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Spatio-temporal variations in physicochemical water quality and the impact of land use/land cover change In River Athi Basin, Kenya.

2026-03-10T07:23:54Z

Title: Spatio-temporal variations in physicochemical water quality and the impact of land use/land cover change In River Athi Basin, Kenya. Authors: Ogbonna, Vincent A. Abstract: The growing impacts of natural processes and human activities on water quality at global, regional, and local scales are raising concerns. The River Athi Basin natural gravitational flow toward lower elevations, ultimately reaching the Indian Ocean, facilitates waste disposal practices among the residence located along the river bank. This study sought to determine the Spatiotemporal Variations in Physicochemical Water Quality and the Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Change in the Mid Reaches of River Athi Basin, Kenya by; 1) examining the influence of land use/land cover change in river Athi Basin from 2015 to 2023. (2) Determining seasonal variation in the physicochemical water quality of the river Athi Basin. (3) Assessing the spatial variation in physicochemical water quality of the river Athi Basin. The study examined the influence of LULC changes from 2015 to 2023 using Landsat 8 imagery, GIS, remote sensing, and GPS technologies for data extraction, image processing, and LULC analysis. Pearson correlation analysis assessed spatial differences of land use land cover impacts on water quality across six sampling stations in the basin. Interview survey was used to supplement the water quality dataset. The studies applied multivariate analysis for spatial and temporal reduction of the multidimensional dataset and identification of pollution sources. Seasonal variations in the physico-chemical water quality of River Athi Basin was determined using eight physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, NO₃, K, PO₄, BOD, and COD) and two heavy metals (Cd and Cr). Data collection was carried out during two distinct seasonal periods: the short dry and rainy season (August-September for dry, November-December for rainy) in 2023, and the long dry and rainy season (January-February for dry, April-May for rainy) in 2024. An independent T-test was used to compare the mean levels of water quality parameters between dry and rainy seasons. The study assessed spatial variation in the physicochemical water quality of the river basin, covering six sampling stations. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) compared the mean values of variables of the sampling stations. Multiple linear regression tested the influence of pH, EC, TDS, NO3, K, and PO4 on BOD and COD (oxidation parameters) and cadmium and chromium (heavy metals). The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) assessed the relationships between water physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in seasonal and spatial variations in water quality of the river basin. The findings on LULC analysis show notable shifts in land use from 2015 to 2023. Between these periods, the overall built-up increased to 0.29%, bare-lands declined by 7.06%. Farmlands, forests, and grasslands were elevated by 0.52%, 4.54%, and 2.77%, with decline in open waters by 1.24%. Spatial LULC difference with correlation analysis reveal higher amounts of EC, TDS, Cd, Cr, NO3, and PO4 influencing water quality. Interview survey revealed settlements, agriculture, and climate conditions as the main causes of degradation of water quality. Seasonal finding reveal significant fluctuations in pollution, with the dry season exhibiting higher pollution levels. February demonstrate proliferated temporal pollution, characterized by high concentrations of EC, TDS, BOD, and COD. Spatial finding demonstrated significantly higher pollution signatures in Athi River Town, Stony Athi, and NYS stations, while NYS contribute to higher levels of nutrients, organic pollutants, and heavy metals. In contrast, the control station and Kibwezi Bridge station demonstrates effective self-purification processes. Multivariate analysis revealed pollution sources over time and space in the River Basin. The stable pH levels over time and space was influenced by the buffering capacity. Multiple regression analysis indicates that physicochemical parameters, such as pH, EC, TDS, NO₃, K, and PO₄, explain 62% of BOD variation and 70% of COD variation, as well as 36% of both Cd and Cr variations. Pearson correlation analysis shows strong links between EC, TDS, BOD, and heavy metals (Cd, Cr), with significant associations among nutrients and other water quality indicators. Natural and anthropogenic activities are pivotal drivers of the water quality degradation of River Athi Basin over time and space. This study recommends that the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Environmental Policy (NEP) strengthen regulations on environmental management, water resource conservation, sustainable land use, public health protection, irrigation control, forest preservation, and aquatic ecosystem conservation in order to support global efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Description: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) In Environmental Management

Socio-economic impact of women enterprise fund in Kitui Central Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya

2026-02-25T13:08:25Z

Title: Socio-economic impact of women enterprise fund in Kitui Central Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya Authors: Njeri, Nzuki Evaline Abstract: This study assessed the socio-economic impact of the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) in Miambani Ward, Kitui County, Kenya. WEF was introduced to expand women’s access to affordable credit and promote empowerment, yet its effectiveness at the community level has not been fully established. The study was guided by the following objectives; to describe the socio-demographic status of women who access the Women Enterprise Fund, to examine the effects of the fund on women socio-economic status and to identify the challenges women, face in accessing and utilization of Women Enterprise Fund. The study was justified by the need to generate localized evidence to guide policy and improve women’s access to finance in rural areas. A cross-sectional research design within a mixed- method approach was adopted. The target population comprised 152 women in 8 women groups, from which 64 were sampled using probability proportional to size. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Additional insights were obtained from a WEF officer, a local bank officer, and a spouse of a beneficiary. Findings indicated that WEF improved women’s ability to pay school fees, meet household needs, and initiate small businesses, enhancing welfare, confidence, and participation in decision-making. However, small loan amounts, strict repayment schedules, and group defaults limited outcomes. Education, age, and marital status strongly influenced access and utilization. The study concludes that WEF positively contributes to women’s socio-economic empowerment but faces structural and socio-cultural barriers. It recommends larger loans, flexible repayment terms, and enhanced training and monitoring. The study was limited to Miambani Ward, which may constrain generalizability, but it provides valuable insights into WEF’s role in similar rural contexts. Description: Master of Arts in Gender and Development Studies, 2025

Financial inclusion and growth of deposit-taking SACCOS in Eastern Region, Kenya

2026-04-02T07:59:19Z

Title: Financial inclusion and growth of deposit-taking SACCOS in Eastern Region, Kenya Authors: Wambua, Miriam N Abstract: Deposit taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies have increasingly adopted financial inclusion practices, yet many continue to exhibit poor growth as evidenced by declining membership, assets, loan repayment rates, and operational efficiency. Recent data indicates significant drops in withdrawable deposits, net income, and overall financial performance, compounded by high default rates and non-remitted funds. These trends highlight persistent challenges in leveraging financial inclusion to drive growth. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of financial inclusion practices on the growth of deposit-taking SACCOs in the Eastern Region of Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to examine the influence of financial literacy, Loan accessibility, digital financial services and branch network on the growth of deposit taking SACCOs in the Eastern Region of Kenya. The study was anchored on the financial inclusion theory as the main theory supported by the financial intermediation theory, and agency theory. The study used an explanatory research design. The respondents were the heads of finance, marketing, operations, and information technology. A total number of 104 management respondents was used in the study. Primary data used was collected using structured questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the data collection instruments were determined before conducting data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS. Financial literacy had statistically significant effect on the growth of deposit taking SACCOs (β=.266, P=0.009<0.05). Similarly, loan accessibility had statistically significant effect on the growth of deposit taking SACCOs (β=.216, P=0.007<0.05). Additionally, digital financial services had statistically significant effect on the growth of deposit taking SACCOs in the Eastern region of Kenya (β=0.165, P=0.012<0.05). Further, branch networks had significant effect on the growth of deposit taking SACCOs (β=0.247, P=0.001<0.05. It is recommended that SACCOs should regularly update and customize their financial literacy programs to address evolving financial trends and challenges. Also the management of the deposit- taking SACCOs should continue upholding and improving transparency in loan processing and maintain competitive interest rates. They are recommended to continue investing in modern, user-friendly, and secure digital platforms that cater to the diverse needs of the members. Additionally, SACCOs should expand their physical branch networks in order to expand their market reach. Description: Master of Business Administration, 2025

Socio-economic determinants of students dropout rate during COVID-19 pandemic times in public secondary schools in Lower Yatta-Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya.

2026-02-25T12:44:06Z

Title: Socio-economic determinants of students dropout rate during COVID-19 pandemic times in public secondary schools in Lower Yatta-Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya. Authors: Musamu, Joyce Abstract: To contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic schools in Kenya just as in many other countries worldwide, educational institutions had to close temporarily. This study sought to examine the socio-economic determinants of students' dropout rate during COVID-19 pandemic times in public secondary schools in Lower Yatta-Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya. The study examined the influence of COVID-19 protocols, household income, peer pressure and parental level of education on students' dropout rate over the period of COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted an ex post facto survey research design. The target population for the study constituted 28 principals and 247 teachers in public secondary schools in Lower Yatta Sub-county. Census was used to pick all the 25 principals as sample. A sample of 153 teachers was used in the study. Proportionate technique was used to determine the number of teachers to be included in the study in each school. Fish bowl sampling method was used to identify the specific teachers to be interviewed in each school. Both Qualitative as well as quantitative data were collected from the respondents’ using questionnaires. Piloting was done in three schools within the sub-county in order to ascertain the face validity of research instruments while content validity was done through expert judgement by university supervisors. A test re-test technique was used to assess the reliability of the research instruments. Pearson’s product moment correlation was employed to compute the correlation coefficient. Data was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and involved descriptive statistical procedures for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data where data was transcribed into themes and reported in narratives. The analyzed data was presented using frequency distribution Tables, tabulation Tables, percentages. The findings of the study will be significant to education sector and stakeholders; principals, teachers, parents and students in the overall awareness and response measures for unforeseen pandemics and calamities such as COVID-19. The results and findings of the research were; The Pearson’s Product Correlation Co-efficient for teachers and principals indicated a positive relationship with r (150) = 0.640, p<0.05 and r (25) = 0.624, p<0.05 respectively between COVID-19 protocols and students' dropout rate, there is a strong positive relationship r (25) = 0.678, p<0.05 between household income and student’s dropout rate and there is a strong positive relationship r (25) = 0.721, p<0.05 between parental level of education and student’s dropout rate. Description: Master of Education, 2025