Spatial statistical analysis of dissatisfaction with the performance of local government in the Gauteng City-Region, South Africa

South Africa in general, and the Gauteng City-Region in particular, are grappling with rising service delivery protests and increasing levels of dissatisfaction with government performance. Besides internal government performance measures, citizen satisfaction surveys are useful in providing citizen-based measurement of satisfaction with service delivery and the performance of government. With 27 490 respondents across Gauteng, the 2013 Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) Quality of Life (QoL) survey provides an interesting snap shot of attitudes towards government. A spatial statistical approach is applied to the 2013 QoL survey data to analyse patterns of dissatisfaction with the performance of local government. The analysis reveals spatial clustering in the level of dissatisfaction with the performance of local government. It also reveals percentage of respondents dissatisfied with dwelling, mean sense of safety index, and percentage agree the country is going in the wrong direction, as significant predictors of the level of local dissatisfaction. Other predictors include the percentage of respondents that think lack of maintenance is the biggest problem facing the community, and percentage agree that politics is waste of time. These results imply the need for incorporating spatial analysis and targeting in the formulation of policy aimed at improving government performance

Domestic Savings in Unit Trusts and the Growth of Capital Market in Kenya

Unit trust funds have contributed to the growth of capital market in Kenya and indeed globally. However there is need to determine the specific contribution of unit trust in the growth of capital market; more so, the particular attribute of unit trust that attract the investment. Theoretically it is expected that as unit trust funds grow, capital markets equally grows but empirically there is some substantial growth in capital market though not in equal measure in unit trusts. The study therefore sought to determine the contribution of domestic savings in unit trusts on the growth of capital market. This was undertaken using explanatory non-experimental research design and analysis were carried out using panel data.  A census involving all twenty three (23) unit trust schemes for the period 2009 to 2017 was carried out utilizing secondary data. The variables were analyzed using panel data to determine the relationships of the variables by use of fixed effect model. The study revealed a positive effect of domestic savings to the growth of capital market in Kenya. The findings were presented using a linear type of regression model. The study therefore recommend that greater emphasis be placed on domestic saving in order to benefit from its contribution to the growth of capital market and consequently supporting the economic pillar in Kenya vision 2030. Keywords: capital market, domestic savings, growth and unit trusts. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-16-04 Publication date:June 30th 201

Capital Allocation in Unit Trust and the Growth of Capital Market in Kenya

Unit trust schemes approach capital allocation in different ways depending on where they are in the growth life cycle and their strategic focus on customer growth. An effective capital allocation strategy consistently creates value to investors’ funds and sustainable growth in the capital market. Therefore this makes capital allocation an important issue to investigate particularly in unit trusts in relation to the continuous shifting of business objectives within the capital market. This study is a useful point of reference for investors, fund managers and government agencies. This study therefore sought to establish the position of capital allocation in unit trust on the growth of capital market in Kenya. The study used explanatory non-experimental research design with the analysis being carried out using a panel data.  The entire population involving all the twenty three (23) trust schemes to include all money market, equity and balanced funds managed by the schemes for the period between 2009 to year 2017. The research utilized secondary data because of the small number of unit trusts companies in the NSE and availability of the required data. Secondary data collection sheet was designed and used to collect and record all information necessary on unit trust funds from schemes annual reports, surveys and CMA publications for the period under review. Data were also analyzed using both descriptive statistic and panel multiple regression analysis by means of SPSS Version 21. Both dependent and independent variables were analyzed using panel data to determine the strength and relationships of the variables. The study revealed that Capital allocation contributed positively to the growth of capital market in Kenya. These findings were presented in the forms of a regression model. The study findings is used as a basis to recommend that the unit trust fund managers should actively evaluate the choices when allocating funds since it positively contribute to the growth of capital market. This would contribute to the realization of economic pillars in Kenya vision 2030. Keywords: capital allocation, capital market, growth and unit trusts DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/10-12-01 Publication date:June 30th 201

Assessment of Urban Cattle Keeping Patterns and Waste Disposal Mechanisms in Nakuru Municipality, Kenya

Urban livestock production has recorded significant growth in East Africa since the 1970’s. However, proximity to cattle creates potential to public health hazards due to poor hygiene caused by the presence of dung, and flies and parasites that transmit zoonotic diseases. These environmental problems from urban cattle farming threaten both human life and natural ecosystems. The objective of the current study was to assess the patterns of cattle keeping in Nakuru Municipality in Kenya, and identify cattle waste disposal mechanisms in relation to environmental pollution. Through a cross-sectional survey, primary data was collected using sets of structured and semi-structured questionnaires and focused group discussions. To select respondents to be interviewed, stratified sampling was used followed by simple random sampling within the strata. Fishers Exact Formula was then applied to get the 186 cattle keepers that were interviewed. Subsequently, descriptive statistics was used to describe the results, and Chi-square and paired t- tests performed to determine the existence of differences between observations. Results indicate that almost all cattle (80% of the respondents) were found either on owners’ and landlords’ plots. The number of cattle kept on “own land” differed (P<0.005) from that reared on “tenant/ rental” land (t183=7.95, P=0.000). Majority of the cattle were grazed on roadsides/ streets, some under zero-grazing and the rest (10.3%) under semi zero-grazing. Differences existed between various production systems, i.e., zero-grazing vs semi zero-grazing (t77=2.280, P=0.012) and roadside/ street grazing vs semi zero-grazing (t165=3.50, P=0.001). Much (52.2%) of the cattle waste was used as manure for crops, and the rest (10.2%) dumped on the streets, and dustbins, pits and compounds (10.2%).Use of waste as manure on crops differed from giving it away to neighbours, 26.9%, (t145=3.137, P=0.001).Generally, land was a limiting factor that made the cattle keepers opt for free-range grazing system, which exposed the Municipality to cattle waste. Use of manure on crops as the major method of waste disposal was inadequate as a means of disposal, resulting in exposure of the Municipality to a serious problem of cattle waste. The findings of this study provide information that the Municipal authorities, policy makers and cattle keepers would need in terms of managing the menace of cattle waste in the Municipality. Keywords: Environmental Pollution, Cattle Waste, Urban Cattle Keepin

Rotational effects of grain legumes on maize performance in the Rift Valley Highlands of Kenya

High fertiliser costs and declining soil fertility are among the key factors contributing to low crop yields in Kenya. The contribution of five legumes grown in the short-rains season to soil nitrogen status and performance of a succeeding maize (Zea mays L.) was studied in an experiment at Njoro and Rongai within the Rift Valley Highlands of Kenya, from 1997 to 1999. Treatments included a weedy fallow, five grain legumes and maize (H513) grown during short-rains season followed by maize in the April-August long-rains season. The legumes were chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), field bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril], garden pea (Pisum sativum L.), dolichos [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]. The crop residues and vegetation of the weedy fallow were incorporated in the soil during seedbed preparation for the long rains season. The maize test crop was supplied with three levels of nitrogen, 0, 30, and 60 kg ha-1 as main factor whilst fallow management options were allocated as sub-factors in a split-plot treatment arrangement of a randomised complete block design replicated three times. Results show improved soil N status following legumes, with dolichos giving highest available N. Grain yield in maize succeeding legumes was 24-68% higher than maize succeeding weed fallow. In the absence of N fertiliser input, maize succeeding dolichos gave 20-40% higher yield than maize after weed fallow treated with recommended 60 kg N ha-1 fertiliser rate. The study has demonstrated that the use of grain legumes, particularly dolichos in rotation with maize, is a viable and preferable option to weedy fallows and maize-maize sequences. RÉSUMÉ Les coûts très élevés des engrais et le déclin de la fertilité du sol sont parmi les facteurs clés qui contribuent au faible rendement des cultures au Kenya. La contribution de cinq légumineuses cultivées durant la petite saison de pluie au status de l'azote du sol et la performance du maïs suivant (Zea mays L.) a été étudiée dans un essai à Njoro et Rongai dans les hautes Terres du Rift Valley du Kenya, de 1997 à 1999. Les traitements comprenaient une jachère sarclée, cinq légumineuses à graines et le maïs (H513) cultivés pendant la petite saison de pluie suivie par le maïs durant la grande saison pluvieuse d' avril-Août .Les légumineuses étaient le pois chiche (Cicer arietinum L.), le haricot (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), le soya {Glycine max (L.), Merril}, le petit pois (Pisum sativum L.), le lablab {Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet}. Des residues des cultures et la végétation de la jachère étaient incorporées au sol pendant la préparation du semis pour de longues saisons pluvieuses. Le maïs test a été fourni avec trois niveaux d'azote, 0, 30 et 60 kg ha-1 comme facteur principal alors que les options de gestions de la jachère étaient des sous-facteurs dans un arrangement de traitement en split-plot des blocks complètement rendomisés avec trois répétitions. Des résultats ont montré le status de l'azote amélioré après des légumineuses, avec le lablab donnant de l'azote disponible très élevé. Le rendement grain du maïs suivant les légumineuses était 24-68% plus élevé que le maïs suivant la jachère sarclée. En l'absence des intrants d'engrais azoté, le maïs suivant le lablab a donné 20-40% de rendement supérieur à celui du maïs après la jachère sarclée traités avec le taux recommandé de 60 kg N ha-1. L'étude a montré que l'utilisation des légumineuses, en particulier le lablab en rotation avec le maïs, est une option viable et préferable à la jachère sarclée et à la séquence maïs- maïs. (Af Crop Science and Production: 2001 9(4): 667-676

Environmental Effects of Urban Cattle Keeping in Nakuru Municipality, Kenya

Dilemma exists in Kenya among various urban dwellers and policy makers on whether to promote or prohibit urban cattle keeping. This is due to the intricate nature of the tradeoffs between its benefits and associated environmental hazards. The current study, therefore, sought to assess environmental effects of urban cattle keeping in Nakuru Municipality in Nakuru County of Kenya. Through a cross-sectional survey, primary data was collected using sets of structured and semi-structured questionnaires, and focused group discussions. Stratified sampling was used, with simple random sampling within the strata applied. Fishers Exact Formula was then used to select the 186 cattle keepers that were interviewed. Chi-square and paired t-tests were performed to determine the existence of significant differences between observations. Results indicate that majority (90.3%) of the survey respondents disagreed that cattle waste had any environmental hazards. This was due to lack of awareness among urban cattle keepers on environmental hazards related to livestock keeping in confined areas and close proximity to human beings. Most (82.8%) of the survey respondents who practiced zero-grazing perceived bad odour/ air pollution as an environmental hazard. Similarly, those who grazed their cattle by the roadside or streets perceived bad odour /air pollution and littered streets as environmental hazards. Overall, the type of cattle rearing system was highly associated with environmental hazards. The number of cattle kept, however, was independent of the environmental hazard (P=0.191, ?24=6.109). The heaping of manure in the cattle pen was more likely to contaminate the environment than when given away or applied on the kitchen garden. There were differences in the rating of environmental hazards of cattle waste across levels of education attained by the respondents (P=0.191, ?24= 6.109). However, there were no differences between respondents who deposited cattle waste less than 10 meters away from the household and those who deposited it farther away. Generally, there was no proper cattle waste management procedures in Nakuru Municipality. It is recommended that cattle waste management be decentralized with active participation of organized urban cattle keepers and supported by the public. User pay principle should also be applied whereby urban cattle keepers pay a determined fee for cattle waste collection. This would assist in the sustainability of the decentralized service. The findings in the current study are useful for policy formulation on the management of cattle waste and associated environmental hazards in the Municipality and other areas with similar circumstances. Keywords: Environmental Hazards, Urban Cattle Keeping, Cattle waste, Nakuru, Keny

Role of heterogeneous astrocyte receptor expression in determining astrocytic response to neuronal disorders

Following neuronal disorders, astrocytes carry out either neuroprotection or neurodegeneration. Previous authors suggest that favoring of neurodegeneration or neuroprotection by astrocytes can be due to many factors such as the influence of cytokines following their binding on their receptors on astrocytes. These receptors have however been shown to be region specific and heterogeneous. Further, research exploiting their role and influence in determining astrocytic response remains partly elucidated. A review of previous and ongoing research on these receptors would be helpful in the disclosure of astrocytic responses to neuronal disorders.Keywords: Astrogliosis, Heterogenous astrocyte expression, Antagonistic astrocyte reaction, Nervous injury, Astrocyte mediated neurodegeneratio

Morphological and Molecular Identification of the Causal Agent of Anthracnose Disease of Avocado in Kenya

Anthracnose disease of avocado contributes to a huge loss of avocado fruits due to postharvest rot in Kenya. The causal agent of this disease has not been clear but presumed to be Colletotrichum gloeosporioides as reported in other regions where avocado is grown. The fungus mainly infects fruits causing symptoms such as small blackish spots, “pepper spots,” and black spots with raised margin which coalesce as infection progresses. Due to economic losses associated with the disease and emerging information of other species of fungi as causal agents of the disease, this study was aimed at identifying causal agent(s) of the disease. A total of 80 fungal isolates were collected from diseased avocado fruits in Murang’a County, the main avocado growing region in Kenya. Forty-six isolates were morphologically identified as Colletotrichum spp. based on their cultural characteristics, mainly whitish, greyish, and creamish colour and cottony/velvety mycelia on the top side of the culture and greyish cream with concentric zonation on the reverse side. Their spores were straight with rounded end and nonseptate. Thirty-four isolates were identified as Pestalotiopsis spp. based on their cultural characteristics: whitish grey mycelium with black fruiting structure on the upper side and greyish black one on the lower side and septate spores with 3-4 septa and 2 or 3 appendages at one end. Further molecular studies using ITS indicated Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum boninense, and Pestalotiopsis microspora as the causal agents of anthracnose disease in avocado. However, with this being the first report, there is a need to conduct further studies to establish whether there is coinfection or any interaction thereof

Screening for host plant resistance to Helicoverpa armigera in selected chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) genotypes in Kenya

Hellicoverpa armigera (poad borer) is a major pest of chickpea (Cicer aurientinum) in many areas of the world, In Kenya, it causes up to 80% yield losses of the crop