The University of Eldoret digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. http://41.89.164.27:80 2026-08-07T11:22:08Z 2026-08-07T11:22:08Z Chepkemoi, Winnie Mugalavai, Violet Odwori, Paul http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2791 2026-07-10T09:13:18Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Economic Factors and the Growth of Apparel Micro-Enterprises in Nakuru Town, Kenya Chepkemoi, Winnie; Mugalavai, Violet; Odwori, Paul Nakuru town, Kenya, boasts a burgeoning apparel industry with significant potential for economic advancement and job creation. However, this sector faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and development. The study investigated the effects of economic factors on the growth of apparel micro- enterprises in Nakuru town, Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design and targeted 329 employees in 47 micro-enterprises based in Industrial area in Nakuru town. The study used Yamane's (1967) formula to determine the sample size where 181 respondents were involved in the study. Simple random, stratified and systematic sampling techniques were used. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected using questionnaires. Data was collected through drop and later pick method and was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25. Both descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple regression) were carried out. Data was presented using graphs and tables. Results showed that 59.6% of the respondents were male while 40.4% were female, majority (34.0%) were aged 41–50 years, 35.9% were in women apparel business, 37.8% were sole proprietors while 40.4% were in business operation for more than 6 years. Descriptive statistics showed that respondents agreed that economic factors (Mean - 3.97) affected the growth of apparel micro-enterprises in Nakuru town, Kenya. Inferential statistics showed that economic factors (β = 0.669, p = 0.000) had a positive and significant effect the growth of apparel micro-enterprises in Nakuru town, Kenya. The study concludes that economic pressures, including low incomes and inflation, hinder apparel micro-enterprises’ growth by raising costs and limiting demand. Limited financing constrains expansion. The study recommends tax simplification, political stability, improved access to credit, infrastructure investment, and capacity-building programs to enhance resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the apparel micro-enterprise sector.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Chepwogen, Caroline Mulindi, S. Kiptum, C. http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2790 2026-07-06T11:36:32Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

EMPLOYING BINARY LOGISTIC REGRESSION ANALYSIS TO MODEL THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS ON QUALITY OF FRENCH BEANS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) PRODUCE Chepwogen, Caroline; Mulindi, S.; Kiptum, C. French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a significant agricultural product in developing countries, contributing to economic development, employment, and exports. Despite extensive research on French bean farming in Kenya, limited attention has been given to factors influencing produce quality. This study employed a binary logistic regression model to evaluate the effect of slope, soil deposition, and different mulching materials: Farmers’ Practice (no mulch), polymer mulch, tea leaves mulch, and grass mulch on French bean quality in Ol’ Lessos Ward, Nandi Hills Sub-County, Kenya. Quality was defined as the absence of disease incidence. Field experiments measured slope percentage, soil deposition (g), yield (kg/plant), and disease incidence across treatments. Results revealed that slope alone had no significant effect on quality, but mulching significantly reduced soil deposition, increased yield, and lowered disease incidence compared to Farmers’ Practice. Polymer mulch recorded the highest yields and lowest soil deposits, while tea leaves and grass mulches also improved performance. Logistic regression analysis yielded a Cox and Snell’s R2 was 0.14 and Nagelkerke’s R2was 0.63 and the Nagelkerke R2 which adjusts Cox and Snell’s value to a scale ranging from 0 to 1 was 0.628, suggested that the model had a strong explanatory power and a good overall fit. The findings underscore the critical role of mulching materials in enhancing French bean quality, independent of slope effects. Adoption of mulching, particularly polymer mulch, is recommended for sustainable production and improved marketability.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z OMONDI, SAMSON http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2789 2026-07-06T10:01:46Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

IMPACT OF LAND USE CHANGES ON MIGRATORY WILDEBEESTS AND ZEBRAS IN KITENGELA CONSERVATION AREA, KENYA OMONDI, SAMSON Wildlife migratory corridors and dispersal areas play a critical role in maintaining the ecological integrity of protected areas. However, increasing land use changes pose serious threats to these vital ecosystems. This study investigated the impacts of land use changes on migratory wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and zebra (Equus quagga) in the Kitengela migratory corridor and dispersal area adjacent to Nairobi National Park. The study aimed to analyse the extent and trends of land use changes between 1988 and 2020; evaluate the relationship between migratory wild ungulate population trends and the increase in human population and changes in land use; determine the major drivers of these changes; and assess the impacts of land use changes on habitat, mortality, and behaviour of migratory wild ungulate populations in the area. The research utilised a mixed-methods approach, combining satellite imagery analysis, human population census data, wildlife population counts, direct observations, household interviews, and conversations with selected community members. A total of 110 households were surveyed using structured questionnaires to assess perceptions of land use changes in the area. Land use classification based on Landsat imagery for 1988 and 2020 revealed that approximately 61.4% of Kitengela’s natural habitats were converted to bare land, cultivated land, and artificial surfaces, primarily driven by urban expansion, industrialisation, and agriculture. Changes in land use and rapid human population increase were associated with reduced migratory ungulate numbers, survival, and movement in and out of Nairobi National Park. The results also showed that migratory ungulates exhibit strong dependence on grassland and riverine habitats and show negative associations with cultivated, bare, and artificial surfaces, underscoring the ecological consequences of land transformation. Major drivers of land use changes included rapid human population growth (90%), agricultural intensification (51.8%), urbanisation (39.1%), changes in land tenure systems (15.5%), economic factors (8.2%), climate change (4.5%), fire (3.6%), and resource extraction activities (1.8%). Analysis of migratory wild ungulate populations showed significant population declines over the three-decade period, with habitat fragmentation emerging as the leading impact factor (91.8%). Land subdivision, fencing, and infrastructure development were identified as key barriers disrupting traditional migration routes and reducing habitat connectivity. The study recommends integrated land use planning, community-based wildlife corridor conservation, and habitat connectivity restoration to safeguard migratory ungulate populations in this rapidly urbanizing landscape. Further research should assess the long-term ecological effects of fragmentation, impacts of large-scale farming, and linkages between land use changes and climate variability in the Kitengela landscape.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z ABURUKI, SHARLEEN http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2788 2026-07-06T09:42:38Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

EFFECT OF SELECTED MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES ON ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN KENYA ABURUKI, SHARLEEN Energy utilization is critical for Kenya's economic development and its impact on industrialization and infrastructure development. The consumption of energy has been consistently increasing over the past 4 decades. The study examined the impact of economic growth, inflation rate, interest rates, trade openness, and foreign direct investment on energy consumption in Kenya. The study is pegged on Dependency Theory, Energy Ladder Theory and the Neoclassical Growth Theory. An explanatory research design was employed using secondary annual time-series data from 1980 to 2024. Structured review matrix and stationarity and cointegration tests were employed to collect data and prepare data for analysis such as descriptive statistics and ARDL model. Data stationarity was examined by applying the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Phillips-Perron (PP) and Clemente-Montañés-Reyes tests to identify unit roots and structural breaks. The long-run and short-run connections between the variables were then explored using the ARDL model. The ARDL long run results showed that economic growth (β = 0.1124, p = 0.166) and inflation rate (β = –0.0271, p = 0.197) were statistically insignificant at the 5% significance level. The variable interest rate was found to significantly influence energy consumption with a negative β value of –0.0342 and p value of 0.038. Trade openness also had a significant negative effect (β = –0.0158, p = 0.006) while foreign direct investment had a significant positive impact (β = 0.0205, p = 0.029). The consumption (LD.) lagged difference was also high for energy consumption in Kenya in the short run. The size of the white-collar worker's family (p = 0.009, EN = 0.5537) is a significant factor affecting current demand. As interest rates go up, energy demand goes up (LD. RI = 0.0207, p = 0.025) due to delayed adjustment. Trade openness also contributes to short-term increase in energy use through the expansion of industry and export-oriented production (TOP = 0.0033, p = 0.007). Foreign Direct Investment initially reduces energy use (D1. FDI = –0.0100, p = 0.012), reflecting project lags and sectoral effects. The study finds that structural and external drivers like FDI, interest rates, and trade openness are more sensitive to energy use in Kenya than aggregate output growth or inflation. Based on that, the study suggests measures to encourage energy efficiency in investment by encouraging the inflow of green FDI with favourable conditions and improving monetary policy related to energy efficiency, and increasing trade liberalization by focusing on energy efficient and energy-technology industries.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z JERONO, CAROLINE http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2787 2026-07-06T09:33:06Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

EFFECT OF USING PHOTOMICROGRAPHS AND REAL SPECIMENS ON BIOLOGY PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN NANDI SOUTH SUB–COUNTY, KENYA JERONO, CAROLINE The study focused on examining the effect of teaching secondary school biology using photomicrographs and real specimens on Biology performance in secondary schools in Kenya. Constructivism Learning Theory and Cognitive Discovery Theory were the two theories that the study used. This was predicated on the assumption that students actively create meaning from experience, which enabled them to find new concepts to supplement prior knowledge The statement of the problem is that Biology one of the three sciences being taught in secondary schools in Kenya, has been performing poorly as shown by the Kenya National Examination Council KNEC, (2022) report. Despite a lot of interventions by the Ministry of Education to improve on Biology academic performance, the objective has never been achieved. The objectives of the study were as follows; to examine the effect of teaching Biology using photomicrographs and real specimen on students’ academic performance. Secondly was to evaluate the influence of students’ attitude towards the use of photomicrographs and real specimens on their Biology academic performance, and finally to evaluate how the use of science process skills of the experiment during handling of real specimens and photomicrographs affects Biology academic performance. The Quasi –experimental design was used in the study where a pre-test Standardized Biology evaluation test (SBET) was administered to all the study participants. Then a treatment offered and later a post-test Standardized Biology evaluation test (SBET) to both photomicrograph and real specimens groups corresponding to treatment given. The target population was 2980, where 298 form one Biology student and 18 teachers were used as the respondents. The population of interest were identified using stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Standardized Biology Evaluation Test SBET, a questionnaire for teachers TQ and for students SQ and checklist instruments were used as data collection instruments to generate data. The researchers’ supervisors validated the instruments during piloting. The reliability coefficient of r=0.83 was obtained. The internal consistency of instruments was estimated by use of test-retest technique. For establishment of consistency of the questionnaire, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient that estimates the reliability of the instrument was used which gave Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of 0.89 for students and 0.84 for teachers. The researcher then carried out the data analysis from the collected data using descriptive statistics that is use of frequencies mean standard deviation and percentages. Also, inferential statistics (t- test) were used being guided by SPSS and excel. The study found out that the students in the experimental group performed better than those in the control group, the students’ attitude were positive on the use of real specimen teaching approach and that also the students had minimal mastery of the science process skills. The study recommended that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) provide the use of real specimens teaching approach in secondary schools in order to improve performance in KCSE Biology Examinations, the Ministry of education (MOE) to provide guidelines on teacher training institutions on provision of adequate training to aid science teachers have transferable science process skills in teaching and learning and finally the Kenya Institute of curriculum Development (KICD) to take corrective measures in provision of adequate resources to meet the demands required for the education of teachers. This would in turn enable the teachers to use their skills in teaching and evaluating learners leading to improved performance in Biology in secondary schools in Kenya.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Tawane, Fardosa Omega, Joseph Kitilit, Jackson http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2786 2026-06-29T13:19:09Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Prevalence of Fasciola Gigantica in Cattle and Sheep Slaughtered at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse, Kenya Tawane, Fardosa; Omega, Joseph; Kitilit, Jackson Fasciolosis impact livestock production globally, particularly in Sub- Saharan Africa, necessitating studies to develop intervention strategies. The objectives of the current study were The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica in cattle and sheep slaughtered at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse in Kenya with a null hypothesis of Ho1: There is no Fasciola gigantica in cattle and sheep slaughtered at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse in Kenya. The livestock traders are not aware of the nutritional depletion associated with fasciola and hydatid cyst. From 3rd May,2024 to 3rd June, 2024, a 30-day study was carried out at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse on cattle and sheep slaughtered. The study was carried out on a total of 479 cattle and 313 sheep which were examined in 30 days. The results at the slaughter house revealed a high Fasciola gigantica prevalence of 64.8% in cattle and 33.2% in sheep. There were higher detection rates in bile compared to faecal samples. In Conclusion there was high prevalence of fasciola gigantica and hydatid cyst in cattle compared to sheep. Recommendations include Implementing a comprehensive parasite control program, including regular deworming of livestock with effective fasciolicides. Improving pasture management to reduce the risk of Fasciola gigantica infection, such as fencing off wet areas and providing clean drinking water sources. Educating farmers on the lifecycle of Fasciola gigantica and preventive measures they can take to reduce infection rates in their herds and flocks. Conducting regular monitoring and surveillance of fasciolosis in livestock to track the effectiveness of control measures over time.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z . Chepwogen, C S, Mulindi C, Kiptum http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2785 2026-06-29T13:03:40Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

EMPLOYING BINARY LOGISTIC REGRESSION ANALYSIS TO MODEL THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS ON QUALITY OF FRENCH BEANS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) PRODUCE . Chepwogen, C; S, Mulindi; C, Kiptum French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a significant agricultural product in developing countries, contributing to economic development, employment, and exports. Despite extensive research on French bean farming in Kenya, limited attention has been given to factors influencing produce quality. This study employed a binary logistic regression model to evaluate the effect of slope, soil deposition, and different mulching materials: Farmers’ Practice (no mulch), polymer mulch, tea leaves mulch, and grass mulch on French bean quality in Ol’ Lessos Ward, Nandi Hills Sub-County, Kenya. Quality was defined as the absence of disease incidence. Field experiments measured slope percentage, soil deposition (g), yield (kg/plant), and disease incidence across treatments. Results revealed that slope alone had no significant effect on quality, but mulching significantly reduced soil deposition, increased yield, and lowered disease incidence compared to Farmers’ Practice. Polymer mulch recorded the highest yields and lowest soil deposits, while tea leaves and grass mulches also improved performance. Logistic regression analysis yielded a Cox and Snell’s R2 was 0.14 and Nagelkerke’s R2was 0.63 and the Nagelkerke R2 which adjusts Cox and Snell’s value to a scale ranging from 0 to 1 was 0.628, suggested that the model had a strong explanatory power and a good overall fit. The findings underscore the critical role of mulching materials in enhancing French bean quality, independent of slope effects. Adoption of mulching, particularly polymer mulch, is recommended for sustainable production and improved marketability.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Aburuki, Sharleen Mose, Naftaly Matundura, Erickson http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2784 2026-06-29T12:45:23Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Determinants of Energy Consumption in Kenya: A Macroeconomic Perspective Aburuki, Sharleen; Mose, Naftaly; Matundura, Erickson To achieve reliable and sustainable energy access in Kenya, it is crucial to explore alternatives to traditional biomass and fossil fuels to address the challenges of limited electricity, affordable and clean cooking energy. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique, this study assessed macroeconomic factors affecting energy consumption in Kenya from 1980 to 2024. The results indicate that interest rates (β = –0.034, p = 0.038) and trade openness (β = –0.015, p = 0.006) negatively impact energy consumption, while foreign direct investment (FDI) has a positive effect (β = 0.020, p = 0.029). Economic growth and inflation were found to be statistically insignificant. Short-term energy consumption is characterised by inertia, driven by the immediate effects of interest rate fluctuations and trade liberalisation. Initially, FDI seems to reduce energy use due to project delays. The study concludes that structural and external factors— specifically FDI, interest rates, and trade openness—play a more significant role in energy consumption than economic growth or inflation. Recommendations include promoting energy-efficient investments through green FDI and aligning monetary policy with energy objectives.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Jepchirchir1, Emily Limo, Alice Kipkoech, Lydia http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2783 2026-06-29T12:35:22Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

School-Based Strategies for Early Identification of Learners Living with HIV/AIDS and Their Educational Participation in Boarding Secondary Schools in Nandi County, Kenya Jepchirchir1, Emily; Limo, Alice; Kipkoech, Lydia Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to pose significant health and educational challenges, particularly for adolescents in boarding secondary schools. This study examined school-based strategies for early identification of learners living with HIV/AIDS (ALHIV) and their influence on educational participation in Nandi County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting 362 school caregivers and principals from 25 purposively selected fully boarding secondary schools. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings indicated that most caregivers were trained to identify vulnerable learners and provided individualized guidance and counselling during Form One admissions, facilitating learners’ participation. However, gaps were noted in peer mentorship, parent-caregiver interaction, dedicated personnel for HIV support, and opportunities for learners to share challenges, which limited early identification and support. The study concluded that willful disclosure of HIV status is essential for effective caregiver support, but inconsistent disclosure practices and fear of stigma hinder early intervention. It is recommended that schools establish clear, confidential protocols for disclosure, train caregivers in ethical handling of HIV-related information, and integrate early identification processes into routine school operations to enhance the health, well-being, and educational participation of ALHIV.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z JEPCHIRCHIR, EMILY http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2782 2026-06-29T12:27:40Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

CARE AND SUPPORT STRATEGIES FOR LEARNERS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATION IN BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS, NANDI COUNTY, KENYA JEPCHIRCHIR, EMILY Supporting Adolescents Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus is important in achieving the global target of reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. This need integrated adolescent friendly services that handle stigma, improve adherence to medication through early disclosure and by providing holistic care to enable them thrive as global efforts to improve their health outcomes. Kenya bears a significant burden of adolescents affected by HIV and has consequently prioritized interventions aimed at reducing HIV-related mortality, as well as stigma and discrimination among this group. School caregivers play a role in mitigating the challenges of ALHIV in protecting, inclusion and securing their well-being. The main purpose of this study was to investigate school -based of care and support strategies for ALHIV/AIDS and how these enhances their participation in education in boarding secondary schools in Nandi County, Kenya. The study objectives were: to explore early identification strategies of HIV positive learners through willful disclosure; to investigate stigma handling strategies: to determine ways of supporting treatment adherence; to assess ways of empowering school caregivers and to find out their challenges faced by school caregivers supporting HIV positive learners to enable them support learners participate in their education. The study was guided by Health Belief Model (HBM), Ecological Systems Theory (EST) and Implementation Science. The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm and descriptive survey design. Data were collected using interviews with principals and questionnaires for caregivers. A total of 362 participants were purposively selected from a target population of 1,207 school caregivers. The distribution were 25 principals, 50 nurses/matrons or boarding masters, 50 guidance and counselling and 236 class teachers. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data was analysed thematically to support the quantitative findings. Study findings revealed that majority of the respondents 231(77.8%) agreed that school care giver knows learners living with HIV/AIDS in their school and has helped them support them to participate in their learning. A significant percentage (50%) of school caregivers had learners who had disclosed their HIV status and enabled them to access support. The majority of schools have made significant progress in reducing stigma and discrimination against learners living with HIV, and this has improved their educational participation. The study findings revealed that 64.7% of caregivers indicated that disclosed learners received reminders for clinic appointments, and most had developed personal responsibility in medication adherence. The study concludes that school-based care and support are vital for their participation in education and general well-being of learners living with HIV/AIDS. The study recommends continuous training and sensitization of school caregivers, alongside the strengthening of school-based care networks through linkages with health providers, peer support, and parental involvement. Schools should also promote inclusive, stigma-free environments to enhance educational participation and well-being among learners living with HIV/AIDS.

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