Conference Proceedings

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    Antibacterial potency of Pelargonium zonale and Psidium guajava against bacterial wilt of potato under greenhouse condition
    (2024-03) Okeyo, G. O.; Charimbu, M. K.; Nyaanga, J. G; Mendes, T
    Pelargonium zonale and Psidium guajava plant extracts have demonstrated in-vitro antibacterial activity against Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum sp. nov. Nevertheless, their antibacterial effectiveness against this disease has not been examined under greenhouse condition. This study explored the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic leave extracts of P. zonale and P. guajava in management of R. pseudosolanacearum sp. nov. of potatoes under greenhouse condition. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design (CRD) of 2*6 factorial arrangements [2 varieties (Shangi (Highly susceptible) and Sherekea (Moderately resistant) and 6 treatments] with 3 replicates. The treatments comprised; 2 ethanolic leave extracts (P. guajava and P. zonale) at 50 mg/mL, 2 positive controls [ENRICH BM (Bronopol 27%w/w) and KOBE 1.2 SL (Chrysophanol 12g/l)] at commercial rates and 2 negative controls (Untreated control and 1% DMSO). The soil media was inoculated with 10 mL of bacterial suspension adjusted to 600 nm OD (approximately 107 to 108 cfu/mL) per pot. Data was collected on disease incidence, disease severity, plant heights, number of stems, yield (Kgs) and number of bacterial wilt colony counts. The study results revealed that all the treated plants exhibited significantly low disease incidences, low area under disease progress curves (AUDPCs), high number of stems, high stem heights, low bacterial wilt colony counts and high yield (Kgs) compared to negative controls. Potato variety Sherekea exhibited the highest average efficacy from the two plant extracts; 0.14 for disease incidence, 1178.21 for AUDPC, 1.84 for stem height, 2.66 for bacterial wilt colony counts and 0.28 for yield (Kgs) respectively. These results demonstrated the synergistic effect of host plant resistance and/or tolerance and botanicals in management of R. pseudosolanacearum sp. nov. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness and stability of the two extracts against the target pathogen the field to enhance their adoption and commercialization in the management of bacterial wilt pathogen in infested potato production fields.
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    Screening for host plant resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in selected sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) breeding lines using detached leaf assay in Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2024-03) Njogu, N. W.; Kamau, A.; Kimurto, P. K.; Manyasa, E.; Charimbu, M. K.; Towett, B. K
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    Soil tests as a tool for monitoring soil variability in crop production: Bibliographic analysis
    (Egerton University, 2024-03) Kuunya, R.; Ocwa, A.; Ragan, P.
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    Egerton University partners with other institutions to launch STREM project
    (Egerton University, 2021-07) Prof. Nzula, Kivuva
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    The role of primary school education in imparting English language literacy in Kenya: Challenges and opportunities
    (2015-12-11) Mutea, Zipporah
    One of the aims of primary school education in Kenya is to impart English literacy to all primary school learners. For this aim to be achieved, instruction should be handled by qualified teachers, learning resources should be adequate and there should be a clear language of instruction. However, a look at the teaching and learning in primary schools shows that many teachers are not qualified to teach English and they lack commitment to the teaching profession. Teachers’ lack of commitment results from poor remuneration, poor working conditions and a degraded teaching profession. Classes are large and therefore teachers employ teacher-centred approaches that reduce learners to passive listeners. Shortage of teachers means that many English lessons are not taught. Due to shortage of learning materials learners lack adequate exposure and stimulation necessary for optimal learning. The situation is worsened by non-adherence to the language policy and the use of Sheng (a mixture of English, Kiswahili and local languages). Teachers spend considerable time coaching and drilling pupils to pass KCPE at the expense of teaching them to master English language. Studies have shown that many primary school pupils are graduating from primary school without acquiring basic skills in literacy. The objectives of this paper were to: discuss the role of primary school education in imparting literacy, highlight challenges of teaching English language literacy at primary school level, explore opportunities for improving achievement in English literacy and to make recommendations based on the discussion. The paper will use secondary data to guide discussion.
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    Effects of co-operative e-learning teaching strategy on students’ self-concept in biology: A study of selected secondary schools in Nakuru county, Kenya
    (2015-12-11) Orora, William; Keraro, Fred N.; Wachanga, Samuel W.
    This study investigated the effects of Cooperative E-Learning (CEL) teaching strategy on students’ self-concept in Biology. The study was quasi-experimental and the Solomon’s Four Non-Equivalent Control Group Design was used. The study was carried out in secondary schools in Nakuru County and focused on Form Two students. Convenience sampling was used to select four schools for the study. One Form Two stream was selected in each school using simple random sampling where they were more than one. The study involved county schools to ensure that the students participating were of comparable academic abilities. A total of 200 students from four schools participated in the study. The instruments that were used in this study are the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Biology Achievement Test (BAT) with a reliability coefficient of 0.72 and 0.97 respectively. They were piloted and validated before the start of the study. Data analysis was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), t-test and Spearman’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (SPMCC) with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.5 for windows. Statistically significant values were accepted at α =0.05.The results showed that the students exposed to CEL teaching strategy had higher self-concept than those exposed to conventional methods. The findings further showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between Biology self-concept and student achievement. The researchers concluded that CEL is more effective in enhancing learners’ self concept than conventional methods. It is recommended that teachers be empowered to use CEL by incorporating it in both pre-service and in-service teacher education programmes.
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    Influence of socio-economic status of women on domestic violence: A case study of Mau-Narok division in Njoro sub-county
    (2015-12-11) Wambu, C. K
    In Kenya women are confined at some definite work, position and role which generally differ to men in society. Their status is seen as below that of men in patriarchal social structure. The situation is more or less remaining the same to some extent in their family roles and responsibilities that causes to domestic violence. The paper mainly focuses on socio-economic status of women and different forms of domestic violence at rural area in Mau-Narok division in Njoro Sub-county. The study shows women in-subordination at different levels and also high rate of verbal and psychological violence to women in their married life. Still dependency on men was found high in the rural area and most women were found not engaged in productive economic activities. The total respondents were 50 married women living with their husband were interviewed to collect primary data in Mau-Narok division Njoro sub-county.
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    Effects of cooperative learning and gender on secondary school learners’ achievement in English language writing skills in Nakuru North sub-county, Kenya
    (2015-12-11) Kanja, Veronica Wangui; Wambugu, Patricia Wanjiku
    Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) annual reports over the years indicate a continued decline in learners’ performance in English paper at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Among the three English language papers at KCSE, Paper Three which tests writing skills is poorly performed. Moreover, performance of boys has been lower than that of girls. This gender disparity is attributed to among other factors, the instructional approaches adopted by the English teachers. Although studies have been carried out on English language performance, the effects of Cooperative Learning (CL) on gender of secondary school learners in English language writing skills in Nakuru North Sub-county has not been done. This study therefore investigated the effects of CL on gender of secondary school learners’ achievement in English language writing skills. Solomon Four Non-equivalent Control Group Design under the quasi-experimental research was used. The accessible population was all Form Two learners in co-educational schools in Nakuru North Sub-county, Kenya. Purposive sampling technique was used to select four schools with a total of 197 learners. The schools were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. All learners were taught the same English language content of imaginative essay writing. The experimental groups were taught using CL approach while the control groups were taught using Regular Teaching Approach (RTA). English language Writing Skills Achievement Test (ELWSAT) was used to collect data. ELWSAT was validated and then piloted before use to ascertain the reliability coefficient. The reliability coefficient for ELWSAT was found to be 0.87. Data was analysed using t-test, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA at a significance level of alpha (α) equal to 0.05. The results of the study showed that there was no statistically significant gender difference in learners’ means when CL was used. The findings of this study may go a long way to reducing gender disparity in English language writing skills.
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    Evaluation of information literacy skills held by children users in community libraries: A case of Nakuru community library
    (2015-12-11) Maina, Stephen
    The study aimed at exploring the implementation of information literacy skills in Nakuru Community Library. The objectives of the study were to find out the type of literacy skills in users, establish the type of staff providing literacy skills, find out types of information materials available, identify the challenges of information literacy skills in children using the library, and suggest ways of addressing the challenges. Mixed methods of both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used, combining questionnaire survey and face-to-face interviews to examine users views and experiences with information literacy. Purposive sampling technique was used and data was collected through use of questionnaires, interviews and observation. Major findings of this study indicate that majority of children in the library rely heavily on the print information materials for their academic use while they like electronic information for their leisure. It was noted that information literacy is very important and helpful to children as it enables them to access information independently. The findings suggest that information literacy programmes should be embedded in the library and it should be introduced early to children when they visit the library for the first time to make them have relevant skills to access information. Some recommendations cited include; children should be given training on literacy skills, staff should be trained on modern literacy skills so that they can provide effective skills to children , adequate funding should be provided to support library literacy skills programmes and children should be encourage and trained to use electronic information so that they became modern in this era of information communication technology. In conclusion, children using the library should be equipped with relevant and up todate digital literacy skills so as to enable them compete globally as the world is embracing new technology
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    What is in the name?: 21st century literacies explained
    (2015-12-11) Matatiele, R. A.
    The ever-changing cyber technology is instigating a rapid advancement in the information landscape hence Information Literacy (henceforward IL) is caught up, as it were, in that dilemma. According to Lankshear and Knobel (2013), what is needed in 21st Century education system is a new understanding of literacy. While IL has persisted for decades as a core concept in Library and Information profession, Librarians have to keep up with the 21st Century or new literacies that come with technology such as Digital Literacy, Metaliteracy, Cyber literacy, Transliteracy, etc. and the way in which literacy is defined in the digital age Newman (2012) and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) (2013). IL is a phrase that was coined in the 70s by Zurkowski (1974: 164). IL provided academic librarians a structure when compiling library training programs that would equip students to navigate within different library and information resources, to become lifelong learners and to become responsible information consumers. The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the evolving nature of IL. Academic librarians have been aligning library training to higher education curriculum with IL; therefore there is a need for African academic librarians to understand the connotation of the 21st century or new literacies in the digital age. Librarians need to make the connection between the traditional IL skills and the new literacies skills; furthermore, these new literacies should be identified and explained. The paper concludes that traditional library and information systems continue to be the cornerstone of librarianship. The library is a space where print material and or library training are critical in the digital age. However the new literacies that shifted the focus to 21st century communication skills are necessary in the digital age.
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    Representation on university prospectuses: A comparative discourse and genre analysis of the text of the prospectuses of Kenyan universities
    (2015-12-11) Bartoo, Phylis J.
    Globalisation has had a huge impact on institutions of higher learning and there is need for these institutions to publicise themselves. Prospectuses are increasingly important to the admissions and marketing practices of colleges and universities due to their ability to rapidly communicate a significant amount of content to a vast audience. Colleges and universities use language, whether textual (i.e., written) or visual (i.e., images), to position and differentiate themselves from other institutions and promote their efforts. This corpus-driven study attempts to identify the generic features of the prospectuses from six public and private universities in Kenya. It also aims at establishing the intention of public relations officers in the production of the prospectus and the subsequent interpretation by prospective university students. A six move generic structure was identified in the prospectus. Analysis reveals that public relations and marketing officers intention is to market the institution while prospective students have divergent reading focuses of the text. The researcher used both interview schedule and questionnaire in collection of data and content analysis in describing the text of university prospectuses.
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    Role of cognition in developing young children’s literacy aged 3 to 8: the Kenyan experience
    (2015-12-11) Onchera, Paul Onsare
    This paper argues that literacy in early childhood could play a significant role in empowering the young children to develop reflection, critique, empathy, a sense of identity and full participation in society. This however is only possible if teachers go beyond the dominant bahavioural, cognitive and socio cultural views that have constrained early childhood teacher education in Kenya and perhaps other countries in the world. We argue that if teacher educators embrace the view of producing teachers who are sensitive to skills and strategies that are essential to effective literacy teaching [phonics, phonological awareness, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and composition], then, children will learn that literacy is a tool to harness the fulfillment of personal goals both within and outside the school. We have also suggested that in supporting teachers to develop critical literacy, children will be empowered to understand how texts may influence and change them as members of society. It is also argued that research into acquisition of literacy with specific reference to key components like word recognition, vocabulary development, fluency, comprehension, the development of writing and spelling directly relate to the processing of print and digital texts. In this paper, we use the Kenyan context to state that cognition emphasizes that children develop problem solving skills in literacy-related activities through the assistance of a more knowledgeable other. However, it is our feeling that Kenya shares a considerable similarity with other nations in terms of approaches to initial teacher education and professional development. Hence many issues raised may be relevant to other countries.