AN ANALYSIS OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SCHOOL MANAGER’S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NYERI COUNTY, KENYA

School managers in Public primary schools in Kenya are required to implement the human resource policy through enhancement of continuous teachers’ professional development. However, the implementation is shallow due to inadequacy in school management capacity. Profession development for teachers remains a key aspect of the human resource development policy. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between school manager’s professional development capacity and the implementation of the human resource development policy in public primary schools in Nyeri County. Two theories namely, the behavioral theory of management and the policy formulation and implementation theories were adopted to guide the study. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using the survey and in-depth interviews methods respectively. The concurrent triangulation design was used throughout the data collection period and during the analysis of both the qualitative and quantitative data. The target population of the study consisted of four hundred (400) headteachers, one thousand six hundred (1600) teachers, four hundred (400) chairpersons of public primary schools board of management and eight (8) sub county TSC human resource officers. Stratified Random Sampling was applied to come up with a sample size of fifty (50) head teachers, one hundred and sixty (160) teachers and fifty (50) board of management chairpersons in public primary schools. All the Eight (8) Sub County TSC Human Resource Officers were purposively selected. The independent variable was school manager’s professional development capacity while the dependent variable was the implementation of the human resource development policy in public primary schools. The questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from head teachers and teachers in the selected public primary schools. Interview schedules were used to collect qualitative data from chairpersons of the schools’ board of management and from the sub county TSC human resource officers. Piloting of instruments was done prior to the final collecting of data to enhance validity. Credibility was enhanced through the adjustments of the tools according to the opinions given by respondents during the piloting phase and the guidance from supervisors. Interactive questioning was used to enhance dependability. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The Chi square was applied for analysis of inferential statistics using SPSS program version 24. Qualitative data was compared with quantitative data at the final analysis. The reporting of the quantitative data included percentages, tables and charts while qualitative data was by the Chi square values, inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that there is a conducive environment for teachers to work in. However, teachers are not regularly taken for seminars and workshops thereby hindering their professional development. The researcher recommended that headteachers of public primary schools should be properly trained on professional development of teachers. Additionally, the school managers should have a reduced workload and adequate finances to enable them to carry out the teacher’s professional development role effectively.  Article visualizations

AN ANALYSIS OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SCHOOL MANAGERS’S INDUCTION CAPACITY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY AT PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NYERI COUNTY, KENYA

Some of the primary school managers in Kenya lack induction capacity to implement the human resource development policy. Induction of new teachers is a key aspect of the human resource development policy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between school manager’s induction capacity and the implementation of the human resource development policy in public primary schools in Nyeri County. The behavioral theory of management and the policy formulation and implementation theories were used to guide this study. The survey and in-depth interviews methods were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The concurrent triangulation design was applied during data collection and analysis of both the qualitative and quantitative data. The target population included head teachers, teachers, chairpersons of the boards of management in public primary schools and the sub county TSC human resource officers. The independent variable was school manager’s induction capacity while the dependent variable was the implementation of the human resource development policy in public primary schools. The target population of the study consisted of four hundred (400) headteachers, one thousand six hundred (1600) teachers, four hundred (400) chairpersons of public primary schools board of management and eight (8) sub county TSC human resource officers. Stratified Random Sampling was applied to select a sample size of fifty (50) head teachers, one hundred and sixty (160) teachers and fifty (50) board of management chairpersons in public primary schools. Eight (8) Sub County TSC Human Resource Officers were purposively selected. The questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from head teachers and teachers in the selected public primary schools. Additionally, interview schedules were used to collect qualitative data from chairpersons of the schools’ board of management and from the sub county TSC human resource officers. Validity was enhanced by piloting of instruments prior to collecting the final data. To enhance credibility, adjustments of the tools were done according to the opinion obtained from respondents of the piloting and the advice provided by supervisors. Interactive questioning was used to enhance dependability. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The Chi square was applied for analysis of inferential statistics. This was done with the help of SPSS program version 24. Qualitative data was compared with quantitative data at the final analysis. The reporting of the quantitative data included percentages, tables and charts while qualitative data was by the Chi square values, inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that school managers have positive attitude towards conducting induction in their respective schools and that there exist a policy on induction. However, the school managers were found to have little time to conduct induction owing to other responsibilities assigned. The researcher recommended that headteachers of public primary schools should be properly trained on the induction process to enhance induction of teachers in their schools. Additionally, the school managers should have a reduced workload and adequate finances to enable them to carry out the teacher’s induction role effectively.  Article visualizations

Evaluation of Technical Efficiency of Sweet Corn Production among Smallholder Farmers in Njoro district, Kenya

The National Agriculture Policy stresses the involvement of all stakeholders in decision making as one of the major strategies for eradicating poverty and increased productivity. Therefore, in recognition to the economic importance of horticulture to Kenya, technical efficiency of sweet corn production was evaluated to substantiate the paradox behind persistent reduction in productivity that impedes the development of the vibrant industry. A semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from smallholder producers through face-to-face interview. The census and purposive sampling methods were employed to obtain 76 respondents who were subjected to a stochastic production frontier model to estimate technical efficiency of sweet corn production. The results showed a mean efficiency score of 74% indicating that there was a 26% allowance for improvement. Land tenure with title (p≤0.05), hired labour (p≤0.05) and off-farm activities (p≤0.1) with positive effects while age (p≤0.05) and gender of the household head (p≤0.1) with negative effects on technical inefficiency. Therefore, there exists opportunity to improve efficiency in production given existing farm technologies more so if they embrace the use of family labour effectively and deterministic lawful land ownership. Besides, off-farm activities would reduce the overreliance on farming and promote higher returns by boosting on efficient resources use. Keywords: Technical, Efficiency, Farm technologies, Sweet corn, Stochastic frontie

The Congruence between Teaching and Learning! Exploration of the Relationship between Preschool Teaching or Instructional Methods and Mathematics Performance in Lower Primary Schools in Kenya

The obstacles and difficulties hindering good performance in mathematics by Lower Primary school children seem to originate from inconsistence of instructional methods applied by teachers at the level. These methods don’t agree with the ones initially applied by the children’s teachers at preschool level. The effect of that could result in denying children a precious start to their future mathematics performance. There is a persistent indication that a discontinuity exists between pre-school learning methods and those in the lower primary schools. Teaching methods of the lower primary should be amended to make allowance for the stages of children’s development and provide opportunities to encourage children to improve in their ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the pre-school mathematics programme on mathematics performance in the Lower Primary Schools of the Makuyu Zone, Murang’a South District. The objectives of this study were: - to investigate continuity of teaching methods from pre-school to lower primary school; and to compare the relationship between performance in mathematics of children who had had pre-school education with those who had not. This study used a descriptive survey design to achieve the set objectives. Purposive (deliberately) sampling was used to select a sample population of 60 pupils; a lottery (random choice) method of sampling was applied to get 30 teachers, whereas 10 head teachers were chosen through appointment (deliberate) sampling.  Open-ended questionnaires to collect data from the selected teachers and head teachers were applied; and for the children's responses, an interview schedule was employed. Observational checklists were also used where archival records were to apply. To test the construct validity and reliability of the research instruments, the researchers used 'split-half'.  The researchers pilot-tested the research instruments with a small representative group from the population. The data collected was analysed, using frequency counts and percentages and presentations were done in tables, bar graphs, pie charts and histograms as necessary to present a better picture of the findings. This study recommends frequent mathematics methodology seminars, workshops/in-service training for lower primary mathematics’ teachers which will guarantee effective methodological knowledge for teachers to teach mathematics effectively. Children’s learning at play should be very much emphasized. To avoid discontinuity this study recommends that in the lower primary male and female teachers should alternate to make the learners get used to male teachers. More male teachers should also get to teach in the preschool level. Keywords: Preschool; Mathematics Performance; Instructional Method

The Congruence between Teachers and Learners Perceptions! Exploration of Relationship between Teachers and Learners Perceptions and Mathematics Performance in Lower Primary Schools in Kenya

The difficulties and problems hindering good performance in mathematics by Lower Primary school children seem to emanate from teachers and learners perceptions towards mathematics learning and performance. This may be due to the fact that the methods used at lower primary don’t agree with the ones initially applied by the children’s teachers at preschool level. The effect of that could result in creating a negative perception towards math learning and performance hence denying children a precious start to their future mathematics performance. There is a persistent indication that a discontinuity exists between pre-school learning methods and those in the lower primary schools. Teaching methods of the lower primary should be amended to make allowance for the stages of children’s development and provide opportunities to encourage children to improve in their ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between teachers and learners perceptions and mathematics performance in Lower Primary Schools of the Makuyu Zone, Murang’a South District in Kenya. The objectives of this study were: - to evaluate the teachers’ perception on the value of pre-school mathematics; and to evaluate the children’s perception with regard to mathematics learning. This study used a descriptive survey design to achieve the set objectives. Purposive (deliberately) sampling was used to select a sample population of 60 pupils; a lottery (random choice) method of sampling was applied to get 30 teachers, whereas 10 head teachers were chosen through appointment (deliberate) sampling.  Open-ended questionnaires to collect data from the selected teachers and head teachers were applied; and for the children's responses, an interview schedule was employed. Observational checklists were also used where archival records were to apply. To test the construct validity and reliability of the research instruments, the researchers used 'split-half'.  The researchers pilot-tested the research instruments with a small representative group from the population. The data collected was analysed, using frequency counts and percentages.  It was presented in tables, bar graphs, pie charts and histograms as necessary to present a better picture of the findings. This study recommends frequent mathematics methodology seminars, workshops/in-service training for lower primary mathematics’ teachers. Paid study leave/time and promotions to enhance teacher motivation and creation of positive perceptions towards teaching of mathematic which will go along way in improving mathematics performance. Keywords: Preschool; Mathematics Performance; Instructional Method

Growth and Yield Evaluation of \u3ci\u3eUrochloa\u3c/i\u3e Grass Cultivars in Sub-Humid Region of Kenya

Livestock production in sub humid region of Kenya is constrained by inadequate and low quality pasture. A study was conducted to evaluate growth and productivity of eight improved Urochloa grass cultivars in lower midlands, upper midlands and lower highlands agro-ecological zones (AEZ) in Eldoret, Kitale and Alupe respectively, western Kenya. The grass cultivars were; Urochloa brizantha cvs. Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, and MG-4, U. decumbens, cv. Basilisk, U. humidicola cvs. Humidicola and Llanero and Urochloa hybrid cv. Mulato II. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Kakamega 1) were included as controls. At establishment stage, growth parameters (height, cover and spread) and dry matter yield (DMY) were monitored at 14 weeks after seedling emergence (WAE) and standardization cut conducted to stimulate uniform plant growth. Thereafter (production stage), the plants were repeatedly harvested for DMY determination at 6, 8 and 12 weeks intervals. The growth parameters and DMY varied significantly (p \u3c 0.05) among the cultivars in all the AEZ in all the measurement dates. Napier grass recorded the highest mean height (60 to 120 cm) at the end of establishment period while among Urochloa cultivars, MG-4, Basilisk and Xaraes recorded the highest mean height and plot cover across all AEZs. All Urochloa cultivars gave significantly (p \u3c 0.05) lower DMY than Napier grass in Kitale and Alupe while Basilisk and Xaraes recorded similar DMY to Napier grass in Eldoret. In Eldoret, Xaraes recorded the highest DMY (2.54 t ha-1) while in Kitale and Alupe the highest DMY was recorded in MG-4 (3.7 t ha-1) and Basilisk (4.72 t ha-1), respectively. Increasing cutting interval increased DMY but reduced nutritive value of Urochloa cultivars in Kitale. Basilisk, MG-4, Xaraes and Piata showed potential to establish and grow well across AEZs and to maximize production and nutritive value cutting at 8 weeks interval is recommended

Soil Microbial Carbon, Nitrate and Ammonium Nitrogen Dynamics in \u3ci\u3eUrochloa\u3c/i\u3e Grass Cultivated in Sub-Humid Kenya

A study was conducted to monitor the dynamics of available soil phosphorus (P), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), nitrogen (SMBN), ammonium and nitrate nitrogen under seven Urochloa grass cultivars at Kitale, Kenya. The Urochloa cultivars: Urochloa brizantha cvs. Marandu, MG-4, Piata, Xaraes, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. hybrid cv. Mulato II and U. humidicola cv. Llanero was compared with two popularly grown forages, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv. KAT R3), Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. KK1) and annual weeds. The treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design arranged in a split plot treatment structure with two rates of fertilizer N (0 and 100 kg N ha-1yr-1) and P (0 and 40 kg P ha-1) assigned to the main plots and the grass cultivars assigned to the subplots. After 80 weeks, moist rhizosphere soil was sampled at 0 – 10 cm depth to determine microbial biomass. Application of fertilizer N and P did not significantly (P \u3e 0.05) influence SMBC, SMBN, ammonium N (NH4+N) and nitrate N (NO3-N). However, significant (P = 0.001) changes in soil properties, including NH4+N and NO3-N due to grass cultivars, were observed. After 80 weeks, the bare plot, annual weeds and Napier grass accumulated higher pools of ammonium and nitrate N, but the microbial biomass (SMBC and SMBN) in these treatments were lower than in Urochloa grasses. Soil pH was also low, while NO3-N was high indicating increased nitrification in the bare and Napier grass plots. Ammonium N was the most dominant form of inorganic N in Llanero and Piata due to increased plant uptake or reduced nitrification rates. The results suggested that the change in the SMBC and SMBN in the Urochloa grasses was regulated by the nitrate and ammonium N and soil pH

Antimalarial potential and phytochemical composition of fractions of Lippia kituiensis Vatke (Verbenaceae) growing in Northern Tanzania

This research article published by Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2020Despite past decades of steady advances in the fight against Malaria, statistics show that the disease is still a threat to human health. Previous successes in the development of antimalarial drugs from medicinal plants have fuelled research in this area. However, antimalarial studies on fractionated extracts from such plants have progressed slowly. This study reports the antimalarial potential of fractions from Lippia kituiensis Vatke, for the first time. Column chromatography was used during fractionation. Antiplasmodial assay against chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and resistant (W2) plasmodium strains were done using hypoxanthine incorporation assay. MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of fractions against the Vero cell line. Fractions obtained exhibited varied inhibitory concentrations (IC50); with the most efficacious being, Lk-5 (19.45 ± 6.20 μg/ml), Lk-3 (30.43 ± 0.68 μg/ml), Lk-4 (30.82 ± 18.01 μg/ml), and Lk-6 (36.53 ± 14.42 μg/ml) against D6. Generally, lower activity against W2 was obtained with the most active being LK-4 (24.18±2.50 μg/ml), and Lk-5 (24.42±5.95 μg/ml), while chloroquine (positive control) exerted IC50 of 77.86±4.09 ng/ml (W2) and 15.71±6.49 ng/ml (D6). LK-4 was the most cytotoxic showing cytotoxic concentration (CC50), 46.26 μg/ml. When tested in mice, fractions suppressed Plasmodium berghei significantly compared to the negative control with Lk-3 being most efficacious (80.01±1). Due to substantive efficacy, GC-MS done on Lk-3 revealed 8 compounds where three have previously been ascribed to antimalarial activity and other pharmacological effects. This study adds to present knowledge of antimalarial efficacy of L. kituiensis and provides the basis for further work to be done on the isolation of compounds from its extracts

Morphoecological characteristics of grasses used to restore degraded semi‐arid African rangelands

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