https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2 2026-10-08T14:04:29Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8454 Cost-benefit analysis of optimised supplementation practices in onions for increased marketability for Kenyan farmers Xavier, Briggx; Kirambia, Rosemary K.; Akuja, Thomas E. Onion (Allium cepa) is a vital crop both as a dietary staple and a source of income for most farmers, with significant market benefits. However, its potential as a functional food is limited due to poor agronomic practices affecting the market, leaving a huge gap and thereby reducing its marketability. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effects of sulphur, calcium and magnesium supplementation on the marketability of onions. The research was an open-field experiment where an RCBD layout was adopted across major onion production areas in Kenya: Kisaju-Kajiado and Koma-Machakos. Experimental treatments included varying levels and combinations of S, Ca and Mg supplementation, and effects were evaluated. Preliminary tests, including Levene’s, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Durbin-Watson and Shapiro-Wilk test; Cox and Snell, Nagelkerke and McFadden tests for normality, linear and multinomial regression, including collinearity were performed using SPSS software and the data was found to be parametric. Analysis of Variance tests were further performed, and where significant differences were found, a post hoc test was performed and results displayed. Significant differences were found as a result, and therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, as varying levels of nutrient supplementation significantly affected the onion cost-benefit gains. S, Ca and Mg at 40 kg/ha had the highest gross market returns as well as net profitability per kg, with a mean of KES 107.04 gross market price per kg on the “Texas Grano” variety with a total of 15 onions and KES 103.49 net profit mean return on the “Red Creole” variety with a total of 10 onions, respectively. Therefore, this study concluded that S, Ca and Mg supplements significantly improve onion marketability and are therefore recommended to farmers intending to achieve high gross market returns as well as higher net profitability DOI : https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.9.2.5892 2026-09-30T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8453 Developmental evaluation in complex governance systems: Learning and adaptation in policy implementation Awere, Bildad; Masetu, Daniel M. This paper discussed how Developmental Evaluation (DE) may be used to improve the responsiveness and resource distribution by governance in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objective of the research was to evaluate how DE can be effective in improving policy flexibility, resource allocation, and economic sustainability of the governance systems in Nairobi. The paper also cited impediments of DE implementation whereby political opposition and institutional inertia were identified as the barriers to the efficiency of DE. The research was based on the Systems Theory which stipulated that complex systems such as the urban governance system needed feedback and lifelong learning in order to adjust. The mixed-method strategy was adopted and entailed a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews using 100 respondents who were government officials, policymakers, and DE experts. The results showed that DE was far more effective in terms of governance responsiveness, with 72 percent of the respondents agreeing that quicker adjustments in policies could be made with the help of real time feedback. On the same note, DE strengthened the allocation of resources, with three-quarters of the respondents claiming to have increased efficiency in allocation of resources. Nevertheless, the issues of inter-sectoral coordination inhibited the maximum potential of DE, as 60 percent of the respondents have indicated. The major barriers to the implementation of DE were political resistance and institutional barriers with 62 percent and 59 percent of the respondents indicating the same respectively. Nevertheless, DE yielded positive results in the long-term governance and 68 percent of the respondents affirmed its long-term effect. The research highlighted the necessity of capacity-building and political commitment to the need to overcome such barriers in making DE successful in the long term. It was concluded that DE had a huge potential of enhancing governance in Nairobi but it needed more institutional structures, cross-sector partnership, and continued training in order to maximise its advantages. The research suggested the inclusion of DE in policymaking and strengthening of community involvement to achieve the best in governance in Nairobi. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000060 2025-11-03T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8452 Influence of additional educational expenses on pupils’ transition rates from primary to secondary school in Mwingi East SubCounty, Kitui County, Kenya Mbuvi, Geoffrey N.; Kasivu, Gideon M.; Kithungu This study sought to examine the determinants of pupils’ transition rates from primary to secondary school in Mwingi East Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. The specific objective of the study was to determine the influence of additional educational expenses on pupils’ transition rates from primary to secondary school in Mwingi East Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The target population was 722 respondents; comprised of 515 class eight teachers, 103 Parents Association (PA) chairpersons, 103 Head of Institutions, and the Sub-County Director of Education in Mwingi East Sub-County. Stratified proportionate, random, and census sampling techniques were used to select the sample size. A total of 218 respondents represented the sample size. The instruments of data collection were; questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The study revealed that additional educational expenses are a major barrier to pupils’ transition from primary to secondary school. The findings further indicated that these additional expenses directly influence pupils’ entry into form one in Mwingi East Sub-County. The study concluded that additional educational expenses such as uniforms, lunch levies, personal effects, and learning materials remain a burden to many families and significantly reduce primary to secondary school transition rates. The study recommended that; the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to expand bursary allocation and improve targeting mechanism to support pupils from economically disadvantaged households, the national government to review capitation policies to address indirect schooling costs. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100801114 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8451 The influence of whatsapp use on spousal abuse among married women in Kwale County, Kenya Mbula, Bernadine; Anne, Sande; Mutukaa, Samuel K. This paper explores the association between WhatsApp use and spousal abuse among married women in Kwale County, Kenya. A mixed-methods correlational design was employed, combining survey data from 263 respondents with insights from key informant semi-structured interviews. Independent variables included duration of WhatsApp use, hours spent daily, number of messages exchanged, group membership, and purposeful use (work/family). Dependent variables measured physical injuries, spousal threats, and control of phone/social media. Results indicate that while general duration of WhatsApp use is not significantly associated with physical injuries, purposeful use and group membership are strongly correlated with threats and controlling behaviours. Qualitative findings suggest that women’s visibility and economic use of WhatsApp sometimes provoke jealousy and conflict. The study recommends digital-safety interventions, privacy awareness campaigns, and training for community leaders on recognising the role of social media platforms in spousal abuse. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000133 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z