Strathmore University Academia+

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A method for field verification of the precision class of inductive voltage transformers
(Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), 1999-08-27) Brandao, A.F.; de Silos, A.C.; Ivanoff, D.; da Silva, I.P.; Da Silva, Izael
It is shown here that the precision class of an IVT-inductive voltage transformer-can be verified in the field, using the results obtained in the usual tests of no-load loss and current, short circuit and winding ohmic resistances, performed with common meters. A graphic diagram-the Mollinger and Gewecke diagram-is employed together with the results of an accuracy test previously carried out in order to determine the exact value of the winding turns relation and of the primary winding dispersion reactance. These values are used to calculate phase and magnitude errors, that must obey standards and must lie between definite limits, defined by the precision class of the instrument. Some commercial IVTs were tested in order to check the validation of the procedure. The errors were compared with the ones obtained with the Shering-Alberti method (CA bridge and comparison with standard IVT).
Issues and challenges in implementing quality assurance in higher education
(Strathmore university, 2003) ; Gatei, Muchira; Sevilla, Joseph
This paper deals with the issues and challenges facing the successful implementation of a QMS in an educational institution, namely, Strathmore University. It looks at the various steps followed to implement QMS in the University. Strathmore University (SU) decided to implement a quality assurance system in early 2003 to ensure excellence in the pursuit of its objectives. In the development of her strategic plan, the University identified the need to institute a QMS to ensure adherence to quality along the expansion path. It was a means of entrenching a systematic approach to quality management in both its administrative and academic functions. Ideally, the QMS should guarantee adherence to the University’s processes and procedures. The process of QMS entails various steps including the decision to implement quality assurance, making of quality related choices, educating staff, constituting the implementation team, defining statements, policies and processes, documentation, internal audit training and the audit process, certification and QMS monitoring and growth. The paper discusses the various challenges encountered in the steps of the QMS process. It further looks at positive and negative aspects of each step as well as the measures taken to overcome them. In conclusion, an understanding of the issues and challenges at each step of QMS implementations allows for suitable preventive and correcting actions to achieve optimal performance over time. Our conclusion would be of high interest to other local and regional universities who have decided to implement a QMS.
Oval slides in triangular spaces? Anchoring national human rights institutions in ‘tripartite’ Commonwealth Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2006) Ambani, John Osogo
"Montesquieu, in L'Esprit des Lois, 1748, divided the functions of state into: the legislative power, the executive power, and the power of judging. Indeed, three constitutional organs have invariably dominated state power. These are: the executive, the leigslative and the judiciary. According to Montesquieu, the state is said to be at 'equilibrium' when the three organs are independent of each other, with each carrying out its functions without interference. Ideally, the legislative organ ought to make laws, the executive to implement them, and the judiciary to adjudicate over disputes arising out of the day-to-day operations of the state. This attempt at dispersing state power is not arbitrary. It has got ends. One cardinal end in this regrad is the protection of fundamental human rights. It has been argued that where the three organs of state are allowed operatational autonomy, individuals stand to enjoy relatively profound liberty. Where state functions are entrusted with one person or organ, the tyranny of that person or organ is certain to overwhelm the realisation of fundamental freedoms and liberties. ... Both Montesquieu and Lock had tremendous faith in the tripartite government structure in so far as the protection of liberties was concerned. Informed by this philosophy, most democratic constitutions have weaved state power in almost similar terms envisioned by Montesquieu. Thus far, the 1787 Constitution of the United States of America (USA) could be ranked as one with the clearest distinction of state functions. Contemporary practice, however, appears to be in favour of complementing these traditional state organs, a sign, perhaps, that the conventional three organs of state per se have increasingly proved inadequate; at least in the sphere of human rights protection. There is a move, or rather, wave towards the establishment of independent national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to reinforce the bulwark of human rights protection mechanisms at state level, and the wave, arguably, is most pronounced in Africa. ... The current investigation will be completed in four distinct chapters. The current chapter serves well to introduce the study. The second chapter constitutes a comprehensive study of the conceptual foundations of national human rights institutions (NHRIs). The essence, structure and nature of NHRIs is also explored. The third chapter proposes to analyse the doctrine of separation of powers from a philosophical and later, from a practical point of view as it manifests itself in the Commonwealth tradition. The tripartite government configuration is discussed with the ramification of NHRIs in mind. It is instructive that without assessing the parent concept (the rule of law) a discussion on separation of powers remains orphaned. The fourth chapter shall first allude to the new challenges to human rights enforcement. It shall then discuss how these challenges and the development of NHRIs cry for a new thinking on the original tripartite system. The final section is an attempt at supplying a panacea to the challenges accentuated by the preceding part."
Investing in wireless communications: POPOTE wireless case
(Strathmore University, 2007) Muthi, Edwin
Landlines are very much in demand as they are cost effective. Due to the difficulties experienced in obtaining landlines in the past, many Kenyans rely on mobile phones for their communication needs. This is where the Popote services come in handy. This paper presents how Popote Wireless filled in a niche and took advantage of this lucrative communication business.
Altruistic versus profit maximising system operators of rural power systems
(IEEE, 2007-07-20) Sendegeya, A.; Amelin, M.; Soder, L.; Lugujjo, E.; Da Silva, I. P.; Da Silva, Izael
This paper presents a methodology using Monte Carlo Simulation for analysing and compare the impact of two types of monopolistic rural power system operators (altruistic and profit maximising operators) on the probability distribution of tariff levels and reliability of the system. The market has price sensitive consumers. The developed model has been demonstrated on two power systems: only diesel genset and a wind-diesel hybrid system showing the impact of the generation costs and capacity of generation from wind on the tariff levels, expected profit and reliability.
Introducing derivative exchange: Asia's emerging markets experiences
(Sogang University, 2009) Mugo, Freshia Wangari
What makes some derivatives exchange as well as products successful while others fail is a puzzle that is yet to be fully solved. Some derivatives markets become very successful while others fail to record any significant trading. This dissertation attempts to shed light on introducing successful derivatives exchanges especially in emerging markets which lag far behind developed markets in introducing derivatives instruments. The paper critically analyzes some of the necessary factors (requisites) prior to and after the establishment of derivatives exchange. Indicators that a derivatives market has a high likelihood of being successful when established as discussed include; economic development, political stability, strong legal and regulatory framework, sound infrastructural systems, developed capital markets, products traded, education to market participants, large and active investors as well as a detailed feasibility study. These indicators were analyzed through a comparative case study and were found to clearly distinguish successful and unsuccessful derivatives markets. Further, to determine the success of derivatives products, an empirical analysis on the factors influencing contracts’ success was conducted. Confirming our hypothesis, we found the size of the underlying market, the price variability of the spot market, as well as the cash market liquidity to significantly influence contracts success. In conclusion therefore, prior to introducing a derivatives exchange, an emerging market should first examine whether the indicators of a successful derivatives exchange are favorable and then introduce those products with high probability of being successful.
Use of electronic journals by academic staff at Strathmore University.
(Moi University, 2011) Chibini, Vincent M
Strathmore University subscribes to electronic journals with the aim of providing library users a variety of information resources to use in teaching, learning and research. Library users receive training in the use of e-journals through information literacy and library user training programs. In addition, users have access to computers fully connected to the internet. Despite this, the use of ejournals by lecturers at Strathmore University is below the librarians’ expectations. The researcher was motivated by this to carry out a study to establish why Strathmore University lecturers do not make maximum use of these electronic journals. The aim of the study was to investigate the use of electronic journals by lecturers at Strathmore University; and ascertain the extent to which their information needs were met by these journals. The objectives of the study were to; determine the use of e-journals by lecturers in teaching and research; find out whether lecturers at Strathmore University were aware of the availability of ejournals in their libraries; establish whether the available e-journals were meeting the information needs of lecturers at Strathmore University; find out whether lecturers at Strathmore University had adequate skills to use in accessing ejournals; establish the perception of lecturers at Strathmore University towards electronic journals; establish the level of ICT support infrastructure available at the university; establish the challenges lecturers at Strathmore University encountered in using e-journals; and establish the possible solutions to the challenges faced by lecturers in using e-journals. The study was based on the Horizontal Pyramid Model by Ndubisi and Jantan (2003). The population of the study comprised Strathmore University lecturers. Purposive sampling techniques were used in the study. Data was collected using face to face semi-structured interviews, observation and documentary analysis. It was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Tables and charts were used to give more detailed presentation and analyses. The study established that most lecturers are aware of the existence of e-journals in the university. The e-journals available meet the information needs of lecturers. Most lecturers at Strathmore University did not have adequate skills to use in accessing e-journals. It was found that lack of skills, low bandwidth, work overload, and publishers' embargos, among others, are some of the challenges lecturers faced in using e-journals. Among the recommendations included the establishment of information literacy programs to train lecturers to access and use e-journals. Libraries should also improve the e-journals' databases’ user interface to eliminate the complexity that exists in various databases
On the pattern recognition of Verhulst-logistic Itô Processes in Market Price Data.
(Strathmore university, 2011) Onyango, Silas
We introduce a highly error resistant method of extracting Itô processes as applied to market data. This method is inspired by an AI method known as Hough transforms (HT). The HT method has been used in extracting geometric shape patterns from noisy and corrupted image data. We use this method to extract simultaneously logistic geometric Brownian motion trends from simulated price histories data. It turns out that this approach is an effective method of extracting market processes for both simulated and real-world market price data. Key words: Itô processes
Application of artificial neural networks in time series forecasting
(Strathmore University, 2012) Kandiri, John Mugo
Estimation and prediction of students enrolment in a college provides, besides straightforward profit opportunities, indications to various important data and information for example information on customer fluctuation over period, thus helping in decision making especially in resource allocation. Forecasting the number of students expected to enroll in a college is therefore of prime importance to the management for both tactical and strategic management. This can be based on the available historical data and use of time series prediction. Students' enrolment time series can be predicted with a certain degree of confidence. This is from analyzed data. Future activities can be determined from the past performances. In this project, a short forecast will be used. This is because a shorter forecast gives a more accurate result with a higher degree of confidence. So far, the primary means of detecting trends and patterns has involved statistical methods such as statistical clustering and regression analysis. The mathematical models associated with these methods for economical forecasting, however, are linear and may fail to forecast the turning points in economic cycles because in many cases the data they model maybe highly nonlinear. In the contemporary generation in computing, new methodologies, including neural networks, knowledge-based systems and genetic algorithms, has attracted attention for analysis of trends and patterns. In particular, neural networks are being used extensively for financial forecasting with stockmarkets, foreign exchange trading, and commodity future trading and bond yields. Stockmarket prediction is an area of financial forecasting which attracts a great deal of attention This research paper therefore presents a scheme for time series forecasting with a neural network. To help evaluate the performance of the Neural Net, a benchmark Autoregression model will be developed using regression analysis. A statistical package SPSS will be used to come up with the model. A theoretical comparison of the methods (ANN and autoRegression) is provided in the conclusion.
Simplifying the Markov chain analysis of rainfall data using gensat
(Strathmore University, 2012) Ong'ala, Jacob Otieno
Despite the rapid development of statistical packages, a lot of climatic data still remain unanalyzed due to lack of specialized routines in most of the packages. One package has a climatic menu though with limitation on complex analysis such as generalized linear models. Others can perform the Generalized Linear Model analysis but do not have a specialized menu for analyzing climatic data. There is no statistical package currently available which has a specialized capability to do climatic analysis easily and includes the use of generalized linear models. This study starts the work of creating a specialized menu in GenStat for analyzing climatic data by implementing Markov modeling of rainfall data. Four procedures have been written and corresponding dialogues were created to ease their use. Incorporating a climatic menu into GenStat package will support researchers in agricultural and many other fields that need an analysis of climatic data as part of their work.
Curriculum Vitae
(Izael Pereira Da Silva, 2015) Da Silva, Izael Pereira; Da Silva, Izael
Array-based schemes for group screening with test errors which incorporate a concentration effect
(Elsevier, 2015-06-04) Odhiambo, John W.; Mwambi, H.G.; Haines, Linda M.; Habtesllassie, Y.G.
Group screening is widely used as an efficient method for identifying samples or factors from a large population that are in some sense active. The focus in the present paper is on screening blood samples for infectious diseases when errors in testing are present. Specific attention is given to the introduction of a concentration effect, that is to settings in which the error in testing a group of blood samples depends on the number of samples in that group which are infected. Four array-based group screening schemes, the Dorfman, the and, the or and a modification of the and scheme, are considered and their performance appraised by deriving explicit formulae for the expected number of tests, the expected number of false negatives and the expected number of false positives. The results are illustrated by means of two examples. As an aside, relationships complementary to those derived in the context of blood screening are developed within the area of group factor screening.
Fatherhood among the Maasai
(2015-09-07) Obeja, Roderick
Papa and yieyo are Maasai words for father and mother respectively. A father is the family head, protector, provider, main decision maker among the Maasai. The Maasai, a traditionally nomadic pastoral tribe in Kenya and Tanzania, have continued to fascinate many, given their preserving of their traditions intact to this day. The study of fatherhood among the Maasai aims to establish how traditional society among the Maasai groomed fathers, and how different this narrative is in a more modern society. Males were initiated into varied age-groups first fourteen or fifteen into the warrior age-group, and then later, as elders. These enabled Maasai males to fit into societal roles of protecting and providing for their families. Knowing that everything is related, the women are vital in the life of the Maasai, as they primarily take care of the home, and nurture girls into future honourable wives for Maasai society. Maasai living in more urban spaces, do not follow their traditions to the dot, yet maintain close links to their Maasai heritage. Fathers ensure that their boys are appropriately initiated into manhood at circumcision ceremonies, and continue to groom the children. Religion has impacted practices like polygyny, to the extent that Christianity encouraging monogamous marriages. In rural areas, the practice of female genital mutilation, though outlawed in Kenya and Tanzania, continues to take place. With education, the Maasai society will make significant advance into contributing uniquely to progress in our world. Efforts at educating girls and boys are in force, to the good of the Maasai.
Perspectives on energy security and renewable energies in Sub-Saharan Africa - Practical opportunities and regulatory challenges
(Macmillan Education Namibia, 2016) Ruppel, Oliver C.; Althusmann, Bernd
Legal and policy frameworks for climate-friendly energy generation in Africa : energy security for future development
(Macmillan Education Namibia, 2016) Gachenga, Elizabeth; Ruppel, O. C; Althusmann, B.
Energy security is the sine qua non in stabilizing democracy and economic growth, and in reducing poverty and the impacts of climate change. This writing investigates energy security and renewable energies in sub-Saharan Africa, pointing out practical opportunities and regulatory challenges from the perspective of an African expert.
International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16: Leases
(ICPAK, 2016-04) McFie, James Boyd
IFRS 16: Leases was issued on 13 January 2016; it replaces IAS 17 Leases. The new Standard is effective from 1st January 2019: early application is permitted, provided the recently issued revenue Standard, IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers is also applied. IFRS 16 requires all leases to be reported on a company’s balance sheet as assets and liabilities.
Antecedents and consequences of customers’ complaining behaviour in Kenya using social media
(2017) Njuguna, Simon Peter
This study seeks to investigate the nature, antecedents and consequences of customer complaining behaviour (CCB) using social media in retail industry in Kenya. The study will use a multi–method research strategy. To address the research questions, both qualitative (netnography non-participatory and scenario-based methodology) and quantitative (exploratory and descriptive) research design will be employed. The netnography non-participatory approach will be used at the exploratory stage of the study to inform the survey research. The qualitative data (from the netnography and scenario-based) will be analyzed thematically. A narrative approach will be used to develop a scenario that will serve to provide a detailed insight into the experience of a customer. This study will contribute to the existing CCB literature in the following ways: the study will provide an understanding of CCB via social media channels where three psychological theories will be used to help in identifying relevant factors that motivate customers to complain about a product/service failure using social media. The findings will also help the service managers to develop appropriate intervention strategies that will enable then to effectively deal with customer complaints made through social media.
An Analysis of the extent to which the Kenya basic education Act (2013) provides for parental choice to homeschool: the primary and central role of parents as educators.
(Strathmore University, 2018) Gathure, Thomas Mundia
Education in Kenya has witnessed a shift in ownership and management in the last 100 years. It has shifted from parents and community in the pre-colonial period to foreign missionaries and now to the State. While the State assumes a more primary and central role in the control of education, a new problem arises regarding choice and freedoms for other stakeholders. The recent enactment of the Kenya Basic Education Act, 2013 following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 has presented one such scenario in the primary and central role of the State in education as compared to that of parents. The Act fails to recognise a legitimate and credible option of education - homeschooling - while at the same time criminalising the failure to take children to the prescribed schools in the Act. This raises questions as to the philosophical foundation underpinning the Act that could be contributing to this position. Due to the study’s philosophical focus on understanding meanings and beliefs as well as the nature of the research questions, a qualitative research approach (a desk review supported by questionnaires and interviews) was selected. The research questions, measurable indicators and research findings were defined and interpreted in light of the philosophy of Jacques Maritain (an influential philosopher of education and participant of the drafting of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights).The research findings confirmed the effects of a limited philosophical foundation of the Act in its understanding of education, the place where education takes place, disproportionate roles vested on the State as compared to other stakeholders as well as the limited reflection of freedoms enshrined in the Constitution that support homeschooling. The study recommends a total overhaul of the philosophical foundation in which the Act is based to ensure any amendments are well guided and contextualised. Formulators of the Act could benefit from further study to understand the nature of homeschooling and ways to accommodate and support it for parents who choose it.
Kenya’s Water Act (2016) : real devolution or simply the ‘same script, different cast’
(Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, 2019) Gachenga, Elizabeth
The debate surrounding the enactment of Kenya’s Water Act (2016) and its relationship with its predecessor, the Water Act (2002), brings to mind the lyrics of a contemporary pop duet, ‘Same script, different cast’. As the jilted girl attempts to forewarn the current girl of the hurtful ways of her former boyfriend, the latter resists arguing he has changed. To persuade the impressionable new girl to see beyond the façade of the apparent change, the ex-girlfriend uses the expression ‘same script, different cast’ repeatedly, to demonstrate that all that has changed is the actors. In a bid to align the Water Act (2002) with the Constitution of Kenya (2010) (Constitution) and particularly to achieve the devolution enshrined in the Constitution, the Water Act 2016 was enacted following a long drawn out process beginning with the first draft Water Bill of 2012. Despite the amendments brought about by the new Act, critics argue that the Water Act (2016) is at most a superficial modification of the Water Act (2002) albeit with renamed institutions, thus evoking the parallel with the song.
Factors influencing choice of urban transport alternatives by residents of Buru Buru Estate in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2020) Kariuki, Wambui
Transport in urban areas is an important and necessary component of a nation’s development. The various forms of transportation are broadly categorised globally as either Non- Motorised Transport (NMT) or Motorised Transport (MT). At the core of this study is the examination of the factors that influence the choice of urban transport alternatives by residents of Buru Buru Estate in Nairobi County, Kenya. In doing so, three broad categories of variables have been identified, which are the income and demographic attributes of the users, and the transportation attributes; either accessibility, time factor, financial cost and safety. In this examination, the preferences and attributes of the transport users and the relationship between these variables and the choices they make will be explored through the application of the Utility Theory (UT). This theory, explains the behaviour of choice selection among users of transport modes in Buru Buru Estate. The research was conducted through quantitative means. Buru Buru as a sample was ideal, as it has access to all the available transport alternatives including; e- hailing services, matatus, train service, motorcycles, regular taxis as well as being within 8 kms walking distance of the Central Business District. The findings reveal that demographic characteristics of the transport user have a significant impact on the transport choices that they make. These include, gender, age, education level and income which seem to have the most significant impact. The marginal effects for the income band of the resident were significant for choice of private and e-hailing transport alternatives, whereas income was non-significant in influencing the choice of the public transport. Additionally, commuter times and financial costs were found to be important factors amongst respondents across the various demographics. The main recommendations drawn from the data includes policies on: increasing public transport alternatives such as BRT; improved existing train infrastructure, light rail; improved NMT infrastructure; reduction of personal car use; nationalisation of transport; price controls and payment digitisation of public transport. Moreover, there was also a need to carry out larger scale studies with various demographics, taking into account the transport attributes and the demographic characteristics of various populations across Kenya. It also found that there is an increasing need to enforce existing policies as public transport was the most used and most preferred mode of transport.

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