http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/32 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:29:59 GMT 2026-04-09T11:29:59Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2299 EFFECTIVENESS OF SMALLHOLDER INDIGENOUS CHICKEN HATCHING SYSTEMS IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA NAKHULO, EVANS NADECHO Poultry farming in Kenya plays a major role in complementing rural and peri-urban households’ food security and income. Farmers are increasingly shifting to rearing improved indigenous chickens (IC) because of their rapid growth rates and higher egg production. One of the strategies used by development agents in Kenya to enhance growth and meet market demand of IC is to supply day old chicks to producers. However, the demand for day old chicks outstrips supply because of low hatchability experienced in small holder hatcheries. Current study characterized the hatching systems of IC in Siaya County, evaluated and modified the performance of existing hatching systems and evaluated the performance of the adjusted schemes. Baseline survey was conducted on small holder farms and hatcheries to establish the characteristics of hatching systems in Siaya County. The study showed that breeding stocks were reared in enclosed and free-range systems, 55% of the farms attained the standard cock to hen ratio of 1:7 and eggs were stored using both conventional and non-conventional methods. The results further showed that the critical parameters of hatchability were outside the array with a mean hatchability percentage of 56%, Relative humidity (RH) and incubation temperature ranged from 54 to 64%, and from 37.2 to 39.5oC respectively. This study modified incubating system to; temperature range of 37.1 to 38.5oC, RH ranged from 56.5 to 62% and evaporative rate of 8.415*10-5m3/hr. The modified hatching environment yielded mean hatching of 95.3%. A model relating the amount of water to be added in the evaporative pan on a daily basis was developed and evaluated. The results showed that improvement of moisture management in incubators coupled with the physical and physiological management of hatching systems enhanced hatchability to 95.3%. This study provides specific technical modifications that can improve the design and operation of incubation systems, which can then be applied to the development of better hatcheries. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2299 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2258 EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY AND MODELLING POLLUTANTS DISPERSION USING QUAL2K MODEL: CASE STUDY OF RIVER SOSIANI IN WESTERN KENYA OKORI, MAEMBA River Sosiani catchment area and River Sosiani provide drinking water for the city of Eldoret. During its course, River Sosiani receives untreated point-source pollutants as it winds through different agricultural, industrial and urban zone. Additionally, in wet season, the river receives non-point (diffuse) pollutants from the catchment containing soil, fertilizer and pesticide residues. The study assessed River Sosiani water quality and modelled pollutant dispersion using Qual2K model. Water samples were collected from six (6) sampling along River Sosiani for six months. American Public Health Association guidelines for water sampling and processing procedure were applied in sample analysis. In situ water quality parameters measured were Temperature, TDS, pH and DO while NO3-N, TP and BOD5, NO3-N were determined in the laboratory. The resultant data was analysed using both the descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed statistically significant spatial variation of all water quality parameters between the means for DO (P=1.20E-19), BOD (P=8.32E-83), Temperature (P=6.00E-13), EC (P=5.32E14), TDS (P=3.18E-13), pH (P=1.15E-28), Nitrate-N (P=1.49E-33) and TP (P=1.06E-30). Seasonally, all parameters indicated significant temporal variation between the means for DO (P=5.66E-18), BOD (P=2.38E-03), Temperature (P=3.92E-11), EC (P=3.81E-10), TDS (P=1.31E-09), pH (P=1.35E-02), NO3-N (P=1.38E-13) and TP (P=6.72E-08). The Qual2K model was calibrated using dry season data and validated using wet season data. The model performance was evaluated using R2 , RSR and NSE. The Qual2K model performance values for R 2 , RSR and NSE ranged 0.82-0.95, 0.20-0.45, and 0.75-0.95 respectively. Conclusively, the study showed that River Sosiani water quality deterioration was caused by point and non-point pollutant sources. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2258 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2184 Addressing the Crucial Factors Affecting the Implementation of Carbon Credit Concept Using a Comprehensive Decision-Making Analysis: A Case Study Su, Qian; et. al... As global focus on climate change intensifies, carbon credits have become an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Africa, with its abundant natural resources and potential for sustainable development, is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market. This article explores how Africa can enhance its participation in the carbon credit market, transforming environmental initiatives into economic opportunities by addressing key implementation challenges. By utilizing the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method within an interval-valued spherical fuzzy (IVSF) framework, the study supports collective decision-making. It identifies three crucial factors: access to financing issue, the absence of clear policies and legal frameworks, and the lack of capacity and expertise within governments, businesses, and communities. The research provides practical recommendations for governments aiming to effectively implement the carbon credit concept. Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2184 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2007 Evaluation of Factors Affecting Road Maintenance in Kenyan Counties Using the Ordinal Priority Approach Kiptum, Clement Kiprotich; et al. Improving Kenya’s complete road network has been used to alleviate poverty and achieve the Vision 2030 goals. Roads enhance all areas of social development, including demand for and access to information, health, and education, in addition to poverty alleviation. However, themajority ofKenyan highways are plagued by a variety ofmaintenance concerns. This study aims to rank counties according to critical severity based on factors affecting road maintenance using an ordinal priority approach. Five challenges that could have an impact on road maintenance were looked at fromthe views of three decision-makers. The results of the study show that road materials are the least challenging aspect affecting road maintenance performance, while procurement practices are the most problematic. The studies also revealed that Nairobi County is most affected by these factors, whereas Nakuru County is least affected. In light of the findings, recommendations were made to assist both the government and the road sectors in dealing with these difficulties. Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2007 2022-08-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1904 An Excel Application for Analysis and Design of RC Low-Rise Structural Elements using British Standards and European Codes Kisasati, Kisasati Wekesa Jacob; et. al... There is an increasing demand for tools that can simplify the design process and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the design calculations in structural engineering. This paper presents an Excel application for the design and analysis of reinforced concrete low-rise structures using British standards and European codes. The application aims to assist structural engineers in the design process as it provides a set of pre-programmed calculations for the analysis of slabs, beams, columns, footings and stairs. The application incorporates the relevant design equations and guidelines from both standards and allows the user to input the required parameters and generate concise design outputs such as load capacity, stress analysis results and design recommendations. In developing the application, a combination of VBA programming and yield line method was used. The application has been tested using different design scenarios and the output compared to manual calculations. The application offers significant time savings, increased accuracy, and improved efficiency over manual methods Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1904 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1901 SYNTHESIS: SMART RAINWATER HARVESTING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION TO ENHANCE WATER SECURITY Okemwa, Sam; et. al... This paper presents a novel approach to establish water security through autonomous rainwater harvesting, storage, and distribution mechanisms. The primary focus of the research is on developing a reliable and cost-effective method for harvesting, storing, and distributing rainwater in an autonomous manner, whereby the system is self-regulating in terms of harvesting, storing, and distributing water in response to localized and customized needs or conditions, more especially to communities that are struggling to meet their minimal water demands. The paper aims to develop an integrated and automated system that is capable of collecting, storing, and distributing rainwater in a sustainable manner, with the goal of increasing water security in areas with limited or unreliable water supply as exhibited in arid and semi-arid lands or places with poor water infrastructure conditions. The research will initially explore existing rainwater harvesting systems, including both conventional and innovative designs, in order to identify the most effective methods for harvesting rainwater. This will include looking at appropriate storage, filtration and distribution systems, as well as considering the economic, environmental, and social impacts of these systems, identifying the benefits and drawbacks of their system design deployment. Following this, the research will focus on developing an autonomous rainwater harvesting system that is capable of responding to economic, environmental and social factors in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This will involve the development of an integrated and automated system for collecting, storing and distributing rainwater, with an emphasis on sustainability and water security. The research will consider issues such as water scarcity, resource management, and environmental protection in order to ensure that the autonomous rainwater harvesting system is designed with these considerations in mind. Additionally, it will analyze the cost-effectiveness of the proposed system, and explore potential areas of application for the system. Finally, the paper will provide an assessment of the overall impact of the autonomous rainwater harvesting system on water security and consider the potential for further development and improvement of the system if sustainable. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1901 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1900 A Comprehensive Study on Pavement and Geometric Design of Dispensary-Kerio-Gate B (University of Eldoret, Kenya) Road and Upande- Kimumu-Peris Road Wangai, Benson Kamau Ndung’u; et. al... This study examines the pavement and geometric design of the Dispensary-Kerio-Gate B (University of Eldoret, Kenya) Road and the Upande-Kimumu-Peris Road. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the current pavement conditions and geometric design of the road links, identify the existing problems, and recommend suitable solutions by developing an economical and practicable design that satisfies the standards. The study included field investigations, topographic data collection, traffic count, pavement design, geometric design, materials computation and analysis. The results demonstrated that the pavement conditions and geometric designs of the two-road links were deficient, resulting in frequent accidents, traffic congestion, and vehicle damage. The study recommended a number of measures to enhance the pavement and geometric designs of the roads, such as upgrading to bitumen standards, widening the roads, enhancing drainage systems, and adopting suitable design standards. The study's findings will assist road designers, engineers, and policymakers in enhancing road conditions and safety, as well as the overall transportation system Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1900 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1834 An Integrated Decision Support Model for effective Institutional Coordination Framework in Public Transportation Planning Ndiema, Kevin Maraka; et al. The lack of coordination among global institutions responsible for planning public transportation is a persistent issue. To tackle this issue, three strategies aimed at promoting sustainability have been proposed. However, there is a significant deficiency in preferentially prioritizing them, which poses a significant issue for local governments. In this study, a twostage model is established by combining the Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution methods into a unique interval-valued spherical fuzzy framework. This allows for determining the criteria weights and ranking the strategies. The results of our investigation show that effective institutional coordination in public transportation planning can be achieved through the implementation of good governance principles. By doing so, Nairobi's local government can tackle the unexpected division of public transportation agreements among different institutions and guide the various sectors in executing their transportation plans while still adhering to the established policy objectives Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1834 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1670 The State of Renewable Energy in Kenya with a Focus on the Future of Hydropower Chemengich, S. J. The rise in global energy demand and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have necessitated the transition to renewables. Many previously unelectrified countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have joined the race to provide their people with clean, reliable, and affordable energy. Kenya is amongst the countries that are leading in powering their energy demands from renewables with over 80% of its energy being green. As economic development advances toward fulfilling Vision 2030 targets, the country's electricity consumption, as well as the end-use of energy, has increased significantly during the last decade. To achieve universal access to electricity and a complete transition to renewables, not only must energy sources be diversified, but they must also be fully exploited. This study aims to highlight Kenya's current energy situation, with a focus on how hydropower could be fully utilized to meet the country's long-term energy demands sustainably. Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1670 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1660 Sediments Yields in Saimo Catchment of Tugen Hills in Baringo County, Kenya Chesire, A. K.; Kollongei, J. K.; Ng’etich, W. Soil erosion by water is one of the primary causes of land degradation and occurs throughout the world. Soil erosion contributes negatively to the already declining agricultural productivity thereby negatively impacting on people’s livelihoods and economic empowerment in Baringo County. There is need therefore, to understand the erosion processes and quantify sediment yield from catchments in order to propose technically viable, economically achievable and environmentally sustainable mitigation measures. This study focused on estimation of sediment yield from Tugen Hills particularly in Saimo catchment in Baringo County. Run-off plots measuring 5metres by 2metres with average slope of 17% were set up in the catchment, a bean crop was planted under three tillage treatments; conventional, mulching and control. These were done in triplicates in a randomized complete block design yielding nine run-off plots. Soil erosion parameters: run-off volume (Q) and peak flow rate (qp) were determined from the run-off plots in the catchment. Soil erodibility (K) was calculated mathematically based on soil samples collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Cover management (C) and support practice (P) factors were determined through observation and use of conversion tables. In terms of results, mean bulk densities for top soil and bottom soil were 1.05g/cm3 and 1.07 g/cm3 respectively meaning that low bulk densities for the top soil. The total value for fine sand and silt was 37.1%. The saturated hydraulic conductivity varied from 8.0 μm/s to 41.3 μm/s with a mean value of 24.1 μm/s. There were only two classes high and moderately high translating to code 2 and 3, respectively. Block three under no planting (control) had the highest percent cover (93%) towards the end of the growing season. The maximum sediments for each day had the highest value of 414 grams observed in block 2 with mulching. The MUSLE model did not accurately predict surface run-off and sediments yield compared to field data. Plots under cover crops had reduced soil erosion and lesser sedimentation yield. Future work is needed for new plots under different slopes. Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1660 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z