Recent origin of low trabecular bone density in modern humans

Humans are unique, compared with our closest living relatives (chimpanzees) and early fossil hominins, in having an enlarged body size and lower limb joint surfaces in combination with a relatively gracile skeleton (i.e., lower bone mass for our body size). Some analyses have observed that in at least a few anatomical regions modern humans today appear to have relatively low trabecular density, but little is known about how that density varies throughout the human skeleton and across species or how and when the present trabecular patterns emerged over the course of human evolution. Here, we test the hypotheses that (i) recent modern humans have low trabecular density throughout the upper and lower limbs compared with other primate taxa and (ii) the reduction in trabecular density first occurred in early Homo erectus, consistent with the shift toward a modern human locomotor anatomy, or more recently in concert with diaphyseal gracilization in Holocene humans. We used peripheral quantitative CT and microtomography to measure trabecular bone of limb epiphyses (long bone articular ends) in modern humans and chimpanzees and in fossil hominins attributed to Australopithecus africanus, Paranthropus robustus/early Homo from Swartkrans, Homo neanderthalensis, and early Homo sapiens. Results show that only recent modern humans have low trabecular density throughout the limb joints. Extinct hominins, including pre-Holocene Homo sapiens, retain the high levels seen in nonhuman primates. Thus, the low trabecular density of the recent modern human skeleton evolved late in our evolutionary history, potentially resulting from increased sedentism and reliance on technological and cultural innovations

Review and research gaps mapping of energy transition modelling research on low electricity access countries

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, especially those in rural areas lack access to electricity. In most of these regions, the communities still rely on traditional means of energy such as firewood, which may not be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Compared to developed countries, few studies have been done to determine ways to transition energy to reduce the huge energy gap. Through reviewing case studies on the energy models used in sub-Saharan Africa, which forms the majority of the low electricity access countries, this thesis helps show the barriers to energy access and the progress made so far. First, the thesis gives an overview of the renewable energy and hybrid systems used in sub-Saharan Africa and shows some of the policy and institutional challenges. It summarizes the existent tools of electrification planning in three broad categories, namely; traditional simulation models, optimization models and geospatial-based models. The research design and collection methods applied include an in-depth literature review that used the LUT Primo library and thematic analysis, which allowed the selection of literature sources relevant to electrification planning in sub-Saharan Africa using energy models. The research findings are presented by discussing the following energy models; HOMER, MESSAGE, LEAP, OnSSET, PyPSA-Earth, TRNSYS and OSeMOSYS. The findings analyze the contributions of each of the models to electrification in the study region and show their benefits, applications, and limitations. A table of the energy models is used to summarize the models based on their key features, strengths, weaknesses, and usage. After analyzing the energy models, the thesis discussion highlights the factors affecting the application of energy models for electrification in sub-Saharan Africa in the broad categories of social, economic, and environmental aspects. It is revealed that the main challenges to energy transition and electrification in the region are due to financial constraints caused by huge capital investments required by the mostly poor countries. On the positive side, there is huge potential for electrification in the region due to an abundance of renewable energy sources, including solar PV, wind, hydro, and biomass. Through the research process, the thesis depicts the need for policymakers to familiarize themselves with the operation of various energy models to aid in their decision-making. The importance of community engagement cannot be overstated in ensuring inclusive energy planning while for researchers, the thesis shows that multi-disciplinary approaches must be used in ensuring energy access. Some limitations to the study and future recommendations are included at the end of the thesis to guide the coming studies of energy models and electrification in sub-Saharan Africa

Demographic Factors and Job Satisfaction: A Case of Teachers in Public Primary Schools in Bomet County, Kenya

The success of any school depends among others on the social capital including teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders who support the business of imparting knowledge. Satisfied and committed teachers impacts both on individual student performance and general academic standards of the school. The study explored job satisfaction among primary school teachers in relation to certain demographic variables. The objective of this study was therefore to examine the influence of demographic factors on job satisfaction of teachers in public primary schools in Bomet County, Kenya. This was done by conducting a survey using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 848 teachers in 129 primary schools participated in the study. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The overall finding was that teachers were ambivalent on job satisfaction, meaning that they were not sure whether they are satisfied with their jobs. However, teachers were satisfied with their colleague co-teachers and happy when assigned administrative duties.  Teachers were more satisfied when authority is delegated to them. It is evident that school leadership need to improve on in ways of supervision, systems of reward, ways of communication and working conditions. It was further established that there was significant differences in the level satisfaction of male and female teachers for satisfaction with administrative duties (t = 2.645) and satisfaction with teaching (t= 2.448). It was also found that male teachers are more satisfied with administrative duties (m=3.2; s.d. = 1.05) than female teachers (m=2.91; s.d.= 1.18). Similarly, male teaches are more satisfied with teaching (m= 2.6; s.d.= 0.70) than female teachers (m= 2.5; s.d. = 0.79). This implies that female teachers are not keen on taking up additional administrative duties in the school. Overall, there was no significant difference between the levels of job satisfaction between male and female teachers. On the other hand, it was found that job satisfaction was positively correlated with the ‘age of respondent’ (r= 0.092; p<0.01) and ‘experience in teaching’ (r= 0.081; p<0.05). Keywords: Job satisfaction; demographic characteristics

Share Prices – Exchange Rates Nexus: Evidence from Kenya

Kenya adopted a floating exchange rate regime in 1993. In the years that followed the exchange rates are market driven. Undoubtedly, the changes in exchange rates do have a diverse effect across the economic spectrum in any country. The sectoral and economy wide effects of exchange rates may ultimately be reflected in the share prices. The objective of this research was to study share price and exchange rate nexus. The context of the study is Kenya for the period November 1993- April 2011. The findings have implications for investors, investment managers, regulators, listed companies, financial institutions and other market players. The economic theory points to the relationship between stock price and exchange rates but does not properly define the direction of the relationship. The research used the procedure proposed by Toda and Yamamoto to determine the share price and exchange rates nexus. The outcome of the research suggests that there is bi-directional causal relationship between share price and exchange rates. Besides, the sign of causality is negative and causality exists in both directions. Keywords: Share prices, Exchange rates, Modified WALD tes

Implementation of the Youth Preference and Reservations Policy in Public Procurement: The Case of State Owned Enterprises in Nairobi

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of the youth preference and reservations policy in public procurement. The research questions therefore were; to establish the extent to which the youth preference and reservations policy has been implemented and to establish the extent to which institutional challenges and legislation respectively affect implementation of the policy.Methodology: The study employed descriptive survey design and a census of all the 70 state owned enterprises headquartered in Nairobi was conducted in the study out of which 55 enterprises responded. The study used primary data which was collected through use of a five point likert scale questionnaire. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate the descriptive statistics and also to generate inferential results. The descriptive statistics used included frequencies, averages and percentages while inferential statistics such as correlation analysis was used to demonstrate the extent to which legislation affects implementation of the youth preference and reservations policy in public procurement.Results: According to the research findings, the youth preference and reservations policy in public procurement had not been fully implemented. Effects of institutional challenges on implementation were found to be statistically significant with a negative impact on the implementation of the youth preference and reservations policy in public procurement. Results also indicate that legislation had negative but significant effect on implementation of the youth preference and reservations policy in public procurement.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the government intensifies the awareness campaign among the procurement practitioners and budget holders on the policy; institutionalize monitoring and training in all the enterprises and include the practitioners in review of the Public Procurement legislation

Procurement Legislation and Performance of Constituency Development Fund Committees in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the procurement legislation on performance of constituency development fund committees in Kenya. The research questions therefore were; to establish the effect of procurement legislation implementation on procurement performance in CDF Committees in Kenya; to determine the challenges facing the implementation of procurement legislation in CDF Committees in Kenya.Methodology: The study employed descriptive survey design. The population of the study was all the 290 constituencies and a census was conducted in the study. The study used primary data which was collected through use of a questionnaire. A five point likert scale questionnaire was used. Also a Yes or No structured questionnaire was also administered. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics inferential statistics. The descriptive technique was used to generate frequencies, mean and percentages while inferential statistics were generated the fitness of the model and regression of coefficients.Results: The findings concluded that the procurement performance affected procurement legislation and procurement performance of constituency development fund (CDF) committees in Kenya. Effects of Procurement Legislation on procurement performance were found to be statistically significant with a positive impact on the importance of procurement performance. Results also indicate that Procurement management had positive and significant effect on procurement performance. The study recommends that a summarized regulatory framework for CDF procurement management be prepared by policy makers. Through legislation, the government should enact comprehensive laws to regulate procurement functions and outline clear policy and procedures to be followed by procurement entities as this will enhance accountability and transparency.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study also recommends that the government should employ professional auditors to undertake public procurement audit and facilitate their continuous training to ensure they are well equipped with necessary technical skills. These will ensure effectiveness of public procurement audit. The study also recommends that more public auditors be trained on public procurement audit and the CDF managers be exposed to audit as a positive management tool

An Assessment of Sanitation Facilities in Selected Public Primary Schools in Kericho Municipality, Kenya

Sanitation is fundamental in promotion of hygiene and prevention of diseases it is a major cause of mortality and morbidity is children and general population. The government of Kenya has a National School Health Policy (2009) which entails sanitation guidelines for impure health and safety of the learners. The policy provides a commeasure school health programme which addresses all health needs to school going children. School administrators have a well-defined parameters and progress indicators to guide implementation this study aimed at assessing the sanitation facilities  in selected public primary schools in Kericho Municipality. The study used a survey design to assess sanitation facilities in schedule public primary schools. Stratified sampling was used to sample 330 standard 7 pupils in 5 public schools. Data was collected using questionnaire and observation checklist. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect date from the pupils. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages means and bar graphs. Keywords: Sanitation, hygien

Property Supply, Economic Factors and House Prices in Nairobi Kenya

Residential real estate is an important asset class for both institutional and individual investors. The housing bubble in the US led to a global financial crisis in 2007 – 2008. As such, understanding the factors that influence property prices is central to the investment process and portfolio management. The objective of the paper was to first construct a Nairobi house price index and then determine the relationship among economic factors, property supply, and house prices. The study period was ten years (2011Q1 to 2020Q4). Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was adopted to estimate long run and short run relationships. The Nairobi real estate price index was developed using hedonic model based on the data collected on actual selling price and characteristics of a sample of houses in Nairobi spanning ten years. The paper finds that GDP and inflation have significant positive long run effect on house prices. Property supply has a significant negative long run effect on real estate prices. However, interest rates do not have significant effect on house prices. In the short run however, GDP had a significant negative effect on prices. The speed of adjustments towards equilibrium relationship was 71.9%. The real estate market seems to be efficient despite its illiquid nature. The paper contributes to knowledge through its construction of house price index in Nairobi. Also, it included property supply a departure from past studies. The findings may have implications for investors, banks, regulators of securities and policy makers. The government of Kenya may be motivated to commission an official house price index

Contribution of Mobile Money Payment Services on Profitability among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to establish the contribution of mobile money payment services on profitability of SMEs in Eldoret Municipality. This was necessitated by the fact that mobile money payment service is driven by the need to have an easy and quick way of paying bills and avoiding long queues. The theoretical foundation of the study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model and employed descriptive survey research design to target users and 58 SME managers. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. To establish reliability of research instruments, the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was used whose figure stood at 0.712. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables. The results show that: Accesibility (β=.393, t=5.968, p<0.000), convenience (β=.193, t=2.593, p<0.004), security, (β=.324, t=4.383, p<0.000), and flexibility, (β=.352, t=5.129, p<0.000), had a significant influence on SME profitability. The study therefore recommends: SME management should embark on a proactive and robust marketing plan in conjunction with mobile money payment service providers to create awareness of the benefits of the program. The m-banking service providers should embark on customer education on the usefulness of integrating other m-banking options like saving, credit/debit alerts, bill payments and financial services like share trading. They, in conjunction with CCK, should urgently endeavor to make mobile money payment service more secure to alleviate customers’ fears and make mobile money payment service more effective. The m-banking service providers should further introduce user friendly interfaces and simple guidelines that would enable users to learn more creative uses of mobile money payment service through their phones. Key words: Mobile Money, Lipa na m-pes

SELECTED FACTORS INFLUENCING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUBSIDISED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION IN BURETI SUB- COUNTY, KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA

In the last decade, the government of Kenya has emphasized the provision of education as a leading policy initiative. As a result, the government instituted the Free Primary Education (FPE) in the year 2003, which resulted in high enrolment of the pupils at the Primary level. However, costly school fees were found to be a major reason that the vast majority of primary graduates could not attend Secondary schools because their families could not afford the cost. The provision of Subsidized Secondary Education (SSE) is very important in Kenya given that the country is a low income one. SSE policy was launched in 2008 with an aim of ensuring that all primary pupils from class eight are able to continue well with secondary education. There are limited studies on the SSE programme currently and it is against this background that this study sought to shed more light on the programme. The purpose of this study was to establish factors influencing implementation of SSE policy on access and retention of education in public secondary schools in Bureti Sub-County. The study aimed at establishing the factors that influence effective implementation of free secondary education in public schools in Buret Sub-County, in Kericho County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population was the school Principals/Deputy Principals, Teachers, Sub-County Director of Education, District Quality Assurance and Standard Officer. Simple random, systematic and stratified sampling procedures were used. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected from the study. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics after data cleaning and coding. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequency counts, means and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Results of data analysis were presented using frequency distribution tables, bar graphs and pie charts. SPSS program was used in the analysis. The findings show that the major challenges facing implementation of FSE includes; Delay in disbursing the SSE funds, over enrolment of students leading to strained physical facilities, inadequate facilities, lack of funds from the government for expansion, acute teacher shortage, poor cost sharing strategies. Key intervention measures for mitigating the identified challenges includes; Government to release funds in good time to avoid straining relations between suppliers and schools management, increasing bursaries support from M.O.E, NGOS, CDF for continuing students, providing clear policy on fund disbursement and increasing FSE allocation per student among others