natural resources and also the wildlife habitats in the area. The Kiserian-Kitengela-Isinya wildlife corridor was formed to allow for free movement of wildlife from the Nairobi National Park (NNP) to the Athi-Kapiti plains and the areas around Kitengela and north of Kajiado County. The corridor was once able to sustain and ensure unhindered movement of the animals while providing cover. Currently human encroachment and activities have affected the ecological integrity of this corridor and in turn the welfare of the wildlife, this study therefore aimed at quantifying the anthropogenic activities and their impact on the ecological integrity of the wildlife habitat. The objectives of this research were to; (i) assess the ecological integrity of the wildlife habitat, (ii) quantify ecological integrity of the wildlife habitat using ecological techniques, (iii) determine the extent of the anthropogenic influences within the wildlife corridor, and (iv) determine the influence of the anthropogenic activities on the ecological integrity of the wildlife corridor. A mixed method research design involving socio-ecological and ecological techniques was used. A stratified random sample of 381 household heads was selected proportionally from the three strata (Kiserian, Kitengela and Isinya). A structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion guide were used to collect socio ecological data from the participants. Ecological data protocols were used to collect data on the ecological attributes. The household survey data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 26 software at 95 % level of significance. Ground cover, Shannon and Wiener diversity index and plant attributes were used to analyse ecological data. The level of ecological integrity of the wildlife habitat was found to be low (M=3.0, SD=.45) on a scale of 0 to 10. The impact of anthropogenic activities was found to be high (M=7.74, SD=.65) and statistically significantly influenced (β=-.263, t=-5.30, p<.001) the ecological integrity of the wildlife habitat negatively. The findings imply that the corridor as a wildlife habitat is not useful and cannot be used for the purpose of wildlife management.

Influence of agroforestry and demographic characteristics on the subjective wellbeing of households practicing agroforestry in Gasabo District, Rwanda

Sun, 01 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of agroforestry and demographic characteristics on the subjective wellbeing of households practicing agroforestry in Gasabo District, Rwanda Mutagoma, Jean Luc Agroforestry coverage is low within households because farmers are less motivated to plant more agroforestry trees on their farms. This study aimed at assessing the influence of agroforestry and demographic characteristics on the subjective wellbeing of households practicing agroforestry in Gasabo district, Rwanda. Independent variables investigated were household demographic characteristics, agroforestry practices applied, agroforestry inputs used, agroforestry land size, as well as agroforestry income, and the household subjective wellbeing as the dependent variable. Government policy remittances were studied as intervening variables. Grounded on a review of literature on agroforestry and social-ecological system theory, a survey was conducted on a population of 910 households and a sample of 270 households practicing agroforestry in Zamuka Cooperative. The reliability of the survey questionnaire was tested before data collection. The selection of respondents followed a stratified random sampling procedure. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 20). The wellbeing of household demographic characteristics was very high (M = 6.99 and SD = 1.507) on a scale of 1 to 10. Except for the sex of the household head, other demographic characteristics (age, household size, and formal education level) showed no significant positive influence on the subjective wellbeing of households. The regression analysis exhibited that agroforestry practices applied have a significant positive influence on the subjective wellbeing of households (ß = 0.504, t = 9.554, p = 0.001), as well as agroforestry inputs used (ß = 0.418, t = 7.52, p = 0.001), agroforestry land size (ß = 0.196, t = 3.279, p = 0.001), and agroforestry income (ß = 0.485, t = 9.067, p = 0.001). The study concluded that agroforestry has a significant positive influence on the subjective wellbeing of households. Therefore, the study recommends that policymakers, development partners, and farmers to consider the significant positive influence of the sex of the household head; to increase the number of agroforestry practices applied, to increase the number of agroforestry inputs used, to increase the number of agroforestry land size, and to increase the number of agroforestry income for their influence on the subjective wellbeing of households practicing agroforestry

Influence of community participation and performance of solid waste management in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of community participation and performance of solid waste management in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County Wamukota, Irene The purpose of this study was to examine influence of community participation and performance of solid waste management in Kibra Sub- County, Nairobi County. The study was guided by the following research objectives; to determine the influence of awareness on the performance of solid waste management, to examine the extent to which campaign engagement influence the performance of solid waste management Kibra Sub- County in Nairobi County and to assess the influence of actors in solid waste management on performance of SWM Kibra Sub- County in Nairobi County. The target population of this study was 262 respondents in all the garbage collection companies in Kibera Slums. The slum has 7 sub locations and 7 garbage collection companies in each sub-location. A descriptive research design was used in the study. A sample determination table of Morgan 1970 was used to determine the population sample size of 152 that was involved in the study. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The collected data was cleaned, edited and coded to ensure good quality of the data. Coding of the data was done according to different variables and descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mode, mean, percentages and standard deviations was used for ease of interpretation. Tables were used to present data. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V.24). The study found out that all the three variables, awareness, campaign engagement and SWM actors influence the performance of solid waste management in Kibra Sub-county. Therefore, the study recommends that the relevant stakeholder for example, NEMA, County Government and the Actors should arrange a workshop in Kibra and other slums in Nairobi to create awareness on the dangers of solid waste management so as people could identify the dangers of good solid waste management and improve in the performance. Campaigns also should be planned within Kibra sub-county.

Influence of drought coping strategies on the social ecological well-being of pastoral communities in Kakuma and Oropoi locations in Turkana County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of drought coping strategies on the social ecological well-being of pastoral communities in Kakuma and Oropoi locations in Turkana County, Kenya Mawaa, Godfrey Ekato The nomadic pastoralists in Turkana have developed coping mechanisms to protect themselves from the long-term effects of droughts that decimate livestock which forms their primary source of livelihood. Turkana is suffering from water scarcity disrupting routine activities like small scale farming. This study aimed to assess the effects of drought coping strategies on the socioecological wellbeing of the pastoralists in Turkana West Sub County. The study objectively sought to determine the influence of livelihood diversification; evaluate the influence of remittances to the households; determine the influence of credit access; assess the influence of collective action and investigate the influence of food relief and NGO interventions on the socioecological wellbeing of the households in Kakuma and Oropoi locations in Turkana West sub-county, Turkana County. The study employed the use of a descriptive research design targeting a population of 115,134 (23,048 households) respondents. The study used cluster sampling to select a sample size of 273. The study adopted questionnaires for data collection and utilised descriptive and inferential data analysis methods to analyse the collected data. The results showed that three independent variables had positive and significant influence on the socioecological wellbeing, namely credit access (ß= .151, t= 2.519, p < .05), collective action (ß= .160, t= 2.667, p=0.008) and food relief and NGO/government interventions (ß= .722, t= 17.195, p=0.001). On contrary, livelihood diversification (ß= -.051, t (272) = -.846, p>0.05) and remittances to the households (ß= .100, t= 1.658, p>.05) had no significant influence on socioecological wellbeing. The study concluded that credit access, collective actions and food relief and NGO/government interventions are coping strategies that could be adopted as best practices to improve the socioecological wellbeing of pastoral households in Kakuma and Oropoi locations. Identification and ranking of factors influencing the choice of drought coping strategies will have a significance in the adoption of these best practices for better drought preparedness and mitigation measures. Therefore, the study recommends that credit access be made easier for the people in these locations. People in this region should engage in more diverse livelihoods. In partnership with the national government and other stakeholders such as religious factions, the county government should promote active community collective action for better drought preparedness.

Factors affecting the adoption and use of liquefied petroleum gas in Gatanga Sub County, Murang’a County, Kenya

Sat, 01 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Factors affecting the adoption and use of liquefied petroleum gas in Gatanga Sub County, Murang’a County, Kenya Kamau, Geoffrey Household air pollution (HAP) emanating from the burning of dirty fuels is the fifth leading risk factor for premature death and disability in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Additionally, the use of solid fuels such as charcoal and fuelwood continues to exert excessive pressure on the dwindling forest resources in the LMICs. Adoption of clean burning fuels including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can reduce the burden of HAP and pressure on the forest resources. However, Kenya’s adoption of LPG remains below Africa’s average at about 5%, despite the government exempting LPG from taxation through the Energy Bill of 2016 to lure more Kenyan households into adopting LPG. This research assessed the factors affecting the adoption and use of LPG in Gatanga sub-County. Firstly, the study’s research questions addressed the influence of LPG availability on LPG adoption in Gatanga sub-county. Secondly, the study sought to find out the factors influencing LPG use patterns and to assess the potential effects of LPG adoption on the environment, particularly on forest resources. A correlation research design was employed to analyze responses to a structured questionnaire completed by 315 respondents selected through stratified random sampling across six wards of Gatanga sub-county. The relationships between different variables were tested using Pearson’s correlation analysis and the Chi-square tests. A paired-samples t-test was used to test for any significant difference in fuelwood consumption before and after LPG adoption (p≤ 0.05). The results show that although 49.5% of households have adopted LPG in Gatanga sub-county, only 10.2% use it as their primary fuel for cooking. The findings also showed that a significant positive relationship exists between the distance to LPG depots and LPG adoption. Similarly, the availability of LPG delivery services determines whether a household adopts LPG. Furthermore, household size and household income also influence the choice of a household’s primary cooking fuel. The study also found a significant statistical difference in fuelwood consumption before and after LPG adoption. In conclusion, although close to half of the households in Gatanga sub-county have adopted LPG, its exclusive use is limited to a few households. It is therefore recommended that addressing the factors of LPG availability and affordability is critical for the success of the Kenya Vision 2030 Agenda to achieve 35% exclusive LPG use in Kenya. The study further recommends scaling up LPG adoption to achieve the long-term goal of 10% forest cover as a gain from LPG adoption.

Socioeconomic factors and their effects on the adoption of environmental conservation practices within the Kimao Dam catchment area in Baringo County, Kenya

Sun, 01 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Socioeconomic factors and their effects on the adoption of environmental conservation practices within the Kimao Dam catchment area in Baringo County, Kenya Kiplagat, Emily Jepkorir Sedimentation of Lake Baringo and other water bodies in Baringo County has been occurring at an alarming rate. The increased sedimentation of the water bodies can be attributed to steep topography and reduced vegetation cover, which enhances soil loss during torrential rains, resulting in an increase in sedimentation of the Lakes and other water bodies. Many interventions to reduce soil loss and increase vegetation cover by the government and non-governmental organization over the years have failed to bear fruits due to low adoption rate of the environmental conservation measures by the land owners. This study therefore, aimed at assessing some of the factors that cause the low adoption rate of the environmental conservation practices using households located within the Kimao catchment area in Kimalel location. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the effects of social and demographic factors (age, gender, household number) on the adoption of environmental conservation practices, (ii) establish the effects of land size owned by households on the adoption of environmental conservation practices, (iii) determine the effect of household heads’ knowledge on environmental conservation practices on their adoption, (iv) determine the effect of affordability of environmental conservation practices on their adoption, (v) determine the effects of participation in collective action on the adoption of environmental conservation practices by households within the catchment area of Kimao dam in Baringo County. The ex-post-facto research design was used. A stratified proportional random sample of 225 households were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 26). The results showed that the level of adoption of environmental conservation practices waslow (M=9.47, SD=4.7) on a scale of 1 to 22. The level of adoption of environmental conservation practices within the Kimao dam catchment area was found to be affected by age of the household head (β=.294, t=4.59, p=.001) and household number (β= .147, t=2.22, p=.027) but not gender (t=-.648, df=223, p=.518). The Land size (β=.162, t-2.45, p=.015), knowledge (β=.872, t=26.59, p<.001), affordability (β=.650, t=12.77, p<.001), and participation in collective action (β=.906, t=31.91, p< .001) also affected the level of adoption of environmental conservation practices. The study concluded that a multiplicity of factors affected the level of land owner’s adoption of environmental conservation practices in the Kimao dam catchment area. Based on this conclusion, the following recommendations were suggested to the County government and other stakeholders: there is need to provide the much needed inputs for conservation practices by providing seeds and seedlings for planting, implement a payment for environmental services (PES) scheme to encourage the households to implement the practices and enhance land owners’ knowledge on practices through farmer to farmer training initiatives. The findings of the study will influence policy development in implementing environmental conservation practices in Baringo County

Environmental impacts of stone quarrying and their influence on the wellbeing of households in Khalaleo, Mandera County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Environmental impacts of stone quarrying and their influence on the wellbeing of households in Khalaleo, Mandera County, Kenya Maalim, Abdiwahab Madker Stone quarrying along the Daua River in Khalaleo is a big economic activity for the households in the area, the activity has created environmental impacts, which affect the subjective wellbeing of the households. This study sought to investigate the environmental impacts of stone quarrying on household wellbeing, specifically: i) to assess the influence of the impacts of plant diversity loss from stone quarrying on the wellbeing of households within the stone quarrying areas; ii) to determine the influence of pollution impacts from stone quarrying on the wellbeing of households in the stone quarrying areas; iii) to examine the influence of land degradation impacts on the wellbeing of households within the stone quarrying areas; iv) to assess the influence of the impact of water filled quarries on the wellbeing of households found in the stone quarrying areas, and v) to rank the independent variables as to their influence on the wellbeing of households within the stone quarrying areas. A descriptive research study design was adopted for this study. The target population was the households living not more than a kilometer from the stone quarries in Khalaleo. A random sample of 196 households was selected from a sampling frame of 540 households. A researcher administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the household heads. The data was analyzed using descriptive (means, median, mode and frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (regression analysis, ANOVA and Chi-square test) at 95 % level of confidence in a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 26). The wellbeing of the households in the study area was found to be of medium level with a mean of (M= 5.32, SD=3.91) on a scale of 0 to 10. Household wellbeing of the households found in the quarrying areas was negatively influenced by loss of plant diversity ((β=-.422, t=-6.48, p<.001), pollution (β= -.246, t= - 3.542, p<.001), land degradation (β= -.736, t= - 15.149, p<.001), and Water filled quarries (β= -.522, t= - 8.531, p<.001). The wellbeing of the households in the study area can be improved by making use of the water in the quarries for irrigation and other purposes, having mitigation measures for land degradation, plant diversity loss and pollution by planting trees and grass. The findings of this study will be useful in assisting the National and County governments in formulating policies applicable to environmental management of the stone quarrying projects and improvement of the well-being of the people.