Academic Staff

Permanent URI for this collection

http://192.168.4.170:4000/handle/20.500.12342/478

Welcome to Academic Staff publication collection

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 26

Agricultural Pesticide Use in Malawi
(Journal of Health & Pollution, 2018-12) Jeketule Soko, Jacob
Pesticides are substances used in agriculture to increase crop yields and improve the appearance of plant products, as well as other uses.1 According to Langley and Mort, pesticides are used in most homes, businesses and farms to control pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, and even microbial organisms.2 According to Lakudzala, rapid agricultural development in Malawi has led to an increased use of pesticides.3 At least 2000 metric tons of pesticides are used annually, 70% of which are used for agriculture (Figure 1).3 While pesticides are used to destroy pests, reports show that some of the pesticides are harmful to human health and the environment. Several studies support the assertion that pesticides are the most common poisons used throughout the tropics and are associated with high mortality rates.1,4,5 Furthermore, a number of studies have established the direct effect of pesticides on health, but only a few studies have reported on the indirect relationship between pesticides and health connecting pesticide use to sicknesses. However, as noted by the United Nations Special Rapporteur, it is difficult to obtain reliable, global statistics on the number of people who suffer from pesticide exposure, hence studies on pesticides statistics rely mostly on estimates.6 Although the majority of pesticides (80%) are used in high-income countries, most cases of poisoning occur in low-income countries.7 According to a report by the United Nations, approximately 200,000 people die worldwide annually from toxic exposure to pesticides.6 Gunnell et al. reported that most of the cases of pesticide self-poisoning occur in agricultural communities in low- and middle-income countries.4 According to Binns, Dixon and Nel, over 11 million cases of poisoning in Africa each year can be attributed to exposure to harmful pesticides.8 In sub-Saharan Africa, pesticides are being used more frequently by small farmers in an unsustainable way.9 Approximately 62% of Malawi’s population depends on agriculture as a means of livelihood, and pesticide use is common.10 The major crops grown in Malawi include tobacco, sugarcane, coffee, maize, beans, groundnuts, cotton, and tea.
Change Management in Kenya’s Catholic Organizations
(Tangaza University College, 2012-04) Jeketule Soko, Jacob
The article explores receptivity to change of rigid and hierarchical organizations, arguing that change is inevitable and organizations that are resilient and agile, readily accept it while those that are rigid and hierarchical in structure, like Catholic Organizations (COs), find it difficult to adapt to it. The research sampled 288 managers out of a population of 1,444. It examined strategies used by COs and compared them with best practices which attest that power sharing strategies are effective than force-coercion strategies because the former, win high commitment to implementation and the latter, lead to small scale and short term impact. The key findings are that change of leadership, technological and social cultural are the main drivers of change and reasons for resistance are inertia and fear of losing securities. A small percentage of COs excelled in managing change effectively because they used power sharing strategy which provides logical and rational reasons and therefore, managers can smoothen the way for acceptance and weaken the forces working against it. It was recommended that COs should put in place succession plan strategies. They should also increase participation of those who are likely to be affected by change and craft strategies that help members to accept change such as training programs that improve peoples skills so that they are not rendered useless hence a cause of resistance to change. Finally, COs should deploy managers that are innovative so that they create organizations that can thrive in a future that cannot be predicted.
Christian Spirituality of Work: A Survey of Workers in Ndola City,Zambia
(AMECEA GABA PUBLICATIONS - CUEA PRESS, 2018-03) Jude Mulenga, Chisanga
Zambia isaland-locked countrysurrounded b eghtother countries: Botswana and Zimbabwe to the south; Namibia to the south-west; Angola to the west; Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the north; Malawi to the east and Mozambique on the south-east. Consequently, Zambia has no outlet to the sea, but has rivers like the Zambezi, Kafue, Kafubu, Luapula, Chambeshi and Luangwa. Equally, it has lakes such as Mweru, Tanganyika, Bangweulu and Kariba, which is a man-made lake. Much of the country is a plateau, and is wholly part of the tropical savannah grassland. 11 The climate is tropical and mostly characterized by hot dry and wet rainy seasons, with intermediate cold seasons.12 Zambia's population is concentrated along the line of the rail and the industrial area. This is because of the ever-present rural-urban drift. Among the major cities in Zambia are Kitwe, Lusaka, Ndola, Chipata and Livingstone. The country covers 753,000 square kilometres of land. It is larger than countries such as Switzerland and Denmark. 13
Citation and Referencing as a Catalyst for Optimizing E-Resource Utilization
(International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2023-07-13) Kinoti, Dennis Mwaki; Paul, Maku Gichohi; Winfred, Gatimu
Sophisticated systems and technologies have led to the proliferation of e-resources and their adoption alongside print media in higher learning institutions, particularly with the rise of e-learning. To ensure effective utilization of e-resources, citation and referencing competences remain integral in graduate students’ research, learning and scholastic achievement. Nonetheless, studies done reveal that e-resources remain underutilized. This study aimed at investigating the role of citation and referencing competences in enhancing e-resource utilization among graduate students in Christian Universities in Nairobi County. Descriptive survey research design was used to gather comprehensive data. Stratified and systematic sampling was employed to select graduate students, and purposive sampling to select librarians. The target population was 843 graduate students and 8 library staff. A 20% sample was selected, resulting to 168 graduate students and 8 librarians. Questionnaires collected data from graduate students and the librarians were interviewed. Thematic analysis was done for qualitative data, which was presented thematically and using verbatim. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results were presented in tables and figures. The findings revealed that graduate students showed a strong preference for and effectively utilized a variety of e-resources. Additionally, they demonstrated a satisfactory understanding and application of citation, referencing styles, and reference management software/tools. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated a strong positive linear association. Consequently, the study concluded that citing and referencing significantly affected graduate students’ use of e-resources. Based on these findings, the study recommends mandatory training in citing and referencing for graduate students in Christian universities in Nairobi County. It emphasizes the need to market e-resources, analyze usage statistics, and reassess the library budget. Additionally, attention should be given to mastering referencing, improving citation ability, and utilizing reference management tools/software in a bid to optimizing e-resource use and overall academic success.
Competitive Advantage for Universities in Kenya: A Qualitative Study
(The Research Journal, 2015-11) Jeketule Soko, Jacob; Gachunga, Hazel; Katuse, Paul; Odhiambo Otieno, Romanus
The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that make universities gain Competitive Advantage in Kenya.
Determinants of Commercial Mixed Farming on Small Farms in Kenya
(European Journal of Business and Manageme, 2013) F. Ntale, Joseph; O. Litondo, Kate
Agriculture is a topic of concern for rural development programs in Kenya because of the high poverty incidents among farmers. Fundamentally, smallholder agriculture contributes substantially to total agricultural production and total employment. Despite the fact that Kenyan farmers largely practice mixed farming, some are unable to act commercially and consequently, unable to improve their livelihoods. This paper therefore aims at establishing the entrepreneurial indicators of farming activities that lead to improved rural livelihoods. Cross-sectional survey of 388 small farms in Thika was carried out to investigate the determinants of commercial mixed farming. Linear probability model, logit and probit models were used to estimate the determinants of commercial mixed farming. The results show that the size of the farm, gender of the farmer, availability of electricity supply and running water on the farm are the main determinants of mixed farming. This study suggests that policies be put in place to discourage partitioning of farm land into uneconomical sizes. It also recommend that rural electrification and training programs on best farming practices be intensified in the rural areas to enable farmers to act commercially.
Differentiation in Access to, and the Use and Sharing of (Open) Educational Resources among Students and Lecturers at Kenyan Universities
(Open Praxis, 2017-04) Pete, Judith; Mulder, Fred; Dutra Oliveira Neto, Jose
In order to obtain a fair ‘OER picture’ for the Global South a large-scale study has been carried out for a series of countries, including Kenya. In this paper we report on the Kenya study, run at four universities that have been selected with randomly sampled students and lecturers. Empirical data have been generated by the use of a student and a lecturer questionnaire to which in total 798 students and 43 lecturers have responded. Selected from the very rich source two major outcomes are: (i) there is a significant digital differentiation among lecturers and students at urban versus rural universities in terms of their proficiency and internet accessibility; and (ii) the awareness and appreciation of the OER concept and open licensing is low but from the actual processing by respondents of educational resources (not necessarily open) a ‘preparedness for openness’ can be derived that promises well for the future.
Dramatizing Silence and Women’s Agency in Angel’s Diary
(Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa, 2019-12) Barasa, Violet Nasambu
This article examines the different mechanisms used by women in Angel’s Diary, a popular television theatre text aired on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) to demonstrate their agency. Using Angel’s Diary as its point of reference, the article interrogates the dynamics of women’s position that characterize their existence and their inexorable struggle to affirm their potential in a limiting and unequal society. The positioning of women in the society is informed by historical, economic, political, social and cultural experiences in Africa that place a woman in a marginal locus. The article therefore deals with strategies that women use to overcome the inequalities, dominations and ‘normalized’ practices that are manifestations of domination and silencing apparatus of various aspects of women’s potential. Methodologically, the paper employed qualitative approach in reading Angel’s Diary. Content analysis of video tapes was the primary method used. In content analysis, I interrogated ways employed by women to subvert social norms, forms of domination and the eventual resistance to emancipate the self. The article found out that women characters in Angel’s Diary employ strategies such as the journey, music, monologues, and silence to transcend the limitation created around them and perpetuated through the father figure.
Education and Development in the Context of Kenya’s Vision 2030
(The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, 2013) Misia A., Kadenyi; Biraimah, Karen; Wolhuter; Wildemeersch, Danny
The idea of starting „Msingi‟ is an old one in the history of the Department of Educational Foundations at Kenyatta University. In early 1980s, members felt there was a need to provide a platform through which they could present, publish research findings, debate issues, communicate with the audience beyond the confines of the department and the then University College at large. Meetings were held to discuss ways and means of starting a forum for such discussion. The end result of the meetings was the birth of a journal. They named it 'Msingi', Kiswahili for Foundations. Since they had little financial support from the College authorities, members of staff with a lot of determination, enthusiasm, and passion mobilized their own resources. These efforts culminated in the production of the first issue of „Msingi‟ in 1985. Among the founders of „Msingi‟ were Prof. R.J. Njoroge and the late Prof. G. Bennars, its first editor. The journal was well received in academic circles. It gave hope to many scholars in the department and beyond who had been yearning for such a forum in which to publish. After a few issues, however, „Msingi‟ went out of production mainly due to many financial challenges that faced the editorial team. Despite this setback, the dream of having a departmental journal did not die. The need for „Msingi‟ that was identified in 1985 is still relevant today as it was in the days of the founders. Recently members of the department have, yet again, mobilized resources to revive the journal. The current issue has put the department back on the journey that was started in1985. Members of the editorial committee are, therefore, excited and happy to present the reborn „Msingi‟. Articles in this issue focus on the theme, Education and Development in the Context of Vision 2030. We are grateful to all members of the Department of Educational Foundations, the authors, reviewers, the publisher and all those who in one way or another have contributed to make the production of this issue a reality.
The Evangelical Counsel Of Chastity As A Means Of Living Affective Love In Community Among Religious Women Living Along Lang’ata South Road In Nairobi, Kenya
(African Journal of Consecrated Life, 2020) Caroline Wanjiku, Munene; Jude Mulenga, Chisanga; Remigius Okonkwo, Ikpe
This study examined ways in which the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity enhances living of affective love in communities among religious women. The objectives of the study were: to examine the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of promoting mutual trust and openness in living affective love in the community; to evaluate the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a way of enhancing mutual respect and acceptance; to assess how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could reinforce companionship and sharing; to determine how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could facilitate teamwork and effective communication; and to establish intervention strategies for facing the challenges of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of living affective love in the community. The study was guided by the Stages in the Development of the Community Model by Hammett and Sofield (1981). The research used a convergent parallel mixed method design, which involved the use of questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data from the questionnaires was coded, tabulated and presented in frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was summarized according to the emerging themes and presented in narrative form and precise quotes. The findings of the study revealed that faithfulness to the values of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity enhances mutual trust and openness; mutual respect and acceptance; companionship, sharing, teamwork and effective communication among the sisters. However, the results of the study also showed some inconsistencies in the understanding of the values of the vow and its practical living in communities. The study recommends that formators must engage in continual update of the values of the vow of Chastity as well as incorporating current theological, psychological and sociological advancements for more effective life of chastity. The study also recommends that major superiors and formators must intensify formation for Chastity in both initial and on-going formation. Particularly, they must pay attention to the uniqueness of each individual, impart practical ways of living affective love in community as well as provide mentorship for consecrated persons in the living of affective love.
Formation And Training Of Priests According To Pastores Dabo Vobis In Amecea Region: An Evaluation And Way Forward
(AMECEA GABA PUBLICATIONS - CUEA PRESS, 2011) Jude Mulenga
The Influence of Househelps on Child Behaviour
(Tangaza University College, 2016) Jeketule Soko, Jacob
Ideally, children are brought up well when both wife and husband give substantial attention to their children. However, due to the increase in economic demands, in major cities and growing towns in the world, there is an increasing number of couples both in paid employment. This makes the couples to leave their homes before children wake up and return to the homes when children are actually retiring to bed. This increasing trend in both couples working has led to children being raised by care-takers or house-helps. This phenomena is raising a concern, as one wonders, do the house-helps possess the spiritual values that need to be imparted on children? Is the phenomenon of raising children through care-takers the best model? What can be done so that children, from working couples, are raised in a holistic manner? This article explores ways that can help bring up a child in a holistic way faced with challenges of work. The research used exploratory qualitative design targeting working couples. The findings were that house-helps need training for proper child-upbringing and that couples need to be available for their children. The implication of the research is that policy makers need to design appropriate programs in building capacity for house-helps, policies for conducive work environment for raising children and programs that would help families to balance work and family.
The Influence of Quality Service Delivery on Competitive Advantage of Universities operating in Kenya
(The Research Journal, 2016-11) Jeketule Soko, Jacob; Gachunga, Hazel; Katuse, Paul; Otieno Odhiambo, Romanus
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of Quality Service Delivery dimensions on Competitive Advantage in universities operating in Kenya. This was an exploratory quantitative research. Method: This was a quantitative exploratory study. A total of 378 respondents from 17 universities participated in the research. A self-administered likert scale questionnaire was distributed to both students and faculty. Findings: The study found out that four dimensions of Quality Service Delivery namely Tangibles, Assurance, Responsiveness and Empathy had a strong positive significant relationship with Competitive Advantage. While Reliability had a positive relationship with Competitive Advantage, it was not significant factor. The findings are in line with several other studies and theories. Research limitations: The study is limited because it was only carried among universities operating in Kenya. Furthermore, the study had been done only in service industry. This limits applicability to universities operating outside Kenya and other non-service industry. Implications: The study supports developing and focusing on intangible competences in order to gain competitive advantage. The study implies that management need to work on crafting strategies that best combines resources in order to generate competitive advantage.
Intangible Assets for Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Institutes of Higher Learning: A Case of Kenya
(Msingi Journal, 2014) Jeketule Soko, Jacob
Resources and capabilities are the building blocks upon which an organisation can create and execute value-adding strategy so that it earns reasonable returns and achieves strategic competitiveness (Management, 2012). A company’s resource strength forms the cornerstones of strategy because they represent the company’s best chance for market success (Duncane, Ginter, & Swaye, 1998). This article seeks to find out what kind of resources and capabilities thriving institutes of higher learning in Kenya possess and build to make them stay afloat amidst stiff competition. The ever-changing tastes and customer needs and preferences have significant influence on how businesses shape their strategy to compete with other industry players. The education industry in Kenya has not been spared from this trend. Colleges and universities are facing demanding customers who seek customised education services tailored to their own pace, preferred location and time. While some colleges and universities have thrived because they have taken advantage of the opportunities in their environment some have closed doors while others have resorted to unethical ways to attract students. The play-field has been left to those colleges and universities that have reengineered their organisational activities to address the ever-changing needs and preferences of customers in order to have a competitive edge in the industry. This article discusses the value of intangible assets, anchoring its arguments on the resource based view of the firm. We argue that reputation, organisational leadership, and collaboration are vital for institutes of higher learning to thrive. It recommends that institutes of higher learning should concentrate on building resource strengths and capabilities that make them gain and sustain competitive advantage. We propose action research to continuously improve organisational processes. We further propose a conceptual framework that may lead institutions of higher learning to gain and sustain competitive advantage. By focusing on building intangible assets, which are less prone to imitation, this article will address the challenges of competition in the higher education industry.
Journeys of Peace: Exhibitions, Objects, and Creative Dialogue
(JSTOR, 2015) Gachanga, Timothy; Walters, Diana
This briefing paper reviews a twelve- month traveling exhibition on African peace cultures in Kenya developed by the Kenyan organization Community Peace Museums Heritage Foundation and the Swedish NGO Cultural Heritage with out Borders. The exhibition, Journeys of Peace, traveled to several rural venues and created spaces for dialogue and encounter between peoples and communities. This briefing paper outlines the background to and the creation of the exhibition and examines the main features that contributed to the success of the project. The paper describes the approaches used and assesses the impact of Journeys of Peace. An important question in the paper is how the approach of Journeys of Peace could be refined and developed. The lessons of Journeys of Peace could be useful for other organizations seeking to use a creative peacebuilding approach.
Justice, Peace and Reconciliation: Current Challenges and Opportunities for the Church in Zambia
(African Ecclesiasts Review, 2019) Jude Mulenga, Chisanga,
This article looks at how the Church has tried to play a prophetic role in the Zambian society regarding areas of justice, peace and reconciliation. 310 To make a clear exposition of how the Church has been involved in such issues, and seen such moves as its challenges and opportunities, the article firstly refers to some two late Roman Catholic Church' bishops who gave a good example of what it means to be prophets in the world and in Zambia and Africa in particular. The bishops being referred to here are Bishop Dennis de Jong, who used to be the ordinary of Ndola Diocese, on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, and Bishop Paul Duffy, who used to be the bishop of Mongu Diocese, in the Western Province of Zambia. (Both bishops were very tall people, perhaps it was a symbol of being good hearted persons, who could easily reach out to the Will of God. They had accommodating hearts,
A Life Uncommonly Blessed: Consecrated Life Today, Challenges and Trajectories
(Tangaza University College, 2016) Mwania, Rev. Prof. Patrick
Undoubtedly, all over the world, consecrated life is going through a difficult moment of transition. The society of today has changed enormously. This change that can be best described as pluralistic, multicultural, post-modern, post-Christian, globalized, and the one shaped by modern information and communication technologies, producer of new forms of poverty and exclusion. In this new context, any form of life centered on God and self-giving to others is considered clearly countercultural. Religious evangelical counsels do not seem appreciated, much less understood. They are considered inhuman and limiting human beings from true maturity and fulfilment. In other words, the evangelical counsels are something from which to free ourselves. Religious life appears in such an environment to be a sign counter to a variety of contemporary values, including (and not limited to) money and materialism, hedonism and body worship, individualism, and any form of authoritarianism. In short, religious life is very much challenged today; it is in a crisis. This paper aims at giving a theological insight into this crisis; it also proposes some reflections to map the way forward for consecrated life.
Living the Eucharist: An Aspect of a Christian's Ongoing Formation
(Tangaza journal of theology and mission, 2015) Jude Mulenga, Chisanga
In this article, the author cffers his nftections on the importance efforming every Christian in devotion to the Eucharist. Reflecting on its role under six themes, the author argues that, aware ef the real presence ef God in the Holy Eucharist, every Christian should be lost in wonder before this reality. This paper is an invitation to on-going formation into a deep appre ciation of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. It is important for us to arrive at a sense of Eucharistic amazement as we live our Christian lives. I am proposing that a Christian's on-going formation needs to be centred on the reality of the Eucharist. Eve1y Christian life needs to be a reflection of the Eucharist. Writing about how the Eucharist should be mirrored in the religious life, E. Rinere tells us that 'the Eucharist speaks' everything. It is all-encompassing' .1 Even though my paper relies for the most part on Holy Scripture, I recommend the reader to consult the books in the bibliography be cause these have influenced my understanding of the Eucharist.
Now It Is Your Turn: East Africans Go in Mission
(Tangaza University College, 2013-10-11) Healey, Joseph
This study presents a wide variety of data and examples on East African (Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan) Catholic missionaries going to other places in their own country, to other countries in Africa, and to other continents. The increasing number of African priests, Brothers, Sisters, and laypeople being sent throughout the world is striking and has important ramifications for the future shape of global Catholicism and global Christianity. The letters (including personal testimonies) from Kenyan missionaries around the world are a source of narrative missiology. Like the famous mission diaries of old, these letters portray both the personal struggles and the searching of the African missionaries themselves and the methods of their missionary evangelization
Performing Urban Social Realities in Contemporary Kenya
(Taylor and Francis Online, Journal Eastern African Literary and Cultural Studies, 2020-05) Barasa, Violet Nasambu
This article examines class dynamics in Kenya’s urban cities using television theatre episodes that dramatise the interaction between marginalised and privileged citizens. In the main, the analysis in the article focuses on selected Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) television theatre texts. Through a critical examination of Siku ya kimataifa ya mtoto Mwafrika (The International Day of the African child), and Marehemu Ocholla (The late Ocholla), both episodes of Vioja Mahakamani (incidents/drama in the courtroom) aired on KBC, the paper postulates that the different social classes advanced in the texts represent the everyday struggles that sections of city dwellers grapple with partly because of their class positioning. In addition, the article holds that the marginalisation of a majority of urban dwellers, such as street children, predispose them to crime and other anti-social behaviour as the only means to survive in the city.

Browse

Browsing Academic Staff by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options