An empirical analysis of the obstacles derailing Procurement Process in Public Institutions in Kenya

Public procurement is broadly defined as the purchasing, hiring or obtaining by any other contractual means of goods, construction works and services by the public sector. Public procurement thus means procurement by a procuring entity using public funds (Sherman, 1999). The items involved in public procurement range from simple goods or services such as clips or cleaning services to large commercial projects, such as the development of infrastructure, including road, power stations and airports. Public procurement practitioners have always faced challenges imposed upon by a variety of factors including market, legal, political, organizational, socio-economic and other environmental factors. Market conditions have a great influence on public procurement practitioners’ effort to maximize competition. Moreover, the market determines whether or not socio-economic conditions of procurement are accomplished, whether or not a governmental entity can fulfill its needs, the timeliness of fulfillment and the quality and costs of purchased goods, services and capital assets. This paper will analyze the factors that derail procurement in public institution in Kenya and make recommendations on the way forward. Keywords: Procurement, Corruption, institutions, public entit

Effect of Nitrogen on Seed Sugar Content in White Corn ( Zea Mays L. )

Abstract.White corn (Zea mays L.) is a grain crop that produces kernels in a cob and is grown in different parts of the world. Depending on the maturity stage at harvest, the most common are field corn variety and sugar corn variety. Notably, Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important element in improving soil fertility and affecting crop productivity. The objective of this research study was to determine the effect of Nitrogen on kernel sugar concentration in white corn and investigate the effect upon white corn yield and grain mass. The study was conducted at the Illinois State University research farms in Lexington, IL 61753 (40.66844 N, 88.77591 W) and (40.6710 N, 88.77178 W) in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with 2 replications each. Nitrogen was applied as Granular Urea (46-0-0) at 0, 50, 100, 150 kg N ha-1 using 0 broadcast method. The grain yield, expressed as bushels of corn per acre at 15.5% moisture level, was determined by hand-harvesting and shelling 1/1000th acre of corn per plot. This was then expressed as percent dry matter, and hence multiplying it with grain weight and 1000. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS V. 25) software, with both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis performed. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare means for any two assessed groups, whereas Analysis of Variance (One-way ANOVA) was performed for multiple groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the mean samples from the two replicates (blocks 1 & 2) across the two seasons for corn sugar concentration, corn yield estimates and grain yields. In 2021, the mean yield estimate was 12,552 Kg ha-1, while that of 2022 averaged 12687 Kg ha-1. Similarly, the grain yield achieved in 2022 was 844.1kg more than the average grain yield in 2021. The white corn yield estimate and grain yield increased linearly with an increase in nitrogen application level, with the highest yields achieved when nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 150kg N/ha. Similarly, the effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on seed sugar content was evident at all three milking stages. Further research should be conducted to find out whether higher nitrogen fertilization yields a similar linear increase in both white corn yield characteristics and sugar concentration. Moreover, there is need to replicate similar studies that investigate the moderating effect of diverse weather conditions and the role of soil moisture in mediating the effect of Nitrogen on seed sugar content

A comparative study of the household food access by farmers in farmer field and life schools in gatanga constituency, Murang’a county, Kenya

Many programs have been initiated to assist farmers diversify food production. The Farmer  Field and Life Schools (FFLS), an agricultural extension methodology, is an example. Dietary assessment methods are used for nutrition assessments. This study compared household food consumption patterns, by using the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) of households who participated in the FFLS at baseline and after intervention and Non-FFLS households in the Gatanga Constituency in Murang’a County. The study was based on a United Nations Joint Program implemented from 2009 to 2013. A comparative cross-sectional design was used in this study to compare FFLS at baseline, after intervention and Non-FFLS households. 112 households (56 for cases and 56 for comparative group) participated in this study. The baseline survey with 390 households was in 2009. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. Paired and independent T-Tests were used to determine the difference in the household dietary diversity score between FFLS at baseline and after intervention, and post intervention FFLS and Non-FFLS, respectively. Results show that 42.8% (n=56) of the FFLS households and 28.5% of non-FFLS household respondents were over 50 years of age. 49% of FLS and 11% non FFLS households have incomes ranging from 0-5,000 Ksh. per month, with 41% of FFLS and 32% non FFLS having incomes ranging from Ksh. 5,001- 10,0001. Mean for Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) at baseline was 8.16 and Non-FFLS was 8.45. Minimum food groups consumed across all groups were cereals, milk and milk products, oils and fats. Comparing FFLSat baseline and post intervention, the percentage of households consuming all food groups increased with exception of fruits and meat. There was a significant difference (p=0.007 against p<0.0005) in the HDDS when FFLS groups post intervention were compared with their baseline. There was no significant difference (p=0.176, against p<0.0005) in the HDDS between FFLS post intervention and non-FFLS households. Compared with the baseline information, FFLS participants who were of low economic status improved their HDDS. Targeting of vulnerable households to participate in such programs has the potential of improving their HDDS compared with the regular HDDS population. Integration of nutrition in agricultural programs with strong extension systems like the - has great potential to improve access and consumption of diversified foods for vulnerable households.Keywords: Agriculture, Nutrition, Farmer Field and Life Schools (FFLS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS)Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev. 2019; 19(3): 14622-1463

Challenges and Coping Strategies among Couples of Mixed HIV Status Presenting at a Large Comprehensive Care Centre in Eldoret, Kenya

This study was to determine challenges and coping strategies of HIV discordant couples seen at AMPATH Centre, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya. A cross sectional study design with consecutive sampling was used.384 participated. Challenges included; negotiation for sex (100%), need for children (94%) and blame for HIV infection. Females reported more abuse (65.4% against 34.6% for males). Highest incidence of abuse was reported among the unemployed HIV positive females. Coping strategies expressed included; abstinence (9%), condom use (74%), sleeping facing opposite sides in bed or separation of beds (11%) and living apart. A bivariate analysis of those participants who reported use of condom all the time and those who reported otherwise showed Age group, order of HIV testing and HIV status were significant while level of formal education of the participants and occupation were not. Negotiation for sex formed the greatest challenge while a combination of coping strategies was used. Keywords: HIV, Discordant couple, challenges, coping strategie

Factors Influencing Performance of Information and Communication Technology Projects in Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya: Case of Novel Technologies East Africa Ltd

The purpose of this paper was to explore factors that influence performance of ICT projects in SMEs in Kenya. Significantly the study sought to establish how management Skills, Information and Communication Technology, Employee motivation and government policies influence performance of ICT Projects in SMEs in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, where all the employees of this company were requested to respond. The findings of the study revealed that government policies greatly influence performance of ICT projects in SMEs in Kenya followed by Information and Communication Technology, then employee motivation and finally management skills. The study therefore concluded that management Skills, Information and Communication Technology; Employee motivation and government policies positively influence performance of ICT projects in SMEs in Kenya. This study has added new knowledge to the existing literature, hence filling the gap. The study recommend a similar study to be carried in any sister company and validate the findings with this so as to arrive at a consensus. Keywords: Management skills, Information Technology, employees’ motivation government policies and performanc

Promoting public access to Health information: experience of the Association for Health Information and Library in Africa (AHILA) Tanzania Chapter

Conference Theme: Dynamic Libraries: Access, Development and TransformationHealth is an essential aspect for development. People with poor health and malnourished in the community fail to work hard and hence slow down the development of a nation. Promoting and improving public access to nutrition and health related information is a most important activity in people’s livelihood in the community. The purpose of this article is to discuss initiatives of the project that was conducted by Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA)–Tanzania Chapter in promoting and improving public access to health information. The project activities started June 2013 and ended September 2013. The project was executed by Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre library in collaboration with Association for Health Information and Libraries–Tanzania Chapter (AHILA TZ Chapter) and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW). The article also discusses the achievement, challenges and lessons learned from the project.published_or_final_versio

Dividend Pay-Out Policy and Company Financial Performance in Kenya

This research is financed by the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme Abstract Dividend Payout has been a pertinent issue for both organisations and investors. Most investors prefer to invest or retain their investments in companies which declare dividends regardless of their cash flows. Companies, therefore, strive to maintain dividend payment to send positive shockwaves to investors to promote investor confidence.  The objective of this study was, therefore, to ratify whether dividend payout is significant in making investment decisions. The study further sought to establish the implication dividend payment has on the financial performance of listed companies in the energy and petroleum sector in Kenya. The study used Secondary data from all the five listed companies in the energy and petroleum sector for the period 2007-2017. A descriptive design was deemed appropriate for the research. The dividend payout ratio was used as the independent variable of the study while Return on Equity and Return on Assets were the dependent variables of this study. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine relationships between the predictor and the dependent variable. Keyword: Bankruptcy Prediction, Dividend Pay-out Ratio, Financial Performance, Ratio Analysis DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/10-10-24 Publication date:May 31st 201

Curriculum resources and academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities.

Distance learning is a mode of study which involves the separation of the lecturer from the student in space, time or both. The mode of study is increasingly being adopted globally due to development in technology, its flexibility and the benefits which accrue to individuals and the society as a result of investment in education. Academic performance of distance learning students has been of interest to scholars. Findings in developed countries have been consistent, however in Kenya, they have been inconsistent. This study sought to establish the extent to which curriculum resources influence academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities. The study is based on pragmatism due to its focus on objectivity and use of scientific methods. Mixed methods of research were used. The sample consisted of 847 Bachelor of Education (Arts) distance learning students, 149 lecturers teaching distance learning students and 2 administrators in charge of distance learning programmes. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires, interview guides, document analysis and the instrument for measuring academic performance. The findings indicated that curriculum resources, significantly and positively influence academic performance of distance learning students. The study recommends that effort should be geared towards enhancing accessibility and the use of online curriculum resources by distance learning students. Key words: Distance learning, curriculum resources, academic performanc

Smallholder Rural Youth Farming in Kiambu County, Kenya

Investment on agriculture by countries is essential because it is core to every nation’s development. In Kenya, people particularly youth are involved in agriculture yet it attracts limited investment. This study which was aimed at highlighting age, gender participation and the role of literacy in small scale farming among the trained youth in Kiambu County, Kenya. This was mixed methods descriptive and cross sectional study that also employed triangulation to enhance confidence in the findings. This design underscored the current socio-demographic benefits to rural youth small scale farmers in Kabete constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya. Kabete Constituency, was non-probabilistic and purposively selected due to limited time and resources, its cosmopolitan, high agricultural potential comprising both subsistence and commercial farmers and easily accessible to the Nairobi city which is a high potential market for agricultural produce. The study was conducted over a five-month period from September 2015 to January 2016. The study population comprised trained agri-business young rural farmers aged 21 to 35 years who farmed on no more than 0.75 acres of land resident in Kabete Constituency. The key informants who were old farmers and a sample of 111 youths who had practiced farming for more than five years were sampled purposively and using simple random design, respectively. Parents were conveniently sampled for the interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in two selected locations. The relevant data was solicited through the use of questionnaire, focus group discussions and observation on youth smallholder trends and farm management practices especially during the data collection period. The instruments were pretested and scrutinized for validity and reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed on descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 while qualitative data was analyzed thematically using content analysis. This study showed that a large majority (53%) of the trained youthful rural farmers had attained at least form four level of education compared to 40% of them who had college or University levels of education. Only (15%) had primary school level of education and only 4% of the youthful farmers had no formal education. These findings confirmed that guaranteed literacy among trained rural youthful famers in Kiambu County, Kenya was high (93%), an indicator for the likelihood of effective and successful farming. Over two-thirds (67.4%) of the rural youthful small-scale farmers in Kabete Constituency in Kiambu County, Kenya, has access to financial credit services compared 26.7% who did not have access and 5.9% who had not made up their mind about access to credit services. The rural youthful farmers had above average access to credit services in the study area, further the study established that slightly less than half (46.5%) of the farmers accessed their capital from their families through inheritance, 36% made savings and 17.5% accessed loans. Post-harvest challenge was the most prone challenge among youth framers and smallholder farming in Kabete constituency had improved lives of youths. To concluded, smallholder farming was offering a wide potential for rural youths by creating employment, encouraging savings, reducing food expenses and encouraged self-reliance among the youth. The study recommended review of agricultural policies that will accommodate the youth’s representation and protection of environment that supports farm. Also recommended is adoption of ICT in agricultural practice in Kenya. Keywords: Agriculture, youth, participation, stakeholders, environment