The continent of Africa is endowed with natural capital and its sustainable development is dependent on the capacity to efficiently and sustainably manage the natural resources especially water, land and forests for the benefit of its population. A mountain forest plays an irreplaceable role in water catchment, in the retention and release of water in the hydrological cycle. The highland itself causes clouds to form, which drop their moisture in the form of rain or mist. A mountain forest with its numerous plant species absorbs and retains far more water than farmland or any other form of vegetation. Natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, rivers and lakes provide a wide range of goods and services to society including food, water, energy and recreation and can therefore they should be considered as life insurance assets. Mau water catchment is a fragile ecosystem whose dynamics have been subjected to human interferences. The purpose of this study was to determine the cover changes within the Njoro catchment from 1986 to 2016 and thereafter propose necessary strategies and mitigations to prioritize interventions to check on further degradation. Desk top literature and Landsat images of 1986, 2006 and 2016 were used to analyse and determine the extent of changes in forest cover over the period of 30 years. The results obtained from the Landsat images showed the area under forest in 1995 was approximately 10,383 Ha which reduced over time to 6,653 Ha in 2016. In conclusion, the variability in forest cover is thought to be dependent on other catchment factors like soil type, slope and climate variability consequently therefore there is need to evaluate and manage land cover and land use changes for sustainable development of Njoro sub catchment of Mau towers

Mainstreaming gender equity in participatory fish-farming is important in the attainment of protein food security, reducing poverty and improving food security in Kisii County. There are various permanent rivers in Kisii County, but fish farming was not commonly practiced as the alternative source of the traditional protein food. People depended on fishing from the common water bodies accessible from their neighborhood, which was limited. The study was based on the problem whose statement was that women and the poor people lacked an enabling environment for participatory fish-farming toward protein-food security and sustainable community development in Kisii County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: 1. Assess gender dynamic-issues in participatory fish-farming toward food security and sustainable community development in Kisii County; 2). Examine ways of building women’s capacity to strengthen participatory fish farming in Kisii County; and 3). Explore ways to increase monitoring, evaluation and responsiveness in gender-based participatory fish farming in Kisii County. Literature relating to gender equality and community capacity building for participatory fish farming was reviewed. The study used descriptive survey method, and used purposive cluster sampling method to select 160 respondents out of the population of the study. The study findings revealed that fish farming as an alternative source of protein food has the potential of safeguarding food security in the face of climate change challenges. But fish farming was administered under the public department of fisheries, and the method used was mostly top-down approach of disseminating information for improved fish farming. Therefore, there was room to promote gender-based participatory fish farming toward food security and sustainable development in Kisii County. The study recommended that the leaders need to develop and implement a policy guide to promote participatory fish farming, including participation of women and poor household members in decision making, management and improvement of fish farming. Women and the vulnerable members of the society also need to be ready and willing to be empowered to participate in fish farming as alternative source of protein food.

Every year millions of tons of agricultural wastes are generated which are either destroyed or burnt inefficiently in loose form causing air pollution. These wastes can be recycled and can provide a renewable source of energy by converting biomass waste into highly useful fuel briquettes. This recycled fuel is beneficial for the environment as it conserves natural resources. Today, renewable energy source of power generation has become very promising. The study aimed at determining the burning rate and flame colour of briquettes using varying quantities of binding materials on Gmelina arborea sawdust. Treatments were: T1 100g G. aborea+25% starch+100ml of water) T2 (100g G. aborea+50% starch+100ml of water), T3 (100g G. aborea+75% starch+100ml of water and T4 (100g G. aborea+100% starch+100ml of water). The parameters considered were: the average time taken for each treatment to fully ignite, the time taken for each treatment to burn into Ash, the flame color produced by each treatment and the smoke colour produced by each treatment. From the analysis of the treatment, it was observed that a progressive increase in starch level from T1 to T4 resulted to increase in fully ignition time and decrease in time taken to burn to ash. Considering the flame colour and the smoke produced, there was a gradual change in smoke colour from T1 to T4, no difference in their flame colour, they all produced yellow flame. The result also showed that T1 (100g G. aborea+25%starch+100ml of water) has highest time taken to burn to ash (42mins), caught fire quickly and burnt with a little white smoke. This indicates that there is no need to increase the concentration of starch above 25%. It is therefore recommended that 25% starch level should be used for briquettes production using sawdust of Gmelina arborea

Financial management strategies are crucial determinants of sustainability of table banking groups. It enables groups set clear goals, efficient utilization of resources, proper decisions in sourcing of finances and dividends decision making. The main purpose of this study therefore was to establish the relationship between saving strategies on sustainability of table banking groups was assessed. The study was founded on institution theory of asset accumulation. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population were all table bank groups in Kenya. The accessible population was 538 registered table bank groups in Uasin Gishu County. A sample of 230 groups was involved in the study. Two stage sampling technique was used to narrow down the sub-counties. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 3 sub-counties out of six sub-counties in Uasin Gishu County. Simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents for the actual study. A pilot study was conducted in order to test the validity and reliability of the research questionnaire. Content validity was used as a validity test while reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistical tools included frequencies, percentages, mean, variance and standard deviations. Inferential statistics included Pearsons Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings were presented in tables and graphs. The study found out that savings strategies positively and significantly influence sustainability of table banking groups (ß=0.163; p < 0.05. The findings of this study are expected to be employed by table banking groups to ensure business success, hence promoting sustainability and economic development. The study recommended that risk management strategies should be incorporated in financial management strategies. It was also recommended that theories anchored this study should be applied so as to enhance sustainability.

Project appraisal analyzes whether a project is worthy in the light of its costs in terms of resource commitments and the projects’ expected benefits. Appraisal is a key element in the decision to assist in deciding as to whether or not to proceed with a project. This study examined the effects of project appraisal on the sustainability of small enterprises in Eldoret Town. The study was based on the Agency Theory with the population consisting of over 400 respondents from Langas Estate. Stratified and simple random technique was used to select a sample of one hundred and twenty nine (129) respondents. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a regression analysis was done on the variables. Findings were presented in frequency tables and percentages. The multiple regressions between variables showed that there was an inverse relationship between sustainability of small enterprises and project appraisal. Project appraisal had a P value greater than 0.05 level of significance (P>0.05). Results on hypothesis testing also revealed that, there was no significant relationship between project appraisal and sustainability since the P value was (0.338) and was greater than 0.05, (P>0.05). The study concluded that project appraisal by microfinance institutions was not satisfactory. The projects were locked out of financing options simply because they were not convincing in terms of their profitability. Entrepreneurs were therefore denied the chance to expand and grow their businesses. Finally because entrepreneurs are risk takers they should not fear possibilities of projects crumbling but be ready always to invest in any business idea after their project appraisal.

Performance is an important factor that enables organizations to gain insight and understanding from its own experience and procedures. However, for effective implementation of strategic policies in organizations, it is crucial organization to identify and understand the key factors that influenced the success of strategic implementation initiative as these may have profound influence on the organization performance. The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of strategy articulation on public service performance in County Government of North Rift Region, Kenya. The study was supported by Institutional theory. This research was carried out through a descriptive survey method. The target population for the study was the employees of the County Governments of the North Rift Region, Kenya which was approximately 960 respondents. The North rift region counties include Turkana, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Samburu, Laikipia and Baringo County. The sample size of this study was drawn using Krejcie & Morgan, 1970 formula which gave a sample size of 274 respondents. The researcher used questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. In order to ascertain validity and reliability of the research instruments, the researcher piloted research instruments in County Government of Nakuru, which was not be part of the target population of this study. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Both descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. In descriptive statistics, means, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages was used. While in inferential statistics, regression model was employed. Data was presented using frequency tables. Findings indicated that strategy communication ß=0.389, p=0.000<0.05 was predictor variable for strategy implementation practices on public service performance of County Governments in North Rift Region, Kenya. The study recommends to the county ministry through the chief executive officers to ensure that there is a good strategic articulation over the implementation practices because this enhanced improvement of public service performance

Firm performance is an organization’s ability to meet its goals given the limited resources within its disposal. Most producing firms in Kenya rely on importation of raw materials machinery, spare components, and typically specialized labor. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to find out the effect of supply route planning on performance of supply chain management of Dola Manufacturers. This study adopted theory of constraints, game theory and survival-based theory. This study adopted descriptive research design. The target population for this study was 155 employees from Dola Manufacturer Company. Sample size for this was obtained using Israel formulae to get a sample size of 111 respondents. Simple random sampling was used to collect data from 111 respondents in Dola Manufacturer Company. The study used questionnaire as its main data collection tool. Pilot study was used to ascertain validity and reliability of the research instruments; the researcher piloted research instruments in Unga limited Eldoret. The study employed the use of a content validation measure. Quantitative data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics to generate percentages, means, standard deviations, frequencies and inferential statistics using correlation and regression model. Charts and tables were used to present the data collected for ease of understanding and analysis. The study findings route delivery speed has a positive and statistically significant effect on firm performance of Eldoret Dola Manufacturers (ß=0.489; p<0.05). The study findings will help the managers of the company in planning the route on distribution of the products so as to compete favorably in the market. The findings were significant in such that other cereal milers companies might share the information from the study which is useful in leading the management team in the strategic planning. Researchers benefited from the study since the study results and the findings serves as the literature for the future scholars

Contract management practice is a vital aspect in any organization that intends to gain a competitive advantage and value for money. In public organizations, every year a major portion of budget allocation is given for procurement of goods and services for various kinds of projects to be done. The study focused on the effect of monitoring intensity on procurement performance of public organizations in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The study was guided by relational contract theory and principal-agent theory. It adopted a descriptive study design utilizing questionnaires as the primary data collection tool. The staff from finance and procurement departments in the County government formed the study’s unit of analysis. The sample for the study was procurement officers and finance officers. It also adopted census sampling on all the target respondents. A pilot study was done in Uasin Gishu County Government. The computer programme Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 aided in data analysis. Data was analyzed using Quantitative data analysis with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages, means and cross tabulation will be used while multiple regressions will be used to test the hypothesis. Presentation of finding done using questionnaires which was coded, organized, analyzed and presented using frequency tables, and percentages. The study found that the organization was able to practice monitoring intensity with the view to enhance procurement performance. The results established a positive but weak correlation between the variables (P= 0.288, r=.057). The strength of association was weak. The study concluded that monitoring intensity was a factor that influences procurement performance in organizations. However it was noted that other factors were needed to support this practice. It was recommended that contractors should be allocated with the right amount of resources to complete the projects assigned to them.

In most of the construction projects, there is always an element of running into delays in project completion time, costs overruns from variations and associated time overruns, lack of satisfying client requirements, clashes on site during construction – just to mention a few. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being used to solve most of these challenges that pose such risks to a project. The study looked the effect of scheduling on performance of project constructions in Uasin Gishu County. The study targeted a population of 197 respondents who constitute of Technical staff and Non - technical staff. The study used census research design. Questionnaires were used to collect information from respondents. In order to ascertain reliability of the research instruments, the researcher piloted the instruments by distributing 30 questionnaires to respondents from Uasin Gishu County Government selected randomly from the various sections, which were not be part of the county to be sampled for this study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentages, means, standard deviation and frequency distribution. Inferential statistics used was correlation and linear regression. The study found out that there was a significant and positive effect of project scheduling on construction projects performance Uasin Gishu County Government (ß=0.198; p<0.05). The study concluded that proper project scheduling leads to an increased project performance risk management plays an important role in project management because without it project managers cannot define their objectives for future and project monitoring plays a vital role in project manager’s decision making processes since it helps project managers and their teams to foresee potential risks and obstacles that if left unaddressed could derail the project. The study recommends that the County Government should continue with good practices of ensuring resources are allocated with good practices of ensuring resources are allocated to projects from interception until closure.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of instructional plan delivery strategy on student learning in county secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County. This study utilized the teacher behavior continuum theory as espoused by Wolfgang and Glickman. The study was done in 21 county secondary schools. The study targeted 21 principals, 390 teachers and 8400 students in all the County Secondary schools in Uasin Gishu. All the 21 principals of the county schools were purposively included in the study. Simple random sampling was used to select 30 % (117) of the teachers in the schools where the study was done. Simple random sampling was used to select 205 students in the selected county secondary schools. The researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules to gather the relevant information under the area of the study. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings indicated that teachers try to prepare lesson plans that cater for all the different needs of the students and that time distribution in lesson plan was done such that all the planned activities were delivered in class as planned. Further, the study established that less than half of the teachers were familiar with dramatization, schemes of work and demonstrations. The study established that, with the p value of 0.004, F-ratio of 4.084 and degrees of freedom of 3 and 146, there was a significant relationship between instructional plan delivery strategy and student learning in county secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County. It is expected that the findings of this study will provide a guide to educational stakeholders on the best classroom management strategy that influences student learning in Uasin Gishu county secondary schools. It is also hoped that the government through the ministry of Education (MOE) will gain insights on classroom management strategies. Further; this study will also benefit future scholars who would wish to conduct similar or related studies as a source of documented literature.

The fourth schedule of the Kenyan constitution (2010) places Pre-Primary education and child care facilities under the County government. To effectively execute this role, County governments in Kenya need to put in place appropriate policy frame-work to govern this programme of education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of media resources policy that affect management of public ECDE centers in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and the systems theory guided this study. The study targeted 573 headteachers, 1146 ECDE teachers and 5 ECDE officials in the county. Random sampling was used to select 521 respondents of whom, 172 were head teachers, 344 were ECDE teachers and all the 5 ECDE officials were purposely sampled. The data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule and observation checklist. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the findings presented using frequency tables. The study found that infrastructure in the ECDE centers are of low quality and needs concerted efforts between the County Government and the National Government to improve the learning facilities as well as the physical facilities in the ECDE centers. The study established that there was a significant relationship between utilization of infrastructure, teaching and learning resources policy and the management of public ECDE centers in Elgeyo-Marakwet County ( ?? 2=768.807, df=81 and sig=0.000). There should also be deliberate efforts to ensure that all ECDE centers have facilities which can be used by children with special needs or disabilities. The learning compound should be made secure for the leaners and the teachers by constructing fences around the facilities. The county government in collaboration with the national government should avail more physical infrastructure, operationalize the school feeding program in all ECDE centers.