Climate change and vulnerability are major challenges in ensuring household food security. In response to this, many adaptation options are being implemented in the form of small, timebound pilot-based projects in developing countries. Among these is the promotion of the use of climate services in an attempt to cushion rural households from extreme climate risks. This study endeavored to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers in Kitui county through improved adoption of climate services. The study employed a mixed type of methods and approaches. The sampling was done through a mixed stratified and systematic random sampling. Systematic literature review method was used to interrogate the past climate services pilot projects in order to establish good practices, which could inform future efforts towards enhancing adoption of climate services. The study attempted to transfer those good practices to the study area, Kitui County. The study also assessed the vulnerability of smallholder farmers in the study area using the indicator approach to vulnerability assessment. In addition, the study defined a climate services innovation system comprised of key actors at the county level, which was operationalized throughout a crop growing season in a transdisciplinary approach to realize enhanced adoption of climate services among the smallholder farmers. The innovations systems approach embraces a network of heterogeneous actors working together throughout the value chain, that is, from production to use in a way that the flow of information is not linear but composed of very complex. The results showed that the pilot projects have contributed enormously to climate risk management at the farm level through informing strategic farm decisions. The vulnerability assessment results pointed to a general vulnerable population in the county albeit with spatial disparities. Further, the study revealed the use possible of innovation systems approach in overcoming inherent climate services challenges, which resulted in enhanced adoption of climate services among smallholder farmers. In conclusion, the study revealed that climate services offer great opportunity to smallholder farmers in managing impending climate risk, which contributes to building their adaptive capacity to climate change. It also revealed that participatory approaches, which view knowledge adoption more systematically and interactively, such as innovation systems approach, present opportunities to enhance adoption of adaptation interventions. The study recommends a more systems approach in place of the current linear and top-down delivery approach of climate services, because it has the potential to enhance salience, credibility and legitimacy of the scientific information and ultimately lead to enhanced adoption.

For years, conservationists have been captivated by the existence of many species of large herbivores in grasslands and savannas. However, climate changes manifested through increasing land temperatures and changing rainfall regimes increasingly threaten the distribution of large herbivores. There is a developing understanding of the significance of including environmental change scenarios in management planning and actions, yet this is lacking in numerous frameworks. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential impact of climate change and variability on herbivore distribution in the Amboseli ecosystem. Trends of rainfall and temperature were examined based on historical Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPs) and Climate Hazards Group Infrared Temperature with Station (CHIRTs) data for 1960 - 2014 and the period 2006-2100 for the projections. The projections data were from the regional climate models from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX). Analysis of long-term annual and seasonal rainfall trends and temperature were done using quadratic and linear trend analysis. The range maps of herbivores were developed from aerial censuses conducted in the study area from 1977 to 2014. Future distributions were done based on temperature thresholds for each of the fifteen species for the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s. The results show that the annual and seasonal rainfall declined slightly between 1960 and 2014. On the contrary, the annual minimum temperatures increased by 1.23 °C and the maximum by 0.79 °C. There was a variation in projected rainfall with RCP 2.6, indicating a decline for the four seasons and a marginal increase in annual and October-November-December (OND) with decreases in the March-April-May (MAM) and June-July-August-September (JJAS) for RCP 4.5 and 8.5. Projected maximum and minimum temperature for RCP 2.6 show increments of less than 1°C, while for RCP 4.5, the maximum range is between 0.57 °C and 1.85 °C, and the minimum is between 0.51 °C to 1.98 °C. RCP 8.5 indicated the most significant increment in maximum temperature between 1.11°C and 4.34 °C and a minimum temperature between 1.34 °C and 5.26 °C for the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s. Range analysis showed that the increasing temperatures would lead to a contraction in the range size of most herbivores. According to the findings, 3 out of 15 species will lose more than half of their range by the 2030s, 5 out of 15 by the 2050s, and 4 out of 15 by the 2070s under RCP 2.6. According to the RCP 4.5 climate change scenario, three species would lose more than half of their range by 2030, and five will lose more than half by 2050 and 2070. Finally, based on the RCP 8.5 scenario, five species will lose 50% of their range in the 2030s, seven species in the 2050s, and xi ten species in the 2070s. The level of range loss varied by species, but it was most severe for water-dependent species such as buffalo, Thomson's gazelle, waterbuck, and wildebeest. The elephant, gerenuk, hartebeest, lesser kudu, and oryx, on the other hand, are anticipated to maintain the majority of their range in all RCP scenarios. Further investigation into the relationship between elephant population and rainfall revealed a robust linear relationship between the elephant population and OND's historical seasonal rainfall over 13 years. Under RCP 2.6 and 4.5, annual rainfall increased marginally, but RCP 8.5 indicated a significant rise. The Amboseli ecosystem's anticipated elephant population was influenced by rainfall fluctuation. The elephant population increased by 2455 and 2814 elephants in RCPs 2.6 and 4.5, respectively, whereas RCP 8.5 recorded an average of 3348 elephants. The community's perspectives were determined through a survey, key informant interviews, and stakeholder’s forums. The results show that there is a relationship between the modelled climate and the observations from the locals. Through participatory mapping, it is evident that changes in community livelihoods and human activities are blocking the corridors used by herbivores, further affecting their adaptation to the changing climate. Coupled with the projected range contractions, this scenario raises severe worries about the future of wildlife in Kenya's savannah. As a result, the wildlife sector must adopt climate policies and strategies that consider future climatic scenarios.

With increased competing demands of sustainable structures to support the United Nations sustainable development goals, new technologies are evolving for efficient design, manufacture and construction of civil and environmental engineering projects. Researchers have upscaled their effort to develop techniques that can monitor the performance of civil engineering structures within their service life for optimum return from investment. Reinforced concrete structures constitute a good percentage of components of civil engineering structures in water conveyancing structures. The service life of these structures affect sustainable systems including hydropower generation, water supply for consumption and for irrigation. Existing service life models of reinforced concrete structures are structure specific and each of them have inherent limitations resulting from the specific use. Most codes of practice define the design life of reinforced concrete water conveyancing structures as 50 years. The performance of a structure at any reference age within the service life of a structure should be able to be defined. Deterioration due to reinforcement corrosion affects the performance of reinforced concrete water structures and hence their service life. Because of the high investments involved and risk associated with water structures, there is need to create a service life model to predict their performance. The main objective of this research was to create a corrosion model to predict the service life of water conveyancing structures. To realize the main objective an accelerated corrosion experiment to monitor evolution and propagation of crack width to 0.2mm maximum. There was a variation of concrete characteristic strength and reinforcement cover. In order to extend the service life of reinforced concrete, corrosion inhibitors are often used. Corrosion inhibitors prevent corrosion or lowers the rate of corrosion. Test samples from four selected corrosion inhibitors; a calcium nitrite and vi nitrate based, a dimethylathanolamine based organic inhibitor and fly ash in combination with a selected brand of cement X, Y or Z were used. From the results, the rate of corrosion decreases with increase in concrete cover and strength. The results were used in derivation of a corrosion model for the service life of reinforced concrete water conveyancing structures. A corrosion model for prediction of the service of reinforced concrete water conveyancing structures was formulated by dividing the service life into the initiation period and propagation period. The initiation period was found by dividing the critical penetration depth by the rate of corrosion. Models for calculating the critical penetration depth were evaluated from which the Xu and Shayan model was selected as applicable for this work. A model for the propagation period was derived by calculating the period from corrosion initiation to appearance of 0.05mm crack and adding up to propagation of the crack width from 0.05mm to 0. 2mm.The results of the proposed corrosion propagation period model were compared with the experimental results and models of other researchers and found that it has a strong correlation with the laboratory output. From the experiments, it was noted that due to variation in chemical composition of cement, the choice of cement brand affects the rate of corrosion of steel embedded in concrete. It was also noted that all the selected corrosion inhibitors increased the bond strength of reinforced concrete. A corrosion current density model was formulated for corrosion propagation period. A corrosion model for prediction of the service life of reinforced concrete water conveyancing structures was proposed and compared with experimental work and models of other researchers. The proposed service life model compares well with the experimental work. Further research has been recommended to improve the model. Keywords: Corrosion, Hydropower, Service life model, Water conveyancing structures.

Export marketing strategies are considered to influence firm performance directly or indirectly if effectively managed. Export marketing strategies are developed and implemented by the organizations with the aim of increasing sales volumes and sales growth. Kakuzi Plc has faced performance challenges in the last two decades and this has mostly been caused by reducing prices and increased competition from foreign agricultural firms. This has also been mainly contributed by intense competitive environment created domestically and complemented by regional integration initiatives. The objective of the study was to establish the effect of export marketing strategies on performance of Kakuzi Plc. This study was based on two theories, internationalization process theory and internalization theory. The research adopted a case study approach and an interview guide was used for collection of data. Content analysis was used to analyze data which was qualitative in nature. The study established that Kakuzi Plc differentiates its products from its competitors in the market in terms of packaging. The finding revealed that the pricing strategies is used often include market-based pricing, marginal pricing and full cost pricing. Kakuzi Plc sells to retailers, who in turn have their own distribution retail store outlets that sell directly to the customers. Kakuzi Plc promotion strategy also include in store promotion/ activations. Export marketing strategy have really helped Kakuzi to enhance performance. Export marketing approaches had a positive impact on customer satisfaction. The study recommends that the management of Kakuzi Plc should keep experimenting with export marketing strategies since they complement each other and boost performance.

In western Kenya, soil nutrient depletion is one of the main problems that has led to declining crop yield. Agricultural intensification through the judicious application of fertilizers has been considered amongst mitigation options for these smallholder farming systems with an average land size of less than 3.0 ha. The blanket fertilizer recommendations used in this region, have led to poor response to the fertilizer applied and low nutrient use efficiency. These recommendations do not take into account the spatial variability occurring at the local level across the smallholder landscape. Furthermore, the methods used to diagnose soil nutrient constraints are inefficient, because they do not take into account the spatial extent to which the nutrient deficiencies occur. Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) technique and the Population-Based Farm Survey (PBFS) approach are promising strategies that can help address this problem though they have not been fully exploited for smallholder farming systems. The main objective of this study was to develop and test nutrient management strategies that could be used to improve fertilizer recommendation using the DSM technique and the PBFS approach. The approach was tested to provide site-specific nutrient diagnostics and provide management recommendations in heterogeneous smallholder farming systems. First, evaluation of Fertilizer Response (FR) – a response ratio, and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency (NAE) was conducted using fertilizer trial data. Meta-analysis technique was employed to identify key factors that influence FR and N-AE in smallholder farming systems. The results indicated soil, climate, and management factors could explain only small amounts (< 30 %) of variation in FR and N-AE. Soil pH, phosphorus (P), texture, and rainfall had significant (P <0.001), but low levels of power in explaining variation in FR and N-AE. This implied that strategies for refining the blanket fertilizer recommendations should include soil-based information, but soil testing needs to be accompanied by nutrient response trials. Secondly, the utility of using the DSM technique was explored, to determine the optimum scale of using digital soil maps, relevant to nutrient management for maize farming systems. A farm survey was conducted and data on soil properties; soil pH, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), xiv Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg), Grain Yield (GY) and Plant Biovolume (BV) were collected. Data on the soil properties and crop responses (GY and BV) were analyzed using Step-wise Multiple Linear Regression (SMLR) analysis and geostatistical techniques. The results showed high variability in GY, with 32 % of the observed variation being accounted for by the underlying soil properties. SOC was identified as the key driver of crop response to fertilizer application in the study area. Moderate spatial dependencies for SOC with an effective distance of 523 m were observed. The lower nugget value (0.0542) was indicative of short-distance spatial variability in soil properties. A threshold scale of 250 m was proposed, below which, local growing conditions within the study area were captured, implying that a soil nutrients map with a resolution < 250 m would capture the local variability. Lastly, a sampling approach on a population-based survey of smallholder maize fields was tested to diagnose soil nutrient constraints rather than the conventional agronomic trials. Soil test values were established using Cate-Nelson Analysis (1978) for NPK, which were used to define cases on nutrient constraints. In these study, three aspects are considered; evaluation of FR and N-AE to guide nutrient management strategies, the use of DSM techniques to provide fertilizer recommendations at a refined spatial scale, and utility of PBFS for diagnosis of nutrient limitations in smallholder farming systems. The main finding of the study includes: (i) FR and N-AE were highly variable in smallholder maize fields of western Kenya, (ii) SOC was the key soil factor that captured local spatial variability on farms. Thus, 250 m was the optimum soil sampling distance for nutrient management based on the spatial range of SOC. This study demonstrated that soil nutrient maps are useful tools, which can be implemented in strategies aimed at a refined fertilizer recommendation across SSA. The utility of DSM and the new PBFS approach has the potential for providing site-specific diagnostics to guide nutrient management decisions. Successfully developing such an integrated soil-based diagnostic system is warranted, and the wider application will be instrumental for refining fertilizer recommendation across maize smallholder agroecosystem systems.

University of Nairobi is the oldest and best performing University in Kenya. University of Nairobi and other universities in Kenya in general have been facing issues to do with staff turnover intentions. The Public Universities Inspection Board determined that each year the most competent academic personnel from public universities leave abroad. Because of the financial constraints facing the universities, it is quite difficult for them to replace departing staffs. In most cases, universities have observed that graduates sent overseas for training prefer to stay abroad or enter the private sector or leave soon after their return. The objective of this research was to establish the factors influencing employee turnover intentions among teaching staff at the University of Nairobi. The study was based on Herzberg two factor theory and social exchange theory. The research design that was applied in this research was descriptive research design. In this research, the 2220 UON teaching staff formed the population of the research. In this study stratified random sampling was used. The sample size for this research was determined via the formulae suggested by Yamane to give 339 respondents that was used as the sample size for the current study. Primary data was needed and therefore a questionnaire was utilized in collecting the data from the respondent. The questionnaire was composed of close ended questions. Data analysis was achieved through use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software Version 24. The regression coefficients result showed that employee compensation relates negatively and statistically significant with employee turnover intentions (β=0.131 p=0.000); career development relates negatively and statistically significant with employee turnover intentions (β=-0.088 p=0.003); achievement relates negatively and statistically significant with employee turnover intentions (β=-0.126 p=0.001); job responsibility relates negatively and statistically significant with employee turnover intentions (β=-0.123 p=0.000) and recognition relates negatively and statistically significant with employee turnover intentions (β=-0.113 p=0.007). The research recommends that human resource managers at the University of Nairobi, and by extension human resource managers of other organizations, can employ these factors in trying to minimize employee turnover intention. They should incorporate the study findings in formulation of policies and further on how to implement their strategies successfully and on how they could plan to reduce challenges facing it to enable evaluation of the outcomes in a meaningful way.

Good health is essential in ensuring the well-being of people yet, financial access to health care remains a challenge in developing countries. Members of poor households, informal sector workers and rural dwellers feel this strain more due to low insurance coverage. This has caused many individuals to forego seeking treatment, delay seeking treatment or end up becoming impoverished due to high health expenses. Microinsurance has proven to offer financial protection to its beneficiaries and has contributed to the reduction of incidences of OOP expenses. Over the years, the mode of delivery of microinsurance to low-income earners has evolved and now insurers are moving towards digitizing processes by leveraging on mobile phone technology and digital financial platforms. This has enhanced affordability of microinsurance products, made processes more efficient and proven to be convenient. This study sought to analyse how digital health microinsurance is facilitating access to health care using the case of Hospital Cash in Embu County. To achieve this, the study sought to: identify the characteristics of uptakers of Hospital Cash in Embu County; to determine how leveraging on digital technology has enabled Hospital Cash to promote uptake of health microinsurance in Embu County and to establish how Hospital Cash facilitates payment for healthcare services for uptakers in Embu County. The study employed the financial capability theory to understand the importance of the availability of financial services and innovations to choose from and financial knowledge in making improved financial decisions such as taking up health microinsurance, as a form of financial protection against health care expenses. The PACE client value assessment tool was also used to assess the increased individual value clients get from the digitization of microinsurance products which promotes enrollment. Primary data for the study was collected via telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview guide that enabled capturing of both qualitative and quantitative data. Data was collected from 42 individuals who have received a processed claim from the organization using a census approach and from 9 Key Informants who were purposively sampled based on their knowledge and experience in health microinsurance bringing the total number of respondents to 51. The study established that the product; has penetrated a large geographical area and has been able to majorly cover and facilitate access to healthcare to low income earning individuals majority who are women. Financial literacy, awareness and training on the product have significantly contributed to enrollment and digitization has increased efficiency and enabled the organization to avail the product at a rate that is affordable to low income earners. The payout received has enabled the beneficiaries to reduce incidences of OOP expenses and has offered a faster and more convenient mode of settling health expenses via mobile money. Recommendations are made on different areas the product can be improved on based on feedback from the respondents and generally on the viability of adopting digital health financing as a mode of promoting UHC particularly for low income earners.

This research investigated the Contribution of Faith Based Activities in rehabilitation of offenders: Case of Rwanda prison fellowship - Musanze Prison. Generally, it focused on identifying the different offender rehabilitation faith based programs conducted in Musanze Prison, their opportunities, and influence to the rehabilitation of offenders in Musanze Prison. Similarly, this study used a qualitative design and was conducted on a sample of 85 respondents selected by using purposive sampling methods from a population composed of 722 inmates currently attending different Faith Based rehabilitation activities. The findings of this research have revealed the faith based offender rehabilitation programs delivered in Musanze Prison focus on cognitive rehabilitation programs and welfare programs. The cognitive programs include the counseling and psychotherapy, biblical teaching, socio-healing and reintegration, and peace and reconciliation, while the welfare programs focus on providing basic needs such as food stuff and other equipments. These programs contributed greatly to the rehabilitation of offenders mainly through individual wound healing, the reconciliation with the God, development of a sense of self discipline, development of the good relationship with other prisoners; shaping the capability of love, help and solidarity among prisoners, creating and strengthening the ability to apology and forgiveness, and strengthening the unity and reconciliation between genocide perpetrators and genocide survivors, and the survival of prisoners. However, the study findings disclosed some limitations challenging for the smooth running of faith based offender rehabilitation programs. These include mainly the ineffective integration of all prisoners in PFR programs due to its methodological approach centered on Christianity doctrine and principles indirectly marginalizing offenders not believing in Christianity religion. Other challenges include ineffective running of the rehabilitation programs related to the welfare due to budget constraints; prisoners‟ lower level of awareness of rehabilitation programs. and Ineffectiveness running and follow up of the rehabilitation programs due to the volunteerism nature of Faith Based rehabilitation programs leading staff to feel unmotivated to work Considering the research findings, three main recommendations were suggested to: adopt an integrating framework involving all the prisoners in their respective religious sects, look for financial support from the different partners that can support welfare programs and staff incentives, organize awareness campaigns encouraging prisoners to join prison fellowship programs, and put in place the follow-up mechanisms of rehabilitation programs delivered in prisons.