Demographic Rise Effect on Water Supply Systems in Urban Higher Learning Institutions; Case Study of Kenyatta University

In the past ten years, public institutions including Kenyatta University have experienced a surge in population growth, exacerbated by a demand for higher education. The university population has increased eight times more between the year 2006-2016 leading to inadequacy in accommodation services within university premises, thus three quarters of these students reside in the neighboring areas. This study aimed at looking at the impact of this population increase on the water systems. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed; three FGDs, key informant interviews and 220 respondents were interviewed comprising of; students, households, caretakers and small business owners. The study established that 62% of the residents used water from municipal water integrated to borehole supply. There were high water shortages marked with rationing as supply was only 2-3 times a week during student peak sessions. Most residents reverted to boreholes that were sunk without following set standards. 60% stored water in locally made tanks with low storage capacity inadequate to meet demand. The respondents felt the need to have an integrated holistic approach and coordination among all relevant stakeholders including; government, management institutions, households, students, public institution administrators, and businesses in order to comprehensively manage the water resources effectivel

The Ethical Foundations of Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development

One of the major challenges of the 21st century is the need to harmonize efforts at environmental conservation with endeavours to foster human development. This challenge has been on the world agenda for several decades, and was given great visibility through a report by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987. The report, popularly known as the Brundtland Report, calls for sustainable development to deal with the twin challenges of environmental conservation and human development. This paper reflects on the concept of sustainable development, and unveils some of the ambiguities and politics that have militated against the attainment of this noble objective. The thesis of the paper is that the imperative to attain sustainable development is a moral one, requiring all moral agents to rise to their individual and collective responsibility to secure the well-being of humans as well as that of the natural environment. Key words Environmental conservation, sustainable development, the right to developmen

Determinants of Microfinance Services on Performance of Micro Enterprises in Kenya: A Case of Faulu Kenya In Trans Nzoia County

The purpose of the study Was to analyse the determinants of microfinance services on the performance of micro enterprises in Trans Nzoia County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to determine the effect of savings facilities on micro enterprises performance in Trans Nzoia County. The study employed the following theories: Wealth multiplier theory, uniting theory of microfinance, Poverty alleviation theory and Human capital theory. The study adopted the survey research design with focus on the various groups registered by or annexed to Faulu Kenya Deposit Taking Microfinance for purposes of accessing financial services. The target area of the study was Trans-Nzoia County.. A Census survey was employed on the entire 45 groups in Transnzoia County to select 45 respondents, one leader for each group. The questionnaire was the instrument which was used to collect data. The results were presented in form of frequency tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The analytical model used was in the form of a multiple regression model. The findings of the study revealed that microfinance services had great impact on the performance of micro enterprises. The study recommended that microfinance institutions and Banks should either restructure or reinforce their operations for efficient and effective service to micro entrepreneurs. The government should come up with the best legislative measures to undertake to create an enabling environment for effective economic empowerment of her citizenry. Keyword:  Saving Credit, Microenterprise Performanc

Determinants of Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises in Bungoman County, Kenya

Taxation is the main source of revenue to any government, since it the only stable flow of revenue that is predictable. a large segment of the informal sector, especially the smes in Bungoma county exhibit low tax compliance levels. the purpose of the study was to investigate the determinants of tax compliance among smes in Bungoma county. the study was guided by the following objective;  to determine the effect of cost on tax compliance among smes in Bungoma county.  The study applied a descriptive survey design of all the SMEs in Bungoma county. According to, Nteere et al (2012), and Creswell (2005), descriptive survey design enables the researcher to collect, analyze and link both qualitative and quantitative data in a single study. The population of the study consisted of all the SMEs in Bungoma County. A total of 170 SMEs in Bungoma County were targeted for the study. With a sample of size of 227 respondents. Closed-ended questionnaires covered all the issues relating to the causes of low tax compliance among SMEs in Bungoma County were personally administered the questionnaires to the respondents 227 managers, 1 from each of the sampled organizations in sectors. Pilot test was done to verify the reliability and validity of the research instrument. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and linear regression analysis.  Results showed that there was a significant influence of cost on tax compliance in Bungoma County.  From study findings and earlier discussion, it was noted that cost influence tax compliance negatively and significantly contributing 9.6% variability to tax compliance by SMEs when other factors are held constant.  The Kenya Revenue Authority should consider revising the cost of tax product downwards. Additionally, Kenya Revenue Authority should make the tax filing process convenient, easy and costless. Similarly, Kenya revenue authority, should not impose penalties on late filing of taxes. The tax computation should be as easy as possible to enhance eligible tax payers’ compliance. Keywords: Tax Compliance, Cos

Analyzing the viability of subscription revenue model for the standard group in Kenya.

The capstone project investigated the subscription-based revenue Model in the context of news content, using The Standard Group in Kenya as a case study. The aim was to evaluate the viability and impact of this Model in sustaining quality journalism amidst changing consumption patterns and unpredictable advertising revenues in the digital age. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrated qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Through extensive literature review, industry analysis, interviews with experts, stakeholders, and consumer surveys, it explored the historical evolution, merits, challenges, and perceptions regarding paid news content in Kenya. The study focused on The Standard Group, a leading media conglomerate in Kenya, analyzing its strategies, such as paywalls, content offerings, and user engagement, to derive insights applicable to similar media organizations facing similar challenges. The outcomes of the study included a comprehensive understanding of how the subscriptionbased revenue model interacts with news content in the Kenyan media landscape. The research findings provide insights for media practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop sustainable business models while upholding journalistic standards. Additionally, it offers empirically-driven recommendations to enhance revenue diversification, audience engagement, and the viability of a subscription-based Model for news content in Kenya and potentially in other analogous markets globally. Ultimately, this project provides a nuanced perspective on the intersection of journalism, business sustainability, and audience dynamics. Its goal was to contribute to scholarly discourse and industry practices regarding the future of news content monetization in an ever-evolving media ecosystem

Impediments to the Growth of Cottage Industries in Kakamega County, Kenya

Cottage industries play a significant role in Kenya’s socio-economic development. However, a number of obstacles inhibit their growth. This research paper, which employed an exploratory research design, unearths these impediments. The major challenges cited by potters, crude sugar producers, brick-makers, liquor producers, masons, carpenters, traditional medicine persons, charcoal producers, weavers, bakers, bicycle repairers, flour-grinders, and shoe-makers and repairers in Kakamega County were: inadequate capital, competition, lack of ready market, scarcity of raw materials and unfavourable weather. Key Words: Impediments, Growth, Cottage Industries, Kakameg

Modelling protection behaviour towards micronutrient deficiencies: case of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes as health intervention for school-going children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Despite successes recorded in combating iodine deficiency, more than 2 billion people are still at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Rural landlocked and mountainous areas of developing countries are the hardest hit, hence the need to explore and advance novel strategies such as biofortification. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We evaluated adoption, purchase, and consumption of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes (IBVL) using the theory of protection motivations (PMT) integrated with an economic valuation technique. A total of 1,200 participants from three land-locked locations in East Africa were recruited via multi-stage cluster sampling, and data were collected using two, slightly distinct, questionnaires incorporating PMT constructs. The survey also elicited preferences for iodine biofortified foods when offered at a premium or discount. Determinants of protection motivations and preferences for iodine biofortified foods were assessed using path analysis modelling and two-limit Tobit regression, respectively. RESULTS: Knowledge of iodine, iodine-health link, salt iodization, and biofortification was very low, albeit lower at the household level. Iodine and biofortification were not recognized as nutrient and novel approaches, respectively. On the other hand, severity, fear, occupation, knowledge, iodine status, household composition, and self-efficacy predicted the intention to consume biofortified foods at the household level; only vulnerability, self-efficacy, and location were the most crucial elements at the school level. In addition, results demonstrated a positive willingness-to-pay a premium or acceptance of a lesser discount for biofortification. Furthermore, preference towards iodine biofortified foods was a function of protection motivations, severity, vulnerability, fear, response efficacy, response cost, knowledge, iodine status, gender, age. and household head. CONCLUSIONS: Results lend support for prevention of iodine deficiency in unprotected populations through biofortification; however 'threat' appraisal and socio-economic predictors are decisive in designing nutrition interventions and stimulating uptake of biofortification. In principle, the contribution is threefold: 1) Successful application of the integrated model to guide policy formulation; 2) Offer guidance to stakeholders to identify and tap niche markets; 3) stimulation of rural economic growth around school feeding programmes

The Place of Home-Based Industries in Rural Kenya’s Socio-Economic Progress: A Case Study of Kakamega County

Home-based industries, also referred to as cottage industries, are those units of production that are mostly located in homesteads, and which rely on human- or animal-propelled skills and technology. The home-based industries focused on in this academic paper are: pottery, crude sugar production, brick-making, liquor production, quarrying and masonry, carpentry, traditional medicine production, charcoal production, basketry and weaving, baking, bicycle repair, flour-grinding, and shoe-making and repair. These industries provide skill training and development, products for rural and urban consumption, employment opportunities, and contribute to development. The socio-economic contribution of home-based industries in rural Kenya is highlighted in this research paper. Keywords: Home-based Industries, Socio-Economic Progress, Kakamega

Voter Behaviour amongst Kenyan Youths in relation to Party Primaries and General Elections: A Focus on Students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology during the 2017 Election Cycle

This research study was conducted in 2017 at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology situated in Kakamega County, Kenya. It was motivated by the desire to gain insights into the political attitudes, inclinations and perceptions of Kenyan youths towards voting in party primaries and general elections. The study site was purposively selected. The Fisher’s formula of determining sample size was used to arrive at 338 respondents who were picked through the simple random sampling procedure. Observation, structured interviews, unstructured interviews, and focus group discussions were deployed. The exploratory research design was utilized given that it was a fact-finding endeavour. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistical analysis with the aid of SPSS. It was revealed that 52% of respondents had taken part in the 2017 party primaries, 47% did not, while 1% failed to respond. A majority of respondents (88%) indicated they would participate in the 2017 general elections. Most respondents (91%) had registered to take part in the election exercise. On the importance of voting in elections, an overwhelming majority of 97% argued in favour of participation, 2% against, while 1% failed to give a clear response. The study concluded that despite electoral hurdles most youths in Kenya faced, they still recognized the importance of expressing their democratic preferences during party primaries and general elections. Key Words: Voter Behaviour, Kenyan Youths, Party Primaries, General Elections DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/11-4-09 Publication date:May 31st 202