Strathmore University Academia+

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A Case Study on Microfinance Miriam Wambui
Opiyo, Cavin Otieno
In mid May 2007, Miriam Wambui, recently appointed as the first manager of a newly established unit office of the Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT) at Loitokitok was wondering how she could meet her loans disbursement and recovery targets when KWFTs 2006 policy restricted her from disbursing loans to women who were most in need of them.
A cross-sectional analysis of the factors influencing company listings on the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Kiboi , Teresa Wanjiku; Waweru, Freshia Mugo (Dr.)
This was a cross-sectional study of the specific factors influencing company listings based on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The study sought to establish what factors affect those companies which have met the threshold listing requirements but have not opted to publicly list on the exchange. Non listed companies were used as suggested by prior research to determine what has hindered their being listed as well as what would motivate them to consider listing on the stock market with regard to the benefits that accrue to listing. Data was collected based on two sample groups of companies: listed and non-listed using the companies’ prospectuses of the listed companies and a questionnaire for the non-listed companies. Basic descriptive statistics were used to describe the empirical data, inferential statistics and multiple regression analyses were used for analysis. From among the listed companies the most influential factor considered in the listing decision was the political environment which was characterised by a change in political regime. The effect cited by the respondents was the (de) regulation of the industries in which the companies were operating in thus making expansion possible and consequently use of the capital market to raise funds. Additional factors which had not been considered in the literature which emerged among these companies were the market automation which considered to have made the market more efficient and thus more attractive. With reference to the non-listed companies, the most influential factor was the listing requirements considered under the legal and regulatory framework. The respondents expressed the view that these were too stringent. The other relatively more influential factor was the political environment which was also highly considered by the respondents. However, there were four issues that emerged that had been previously covered scantily. These factors were determined as the more influential factors by the respondents with reference to their not being listed. The emerging issues were company or organization structure, public scrutiny, dilution of ownership and a lack of necessity to raise long term funds. Ironically, the most motivating benefit was access to a wide capital base, drawing the conclusion that when a company is in need of heavy capital financing they would highly consider use of the capital market. Despite these benefits the study found that there is a need to lower listing and maintenance costs and for the NSE to broaden the scope of their products.
A Framework to assess the impact of ICT on the livelihoods of students in tertiary institutions: a case of Strathmore University
Wamicha, Elizabeth; Ateya, Ismail Lukandu
ICT has been considered to influence the livelihood of many people in a number of ways. This has prompted a great number of citizens to take up training in ICT courses so as to harness the supposed livelihood benefits. The research focuses on the impact ICT has on the livelihood of students in tertiary institutions. The study uses the livelihoods model as the conceptual model with vulnerability context, human, social, financial capital of the student and the policies/processes of the tertiary institution as the main variables in developing a framework for the assessment on the impact ICT has on the livelihood of students in tertiary institutions. The developed framework is an extension of the livelihoods model that has been modified to include critical components such us curriculum development, collaboration with industry academic institutions and alumni to overcome the gaps observed that exist within the existing ICT tertiary institution. The administration of the framework is in four parts; the first part is the determination of the vulnerability context within which the student operates; the second part outlines the methods used to maximize livelihood assets of the student; the third part emphasizes on the adjustment of institutional policies and procedures. The fourth part details the incorporation of the livelihood strategies into the tertiary institution and the outcome expected from the framework is strengthened relationships between industry and top universities with increased accountability to stakeholders.
A Framework to guide companies on adopting cloud computing technologies
Bitta, Maurice Nyaoro; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben
Cloud computing has emerged as a popular computing model in the Westem world. It is still not well understood by many companies in the developing world that may benefit from its pay-per-use models, and low hardware and software management costs. This dissertation aims at describing Cloud computing, discussing its benefits and barriers, and proposing a framework that small businesses could use to guide them with the adoption of this new computing paradigm. The dissertation deploys the case study as its research methodology. Three small businesses are studied. All three companies are small businesses as per the definition provided by the European Commission. One company is a non-profit, while the other two are for-profit organizations. One of the two for-profit companies operates in an IT intensive industry. The proposed framework is built on the premise that the quality of data collected through qualitative enquiry is sufficient for it to be used for evaluative purposes. Also, although three cases may not be a basis that is large enough for arriving at a scientific conclusion, the research uses Walsham (1993) argument that from an interpretive position, the validity from our extrapolation from these cases depends on the plausibility and cogency of the logical reasoning used in describing the results from the cases, and in drawing conclusions from them. From the research, we discover that businesses perceive Cloud computing to be useful and that they are prepared to face the challenges that hinder its adoption but that they lack a framework to guide them in adopting this technology. This dissertation's key contribution therefore is the proposal of a four-staged framework that could be used to guide small businesses in adopting Cloud computing technologies.
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).
A Review of the theory of completely primary finite rings
Chikunji, Chiteng’a
We give a review of recent developments in the theory of finite rings with identity and pay special attention to a class of finite rings whose sets of all zero divisors form additive groups. We further describe the structure of such rings and provide a general representation for these rings as additive direct sums of cyclic modules over their maximal Galois subrings.
Action for a sustainable future – the role of African Universities
Ogbuigwe, Akpezi
An open lecture delivered at Strathmore University on 4th September, 2008 at the Auditorium
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.
An Integrated access control security system model for institutions of higher learning
Mayieka, Jared Maranga
Defining an Access Control security system service for any organization’s application requires the choice of the access control security model and process for the formulation of access decision rules to be used by the access enforcement mechanism that can be implemented in such organizations. The lack of an integrated access control security system model to provide framework for the development of an access control system for universities has presented enormous challenges to the universities in Kenya. The universities need to monitor, authenticate and verify people entering into and utilizing their resources. Additionally, there is a challenge of integrating different systems and departments thereby leaving a gap in the administration process. There is therefore need to provide a model that would help in providing the benchmark for developing access control systems to integrate different systems and departments in the institutions. Such benchmarks can be guided by technology such as smart cards, rules and policy definition among others. This research aims at designing a policy driven access control model (PD-ACM) that can be used in both developing the access control model and formulating the access decision rules adopted by institutions of higher learning in Kenya to develop their access control systems more specifically for their physical access control. In summary, this thesis aims at developing an integrated access control security system model for universities in Kenya and this process will be guided be Activity, System and Set theories. It is important for institutions to adopt a specific model to guide their access control security system development process so as to be able to effectively, efficiently and reliably monitor, authenticate and authorize all those accessing their facilities and resources.
An Integrated access control security system model for institutions of higher learning
Mayieka, Jared Maranga
Defining an Access Control security system service for any organization’s application requires the choice of the access control security model and process for the formulation of access decision rules to be used by the access enforcement mechanism that can be implemented in such organizations. The lack of an integrated access control security system model to provide framework for the development of an access control system for universities has presented enormous challenges to the universities in Kenya. The universities need to monitor, authenticate and verify people entering into and utilizing their resources. Additionally, there is a challenge of integrating different systems and departments thereby leaving a gap in the administration process. There is therefore need to provide a model that would help in providing the benchmark for developing access control systems to integrate different systems and departments in the institutions. Such benchmarks can be guided by technology such as smart cards, rules and policy definition among others. This research aims at designing a policy driven access control model (PD-ACM) that can be used in both developing the access control model and formulating the access decision rules adopted by institutions of higher learning in Kenya to develop their access control systems more specifically for their physical access control. In summary, this thesis aims at developing an integrated access control security system model for universities in Kenya and this process will be guided be Activity, System and Set theories. It is important for institutions to adopt a specific model to guide their access control security system development process so as to be able to effectively, efficiently and reliably monitor, authenticate and authorize all those accessing their facilities and resources.
An overview of competence development in SMEs
(Inderscience, ) Katwalo, Allan Mulengani
This paper provides an overview of competence development in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The paper suggests a rationale for competence development and highlights the need for reassessing the competence development process as it pertains to SMEs. The paper identifies a model that could be adapted as a framework for understanding such a phenomenon in SMEs generally, and points to the possibility of extending the model.
Analysis of diversity among East African sweet potato cultivars (ipomoea batatas) using morphological and simple sequence repeats dna markers
Gichuru, Virginia Gathoni; Rubaihayo (Prof.), Patrick; Lubega (Dr.), George
East Africa is considered to be a secondary centre of origin of sweet potato and it is suspected that the wide morphological variation observed indicates wide genetic diversity in the region. To conserve and utilize the germplasm, it is important that proper assessment of the diversity of the East African sweet potato germplasm be made.Identification by molecular technologies is more commonly used over morphological characters since the latter can be influenced by environmental factors. In this study, we used molecular and morphological markers to study the genetic diversity of the germplasm in the region. Collections of cultivars were made from selected locations of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and subsequently established in pots in a screen house at Makerere University. A total of 266 cultivars were collected. After 3 weeks, the cultivars were screened for morphological characters using the CIP Research Guide. Cluster analysis was done using UPGMA in Treecon (Version 1.3). Based on morphological grouping, 57 cultivars, which were morphologically diverse, were randomly selected for DNA extraction and further analysis was done. Cluster analysis revealed only two major groupings (A & B) of sweet potatoes with very low bootstrap support of 0-54 %. The key distinguishing morphological markers were triangular leaf outline and a cordate shaped leaf outline for group A & B respectively. In addition, there were no geographical distinct morphological types identified. No population structure was detected. However, within each country, a high variation was observed (97.65%), suggesting that a wide range of cultivars is being grown in each country. Microsatellite (SSR) reactions were performed using four SSR primer combinations. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were resolved using a high resolution metaphor agarose gel electrophoresis. Genetic distance data matrices were subjected to Unweighted pair-group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) clustering using TREECON phylogenetic program Version 1.3 b. Two major sub-clusters were found by UPGMA at a bootstrap value of 54 %. Low bootstrap values (0-55 %) indicate absence of clusters and close genetic relationships among the cultivars. The majority of cultivars were in the range of 0.1-0.3 Nei's genetic distance from each other, which also shows close genetic relatedness. The clustering of sweet potato cultivars based on SSR markers showed that cultivars from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were grouping in group A. In sub-cluster B the cultivars were from Uganda and they seemed to form a unique group. However the Tanzanian cultivars seem to cluster closely together in various sub-clusters. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) indicated that there is statistically measurable divergence between the sweet potato of Uganda-Kenya and the other East-African country, Tanzania with detectable difference between the cultivars of the three sources. The largest source of diversity comes from within-population variation, which accounts for 88.91 % of the total variance. The data from AMOVA analysis also indicated an F st value >0.05 which seems to suggest great genetic differentiation amongst the cultivars in the East African region and hence presence of a population structure. The gene flow values > 1 shows that there is high genetic drift amongst the cultivars in this region. In this study, the morphological analysis of sweet potato landraces indicated that there was not much variation in the East African sweet potato. However the investigation at genome level using PCR-based SSR markers was able to identify significant variation amongst the landraces and existence of a population structure. The major results in this study indicate that SSR markers are appropriate for the genotyping and revealing genetic relationship of East African sweetpotato cultivars. In addition, morphological characterisation should be complemented with DNA –based characterisation using SSR markers to reveal genetic diversity of East African sweet potato cultivars.
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.
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.
Antecedents to successful adoption of e-Procurement in textile and apparel firms in Kenya
Arasa, Robert M.
This study examined the factors that affect implementation of e-procurement within the textile and apparel firms in Kenya.Specifically it sought to investigate the effect of organizational issues, environmental factors and technological factors on the implementation of e-procurement.A survey approach was employed, using stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness.Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis were used.Descriptive statistics as well as regression analysis were used to facilitate examination of the relationship between variables of interest.The study findings indicate that the environmental factors have the most influence on e-procurement implementation, followed by technological and organizational factors respectively.The study points out that management support, employee empowerment, policy strengthening in ICT use are key to effective e-procurement implementation and therefore should be given due attention.
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.
Application of markov chain theory and network theory to a manpower system
Ochieng, Mary Achieng
Labour is one of the key resources in any institution that if managed well can lead to increased productivity. Regular evaluation of existing structures and policies is necessary to avoid wastage and stagnation.Alot of work has been done in analysis of manpower systems using Markov models and other models such as computer simulation models,optimization models,supply chain models and holonic models. In this study Markov chain theory has been integrated with network theory in evaluating effective administration of the current schemes of service for teachers by the Teachers Service Commission. The growth and development of the teacher progression system has also been assessed.
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.
At a crossroad: the GATS telecom framework and neo-patrimonial states:the politics of telecom reform in Kenya
Kerretts, Monica; Keen, Susan
The liberalisation of domestic telecommunication (telecom) markets has become a worldwide trend. As a result, the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), evolving from deliberations within the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been heralded as the mechanism with which to effect telecom liberalisation domestically. For countries in Africa, the GATS instruments have been translated as a means to establish the principles required for an effective telecom industry supported by key institutions in policy, regulation and implementation. However, the analysis of relevant literature on telecom in Africa has tended to focus on technological developments based on current observable outcomes. This methodology is inadequate because it fails to account for the context-specific nature of the policy arena and framework shaping telecom outcomes. I argue that we must consider telecom outcomes by understanding the nature of political institutions domestically and their interaction with the international arena. To explicate this intersection of ideas, I draw on two seemingly independent theories, Neopatrimonialism and New Institutional Economics (NIE) with reference to the works of van de Walle (2001) and North (1990) respectively, to shed light on the nature of the Kenyan political context and the value of the GATS as an instrument that facilitates credibility and reduces opportunistic ex-post behaviour. It is contended in this study, that for the Kenyan Government, the value of the GATS accession lies in the legitimising role that it facilitates in accessing funds from the international community. This study thus highlights the inevitable tension that arises when domestic policy-reform goals are juxtaposed with international trade obligations undertaken through treaty accession and informed by a liberalisation agenda. A qualitative approach was used to collect the data and involved interviews and documentary analysis. The findings suggest that Kenya is partially in compliance with its GATS telecom commitments. However, this partial reform results from patrimonial tendencies in Kenya and is exacerbated by the need to attract hard currency through aid packages that dictate the nature of the policy process and the relationship between Kenya and the international community. In conclusion, even with policy reforms, state agents always find ways to maintain or create clientelist practises. Unless such reform is accompanied by political changes that provide checks and balances on institutions and state agents, reform policies on their own will not create an effective telecom sector. To truly evaluate telecom reform therefore, we must appreciate the context-specific nature of policy making
Bee diversity and floral resources along a disturbance gradient in Kaya Muhaka forest and surrounding farmlands of coastal Kenya
Chiawo, David O; Ogol, Callistus; Kioko, Esther; Gikungu, Mary
Kaya forests are rich in biodiversity and endemism along the coastal ecosystems of Kenya. The role of bees in pollination service that maintains native plant populations and resilience of such critical ecosystems is unprecedented. This study examined the diversity and floral resources for bees in Kaya Muhaka forest, forest edge, surrounding fallow farmlands and crop fields along a disturbance gradient with aim of informing local conservation and livelihood projects. In total, 755 individual bees, representing 52 species were r ecorded. Families; Apidae, Halictidae and Megachilidae were recorded. Overall, Apidae were mo st abundant with a proportion of 76%, Halictidae at 14% and Megachilidae at 10%. Bee comp osition was closely similar between forest edge and crop fields as compared to other habitats. However, bee diversity did not change significantly with increasing distance from the for est to surrounding farmlands, a pointer to high resilience of bee species. High abundance of bee po pulations was recorded in fallow farmlands, explained by high abundance of floral resources in the habitat. We noted a significant effect of floral resources richness on bee species richness. We compare these results to several recent bee faunal surveys including surveys in other parts of East Africa, Europe and Asia. These findings are important for understanding the effects of land use change on bee populations for effective conservation planning.

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