The effects of the liberalisation of capital controls with respect to the inflow of foreign direct investment in the mining industry in South Africa

South Africa has in the recent past endeavoured to attract foreign direct investment through the liberalisation of capital controls. The question that has been raised is whether, in the wake of the recent global financial crisis and the corresponding response of economists that now more than ever the re-introduction of capital controls is necessary, the liberalisation of capital controls in South Africa is necessary. Therefore the study endeavours to investigate, taking cognisance of the pecularity of the country, whether the liberalisation of capital controls in the form of exchange controls has had a positive effect in attracting foreign direct investment. Other determinants of foreign direct investment are considered to identify whether focus should perhaps be on these determinants to inform policies implemented to attract foreign direct investment

Factors Influencing Elephants to Destroy Forest Trees Especially Olea africana: The Case of Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve in Meru County, Kenya

Elephants are terrestrial mammals which adapt to many habitats ranging from forests to deserts. At birth an elephant weighs up to 120 kg and an average of 4,000 to 6,500 kg at maturity. Elephants are herbivorous and their feeding pattern greatly impact on vegetation. This study examined factors which lead elephants to destroy trees such as Olea africana in the forest. The study was undertaken in Ngare Ndare forest reserve covering 5,554.3 hectares in Meru County. Objectives of the study were; to establish relationship between feeding habits of elephants and destruction of O. africana, to establish the relationship between behaviour of elephants and destruction of O. africana, to describe the significance and status of forests in relation to elephant destruction and finally to determine whether there are other tree species destroyed by elephant in forests. A qualitative research design was used in the study and data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation. Data was sorted out, edited and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Presentation of data was done using tables, frequencies and percentages. The study found that elephants destroy more trees during dry periods compared to wet seasons as supported by 64(93%)  out of 69 sampled respondent in  forest user category and 100% of respondents in forest and wildlife manager’s category. Increase in elephant numbers observed by 67(97%)  respondents out of 69 was a key reason for increased destruction by elephants. 38(55.1 %)  out of 69 respondents held that elephants prefer O. Africana as food compared to other tree species while behavior of elephants especially rogue/lone elephants accounted for 54% (37/69 respondents) of forest destruction.  The study concluded that increasing elephant numbers and elephant’s behaviour were key factors in forest destruction.Key Words: Elephant, Destruction, Forest, Tree, Behaviour, Feedin

Facilitation and Implementation of Environmental Education in Primary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

This study investigated the factors that influenced facilitation and implementation of environmental education in primary schools in Nairobi County. The study targeted teachers and pupils in order to find out the extent to which they are involved in environmental conservation and protection. The research design was descriptive. Questionnaires with both open and close ended. The collected data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences and presented using tables and frequencies. The results indicated that methods used in teaching environmental education were lecture (41.7%) and discussion (26.7%). The environmental education was integrated in the primary school curriculum and was taught in Social studies and Science subjects. Pupils (81.7%) were aware of the need to conserve and protect the environment. A majority of schools organized environmental activities and tree planting is the most prominent activity in most schools (60%). of conserving the environment. However, these activities were limited due to lack of resources and absence of facilitation.  Seventy eight percent of teachers (78.2%) had no training on how to handle the teaching of environmental education. Inadequate teaching resources cited by 86.7 percent of the respondents and lack of training were the major challenges to environmental education. We recommended to curriculum developers that methods used in teaching environmental education should be practical oriented which pupils can utilize later in life. Schools should be provided with resources by county governments to facilitate environmental education activities. Keywords: Curriculum, Environmental conservation, Pupils, Teacher

An Assessment of Socio-Economic Benefits Accrued by Farmers in Donor Funded Community Development Projects in Kibwezi Irrigation Project, Kenya

The Kibwezi Irrigation Project, just like the Gezira Irrigation Scheme of Sudan was started with the aim of developing and transferring dry land farming technologies to the local farmers and like the Israel Kibbutz, reclaim dry land areas and eventually improve the standards of living of the populations living in such areas. This study sought to establish if there was actual transfer of farming technologies from the project to the local framers and if the locals were able to derive any socio-economic benefits from the project. Furthermore, the study  examined if the effects of the project caused an improvement of the standards of living of the local farmers and if the KIP trainees were able to train other local farmers through peer consultation. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, choosing 56 farmers as the sample frame out of a target population of 531 KIP trained farmers. Cluster sampling design was used in selecting the sample frame and data was collected using open and closed ended questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences in order to generate tables, frequencies and percentages. From the findings it was established that apart from electricity supply, KIP had  a strong influence on many socio-economic benefits, namely influencing efficiency on utilization of water in the region, improving on literacy levels in the region and  in creating employment opportunities in the region. Majority of the farmers have experienced a rise in economic status after attending the KIP Trainings while a significant number affirmed to no longer depending on relief food. It was also evident that the Project has been able to introduce sustainable growth in the region thus proving wrong the critics of the Aid Industry that have argued that donor aids breeds dependency syndrome and consequently  poverty and is therefore not conducive to long-term sustainable growth in African. Majority of the farmers affirmed that KIP brought with it indirect gains like increased employment opportunities; business growth and reduced crime rate in the region. The Kibwezi Irrigation Project, and in particular, the extension part of the project is today a shining example in that, it has been able to sustain its services after the withdrawal of the donor support. Keywords: Socio –Economic Benefits, Kibwezi, Irrigation ,Farme

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND IT’S INFLUENCE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER PROJECTS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY OF KENYA

Objective: This study focused on the extent to which Community empowerment influence Implementation of water projects in Machakos County of Kenya. Accessibility to safe water has been a great challenge not only in Machakos County but to the developing world. The purpose of this study was to establish Community empowerment influence on Implementation of water projects in Machakos County of Kenya.   Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on Pragmatic paradigm and used descriptive survey research design. The target population for this study was Machakos County water representatives both staff and Community. Research sample comprised of, Water Resources Users Association officials, Water Resource Management Authority employees, County Ministry of Water and Irrigation staff, Water Services Trust Fund staff and Tana Athi Water Services Agency Staff, giving a total target population of 572 individuals.   Method: The sample size of the study was derived from the various strata’s by using Krejcie and Morgan Table for sample size determination which gave a sample size of 226 participants. The research instruments used included: questionnaires; Key informant Interviews, Focus Group discussions, observation, documents review and Interview guides. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, composite mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data was analysed by content analysis.   Research Implications: This Study is significant to policy makers, students, water agency managers and primary stakeholders in the research region. It was concluded that Community empowerment significantly influence implementation of water projects in Machakos County in Kenya

The New Lex Mercatoria: Applicability of Lex Mercatoria as Substantive Law in International Commercial Arbitration

The study addresses the controversy surrounding the existence and validity of the lex mercatoria as an autonomous legal system. The overall objective of the study is to evaluate whether the lex mercatoria has attained the status of an autonomous system of law. Traces of the law merchant derive from the early ages, a time when merchants began to traverse the world in search for new markets. This created a need to govern their businesses and conduct to avoid the interference of their affairs by sovereign authorities. The rules formulated by the merchants were codified into the laws of states giving rise to the oblivion of the law merchant. There has arisen over time a debate on the existence of a new lex mercatoria. The study evaluates the existence and viability of the new lex mercatoria by answering the following pertinent research questions: what are the sources of the new lex mercatoria; are the criticisms levelled against the lex mercatoria viable; has the lex mercatoria attained the status of an autonomous legal system and if not, what are the reasons behind its rejection? This study is limited to international commercial arbitration since it is through arbitration that the applicability of lex mercatoria as substantive law has been made possible. Recognition of state-less awards, the modernization of arbitration laws by African states, recognition by the European Union of the possibility of application of general principles of law reflect trends towards the acceptance of the autonomous nature of lex mercatoria

Effect of customer satisfaction strategies on customer experience among professionals service firms in Kenya

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration at Strathmore UniversityIn the modem business world, companies are struggling as they try to motivate customers to purchase more and make more frequent visits. There are challenges facing professional service providers like law and audit firms as clients are continuously expressing dissatisfaction. Hence, professional service providers need to be aware of drivers of customer loyalty in order to build effective business strategies for customer retention. The study hence sort to establish the effect of customer satisfaction strategies being implemented by service providers on customer experience.From the findings, various service providers can improve their customer experience. The study is hinged on the Assimilation theory and Resource based view theory. The study specifically examined the effect of Information communication Technology, supplier management, staff management and service strategy on customer experience. The study adopted an explanatory research design . The target population was the top four audit firms in Kenya that is Deloitte Consulting, Ernst & Young, KPMG Consulting and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) . The study also targeted the customers of these firms which are 42 firms listed at the NSE and are audited by the four audit firms. A census was conducted on all the four firms as well as the 42 listed firms which are the customers. The study findings led to the conclusion that ICT, staff mmanagement and service strategy are positively and significantly related to customer experience while supplier management is positively but not significantly related to customer experience. Since the findings indicated that ICT is positively and significantly related to customer experience, the study recommends that audit firms and other service provision firms should invest more in ICT systems that involve having have a well established work flow billing system, staff and sub contractor capacity scheduling system and knowledge and research databases for better service deliver y. Another recommendation made based on the study findings is that audit firms and other service firms should aim to improve their customer experience by establishing better staff management practices and investing more in them for instance staff on boarding , staff talent management and on the job training. There should also be fair and undiscriminated staff recruitment as they lead to improved customer experience. The study also recommends that since service strategy positively influences customer experience, audit and other service firms should aim to ensures that there is a clear service definition so as to ensure better service delivery as well as constant revisions of service strategies they employ. Furthermore, market segmentation as well as having a well established and strictly adhered to service delivery system should also be considered. The study tested the applicability of Resource Based view theory concept to the service providers in Kenya. The study proved that a firms unique resources for instance strategies gives it a competitive edge over its competitors and improves its performance. In so doing, it improves its customer satisfaction. The study has indicated that when a firm is capable of formulating strategies for instance staff management , ICT related strategies and service strategies, that will lead to better performance thus improving the customer experience. The study also contributes to the Assimilation theory which argues that customer dissatisfaction is based on expectation and perceived product performance and that if customers are given contrary services to what they expected, they become dissatisfied. The study findings indicated that among customers of service providers in Kenya, consumer post-usage evaluation to establish their satisfaction is key. This is a key argument by the assimilation theory

Pattern of distribution of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions in HIV patients in a referral hospital in Kenya

Background: Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative malignancy caused by infection with human herpes virus -8 (HHV-8). The tumour has four subtypes including Classic KS, African- endemic, Iatrogenic and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS. AIDS- related KS is the most common malignancy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and has variable clinical presentation with diverse distribution of lesions. Objective: To assess the pattern of distribution of KS lesions in patients with AIDS-related KS at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods: We carried out a descriptive study on patients with HIV infection with histological diagnosis of KS. The study commenced upon approval by KNH-University of Nairobi Ethics and Research Committee. Following consent, clinical and demographic data was obtained from participants through verbal interviews and from medical records using a data capture form. Follow up was until 10 weeks. Management of patients was at the discretion of the attending clinician. Data was analyzed by a statistician using Instat Biostatistics program. Results Seventy-four participants aged between 13 to 55 years were enrolled into the study. Males were 42 (56.7%) and females 32 (43.2%). Mean age was 36.8 years. The distribution of KS lesions was variable. We demonstrate high predilection of lesions for skin and lymph nodes at 62.6%. Other sites were involved were the oral cavity 14.9%. Twenty-eight (38%) of the participants had multifocal lesions with a male predominance in skin and viscera with male to female ratio of skin 1.8:1 and viscera 7:1 respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrate reduced male: female ratio and multifocal distribution of AIDS-related KS lesions with predominance in skin and lymph nodes and male predominance in visceral lesions. Future studies should aim to determine what favours increase in, KS in women and visceral lesions in males among patients with HIV infection. Keywords: Kaposi’s Sarcoma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS

Validation of a competitive chloramphenicol enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for determination of residues in Ovine tissues

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which has been used for treatment of animals. However, in humans it leads to hematoxic side effects particularly aplastic anaemia for which a dosage-effect relationship has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to validate a developed chloramphenicol enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the determination of chloramphenicol residues in ovine tissues. Two groups (n=5) of sheep were injected with chloramphenicol sodium succinate at 25-mg/kg bodyweight and slaughtered one and four weeks post drug administration. Overall, the mean percentage recoveries in muscle, liver and kidney were 92 %, 70% and 78% respectively. The limits of detection were 1.2 ng/g, 0.6 ng/g and 0.8 ng/g while the detection capability was 2.5 ng/g, 1 ng/g and 1 ng/g in muscle, kidney and liver respectively. This enables the method to be used effectively as a screening tool for chloramphenicol residues in livestock products especially in the liver, muscle and kidney.Keywords: Chloramphenicol, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, ovine, muscle, liver, kidneyEast and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 13 (2010) 12-1

Abandonment of treatment and loss to follow up: a potential cause of treatment failure in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma

Background: Management of patients with cancer is complex, multi-disciplinary, longitudinal and costly. Abandonment of treatment by patients and loss to follow up is a common scenario, especially in resource poor countries and severely compromises health outcomes. Objective: To assess the commitment to drug treatment protocol of patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-Related Kaposi’s Sarcoma at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya, over a 10 week period . Methods: The study design was prospective, observational, cross-sectional period prevalence study on patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with Kaposi’s sarcoma. Patients with histological diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma were sequentially enrolled into the study as they attended either the Haematology or Radiotherapy clinic or during their admission in the wards. The choice of the treatment protocol was left at the discretion of the attending physician. A pretested data collection form was used to collect demographic and clinical information about the patients, including treatments prescribed and completion of follow up. Results: A total of 74 patients were enrolled into the study, 42 (56.8%) males and 32 (43.2%) females. The age ranged between 13 years to 55 years. Their treatment protocols included: Vincristine only, Vincristine plus Bleomycin, Vincristine plus Bleomycin plus Doxorubicin, Radiotherapy plus Vincristine and Radiotherapy only. Few of the patients were not assigned any antitumor treatment. Antiemetic and other conventional medicines were also prescribed when necessary. Fifty four (73%) of the patients abandoned treatment, five (6.8%) died, 15(20.3%) continued to attend clinic over the 10 week period.  There was no significant association between sex and outcome (p=0.661). Discussion: The results of this study demonstrate that abandonment of treatment is a major problem among patients on treatment for cancer in Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya. Abandonment of treatment heavily contributes to poor clinical outcome hence complicating the burden of cancer in the country. It is therefore important to develop and establish follow-up systems to improve adherence to treatment for the cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital. Key words: Abandonment of treatment, Loss to follow up, AIDS-Related Kaposi’s Sarcom