African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences最新文献

{"title":"utilization of Public-Private- Partnerships in schools","authors":"S. Kubaison","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i2.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i2.18","url":null,"abstract":"This is a preliminary study on public-private partnerships in public secondary schools in Tigania west Sub-county.The  Objective of the study was to Investigate the models of public-private partnerships available in public secondary schools in Tigania West sub-county. The study was conducted in 46 public secondary schools between September and December 2021. The main data collection instruments comprised an observation checklist and  Interview schedules. School managers, KEPSA, and Ministry of Education officials provided interviews. Key findings include low levels of PPP intake in schools, poor performance in examinations, dilapidated infrastructure, under-utilization of certain facilities, lack of initiativeness by school managers, and lack of policy guide from MOE on implementation of PPPs in schools. The key PPP model preferred in schools was  Annuity payment, followed by PFI. The study recommends decentralization of PPP projects and authority in the education sector to aid school management benefit from the PPP Act of 2013.","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"212 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133068324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-treatment of fecal matter with kitchen waste using black soldier fly: process performance evaluation","authors":"Valary Oyoo, J. Riungu, J. Kirimi, Prasanta Dey, Rosemary M. Matheka","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.86","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.86","url":null,"abstract":"Organic matter processing through Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) technology offers promising fecal sludge management (FSM) and sustainable sanitation option. Fecal matter has been valorized using black soldier fly (BSF) technology; however, there is insufficient knowledge in substrate co-treatment rationing rates to scale up the extant BSFL systems for optimum waste conversion. In this study, an evaluation of BSF process performance during co-treatment of fecal matter and kitchen waste was carried out under laboratory-scale conditions. BSF larvae feeding substrates were formulated using fresh fecal matter and kitchen waste (FM: KW) in the ratios; 1:0, 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, and 0:1. The experiments were set out in rectangular plastic containers (26*13*11cm). Under each mixing ratio, 1000g of the feed substrate was treated utilizing 5g of 5-day old BSF larvae. One hundred larvae were randomly picked at three-day intervals from each treatment (in triplicate) to monitor the larval weight gain across the treatment process. Larval days to 50% pupation, mean pupal yield, waste reduction rate (WR), bioconversion rates (BR), and feed conversion rates (FCR) were monitored for the process performance. The results showed that substrate mixed 1:1 attained the best measures; WR (90.56%), a high weight reduction index (WRI) (5.66), high BR (14.56), and a high overall pre-pupal yield (72.78g) within a shorter development time (16 days). This study affirms the performance efficacy of BSFL to sufficiently convert fecal substrates when co-treated with kitchen waste, promoting a circular economy. It, therefore, illustrates that a co-treatment strategy has the potential to boost and enhance sustainable fecal waste management for future applications.","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126845535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovation for sustainable development","authors":"M'rithaa Mugendi","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.23","url":null,"abstract":"There is growing consensus that the 21st Century is the African Century, However, this noble vision cannot happen by default - it must catalysed by Design Thinking - by a deliberate and strategic drive to achieve sustainable development for the continent's denizens. This presentation showcases a number of innovative solutions emerging from the creative minds of Africans with solutions for Afrika*. The exemplars discussed herein advocate an ethical and socially conscious ethos that embraces transdisciplinary as a means of co-creation and co-production. Further, the presentation makes a strong case for disciplinary imagineering beyond the traditional STEM approach, to one of STEAM - a more inclusive and empathic design approach that takes cognisance of the design, the arts and humanities.  For Afrika to achieve its lofty ambitions and play an active role in the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions, we must adopt a more holistic Quadruple Helix model of partnership (that includes Academia; Business/Industry; Community/Civil Society; and Government). In conclusion, this presentation exhorts innovators and inventors in academic institutions to contribute to Afrika's sustainable development through projects that make a marked social impact in the real world...","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129786311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of zeolites in wastewater remediation","authors":"Ismael Ki̇noti̇, C. M. M’thiruaine, Josheph Mwiti Marangu","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.47","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.47","url":null,"abstract":"Huge amounts of wastewater in low and lower-middle-income countries is released into the environment in untreated forms due to an increase in anthropogenic activities and disposal in water bodies. Pollution in water ecosystems results in water scarcity and crisis if effective and sustainable water treatment technologies are not adopted. Due to their abundance, cost-effective synthesis, and high contaminant removal capacities, zeolites have been considered as green and effective wastewater remediation materials. This paper presents an overview of the methods of synthesis, types, and efficiencies of zeolitic materials reported in wastewater remediation. In a state-of-the-art review, the latest data, discussion, conclusions, recommendations, and future perspectives are presented. In summary, synthetic zeolites are preferable in wastewater remediation because their structural characteristics can be fine-tuned at synthesis. In addition, synthetic zeolites can be tailored to remove specific contaminants based on ionic size, charge or type. The most common method of zeolite synthesis that has been reported is hydrothermal synthesis, which simulates the natural conditions of formation of zeolites. It is however not environmentally friendly due to large quantities of solvent-based byproducts. Recent methods utilize microwave radiation and solid-state synthesis methods to achieve green high-yield zeolites to be utilized in wastewater remediation. These materials are applicable in the removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and dyes, among others. The removal of these and other pollutants cost-effectively, sustainably, and efficiently is a great step toward a sustainable blue and green economy.","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128318179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of sanitation practices among households of Tigania West sub-county, Meru county, Kenya","authors":"Catherine Kendi","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.87","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.87","url":null,"abstract":"A poorly constructed toilet may deter its use and provoke open defecation. Globally, 2.5 billion people do not have access to improved sanitation facilities. In Kenya, over 5 million people are forced to defecate in the open due to inadequate or lack of sanitation facilities resulting in high prevalence of water, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases such diarrhea. This study therefore sought to profile the sanitation practices on containment and disposal systems among households in Tigania West with a view of yielding insights on promotion of safe disposal of human waste. Questionnaires, interview guide and observations were used to collect data in a mixed study design. Cluster sampling technique was employed to select respondents and the data analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. The results showed that 95.2% of the respondents had access to a toilet, whereas 4.8% did not (n=236). Out of those with toilets (n=225), 54.3% had pit latrines without a slab. With regard to construction materials, 72% of the households had their latrines constructed using timber and iron sheet; 9.3% with concrete; 8.4% with mud and grass; whereas 10.3% had theirs constructed with polythene materials (n=225). The majority of the households had toilets in poor hygienic conditions with 149 (66%) with faeces on the floor, exposing users to the risk of getting into contact with the faeces. 120 (53.2%) of the households did not empty latrines when full, instead they opted for a new one. Latrines did not offer any privacy in 45 (20%) of the households, therefore discouraging their use. 71.8% of households disposed of children’s faeces in the latrine, whereas 6.4% did so in the environment (n=225). 53.2% (n=225) of the residents had no detergents and disinfectant to clean the toilet. 37.7% (236) of the respondents never washed their hands with soap and water after using the latrine/defecating in the open. Sanitation practices had a significant positive correlation with cultural practices (0.119 (p=0.003<0.05), sharing of toilets (0.142; p=0.48<0.05), space availability in the household (0.098; p=0.011<0.005) and financial challenges (0.074; p=0.004<0.005). Innovative approaches to toilet construction using locally available materials, training and subsidies together with behavioral change sensitization could improve sanitation among households of Tigania West Sub-County. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"39 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129434873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The importance of vocational training in horticulture","authors":"I. Koomen","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.21","url":null,"abstract":"Horticulture is one the fastest growing sub-sectors in Kenya and contributes significantly to the agriculture sector, mainly through export but increasingly supplying the domestic market. The Enhancing Partnerships for Industry-led Vocational Training and education for water smart & climate proof horticulture (ePivot) project aims to improve professional education and vocational training at of Polytechnics and Technical and Vocational Colleges (TVCs) in the horticulture value chains through strong collaboration with the private sector. \u0000                                               \u0000The horticulture sector is expected to contribute towards the envisioned poverty reduction, and overall food security, as such contributing to SDG 2 while the need for water and climate smart technologies is high. The sector is generally a labour-intensive industry with high demand of skilled workers, trained supervisors and professional managers. Over six million Kenyans are directly and indirectly employed in horticulture, women constitute 75% of the labour force in the horticulture industry. The increase in horticulture is fuelled by rapid population growth and urbanization, an increasing middle class that is health conscious and consumes more fruits and vegetables but demands the produce to be of good quality and safe to consume. Horticulture offers opportunities for economic growth and employment both in production but increasingly so in value addition. This calls for a specified and educated pool of labour is high. \u0000  \u0000The current TVCs and associated education institutions have a very general focus and there is lack of specialized workforce in horticulture. The ePivot project aims to close those gaps, strengthening the capacity of the TVCs through a strong collaboration between the education institutes and the private sector, strengthening linkages among the various actors to enable practical learning and innovation in the horticulture sector and making it water and climate smart. The consortium consisting out of 6 TVCs working together with Meru University of Science and Technology and supported by industry partners as well as 4 universities in the Netherlands, focuses on making the horticulture curriculum more competence based. Initial results are encouraging, both tutors and students are appreciating the practical approach to skills development. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123598099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"WASH facilities affecting menstrual hygiene management among adolescent school girls in Chuka Sub-county in Tharaka Nithi County","authors":"M. Mutegi, Maryjoy Kaimuri, Lilian Mworia, Jane Njagi","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.75","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.75","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Menstrual hygiene management has not been satisfactorily addressed in developing countries due to insufficient WASH facilities. This results to poor health outcomes for adolescent school girls. The purpose of this study was to identify available WASH facilities affecting menstrual hygiene management among adolescent school girls in Chuka Sub County in Tharaka Nithi County. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chuka Sub County, in Tharaka Nithi County among 383 adolescent school girls aged 10-19 years basically in secondary schools from December 2021 to March 2022. Data was collected using questionnaires then entered into Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 software and descriptive statistics was utilized for analysis. The results were presented in tables. Results: Majority of the girls reported availability of clean water at 94% (n=329), adequacy of clean water at 64% (n=224) separate toilets/ latrines at 94.6% (n=331),adequacy of toilets / latrine at 75.7% (n=265) privacy of toilet facilities at 78.3% (n=274) and cleanliness of the toilets/ latrines at 85% (n=297). Despite this, most of girls highlighted the toilets/ latrine lacked hand washing facilities at 52.9% (n=185). Conclusion: Most of the schools in Chuka Sub County had WASH facilities which included; sufficient clean water, separate latrines/toilets, privacy in toilets and clean toilets. Notably, some schools had unreliable hand washing facilities, which in turn negatively affected the menstrual hygiene of the students/ adolescent girls.  Recommendation: The school administration should ensure that the hand washing facilities are installed at various designated areas for girls to use.","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121430000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of performance expectancy on individual adoption levels of human resource analytics among human resource professionals in microfinance institutions in Kenya","authors":"D. Moturi, S. Wekesa, D. Juma","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.94","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.94","url":null,"abstract":"Performance expectancy is when individuals believe an innovation supports their performance. Myriad challenges facing organizations have forced them to innovate to remain competitive. Human resource analytics is one such innovation which measures human resource functions for purposeful alignment with the organizations’ objectives. Earlier studies showed that 71% of respondents regarded human resource analytics as key. However, other studies found out that the uptake of human resource analytics was slow. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of performance expectancy on individual adoption levels of human resource analytics among human resource professionals in Microfinance institutions in Kenya. The study was conducted in registered deposit taking Microfinance Institutions in Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was done on 500 human resource professionals. Stratified random and purposive sampling methods were used, obtaining a sample of 222 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data.  The findings revealed that using human resource analytics improves job efficiency, making human resource professionals strategic. The study concludes there is a significant positive correlation (R = 0.754, p = 0.00) between performance expectancy and individual adoption levels of human resource analytics and that performance expectancy has positive significant effect on adoption levels (β = 0.855, p = 0.000). The study recommends that organizations align data analytical tools with management systems and also train its employees to increase the perceived usefulness of human resource analytics hence aiding with adoption.","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124450327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship between competitive aggressiveness on performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya","authors":"Eric Mutiria, K. Ngugi, T. Senaji","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.98","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.98","url":null,"abstract":"This study sought determine influence of Competitive Aggressiveness on performance of commercial State Corporations in Kenya. The study was guided by Resource-Based Theory. the study used a positivism research philosophy. The research study used descriptive research designs which was guided by hypothesis and focused on the frequency with which something occurs or the relationship between variables. The target respondents were three Managers from any department (finance, HR, administration or marketing) within the commercial state corporation. Therefore, the target population was 165 respondents from 55 commercial state corporations in Kenya. The study adopted a census of all the 55 commercial state corporations. The study collected both primary and secondary data and utilize both qualitative and quantitative data. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to help in data analysis. Simple linear regression model, and multiple linear regression model were used to assess the relationship between the study variables. From the results of the analysis the study concluded that and competitive aggressiveness influences both financial and non-financial performance of commercial state corporations. The study identifies that organizational structure moderates the relationship between intrapreneurship and performance. The study recommended that commercial state corporations should embrace intrapreneurship. Further managements of commercial state corporations should understand dimensions of intrapreneurship.","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"2003 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131383186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tradition versus change in a time of pandemic","authors":"Purity Wanja, A. Wanjala, Jeniffer Muchiri","doi":"10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.53","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.58506/ajstss.v1i1.53","url":null,"abstract":"This paper explores the varied and complex ways in which allegiance to traditional beliefs and practices impacts a peoples’ health in time of pandemic. Using Meja Mwangi’s The Last Plague as a launching pad, I seek to examine the role of literature in creating awareness during moments of crisis within a society. This paper narrows down to the complexities and contradictions that come into play in the confrontation between indigenous African traditions and the H.I.V A.I.D.S pandemic as portrayed in Meja Mwangi’s novel, The Last Plague. The paper draws from the sociological literary theory and especially the views of Ngugi wa Thiong’o on the relationship between literature and society. On one hand the paper engages with how the author portrays the impact of the plague on the socio-cultural norms, while on the other hand it addresses the inflexibility of the traditions and cultural beliefs and practices as an impediment to the struggle against the spread of the HI.V pandemic as presented in the novel.","PeriodicalId":440319,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Science, Technology and Social Sciences","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131856805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}