The objective of the study was to determine the various challenges faced by Kenyatta University in implementing its competitive strategies. A case study approach was used to have an in-depth on the challenges faced by the University in the process of implementing its competitive strategies. Primary and secondary data were used. The respondents were drawn from the top level management who are involved on corporate strategic management issues. Interview guide was used to collect primary data from the correspondents. The results of the study indicated that there were several challenges facing Kenyatta University in its bid to implement its competitive strategies. The findings of the study indicate that Kenyatta University is on track in implementing its strategies. This has been made possible through having staff who are committed, having annual plans, sound leadership, supportive organization structure, supportive systems and procedure, and resources/budget allocation. However, the shortcomings came from lack of training for staff and inadequate communication in the organization. The findings of the study should be understood in light of the limitations of the study. This study is helpful to Kenyatta University as they engage in monitoring and evaluation of the already implemented strategies on a yearly basis and plan towards implementing those that have not been implemented. The study should also be useful to other universities to gauge their challenges they face in implementing their competitive strategies.

For many years, pest management has been a big problem in Africa, especially in Uganda. Pest proliferation has been exacerbated by climate change. With temperature rise, change in rainfall patterns, and change in humidity and windspeed patterns, the pest's metabolism is modified, increasing their proliferation and resistance to pesticides. Farmers in Uganda for a long time have been using agrochemical products for pest management which are not environmentally friendly. The study was conducted in Mbale and Namutumba, among Uganda's tomato-growing districts. Some of the invasive insect pests recorded during the study were Tuta absoluta, spider mite, thrips, aphids, and American bollworms. This study's general objective was to assess tomato production's climate resilience using climate-smart pest management technologies. The three study's specific objectives were, respectively, to determine climate change trends and effects on tomato invasive insect pests; identify opportunities and challenges associated with Climate Smart Pest Management (CSPM) technologies, and assess the perception of smallholder farmers on the role of digital tools in the implementation of CSPM. The study used a mixed research design. The study utilized temperature, rainfall, humidity, windspeed data (1981-2020), and household surveys (N=410). Trend analysis, Mann-Kendall test, Pearson's correlation, and Generalized Linear Model (GLM-quasi-Poisson) were used for data analysis for the first objective while Factor Analysis, percentages, means, and frequencies were used for the second objectives data analysis. For the third objective, expect the percentages, regression analysis was used during data analysis. The data shows that the climate has changed in Mbale and Namutumba, and temperature, rainfall, humidity, and windspeed have contributed to the increase of invasive insect pest occurrence in the districts. The results showed an increasing annual temperature trend in Kampala and Namutumba and some abnormalities in Mbale over the last 40 years by 0.04oC. The rainfall increased significantly in Kampala (0.24 mm/year) and Mbale (0.0011mm/year), with a significant decrease in the humidity in Kampala and Namutumba with an increased rate of 0.05 m s−1 and 0.003 m s−1, in Kampala and Namutumba during the study period. Though there was a shifting in humidity pattern in the three districts, the study revealed in Mbale and Namutumba, humidity has decreased with an increase in pests. The concurrent variations in all the variables are likely to have a low effect on the pest occurrence (p= 0.054). This change has affected the tomato farmers in Mbale and Namutumba who turned to CSPM technologies. The study found that CSPM technologies have contributed to the adaptation of climate change effects on tomato production, such as reducing chemical use, decreasing pest density in their farms, and improving crop yield while lowering the environmental pollution. At the same time, our study noticed some key challenges/barriers to the upscaling of CSPM by farmers, such as cultural beliefs, lack of strong publicity from the national government, and lack of good infrastructure like roads and good markets. The results conclude there is a need for providing digital tools to farmers to help sensitise the importance of CSPM technologies and their dissemination and upscale. The study recommends that policies emphasise strengthening the agricultural extension services and supporting the dissemination of CSPM technologies. Capacity enhancement and availability of digital tools and access to agricultural information tailored to the needs of farmers are needed for upscaling CSPM technologies practices.

Distance Education is not a new concept. In the late 1800s, at the University of Chicago, the first major correspondence program in the United States was established in which the teacher and learner were at different locations. Before that time, particularly in preindustrial Europe, education had been available primarily to males in higher levels of society. The most effective form of instruction in those days was to bring students together in one place and one time to learn from one of the masters. That form of traditional education remains the main model today. The early efforts of educators like William Rainey Harper in 1890 to establish alternatives were laughed at. The field of distance education has changed dramatically in the last decade. Distance education, structured learning in which the student and instructor are separated by place, and sometimes by time, is currently the fastest growing form of domestic and international education. What was once considered a special form of education using nontraditional delivery systems is now becoming an important concept in mainstream education. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors that influence enrolment into distance education program at the University of Nairobi’s Bachelor of Science Education degree. The study focused on how cost of the program, quality of the program, flexibility of the program and learners expectations influence the decision of students to enroll in distance learning education undergraduate program at the University of Nairobi. The study employed descriptive research design and used questionnaires. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The study established that the fees charged for the B.Ed (Science) program, coupled with the flexible mode of payment and inclusion of learning materials in the overall fees have made the cost affordable. The quality of the program, its flexibility that made it possible for the students to combine study and work, and the availability of various learner support services have all influenced the students to choose this particular program among many that are available in the country. The students’ expectations after the acquisition of the degree that included promotion, higher pay and the prestige associated with such an achievement also influenced the decision to enroll into the Bachelor of Education (Science) degree by distance mode at the University of Nairobi. The students are certain on the quality of programs they aspire for as the study found and this expectation should be sustained by the university management. The TSC and The Ministry of Higher education should encourage their employees to benefit from the program by offering incentives such as the limited study leave that the students may require and also recognition of the achievement through promotion, higher pay among others. The current study focused on The University of Nairobi, further research is needed in other universities in the country. Furthermore other programs apart from B. Ed science could also be investigated. A study to investigate how the students finance their studies is also necessary.

Quality of institutional management is arguably a major determinant of organizational performance. The role of managers and the activities and tasks they perform as aided by the organizational structure could lead to the effective and efficient implementation of organizational objectives and goals. This study was undertaken to establish the perception of university managers on the influence of organizational structure on the quality of institutional management of universities in Kenya. The study applied a descriptive research survey design which was deemed to be appropriate since the researcher was investigating characteristics in a population in order to obtain opinion regarding a situation or a phenomenon. There was a population of 705 university managers in the public and private universities.

For many years, pest management has been a big problem in Africa, especially in Uganda. Pest proliferation has been exacerbated by climate change. With temperature rise, change in rainfall patterns, and change in humidity and windspeed patterns, the pest's metabolism is modified, increasing their proliferation and resistance to pesticides. Farmers in Uganda for a long time have been using agrochemical products for pest management which are not environmentally friendly. The study was conducted in Mbale and Namutumba, among Uganda's tomato-growing districts. Some of the invasive insect pests recorded during the study were Tuta absoluta, spider mite, thrips, aphids, and American bollworms. This study's general objective was to assess tomato production's climate resilience using climate-smart pest management technologies. The three study's specific objectives were, respectively, to determine climate change trends and effects on tomato invasive insect pests; identify opportunities and challenges associated with Climate Smart Pest Management (CSPM) technologies, and assess the perception of smallholder farmers on the role of digital tools in the implementation of CSPM. The study used a mixed research design. The study utilized temperature, rainfall, humidity, windspeed data (1981-2020), and household surveys (N=410). Trend analysis, Mann-Kendall test, Pearson's correlation, and Generalized Linear Model (GLM-quasi-Poisson) were used for data analysis for the first objective while Factor Analysis, percentages, means, and frequencies were used for the second objectives data analysis. For the third objective, expect the percentages, regression analysis was used during data analysis. The data shows that the climate has changed in Mbale and Namutumba, and temperature, rainfall, humidity, and windspeed have contributed to the increase of invasive insect pest occurrence in the districts. The results showed an increasing annual temperature trend in Kampala and Namutumba and some abnormalities in Mbale over the last 40 years by 0.04oC. The rainfall increased significantly in Kampala (0.24 mm/year) and Mbale (0.0011mm/year), with a significant decrease in the humidity in Kampala and Namutumba with an increased rate of 0.05 m s−1 and 0.003 m s−1, in Kampala and Namutumba during the study period. Though there was a shifting in humidity pattern in the three districts, the study revealed in Mbale and Namutumba, humidity has decreased with an increase in pests. The concurrent variations in all the variables are likely to have a low effect on the pest occurrence (p= 0.054). This change has affected the tomato farmers in Mbale and Namutumba who turned to CSPM technologies. The study found that CSPM technologies have contributed to the adaptation of climate change effects on tomato production, such as reducing chemical use, decreasing pest density in their farms, and improving crop yield while lowering the environmental pollution. At the same time, our study noticed some key challenges/barriers to the upscaling of CSPM by farmers, such as cultural beliefs, lack of strong publicity from the national government, and lack of good infrastructure like roads and good markets. The results conclude there is a need for providing digital tools to farmers to help sensitise the importance of CSPM technologies and their dissemination and upscale. The study recommends that policies emphasise strengthening the agricultural extension services and supporting the dissemination of CSPM technologies. Capacity enhancement and availability of digital tools and access to agricultural information tailored to the needs of farmers are needed for upscaling CSPM technologies practices.

In Blind Source Separation (BSS) the challenge is to recover the source signals from the observed mixed signals. Blindness means that neither the sources nor the mixing system are known. Separation can be based on the theoretically limiting but practically feasible assumption that the sources are statistically independent. The statistical independence of source signals assumption connects BSS and Independent Component Analysis (ICA). The main aim of this research is to solve the separation problem for source signals and mixing system that are not known by comparing two activation functions. The research uses the Natural Gradient Algorithm (NGA) to separate pairs of sub-Gaussian (music), super-Gaussian (speech) and sub-superGaussian mixed signals into their original components using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) assumption of statistical independence of the source signals. Two activation functions are used within the NGA for each of the pairs before separation comparison is made. The NGA is formulated using instantaneous Blind Signal Processing where time delay is not factored in the computation of the independent signals. The design uses a 2 x 2 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system to accept the pairs of blind audio signals, mix them and separate them to retain their original form or their filtered version. The Fibonacci activation function and the Sigmoid activation functions are used in iterating the coefficients of the NGA up to a hundred iterations where convergence is realized. Comparing the output (estimated) to the input signals is by waveforms, frequency spectra, and the measure of the Magnitude-Squared Coherence. The results show that the NGA algorithm with Fibonacci and Sigmoid

In 1945, at the height of the Second World War, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. The aim was to establish a post war order that would secure the peace, advance global prosperity, alleviate poverty and unemployment, and promote human rights worldwide. These were lofty goals. The UN provides a unique platform for international action. It offers unparalleled legitimacy for global engagement, owing to its universal membership; its inclusive decision-making processes; its unequalled reach; and its ability to provide critical services that are essential to international peace, security, stability and prosperity. However the world of today is not the world of 1945 and since the late 1990s there have been many calls for reform of the United Nations (UN) since an assessment of the UN’s performance returns a mixed record. It is only just beginning to implement effective global social and economic policies, and its development strategies are under attack from many quarters. It is widely regarded as bureaucratically unwieldy, unnecessarily expensive, and weakened by poor personnel recruitment. Both those who want the UN to play a greater role in world affairs and those who want its role confined to humanitarian work or otherwise reduced, use the term "UN reform" to refer to their ideas. The range of opinion extends from those who want to eliminate the UN entirely, to those who want to make it into a full-fledged world government. This study looked at the purpose of the UN, its structure and whether it has lived up to its mandate/agenda. The problem this study seeks to address stems from the fact that there is little clarity or consensus about what reform might mean in practice since the range of opinion extends from making it a world government or eliminating the UN in total. This study will therefore seek to identify and document the areas that need reform and the nature of reforms required. In chapter two the study anchors its arguments on the liberalism theory of international relations. Chapter three provides a case study of the Change Management Team (CMT) led by Atul Khare which was appointed by SG Ban Ki-moon tasked with guiding the implementation of a reform agenda at the UN that starts with the devising of a wide-ranging plan to streamline activities, increase accountability and ensure the organization is more effective and efficient in delivering its many mandates. Chapter four details new issues that emerged in the course of the study: for instance before the CMT was formed there have been other attempts at reform and some have sailed through but there are obstacles among them is finding common ground among the disparate definitions of reform held by various stakeholders. The global community has no common definition of U.N. reform and, as a result, there is often debate among some over the scope, appropriateness, and effectiveness of past and current reform initiatives. There also exists fundamental differences that exist between developed and developing countries which makes reform a herculean task as reform requires cooperation amongst all member states. Chapter five outlines key findings and recommends areas for further research and issues that should inform any change efforts. The study employs a qualitative approach. Qualitative methods facilitate new perspectives on things about which much is known or to gain also more in-depth information that may be difficult to convey quantitatively It is expected that this study will contribute to the growing academic discourse on UN reform. The issue of reform in academic circles still requires clarity as to what aspects of the UN require reform and why this reform should be instituted in the first place. This study will therefore seek to enrich this academic area by examining the various aspects of UN reform.

Kenya’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act has been hailed as one of the most critical legislations and indeed one of the few landmark achievements of the ninth parliament and indeed of the NARC Government. Increasingly, however, concerns about the utilization of funds under this program are emerging. Most of them revolve around issues of allocative efficiency, rampant abuse and mismanagement in CDF operations, which has given rise to an increasing number of complaints from the public. However, while majority of CDF Committees countrywide are embroiled in acrimony and even legal battles, a few enjoy appreciation from their constituents and have even been recognized by various stakeholders for best management practices. These Committees have had excellent performances in the management of the funds towards the achievement of the intended purpose and as such have been able to attain real economic and resources decentralization. The question therefore is why some Constituencies are doing well in managing CDF. The specific objective of the study was to assess the extent to which achievement of CDF objectives has been a success factor in the management of CDF in Gatanga Constituency, one of those that have been rated among the successful ones in the management of CDF. The study, which took place between June, 15 and July 31, 2009 adopted a cross sectional survey to meet its objectives. The population of interest was the various stakeholders in the CDF activities and the data collected was analysed using descriptive and correlation types of data analysis. The study noted that Constituents generally felt that if CDF was well managed, it would change the face of the country in terms of providing social infrastructure. The study also revealed that though majority of the constituents were generally satisfied with CDF management since it was established in the year 2004. However, management needs improvement in terms of both the projects and resources. Planning, organizing, compositions of CDF committees also require major improvement to bring about more successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. The CDF’s National Management Committee (NMC) and Ministry of Finance should also ensure committee compliance to laid out procedures for project selection. It is hoped that the findings of this study will inform national policy dialogues and reforms in the CDF management.

Cassava (Manihot escutenta, Crantz), is one of the high yielding, disease and drought resistant crop that can be used as an alternative to maize in Kenya. The leaves are highly nutritious and serve as an alternative to green leafy vegetables. However, cassava leaves production, consumption and processing has been low due to the lack of a well-structured cassava value chain and standard postharvest handling practices. Additionally, the high content of anti-nutrients discourages consumption at household. This study sought to evaluate the harvesting and postharvest practices, microbial and chemical profile of fermented cassava leaves from selected Kenyan coastal varieties. A total of 247 respondents were nominated from the two counties 120 and 127 respondents in Kilifi and Taita Taveta respectively. A completely randomized experimental design was used for chemical and microbial analysis. Almost all respondents (99.6%) grew cassava for food and Kibanda meno was the most preferred variety. In both counties, farmers harvested few leaves or piecemeal by handpicking and most commonly in the morning hours. Additionally, cassava value addition was limited to drying (82.6%) and fermentation (4.1%). The respondents (65.2%) preserved cassava for a maximum of 15 days. Fermentation followed by oven-drying and sun-drying significantly (p<0.001) reduced the tannins, oxalates and cyanide to recommended levels. The sensory scores of the fermented leaves averaged at 5 points on a sevenpoint hedonic scale stating, that they were likeable in comparison to the non-fermented samples. The results also indicated that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were the predominant microorganisms in cassava leaves fermentation. The mean log CFU of yeasts and molds, LAB and coliforms were 6.96, 7.99 and 8.70 respectively. Leaf position and cassava leaves variety significantly (p<0.001) influenced microbial load during fermentation. Since LAB is the predominant microorganism in cassava leaves fermentation there is need for isolation of its pure cultures. This study concludes that fermentation reduces the anti-nutrient content in cassava leaves making it safe for consumption thus should be adopted for value addition of cassava leaves.

A company has competitive advantage whenever it has an edge over its rivals in securing customers and defending against competitive forces. Firms respond to competition in different ways. Some may opt to move into product improvement, some into divestiture and diversification, while others enter into new markets and others merge or buy out competitors. The non-profit organizations in Kenya are under increasing pressure to meet their organizational objectives and goals. This is not easily attainable without a good sense of the competitive strategies that can be practically applied to mitigate against financial challenges and cut throat competition for resources that make self-reliance a mirage to many. The problem escalates when the donors to the NGOs prefer to fund specific humanitarian emergencies such as food insecurity, health care or outbreak of such other natural calamities. Our study focused on investigating competitive strategies adopted by governance Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi Kenya. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Descriptive cross-sectional survey is a comprehensive design that enables large and diverse amounts of data to be collected within a short time frame and analysed quantitatively, giving a credible presentation of results. The research was conducted on a sample of 35 respondents from different NonGovernmental Organizations to which questionnaires were administered. The findings show that the main competitive strategies adopted by the Governance Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi include quality of services offered, lead time is necessary, costs and flexibility. some factors that influence choice of competitive strategy include; changing donor funding patterns; quest to remain relevant; quest for sustainability; limited financial resources. The study recommends that NGOS should focus on clients’ since this can lead to the adoption of different approaches to various actors in the NGO environment. It is a signal towards their target audience, their beneficiaries, and their donors.