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thesis.listelement.badge Open Access Effect of procurement planning on service delivery in Lamu County, Kenya(Mount Kenya University, 2024-06) Odhiambo, Nyamila StephenProcurement planning is deemed essential, and this is particularly true for large, complex, multi-year, and/or multi-million dollar requirements where changes in personnel or needs may occur over time, along with heightened risk and scrutiny. Determining the impact of procurement planning on the provision of services in Lamu County, Kenya, was the primary goal of this study. The objectives of this research were to ascertain the impact of user needs identification; evaluate the impact of procurement methodology; investigate the impact of budget allocation; and, lastly, ascertain the impact of vendor selection on service delivery in Lamu County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive design, and to choose a sample that is representative of the whole population, the researcher applied stratified random sampling approach. The 504 employees, who are middle- and senior-level personnel chosen from Lamu County's 11 State Corporations, were the target population. By applying the Yamane formula, the sample size of 223 respondents was established. Since all of the departments' operations, engineering, legal, finance, human resources, and procurement departments are centralized and able to supply data, questionnaires were utilized to gather primary data from each of them. Using SPSS version 24, a descriptive analysis of the data was conducted to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to ascertain the link between the independent and dependent variables, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to quantify the strength of that relationship. The findings indicate that all four procurement planning variables budget allocation, procurement methodology, user needs identification, and vendor selection significantly contribute to predicting service delivery performance in Lamu County. The coefficients reveal positive and statistically significant relationships between each procurement factor and service delivery outcomes. Specifically, for every one-unit increase in budget allocation, effective procurement methodology, user needs identification, and vendor selection, service delivery is predicted to increase by 0.350, 0.250, 0.280, and 0.300 units, respectively. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of adhering to budgetary allocations and effective fund utilization for enhancing service delivery outcomes in Lamu County, Kenya. The study recommends parastatals to develop clear guidelines and frameworks for budget allocation that prioritize alignment with community needs and service delivery objectives; implement structured and transparent procurement procedures to ensure fairness, competition, and efficiency in vendor selection and to provide training and capacity-building programs for procurement officers.Publication Open Access Influence of strategic procurement practices on Performance of Kenya power and lighting company in Mombasa county, Kenya(Mount Kenya University, 2024-07) Wanjiru, Wambui ShirlenThe Procurement and disposal Act, 2015, gives guidelines and power to parastatals to ensure that the procurement process is fair and efficient to the participants. However, there have been procurement irregularities in KPLC that have caused massive financial hemorrhage. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of strategic procurement practices on performance of Kenya Power and Lighting Company in Mombasa County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determining the influence of outsourcing, negotiation, tendering, and inventory control on performance of Kenya Power and Lighting Company in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study had the resource-based view theory and transaction cost theory. It used quantitative research approach and descriptive research design on a target population of 113 staff of four KPLC offices located in Mbaraki, Mombasa CBD, and Nyali. This study used census method since the population of the respondents was not large. The closed and open questionnaires were administered to all the respondents, whereas the secondary data was generated from income statements and cashflow reports dating from 2020 to 2022. The questionnaire was pre-tested at KPLC Kilifi county office. Face, content and criterion validity were measured whereas Cronbach alpha was used to measure reliability. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mean and percentages were analyzed. The study was also used thematic method to analyze the open-ended questions and tables, pie-charts and explanations as main methods of data presentation. The study’s finding on outsourcing practice was that, it influenced performance through increasing its competitive advantage through service delivery and lowering operational costs. However, outsourcing at times caused the public lose confidence with KPLC, due to low quality or occurrence of delays in providing urgent services and products. On negotiation practice, the study gathered that it influenced performance through ensuring that the procurement interests of the institution were considered in a mutual agreement among the suppliers. That notwithstanding, KPLC’s negotiation process was affected by corruption by rogue staff with selfish interests. On tendering practice, the study gathered that it influenced performance through having clear tender operations regulations that guided the entire process. Nevertheless, there was a challenge of fully incorporation of ICT into the tendering process. On inventory control methods, the study gathered that it influenced performance through reduction of wastages, enhanced value of resources and boosted quality service delivery. However, there was an issue of maintaining consistency of policy systems towards guiding quality warehouse management. The study recommendations on outsourcing practice are that the procurement department management conducts a thorough check on the potential products and services outsources. On negotiation practice, the study recommends that KPLC senior management develop and implement anticorruption policies on corrupt staff. On tendering practice, the study recommends that senior management provides funds, increase awareness and strengthen the ICT implementation policies. On inventory control practice, the study recommends that the procurement department staff undergo training on warehouse management and disposal management.Publication Open Access A history of coffee production in Kiambu county of Central Kenya, 1912 -1978(Mount Kenya University, 2016-10) Ndirangu, Paul NjarambaThis research examines the history of coffee production in Kiambu County between 1912 and 1978 basing on three objectives; to investigate the origin and development of coffee production in Kiambu County from 1912-1950, to examine the role of Africans in coffee production in Kiambu County from 1950-1963 and analyse the contribution of coffee production to the economic transformation of Kiambu County from 1963-1978. Coffee growing was introduced by the Missionaries and later on adopted by the white settlers. Africans duty was to provide labour as the whites reaped handsomely at their expense as shown through the use of dependency theory. This research was carried out in Githunguri and Gatundu constituencies of Kiambu County using both primary and secondary data. A total of 15 informants comprising of both gender of varying ages were interviewed. The research established that, despite coffee production among Africans being prohibited, by 1930s Chief Koinange had made unsuccessful attempts to plant the coffee trees. To appease Africans after the outbreak of the Mau Mau rebellion in 1952, the colonial government was more than willing to accommodate Africans demands, though with conditions in order to pacify the settlers. Spirited campaign by African chiefs for the lifting of the ban had at last materialised. It was thus not surprising that the first beneficiaries of coffee production among Africans were the chiefs and headmen as established by this research. Reforms were undertaken by the colonial government under the Swynnerton Plan of 1954 which involved land consolidation and issuance of title deeds. Cash crop growing increasingly became lucrative as compared to other economic activities. Africans engaged in coffee production in both large scale and small scale and later on joined co-operatives to market their produce. Through the proceeds from coffee production Africans were able to transform their social economic well being. A number of challenges however, began to bedevil coffee production in Kiambu, corruption and poor leadership not only in factories but also at societal level dented the economic glory that had been associated with coffee production.Publication Open Access Assessment of computerized mining Cadastre system Implementation: A case study of Ministry of Natural Resources, Kigali Rwanda(Mount Kenya University, 2014) Tuyishime, Ngondo ModesteMining industries have been viewed as key driver of economic growth and the development process. A Mining Cadastre System is a computerized licensing solution built on legal aspect of a country and deals with managing mineral rights and other related obligations as well as being the central space for information in the resource sector. A mining cadastre integrates the regulatory, institutional, and technological aspects of mineral rights administration and forms the cornerstone of good mineral resource management in a country. Rwandan mineral resources management is handled through paper-based system. The government of Rwanda initiated implementation of a computerized mining cadastre system. However, no study has been done to assess the implementation of mining cadastre system in Rwanda. This research project intends to assess the implementation of mining cadastre system in Rwanda. The research involved questionnaires and interviews. The study involved a population of 73 people from Ministry of Natural Resources and miners from Kigali City. The population was small to draw a representative sample. For that reason, the researcher applied a census that covered the whole targeted population. Primary data were collected by means of questionnaires and interviews, and the method applied is the analysis of categorical data by means of frequencies, percentages and weighted means. Tool applied is SPSS version 17 software. Data analysis and presentation were achieved by means of charts, tables, frequencies, percentages, and weighted means. A summary of findings of assessment of computerized mining cadastre system implementation in MINIRENA and conclusions for the works undertaken are proposed. Finally, recommendations in line with findings are suggested to MINIRENA and further studies are proposed to researchersPublication Open Access Assessment of a Telecenter in bridging the digital divide in rural areas: A case study of Rulindo district, Rwanda(Mount Kenya University, 2014) Mutumwa, FiacreTelecenters have been the main strategy to face the connectivity and access issue in developing countries for the last two decades. Mobile technologies have recently introduced new ways to connect to the Internet and to communicate online, reshaping the technological ecosystem of access. The purpose of this research project is to ascertain the effectiveness of a telecenter in bridging the digital divide in Rwanda’s rural areas. The study based on literature review and interviews of persons involved in activities of bridging the digital divide in rural areas selected from libraries, electronic resources and national and non-governmental organizations. This study employed questionnaires for data gathering and prepared for a sample of 200 respondents selected from a total population of 400 persons which is the average of telecenter users per month. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 was used to analyze data achieving descriptive statistics. The findings of this study revealed that 42.00% of respondents are aged between 19and 30 years where 57.00% of respondents are male and 69.00% are employed. Findings also revealed that 84.00% of telecenter users based on our sample access the internet connection provided by telecenter and 88.00% of respondents are satisfied with internet connection services. The study also shows that 56.00% of respondents access telecenters services, between one day to five days in a month. Telecenter user’s perception toward telecenter services shows that 95.50% agreed that the community will develop economically and 93.00% agreed that using telecenters services will enhance their job performance. The analysis of challenges faced by telecenter users revealed that 91.50% agreed that telecenter staff customer care influence their use of telecenter services and 84.50% agreed that their level of education influence them to use telecenter services, in addition to providing recommendation to the Rwandan government and entrepreneurs to contribute towards bridging the digital divide.Publication Open Access Software implementation factors and system failures in Rwanda a case study of Rwanda biomedical center (RBC)(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Uwiringiyimana, InnocentThe study of software implementation factors and system failures contributed to find out the causes of software failure in Rwanda. One institution of Rwanda Biomedical Center was selected where MACS software failed and it was considered as case study where data have been collected and produced to show the causes and the report review of MACS software failure. The study presented background of the study where historical, theoretical review on the causes of software failures. The study presented the beneficiary areas of this research such as academics, policy makers, nation, East African community, International and Rwanda Biomedical Center. The research was carried out using survey, descriptive and explanatory design to investigate the software implementation factors and the causes of system failures due to MACS software failure in Rwanda biomedical Center as case study. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. The questionnaires were in English after realizing that the concerned information provider understood English, questionnaires included Likert scale designed and then both opened and closed questions were used. Another method used was observation where researcher observed and took a conclusion. The secondary data have been done with help of documentation review, in this context research design was done under which the population was targeted, from the targeted population total population has been found where solvent’s equation used to get the sample size. The objectives of the study were formulated in which research questions have been retrieved from with their answers, data analysis have been done statistically with help of computer tools, the expected plan timeline was from December 2012 up to July 2013.The findings of research indicated factors that caused MACS software to fail in Rwanda Biomedical Center and the ways to use for having MACS software working properly into this institution, the findings were good resources for software implementers factors in RBC and around the world due to good understanding of the causes of its failures.Publication Open Access Powerpoint presentations on information processing a case study of G.S. St Michel Epa(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Okello, GilbertInformation overload experienced in the information society requires improving human information processing. For centuries this has been focus of research to policy makers, information specialists, educators and researchers who seek for information with empirical evidence to guide decision making or make a basis for further studies. This research contributed to such a quest by investigating the contributions of multimedia through PowerPoint presentations on information processing. The research tried to bring out the contributions of PowerPoint presentation on content recall, audience interaction and attitudes towards PowerPoint presentation in communication by comparing two communication strategies. The research was conducted on Students in a classroom learning environment at GSS EPA, in Nyarugenge district, Kigali city province, Rwanda. A total population of 330 senior one students was involved and a sample size of 180 students selected based on Slovin’s formula. Through a completely randomized experimental pretest-posttest design, the samplewas randomly assigned to three groups: The first group (G1) was the control group while group 2(G2) and group 3 (G3) experimental groups. G1was exposed to only talk-and-chalk, G2 to talk-and-chalk followed by PowerPoint presentation and finally G3 was exposed only to PowerPoint presentations. Questionnaires, observers and test questions were used in data collection and one way analysis of variance and independent sample t-test used to analyze the data. PowerPoint presentation was found to positively influence participant’s group interaction and attitude towards the presentation. While it did not significantly influence retention of information on short term memory, it improved transfer of information to long term memory for uses such as those requiring procedural knowledge.Publication Open Access Technologies and provision of information for the enhancement of mathematics learning A case study of college Sainte Marie Reine de Kabgayi(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Nsengiyumva, Jean DamascèneThe study on the Contribution of Technologies in providing Information for the enhancement of Mathematics learning was conducted at College Sainte Marie Reine de Kabgayi. The study intended globally to clarify the contribution of ICTs in learning Mathematics at College Sainte Marie Reine de Kabgayi. Specifically, the study intended to assess the contribution of ICT in learning Mathematics at College Sainte Marie Reine de Kabgayi, to ascertain the student perception towards the use of ICT in learning Mathematics and to identify current challenges in use of ICT in learning Mathematics at College Sainte Marie Reine de Kabgayi.To achieve our objectives, a sample of 261 students was selected from a total population of 750 students by the help of Slovin’s sampling formula. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and interviews methods. After data collection, they were subjected to both quantitative and qualitative analysis and the conclusion was drawn base in the findings. After data had been analyzed and interpreted, the findings have shown that ICT usage has increased learner motivation and engagement, by facilitating the acquisition of basic skills, and by enhancing learning environment. ICTs were used as transformational tools which contributed to the promotion of the shift to a learner-centered environment. Other students testified that the use of ICTs in learning Mathematics increased their interactivity: ICT usage helped students to relate to the content, go forward and backward in the content, therefore the ICT usage contributed to learning enhancement of Mathematics at College Sainte Marie Reine de Kabgayi. For the second objective which was to ascertain the student perception towards the use of ICT in learning, the research findings highlighted that respondents acknowledged that there is less use of computers compared to other resources such as books for Mathematics learning purposes. The great majority testified that they know what to do for using computers in instructional environments (79.4%) and the greater majority agreed that they were aware of the opportunities that computers offer (62.5%). Majority of the respondents acknowledged that they were convinced that the use of instructional technologies increases the interest of students toward courses (90%) as well as increasing the quality of courses (96.9%). Lastly, 96.3% of the respondents agreed that ICTs contribute to be more productive as students. As far as identifying current challenges in use of ICT in learning Mathematics at College Sainte Marie Reine de Kabgayi. The study showed that among the barriers hampering the use of ICT in learning Mathematics at College Sainte Marie Reine include among others the imbalance between ICT tools and the number of students (80.5%), the lack of specific software for Mathematics (88.5%). Another crucial challenge that was evidenced was all about the insufficient access to computers or internet since students access such ICT facilities in hours of computer science course and homework exercises though it was evidenced that the introduction of the ICT in learning Mathematics brought about increased scholastic performance in Mathematics in national exams. It was concluded that despite the fact that there was generally a low extent utilization of ICTs onPublication Open Access Misimplementation of data warehousing in telecommunication companies in Rwanda A survey of Mtn in Gasabo district and Tigo in Nyarugenge District(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Calpephore, NkikabahiziThe study was to investigate the factors that have contributed to the successful implementation of data warehouse at selected telecommunication companies in Rwanda (MTN and Tigo) using data collected from their head offices at Kigali. The data warehousing was assessed to find out how it contributes to Telecommunication Company to overcome issues raised with operation systems. The study presented the theoretical review related to the key words of the study such as theoretical review on implementation factors etc. The research study will be beneficial to people in the academic field and to policy makers. The research was carried out using survey, descriptive and explanatory design. As far as methodology was concerned, the qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. In collecting secondary data, the documentation review method was used. The targeted population was sampled using purposive method. The study objectives were attained and the questions to the study were answered. The analysis was treated statistically and used on computer tools and the plan timeline expectation from 2001 up 2013. The finding from the survey indicated the sixteen factors for successful implementation and the buttom up design as implementation technique of data warehousing in MTN and Tigo. Upon this, the finding showed the very high level of contribution of data warehousing to MTN and high level of contribution of data warehousing to Tigo. This high significance contribution implies the extent for which data warehousing are contributing in selected telecommunication companies. The recommendations derived from the findings addressed data warehousing managers of MTN and Tigo Rwanda, and government institutions. The selected telecommunication companies should continue to use data warehousing in their operations. The success of data warehousing is a process which also requires the performance improvement through well management and maintenancePublication Open Access E-resources complexities and their usage A case study of information science students in Mount Kenya University Kigali campus(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Mucyo Vincent, MucyoThis study intended to ascertain the usage of e-resources by determining the awareness level, e-resources accessibility complexities and the challenges faced by information Science students while using the e-library resources in Mount Kenya University (MKU)-Kigali Campus. The study considered both undergraduate and postgraduate students and was aimed at addressing the following objectives: establishing the awareness level of availability of e-resources by the information science students in Mount Kenya University Kigali campus, establish the complexities experienced in accessing e- library resources by information science students and to ascertain the challenges faced by the students while using e-library resources. The study employed the use of a descriptive statistical research design. The questionnaire instrument was used whereby the structured survey questions were prepared and administered to the 178 respondents of whom 29 (16.3%) were postgraduate students and 149 (83.7%) undergraduate students. The analysis of the study indicated that a large number of the students were aware of the availability of electronic library resources through library notice board. However, students showed low awareness via other modes of communication such as colleagues (39.7%) for the undergraduate and 34.5% postgraduate, also only 6.4% of the undergraduate and 6.9% of were aware of the e-library resources through e-mail from the library. Many students indicated that they face challenges in accessing and using e-library resources and the main reasons put forward were lack of advanced information searching skills, information overload due to too much information available online. This implies therefore that there is a high need to improve on the awareness campaign via other modes of communication such as e-mails and seminars. Trainings and workshops on how to use e-library resources should be organized by the library staff and management so that the subscribed e-resources databases are used effectively and efficiently to maximize research in higher learning institutions. Also, the study suggested that it would be important to establish information literacy programs so that students and the entire university community are acquainted with the use of electronic resources. Finally, there should be a study about the effect of e-resources on the academic research output in higher learning institutions.Publication Open Access E-governance for improved access to services in public institutions of Rwanda A case study of the Ministry of Education Rwanda(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Theogene, KayumbaThe Governments of Rwanda (GoR) has heavily invested in ICT through establishment of an enabling environment of ICT Development, deployment of state of the art infrastructure, development of competent human resource base to contribute towards achieving the Rwanda Vision 2020.This research project attempted to investigate the role of E-Governance on improving access to service with the special focus on the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) of Rwanda. It sought to understand the effectiveness of the e-services in terms of improving access to services. Effectiveness of E-Services was analyzed in terms of improved service delivery to the customers. Limited government to citizen interaction is still an obstacle to e-governance as well as service delivery. This research, being descriptive and analytical research project, it used a questionnaire to collect data. It was proposed to analyze collected data with content analysis techniques. Concepts of E-government along with service delivery were employed to establish relationship among variables. The result of the analysis of data that was collected contributed to proposing improvement on government processes for enhanced access to services, increase citizen’s participation in addition to providing recommendation for other public institutions to contribute towards building an efficient government.Publication Open Access Information systems on the efficiency of drug supply chain of Rwanda A case study of district pharmacies(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Nzabandora, FelixThe provision and distribution of drugs, medical consumables and medical equipment constitutes one of the essential support systems for delivering health services. The availability of medicines and consumables is one of the key components in accessing health services for the population. Drugs supply chain of Rwanda faces some challenges such as stock availability and stock expiries. To deal with these challenges, Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) tools were introduced since 2011 and currently used for management of drugs in District Pharmacies and Health Centers. The objective of the study was to find out the effect of information systems known as LMIS tools on the efficiency of drugs supply chain system of Rwanda. In this study, the researcher assessed whether LMIS tools provided added value chain on different activities of supply chain such as inventory management, quantification, distribution, reporting and proper management of waste. To assess the objectives of the study, a descriptive study was carried out in District Pharmacies of Rwanda. In Rwanda, there is 30 district pharmacies where by in each district pharmacy you find out at least a pharmacist, a data manager and a stock manager. This helped to determine the targeted population of 90 respondents corresponding to administration of three questionnaires per each District Pharmacy. To carry out the study, the researcher used a sample size of 75 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire; To administer questionnaires, a stratified random sampling method was used. Data were analyzed and interpreted using likert scale. Before administer the questionnaires to the targeted population, they were tested for validity and reliability. The pretesting shown that validity was 4.22 and reliability was 0.81. After pretesting of the questionnaires, the researcher administered them to 75 respondents and only 67 handed back the filled questionnaires; this showed that the response rate was 90.5%. After analysis of data collected using frequencies and weighted mean, it was found that the respondents supported the formulated objectives. In general, the rate of responses to each objective was between 3.4 and 4.19. It was noted that the respondents agreed with the research questions and they supported the main objective of the study which was to find out the effect of information system to efficiency of drugs supply chain in Rwanda and District pharmacies in particular.Publication Open Access Cloud virtual server technology and overall it infrastructure costs A survey of Rwandan district hospitals(Mount Kenya University, 2013) Theophile, Abizeyimana AimeDistrict hospitals continue to spend a lot of money in IT infrastructure while Cloud virtual server is a new technology with aims to improve cost reduction of IT infrastructure. In this case, computer applications and storage are accessed from outside over internet. The big advantage drives the hospitals to pay only the services they use and reduce the power cost of electric energy. In this quantitative research, the approach proposed provides a viewpoint on the calculation of Return on Investment analysis models. Questionnaire is used as data collection method. The data also included information about the IT operation cost and related activities, such as administration, hardware, software and maintenance costs. The results of cost savings due to cloud virtual server is 30% of the current IT infrastructure cost. The Return on Investment was 56%. As conclusions cloud virtual server can reduce IT infrastructure cost. Finally it is recommended to do a qualitative survey on CVS to analyze it benefits on overall IT infrastructure cost based on intangible benefits.Publication Open Access Information systems and the efficiency of drug supply chain of Rwanda(Mount Kenya University, 2013-10) Nzabandora, FelixPublication Open Access Implementation of data warehousing in telecommunication companies in Rwanda(Mount Kenya University, 2013-10) CALPEPHORE, NKIKABAHIZIPublication Open Access E-resources complexities and their usage(Mount Kenya University, 2013-10) VINCENT, MUCYOPublication Open Access Evaluation of selected synthetic insecticides, neem products and border crops in the management of aphids(aphis gossypii) in okra (abelmoschus esculentus) in Eastern Kenya(Mount Kenya University, 2006-08) Malemge, Francisca K.Publication Open Access Cloud virtual server technology and overall IT infrastructure costs.(Mount Kenya University, 2013-10) Theophile, Abizeyimana Aime