Strain improvement in dye decolourising mutants of Mucor mucedo by protoplast fusion

The amounts of protoplasts obtained in the developed mutants of M. mucedo MMM1 (U.V. irradiated mutant) and MMM2 (ethyl methyl sulfonate treated mutant) which are very effective decolourisers were 5.23 x 106 and 5.65 x 106 protoplasts/ml respectively. Among the 385 colonies isolated after protoplast fusion only 3 possessed clamp connections and chosen as fusants (MMFu1, MMFu2 and MMFu3). Of the 3 fusants, MMFu3 showed maximum growth rate on potato dextrose agar plates incubated at roomtemperature. The fusant MMFu3 showed very good increase in the production of three enzymes protease (1.90 U/ml), peroxidase (1100 U/ml) and laccase (200 U/ml) when compared to the two parentstrains proving that the higher enzymatic secretions are responsible for the decolourisation activity. In protease isozyme analysis, fusants showed bands common to either of the parental strains or to both. Further non parental new bands were observed in the protease isozyme patterns of MMFu3. This fact indicated that the isolates were fusants between MMM1 and MMM2. The fusant MMFu3 showed the maximum decolourisation of crystal violet up to 95% and malachite green up to 84% after 10 days ofincubation. The results clearly indicated that the protoplast fusants showed improvement in the decolourisation efficiency in both the cases of crystal violet and malachite green

E-Readiness assessment of microfinance institutions in Kenya

The financial industry has in recent years embraced the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as e-banking for transactions, m-banking for payment channels development and e-business for logistics. Digital financial service delivery channels and methodologies face a number of challenges mainly the e-readiness assessment of Microfinance institutions. This paper presents the results of a study on the level of e-Readiness in Microfinance Institutions in Kenya and an Integrated Framework for Assessing (IFA) the e-Readiness levels of Microfinance Institutions. We deployed the proposed framework on selected microfinance institutions in Kenya to evaluate its performance and the case study shows our method can achieve a satisfactory results. Keywords: Microfinance Institutions, e-Readiness, e-Readiness assessment frameworks, financial services, Kenya

Decolourisation of Crystal Violet and Malachite Green By Fungi

Decolourisation of crystal violet and malachite green by white rot fungi, Polyporus elegans, Trametes versicolor, Lenzites betulina and soil fungus Mucor mucedo isolated from dye effluent amended soils was studied. There was no toxic effect of crystal violet on the growth of the four fungi but malachite green showed retardation of growth. Mucor mucedo decolourised 78% of the crystal violet and 65% of malachite green. The white rot fungi showed more than 60% decolourisation of crystal violet and 26 to 57% decolourisation of malachite green. In the process of decolourisation, lignin peroxidase production was high at 15 days incubation by all the organisms. Manganese peroxidase was secreted more after 10 days of incubation and laccase production was high after 15 days of incubation by Polyporus elegans and Trametes versicolor and after 10 days in the case of Lengites betulina. Mucor mucedo failed to secrete manganese peroxidase and laccase in all its incubations. Key words: Triphenyl methane dyes, fungi, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, laccase, decolourisation

An assessment of the sustainability of Living Labs in Kenya

Purpose – There has been a high rate of failure among the Living Labs in Kenya resulting in the expected outcomes not fully realized. This paper aims to assess the sustainability of Living Labs in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the four capital method of sustainable development evaluation framework, data were collected through interviews and questionnaires from innovators, users and employees among the 25 living labs in Kenya. Findings – The research found that some innovators are not familiar with the living labs, the living labs are innovative and prepared to survive in future, some labs have strategic plans on how to pursue future environment and have developed ways of choosing right people to incubate, inability to get enough funding from the host organizations and limited knowledge on the supervision level of the operations. A model is proposed that can be generalized to other living labs in developing countries. Research limitations/implications – The study was done in Nairobi where most of the living labs are situated. Practical implications – The study concludes by emphasizing on the user involvement during innovation process. There is need to expand the capacities of living labs to accommodate more people to ensure more innovations are supported at a time. The senior managers in charge of the living labs should increase the level of supervision to ensure that the labs are effective in their incubation efforts and institutionalize support of the host organization to the labs to ensure continued growth and expansion. Originality/value – The findings of this study are of value to research community, the decision and policymakers as it seeks to document the current status of the living labs in the Keny

EXAMINATION OF BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR SINGLE MOTHERS ON THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

The study was about an Assessment of the Challenges facing Single Mothers on their Spiritual Growth in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The objective was to establish the biblical and theological foundations for single mothers on their spiritual growth in the Seventh Dy Adventist Church. The Marxist Theory of Feminism was used. The study was conducted in Kisii County which is in Western Kenya. The target population in the study included 5 Churches within the Nyanchwa Station, South Kenya Conference. The researcher employed a census sampling method from the 5 churches with a sample population of 105 participants. The main instruments of data collection for the study were questionnaires, focused group discussions, and oral interviews. The study established the biblical and theological foundations for single mothers by referencing single mothers in the Bible. The study recommended that all aspects of inclusivity, acceptance and being welcome need to be accorded to all Christians, regardless of their marital status; The Church in Africa could borrow a leaf from the Church in the West in practicing the doctrine and social teaching of the church, about accepting members as they come; and Pastoral Councils and Christians in leadership need to be on the front line in practicing inclusiveness and acceptance of every Christian. Article visualizations

Quality of Programmes and Training in Youth Polytechnics: An Assessment of the Challenges Facing Youth Polytechnics in Provision of Quality Education and Training in Kenya

Tertiary education especially in Youth Polytechnics has been identified as the means to provide relevant and adequate technical skills for industrial and economic development consistent with aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030. Youth Polytechnics being accountable to the public as stakeholders need to guarantee that they offer quality training. However, with the diminishing number of students seeking education through Youth Polytechnics, the question of quality is critical and requires urgent attention. The objectives that guided the study were to find out the attitude of stakeholders on quality of programmes offered; Investigate challenges facing Youth Polytechnics in provision of quality education. The study adopted a descriptive research survey design and informed by the Classical Liberal Theory of Equal opportunity and Social Darwinism. The units of analysis were the 31 Youth Polytechnics, 4 were used in the pilot study. Methodology; data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. The findings were that there is shortage of instructors in the Youth Polytechnics and No standardization in academic programmes undertaken across the country. It was concluded that the enrolment was diminishing and quality of training, physical facilities and human resource was wanting

The Pertinence of restorative justice in Kenya’s penal laws

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Bachelor of Laws Degree, Strathmore University Law SchoolRestorative justice processes are key in the achievement of criminal justice. Their aim is to involve victims and community members more intimately in repairing the harm done by criminal offenders while maintaining social ties. These processes may be viewed as an apt alternative to retributive justice systems which involve the punishment and seclusion of offenders by imprisonment. Various countries in the world have established statutory frameworks recognizing restorative justice practices. These are used either as diversionary measures by police and courts or as sentencing options by judges and magistrates. Most States utilize restorative justice practices when dealing with juvenile offenders but some cases involving adult offenders are also quite common. Kenyan legislation provides opportunities for the application of restorative justice mechanisms. Though some statutes explicitly provide that they be used in specific civil disputes, others leave the door open for its application in criminal disputes, including the Constitution of Kenya (2010) under Article 159(2). Paper begins with an analysis of Kenya's role in promoting restorative justice subsequent to the colonial administration. The paper argues that much remains to be done to embrace restorative justice in order to maintain social harmony in the realization of criminal justice among the community-driven Kenyan people. It then delves into the use of restorative justice programmes by four States and its success in the achievement of criminal justice in each. A case study of its use by Rwanda following the 1994 genocide is also presented. Finally, recommendations on an optimal framework of restorative justice in Kenya's criminal justice system are provided

Microbiological Water Quality of Urban Streams and the Health Implications: Case Study of Sosiani River Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

This study sot to assess the seasonal and longitudinal variations in microbiological properties of water quality in Sosiani River and the health implications on the residents of Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. In an experimental design, water samples were collected upstream midstream and downstream of Eldoret town from 13 effluent discharge points for a period of one year during the dry and wet seasons. Samples were analysed using APHA, 2012 water sampling procedures. Survey data on waterborne diseases was collected from the two government hospitals in Eldoret town: MTRH and Uasin Gishu County Hospital. Results were analysed using SPSS version 20 for ANOVA and correlation analysis. Sosiani River exhibited high mean levels of faecal and total coliform (1708.96CFU/100ml and 776.76CFU/100ml respectively) above WHO/NEMA standards of nil CFU/100ml. Faecal coliform varied significantly downstream (F=77.89 P< 0.001) just like the total coliform (F=93.92 P<0.001). Total and faecal coliform increased significantly during the wet season (P<0.17, P< 0.039 respectively). The coliform content showed a positive significant correlation with waterborne diseases which were identified as diarrhoea, typhoid and dysentery. The study concludes that water from Sosiani River is polluted and is not suitable for human consumption and or recreation purposes. Water sourced from Sosiani River should be treated before consumption. Keywords: Sosiani River, Microbiological water quality, Faecal and total coliform, waterborne disease

Physical Chemical Parameters of Wastewater: A Case Study of Njoro Sewage Works, Nakuru, Kenya

Njoro sewage works is the main sewage work for Nakuru urban town that receives about 90% of industrial wastewater and 10 % domestic wastewater. In-sufficient pre-treatment of industrial wastewater, may affect the normal functioning of sewage works and the aquatic life (flora and fauna) of the receiving water body. The underground water aquifer may also be contaminated by both chemical elements and microbial through percolation. This study aimed at assessing the efficiency of the sewage works by analysing the physical and chemical parameters of wastewater from the inlet and outlet of Njoro sewage works. The study involved test analysis of the physical and chemical parameters in the laboratory and in-situ test. This study employed composite sampling method in the collection of samples. Data collection was done using experimental method while data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. This study found that BOD concentration was 400 mg/l for the influent and 150mg/l for effluent. COD concentration was 1399 mg/l for the influent and 222 mg/l for the effluent. DO concentrations were lower (0.05 mg/l) for influent and effluent. Traces of heavy metals were also found both for the influent and effluent. Njoro sewage works could not effectively reduce organic load in wastewater. Keywords: Discharge, Effluent, Influent, Sewage works, Wastewate

Seasonal and Longitudinal Variations of Water Quality in an Urban Stream: Case Study of Sosiani River Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

The study sought to analyse longitudinal and seasonal variations in physico-chemical properties of water quality in Sosiani River in Eldoret town, Kenya. An experimental design was used to collect water samples upstream midstream and downstream of Eldoret town for a period of one year during the dry and wet seasons. Samples were collected from effluent discharge points in accordance with APHA, 2012 water sampling procedures. Sosiani River exhibited significant variation in physico-chemical water parameters along the river and during rainy seasons. TSS varied significantly across the river at F= 185.52 P < 0.001 and during the wet season (P< 0.045). TDS varied significantly along the river (F= 59.0129 at p<0.001) with a significant positive correlation at P< 0.001 during wet season. Turbidity varied significantly along the sampling points F= 32.41 P< 0,001 and varied significantly p<0.028 during the rainy season. BOD varied significantly along the river (F= 78.95 & P < 0.001) with a significant positive correlation P<0.038 during the rainy season. COD varied significantly along the river (F=77.64 & P<0.001) and during wet season. Water temperature varied significantly along the river (F=185.52, p<0.001) and with the onset of the rainy season (P<0.013). Water pH varied significantly along the sampling points (F= 159.85 & P <0.001). However, pH did not vary significantly during the wet season (P<0.616). This river is polluted, turbid with low dissolved oxygen and high BOD hence not suitable for aquatic life. However the water quality improves downstream perhaps due to self cleansing ability of the river. Hence the water is not suitable for human consumption and or recreation purposes. The water should be treated and municipal effluent channelled into effluent treatment works for pre-treatment. Keywords: Sosiani River, physicochemical water quality, seasonal and longitudinal variation