Implementing Web GIS for Monitoring Carbon Sequestration in Sustainable Agroforestry Projects

This project implemented an internet-based GIS to support effective monitoring and evaluation of agroforestry systems on carbon sequestration on small scale farms in East Africa. Small scale agriculture is one of the main economic activities practiced by farmers in East Africa. The demand for more farm produce out of the diminishing land exerts pressure on existing farms, resulting in land degradation and consequently environmental degeneration in the region. Striking a balance between conservation goals and agricultural needs is not easy. There is a need to utilize technological advancements like GIS to establish appropriate farming practices that ensure improved and sustained farm productivity, as well as to conserve the environment. Quantifying and monitoring sequestered carbon not only provides revenue through certified carbon credits, but also a means of evaluating the impact of agroforestry methods on the environment. This project was undertaken to support the Vi Agroforestry Programme’s implementation of agroforestry projects, and to assess the amount of carbon sequestered. An internet-based GIS system was designed to share spatial data and information to project stakeholders and other audiences. The system primarily supports decision making in adopting sustained farming practices, and provides a reliable means of keeping track of agroforestry techniques and quantifying the amount of sequestered carbon at each project

Effects of Corporate Governance on Micro Finance Institutions Financial Sustainability in Kenya

The study focused on the effects of corporate governance on Microfinance Institutions financial sustainability in Kenya over a period of eleven years from 2000-2011. The study was necessitated by the lack of documented literature on the effects of corporate governance in Kenya given the dynamic structure in the liability composition of these institutions. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of corporate governance on Kenyan Microfinance institutions sustainability. The relevant literature was reviewed for the purposes of this study. Explanatory research design was used in trying to establish the causal effect relationship between corporate governance variable (which were; board size; CEO duality; composition of the board and CEO gender) and the financial sustainability of the MFIs in Kenya (measured using ROA). The target population were the 42 registered Micro Finance Institutions under the umbrella body AMFI where a random sample of ten institutions were selected using the cluster sampling technique. Data was collected from both primary sources and secondary sources. Primary data was captured using structured questionnaires completed by the CEOs and the senior management team as they were in a better position to comment on corporate governance affairs. Secondary data was collected from the Mix market which is the most reliable source of microfinance financial data. The study utilized panel data analysis methodology in drawing conclusions about the study. It was found that the average board size was 8 members with 10% of the institutions having the CEO double up as the chairman.40% of the institutions surveyed had a female CEO. Empirical findings confirmed that board size was significant in affecting financial sustainability at 99% confidence level (t values=2.79), CEO gender was significant at 99% confidence level (t values=2.487), CEO duality was significant at 95% confidence level (t values= 7.69) and board composition significant at 99% confidence level (t values=-2.57). The study recommends moderate board size a higher board independence separation of CEO and chairman and a greater incorporation of women in the board. Key Words: Micro-Finance Institutions, Sustainability, Board Size, Board Composition, CEO duality, CEO Gender

Effect of GDP, Population and Interest Rate on Residential House Prices in Nairobi County, Kenya

Previous studies have shown an increasing trend in house prices over the past ten years and it is anticipated that the trend is likely to continue into the foreseeable future. This trend has been attributed to various factors, both microeconomic and macroeconomic. However, there is scant information on the effect of various macroeconomic factors such as GDP, population and interest rate on house prices in Kenya. Consequently, there is need for more research to be undertaken in order to determine the effect of such factors on house prices over time using the latest data. This study therefore sought to address the current literature gap by determining the effect of various macroeconomic factors on house prices in Kenya. In particular, the study sought to examine the effect of; GDP, population and interest rate on residential house prices in Nairobi count. To achieve this, the study adopted an explanatory research design as it attempted to explain the effect of GDP, population and interest rate on residential house prices for the period 2004-2016. The target population comprised of quarterly (2004Q1-2016Q4) observations of the House Price Index (HPI) and the quarterly observations of the variables. Data on quarterly observations of the House Price Index was obtained from Hass Property Consult Ltd while that on quarterly observations of the variables was obtained from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and Central Bank of Kenya. Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) estimates were used to establish the long-run relationship between the determinants and residential house prices. Results confirm the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship among variables in the model. The size of the coefficient of the error correction term (β = - 0.0004, p = 0.0383) suggests a relatively lower speed of adjustment from the short-run deviation to the long-run equilibrium. VECM coefficients specifically revealed that in the long-run GDP (β= - 0.6067, p = 0.0071) and interest rate (β = - 17.99, p= 0.0009) have a negative significant effect on house prices. Though having a negative relationship with house prices, the study failed to identify any long-run relationship between population and house prices (β= -0.5340, p = 0.4562). The study recommends that the government of Kenya should create an enabling environment for availability of credit to spur economic growth and hence check the house prices. Further, there is need to check on urban population growth so as to match the number of houses available with the increase in population. Keywords: House price Index, Gross Domestic Product, Interest Rate, Population

Operative management of ankle fractures during pregnancy: case series

Trauma affects approximately 5% of pregnancies and is the leading non-obstetric cause of maternal death. Ankle fractures occurring in pregnancy although minor, can nonetheless create diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the patient and the surgeon. There is limited information on the operative management of ankle fractures during pregnancy in literature. We retrospectively reviewed hospital records of pregnant patients with ankle fractures who underwent surgery over a six month period from January to June 2013 in a private hospital in Nairobi. We present four cases of displaced ankle fractures in pregnancy that were fixed with good pregnancy outcomes. These case series highlight the management considerations of ankle fractures in pregnant women whose time to delivery is more than six weeks

Effect of Transaction Costs on Current Milk Marketing Structure in Uasin Gishu and Nandi North Districts in Kenya

The improvement of milk production is a key issue in Kenya since the country relies heavily on agriculture for economic growth.  However, there is inadequate empirical evidence on the extent to which transaction costs constraint or prevent access to information and markets, especially for small-scale dairy farmers.  This paper highlights the factors determining the milk marketing structure based on a study to assess marketing constraints faced by small-scale dairy farmers in Nandi North and Uasin Gishu districts. A combination of multi-stage, simple random and systematic random sampling methods was used to select the study district and small scale dairy farmers, where 270 respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaires and interview guides. An analysis of the milk marketing structure in the area showed that farmers facing considerable transactions costs were likely to sell surplus milk to their neighbours and hawkers rather than to milk processors, milk bars and farmer cooperatives. The study concluded that accessibility to formal market outlets is limited by considerable farm-to-market distance, poor infrastructure, inadequate transportation, and constraints of acquiring knowledge about milk prices, searching for buyers, negotiating, bargaining and monitoring milk contracts. It is recommended that due consideration be given to the development of a better physical and institutional infrastructure which would effectively link these producer areas to markets and improve market knowledge by providing relevant market information and farming skills Keywords: Effect, Transaction Costs, Current Milk Marketing Structure, Uasin Gishu District, Nandi North District, Keny

Factors Influencing the Development of Capital Markets in a Developing Economy: A Case Study of Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya

The study examined the factors influencing the growth and development of capital markets in an emerging economy.  The study focused on the factors that influence the growth and development of the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya (N.S.E.). This study sought to survey the factors that impinge on the growth and development of the stock market. The Nairobi Securities Exchange has experienced lack luster performance over its entire existence since it was founded in 1954. Over the years the number of stocks traded has stagnated at around 53 quoted companies. Ordinarily one would expect to find a significant degree of correlation between economic growth and the growth of the stock exchange. The former has averaged 3.8% p.a. in the period 1985-1996 while the latter averaged only 0.6% as measured by the number of quoted companies. To achieve the study objectives both primary and secondary data was used. Primary data was generated through the administration of questionnaires to the stakeholders of the NSE. Key informants were drawn from managers of investment banks; staff of the NSE, capital markets Authorities, Ministry of finance, Economic planning and the Central Bureau of statistics. The target population were all the 53 firms listed at N.S.E.  Stratified random sampling based on the segmentation of the trading counters was used for sampling the population of the study.  A sample of 30 firms was selected. Data was summarized using the inferential statistical methods. Descriptive research design was adopted and used for the study. The findings of the study indicated that the government policy reforms were viewed as having major influence on the growth and development of capital markets in Kenya. The NSE has experienced growth over the previous years, however the rate of growth has been dismal. The key factors that influence the growth and development of NSE include the strong regulatory and legal framework, good macroeconomic environment, investor education and awareness, improved market infrastructure, and increased participation by foreign investors. Keywords: Capital Markets, Nairobi Securities Exchang

An unusual presentation of acute abdomen in early pregnancy: a case report

Acute abdomen is characterized by pain, tenderness and muscular rigidity, and for which emergency surgery must be considered. Acute abdomen in pregnancy can be obstetric or non-obstetric. Differential diagnoses include acute appendicitis, gastroenteritis, bowel obstruction and perforated peptic ulcers, ectopic pregnancy, peduncular torsion of an ovarian cyst, ovarian bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, mesenteric venous thrombosis, rupture of visceral artery aneurysm and foreign bodies.The case report presented is of a 23-year-old, para 2+1, gravida 4 at 16 weeks’ gestation who presented to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kenyatta National Hospital with a four-day history of abdominal pain, constipation and vomiting. General examination revealed a sick looking, dehydrated, pale lady with a tachycardia of 108 beats per minute and blood pressure of 107/70mm/Hg. Abdominal examination revealed gaseous distension, generalized tenderness, rebound tenderness and absent bowel sounds. The external cervical os was closed and had candidal discharge. A kidney, ureter and bladder ultrasound reported free fluid in the hepatorenal space. An exploratory laparotomy found a 15-20cm long transparent plastic tube invaginating through the anterior pylorus/first part of duodenum with a small purulent pocket around it. An omental patch and peritoneal lavage were done and a drain left in-situ. The patient did well post-operatively and was discharged on day 12 post-op. This case is presented to raise awareness of less common causes of acute abdomen and highlight the risks of clandestine abortion attempts

Improving Performance among Small and Medium Enterprises through Managerial Training and Savings Mobilization: Evidence from MSMEs in Kenya

Kenyan microfinance has shown resiliency despite local droughts and high inflation rates that afflicted the nation in 2008 and 2009. With the Kenyan government and the Central Bank of Kenya emphasizing financial access as a key to modernizing the economy, the sector has been strengthened by progressive policies and innovative approaches to delivering financial services. Based on a study conducted in Githurai Market, situated in Kiambu County, this paper examines the effects of managerial training and savings mobilization on the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study utilized an explanatory research design. The target population was the 429 MSMEs registered by the Kiambu Municipal Council. Of these, a sample of 270 SMEs was selected for the purposes of the study using stratified sampling technique. The study utilized multiple regression analysis set draw inferences on the study using Eviews statistical package. From the study findings, savings mobilization portfolio was also significant at 99% confidence level in determining MSMEs performance in Kiambu County, Kenya (t=3.715, p=0.000). The study also found managerial training to be statistically significant in determining MSMEs’ performance in the County (t values=0.109, p=0.004). It was thus concluded that training in micro enterprise investment as a component of micro finance helps clients in business management and minimizing transaction related risks. The study recommends that microfinance service providers and policy development partners could consider including a micro-insurance scheme in the micro finance package. Keywords: Improving Performance, Small, Medium Enterprises, Managerial Training, Savings Mobilization, Kiambu County, Keny

Influence of Professional Expertise on Dividend Policy among Listed Firms in Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya

Management of corporations has been faced by challenges emerging from internal managers not being able to effectively offer stewardship. The organizations owners therefore have to improvise means of ensuring that their interests are protected. In modern corporation’s owners embrace mechanisms like board diversity to mitigate against managers failures to act in their interests. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence o professional expertise on Dividend Policy among listed firms in Nairobi Securities Exchange. In the recent past, most corporations in developing economies experience unstable dividend payment hence the need to determine whether professional expertise can remedy dividend payment situation prevailing. The study examined how professional expertise can influence dividend policy in companies listed on the NSE. The study was guided by agency, signaling, resource dependency and power circulation theories. The study used the explanatory research design. Document analysis was used to collect secondary data from annual reports of firms. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as the mean, median, and standard deviation and fixed effect multiple regression analysis was done to examine the effects between professional expertise and dividend policy in annual reports of firms. The study was also expected to contribute new knowledge on the relationship between professional expertise and dividend policy. The regression results showed that professional expertise (β = .226, p = .490) exhibit a strong direct relationship with dividend policy. The study recommends that policy makers to ensure development of regulations to enhance professional expertise among firms since professional expertise brings about overwhelming benefits to corporate owners by minimizing agency problems related to free cash flows hence enhance payout to shareholder and reduce risk of misallocation of excess resources by firm managers. The study also recommends further studies to be carried out on the relationship between professional expertise and dividend policy on privately owned, SME’s, both listed and unlisted firms using similar study variables and a longer period for the same study to determine whether optimal results would be achieved. Keywords: Professional Expertise, Dividend, Policy, Resource dependency, securities exchang

The Influence of Package Graphics and Colour Attributes On Consumers’ Buying Behaviour In Kenya

Understanding consumer buying behaviour and their preference to product attributes has become a key success factor in contemporary competitive and rapid changing business environment. Consumer are now more discerning and individualistic requiring marketers to gain insights into their buying behaviour especially the attitude they have towards product innovation especially packaging. The general objective of the study was to determine the effect of packaging attributes on consumer’s buying behaviour of packaged foods in Kenya. This paper discusses the research findings on the influence of packaged food graphics and colour attributes on consumers’ buying behaviour in Kenya. The study was supported by the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Howard-Sheth Model and Kano’s Theory of Attractive Quality. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were used and a sample of 385 shoppers from three supermarkets in Nairobi was selected randomly while data was collected using structured questionnaires. The selection of supermarkets was based on judgmental sampling in which location and foot traffic was considered. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of mean, percentages and standard deviations, and inferential statistics in the form of correlation tests and regression analysis. The study found a statistically significant relationship between the attributes of graphics and colour and consumer’s buying behaviour. The study recommends that food manufacturers understand consumer response to their packages, and integrate the inputs into designing the best packaging styles. This can be achieved by involving consumers in the process of packaging so that the right decisions are made without making any assumption regarding the final packaging of food products. This study is beneficial to new and existing food product manufacturers in coming up with strategies and in development of product packaging. Keywords: Package Graphics, Colour Attributes, Consumers’ Buying Behaviou