Identity and Access Management System: a Web-Based Approach for an Enterprise

Managing digital identities and access control for enterprise users and applications remains one of the greatest challenges facing computing today. An attempt to address this issue led to the proposed security paradigm called Identity and Access Management (IAM) service based on IAM standards. Current approaches such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Central Authentication Service (CAS) and Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) lack comprehensive analysis from conception to physical implementation to incorporate these solutions thereby resulting in impractical and fractured solutions. In this paper, we have implemented Identity and Access Management System (IAMSys) using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) which focuses on authentication, authorization, administration of identities and audit reporting. Its primary concern is verification of the identity of the entity and granting correct level of access for resources which are protected in either the cloud environment or on-premise systems. A phased approach methodology was used in the research where it requires any enterprise or organization willing to adopt this must carry out a careful planning and demonstrated a good understanding of the technologies involved. The results of the experimental evaluation indicated that the average rating score is 72.0 % for the participants involved in this study. This implies that the idea of IAMSys is a way to mitigating security challenges associated with authentication, authorization, data protection and accountability if properly deployed

Secondary school strikes: the art of blaming the victim

In this paper the causes are discussed of the secondary school strikes which took place throughout Kenya in 1974. First, the interpretations are presented which were given to the strikes by the Ministry of Education and the leading newspapers. An attempt is made to show some of the weaknesses of these interpretations by probing into the real causes of student grievances. Four case studies are presented as a basis for discussion of the nature of secondary school strikes. As a conclusion, some changes are recommended in the educational system which should foster a better climate for learning in Kenyan schools

Secondary school education for girls in Kenya: the need for a more science-based curriculum to enhance women's greater participation in development

The paper outlines the important role women have and continue to play in agriculture, health, co-operatives and informal sector activities. It then looks at the educational opportunities available to them and particularly in the field of science and technology. Data is provided which indicates shortcomings in this field. The paper then argues for concerted efforts to improve the access of girls to quality science education especially at the secondary school level and thereby uplift the scientific literacy and skills of women. While the paper argues for continued attention to factors which initially hinder access of girls to formal education, it recommends increased focus on what goes on within the education system. The quality, diversity and effectiveness of curriculum offered at all levels of the schooling system should therefore be a matter of critical concern. Stress should be given to quality science curriculum not only to improve the competitiveness of women in formal sector opportunities but much more so to enhance their masterly of scientific and technological knowledge and skills necessary for participation in various spheres of development

An exploratory study of Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age site locations in Kenya’s Central Rift Valley using landscape analysis : a GIS approach

The Kenyan central rift has witnessed dramatic climatic changes over relatively short periods of time in response to global climatic changes, with the water levels of the lakes within the rift rising and falling with these changing conditions. There is considerable evidence showing extreme wet and dry phases throughout their existence. These wet and dry phases also influenced the vegetation cover, and by extension, the resources available to human and animal populations at any one time. The rise and fall of lake levels is reflected in the settlement patterns and subsistence strategies of different populations through time. Previous studies have been carried out to compare how the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) social and territorial systems differed in their adaptations to similar resource structures, since they are generally found in the same areas. However, earlier comparisons are based on the constitution of lithic and faunal assemblages at individual sites, without considering broader spatial scales that include territories and areas of land use that surround sites and settlements, and more ephemeral features that may influence the choice of site settlements. Since archaeological sites are a part of a cultural landscape within which particular systems of activities take place in space and time, landscape analysis is suggested for a broader approach than just tool types and morphology. Settlement patterns are instrumental in explaining subsistence strategies and spatial organization in relation to ecological and physical resources. The main aim of this study is to use geographical information system (GIS) methods to explore patterns in site locations during the MSA and LSA, and to establish differences and similarities between the periods. GIS is ideal for analyzing social and ritual landscapes by testing proxies for visual perception. Mapping archaeological sites using GIS improves our ability to detect settlement patterns that are not otherwise apparent. Visualization of sites makes it possible to compare their locations in relation to geographic features that may have influenced their locations. The methodology employed includes visibility analysis and statistical analyses that include Spatial Autocorrelation, Average Nearest Neighbor, Multi Distance Cluster, and Directional Distribution. Mapping archaeological sites using GIS improves our ability to detect settlement patterns that are not otherwise apparent. Visualization of sites makes it possible to compare their locations in relation to geographic features that may have influenced their locations. Results indicate that there are differences in the locations of MSA and LSA sites, with distinct patterning at specific distances. The clustering shown may be an indication of location preference due to availability of resources and security considerations, but may also have been highly influenced by climatic conditions and existing physical features. The locations of view sheds generated from selected sites indicate different target areas and therefore suggest differing visibility considerations. It is suggested that more intensive surveys and research should be concentrated in areas of site clustering, and in viewshed areas to determine factors that may have influenced this patterning. Site location patterns may give us insights into how sites were chosen and give us an idea on where to look for new sites to explore in future.Global climatic changes have caused great environmental variations within the Rift Valley over a long period of time. In the Kenyan central rift valley, these climatic changes are reflected in well documented high and low lake levels, as a result of corresponding high and low amounts of rainfall. Amounts of rainfall influence types of vegetation cover, and by extension, the kind of food resources available for both humans and animals. The choice of human settlement areas is thought to have been determined by environmnental factors, and therefore settlement patterns and behaviour related to subsistence may have varied with lake levels and vegetation cover. Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) sites are both found within the central rift, and studies have been carried out to establish how their social and territorial systems differed since they are found in the same general area. Previous studies are based on the differences in tool types and technology at individual sites without considering aspects of land use and physical features that may have influenced their choice of settlement areas on a larger scale. Humans create cultural landscapes through their activities in both space and time; therefore landscape analysis is suggested here for a more comprehensive approach to the study of relationships between individual sites. Settlement patterns are important in explaining subsistence strategies and spatial organization in relation to ecological and physical resources. The main aim of this study is to use geographical information system (GIS) methods to explore patterns in site locations during the MSA and LSA, and to establish any differences and similarities between the periods. GIS is ideal for analyzing spatial data because it has specially developed application for this purpose. These methods aid in summarizing landscape patterns by both visualization and statistical analysis. The methodology suggested includes visibility analysis and several statistical methods such as Spatial Autocorrelation, Average Nearest Neighbor, Multi Distance Cluster, and Directional Distribution. Mapping archaeological sites using GIS improves our ability to detect settlement patterns that are not otherwise apparent. Visualization of sites makes it possible to compare their locations in relation to geographic features that may have influenced their locations. Results indicate that there are differences in the locations of MSA and LSA sites, with distinct patterning at specific distances. The clustering shown may be an indication of location preference due to availability of resources and security considerations, but may also have been highly influenced by climatic conditions and existing physical features. The locations of view sheds generated from selected sites indicate different target areas and therefore suggest differing visibility considerations. It is suggested that more intensive surveys and research should be concentrated in areas of site clustering, and in viewshed areas to determine factors that may have influenced this patterning. Site location patterns may give us insights into how sites were chosen and give us an idea on where to look for new sites to explore in future

Education for rural development in Kenya: a critical note

This paper emphasises the subordinate role that education plays in the process of employment creation and national development. Evidence to support this view is drawn from an analysis of the aims, structure and content of the education system both in colonial and independent Kenya. For example, the appearance of the unemployed school leavers in the labour market was seen as an outcome of an education system that inculcates into the minds of pupils values and attitudes which would not make them accept agricultural and other manual pursuits in the rural environment. However, there is overwhelming historical evidence to show that the educational planners have vigorously promoted an educational curriculum that is supposed to cater for the rural needs. The educational changes and programmes such as agriculture and technical education advocated in post-colonial Kenya as measures to deal with educated unemployed are not at all new, as similar programmes were initiated during the colonial period without much success. The failure of these efforts suggests that the problems of the educated unemployed and national development are rooted in the structure of the political - economy of the society and not in the education system. A list of both educational and rural programmes which should receive priority is proposed in a context that demands progressive diversion of national resources from formal education to productive economic investments

Education and development in Africa: theories, strategies and practical implications

The paper attempts to show what kinds of theories have been dominant in the study of education and development in Africa. The paper also attempts to show the educational policies and innovations which emanate from these theoretical frameworks. The theories which are discussed in the paper are categorised into equilibrium and conflict paradigms. Under the broad category of equilibrium paradigm, theories of structural-functionalism, modernisation and human capital are discussed. The influence of these theories in the study of education and their practical implications to education planning and social policy are then explored, under the category of conflict paradigm, Marxist theories and theories of underdevelopment are discussed. The implications of these theories to the study of education are briefly explored utilising examples of work done from this framework. The paper is in many ways exploratory and it is hoped it will lead to discussions on future research priorities in the area of education and development. The paper approaches this question from the underlying theoretical influences as a means uncovering the ideological, economic and political implications of educational policies followed in Africa and Kenya in particular in the last two decades