SU Scholarly Articles

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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
The United States, the Security Council and the International Criminal Court: will international criminal justice prevail despite US recalcitrance
Omari, Caroline
Since 1945 when international criminal justice first became a reality the US has been its greatest champion and supporter. As part of the allied movement, the US played a central role in the creation of the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal.1 Its support for the process continued through the Tokyo trial, and the various successor trials of Nazi doctors, lawyers, military leaders, political leaders among others.2 The adoption of the convention on the prevention and punishment of the Crime of Genocide also highlights the importance of US support. Unlike the reticent Britain, the US was at the front line pushing for adoption of the convention. Additionally, in 1992 when proposals for international prosecution resurfaced following the outbreak of war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the US took the initiative on a Security Council resolution to establish a commission of inquiry into reports of widespread violations of international humanitarian law.3 Interestingly enough, the US actively participated in the drafting process that led to the adoption of the Rome Statute. The International Law Commission’s draft text was refined through a series of preparatory conferences in which the US played an active role, and even after the adoption of the Statute the US has supported international courts for Sierra Leone and Cambodia. More importantly, the ICC signifies the same values of global justice, human rights and the rule of law that the US is committed to.4 Why then did the US withdraw its support for the ICC at the eleventh hour? What impact has this had on the Security Council’s power to act when National authorities are unable and unwilling? In order to fully understand this question we must delve into the complex relationship between the US and the Security Council.
Ultrastructure of the infection of sorghum bicolor and zea mays by pythium species
Gichuru, Virginia Gathoni; Okori, Patrick; Buruchara (Dr.), Robin; Mahuku, George
The practice of cultivating mixed crops is common in Tropical Africa and elsewhere especially in areas of high population density. The practice of mixed cropping can promote disease spread especially in multi-host pathosystems. Pythium is a soil borne oomycete with a wide host range affecting both cereal and legumes. In this paper we examine pathogenesis by Pythium species in maize and sorghum, crops commonly included as intercrops in south western Uganda. In this study, both electron and light microscopy were used to study infection process using bean derived Pythium species-Pythium ultimum (MS 61) and Pythium irregulare (DFD 47) on beans, maize and sorghum. Electron microscopy revealed that on maize P.irregulare hyphae remained extracellular while P. ultimum hyphae in epidermis underwent necrosis after 9 days. In sorghum on the contrary, P. ultimum and P. irregulare extensively colonised both the epidermis and endodermis. In this study, P. ultimum also had two types of hyphae which mediated infection thus making it more virulent than P. irregulare. The results of this study confirm that Pythium spp. are pathogenic on sorghum and therefore the role of sorghum in Pythium inoculum build-up in bean fields cannot be precluded.
The British Somaliland protectorate to 1905
Breaking the ground on action learning action research at Strathmore university
Magolo, Wilson
Action learning has revolutionized learning in many organizations and sectors worldwide. The role of action learning in the classroom has attracted attention from educators and researchers alike. Even though the power and elegance of action learning in education has been celebrated, challenges in implementation still abound. This action research paper explores the potential for action learning to provide variety to group work and group assignments at Strathmore University, shows how the learner is empowered through action learning and demonstrates the powerful responses by learners as pointing to possibilities for further exploration and implementation; in this way, a few areas requiring further research within the University are identified.
Modelling dataspace entity association using set theorems
Shibwabo, Bernard Kasamani; Ateya, Ismail Lukandu; Wanyembi , Gregory
The development of dataspace support systems is far from reality as individuals and enterprises are faced with the huge challenge of data management. Critical to this is the need to provide a model that represents the relationships between the entities collaborating in a dataspace. A dataspace is a new abstraction and target architecture to data management that does not require up-front semantic data integration. This paper models a dataspace using the set theory with entity mappings. A technique for identity resolution and pay-as-you-go data integration is explained. In order to provide a strong degree of assurance, the authors subject the model to certain real world entities that might form part of a global dataspace.
Firm size and information technology investment appraisal: evidence from commercial banks in Kenya
Onsongo, Elsie
Information technology expenditure in banks consumes an ever increasing portion of operating costs and revenues. As organisations continue increasing their investment in IS, the process of evaluating potential Information Technology (IT) investments becomes an important activity for an organisation’s management. This study attempts to establish whether the choice of IT investment appraisal approaches is associated with the size of a firm using evidence from commercial banking institutions in Kenya. Results of the survey show that there is a correlation between choice of approach and firm size. Among the banking institutions in Kenya, medium-sized banks focus the most on both the strategic and analytical approaches to IT investment appraisal. Majority of small banks have adopted relatively simple economic techniques such as payback period and cost-benefit analysis, and they do not focus on the more sophisticated analytical and integrated approaches as much as the medium-sized and large banks. Finally, large banks have adopted all of the appraisal approaches explored in this study. The results of this study help to establish banking industry-wide benchmarks and best practices in IT investment evaluation, thereby assisting IT executives to make more informed decisions for future investments.
Pathogenicity of pythium species on hosts associated with bean-based cropping system in south western Uganda
Gichuru, Virginia Gathoni; Okori (Dr.), Patrick; Buruchara (Dr.), Robin; Opio, Fina
A pathosystem is a subsystem of an ecosystem and is characterised by the phenomenon of parasitism. The bean-Pythium pathosystem consists of the host (bean), the pathogen (Pythium) and their host-pathogen relation. Of interest is how the pathogen causes pathogenicity on other crops and beans. To investigate this, screen house experiments were set up to test the pathogenicity of Pythium species derived from bean and other crops grown in association with beans. Pathogenicity was tested on maize (Zea mays), millet (Eleusine corcana), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), peas (Pisum satium), susceptible bean variety (CAL 96) and resistant bean variety (RWR 719). The results indicated that distinct symptoms were observed in the roots and shoots of test crop species which are characteristic of Pythium infection. For instance peas had brownish watery stems and roots Also bean-derived pathogenic Pythium spp. were found to be more virulent than Pythium spp. derived from other crop species.Sorghum and peas had the highest disease scores upon infection by Pythium spp. We can conclude that there is cross pathogenicity among Pythium spp. especially affecting sorghum and peas. This phenomenon may account for the current root rot epiphytotics in south western Uganda and other similar agroecologies. An integrated disease management strategy that will deploy multi-non hosts to Pythium root rot is recommended.

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